Wednesday 28 November 2012

Love and hate for the sake of Allaah, by ibn Taymiyyah


Love and hate for the sake of Allaah



Ash shaykhul Islaam  Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah said in his essay on al uboodiyyah:

The true ‘abd however, is the one who is pleased with what pleases Allaah and His Messenger; who has hatred for what Allaah and His Messenger hate; offers walaa’ to the awaliyaa’ of Allaah and holds enmity towards the enemies of Allaah. This is the person who has fulfilled emaan as in the hadeeth:

“Whoever loves for Allaah; hates for Allaah; gives for Allaah and denies for Allaah has fulfilled emaan”(1)

He (sallallahy alyhi wa sallaam) also said:

“The firmest bond of emaan is love for Allaah and hate for Allaah”(2)

Also recorded in the saheeh, the Prophet (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) has said:

” Three (qualities), whoever possess them, will find the sweetness of emaan: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him besides anyone else, that he loves someone only for the sake of Allaah and that he hates to return to kufr after Allaah has delivered him from it just as he hates to be slung into the fire”(3)

Thus, this person agreed with His Lord in that which He loves and hates. Allaah and His Messenger became the most beloved of all to him and he loved the creation for Allaah, not for any other reason. This was a result of his perfection of love for Allaah, since (also) having love for what ones beloved loves, constitutes perfection of having love for ones beloved.

So if he loves the Prophet of Allaah and the awliyaa of Allaah because of their accomplishment of what al-Haqq loves, not for any other reason, he has then loved them for Allaah and none other.

Allaah has indeed said


“Allâh will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers”-Al Maaidah:54

This is why Allaah has said:

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم  to mankind): “If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” -Aali Imran 3:31

The Messenger (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) only commands that which Allaah loves, prohibites that which Allaah hates, he only does that which Allaah loves and informs of that which Allaah loves to ratify.


Hence, whoever loves Allaah, has to follow the messenger; by believing in him in that which he informs, obeying his orders and emulating him in his actions. whoever does this has indeed performed what Allaah loves and consequently, Allaah will love him.


Footnotes

(1) Related by Abu Dawood no.4681, at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer no.7613,7737 & 7738 and al-Baghawee no.13/54 with a hasan chain from Aboo Umaamah.

(2) A hasan hadeeth that has a number of chains from several companions. The best of these chains is that related by Imaam at-Tabaraanee in al-Mu’jam al- Kabeer no10357 from ibn Masoud with hasan chain, Allaah willing. I have a seperate treatise on the chains and takhreej of this hadeeth.

(3) Related by al- Bukharee no.16, 21, 6041 & 6491; Muslim no.43; ibn Majah no.4033; an- Nasaa’ee no.8/94-96; at- Tirmidhee no.2626; Ahmad no.3/103, 172, 174, 230, 245, 275 & 288; at- Tayaalisee no.1959 & Mandah in al- Emaan no.281, 282 & 284 from Anas RadhiAllaahu anhu.

Transcribed from Al Uboodiyyah of shaykhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah (Eng. Trans. pg. 115-117)

Monday 26 November 2012

The Best Act of Worship: Humility


The Best Act of Worship: Humility


عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ: " يَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَفْضَلِ الْعِبَادَةِ: التَّوَاضُعِ "

Aisha (Radi Allahu Anha) said: " People are paying no attention to the best act of worship: Humility."

Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah (13/360) Ibn Hajr graded this Athar as being Saheeh.


Benefits for this subject:

At-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Allah tests His believing servants with humility to see how they obey Him and follow His commands." [ Saheeh Bukhari Ibn Battal ]

Shaykh Abdur Rahman As-Sa'dee (May Allah rest him in Jannah) said, "Humility and Humbleness are among the foundations of the religion and its core whereas, pride contradicts Islam.

The origin of humility is found in the verse: (سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا) (We hear and obey) [ Al-Baqarah 285]. This means we hear what you have said our Lord in the Quran and what Your Messenger has said.

Humility and pride are two distinct traits that aren’t hidden from anyone. Let's look at the differences between the two:

The humble person submits to the truth no matter who it comes from. He doesn’t care about his old views, speech or position. He aides the truth whenever it becomes clear to him its right.

The arrogant stubborn one clings inflexibly to his speech, actions and ways. In fact he has a high opinion of his speech and deeds. When the truth is made clear to him, he turns up his nose arrogantly; as he's amazed with himself. Having this trait lowers a person to a very low status.

The person with humility spreads the greetings of peace to the young and old, to those of high status and low. He treats everyone the same.

The conceited person doesn’t give salaams or even look at the needy and poor. He has no concern for their needs and he won't even intermingle with them.

The humble individual is loved by Allah and His servants. He is always close to good and distant from evil, sin and transgression.

The arrogant one is hated by Allah and His servants. He is always distant from piety and righteousness and close to evil, sin and transgression.

Humbleness is a quality to the Prophets and Messengers. This attribute is for the God fearing and Guided. Arrogance is a characteristic of the tyrants and oppressors.

Humility increases a person's nobility and raises his status until he eventually reaches the ranks of those loved and pleased by Allah. How many humble people attain love and charity!  How many times is a person with humility praised! How often do people supplicate to Allah for a modest man!

 On one hand, there isn’t a humble person to Allah, except that the Most Merciful raises his rank.  On the other hand, there isn’t an arrogant person except Allah lowers his status [ Majmu' As-Sa'dee vol 22/ 150-153]


Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1433©

Published  5th / Rabi Thani 1433

source

Sunday 25 November 2012

Stick to the scholars…



Stick to the scholars…

Shaykh Abdus-Salaam Ibn Barjas Rahimahullaah:

 “O student! If you want knowledge from its sources then you should stick to the great scholars [Kibâr-ul-'ulama]: those who have gray beards and weak bodies and have lost their power in [pursuit of] knowledge and educating. Stick to them before they disappear and take from their treasure before they take it with them.

One misses the full-moon in the dark night.”


 ~al-’Awa’iq, p. 26.

source

Ibn al-Qayyim On The Fast of Arafah & Ashura



Ibn al-Qayyim On The Fasts
of Arafah & Ashura

Ibn al-Qayyim said,

“Some are deceived by fasting the days of `Ashura and `Arafah, such that some may even say that the fast of `Ashura’ expiates the whole year, and the fast of `Arafah remains as a surplus of reward.

Such people have failed to realize that the fast of Ramadan and the 5 daily prayers are greater and more noble than the fasts of `Arafah and `Ashura, and that [it is understood that] sins are [only] forgiven as long as major sins are avoided. So, [fasting] from one Ramadan to another, [praying] from one Jumu’ah to the next, act in a mutually strengthening manner to achieve forgiveness of minor sins, provided major sins are avoided.

So, how then can an optional fast expiate every major sin of a person while he still persists upon the sins, and has not repented from them? Also, it is possible that these two optional fasts expiate all sins in totality, but that this has certain prerequisites and conditions, such as avoidance of major sins, or that the expiation is achieved in conjunction with other good deeds, much the same as the 5 daily prayers and the fasting of Ramadan expiate minor sins in conjunction with the avoidance of major sins. “If you abjure the major things which you are prohibited from, We shall expiate you your evil deeds” [an-Nisaa : 31]


al-jawaab al-kaafi, p. 24

Saturday 24 November 2012

Compulsory love for the sahabah



Compulsory love for the sahabah



It is reported that Ayyûb Al-Sakhtiyânî – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

“Whoever loves Abu Bakr has upheld the religion, 
whoever loves ‘Umar has made the way clear,
whoever loves ‘Uthman is enlightened by the light of Allaah 
and whoever loved ‘Ali has taken the firmest handhold.
Whoever speaks well of the companions of the Allaah’s Messenger (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) is clear of Hypocricy,
But whoever belittles any of them or dislikes [any of them] for something he did, then he is a heretic (mubtadi’),an opponent of the sunnah and the Righteous Predecessors (the salaf), and it is feared that none of his deeds will be raised to the heavens until he loves all of [the companions] and his heart is clear towards them”

Ibn Abî Zamanîn, Usûl Al-Sunnah article 189.

source

Friday 23 November 2012

The greater becomes his freedom..



The greater becomes his freedom..


Ash Shaykh al Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah said:

“The stronger the ‘abd’s desire is for the favour of Allaah and His Mercy, in accomplishing his needs and necessary requirements, the stronger his ‘Uboodiyyah to Allaah will be and the greater becomes his freedom from everything besides Allaah.”

Al Uboodiyyah by as shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (Eng trans. pg 107)


source

Word of advice..becareful!



Word of advice..becareful!

Imaam Ash-Shâfi‘î (rahimahullâh) said,

 “Whoever spread gossip for you spreads gossip against you. Whoever relates tales to you will tell tales about you. Whoever when you please him says about you what is not in you, when you anger him will say about you what is not in you.”

Siyaar A’lam an Nubala – Imaam adh Dhaabee

source

Thursday 22 November 2012

When will Palestine be returned to us?

When will Palestine be returned to us?–Shaikh Raslaan

 
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
 
Shaikh Raslaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:
When will Palestine be returned to us?
 
When a Muslim in any place in the earth asks, ”When will Palestine be returned to us?” The answer is, ”If you return to Allaah (in correct belief, righteous action, obedience etc.), Palestine will be returned to you.”
 
This answer is derived from the statement of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) reported by Imaam Ahmad and Abu Dawood on the authority of Thawbaan (radiyallaahu-anahu) that the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:
 
 ”The nations will soon call one another against you, just as people call one another to eat from a qas-a (i.e. a large plate of food). They asked: ‘’O Messenger of Allaah, is it because we will be few in number at that time? He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) replied: No, you will be many in number at that time, but you will be Ghuthaa –(i.e. like the froth scum on the water). And Allaah will remove from the hearts of the enemies the fear they had for you and will place wahn in your hearts. They said: What is Wahn O Messenger of Allaah? He said: Love of the worldly life and having hatred for death.’’
 
[Reported by Ahmad 21897 and Abu Daawood 4297. [Declared authentic by Imaam Albaanee in As-saheehah number: 8183]
 
If we return to Allaah (in correct belief, righteous actions, obedience etc.), He will returned to us what has been taken away away from us.
 
If we remain distant from Allaah (i.e. distant from the correct creed, righteous actions, obedience etc.), we will lose what is in our hands. And indeed Allaah (The Blessed and Most High) has made this judgement in His Tremendous Book, and He (The Most High) said:
 
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ
 
‘’And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless, verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.”
 
[Soorah Ibraaheem: Ayah: 7]
 
He (The Blessed and Most High) clarified that being thankless for blessings bestowed (on us) will cause it to cease…. Our scholars say, ”Blessings are a prey and being thankful (for it) is the thing that makes (it) remain.
 
[Source:Mataa ta-oodu Ilaynaa Falasteen pag 7-8]

Advice of Abdullaah Ibn Abbas Radhi’Allaahu anhu





Advice of Abdullaah Ibn Abbas 

-Radhi’Allaahu anhu-


In ’al-Hilya’ [is a report] that ibn Abbass said:


“Oh sinner, do not feel safe from the evil consequence of it (sin), and that which comes along with the sin is greater (in evil) than the sin: The minute amount of shyness you have from the one on you right and the one on your left while your committing sin is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your laughing while you don’t know what Allah will do with you is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your happiness with sin when you commit it is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your sadness over sin when it (the chance to commit sin) passes you, is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your fear of the wind when it moves the door which veils you when your committing the sin,and your heart is not disturbed (by the fact) that Allah sees you is greater (in evil) than the sin. Beware! Do you know what the sin of Ayyoub was for which Allah tested him in his body with severe sickness and by the depletion of his wealth? A poor man sought his help against an oppressor,so that he might repel the oppressor.So he(Ayyoub) did not help him,nor did he prohibit the oppressor from his oppression. So Allah tested him.”

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim al Jawziyyah Al Jawaab ul Kaafy li man sa’ala ‘an ad-daa ish Shaafi

Wednesday 21 November 2012

O you transgressing sinner, slow down!


O you transgressing sinner, slow down!

Imam abu Muslim and the Jinn

Abee Muhammad ibn Maasi said: ‘Aboo Muslim al-Kajji narrated to us:

“I went out and found that the hammam [a public bath] was open in the
early morning.
So I said to the person in-charge: ‘Has anyone entered yet?’

And he answered: ‘No.’

So I entered and immediately I opened the door, a speaker said to me:
‘Aboo Muslim aslim taslim [Abu Muslim submit and you will be saved].’ And then he
started reciting poetry saying:

لك الحمد إما على نعمة

‘For You [Allaah] is all the praise; either for the favours,


وإما على نقمة تدفع

Or for the afflictions you prevent;


تشاء فتفعل ما شئته

You Wish and You do as You will,

وتسمع من حيث لا سمع
And You hear what cannot be heard.’

He [Aboo Muslim] said: ‘So I hastened and left while I am shocked.

And I said to the caretaker of the hammam: “didn’t you say that there is nobody in it!!?”

So he said: ‘that is a jinn, time after time he reaches out [communicates] to us and speaks by lines of poetry!’

Thus I said: ‘Have you memorized any of his poetry?’

He replied: ‘Yes.’

And he then read to us:

أيها المذنب المفرط مهلا

O you transgressing sinner: Slow down,

كم تمادى وتكسب الذنب جهلا

how long have you –ignorantly- extended and acquired sins;

كم وكم تسخط الجليل بفعل
How many of the actions have you done to
anger The Noble,

سمج وهو يحسن الصنع فعلا
Disgustingly while think he is doing good;

كيف تهدا جفون من ليس يدري

How can the eyelids close and be calm; of the one who does not know,

أرضي عنه من على العرش أم لا

Is The One Above the throne pleased with him or not.”

End of narration.

Shaykh Al-Albaanee said: ‘The chain of this story is authentic; all its
narrators are Thiqaah. ’

The major scholar and Haafidh (memorizer), the leader of narrators of his era, Abu Muslim Ibraahim ibn Abdullaah al-Basree al-Kajji, the author of ‘Sunan’ ; he passed away in the year 292. And he had met Abu Aasim al-Answaaree, and lived long. [200-292 H].

Source: Mukhtaswar al-‘Uluww al-‘Aliyy Al-Ghaffar , of Imaam
Adh-Dhahabee.

Benefits:
- Even the jinn affirm and believe in the Noble Attributes of Allaah like: His Will, His Hearing, His Knowledge, His Anger, His Pleasure, and most importantly Al-Istiwaa [Him being Above the throne].


Translated by Aboo Waheeda

Refutation against the Doubt that the Shaykh has declared the Books of the Four Madhaahib Worthless


Refutation against the Doubt that the Shaykh has declared the Books of the Four Madhaahib Worthless


And Allah knows that the man has fabricated against me affairs that I have not stated. And most of these affairs have not even been brought to my attention. So from them is his statement that I have declared the books of the four Madhaahib worthless and that I say the people have been upon nothing for the last six hundred years.

Explanation:

It is correct that the Shaykh declares the books of the four Madhaahib worthless? This is from the greatest of lies. They Shaykh himself studied the madhhab of the Hanaabilah, but he did not remain staunch upon the madhhab of the Hanaabilah. Rather, he took whatever was based upon the proof, regardless of whether it came from the madhhab of ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204H), or the madhhab of Maalik (d.179H), or the madhhab of Abee Haneefah (d.150H). This was the manhaj of the Shaykh. His origin (asl) was upon the madhhab of Imam Ahmad (d.241H). However, with regards to religious verdicts, he took whatever had the strongest proof, regardless of whether it came from the madhhab of Imam Ahmed or other than him. He was not fanatical, he only wanted the truth. This was his manhaj in fatwa (religious verdicts) and teaching. He would take whatever has the strongest evidence, from any madhhab from amongst the four Madhaahib. However, he did not go outside of the four Madhaahib.

So the statement of Ibn Suhaym, “…declared the books of the four Madhaahib worthless,” is a lie, because he did not go outside of the four Madhaahib. Rather, he benefited from them and gave fatwa based upon whoever has the strongest evidence from amongst them, regardless of whether that was in agreement with his Hanbalee madhhab or not, because he wanted to reach the truth.

And he said, “The people have been upon nothing for the last six hundred years.” Meaning, he declared the people of disbelievers. This is from the fabrications of Ibn Suhaym, that the Shaykh declared the people to be disbelievers. Why did he declare the people disbelievers? Was it because he called to Tawheed and prohibited Shirk? So due to this, they alleged that he declared the people disbelievers, whilst he was only calling to Tawheed and prohibiting Shirk. And he did not declare the people to be disbelievers, he did not declare anyone a disbeliever, except the one whose disbelief has been confirmed by a proof from the Book and the Sunnah, as occurs in the ten invalidators of Islaam, which he wrote about.

From the Book: “Explanation of the ‘Aqeedah of the Imaam, the Reformer, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab (d.1206H) Explained by the Noble Shaykh, Dr. Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan. Pgs.: 234-235.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Rulings and Lessons Derived From Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah, by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen



 Rulings and Lessons Derived From
Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah,
by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah

Amma-ba'd

 Lessons Derived From Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah- Taken from AHkaam minal-Qur`an Al-Kareem (Rulings from The Noble Qur`an) - by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah Ta'aala)

1- Allaah (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) subjected the Shayaateen to Sulaymaan ('alayhi salaam), and then tested the people by way of them. This is derived from Allaah's Words which say:

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَى مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan (Solomon)... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


2- Sulaymaan ('alayhi salaam) did not disbelieve; rather these Shayaateen taught people sorcery (magic), and continued to extend it to the people. Prophets are sinless with regard to committing acts of disbelief and polytheism.


3- Performing acts of sorcery (magic) is disbelief. This is derived from the saying of Allaah:

وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُو

...Rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


4- Teaching people sorcery (magic) is an act of disbelief, because Allaah says:

وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ

...Rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

Sorcery (magic) is of two categories: The first category is the sorcery of the Shayaateen from the jinn. This type comprises seeking their help, seeking protection from them and refuge with them. This is disbelief (kufr!) without doubt.

The second category is the sorcery that uses potions made from leaves, trees, and the like. They have no connection to the Shayaateen and therefore do not reach the level of kufr. However, this category is to be considered forbidden (haram) because it entails causing harm and injury to others.

If it is firmly proven by a Muslim government that an individual is practicing the first category of sorcery, he is to be executed for disbelief and apostasy. If it is the second category of sorcery, the person should be executed as a precautionary measure against his evil, and to prevent him from harming Muslims.


5- The truth is what Allaah permits to happen and in what He commands. This is the case even when the thing which has been permitted or commanded is itself invalid. In light of this, the two angels mentioned in the verse came down to earth to teach the people sorcery (magic), and as has been previously discussed, the teaching of sorcery is disbelief (kufr). However, Allaah permitted these two angels to teach the people sorcery in order to test them by way of what the two angels were teaching.

It is possible for something that is disbelief, under certain circumstances, to be obedience even if it is a category of disbelief. To clarify this, I offer the following two examples: 1) making prostration to other than Allaah is Shirk; however, if Allaah commands that a prostration be made to other than Himself, then it is an act of worship. Have you not seen that Allaah said:

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِأدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلاَّ إِبْلِيسَ

And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam!" And they prostrated except Iblees (Satan)... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 34)

In this case, we see that prostration to other than Allaah was obedience and an act of worship because Allaah commanded it. However, this same act is Shirk if Allaah does not command it. 2) Taking a life is one of the major sins, especially if the victim is a close relative of the killer. This act could also be a praiseworthy act of obedience, as we see in the story of Ibraaheem with his son Isma'eel ('alayhimi salaam). Ibraaheem saw in his dream that he had to slaughter his son Isma'eel. After he related his dream to his son, Isma'eel said:

يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ

..."O my father! Do that which you are commanded. You shall find me - if Allaah wills - to be among the patient ones." (As-Saffat, ayah 102)

Therefore, they submitted their affairs to Allaah, and they yielded themselves to Allaah's Decree and Legislation. When Ibraaheem laid his son to slaughter him - prostrate on his forehead - Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) released him from this obligation.

وَنَادَيْنَاهُُ أَنْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ قَد صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا إِنَّا كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ

And We called out to him: "O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!" Verily! Thus do We reward the good-doers. (As-Saffat, ayat 104-105)

So in light of this concept, the two angels that were sent down to teach people sorcery were sent by the Command and the permission of Allaah. Therefore, the lessons in sorcery that they gave the people were in obedience to Allaah. However, it was still to be considered disbelief from the standpoint of those who were the recipients of this knowledge. That is why Allaah said:

وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

...But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)."... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


6- There are times when Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) makes the circumstances under which people can choose to commit sin easy. This is to test whether the people will sin against Allaah or not. So Allaah made the circumstances under which people could learn sorcery from the two angels easy. The angels freely gave these lessons to the people.


7- Whenever someone seeks to enter into a situation, it is obligatory to clearly reveal the circumstances of that situation devoid of any fraud or deception. This is the way to achieve complete sincerity and clarity. Therefore, the two angels did not instruct anyone in sorcery until they both said:

إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

"We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)."... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

They clarified their own condition, and they clarified the condition of anyone who learned from them. The angels clarified that they came as a Fitnah (trial), and they both clarified that learning sorcery from them was disbelief.


8- One of the most powerful forms of sorcery (magic) is the one whose spell leads to the separation of spouses. This is based upon Allaah's Saying:

فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِه ِِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِه

...And from these (angels), people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

This type of sorcery (magic) is called by two names: Al-'Atf and As-Sarf. This category of spell (Al-'Atf), if it is cast upon a person, he will develop an obsessive attachment to another person. He will not be able to control his own actions whenever he is around this person. The only thing he is able to do is follow this person around the way a sheep follows a shepard when he calls it.

The spell that has the opposite effect (As-Sarf) is a type of spell that makes a person separate from someone who is dear to him. This is the example of what happens between a man and his wife. He begins to view her as if she was one of his worst enemies, or the wife begins to view her husband in this light. This is one of the most potent forms of sorcery in terms of its ability to cause injury and harm.


9- Sorcery (magic) is not able to have any effect upon people except by the permission and Command of Allaah, because Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) said:

وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

...But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


10- Whenever someone turns in refuge to his Lord, and calls out to Him regarding a situation that befalls him, verily Allaah is able to release him from that situation even if he has been afflicted by sorcery (magic):

Allaah said in this regard:


وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

...But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


11- There is an indication in this verse that a person who has been afflicted with sorcery (magic) must ask Allaah to release him from this affliction with conviction, sincerity and a sense of urgency:

Allaah (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاه ُُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَاءَ الأَرْضِ أَءِلَه ٌ ٌ مَعَ اللَّهِ قَلِيلا ً مَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilaah (god) with Allaah? Little is that you remember! (An-Naml, ayah 62)

It is possible that one of the strongest medicines - if not the strongest - to effect sorcery is for a person to take refuge with Allaah, while begging Him to release him from the affliction of sorcery. Therefore, when a powerful spell was cast on the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), Allaah sent down the two Soorat of seeking refuge - Sooratul-Falaq and Sooratun-Naas. Then an angel read them over him, and Allaah healed him with that.


12- Sorcery (magic) is as harmful to the sorcerer, as it is to others; even if he believes it to be a benefit to him and that he is earning a living. However, the earnings that he reaps are of repulsive nature. The only increase he will receive from Allaah is distance from Him, and the only increase he will receive due to these earnings is loss.

This is why Allaah said:

وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلاَ يَنفَعُهُمْ

...And they learn that which harms them and profits them not... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


13- A sorcerer (magician) is a kaafir. This is derived from the Saying of Allaah:

وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق

...And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


14- The repugnant nature of what these people achieved by learning (magic) is clear from Allaah's Saying:

وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ

...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


15- These people sold their own souls and thereby lost it so that they could learn the sorcery (magic) that Allaah has described in His Saying:


وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ

...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


16- These people who chose to learn sorcery and thereby destroy themselves were the biggest ignoramuses, whether they understood that or not. In light of this, Allaah says:


وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق

...And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

This shows that they know that the sorcerer does not have any share in the Hereafter. That they oppose and commit sin with clear knowledge, and refuge should be sought from Allaah.

وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ


...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)...


Source: The Ruling of Sorcery, Fortune-Telling and Related Issues, by Shaikh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullaah Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah Ta'aala); pages 18-23.


Note: Here is Allaah's Perfect Ayah in its entirety:

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَى مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِه ِِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِه ِِ وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلاَ يَنفَعُهُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق ٍ وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ

They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan (Solomon). Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Haaroot and Maaroot, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)." And from these (angels), people learned that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


Subhanak Allaahuma wa bihamdika ash-hadu anlaa illaaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala), and if I erred, then that is from me and shaytan.

Source

“Make Tawbah”..



“Make Tawbah”..

It was reported that a man came to Hasan al-Basri complaining about barrenness with regards to his garden, he replied: ‘Make Tawbah.”. Then another man came to Hasan, complaining about poverty, he replied: “Make Tawbah.” Then another man came asking him to pray that Allah gives him a son, he replied …“Make Tawbah.”Hasan’s companions witness the three answers that he gave, so they asked him: three different men asked you three different questions and you gave them the same answer!! He replied: I didn’t say anything by my own, Allah the most high says 


فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا
يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا
وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا



“Saying, ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for
He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; “‘And Give
you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on
you rivers (of flowing water)”

” Ask forgiveness from your lord: Verily, He is oft-Forgiving He will
then send rain to you in abundance and give you increase in wealth and
children and bestow on you gardens, and bestow on you rivers.” Surah
Nuh, 10-12

Imam al-Qurtubi stated, ” In this verse, are clear proofs that asking
for forgiveness is a cause of the descent of rizq/wealth and rain.”

Tafsir al-Qurtubi, v18,p.302.


Source

Monday 19 November 2012

If you see that one of you has slipped...


Umar bin al-khattaab: “If you see that one of you has slipped (i.e. by sins), correct him, pray for him and do not help Shaytaan against him (by insulting him, etc.)” Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 15/256.



Would Fire Consume the Marks of Postration?


Would Fire Consume the Marks of Postration?

 
Abu Hurairah reported: "The Messenger of Allah said: "There will be a bridge laid across Hell." And I will be the first to pass over it. The only invocation that the Messengers then would say is: "O Allah safeguards us".  "It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (hooks like) thorns that scratch people according to their deeds, some will be totally safe, and some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell (fire). After Allah, Exalted is He, finishs judging His slaves, He takes out from Hell some of those who beared witnessed that there is deity worthy of worship but Allah, so He orders His angels to bring them out. When angels took for them, they recognise then by the marks of postration. Because Allah, the Most High, forbade fire to consume the marks of postration. They take them out, thought their bodies were burnt, so they pour on them water, called the water of life. They will grow on its banks, as a seed carried by the torrent grow."
 
Ahmad in his Musnad (2/275-276), Sahih al-Bukhari (1/204) and Sahih Muslim (182)

Worldly Fire compared to the Fire of Hell

Worldly Fire compared to the Fire of Hell
 
 
 
 
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said: “This fire of yours which burns the son of Adam (in this world) is one seventieth of the heat of the Hell. They said: “We swear by Allah, our fire is quite enough.” The Prophet said: “It is sixty nine times more and each part of it is like the heat of your fire.”1
 
‘Adl ibn Hatim related: The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah, Exalted is He, shall speak to every one of you without [the need for] an interpreter. When you look to your right side you will find only deeds you have done [in this worldly life]. When you look to left side you will only find the deeds you have done  [in this worldly life]. When you look in front of you there will be Hell so save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity.”2
 
1: Ahmad in his Musnad (2/313),(2/467), Sahih al-Bukhari (8/147) and Sahih Muslim (2988)
2: Ahmad in his Musnad (4/256,377), Sahih al-Bukhari (7/198) (8/185,202)and Sahih Muslim (1016)

Punishment of Backbiters


Punishment of Backbiters

 

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “When my Lord ascended me to the heavens, I passed by a group of people having nails made of cooper with which they scratch their faces and chest. I asked: Who are those, O Jibril? He answered: Those are who consume the flesh of people [i.e. backbiters] and vilify the honour of others.”
 
Sunan Abu Dawud (4857), Musnad Ahmad (3/224)

Qadr related to the believer is always bounty..





Qadr related to the believer is always bounty..


“The divine decree related to the believer is always a bounty, even if it is in the form of withholding (something that is desired), and it is a blessing, even if it appears to be a trial, and an affliction that has befallen him is in reality a cure, even though it appears to be a disease!

Unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the worshipper, and his transgressions, he does not consider anything to be a gift or a blessing or a cure unless he can enjoy it immediately, and it is in accordance with his nature. If he were only given a little bit of understanding, then he would have counted being withheld from as a blessing, and the sickness as a mercy,

and he would relish the trouble that befalls him more than he relishes his ease, and he would enjoy poverty more than he enjoys richness, and he would be more thankful when he is blessed with little than when he is blessed with a lot.”


Imam ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah Madarij al-Salikin 2/215-216

source

Sunday 18 November 2012

Anxiety and Solicitude of ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz


Original Image
Anxiety and Solicitude of ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz

Umar ibn Salih al-Azdi related: “I heard an old man from the people of Sham saying: “‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz entrusted his servant with a bag (in which perfume and such alike are stored). Then when he passed away his servant was approached to claim the bag of ‘Umar. However, the servant refused handing it to them and said: “There is no good in it for you.” The case was presented to Yazid ibn ‘Abdul Malik so he ordered to bring him the bag and he called the members of Bani Umayyah to witness opening the bag. When everyone gathered he said: “We have found that the best person amongst you (‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz) left behind a bag as a trust.” When they opened the bag they found in it pieces of ruined garments he used to wear at night.”

Al-Mizan (3/205-206) 
From the Book: Disturber of the Hearts - Ibn Jawzi.

Saturday 17 November 2012

Encouraging Muslims to observe Sawm on the Day of `Ashura'


Encouraging Muslims to observe
Sawm on the Day of `Ashura'


(Part No. 15; Page No. 397)


155- Encouraging Muslims to observe Sawm on the Day of `Ashura'

All praise be to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and upon his family, companions, and whoever follows his teachings.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe Sawm (Fast) on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) and he would encourage people to do so. This is because on that Day Allah (Exalted be He) rescued Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and his people and destroyed Pharaoh and his people. Therefore, it is Mustahab (desirable) for every male and female Muslim to observe Sawm on that Day i.e. the 10th day of Muharram, to express their gratitude to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). In addition, it is Mustahab to observe Sawm on the day preceding `Ashura' or on the succeeding day in order to differ from the Jews with regard to the way of observing this Sawm. However, a person may observe Sawm for the three days altogether i.e. the ninth, the tenth, and the eleventh of Muharram for it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Differ from the Jews and observe Sawm for one day before `Ashura' and one day after it. According to another narration: Observe Sawm for a day before (the Day of `Ashura') or after it. It is also authentically reported that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about observing Sawm on the Day of `Ashura', he (peace be upon him) said: Allah expiates by it the sins of the
(Part No. 15; Page No. 398)

past year. There are many other Hadith encouraging Muslims to observe Sawm on the Day of `Ashura'. The calendar shows that Saturday will be the 30th of Dhul-Hijjah of this current year 1416 A.H. Nevertheless, sighting the new moon may confirm this or prove it is the first of Muharram 1417 A.H. and that Dhul-Hijjah of the year 1416 A. H. is only 29 days. Accordingly, it is better for Muslims this year to observe Sawm on Monday and Tuesday to be on the safe side as Sunday may be the 9th of Muharram if Dhul-Hijjah is only 29 days, or the 8th if Dhul-Hijjah is 30 days. However, observing Sawm on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday is good as doing so is a further precaution to guarantee applying the Sunnah (a commendable act) and because observing Sawm on three days of each month is a well-established Sunnah as explained previously. Finally, I ask Allah to guide us and all Muslims to all that pleases Him and to make us all amongst those who hasten to all goodness. Verily, Allah is the Most Generous, the Most Bountiful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!


`Abdul `Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

General Mufty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Chairman of Council of Senior Scholars

and the Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta'

http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=2982&PageNo=1&BookID=14



 الترغيب في صوم يوم عاشوراء
(الجزء رقم : 15، الصفحة رقم: 397)


155 - الترغيب في صوم يوم عاشوراء 

الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن اهتدى بهداه، أما بعد:
فقد ثبت عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه كان يصوم يوم عاشوراء ويرغب الناس في صيامه؛ لأنه يوم نجى الله فيه موسى وقومه، وأهلك فيه فرعون وقومه؛ فيستحب لكل مسلم ومسلمة صيام هذا اليوم شكرًا لله عز وجل، وهو اليوم العاشر من المحرم. ويستحب أن يصوم قبله يومًا أو بعده يومًا مخالفة لليهود في ذلك، وإن صام الثلاثة جميعًا التاسع والعاشر والحادي عشر فلا بأس؛ لأنه روي عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال:  خالفوا اليهود صوموا يومًا قبله ويومًا بعده  وفي رواية أخرى:  صوموا يومًا قبله أو يومًا بعده  . وصح عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه سئل عن صوم يوم عاشوراء فقال:  يكفر الله به السنة التي
(الجزء رقم : 15، الصفحة رقم: 398)
قبله 
 . والأحاديث في صوم يوم عاشوراء والترغيب في ذلك كثيرة. ونظرًا إلى أن يوم السبت الموافق ثلاثين ذي الحجة من عام 1416 هـ حسب التقويم يحتمل أن يكون من ذي الحجة من جهة الرؤية وإكمال العدد، ويحتمل أن يكون هو أول يوم من شهر عاشوراء 1417 هـ إذا كان شهر ذي الحجة 29 يومًا، فإن الأفضل للمؤمن في هذا العام أن يصوم الاثنين والثلاثاء احتياطًا؛ لأن يوم الأحد يحتمل أن يكون التاسع إن كان شهر ذي الحجة ناقصًا، ويحتمل أن يكون هو الثامن إن كان شهر ذي الحجة كاملاً، ومن صام يوم الأحد والاثنين والثلاثاء فحسن؛ لما في ذلك من تمام الاحتياط لهذه السنة، ولأن صوم ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر سنة معلومة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم. وللبيان والإيضاح جرى تحريره. وأسأل الله أن يوفقنا وجميع المسلمين لما يرضيه، وأن يجعلنا جميعًا من المسارعين إلى كل خير، إنه جواد كريم، وصلى الله وسلم على نبينا محمد وآله وصحبه.


عبد العزيز بن عبد الله بن باز
مفتي عام المملكة العربية السعودية
ورئيس هيئة كبار العلماء
وإدارة البحوث العلمية والإفتاء