Our Brothers go Hungry...

A SOMALIAN father flees from his family because he is certain of their death but is unable to remain and watch them die in front of him. Similarly, the ever-merciful mother during the migration abandons some of her children on the side of the road to lighten her load and move at a quicker pace to avoid the death of all of her children. Only Allah knows the grief in the heart of this mother for the ones she leaves behind and those she keeps with her who are crying of hunger before her.

When selfishness and self-centredness become widespread the hearts become hard and coarse, people fail to feel pain from having sympathy with the affliction of others. It is only their own well-being that concerns them even if everyone else around them falls apart.

To counter this tendency, divine scripture instructs us in the equality of rights and obligations between people; and in the provision of comfort to those who are afflicted with hunger and severe trials.

Amongst the Poor

True Story of a Niqabi Sister in France

 
This is a story for us to reflect on...

After picking groceries in the supermarket, the Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl who was non Hijabi Arab Muslim girl started to scan the items of the Niqabi sister one buy one and then she looked at her with arrogance and said:
"We have in France many problems, your Niqab is one of them!! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqab then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!!!"

The Niqabi sister stopped putting her grocery in the bag and took off her Niqab from her face… The checkout girl was in total shock! The Niqabi girl who was blond with blue eyes told her:
"I am a French girl, not an Arab immigrant! This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM!! You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you!"

End of story
This is a fact! Many revert Muslims have stronger faith than born Muslims! SubhanAllah!
Indeed, "Islam began a stranger and, then, it will return as it began. Then bliss to the strangers!"

Muslim Women VS Western Women

 

Islam positions women in a noble position, because the brilliant generation will be born out of their womb. In the period of jahiliyyah (ignorance) culture prior to the arrival of Islam, women were considered to be very low and despicable, in fact not a few female newborn were buried alive. They looked at women with one eye, in fact they were even considered contemptible and worthless. After the arrival of Islam, it was proven that the female could breathe in the air freely and the task of building a community that is cultured and civilized, was given to them.

So it is no surprise that in Islam, there is no such thing as discrimination against women, there are no need of the women emancipation and feminism. Because since the first time the religion of Islam was revealed to the surface of the Earth, Islam always uphold the status and dignity of women. And an Islamic Shari'ah like this will not fade with times, it will never be evolved and going through a revolution.

This is in contrast to the Western culture today which is the product of an age that will always change and shift due to the erosion by the time. Whereas, Islam places the men and women in accordance with the nature of each. Therefore, there is no reason for the Muslims, whether they are men, women, old or young, to demand more than what have been outlined by the Creator, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Because it is Allah Who is the All-Knowing about the secrets behind the creation of His creatures.
 

The Pillars of Tawheed

The first obligation upon every Muslim is Tawheed (to worship and obey Allah exclusively); and the first pillar of Tawheed is al-kufr bit-taghout, or to reject taghout. One cannot be a Muslim unless they reject all forms of taghout, whether it be in the form of an object or person.

Taghout has been defined by the Sahabah (Companions of the Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him) and classical scholars who follow the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) as: “Anything that is worshipped, followed or obeyed besides Allah.”

Imam Malik bin Anas (rahimahullah) said:

الطاغوت ما عبد من دون الله
“Taghout is anything that is worshipped (or obeyed) besides Allah.” (Reported in Al-Jaami’ li-Ahkaam al-Qur’aan by Imaam al-Qurtubi)

Sheikh ul-Islam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil Wahhab (rahimahullah), died 1201 AH, said:

والطاغوت؛ عام في كل ما عبد من دون الله ورضي بالعبادة من معبود أو متبوع أو مطاع
“And the taghout, in general, is anything that is worshipped instead of Allah, and he consented to being worshipped, followed or obeyed.” (Risaalatun fee Ma’naa at-Taghout by Sheikh Muhammad bin ‘Abdil Wahhab)

Hence, any object or person besides Allah that consents to being worshipped, obeyed or followed is a taghout (false god). Examples of tawaagheet (plural for taghout) are:

• Idols, stones, trees, shrines, statues, graves, amulets, and so forth, that are worshipped.
• Desires, philosophies, laws, constitutions, celebrities, or false prophets that are followed.
• Rulers, scholars and lawmakers (MPs) that legislate or judge by man-made laws and are obeyed.

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee on Knowledge

أدب التعلم - By Imam al-Shafi’i (rahimahullah)

اصبر على مر الجفا من معلم *** فإن رسوب العلم في نفراته
Be patient over the teacher’s strictness and harshness
For the stores of knowledge are present in his harshness

ومن لم يذق ذل التعلم ساعة *** تجرع ذل الجهل طول حياته
Whoever does not taste the humility of learning even for an hour
Will drink the humility of ignorance for the rest of his life

ومن فاته التعليم وقت شبابه *** فكبر عليه أربعا لوفاته
For him who misses out on learning in his youth,
Then announce four takbirs over him for his death is due

حياة الفتى – والله – بالعلم والتقى *** إذا لم يكونا لا اعتبار لذاته
By Allah, the life of a youth is by knowledge and piety
If they are not present, then nothing can express his existence

Imam Ash-Shafi’i was asked: “How do you lust for knowledge?”
He replied, “I hear a word of knowledge that I have not heard of before and each one of my body parts wishes that it had the faculty of hearing so that they, too, could enjoy the pleasure of hearing what my ears enjoy upon hearing new knowledge.”
He was then asked: “Describe your eagerness to attain knowledge”
He replied, “It is akin to the eagerness of a striving, miserly man who seeks to achieve pleasure through hoarding wealth.”
He was then asked: “How do you seek knowledge?”
He finally responded: “I seek it like a weak woman seeks after her only child.”

Democracy is Shirk !!!

"Verily, the rule belongs to none but Allah." [Surah Yoosuf: 40]

Shk Muhammad Nasruddeen Al-Albani in his Fatwa said: "Allah (swt) has said, 'The Law is only for Allah,' and He (swt) said, 'Whoever does not rule by what Allah has revealed are the Kuffar,' and He (swt) said, 'By your Lord they will not have belief until they judge with what you have brought between them.' Democracy is a system that is a false God (Taghout) and Allah (swt) has ordered the Muslims to declare kufr (disbelief) in Taghout since He (swt) said, 'Whosoever declares kufr in the Taghout and then believes in Allah (swt) he has obtained the firm hold.'

Therefore Democracy and Islam are two opposing matters that can never be united. Either one has Iman (belief) in Allah (swt) and ruling by what He (swt) revealed or you have Iman in the Taghout (false god-heads) and their rules and laws. Every single actions and thing that opposes the Shariah of Allah (swt) is classified as Taghout".

Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah & the Divisions of Tawheed

Response by Abu Qataadah al-Philisteeni 

Question:

Asalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh,

I hope that you can clarify for me the meaning of Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah and is it part of Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah?

I heard that Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem said that Shaykh Bin Baz use to teach the knowledge of 'Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah' but the 'Saudi Salafis' rejected it and considered it an innovation, is that true? Are there any books or articles in Arabic or English with regards to this issue? Can you please guide me?
 
Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, Most Merciful, and Most Kind.

And with Him we seek assistance,

Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah is part of Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah, which is the Tawheed of seeking and intention, and this is from the point of view that the slave of Allaah [al-Ubudiyyah] is agreeing to His worthiness of worship and abiding by that.

And it is also from Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah, which is the Tawheed of knowing and establishment of His existence and lordship, and this is from the point of view that the Lord does, i.e. that Allaah is the judge and legislator for his creation and legislates for them the regulations and laws.

And this Tawheed al-Haakimiyyah, a Muslim will not reject it as a subject, but some have differed in matters of terminology, via different methods, such as:

They say that this Tawheed was not mentioned by the righteous Salaf and the Salaf only had two views:

17 Reasons why the Ulama's declare the Shiahs Kafir

Jamadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1433 A.H, Friday, April 14, 2012

There are a total of seventeen doctrines of the Shiahs which are always hidden by them from the Muslims as a part of the implementation of the doctrine of taqiyah (hiding their Shiah beliefs). All of the seventeen doctrines are contained in the holy books of the Shiahs:

1. The world and all of its contents belong to the imams of Shiah. They will give the world to whom they desire and take it away from whom they desire (Usulul Kaafi, pg.259, Al-Kulaini, India ed.).

It is clear, a doctrine like this is contrary to the words of Allah SWT in QS Al-A’raf 7: 128, “Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants.” The Shiite belief above shows the equality of the power of the Shiite imams with Allah's and this doctrine is a shirk aqeedah.

2. Ali bin Abi Thalib, who is claimed to be the first imam of the Shiahs, is said to be the first and the last dzat (being), the dhahir (manifest) and the bathin (hidden) such as contained in surah Al-Hadid, 57: 3 (Rijalul Kashi pg. 138).

A doctrine of this kind is clearly a kufr on the part of the Shiahs, who lie in the name of Khalifah Ali bin Abi Thalib. With a doctrine of this kind, the Shiahs position Ali as God. And this certainly is a deception of the Shiahs against the Muslims and the purity of their aqeedah.

3. The imams of the Shiahs are the face of Allah, the eyes of Allah and the hands of Allah that bring rahmah (mercy) to the slaves of Allah (Usulul Kaafi, pg. 83).

4. Amirul Mu'mineen Ali bin Abi Thalib is said by the Shiahs to be a representative of Allah in determining the heaven and hell, acquiring something that is not previously acquired by human beings, knowing the good and evil, knowing all things in detail i.e. things which have happened in the past, as well as the ghaib (unseen) (Usulul Kaafi, pg. 84).

5. The wills of the Shiite imams are the wills of Allah too (Usulul Kaafi, pg. 278).
 

Means of acquiring Refined Morals

Undeniably, changing one's morals for the better is the toughest change for the human being, but it is not impossible. There are many ways and methods to help one acquire refined morals, which include the following:

Pure creed:
Having a pure creed is a serious matter, as one's conduct and behavior are, very often, the fruits of one's creed and ideology. A person's conduct is the practical translation of what he believes in. Accordingly, any sense of deviation in behavior is the result of a defective creed. The Prophet (pbuh) said: ~"The believers who are the most perfect in respect of their faith are those who have the best morals."~ (At-Tirmidhi)

Supplication:
Indeed, supplications are a great means to attain refined morals; once Allaah The Exalted Accepted a person's supplications, he will be showered with bounties and graces.
Hence, he who aspires to be well-mannered, giving up his bad morals, should resort to supplication. In fact, the Prophet (pbuh) used to implore Allaah The Exalted to Grant him good morals. He used to supplicate: "Allaahumma Ihdini li Ahsan Al-Akhlaaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa anta, wa Isrif ‘anni sayi’aha, la yasrifu ‘Anni sayi’aha illa anta (O Allaah, Guide me to the best morals, as none can guide to the best morals except You, and Save me from bad morals, as none can save me from bad morals except You).”

Striving:
Acquiring refined morals is a form of guidance that one acquires through exerting great effort. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allaah Is with the doers of good.} [Quran 29: 96]
 

Shirk of Uloohiyyah

Shirk entails directing Allah’s Names, Attributes or functions towards anyone or anything other than Allah. It is completely wrong to translate or understand shirk to mean ‘idol worship’, as a person does not necessarily need to worship an idol to become a Mushrik (a disbeliever who associates partners with Allah). Likewise, it is also wrong to say that shirk only means to attribute a son to Allah; this is partly correct but not completely.

As explained above, shirk is to associate someone or something with Allah (SWT). For example, Allah is al-Hakam (the Legislator); so anyone who takes this exclusive Name of Allah (SWT) and gives it to someone other than Him is committing shirk and will consequently become a Mushrik (disbeliever). 

 

Likewise, Allah is al-Khaaliq (the Creator). Any person who gives this Name to someone other than Allah (i.e. by believing that so-and-so also has the power of creation), will become a Mushrik. This proves the fact that you do not need to believe that Jesus is the son of God (na’oodhubillah) or bow down to an idol to become a Kafir. You can also become Kafir just by sitting in a place and doubting Allah or believing that man has the right to make laws. 

 

The type of shirk that most people commit nowadays is Shirk ul-Uloohiyyah. Tawheed ul-Uloohiyyah is about the absolute right of Allah (SWT) to be worshipped, elevated, obeyed, and for all ritual acts to be offered for His sake alone. All ritual acts should not be offered to anybody but Allah, such as Salah, Du’a (supplication), at-Tahaakum (arbitration), slaughtering and fasting, etc.

Therefore, if a person commits Shirk ul-Uloohiyyah it does not mean that he disbelieves in Allah’s existence. Rather it occurs when a person offers ritual acts to Allah and/or somebody else – for example, if a person obeys Allah and the British kufr law, or prays to Allah and Krishna, etc. This type of Tawheed (Uloohiyyah) requires the believer to exclusively worship Allah and offer none of his ritual acts to anyone other than Him. Allah (SWT) says:

 

Masjid ud-Diraar (the mosque of harm) !

Masjid ud-Diraar is a mosque whose sole purpose is to harm the believers, spread kufr concepts, cause disunity and harbour those who are at war with Allah and his Messenger (saws). The first Masjid ud-Diraar in the history of Islam was built just before the battle of Tabook, established by the evil Abu 'Aamir ar-Raahib and was located approximately one hour away from the city of al-Madeenah. 

Abu 'Aamir ordered his munaafiqeen comrades who were residing in al-Madeenah to construct a mosque next to Masjid Qubaa' (also known as Masjid ut-Taqwaa, the mosque of piety). After the munaafiqeen had finished building their mosque they went to the prophet (saws) and invited him to pray therein. They told him (saws) that they built the masjid for the weak and ill persons on rainy nights. However, Allah prevented his Messenger (saws) from praying in that masjid and the Messenger Muhammad (saws) said to them, "If we come back from our travel (we will visit your masjid), Allah willing."

The Tafseer (explanation) of Ibn Katheer states: "When the Messenger of Allah (saws) came back from Tabook and was approximately one or two days away from al-Madeenah, Jibreel came down to him with the news about Masjid ad-Diraar and the disbelief and division between the believers in Masjid Qubaa', that Masjid ad-Diraar was meant to achieve. Therefore, the Messenger of Allah (saws) sent some people to Masjid as-Diraar to bring it down before he reached al-Madeenah."

Allah (swt) revealed a number of verses regarding this whole issue:

Dawah and Ibtilaa

One need not look further than the lives of the Messengers of Allah to appreciate and understand the magnitude and consequences of practising Islam and proclaiming Allah’s message to mankind.
Indeed, if Allah loves a people, He tests them – to see if they are true to what they claim to believe. It has been reported upon the authority of Anas (RA) that the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Whenever Allah wills good for His slave, He hastens to punish him (or her) in this life; and when He wills evil for His slave, He withholds punishing him for his sins until he comes before Him on the Day of Judgement.”
  
None has been tested in the history of man quite like the Anbiyaa’ (Prophets), particularly the five with ‘firm determination’ – Nooh, Ibraheem, Moosa, ‘Eesa and Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all). They were Allah’s most loved ones, yet He put them through such grueling tests, that would have otherwise been unbearable for most others.

They were ridiculed and rejected by their community (disbelievers), attacked, boycotted, exiled, taunted, slandered, persecuted and vilified. Some were even imprisoned or worse, assassinated (by the Jews).

Nevertheless, Allah (SWT) made their lives a practical example for all people, and, in doing so, demonstrated what we ought to expect from the disbelievers if we follow and call to the Straight Path – rejection, ridicule and persecution.

Every Muslim is tested by Allah, so most certainly, throughout the course of your life, you may well be tested intermittently with hunger, bereavement, poverty and sickness. Allah (SWT) says:

The Gold Dinar, the Silver Dirham and a Resurgent Political Islam-Part II

By Younus Abdullah Muhammad

PS:
THIS EX-BROTHER OF OURS WAS RELEASED 7YRS IN ADVANCE DUE TO HIM COMPROMISING WITH THE KUFFAR, I.E. BECOMING A MURTAD WITH HIS COMPLETE ALLIANCE WITH THEM IN ASSISTING TO PLOT, PLAN AND PUT BEHIND BARS OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS UPON HAQQ !!!

THIS IS HIS NEW/CHANGED TO OLD SELF NOW VIEWS:
An extremist’s path to academia -- and fighting terrorism

FOR MORE INSHA'ALLAH ONE CAN SEARCH, READ AND WATCH NEWS ON GOOGLE. 

HOWEVER LET US BENEFIT FROM THE ARTICLE AS THIS WAS WRITTEN WHILST HE WAS A MUSLIM !

 

Part 2: Accounting the Historical Antecedents of Today’s Fiat Financial Facade

“I have a silver ounce here, and this ounce of silver back in 2006 would buy over 4 gallons of gasoline. Today it’ll buy almost 11 gallons of gasoline.” - Congressman Ron Paul confronting Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke on March 1^st, 2012

“Our biggest worry is interest rates, not default. Under default the whole financial system would be at risk! (Chuckle, chuckle!).” - Chairman Bernanke during that same hearing.

In part 1of this series we discussed the Prophet Muhammad’s prophesies dealing with the prevention of the Muslim World’s use of the Dinar and Dirham and the petrodollar system that grants the U.S dollar financial control (link here): 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/88375295/The-Gold-Dinar-the-Silver-Dirham-and-a-Resurgent-Political-Islam-Part-I

Alan Greenspan is a patriarch of today’s international financial system. As chairman of the U.S Federal Reserve, the ‘Maestro’ as he was known, oversaw a period of rapid expansion in the 1990’s attributed to a new, U.S.-led global economy. Then suddenly in late-2007 the entire financial system and in turn the interconnected world of globalisation, nearly imploded and stood on the precipice of potential collapse. By 2009, Alan Greenspan was forced to testify in front of congress and admitted that his free market  worldview was “fundamentally flawed”. A year later he would release his memoirs and make another controversial admission-exclaiming that the fraudulent invasion of Iraq in 2003 was largely about oil.

How often we complain? Ever thought?

Bismillah!

Have you ever found yourself falling into the habit of complaining, whether the complaint was valid or not?


In an effort to train yourself to complain less (and hopefully squash the habit of complaining altogether), here is list for thirteen ways to complain less:

1. Make your complaint to Allah
When Yusuf (AS) was separated from his father, and Ya'qoob (AS) lost his eyesight due to sorrow, Ya'qoob (AS) said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah..." [12:86].

Allah is the All-Capable, and the One Who can ease your affairs, so if there is something troubling you, make your complaint to Him, (SWT).


2. Only complain to the people if complaining is beneficial
This may be to get one of your rights, or the right of someone else you know -- sometimes, complaining is necessary. Be as kind and polite about it as possible, and don't overdo it.


3. Talk about practical solutions
Rather than making your complaint a constant, endless whine, talk about practical solutions to the problem you're facing. Is it a problem without a visible, practical solution? Then make your complaint to Allah!


4. Let the small things pass
Anas ibn Malik said, "I served the Prophet (SAW) for twenty years. He never said 'uff' to me, and he never said about anything I had not done, 'Why didn't you do it?' or about something I had done, 'Why did you do that?'" [Muslim]. Most things are small enough that we can just let them go.

5. Speak about Allah's favours
Rather than picking out everything that's wrong in your life, try picking out some of the things that are right, and speaking about them. Allah (SWT) says, "But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it]." Doing this should not only help you avoid complaining, but you'll also be fulfilling a command from Allah!

The Qur’an can Protect You from the Harm of the Disbelievers

{“And when you recite the Qur’an, We put an invisible veil between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter.”}

[al-Isra'; 45]

 

A group of the Mufassirin explained this verse to mean that the aversion to and heedlessness of the Qur’an and Islam on the part of the disbelievers is the result of a barrier that was placed on their hearts by Allah, making them unable to comprehend or realize any of the wisdom contained therein. This was the explanation of Qatadah, as well as al-Hasan al-Basri.However, various narrated incidents show that the verse carries an interpretation and meaning that is more literal to its wording; i.e., that one of the means by which Allah prevents his righteous servants from being thrown into the clutches of the disbelievers and being exposed to their harm is through the protection attained by the recitation of the Qur’an itself.

 

The following is collected from al-Qurtubi’s commentary on the above verse:

1 – Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said:

 

“When the chapter ‘al-Masad’ was revealed, al-’Awra’ Umm Jamil bint Harb came looking for the Prophet with a stick in her hands while the Prophet was sitting in the courtyard of the mosque with Abu Bakr. So, when Abu Bakr saw her, he said to the Prophet: “She is coming, and I fear that she will see you!” So, the Messenger of Allah said: “She will not be able to see me,” and he recited the Qur’an, seeking a firm handhold by it. He recited: {“And when you recite the Qur’an, We put an invisible veil between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter.”} [al-Isra'; 45]

 

So, she stood in front of Abu Bakr, and did not see the Messenger of Allah. She said: “O Abu Bakr! I have been informed that your companion has insulted me!” He said: “No, by the Lord of this House, he has not insulted you.”

 

So, she turned and walked away, saying: “Quraysh knows that I am the daughter of its most noble man!”"

 

2 – Sa’id bin Jubayr said:

 

Da'wah Al-Haqq

As Muslims and Da’ies, it is an obligation for us to be prepared for the consequences of our activities, both mentally and physically. People would not receive any problem by performing the individual duties such as salat, fasting, etc. But if we are calling upon the people to supress the carnal desires and live according to the rules of Allah – like what had been done by Rasulullah SAW – we would undoubtedly receive a hostile reaction.

Before Prophet Muhammad SAW came openly with the message of Islam, it was not that the kafir did not pay attention to him, in fact he was given the title Al-Amien. However, once he was given the duty to call upon the people to abandon their habits, leave their way of life, and only follow, as well as accept the law of Allah, he was fought, boycotted, criticized and charged.

Prophet Muhammad SAW called upon them to pronounce just one kalimah: “Laa ilaaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah”, so, why did they react by hating and being hostile to Allah, His Rasul and the believers (Sahabahs)? The kafir had been believing in Allah, so why was it so hard for them to declare the Kalimah of Allah?

The answer is simple, that the kalimah laa ilaaha illah does not only mean “There is no God except Allah”. Laa ilaaha illallah means that they would surrender their habits, traditions, desires, hobbies, way of life, religion, ideologies and beliefs, and only accept Islam as their identity and Allah as the Maker of laws for them. Accordingly, this is very hard for them to accept and that was the reason why they – like the people before them – declared war against the Rasul of Allah and his Sahabahs.

Many of the Sahabahs were beaten, captured, tortured, murdered, and Rasulullah SAW was slandered, accused as brainwashing and labelled as a lunatic (majnun), liar and sorcerer.
 

How to attain the love of Allah

 

Many people are concerned about what others think about them, but very few are inquisitive and concerned about what Allah thinks of them.

Does Allah accept your deeds, and how can you tell if He does?

There is a hadeeth qudsi in Saheeh ul-Bukhari which explains how a person can tell if they have attained the Pleasure and Love of Almighty Allah.

But first, let us understand the difference between hadeeth qudsi and hadeeth nabawi. Hadeeth qudsi and hadeeth nabawi are statements (or sayings) that are narrated by the Prophet (SAW), but hadeeth qudsi is a statement of the Prophet saying “Allah said…” So the wording (of a hadeeth qudsi) is from the Prophet (SAW) but the meaning is from Allah.

It has been reported by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

مَنْ عَادَى لِي وَلِيًّا فَقَدْ آذَنْتُهُ بِالْحَرْب
“Allah said: ‘He who shows any animosity to my wali, I will declare war against him…

Al-Wali is any individual whom Allah loves. The hadeeth continues:

وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ وَمَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ فَإِذَا أَحْبَبْتُهُ كُنْتُ سَمْعَهُ الَّذِي يَسْمَعُ بِهِ وَبَصَرَهُ الَّذِي يُبْصِرُ بِهِ وَيَدَهُ الَّتِي يَبْطِشُ بِهَا وَرِجْلَهُ الَّتِي يَمْشِي بِهَا وَإِنْ سَأَلَنِي لَأُعْطِيَنَّهُ وَلَئِنْ اسْتَعَاذَنِي لَأُعِيذَنَّهُ وَمَا تَرَدَّدْتُ عَنْ شَيْءٍ أَنَا فَاعِلُهُ تَرَدُّدِي عَنْ نَفْسِ الْمُؤْمِنِ يَكْرَهُ الْمَوْتَ وَأَنَا أَكْرَهُ مَسَاءَتَه
“…And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes closer to Me is (for him to do) what I have obliged him to do. And My servant will keep coming closer to Me by performing nawafil (voluntary good deeds) – until I love him. And when I love him I become his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his legs with which he walks. And if he asks something from Me, I will respond. And if he seeks my protection, I will protect him. And I will never hesitate to do anything I wish to do… the Mu’min hates death, and I hate for him to commit sin.”

There is No Honour except in Islam

Indeed, Umar bin Khattab RA as a great companion of Prophet Muhammad SAW had said about haq (the truth), in his speech he said:

“We are the people whom Allah have given honour with Islam and if we seek other honour besides that which is in Islam, then Allah will humiliate us.” (Hayyat us Sahabbah and Usud ul Ghaab by Ibnu Katsir).

The message from this hadith (speech) is that there is no glory, strength, power, honour, greatness or wonder except in Islam. And whoever seeks glory, admiration and honour from others besides Islam, then Allah will humiliate and embarrass him/her in the life of this world and the akhira after.

The people of iman (the Muslims) have a special privilege, honour and glory, because they will be able to see the face of God in paradise (insha'Allah). As for the people who disbelieve (non Muslims) and the munafiqs (those who lie in declaring themselves as Muslims) would never be able to see Allah and they would never be able to walk with their faces up on Judgment day, which will cause them to enter the raging flames of hell, in where they would dwell forever. However, the people who have no iman and the munafiqs are not aware of this reality of the law of Allah (Shari'ah) and they do not believe it. This is due to their kufr (denying and disbelieving in Allah and whatever had been sent down by Him) which becomes the reason for their humiliation and it is their actions which obstruct/hamper them from the truth.

The concept of true love in Islam

No religion urges its followers to adopt mutual love, affection and intimacy like the religion of Islam. This should be the case at all times, not just on specific days. Islam encourages showing affection and love towards each other all the time. In a Hadeeth, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "When a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him." [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]

In another Hadeeth, he (pbuh) said: "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise unless you believe, and you will not believe unlessyou love each other.Should I direct you to something that if you constantly did it, you would love each other? Spread the greetings of peace among you." [Muslim]

Moreover, the Muslim's affection includes inanimate beings. Talking about the Mountain of Uhud, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "This is Uhud, a mountain which loves us and we love it." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Love in Islam is all-encompassing, comprehensive and sublime, rather than being restricted to one form only, which is love between a man and a woman. Rather, there are more comprehensive, wider and sublime meanings. There is love for Allaah The Almighty, the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh), the Companions  and the love of good and righteous people. There is love of the religion of Islam, upholding it and making it victorious and the love of martyrdom for the sake of Allaah The Almighty as well as other forms of love. Consequently, it is wrong and dangerous to restrict the broad meaning of love to this type of love only.

A successful marital and family life is based on love and compassion:
Perhaps some people are influenced by what is relentlessly propagated by the media, movies and TV serials, day and night, thinking that a marriage will not be successful unless it is based on a pre-marital relationship between the young couple to achieve perfect harmony between them and secure a successful marital life.

Convey... even if it's just a single Verse

So many bad examples are milling around. Artists are proudly being adulterous. Spreading the viruses of pornography and porno actions. Perhaps it was caused by a mishap or they are simply looking for sensation. At the same time, there are those who are proud of their hedonistic lifestyles. Caught in the acts of carrying narcotics or even indulging in free sex. Many of its inhabitants have forgotten who they are. Obliviously engrossed in vices under the name of self existence.

More and more people easily despair. Aired in the mass media. Cases of suicide, abandoned newborns or even torture of loved ones in the name of depression. Frequently repeated news, thus it has become like a kind of motivation. While the market is not interested in the Islamic reflections at all, to direct towards the wisdom of life and the beauty of Islamic norms. The market prefers an exemplary model that is immoral or with low moral. That is why the entertainment world is full of matters of pleasure.

That now exists a society with minimal morality. Overloaded with tasks and jobs which are seizing the hearts. There is no more saalat, du'a is rarely made. The duniya and all its arrogance have busied themselves. So people rarely talk about 'how my Iman is today'. People rarely ask for help, 'please advise me, I am in a state of weak Iman'. It is non-existent, indeed it has never existed at all.

The wave of materialism makes the human beings in this century no longer care about religion. The necessities of life which are choking the neck, the costs of health care which are expensive and the lifestyle which is getting more permissive and hedonistic, make the yearnings for Islam fade. Even if they exist today, their numbers are certainly incomparable at all with the actual number of the population.

 

Presenting the Self as a Beautiful Figure

Some people who tried to become devout, tend to underestimate the value of beauty. They recognize less beauty which is an Islamic value. Allah SWT made all His creations to contain the value of beauty.

The Shari’a of Al-Quran does not only regulate life and many things outside ourselves, in fact the Shari’a of Al-Quran also regulates all matters relating to ourselves, starting from the food, appearance, behavior, etc. This is all intended to make the Islamic ummah the most excellent (with high qualities) human beings and creatures compared to other human beings and creatures.

"And cattle He has created for you (men): from them (woolen) you derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) you eat. And you have a sense of pride and beauty in them as you drive them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning." (An-Nahl: 5-6)

"And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge." (An-Nahl: 8)

In other verses in the Qur'an, Allah also speaks about the beauty of the sky, the stars, the gardens and various other things.

Beauty stands against badness. Allah is beautiful in His Essence, in His Names and His Attributes, and in His Actions. This is the reason why the greatest pleasure of all pleasures in paradise is seeing the face of Allah SWT. As the verse of Allah in Surah Al-Qiyamah says: 22-23
 

Advice on giving advice

Some people are unable to make a distinction between naseehah (advice) and tash’heer (exposing and criticising). As a consequence, they end up falling into major sin by exposing, belittling (ihtiqaar) or backbiting (gheebah) an individual instead of advising him.

For this reason, it’s very important that we learn how to give advice in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah because there is a fine line between advice and criticism. Criticism is condemned in Islam.

• Al-Naasih is the one who gives advice (Naasihah is feminine)
• Al-Nasheehah means advice
• Al-Mansooh is the one who is given advice

Al-Naseehah is derived from word nasahah, which means to purify, clean or wipe away any imperfection, error or corruption. It also means khalasah, which means to be sincere. So when we say, “Nasaha Umar,” it means Umar sincerely tried to clean or correct an error, shortcoming or imperfection. Allah (SWT) informs us in the Qur’an of “tawbatan nasooha” or sincere repentance:

يأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ تُوبُواْ إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحاً
“O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance!” (Qur’an 66:8)

Ibn Katheer (RH) said that sincere repentance is, “A true, firm repentance that erases the evil sins that preceded it and mend the shortcoming of the repenting person, encouraging and directing him to quit the evil that he used to do.” So naseehah means to erase and mend.

Imam Ali (RA) is reported to have said,

The First Obligation !!!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
All Praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists and peace and prayers be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, companions in entirety. 

"And We have sent among every community a Messenger (proclaiming): "Serve Allah and keep away from the Thagout ....." (An-Nahl 36)

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (rahimahullah) said:
"So know that the first divine obligation for us is to reject the Taghut and to have faith in Allah alone, the proof of this is Surah An-Nisa aya 36". 

THE SUNNAH

“So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah 256).

Abu Bakr Al Siddiq (ra) said: "Ahl Al Sunnah are the ones who hold onto the rope (strong hold) of Allah, without any compromise." [Sharh Kitab wal Ibana - p.120]

further he (ra) said: "The Sunnah is the firm grip (rope) of Allah."
 

The Hidden Pearls of Ibn Hazm

Transcribed from a Lecture by Shaykh Abu Qatadah – May Allah (swt) Hasten his release-AMEEN

There are personalities in history which have dazzled people and filled the world, for example in Poetry Abu Al-Tayyeb Al-Mutanabi. These types of personalities or celebrities to put it in a modern context tend to have many extreme admirers and likewise extreme haters [so to put it]. In each Art there are these types of personalities and one of these surely is Abu Mohammed Ali ibn Ahmed ibn Saeed ibn Hazm Al-Andalusi.
 

His roots go back to Persia. One of his grandfathers entered Al-Andalus with Abdul-Rahman Al-Daakhil from the Ummawi Family. Therefore his family had a great allegiance to the Umayyads. Many are those who praised this man excessively beyond the bounds and likewise people discredited him in the same manner (excessively). So why was he praised and why was he dispraised. He was born with a golden spoon in his mouth! He was the son of a minister so he was quite involved in politics from a very young age. His state would change during the course of his life from being a minister in a palace, to being imprisoned in the dungeons. He was criticized by many Muhadiths and likewise praised due to what they perceived his harsh stance in Jarh wal Ta’deel. It was claimed he declared some trustworthy narrators as distrusted and that he declared some known narrators to be unknown.

However let us start from the moment of his birth; he is among the very few whom we know exactly when he was born. He was born in the year 384 in Ramadhan. He was born rahimahullah among the Jawaari (Slave Women/Concubines), therefore when Ibn Hazm debated with the great Maalikee Scholar Abu al-Waleed Al-Baajy which many narrators claimed won the debate, however this claim is very doubtful. Ibn Hazm is not of those who are ever beaten. Abu al-Waleed Al-Baajy during the debate told Ibn Hazm in an apologetic manner “I have sought knowledge under a lamp and a candle”. He intended to humiliate Ibn Hazm due to his lavish upbringing. Listen to the reply of Ibn Hazm “As for I, Then I have sought knowledge upon light and luminosity and you seek to be like me for I have sought knowledge for its sake”. Here Ibn Hazm is claiming that Abu al-Waleed Al-Baajy has gained knowledge in order to higher his status!
 

Dawah Salafiyah

Da’wah is the art of making people inclined towards something, it is an invitation and a call, by definition it is a verbal and physical attempt to collect or gather the people together and make them inclined towards a particular thought, madhab or ideas.

“And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims." [41:33]

“Say (O Muhammad): "This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me. And Glorified and Exalted be Allah. And I am not of the Mushrikun.” [12:108]

“Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided”. [16:125]

References in relation to Dawah in the Quran are numerous and too many to quote in this article, however from the above mentioned verses the importance and necessity of Dawah is quite clear and plain to see, Indeed it was the primary role of the Anbiya (ra), the Prophets of Allah (swt) to call their people they were living amongst to Islam and to worship Allah (swt) exclusively without to associate any partners with Him (swt) and not worship any false deities.
 

Muslims in Germany Rise & Defend the Honour of the Prophet (saw)

While many of the Muslims remain silent while the prophet of Islam Mohammed (saw) is insulted, mocked and ridiculed Muslims in Germany come out to defend the honour of the prophet (saw) [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMBqMXMGALc ]. One thing that everyone must know is that the prophet (saw) is more beloved to us than our own families and ourselves and it is part of our imaan to love the prophet (saw) more than ourselves.

Omar Bin Khattab once said to the prophet (saw) that he loved the Prophet (saw) but not more than himself, and the prophet (saw) responded to Omar Bin Khattab by saying that your imaan is not complete until you love me more than you love yourself.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "None of you becomes a believer until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all mankind." [Bukhari and Muslim] and some versions add: "his life, his wealth and his family".

Extracts from the momentous book Raising the Sharp Sword Against Those who Insult the Messengers [Al-Saarim Al-Maslool Ala-Shaatim Al-Rasool] written by Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [d.728 AH] have been used to clarify the position of those who insult any of the Prophets of Allah (swt). The reader is also directed to The Healing by the Rights of the Recognition of the Chosen One written by Qadi Iyad [d.544 AH] also known as Ash Shifa. Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah says There is no right for anyone to pardon, or forgive, or leave the charge of death penalty because of benefit and interest, or change/replace the penalty from capital punishment to something lesser (e.g. Ta’zir being lashed or sentenced to prison) because this is someone who has harmed Muhammad (saw) and the entire Muslim Ummah [written in the chapter called Can we drop the charge against someone who insults Muhammad (saw)]. The offense is so great that in some cases an apostate can repent and return to the fold of Islam whereas anyone who insults any of the Messengers may repent but will never affect the ruling on him. As Imam Malik [d.179 AH] (rh) said He could become the most pious person in the entire world but that will not detract the penalty of being executed.

Ibn Ishaaq (rh) reported that Abu Ubaida ibn Muhammad Ammar ibn Yasir said four men and two women were ordered by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to be executed on the day of conquering Mecca. The women (Qaynaqa and Sarah (servant of Abu Lahab)) used to sing gross insulting poetry against Muhammad (saw). Muhammad (saw) said Their lives have no sanctity. Imam Ali (ra) said A woman insulted Muhammad (saw) and a man strangled her until she suffocated to death and Muhammad (saw) said Be my witness I declare her blood has no sanctity. [Abu Dawood]
  

A Message Clarifying the Meaning of Taghout

By Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (d. 1206 AH)

Know – may Allah have mercy upon you – that the first duty Allah has obliged upon the son of Adam is al-kufr bit-taghout (the rejection of false deities), and belief in Allah. And the evidence [for this] is the saying of the Exalted:

“And verily, We have sent among every ummah (community, people) a Messenger [proclaiming]: ‘Worship Allah [Alone] and keep away from taghout.’” (16:36)

As for the explanation of al-kufr bit-taghout, it is to believe that anything [or anyone] that is worshipped instead of Allah is falsehood, and [one must] desert it and detest it, and make tafkeer to its people [those who worship it, i.e. the disbelievers] and to take them as enemies.

As for the meaning of al-Imanu Billah, it is to believe that Allah is the Worshipped Lord – exclusively besides anything else – and to be sincere in all types of ‘ibadah (worship) to Allah, and to nullify it [one's worship] to any other ma’bood (false god), and to love the people of ikhlas [i.e. the Muslims] and to have alliance with them. And [al-Imanu Billah entails] hating the people of shirk and taking them as enemies.

And this [the aforementioned] is the Millah (ideology, or religion) of Ibrahim (Abraham), which only the fool rebels against, and it is [also] the uswah (best example) which Allah has informed us about through His saying:

“Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, animosity and hatred forever, until you believe in Allah Alone.’” (60:4)

The Parent Trap on Marriage

Marriage and the involvement of one’s Parents

Marriage is no longer as simple as it used to be, despite it being a very simple and easy contract in Islam. All that is technically required is permission from the male guardian (father, brother, maternal uncle, grandfather or a trustworthy Muslim brother/Imam in-case of no male guardian) of the bride, two trustworthy witnesses and a dowry from the groom to his bride.

However, young Muslims nowadays, who are eager to practise the Deen and safeguard their chastity, find it extremely difficult to get married at a young age because of the widespread shirk, nationalism, kufr, un-Islamic traditions, sectarian ideas and secularism which have affected their communities over the last 80 years or so, ever since the destruction of the Islamic state.

It is important to understand that obedience to one’s parents is obligatory in general, particularly when it comes to fulfilling their rights. And it is true that, “The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. And the anger of the Lord lies in the anger of the parent,” as ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (RA) said. (See Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Hadeeth #2)

However, this does not mean that you have committed a sin every time they get angry with you. For example, your father may ask you to buy a lottery ticket or take out an interest-based loan from the bank; if you disobey him in this situation it would be a good thing and you will be rewarded by Allah, even if he becomes angry and upset.

Similarly, if your parents try to encourage you to marry someone of their choice, you have the right to refuse because marriage is your right, not theirs. And it is not a sin to disobey them in this matter, even if it makes them angry. Especially if they wish for you to chose a non-practising Muslim and base him only on his nationality, education and job.

So if you have received a proposal or want to marry someone who has been given a good reference in terms of their character and commitment to the Deen, this is the person you should go for. Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:

 

Unified Ummah

"Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, his wives, his family, his companions and righteous followers Supporting man-made legislation involves Haraam, Kufr & Shirk an-Nizaamul A’qaai’d - [The Belief System]

A practical example is the most prevailing social order of this present world -DEMOCRACY- The fundamental guiding principle of Democracy (Stimulated by Former U.S.A. President Abraham Lincoln) is “Democracy for the people of the people by the people”. Thus, to accept Democracy is to believe that people are sovereign and the source of ALL power. Let us take a look at some statements given by majority of political scientists. From among them Austin has said “LAW IS THE WILL OF SOVEREIGN” and Jan Boda has said “IT IS THE DUTY OF THE SOVEREIGN TO MAKE LAW”. So we can understand from their statements that if the people are sovereign and the source of all power then the authority is in their hand to make law in a Democratic system.

Whereas on the other hand, Allah (SWT) (the Creator of people and the Great Lord of the Cosmopolitan) has declared that:
“And to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heaven and the earth, and to Allah is the return (of all).” (Surah An-Nur 24:42)

He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Who has begotten no son (children or offspring) and for Whom there is no partner in the dominion. He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:2)

“Say: “To Allah belongs all intercession. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. Then to Him you shall be brought back.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:44)

"And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie." (Surat Al-'An`ām 6:116)
 

The Meaning of Nifaaq

Nifaaq (hypocrisy) is a very serious issue. Allah (SWT) has informed us in the Qur’an that the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell. But what is hypocrisy?

Nifaaq comes from the word nafaq, which means tunnel or hole. It is something which takes you from one place to another. Anfaqa is when something leaves one hand and goes to another, like when a man spends on his wife. And in the Deen it is when a person leaves one side and goes to the other. Therefore, linguistically nifaaq means infaaq (when something leaves one hand and goes to another).

In Islam, however, the definition differs from the linguistic meaning. In Islam it is Izhaar ul-Islaami wa-Israar ul-kufr, or to show Islam in your public life but conceal kufr in your heart. Imam Ibn Jurayj (RH) said:

المنافق يخالف قوله فعله، وسره علانيته، ومدخله مخرجه
“The hypocrite is the one whose sayings contradict his actions; what he conceals (his inner) contradicts what he shows (his apparent); and his entrance and presence are not the same as his exit and absence.” (At-Tabari 1/270)

So hypocrisy is to hide kufr and show Islam. Hypocrisy in belief is major hypocrisy (nifaaq akbar), and this is to hide kufr. When a person does not believe in his heart he will be in Hellfire forever; in fact, the hypocrite will be in the lowest part of Hell. Allah (SWT) says:

إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الأسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ وَلَنْ تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا
Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. (Al-Nisaa, 4:145)

What is Your opinion on Sayyid Qutb

Abu Mohammed al Maqdisi Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and His blessings. We ask Allah to strengthen you. My dear Sheikh, my question concerns Sayyid Qutb – may Allah have mercy on him. And truth, I tried very hard to find your opinion on Sayyid Qutb, but I did not find it.
Perhaps you mentioned something about this matter, but I did not find it. It is well known that the advocates of salafiyyah – especially – wage blistering attacks against this man.

Most of what is in their attacks is void and fabrication and twisting his words. Or they do tafseer and decide that he has bad intentions. There is no doubt that Sayyid Qutb is a wronged and injured man. Much of what he wrote by virtue of hi literary manner of writing, has constituted reason for some people to misunderstand him or take his words in a way that he does not mean. My question is this – I want your opinion on this man and I trust you. May Allah reward you …


The response: