Abu Bakr as-Siddiq's monumental stance !

‘Umar (ra) said, “By He in whose hand is my soul, if Abū Bakr had obeyed us, we would have committed kufr in a single morning, and that was when they asked him to go easy concerning zakāh [by not waging war against the apostates over it], but he refused. He said, ‘If they were to withhold from me a short rope, I would wage jihād against them over it.’” [Musannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah]

He (ra) also said, “We almost committed kufr in a single morning if not that Allah saved us through Abū Bakr as-Siddīq (ra).” [Al-Ibānah al-Kubrā]

Abū Rajā’ al-‘Utāridī said, “I entered al-Madīnah and saw the people gathered around a man kissing the head of another while the kisser was saying, ‘May I be killed in your defense! If not for you, we would have been ruined.’ So I asked, ‘Who is the kisser and who is the one being kissed?’ They said, ‘That is ‘Umar kissing Abū Bakr’s head for his war against the people of apostasy who resisted zakāh.” [Tārīkh Dimashq]

Abū Hurayrah (ra) said, “By He other than whom there is no god, if Abū Bakr had not been appointed khalīfah, Allah would not be worshipped on the Earth!” He repeated this three times. [Al-I’tqād – al-Bayhaqī]

Wakī’ Ibn al-Jarrāh said, “If not for Abū Bakr, Islam would have perished.” [Al-Ibānah al-Kubrā]

One who practices Witchcraft !

Question:
What is the correct ruling on one who practices magic or witchcraft?

Answer:
Praise be to Allah.

Magic in all its forms is Haraam according to all divinely-revealed laws, and there is scholarly consensus that magic and learning magic are Haraam.

Magic goes against that which the Messengers brought and it opposes the purpose for which the Books were revealed.

Most of the scholars were of the view that the one who practices magic is a Kaafir whom the authorities are obliged to execute.

Allah says:
وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ
“Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, but the shayateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic” [2:102]
وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ
“But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)’” [2:102]
 
This proves that magic is Kuffr!

Most of the Shafi’i fuqaha (jurists) were of the view that the one who practices magic is not a Kaafir unless he believes that magic is permitted or he believes something like the people of Babylon believed, that practising magic would bring them closer to the seven stars (which they used to worship).
 

Every Nation was sent a Messenger !!!

It is an Islamic belief that every nation was sent a Messenger for their guidance. The important matter was the concept of Tawheed. The secondary matter was Shari'ah, or religious Law, which kept changing from tribe to tribe and nation to another. Allah alone knows what is good for His creation.

As it is mentioned in the Quraan: "And for every nation is a messenger. So when their Messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged." [10:47] And: "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, (saying): 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghoot (i.e., false deities)'. And among them were those upon whom error was (deservedly) decreed. So proceed (i.e., travel) through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers." [16:36]

Some of these Messengers are mentioned in the Quraan by Allah and some of them are not, as the Quraan says: "And We have certainly sent messengers before you (O Muhammad). Among them are those (whose stories) We have related to you, and among them are those (whose stories) We have not related to you. And it was not for a messenger to bring a sign (or verse) except by permission of Allah. So when the command of Allah comes, it will be concluded (i.e., judged) in truth, and the falsifiers will thereupon lose (all)." [40:78]

So, we decided to have a look at the issue of Messengers sent to various tribes and nations and take the advice mentioned in the Quraan: "…So proceed (i.e., travel) throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied." [3:137]

A brief similitude regarding disobedience...

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said:
“Obedience to (Allah and His Messenger) is a light and disobedience is darkness. And whenever the darkness becomes more intense, straying increases until (the person) falls into bidah, affairs of misguidance and destruction, whilst he does not know–similar to a blind man who comes out in the darkness of night and walking by himself.” [Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee: page: 13]

Consequences of Persisting Upon Evil, Whilst Receiving More Provision – By Imaam As-Sadi:
Allah said:
"Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not.  And I respite them; certainly My Plan is strong." [7:182-183]

"سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم  – We shall gradually seize them with punishment" – by granting them plentiful provision and respite until they think that they will neither be taken to task for their disobedience nor punished, so they increase in disbelief and transgression, and evil upon evil. And through this their punishment is increased and multiplied, so they harm themselves in ways they perceive not. This is why Allah said:
"إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ -certainly My Plan is strong"
[An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fi Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi]

"سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ –  We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not": Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawri said that this means, ”Whenever they commit (major) sins, Allah bestows a blessing on them and make them forgetful of seeking forgiveness." [Al-Mukhallisaat 2352]

Reconciling People...

Reconciling people is among the great noble morals. The Shari'ah urged it in more than one occasion as Allah says: "So fear Allah and amend that which is between you." [8:1] The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Sadaqah (i.e. charity) is due on every joint of a person every day the sun rises. Administering of justice between two men is also a sadaqah. Assisting a man to ride upon his riding animal, or helping him load his luggage upon it is a sadaqah; a good word is a sadaqah; every step that you take towards prayer is a sadaqah, and removing harmful objects from the pathway is a sadaqah." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Due to the importance of this virtue, Islam assigned one of the disbursement channels of Zakaah for those who seek to reconcile people. The Prophet (saws) said: "The best charity is to reconcile between people." [At-Tabarani in Al-Mu‘jam Al-Kabeer]

Poets did not forget the virtue of reconciling people, so they immortalized it in their poems. One Arab poem said a line of verse that means: All merits are referred to two matters; glorifying the Orders of Allah and seeking to reconcile people.

Reconciling people is a branch of faith and an Islamic moral code through which grudges are eliminated, hearts are purified, and flames of fitnah are extinguished. Allah said – about this quality –: "No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah – then We are going to give him a great reward." [4:114]

Islam urges the believer to regard 'reconciling people' as one of his most important aims in his worldly life, as it is through reconciliation that the Ummah becomes a coherent unit where one part thereof seeks to amend the other part. Thus, it becomes like a single body; if one organ of it complains, the rest of the body suffers sleeplessness and fever. Neglecting this matter leads to the disintegration of the Ummah and the severance of its ties.
 

The Foundation of Islam & its Principle, PART-4.

So, the fourth, and this one will be a little bit shorter. The fourth thing that is mentioned here is making Takfir or declaring to be non-Muslim, the people who leave Tawhid. So, just the first, you know something to talk about before getting into this topic, is the idea of or the phrase here used is Takfir, and this is something which people probably hear very often and it creates something in their heart, or they feel uncomfortable when they hear it.

This is a product of many factors that have come about and things that have gone on in the Ummah in the last 60 years, and the way that this phrase is used by certain groups to scare people away from certain aspects of Tawhid, because in and of itself, what does Takfir mean? It means saying someone isn't a Muslim, that’s all takfir means. So, from this, we can see that it's not a good word nor it's a bad word.

If someone comes up and says “I'm Jewish”, then you say he's not a Muslim, that's Takfir. No one would say you’re crazy to say that, everyone would accept that. If you see a priest and he’s not Muslim, this is takfir. So, in and of itself this word isn’t something good and it’s not something bad, it’s just the calling someone non-Muslim.

At the same time, if someone walks in here and sees a row of Muslimin praying and he says these people are all kuffar, this is also takfir. No one would say that, that’s something acceptable either, calling a Muslim, who’s confirmed as being Muslim, calling him a Kafir, it’s a sinful thing and it’s a very grave matter to do. At the same time, not calling Kuffar, Kuffar is also something that's a very grave thing. So, if you see a Kafir and you say it’s okay we can call him a Muslim, or he’ll enter Jannah. So, on the other side, there’s just as dangerous things that come from the opposite aspect of this issue of Takfir.

Just be careful when you hear that word that it's not being used in a way that's just a means to scare you away from certain aspects of Tawhid. Obviously, if someone doesn’t do anything which takes them out of Islam, we can’t call him a Kafir, and it would be haram upon us to do that, and we have to give him his rights of Islam and all this. But at the same time, you’ll find people who say if you call a Jew or Christian or someone who’s Druzi or someone who’s a Rafidi and you say this guy’s not Muslim, they’ll freak out and say he’s making Takfir. But what else am I going to do, I’m not going to call him a Muslim because he’s obviously not a Muslim, he’s worshipping ‘Ali, he’s making Tawaf on graves and he doesn’t even call himself a Muslim to begin with, how am I not going to call him a Kafir or how am I going to call him a Muslim. 

Qunut for our imprisoned Muslimeen

Ruling of Seeking Judgement from the Taghout & Getting Rid of the Doubts Concerning it!

Our aim in this work with the permit of Allâh is to bring forth the narrations with regards to seeking judgment from Tâghût’s being in opposition to the Shahâdah (testimony) of La ilaha illallâh (There is no deity/god worthy of worship but Allâh) which is the Asl’ud Dîn (bases of the religion) itself.

There are many doubts and views concerning whether seeking judgment from Tâghût is something that nullifies the Asl’ud Dîn or whether it is a matter of Furû (secondary matters of the Dîn) which makes it merely a sin in which there is Ikhtilâf (disagreement) amongst the Ulamâ and contains unclear points concerning it.

In this work we will refute all those views that claim seeking judgment from the Tâghût should not be considered - even if it is said partially - within Tawhîd. We are going to start by summarizing the opposite views.

However before that, it needs to be underlined that the owner of these Bâtil (false) views and deviant creeds concerning the issue of seeking judgment from the Tâghût are some ignorant contemporary so-called scholars whose views cannot be taken in consideration. None of the views they bring forth can be quoted from any respected scholar.

The reason why we are going to mention these views in detail is not because we take them in consideration seriously, but to cause the Bâtil to be fully seen. It is because many people can only comprehend the issue after it is explained and clarified in detail and they will not be able to realize it being against the general principles which are also possessed by these Bâtil Usûl (methodology) owners.

For the sake of hoping to be a Wasîlah (means) to Hidâyah (guidance) for those who need explanation in detail, we are going to mention all of these Bâtil views and with the help of Allâh we will establish that they are against the principle “seeking judgment from the Tâghût nullifies Asl’ud Dîn”:

- According to some, seeking judgment from the Tâghût is not Kufr but Harâm ! Moreover, they assert that those who claim it to be Kufr are distanced from Ahl’us Sunnah and are closer to the Khawârij !

Advice from Sufyan at-Thawri...

❝Be truthful at all times and in all places. Stay away from lying and from deception, and do not sit alongside liars and deceivers, for all such deeds are sins.

My brother, be careful not to show off, either in speech or in deed, for showing off is Shirk itself (Shirk being to associate partners with Allāh in worship).

Do not be conceited, for even a good deed is not raised (to the heavens) if any conceitedness is involved in it.

Take your religion only from one who is sincerely and compassionately concerned about his own religious guidance. The example of a scholar who is not concerned about his own religious well-being is that of a sick doctor: If he cannot treat his own disease…then how can he treat the diseases of others…? Likewise, if one is not concerned about his own religious well-being, then how can he be concerned about the religious well-being of others?

My brother, your religion is nothing more than your flesh and blood (i.e., You should be concerned about your religious well-being, because if you aren’t, it is your flesh and blood that will pay the penalty through the punishment of Allāh). Cry out of concern for your soul and have mercy on it; if you do not have mercy on it, then mercy will not be shown to it.

Sit only in the company of one who advises you to desire little from this world and who encourages you to put your hopes in the Hereafter. Take care not to sit with worldly people who speak constantly about worldly affairs; such people will ruin your religious well-being and will corrupt your heart.

Remember death frequently, and just as frequently ask Allāh to forgive you for your past sins.

The most misused/ abused phrases !!!

The most misused/abused phrases by the people to cover-up their mistakes:

1 "Only Allah can judge" !
2 "You don't know what is in the heart" !

The statements are true but they are intentionally applied (to support) a wrong (cause). [This was said by Ali (ra) in his reply to the Khawaarij - Saheeh Muslim]

The first statement was uttered by the Khawaarij against Ali (ra). The Khawaarij denied the role of man in making decisions and forming judgments; whereas, we do indeed have court systems and judges to make judgments. [See the long conversation between Ibn Abbaas and the Khawaarij]

The second statement is from the `Aqeedah of the Murji'ah, those who believe that (a) Imaan is nothing but a belief of the heart only, (b) the actions of the limbs and statement of the tongue are not a part of Imaan, (c) it neither increases with obedience nor decreases with disobedience, (d) and that it remains constant. [Whereas the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah believe that Imaan is to believe in the articles of Faith with: a) firm conviction of the heart, b) statement of the tongue (saying the Shahadah), c) and actions of the limbs. d) It increases with righteousness and obedience, and decreases with sins and disobedience.]

So, instead of owning up to their mistakes and correcting themselves, many people utter such statements as a cover-up, and to run away from their responsibilities.

They also utter such statements to silence those who want to help them. Their pride denies them from accepting the Truth/Guidance.
 

Love of Allah...

An exceptional love

The love of Allah should occupy man's heart and get total possession of it; and if it does not seize it entirely, it should at least outweigh the love of all other things in it. Allah says about the believers: "He loves them and they love Him," [5:54] and the Prophet (saws) said: "A man would not have attained faith until and unless he loves Allah and His Messenger more than anything else." [Bukhari] When angel of death came to take the soul of Prophet Ibrahim (as) the latter said, "Have you ever seen a friend take his friend's life?" To that, Allah replied, "Have you ever seen a friend unwilling to see his friend?" Then Ibrahim (as) said, "O Angel of death! Take my soul!" The Prophet (saws) taught the following supplication to his Companions, "O Allah, allow me to love You and to love those who love You, and to love whatsoever brings me nearer to Your love, and make Your love more precious to me than cold water to the thirsty." [At-Tirmithi]

Al-Hassan Al-Basri used to say, "He who knows Allah, loves Him."

Causes of the love of Allah

The first cause is man's love for himself and his drive to perfect his own creation. This leads directly to loving Allah because man's very existence and attributes are but the gift of Allah whose grace and kindness have brought man from behind the curtain of non-existence into this visible world. Man's preservation and eventual attainment of perfection are also entirely dependent upon Allah's grace. It would indeed be a wonder if one should take refuge from the heat of the Sun under the shadow of a tree and not be grateful to the tree, without which there would be no shadow at all. On precisely the same way, were it not for Allah, man would have neither existence nor attributes at all.

Advice for Muslimah's from our beloved Prophet (saws)

• The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "If a woman performs the five (obligatory) prayers, fasts the month (of Ramadaan), maintains her chastity and obeys her husband, it will be said to her (on the Day of Judgment), 'Enter Paradise from whichever gate you like'." [Ibn Hibban] [Al-Albani: Saheeh]

• The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "O company of women! Give charity even from your ornaments, for you constitute the majority of the people of Hell on the Day of Judgment." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

• The Messenger of Allah (saws) further said: "I advise you (O women) to adhere to Tasbeeh (to say 'Exalted be Allah'), Tahleel (to say 'there is none worthy of worship except Allah'), and Taqdees (to say 'Exalted be (Allah) The Sovereign, The Pure, Exalted and Pure be the Lord of angels and Holy spirit'), and count with the help of your fingers, for they will be questioned and made to speak (to give witness to you), and be not heedless (of Dhikr - remembrance) lest you would forget (to seek) mercy." [Abu Dawood and At-Tirmithi]

• It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saws) asked a woman of the Ansar (The Companions of Prophet (saws) from Madeena) called Umm Sinan: “What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?” She replied, “There were only two camels used for carrying water owned by so-and-so (meaning her husband). He and his son offered Hajj on one, and the other was left to be used for irrigation.” The Prophet (saws) said: “Then, ‘Umrah (to be offered) in Ramadan is equal (in reward) to Hajj or Hajj with me.” [Muslim]

The Foundation of Islam & its Principle, PART-3.

Last week we talked about the issues of ‘Aqidah that are included in that topic. So, when we say we’re going to study ‘Aqidah, or this is a book about ‘Aqidah, what are the things that might be there and we talked a little bit about all the things that would be included, and what’s the most important and what’s the basis of those things and why we’re starting with that.

So, we said the most basic part of ‘Aqidah is Tawhid, so following Tawhid and staying away from Shirk and this is why we chose this small Risalah, it’s very basic and it gives you the most basic aspects of the ‘Aqidah of the Muslimin and these are aspects that don’t even fall, if someone contradicts them, they don’t even fall into aspects of Bi’dah, they actually fall out of the fold of Islam, because the most basic thing, if someone doesn’t have Tawhid, or they have Shirk then they’re not Muslim.

So, this isn’t a matter of, to say that this person is not from Ahlus-Sunnah or this person is a Mubtada’, we’d say that this person has actually left the fold of Islam and he’s not a Muslim, or he’s a Kafir or however you want to phrase what this person is, but the fact of the matter is that they’re not Muslim.

So, this is why we started with this and last week brother Jamal read it for us, and we see that it’s two aspects, so the first is thing that must be done by the Muslim, so that he must have Tawhid, act upon Tawhid and he must encourage upon that, and he must have his Wilayah for it, or forming his allegiances are based upon Tawhid and that the fourth is that he declares to be a disbeliever the people who don’t have Tawhid.

The second aspect was the opposite of that, so staying away from Shirk and encouraging or warning people against that, or having Bara’ah and disvowment from the people who fall into shirk, and then the fourth part is declaring the people who do it, to be non-Muslim, and be kuffar. The Imam who wrote this, he mentioned the evidence for all of these, when Allah said,

“And verily, We sent to every community a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allah (Alone) and avoid the Taghut’.” [16:36]

Summary of Events after Hijrah

1st year of Hijrah:

1. As soon as the Prophet (saws) reached Madinah, he built a Mosque for prayers. The walls were made of mud and the roof was made of leafy stalks of date trees.

2. Up until then there were only two compulsory Rak'aat for the noon (Dhuhr), afternoon (‘Asr) and night (‘Isha) prayers; but from then on four Rak'aat were made compulsory for these three times of prayers.

3. Agreements were made with the Jews and the neighboring tribes for peace and friendliness.

4. Bonds of brotherhood developed between the Muhajireen of Makkah and those of Madina, called Ansar. The Ansar loved the Makkans more than their brothers and permitted them to share in their properties on equal terms.

2nd year of Hijrah:

1. Regular calls for the prayer began to be observed.

2. Allah Almighty commanded the Muslims to change their direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Ka'bah in Makkah.

3. Fasting in the month of Ramadaan was made compulsory.

4. Battle of Badr took place.

3rd year of Hijrah:

Islam and Jihaad for the sake of Allah...

Islam came to complete the previous Divine religions and faith on earth. In fact, the Prophet (saws) completed the missions of the previous Prophets. Allah’s Messenger (saws) said: “My example, and the example of the prophets, who preceded me, is like that of a person who built a beautiful house. The house was perfect, magnificent and great except for a place of a single brick (in one corner). People, who visited (or saw) that house admired it but always wondered, why did not the owner complete that missing single brick?’ I am that (missing) brick. I am the final Prophet (for mankind on the earth).” [Al-Bukhari]

Islam diligently acts to provide the basic needs of man on earth, like the previous Divine religions and works hard to secure his rights.

Let us read together the following verse of the Quraan: “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors.” [2:190]
Allah has made Jihaad a rewardable act that Muslims believe in and practice. In fact, Jihaad is looked upon as the “hump” of the camel, the highest most important point on the body of the camel, and a Muslim should regard it similarly. Struggle for the sole cause of Allah Almighty must be cherished by the sincere believing Muslims in this life. It should be treated with reverence and taken seriously, with a mature understanding of its objectives. Jihaad is not an innovation in Islam. In fact, Jihaad is an accepted, well-established, and known practice in the previous faiths and nations as well.

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: I was travelling with the Prophet (saws) one morning, close to him as we journeyed together, and I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a deed that will admit me into Paradise and keep me away from the Hellfire.” The Prophet (saws) said, “You have asked about an enormous matter, yet it is easy upon those for whom Allah makes it easy. Worship Allah and do not associate anything with him, establish the prayer, give the charity, fast the month of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the House.” Then, the Prophet (saws) said, “Shall I not tell you about the gates of goodness? Fasting is a shield, charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire, and the prayer of a man in the late night,” and the Prophet (saws) recited the verse, “They arise from their beds and supplicate to their Lord in fear and hope. They spend from what We have provided them, for no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort as reward for what they used to do.” (32:16) Then, the Prophet (saws) said, “Shall I not tell you about the head of the matter and its peak?” I said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (saws) said, “The head of the matter is Islam, its pillar is prayer, and jihād is its peak. Shall I not tell you how to achieve all of this?” I said, “Of course, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet (saws) pointed to his tongue and he said, “Restrain this.” I said, “O Prophet of Allah, will what we say be held against us?” The Prophet (saws) said, “May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu’adh! Is there anything that topples people onto their faces into the Hellfire but the harvest of their tongues?” [At-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

Physical characteristics of Angels

What they were created from and when

The substance from which Allah created angels is light. It is narrated on the authority of `A'ishah that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you (i.e. in the Quraan, which is clay)." [Muslim]

Prophet Muhammad (saws) did not explain what light this is that they were created from. Hence we cannot indulge in trying to say more about this matter, because it is the matter of the unseen concerning which no further clarification has been narrated, apart from this Hadith.

We do not know when the angels were created, for Allah has not informed us about that. But we do know that they were created before Adam the father of mankind. Allah has told us that He informed the angels that He was going to create a Khaleefah on earth. Allah says in the Quraan:
"And (mention, O Muhammad), when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." [2:30]
 

Allah also says:

"And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My soul, then fall down to him in prostration." [15:29]

Seeing the angels

The universal Da’wah of Islam...

The Da’wah of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) was not restricted to a particular time or place; rather, it was a universal Da’wah; one to last until the end of time.

There is much evidence to substantiate this and some wonderful examples can be found in the Quran. Allah clarifies the timeless prophetic role of Muhammad (saws) in the following Ayaat:

• "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and as a warner to all mankind." [34:28]

• "Say (O Muhammad): 'O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah." [7:158]

• "Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e., this Quran) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a Warner to the 'Aalameen (mankind and Jinn)." [25:1]

There is a Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "I have been given superiority over the other Prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies); spoils have been made lawful to me; the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all of mankind and I am the seal of the Prophets." [Muslim]

The Foundation of Islam & its Principle, PART-2.

So, insha’Allah now we’ll talk a little bit about each one of these four aspects of the first rule that he mentions. So, he says the first one is:

a) Commanding the worship of Allah Alone without any partners.
We know Allah said,
“Say: ‘O People of the Book, come to a word that is Just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him; and that none of us shall takes others as Lords besides Allah.’ Then if they turn away, say: ‘bear witness that we are Muslimin’”. [3:64]

So, we see from this verse that, first of all, we are ordered to call the people to this. It’s not something that we say “I believe and I’m not going to push my beliefs on anyone else”, because if we believe this is true, and we believe Allah has the right to be worshipped, and no one has the right to be worshipped other than Allah, this is something we have to openly declare.

Whether it’s to Muslimin who have problems with this, who fall into acts that contradict this, we should correct them and inform them that we don’t accept it. Likewise, taking part in other non-Muslim acts that are worship of other than Allah, or that contain any of these aspects, they should be openly declared because Allah ordered us here, “Qul ya Ahl-Kitab”, so the first one is the Prophet (saws), and we’re ordered to follow him in everything that’s not specific to him, and this is obviously one of the things that isn’t specific to him.

We also see here, that Allah said to call them to this word, that we don’t that we don't worship anybody except Allah, that we associate no partners with Him and that none of us shall take others a Lords besides Allah, so these three things. Then he said, if they turn away from this, then say, “bear witness that we are Muslimin.” So, if people don't accept these things, they're not Muslims.

Attending Masajid Propagating Western/Modern Islam ?!?

Introduction

Since the attack of September 11, 2001, the United States and its allies, as part of their war on “terror”, have been working rigorously to promote and establish an Islam which is compatible with Western/modern values, idea and ideals, as one of the several ways to fight the “ideology” of those who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. As a result, the vast majority of masajid (mosques) in the West and elsewhere have joined this effort, which has turned the vast majority of masajid into frontline organizations dedicated to fighting the Islam of those who strive to adhere to the of Islam of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and the first three generations of followers. As such, these so-called masajid should be considered the harmful masajid which are referred to in the Quraan. Allah says:
"And (there are) those (hypocrites) who took for themselves a mosque for causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers and as a station for whoever had warred against Allah and His Messenger before. And they will surely swear, “We intended only the best.” And Allah testifies that indeed they are liars." [9:107]

Therefore, it is prohibited to attend or support in any way the masajid promoting and establishing a Western/Modern Islam, which is a distortion and rejection of the purest form of Islam of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and the first three generations of followers.

Explanation
 

Judging by what is Apparent: A trait of the Takfeeri ?

How do we judge if someone is kaafir? Can we judge someone's heart, to see if he is kaafir? Is that possible? If we look to the example of someone who comes and says Assalamu 'Alaikum to us, we would undoubtedly say that he is Muslim. Do we need to check his heart ? No, we know his Islam from his sayings and his actions. We do not need to check his heart, so why if someone's sayings and actions are kuffr, should we need to check his heart? Rather when we see someone who is clearly in kuffr and shirk, or we see people competing with Allah, i.e. that they are Taghout, there is no need for us to check his heart, we must make Takfeer on him - that is the Haqq of Allah. We have a principle in Islam, that: "We consider only the apparent in regards to Imaan and kuffr, we do not consider that which is concealed."

Usama bin Zaid was sent in an expedition, he spoke about one man in the battlefield, he said: "… I saw one of them, he said "laa ilaaha illallah". I stabbed him, and after that I felt bad and so told Muhammad (saws) what I did. The Prophet (saws) asked: "did he say laa ilaha illallah, and you killed him?" I said: "He said it, but only out of fear for my sword." He (saws) asked "did you check his heart to see if he believed it?" he kept on repeating that question until I wished that I was not Muslim yet until that day." [Sahih Muslim]
Imaam an-Nawawi repeated another narration where the Prophet (saws) continued: "(the Prophet (saws) said) …did you kill him?" I said: "yes" he said "what will you do about that laa ilaha illallah if it comes to you on the day of judgment?" I asked "ask forgiveness for me o Rasulullah." and every time he saw me after that he (saws) would ask me "what will you do if laa ilaaha illallah comes to you on the day of judgment?""
Usama bin Zaid was dispraised by Muhammad (saws) strongly because he judged someone's intention i.e. what is inside his heart, though his APPARENT i.e. his sayings and actions was showing Islam.

Furthermore, Al Mikhdaad ibn Aswad asked: "If I found someone who came to me and he fought me, and he cut off my hand, then he went to a tree and I overpower him, and he said 'laa ilaaha illallah,' shouldn't I kill him?" the Prophet (saws) said: "do not kill him, if you kill him, he will take your place, before you killed him. And you will become in his position before you came to fight him." [Sharh Muslim - V-2 P -106]

Marriage to Jewish or Christian Women ?

A Muslim man cannot marry a christian or jewish woman unless she is chaste.  A marriage to an unchaste christian or jewish woman by a Muslim man would not be valid. Allah says:

الْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ ۖ وَطَعَامُ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ ۖ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِي أَخْدَانٍ

"This day (all) good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And (lawful in marriage are) chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking (secret) lovers." [5:5]

Furthermore, a Muslim man is forbidden from marrying a christian or jewish woman in a predominantly disbelieving society, for the following reasons:

Gems from the Treasury of the Quraan...

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "The best amongst you are those who learn the Quraan and teach it.” [Bukhari]

What is the Quraan?

The Quraan is the Book of Allah, which He chose to be the Final of the Heavenly Books. He, the Merciful and Most High, revealed it to Prophet Muhammad (saws) as the source for the Last Religion and a guidance for mankind. Its revelation was a turning point for humanity; it was the power that changed the world, shifted the flow of history, saved and reformed humanity, so much so that the entire existence appeared as if it had been recreated anew.

The Quraan is the strongest evidence in support of Prophet (saws) and his greatest sign. It is the proof of his prophethood and trustworthiness. Allah says in the Quraan: “They (unbelievers) want to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths. But Allah will perfect His light, even though the unbelievers may detest it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, so that he may exalt it over all religions, much as the pagans may dislike it.” [61:8-9]

The Quraan is the guidance that mankind needs to achieve freedom, happiness and success, in this life and the next

Daughters of Scholars...

Islam advocates educating women and enlightening them about the teachings of religion, as this greatly influences the life of women as well as that of their children in the future. As Hafiz Ibrahim, the Poet of the Nile said, "The mother is a school; if she is well-prepared, a noble nation is prepared."

Besides, the Prophet (saws) addressed women saying: "O womenfolk…." He even specified a day on which he used to address them; when some female Companions said to him, "Men are always with you. So, specify a day for us." He indeed specified a day on which he met them, admonished them and commanded them… [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Moreover, the Prophet (saws) used to urge women to teach each other. For example, he said to Ash-Shifaa’ bint ‘Abdullaah Al-‘Adawiyyah, "Teach Hafsah the Ruqyah (protective and healing supplications) for Namlah (Namlah literary means ant. It is a skin disease where pustules appear on the side of the body and they are swallowed like ants), just as you taught her writing." [Ahmad and Al-Haakim]

The Mothers of the Believers, such as ‘Aa’ishah and Hafsah used to explain and teach matters of the religion to women. This was also the guidance of other male Companions for they were keen on teaching their wives and informing them about the teachings of the religion, especially rulings that are specific to women, such as those related to ritual purification, menstruation, post-partum bleeding, prayer, marriage, divorce, breastfeeding, and so on. Some Companions used to hold gatherings of knowledge in their homes in order to teach their children and daughters.

The Foundation of Islam & its Principle, PART-1.

Insha’Allah this is the first lesson we’ll start with ‘Aqidah, we had the Fiqh lesson for about a month, and you asked for something on ‘Aqidah. So, insha’Allah this will be a little bit different than the Fiqh, Fiqh is very long and we’re not really rushing to get through anything, and it’s one book, and we’ll stick with that book. For this topic, it’d be better to pick different small books or mutun, to go through one here and one here and to pick topics about different issues and start our way up. So, we’ll start from the bottom and it’ll take be very quick, and we’ll work our way up, and the more detail we get, the longer we’ll spend on the topic, but I think this will work better for the ‘Aqidah lessons.

When we’re studying ‘Aqidah, there’s many many topics that we would have to go through. Obviously, there’s the basic issues of Tawhid and Shirk, and what is considered Tawhid and what if considered Shirk, and what actually makes someone enter Islam, or what are the conditions for someone to be Muslim.

As well as, how does someone leave Islam, because we need to know that as well. Just as important, to first of all to stay away from it ourselves, and also know who was actually considered Muslim, and who isn’t considered Muslim, because this is also something that’s from the Ahkam of our religion, so this is something that we’ll also go into as well.

Included in that, is the or in the issues of ‘Aqidah is talking about the pillars of Iman, which is belief in Allah, which would be related to the shirk and the tawhid, but also talking about what we believe about the Angels, the Prophets and the Messengers, the Books of Allah that He revealed and everything that’s included in that.

So, what are the rights of the Prophets, and what do we believe about what their abilities, and what the rulings are related to them, and likewise with the Angels, what are there powers, and what are their Sifat, and what don’t we give them, because many people may go too extreme with the Angels, and too extreme with the Rasul, so likewise those issues go into ‘Aqidah. Also, going into the Akhirah, and what we believe about the Adab, and the Na’im and the Qabr, also the Day of Judgement and Jannah wan-Naar, and the Sifat of these things and what are the rulings of people who reject certain aspects of the Din, all of these things come into the topic of ‘Aqidah. 

Love the Ruling that Allah has Revealed & Hate the Ruling of Kuffr !

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “The best of your rulers are those whom you love and who love you, who invoke God’s blessings upon you and you invoke His blessings upon them. And the worst of your rulers are those whom you hate and who hate you and whom you curse and who curse you.” [Muslim]

Of the essential dispositions of the loyal servant of Allah is that he or she loves the ruling by all that Allah has revealed and detests the ruling by kuffr. The one blessed with such disposition lives as a sincere guardian over the Ummah and a protector of its attachment to its Deen. He or she will be the guide who will not lie to their people and a beacon of light in the despair that prevails in the Muslim World that is deprived of the ruling by all that Allah has revealed.

The sincere guardians will not be misled by mere Islamic slogans or lip service to Islam by the ruler, who uses these as a mask of hypocrisy to conceal his ruling by man-made law. They will weigh the rulers on the clear scale of Islam and not on benefit or whims or desires. They will evaluate the rulers on their adherence to the Quraan and Sunnah in ruling and nothing else. They will not content themselves by saying Erdogan is better than Muhammad bin Salman, or Imran Khan is better than Nawaz Sharif. No, they will demand that Islam is implemented completely and comprehensively and anything less is a betrayal of the trust of ruling. Their repulsion of ruling partially or nominally by Islam is like the repulsion they would feel if an Imaam led them in Salaah for Maghrib, but made only one Rakah and insisted that it is sufficient. Their repulsion springs from the command of Allah to rule by all that Allah has revealed, not some or little. Ibn Abbas (ra) commented on Allah’s statement:
[وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَـفِرُونَ]
“And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the disbelievers,” [5:44]
“Whoever rejects what Allah has revealed, will have committed Kuffr, and whoever accepts what Allah has revealed, but did not rule by it, is a Zalim (unjust) and a Fasiq (rebellious) and a sinner.” And Allah said:
[وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْفَـسِقُونَ]
“And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the rebellious.” [5:47] meaning, the rebellious and disobedient of Allah who prefer falsehood and abandon truth.

Nationalism & Patriotism !!!

Nationalism or patriotism are ideas or beliefs that espouse and promote love and loyalty to the country/nation and its citizens/subjects above other countries/nations, and people, generally within a political/geographical border.

Nationalism/patriotism does not take into consideration anything other than the national/political interests of such a nation, country or people, regardless of truth, justice, and loyalty according to Islamic teachings.

There is an element of bigotry/prejudice in such belief in that the citizens/subjects of such a nation are more deserving of our support, love and loyalty, irrespective of other considerations in judging matters, such as fairness, justice, truth, etc.

Therefore, nationalism and patriotism are kuffr (disbelief) in Allah and His Messenger (saws), in that such ideas reject/disregard verses from the Quraan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (saws).

First and foremost, nationalism/patriotism (as described above) would be a rejection of the following command from the Quran (in that nationalism/patriotism is a pledge of obedience to its principles/ideology). Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger." [4:59]
 

Qunoot in hard times...

As a rule, Qunoot (supplication) is a Sunnah of Prophet (saws). According to the opinion of Imaam Ahmad and Imaam Abu Hanifah Qunoot is a Sunnah in Al-Witr prayer. It is better to make Qunoot in Al-Witr prayer before Rukoo', although it is acceptable to be after Rukoo'.

However, if any disaster or calamity befalls Muslims, such as epidemics, floods, fear from the enemy's outrage, aggression, oppression or injustice, they are ordained to supplicate in Qunoot in the last Rak'ah of every obligatory prayer. Qunoot should be before or after the Rukoo'.

Here are some evidence regarding Qunoot:

1. It is narrated by Ahmad, Muslim, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah on the authority of Anas (ra) that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) supplicated Qunoot for one whole month, calling down the wrath of Allah upon some Arab tribes (Arabs from Banu Sulaim, Rei'l and Thakwan), then he (saws) left it (didn't supplicate Qunoot anymore). Al-Bukhari's narration (reads): “He (saws) supplicated with Qunoot when his (saws) missionaries (Qurra') were killed (by Arab tribes, Banu Sulaim, Rei'l and Thakwan). I didn't see him (saws) more grieved of any incident as he (saws) was in this incident.”

2. It is narrated by Ahmad, Muslim and at-Tirmithi on the authority of Al-Bara' Ibn 'Aazeb (ra) that the Prophet (saws) supplicated with Qunoot in Maghrib and Fajr prayers.

Belief in the Divine Scriptures...

The Holy Quraan !

The Holy Quraan is the Divine Book - the miracle revealed to Muhammad (saws) from Allah.

As Muslims, we say: “There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.” The Quraan is a book that could not have been compiled by any human being, nor could it have been revealed by anyone but Allah. Therefore, anyone who alleges that Muhammad (saws) produced the Quraan is attributing divinity to him, refusing to acknowledge him as a Prophet and is virtually describing him as ‘God’. Allah states in the Quraan: "And you did not recite before it (i.e., the Quraan) any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Then (i.e., otherwise) the falsifiers would have had cause for doubt." [29:48] 

Muhammad (saws) was unlettered. He never went to school and could not read or write; in fact, there was no school in his town at that time. Furthermore, the country he was born in had not known much of civilization or progress. How, then, could such a person produce a work like the Holy Quraan? He came from a village surrounded by dark mountains and the wilderness of the desert – a remote place, unheard of at that time. No one in that village had any knowledge of the philosophy of Greece and Rome, or of the literature of India and Persia. It was a village, devoid of any academic tradition and activity. There was no one there with even a minimum level of education and knowledge.

The Holy Quraan excels in both its literary values and its unique treatment of law. It contains an entire legal system which is perfect in every detail. As for the theology therein, and the knowledge of the unseen, it gives information which is not known to anyone - information which the human intellect is unable to perceive. It reveals laws and phenomena on the subject of nature which were previously unknown, and not only during the time of the Prophet (saws) - some of these laws were discovered thirteen hundred years later, while others still remain undiscovered.

Marriage to a Murtad (Apostate) !

There are many cases in which Muslim women are married to men who have said or done something that nullifies their Islam. If such a man has been given an opportunity to repent and return to a state of Islam, but he has chosen not to do so, it is NOT permissible for a Muslim woman to continue acting as the wife of such a man. 

It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to be married to a disbeliever. Allah says:

لَا هُنَّ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحِلُّونَ لَهُنَّ 
they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them. (60:10)

وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا 
And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. (2:221) 

This ruling from Allah applies to the woman who has married a Muslim man, who later made riddah (apostasy).

Under such circumstances, the marriage contract becomes invalid because of the prohibition to marry a disbelieving man.

It is not permissible for a such a Muslim woman to remain in the same residence with such a man. She must do her best to leave the home of such man, as quickly as possible; or do her best to have such a man removed from her place of residence.

The creation is in need for Allah !

Man always looks for what benefits him and what protects him from harm. However, to accomplish this, man must be able to realize what is harmful. He must then know whom he should need, trust, and love so that he can attain what is beneficial as well as to feel good about his choice.

He also must know the proper and good approach that would make him achieve this goal. This latter condition requires that man:
1. Know about harm.
2. What ways can be used to drive harm away?

Certainly, man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who Has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no One better than the One Who Has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man's soul. Man is so poor to Him. He is Allah, the True and only God. Man can bring harm to himself if he seeks other than Allah for help. Allah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power.

Allah sent down His Books and chose His Messengers to guide man to:
1. Know His Lord as He had explained about Himself and,
2. Seek Him Alone while living in accordance with His plan.

Knowing Allah's Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation because creation is weak and is in need of The Creator, Allah. The knowledge about Allah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allah's way as revealed to His Messengers the final of whom was Messenger Muhammad (saws).

What is Takfeer ? What is its ruling in Islam ?

While living among the disbelievers...

If you are stuck among the disbelievers, and you are unable to do anything for Islam and Muslims elsewhere, feel great sorrow for yourself because Allah says: 
"So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows." [6:44]

We should also feel great sorrow because Allah does not want the believer to be among the disbelievers.

"...and be not with the disbelievers." [11:42]

"And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor you would then be helped." [11:113]

Then, dedicate your life to the remembrance of Allah and to acquiring knowledge, and do not interact unnecessarily with anyone unless it is someone who helps you remember Allah and the last day.

"O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)." [9:119]

 

Woman from the People of Paradise...

Ataa’ ibn Abu Rabaah narrated that he said, Ibn ‘Abbaas said to me, “Shall I show you a woman from the people of Paradise?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “A black woman came to the Prophet (saws) and said, ‘I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please supplicate to Allah for me.’’ The Prophet (saws) said (to her): “If you wish, be patient and you will have (i.e., enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will supplicate to Allah to cure you.” She said, “I will remain patient,” and added, “But I become uncovered, so please supplicate to Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.” So, he supplicated to Allah for her. [Bukhari]

Ya Muslimah you should reflect on this woman's stance. She suffered from attacks of epilepsy and during these attacks her body unintentionally became uncovered. Thus, she was careful to be covered even though she was blameless. Allah says: "There is not upon the blind any guilt or upon the lame any guilt or upon the ill any guilt." [48:17]

This is instinctual natural bashfulness and also indicates that faith is something that can fill the heart. Reflect on the meaning of the Hadith in which the Prophet (saws) said: “Bashfulness and faith are inseparable; if one of them is missing, the other will be missing as well.” [Al-Haakim]

Chastity and bashfulness are the noblest, the most beautiful and the most sublime characteristics with which a righteous woman beautifies herself. Femininity is a composition of bashfulness and chastity. The Muslim woman is chaste and bashful, and these are her essential characteristics.

It was narrated in another Hadith that bashfulness is part of faith, and faith is the most important thing in the Muslim woman's life. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “Faith has over seventy or sixty branches, the best of which is the testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is harmful from the way; bashfulness is also a branch of faith.” [Muslim]

Professional "Islamic" Ruqyah Practitioners...

Professional "Islamic" Ruqyah Practitioners - Some Quick Thoughts” by Ustaadh Haytham Sayfaddin.

 “This skin condition is caused by Jinn. Recite Sūrat al-Jinn seven times a day to clear it up.”

“You didn’t remarry after your divorce due to the influence of Jinn. You need Ruqyah.”

“You have a Jinn in you, and sometimes they are hard to remove, so I have to shock you with a Taser to help exorcise it.”

“Jinn don’t like the smell of Bukhūr, so to keep them out of your house and away from you, burn Bukhūr in your house and stand over the smoke to help it permeate your clothing.”

“Mixing these herbs in with water will help keep Jinn away from you. I have these herbs and can sell them to you right now.”

“To help remove the Jinn that is in you, you need to lie down and I will step on your stomach.”

“Yes, you’re a woman, but I need to hold your neck, because when we do Ruqyah, sometimes women will flail about and become uncovered. I need to ensure you sit still.”

“Yes, you are a woman, but I need to put my hand on your chest because when the Prophet told a Jinn to exit a young boy, he put his hand on the boy’s chest.”

“The disorder in your thoughts and your lack of ability to concentrate is due to Jinn. But it isn’t just one Jinn. You have a tribe of Jinn from Sudan in you right now.”