Excuse of Ignorance ?!?

 

Many people are speaking about the excuse of ignorance and people also speak about the one who was given the excuse of mistake and error and so on. But we should always remember that the mistake and error that we are speaking about, is not theoretic issues, it is those issues that are not known by necessity; those issues that are matters of Ijtihaad.

It is for this reason, that when people speak about the excuse of Khata' (mistake) or the excuse of ignorance (Al 'Udhr bil Jahl), they do not understand that that is only given to the one who made a mistake about an issue that was not known by necessity or was an issue of Ijtihaad.

And it is for this reason that we will speak about those who love Allah and all the Messengers and the Sahabah, those who understand the meaning of laa ilaaha illallah and the meaning of al-Kuffr bit-Taghout, Al-Walaa and Al-Baraa, the true Muslims who believe in Allah and Loves Allah and the Messenger and he follows the path of the Sahabah. He will be decisive and he will never stop declaring Takfeer on the one who makes Du’a to something other than Allah, seeking help in something that nobody can help except Allah. That is a big issue and many people are misguided and fall into that.

 

The Islamic Media !

 

THE AHKAAM (RULINGS) OF MEDIA IN ISLAM

Learning Objective:
-The objective of a Muslim journalist and the message we want to convey.
-The characteristics of Islamic media and its objectives.
-The history and the tools of media used in the Sunnah.

THE JOURNALIST IN ISLAM
-The Muslims who uses the media as a means to offer an act of I'baadah to Allah.
-Not secular or just has a Muslim name...

OBJECTIVES AND AIMS
-The Muslims is not fulfilling the Aqeedah of the TV station he works for.
-His غايات (objectives) have been decided and stipulated by Allah.
-The Muslim reporter/journalist is like the Anbiya نبي من نبئ
-The word Nabbi (Prophet) comes from the word Nabba’ (news).
-He comes with news for the people.
-He is a Rasool (Messenger) with a message for the people.
-This is the reporter in Islam. The one who gives you news you didn't know before. He is supposed to be giving people the exclusive news that laa ilaha illa Allah Muhammad Rasululah (There is nothing truly worthy of worship accept Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger).

 

Some Differences among the Companions & Reasons for these Differences...

 

Examples Of Differences

1) The knowledge of tayummum was with ‘Ammaar and others but not with ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab and Ibn Mas’ood, [Bukhari 1/385), & Muslim 368] and they both said, “There is no tayammum for the junub, even if he does not find water for two months.”

2) The ruling for wiping over the socks was with ‘Ali and Hudhayfah – ‘Aa’ishah did not know of it, nor Ibn ‘Umar, nor Abu Hurayrah, even though they were from Madeenah. [Muslim 276, from ‘Aa’ishah & Bukhari 1/264, from Ibn ‘Umar]

3) The inheritance of one’s grand-daughter along with one’s daughter was with Ibn Mas’ood but it was not with Abu Moosa Al-Ash’ari. [Bukhari 6736]

4) The ruling regarding the permission for the menstruating woman to leave before she does the tawaaf was with Ibn ‘Abbaas and Umm Salamah but it was not known by Ibn ‘Umar and Zayd Ibn Thaabit. [Ash-Shaafi in Al-Umm 2/187]

5) The ruling regarding seeking permission to enter was with Abu Moosa and Ubay, but it was not with ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab. [Bukhari 6245 & Muslim 2153]

 

World of the Jinns !

 

The Quraan and Sunnah indicate that the jinn exist and that there is a purpose for their existence in this life, which is to worship Allah Alone with no partner or associate. Allah says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." [51:56] and also: "O company of jinn and mankind, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My verses …?" [6:130]

The world of the jinn is an independent and separate world with its own distinct nature and features that are hidden from the world of humans. Jinn and humans have some things in common such as the possession of understanding and the choice between the way of good and the way of evil. The word jinn comes from an Arabic root meaning "hidden from sight". Allah says: "… Indeed, he (Satan) sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. …" [7:27]

Allah has told us in the Quraan the essence from which the jinn were created. He says: "And the jinn We created before from scorching fire." [15:27]

"And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire." [55:15]

 

Raising new Generations !!!

The greatest concern of the conversant Muslim reformer is to raise a new Muslim generation that deserves to be named the 'victorious generation'. This is the top priority of our nation.

A generation that brings Islam to its pure springs, understands it rightly and completely, free from redundancy and blemishes. It is not an Islam of myths in its doctrines, of religious innovation or heresy in devotions, negativity in morals or inactivity, imitation and fanaticism to one school of Fiqh over another. Rather, it is the Islam which is revealed in the Quraan, propagated by the Messenger, Muhammad (saws) in which the Companions believed; by which the rightly guided Caliphs ruled; upon which a sound lofty civilization was erected. A civilization that linked the earth to the heaven, led the world by religion and brought knowledge and assuredness together.

It is the Islam of the Quraan and Sunnah of truth and strength, learning and acting, Jihad and Ijtihaad (juristic reasoning in the absence of texts from the Quraan or the Sunnah) and of comprehensiveness and balance. What is meant by Jihad here is not "holy war" in one sense only rather it is in its broader concept, which is the opposition of all kinds of wrong and crookedness whether it stems from ones self, shaytaan or other people. Opposing one's whims and shaytaan's whispers is a high rank of Jihad. Fighting the enemies who oppose Allah's Message and hinder its spread or those who transgress on Islam and Muslims is one aspect of Jihad.

 

Important Masa'il (matters) applicable to Tahakum !

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Important Masa'il (matters) applicable to Tahakum !

Seriousness of Amanah !!!

Allah says: "O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will (then) amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment. Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man (undertook to) bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant." [33:70-72]

These Ayaat are a call to the believers, i.e. those who are pleased with Allah as their Lord, with Islam as their religion and with Muhammad (saws) as their Prophet and Messenger. They are commanded to fear Allah and then speak words of appropriate justice. This implies that saying words of appropriate justice is a sign of fearing Allah. The tongue expresses the content of the heart and indicates the righteousness of deeds, which entails the forgiveness of sins. True success and the great attainment are represented in obedience to Allah and His Messenger (saws).

These Ayaat refer to the magnitude of the trust which was offered to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it although they are among the greatest of creatures. Although it is a very heavy burden, the weak man undertook to bear it because he did not realize the nature of the responsibility with which he burdened himself.

Women in Da'wah !

From the very beginning of the Islamic history, Muslim women have played vital roles in the propagation of the Divine Message of Islam. From the sacrifices of Sumayyah (ra) to the collected Ahadith of A'ishah (ra), women have been instrumental in the flourishing and spreading of this religion, the process which is called "Da'wah" in Arabic.

Unfortunately during our present times the Islamic revival suffers from weaknesses in its properly qualified personnel, which limits its spreading and restricts the Da'wah work to an elite group of activists, with finite and limited efforts of Da'wah and Tarbiyah being focused on women.

Da'wah amongst women deserves and should get far more attention than it does. So far except in a few instances women have been distanced from the field of Da'wah work. If we consider the situation of Islamic Da'wah work and the position of women in it today, we can easily find the following problems:
1 - Deficiency in Da'wah capabilities among women.
2 - The ill-use of existing limited-resources in combination with a lack of personal initiative on the part of women.
3 - A neglect or omission of women's issues in the planning of Islamic Da'wah.
4 - Absence of adequate education and the lack of fundamental Islamic knowledge in the Da'iyaat (female callers) in the field of Da'wah. Only a few of the wives and daughters of Du'aat (male callers) have any worthwhile Islamic knowledge.
5 - Most women do not possess a proper understanding of the role of Da'wah made incumbent on their husbands. Because of this they may not understand the importance of time given to projects outside the home which in turn may become a source of tension within the home.
6 - The level of general Islamic knowledge among most women is low.
7 - Women's Da'wah programs as well as overall Da'wah programs and institutions are rare and not well organized.

Know Allah in prosperity and...

In his comprehensive advice to Ibn ‘Abbaas and all Muslims after him, the Prophet (saws) said: “Know Allah in prosperity, and He will know you in adversity.” [At-Tirmithi - Sahih]

This is an invaluable piece of advice for us if we wish that Allah protects us during times of adversity and tribulation, shields us against misfortune and afflictions, and guards our religiosity against temptations that lead us astray. So know Allah at times of prosperity. When a slave of Allah fears his Lord at times of prosperity, honors His boundaries, fulfills His Rights over him, obeys His Commandments, avoids His Prohibitions and glorifies Him at all times and in all states, he develops a special knowledge of Allah and a love and affection for Him that entail earning His Protection at times of adversity.

If we are enjoying good health and wellness, wealth and richness, safety and welfare, comfort in our family, tranquillity in our marital life, our children are obedient to us and our affairs are favorably going well as we wish, then we are indeed relishing prosperity and bliss. This should not hinder us from devoting time to worship, abundantly supplicating Allah, reciting Quraan and Dhikr and performing good deeds. 

Intent behind Dhikr...

"Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me." [2:152]

The intent behind Dhikr is not merely to remember (Allah) with one’s tongue, rather it is remembrance with the heart and the tongue. Remembrance of Allah includes remembering Him by His Names and Attributes, His commandments, His prohibitions and His speech. This necessitates that a person should have knowledge and awareness of Allah, belief in Allah, belief in Allah’s Perfect and Lofty Attributes, as well as (constantly) praising Allah with various types of praise (i.e. based on what Allah has legislated in the authentic texts of the Shari’ah and not by way of biddah). And this cannot be accomplished except through Tawheed. True Remembrance of Allah necessitates all of this, as well as remembering the blessings and favours, which Allah has bestowed upon His creatures and His kindness towards them.

 

The so-called Land of "Sunnah" !

Beware of Ignorance it is Not an Excuse in Major Shirk and Clear Kuffr !!!

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Ignorance Is Not an Excuse in a Clear Big Shirk !

Hardness of Heart ?

The hard heart is that which contains a mixture of harshness and toughness; a heart that is void of submission and the sense of turning to Allah in repentance at all times. This is the severest punishment ever. This is why the disbelievers are punished with having a hard and harsh heart.

Malik ibn Dinaar said in this regard, "Allah Punishes the wrongdoers in their hearts and bodies as well. They are punished with a hard and miserable life and laziness and indolence in carrying out acts of worship. However, there is no punishment that is severer than having a hard heart." [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa’]

Furthermore, Imaam Al-Mar‘ashi stressed the same meaning saying, "No one was afflicted by a severer calamity than having a hard heart." [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa’]

Ya Muslimeen, let us ponder over what Allah says: "Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah Is not unaware of what you do." [2:74]

This Ayah refers to the story of the children of Israel and the miracle of reviving the murdered man and to all the examples, warnings and adversities that had befallen the Children of Israel. Those Divine Miracles would cause huge mountains to shake and solid rocks to dissolve! Actually, it was worthier of their hearts to be softened by such amazing miracles, yet they did not. Allah clarified that their hearts had become more of rocks and even worse in hardness due to the fact that they rejected Imaan after knowing and understanding the requirements of attaining Imaan and its conditions. Hence, these hearts were like rocks and even worse in hardness. Indeed, rocks are a good example that people use to indicate hardness. Yet, Allah excluded some rocks from that absolute hardness, but did not exclude the hearts of the children of Israel. Allah says: "For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah." [2:74]

Prophet's (saws) trust in Allah...

Muhammad (saws) preached to the people to trust in Allah. His whole life was a sublime example of the precept. In the loneliness of Makkah, in the midst of persecution and danger, in adversity and tribulations, and in the thick of enemies in the battles of Uhud and Hunayn, complete faith and trust in Allah appears as the dominant feature in his life. However great the danger that confronted him, he (saws) never lost hope and never allowed himself to be unduly agitated. Abu Talib knew the feelings of the Quraysh when the Prophet (saws) started his mission. He also knew the lengths to which the Quraysh could go, and requested the Prophet (saws) to abandon his mission, but the latter calmly replied: "Dear uncle, do not go by my loneliness. Truth will not go unsupported for long. The whole of Arabia and beyond will one day espouse its cause." [Ibn Hisham]

When the attitude of the Quraysh became more threatening, Abu Talib again begged his nephew to renounce his mission but the Prophet's reply was: "O my uncle, if they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, to force me to renounce my work, verily I would not desist thereform until Allah made manifest His cause, or I perished in the attempt." [Ibid]

To another well-wisher, he (saws) said: "Allah will not leave me forlorn."

A dejected and oppressed companion was comforted with the words:

"By Allah, the day is near when this faith will reach its pinnacle and none will have to fear anyone except Allah." [Al-Bukhari]

Obstacles that Shaytaan puts...

In ‘Madarij as-Salikin’ (2/218-222), Ibn al-Qayyim has a section about the obstacles that shaytaan puts into the path of the one who chooses to live his life for Allah. He mentions the six commonly known obstacles in the order that they will be thrown into the path of the believer, such that whoever passes through one obstacle is then faced with the next (disbelief, followed by innovation in religion, followed by major sins, followed by minor sins, followed by permissible acts that distract one from acts of obedience, followed by acts of obedience that are of lower reward than others).

However, he mentions a seventh and final obstacle for the one who passes through the above six successfully:

“…So, if he successfully passes through these, there remains only one obstacle from which the enemy (shaytaan) calls him from, and this is an obstacle that he must face. If anyone were to be saved from this obstacle, it would have been the Messengers and Prophets of Allah, and the noblest of His Creation.

This is the obstacle of shaytaan unleashing his troops upon the believer with various types of harm: by way of the hand, the tongue, and the heart. This occurs in accordance with the degree of goodness that exists within the believer. So, the higher he is in degree, the more the enemy unleashes his troops and helps them against him, and overwhelms him with his followers and allies in various ways.

Chill Out ! It was Just a Joke!

"Chill Out ! It was Just a Joke!" - A popular statement said by many when they are corrected in jokes they are not supposed to say.

Although Islam permitted joking it placed some restrictions on it. Some of those restrictions may be dangerous and even take one out of Islam if violated - may Allah guard us from that.

1. One cannot joke about something that includes within it the mocking of Islam, Islamic ordains, Islamic sunnahs or any aspects in Muslims physical appearances or actions they may do according to Islam:

This dangerous matter that many fall into takes one out of Islam automatically.

Example:

a) One has the choice of using a miswak (Muslims toothbrush) prior to prayer or wudu' -  that is sunnah. If someone mocks it, it will take him out of Islam.

b) A women must wear the appropriate hijab among foreign men, if she does not that is a sin. However if someone mocks it they become a kaafir.

c) Same with the beard, prayer, or hajj… etc.

Reminder on the Grave !

When the son of Adam dies and his soul departs and he is placed in his grave, then he is in the first stage of the Hereafter, because the grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter.

It was narrated that Hani’, the freed slave of ‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affan said: "When ‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affan stood by a grave he would weep until his beard became wet. It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?” He said: “The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, what comes afterwards will be easier for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’” And the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.” [At-Tirmithi]

In the grave, two angels, who are charged with questioning, come to him and ask him what he used to believe in this world, who was his Lord, what was his religion and who was his Prophet. If he gives a correct answer, that saves him, but if he does not answer them they inflict a severe and painful beating on him.

If he was one of the righteous, angels with white faces come to him, but if he was one of the evildoers, angels with dark faces come to him. This is one of the tribulations that he will suffer through.

Building an Islamic Society.....

From a social perspective, the teachings of Islam aim to bring together all Muslims to be a unified entity, in conformity with the words of the Prophet (saws): “The example of the believers as regards their mutual love and compassion is like that of a single body. If any of its parts aches, all the other parts share in the sleeplessness and fever.” [Muslim] The strong among them support the weak, and the rich help the poor. Social solidarity manifests in the Muslim community such that its objectives and implications are realized. There are many Shari‘ah texts and provisions describing the Muslim community and how it should embody the spirit of solidarity.

There are multiple objectives for such solidarity that incorporate all the needs of the individual and the community, whether material or moral. Social solidarity means that Muslims should work together, each through his position and status, to preserve the public interests of the community as a whole and the private interests of the individuals, so that everyone in the community would feel that his rights are fulfilled and he, accordingly, is eager to fulfill his duties and obligations towards other members of his community. The scope of this solidarity then expands to encompass all people (not only Muslims). Allah says: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." [49:13] Allah honored Man and commanded us to treat all children of Aadam accordingly (with respect). He says: "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam." [17:70]

Fruits of Oppression...

The following are real life incidents mentioned by a Shaykh:

There was once a man who hired a worker; this worker would work, day after day, but not receive any payment. One day, the worker demanded his pay, but the employer refused to give him his money. It seems that the employer was in the habit of oppressing people and not giving them their money, to the point that it became a normal practice for him. The worker reminded the employer about Allah and His punishment, without any results.

The worker started telling others of his predicament, and the news spread, which made the employer become even more oppressive towards him; he wished to get rid of the worker, thinking that by firing him, or deporting him to his country, the case would end. So, sure enough, he fabricated a story against him, the result of which was that the worker was arrested and deported. The employer rejoiced at the result, but he forgot that an oppressed person’s supplications are never turned away by Allah; He says to the oppressed, in response to his supplications, as in the Qudsi narration: “I swear by my Might and Glory! I shall support you.”

Thinking well of others relieves the heart !

Nothing relieves the heart and makes one happy more than thinking well of others. It protects one from the harm of worrisome thoughts that disturb his peace of mind and exhaust the body. Thinking well of others leads to a sound heart, strengthens the ties of cordiality and love among the individuals of a community, and frees the hearts from hatred and rancor. The Prophet (saws) said: “Beware of assumptions, for assumption is the falsest of speech, and do not be inquisitive, and do not spy upon one another, and do not vie with one another, and do not envy one another, and do not hate one another, and do not shun one another; be fellow-brothers and slaves of Allah.” [Bukhari and Muslim] If only the members of the Muslim community would adhere to this sublime behavior, their enemies would never dare to attack them and their famous policy of “divide and rule” will never succeed because the hearts are united and the souls are pure.

Ways to Think Well of Others:

 

There are certainly many ways that a Muslim can think well of others; some of which are:

 

1- Supplication

 

Supplicating to Allah is the gate to every goodness. The Prophet (saws) would ask his Lord to grant him a sound heart.

 

2- Putting Oneself in the Place of Others

Prayer behind one who denies the Attribute of...

Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, may Allah's mercy be upon all of them, are upon the doctrine that Allah Himself rose over His throne and is high above all His creation. No one differs with such except one whose sight has been blinded from amongst the Jahmiyyah, Mu'tazilah, and others from the deviant sects who have abandoned the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet, and ruled by their desires and the opinions of their teachers.

Allah's Highness is firmly established in the Qur'an, Sunnah, intellect, and Fitrah:

As for the Book of Allah: Then it is filled with texts proving Allah's highness Himself so He is above all of His creation. The texts indicate such in a number of ways and wordings.

Firstly: Explicit declaration of His rising above His throne, this is mentioned in seven places in the Qur'an.

Secondly: Explicit usage of the words al-'Alee (The High) and al-A'la (The Highest). Allah says, ...And He is the High and Mighty. [al-Baqarah 2:255]

And He says, To Him belongs what is in the heavens and earth, and He is the High and Mighty. [ash-Shura 42:3]

Hypocrisy is Internal Destruction !!!

Hypocrisy is a chronic disease and a dangerous moral deviation in the life of individuals, communities and nations. Its danger is great and the hypocrites are the cause of this great evil. This danger is clearly noticeable when the destructive consequences of hypocrisy afflict the entire Ummah and the charitable reform movements in particular, as the hypocrite causes their fatal internal destruction, whilst he is safe and unwatched. No one expects his slyness and plotting since he is considered a Muslim whose name, appearance and speech is like that of any other Muslim. Scrutinizing the essence of hypocrisy, you will find it a satanic combination that comprises severe cowardice, greed for the immediate pleasures of this worldly life, denial of truth and lying. Of course, one can imagine the evil effects of such a combination. The linguistic meaning of hypocrisy implies deception, cunning, showing outward goodness and concealing evil.

Forms of Hypocrisy

Many scholars mentioned that hypocrisy is divided into two types:

 

1 - Hypocrisy in Belief: Some scholars call this form of hypocrisy "Major Hypocrisy". Al-Hafith ibn Hajar explained it as follows, “It is when the person shows his belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers and the Last Day, but conceals what contradicts some or all of this.” He added, “This was the type of hypocrisy that prevailed during the time of the Prophet (saws). In the Quraan, Allah dispraises such hypocrites and brands them as disbelievers. The Quraan also mentions that they will be destined to be in the lowest depths of Hell. Allah says: "Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper." [4:145]”

 

When They Turn Their Backs On You...

An elderly man who was in one of the many prisons I’ve resided in the past decade, opened his heart to me, telling me how prominent he was in his community and throughout the states. He sat in agony because the hundreds or rather thousands that he extended his arms to, had all turned away from him in his time of need. He was alone and hurt and overwhelmed with worries. His family was unable to maintain their house due to tremendous financial hardships. With a feeling of helplessness, he turned to his old lifelong friends — the ones he had no doubt would always be there to help him. The ones he loved dearly. He loved his brothers and students as much as, if not more than, his own family.

This brother devoted his time and effort to them. He ran to them to help ease any of their hardship he was made aware of. They were the ones who he thought to be his soul or even closer. But as the days went on, they turned away from him. As the entire world turned their backs on him, so too did the brothers and students he thought so highly of. He pleaded they listen and asked his family to contact them — to no avail. The brothers had no mercy on the tears dripping uncontrollably down the cheeks nor the weeping heart aching with pain. They turned their back on him. They lied and procrastinated to the family and made the family feel like a burden. And in the end they disappeared like a mirage leaving the family with no help or hope in obtaining help from any of Allah’s creations.

The darkness in this elderly man’s dark cell became even darker. He felt betrayed and abandoned and thought back to how he would have treated those very same brothers if the tables were turned. Never in his wildest dreams would he have abandoned any of his brothers or students. The more he thought about what he would have done, the more he was convinced that his brothers and students were treacherous and deceitful. This elderly brother found his days with no daylight. He was the imam of a big center. He performed their marriage ceremonies, he buried their dead. He was there for them in their hardships and helped them resolve family problems. By Allah’s mercy, his counseling kept families intact and he helped bring people closer together. And now, they all turned their backs on him, with no exceptions.

Adherent to Tawheed!!!

The adherent to Tawheed is well aware of that which Allah has stated regarding the concept of Gods !

Allah said: "Or have they taken (for worship) aliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead? Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned. Or have they taken for worship (other) aliha (gods) besides Him? Say: “Bring your proof:” This (the Qur’an) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse.  And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)), so worship Me (Alone and no one else).” [21:21-25]

Allah stated His disapproval of the polytheists (idolaters) – those who (worship things which they have taken as) gods in the earth, even though these (so called) gods are absolutely incapacitated and powerless. Neither are they are able to bring them back to life nor resurrect them, and this is further explained by the statement of Allah: "Yet they have taken besides Him other aliha (gods) that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead." [25:3]

Shaytaan's gateways to the heart !

The heart is like a fort and Shaytaan the advancing enemy, who is intent on infiltrating and occupying it. Hence, only by guarding the gates, entrances and vulnerable positions, will it be impenetrable. Yet, a person who is unacquainted with the structure of the fortress, particularly its access points, cannot adequately defend it. By the same token, the obligation of guarding the heart from the whispers of Shaytaan cannot be fulfilled and he cannot be warded off, unless a person knows the gates to the heart that Shaytaan may take.

These gateways are, generally, personal characteristics, of which there are many, but, here, we will only refer to the ones that are so wide so as to accommodate all the numerous soldiers of Shaytaan. These include:

 

-      Anger and desire: Anger is the ghoul of the psyche; when it weakens the guards of one's mind, Shaytaan's soldiers immediately seize the opportunity to attack. Furthermore, when a person becomes enraged, Shaytaan toys with him in the same way children play with a ball.

-      Envy and greed: No matter how careful man is, his covetousness makes him deaf and dumb. The light of insight reveals the gates of Shaytaan; when envy and greediness mask this light, man becomes at risk. Hence, Shaytaan seizes that opportunity and adorns for an acquisitive person whatever leads to his or her desires, even if it is heinous and evil. The Prophet (saws), spoke of avarice: "If two starving wolves were left in a flock of sheep, they would not be as harmful (to them) as a person’s hunger for money and status is to his (or her) faith." [At-Tirmithi]

Has the Qur'an been tampered with?

Question: 

What is the proof that the Qur'an was not tampered with? Who wrote the Qur'an and when was it written? Can you give a brief history of it?

Answer:

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah).

1] Firstly to address your question with regards to the proof that parts of the Qur'an was not tampered with:

Allah says: "Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)." [15:9]

As opposed to other old scriptures whose protection and witnessing to were left to its people, the Qur'an is in fact the only scripture whose protection and preservation has been promised by Allah. Allah has promised to guard and protect the Qur'an Himself. So, that is our strongest proof that it has been preserved.

Allah describes the Qur'an: "And verily, it is an honourable respected Book (because it is Allah's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption, etc.). Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)." [41:41-41]

To say otherwise is to disbelieve in how Allah describes the Qur'an in His words and to disbelieve in His promise. 

2] As for the Qur'an being written, as we know the Qur'an was not written as a book would be written by an author. If by this statement it is implied that the Prophet (ﷺ) wrote the Qur'an then it must be corrected.

"I Am as My Slave Expects Me to Be !"

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Prophet (saws) said: “Allah, The Exalted, Says, ‘I am as My slave expects Me to be, and I am with him whenever he remembers Me. If he remembers Me to Himself, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I remember him in a better assembly (i.e., the assembly of angels). If he draws closer to Me by a hand span, I draw closer to him by an arm’s length. If he draws closer to Me by an arm’s length, I draw closer to him by a fathom’s length. And whoever comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Status of the Hadith:

This is one of the great Ahadith of hope that urge Muslims to have good expectations of Allah and to remember Him abundantly. It also underlines how Allah draws closer to His Slaves whenever they draw closer to Him by means of performing various acts of obedience.

Having Good Expectations of Allah:

The Hadith begins with calling the slave of Allah to have good expectations of his Lord at all times and in all states. In the Hadith, Allah explained that He is as His Slave expects Him to be, meaning that He treats him in accordance with his own expectation of His Lord and does for him what he expects of Him, be it good or bad. If a person has good expectations of Allah and hopes for His Reward, Allah will not fail him nor cause his deeds to be lost. Whenever he supplicates Allah, he expects Allah to answer his supplications. If he commits a sin and repents and seeks forgiveness, he expects Allah to accept his repentance, pardon his fault and forgive his sin. If he performs a good deed, he expects Allah to accept his deed and reward him handsomely. These are all examples of having good expectations of Allah. The Prophet (saws) said: “Supplicate Allah while certain that your supplication will be answered.” [At-Tirmithi]

"I feel overwhelmed..."

Question: Shaykh, can you please advise me? I listen to so much and read quite a bit and I feel overwhelmed. I simply want to live a peaceful life, but in such a way that I please Allah and am ready to meet Him at any time. What do you recommend?

Answer: First and foremost, let us remember that we do have a primary purpose in this life; to worship Allah. That means, we have to live our lives in a manner that Allah accepts and He has to be at the forefront of our minds at all times. Live to please Allah, not yourself nor those around you. Perhaps we can give a few quick tips or guidelines:

1. Know that Allah is your Creator and He is Ever-Watchful over you. You and I have to answer to Him. He is One and He is unique. He controls absolutely everything and He is All-Powerful; our allegiance is first and foremost to Him. His legislation and laws are significant and matter; all other laws are worthless if they conflict with His laws. If they are in agreement, then they are His law to begin with. He deserves our complete and utter obedience.

2. Never, ever miss a single compulsory (fard) prayer at its prescribed time, there is absolutely no negotiation on this matter. If you are lax with salah, whether that means not praying all five in the day or praying, but delaying some to a time other than that legislated, then know you are on a path leading to destruction. The only way back is to repent and truly establish the salah. Without salah, there is no moving forward. This is what connects us with Allah and keeps us focused on our purpose of life.

Question on cremation & pledge of allegiance......

Question:

Today at work a co-worker asked me if cremation was haraam, I told her yes, and she asked why but I wasn't able to tell her why. If you can let me know why cremation is haraam in Islam. Also, this is regarding the pledge of allegiance, why is it not allowed in Islam and please explain so I can explain it to a non-Muslim.

Answer:

Two reasons why we Muslims do not burn the dead:

1] Allah has given us clear guidelines on how to bury our dead; what we do not do, what we have to do, and what is permitted to do. And the teachings of Islam includes treating the dead with respect in a way that will fit the dead person. We wash him, cleanse him, and put a white shroud around him, then we offer a funeral prayer (janazah) and pray forgiveness for him. Allah does not include cremation as a part of it. Thus we do not do this nor are we permitted to do so.

2] Allah says:

     وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا

And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Taiyibat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference. [al-Isra 17:70]

Station of Toma'aninah (tranquillity)...

Toma'aninah is tranquillity. Allah says:

"Those who believe and whose hearts find toma'aninah in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find toma'aninah." [13:28]

"O you the one with toma'aninah! Come back to your Lord, well-pleased and well-pleasing unto Him! Enter you, then among My honored slaves, and enter My Paradise." [89:27-30]

Toma'aninah is the satisfaction of the heart with circumstances without any sense of anxiety or restlessness. It was mentioned in one narration that: "Truthfulness is a cause of toma'aninah and lying is a cause of suspicion and doubt." This suggests that one who hears the truth will have toma'aninah and satisfaction within his heart as a result, whereas lying causes disturbance and doubt within the heart. This meaning is also seen in the hadith which states: "Righteousness is what the heart has toma'aninah with." This shows that the heart feels satisfied with truth and has no anxiety or sense of unease because of it.

There are two opinions regarding the meaning of remembrance of Allah in the aforementioned verse. The first opinion holds that the remembrance is of the servant to his Lord. This remembrance causes toma'aninah to settle within the heart. Should the heart become anxious or disturbed, then the servant will have no means for attaining toma'aninah except through the remembrance of Allah. The second opinion holds that the meaning of this remembrance is the Qur'an, and this is the more sound. It is His Remembrance that he revealed to His Messenger. The hearts of the believers will have toma'aninah as a result of it. For the heart will not have trust or toma'aninah except by faith and certainty. There are no means of attaining faith and certainty except through the Qur'an. The toma'aninah of the heart is due to its firm faith. The heart's anxiety and disturbance are a result of its doubts and uncertainty. The Qur'an is the means to attain certainty and firmness in faith, and to remove doubts. That is why the hearts of the believers cannot have tranquillity except through the Qur'an. It is impossible for anyone who doesn't study the Qur'an, or deeply understand it, to have a benefit from it and its guidance. The benefit from the Qur'an, will not be sound unless one's heart perceives the reflections of His Lord's Names and Attributes, in His Laws within himself and in everything around him within this universe. The same two opinions are also applied to the meaning for the remembrance of Allah, as stated in the following verse:

"And whosoever turns away from the remembrance of ar-Rahman, We appoint for him a shaytan to be an intimate companion to him." [43:36]

Using food for cosmetic purposes...?

Allah has created man in the best shape and form; He says:

"He Created the heavens and earth in truth and Formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the (final) destination." [64:3]

"Who Created you, Proportioned you, and Balanced you?" [82:7]

Allah created everything in the universe to suit the nature of man as well as to be in harmony with the way Allah assembled him. Allah made everything on earth able to meet the needs of man that vary and differ according to time and place.

Hence, man lives in an environment and climate suitable for him. Allah says: "Do you not see that Allah Has Made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth and amply Bestowed upon you His favors, (both) apparent and unapparent?" [31:20]

One of the most important aspects of this life is food, which helps man survive and obtain various benefits. It is the source of energy and growth for the body and it resists diseases that weaken it. It was proven through medicine and experimentation conducted throughout the course of time that some kinds of food increase beauty and adornment and help to remove defects that may afflict the body and affect its beauty, or hide it.

There are two aspects of types of food that are involved in beauty:

Honouring, Hosting & Receiving the Deviant ?!?

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the creation; and there is no aggression except against the tyrants. Blessings and much peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions. To proceed;

A question reached us from some brothers regarding the ruling upon honoring, hosting, and receiving some of the deviants, and giving them the opportunity to propagate their deviant thoughts and foul, modernist etiquette, from the likes of Mahmoud Darwish the Palestinian modernist and a member of the communist Rukah party in Israel. He says in some of his poetry: "Sleep, for Allah's eye is asleep." And the likes of Samih al-Qasim of the Druze and a member of the same party, who says in some of his poetry: "To what cave can Allah escape, covered with dust, smoke, and flames." And the likes of the liberal Turki al-Hamad, who says in his novel al-Karadib: "Suicide is victory over Allah." And the likes of others from this faction.

We were also asked about our opinion regarding he who states that these quotations are "literary passages, thereby no ruling can be made upon a person based upon these quotes." And the statement, "freedom of speech necessitates no takfeer of people, therefore we must surrender their condition to their creator."

So I say, seeking aid from Allah: the response to this is from a number of angles:

Covid & Gratitude for Blessings !

Undoubtedly, what the world has witnessed and what we have experienced firsthand in the past months - and what we are all still experiencing - is a serious affliction, acute distress, and terrible tribulation.

However, there is no doubt that there are great wisdom and purposes for such affliction, and some of them may be the following ones:

Prompting People to Return to Allah and Humble Themselves Before Him:

An affliction serves as a reminder for the disbelievers, the polytheists, and the heedless and lax believers, perchance the disbelievers should believe, the sinners should repent and seek forgiveness, and the believers should earnestly humble themselves before Allah: "And We have already sent (messengers) to nations before you, (O Muhammad); then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves (to Us)." [6:42-43]

Distinguishing between the Believers and Hypocrites:

When afflictions befall a believer, they boost his certainty in Allah nurture his faith in Him, and increase his knowledge of Him and submission to Him, as he perceives His Power and the effects of His Greatness, and accordingly his faith and steadfastness increase.

Conversely, a hypocrite only perceives the negative side of the affliction. As a result, he has bad expectations of Allah and this fuels his hatred for religion, nurtures his discontent with Allah and further alienates him from his Lord.

Righteous Leadership...

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said:

The difference between the desire for righteous leadership as opposed to merely desiring leadership: It is the difference between exalting the command of Allah and being sincere to Allah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfillment of desires. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; (loves that) Allah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allah, and (that) the servants should obey Allah’s commands and keep away from what Allah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allah and sincere to Allah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allah. So he loves to be (an upright) leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous.

Therefore, if this servant - (i.e. this person) who calls to Allah - loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes (of the people), revered and beloved in their hearts and is one followed amongst them, so that he is trusted by them and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, then this (desire of his) does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. That is because the caller to Allah loves that Allah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means by way of which (people) are aided to (obey Allah, single out Allah in worship and follow the Messenger). And due to this, (when) Allah mentioned those chosen slaves of His - whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him - He mentioned them with the best of their deeds and characteristics, and then said: "And those who say: 'Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun (pious).'" [25:74]

The term ‘Jahiliyyah’....

The word ‘jahiliyyah’ refers to the name of a condition – this is how it is used the majority of the time in the Book and Sunnah but can also be the name of one who possesses that condition.

From the first is the statement of the Prophet (saws) to Abu Dharr (ra), “Verily, you have jahiliyyah in you.”

And the statement of ‘Umar (ra), “I swore in jahiliyyah that I would spend a night of seclusion.”

And the statement of ‘Aishah (ra), “Nikah during jahiliyyah was four types.”

And their (i.e., the Sahabah) statement, “O Messenger of Allah! We were in jahiliyyah and wickedness.” Meaning: in a state of jahiliyyah, or a order of jahiliyyah, or a custom of jahiliyyah, etc. Indeed, the word ‘jahiliyyah’ – even though the origin is an adjective (sifah) – it was used so much it become a noun (ismun), and resembles a verbal noun (masdar) in meaning.

As for the second (usage), it is saying: a jahiliyyah group and a jahili poet; that is, ascribing (them) to ignorance (jahl) which is the absence of knowledge or the lack of following knowledge. Indeed, whoever does not know the truth is a jahil with simple ignorance. And whoever believes in contradiction to it (i.e., to the truth) is a jahil with compounded ignorance. Also, whether or not he knows the truth, if he said contrary to the truth he is a jahil as the Almighty said, “when the ignorant (jahilun) address them (improperly), they only respond with (words of) repose.” And the Prophet (saws) stated, “When one of you is fasting he should not behave obscenely or ignorantly.”

Points to ponder before Ramadaan leaves us!

A person might contemplate during Ramadaan upon numerous subjects. He should reflect upon his affairs, his final abode, and what is awaiting him, as regards his departure to Allah. He can also contemplate over his morals and evil aspects, in the hope of getting rid of the latter; his acts of worship in which he was negligent and which were filled with doubts and passing thoughts, which kept him far from Allah and from having good private talk with Him. He can contemplate about standing in front of Him; what mends his own self and final abode, and what causes him to know and have love for his Lord.

A believer should reflect upon the Names and Attributes of Allah and his standing to his Lord on the Day the people would stand to the Lord of the Worlds. If one reflects upon the Names and Attributes of Allah, his living and final abode, his departure, death and grave, his resurrection and standing in front of Allah, the evil of his own soul and the deficiencies of his actions and provision, undoubtedly his reflection would cause him to increase in faith and refrain from disobedience. It would enable him to endure the difficulty of striving against the evil he is suffering from, remember the grave, death and accounting and remember the terrors and standing in front of Allah. All of this would be a motive for him to hasten to Allah to keep away from sins, fear Allah, do his best and strive to excel in worship and obedience and persist in thinking of what returns upon him with good in his worldly life and his final abode.