Describing the Evil Scholars...

In describing the evil scholar, Abu Bakr al-Aajurri said:

“He has become infatuated with love of this world, and with praise, honour and position with the people of this world. He uses knowledge as an adornment just as a beautiful woman adorns herself with jewelry for this world, but he does not adorn his knowledge with action upon it… So these characteristics and their like predominate in the heart of one who does not benefit from knowledge, so whilst he carries these attributes his soul will come to have love of status and position – so that he loves to sit with kings and the sons of this world. The he loves to share in their opulent lifestyle, sharing their lavish attire, their comfortable transport, servants, fine clothing, delicate bedding and delicious food. He will love that people throng to his door, that his saying is listened to, and that he is obeyed – and he can only attain the latter by becoming a judge (Qaadi) – so he seeks to become one. Then he is unable to attain it except at the expense of his Religion, so he debases himself to the rulers and their helpers, serving them himself and giving them his wealth as a tribute. He remains silent when he sees their evil actions after entering their palaces and homes. Then on top of this he may praise their evil actions and declare them good due to some false interpretation in order to raise his position with them. So when he has accustomed himself to doing this over a long period of time and falsehood has taken root in him – then they appoint him to the position of judge (Qaadi) and in so doing slaughter him without a knife. [Alluding to the saying of the Prophet (saws), “He who is appointed as a judge has been killed without a knife.” Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhi who declared it Hasan. I say: Its isnaad is saheeh]

Morals of the Believers DO NOT change !!!

The morals of the believers are not supposed to come into play exclusively at times of ease and convenience. In fact, true morality self-manifests during the moments of hardship, adversity, and crisis. Some people may seem well-mannered with a polite attitude and bashful conduct as long as they are calm and the surrounding circumstances are convenient and favorable. However, when they are subjected to anger or experience hardship, unfortunate conditions, and the like of adverse circumstances, they turn into completely different people, far from the well-mannered people you knew! Sadly, a person (who was once well-mannered) would turn into a bad-tempered, fierce, verbally abusive, harsh, intimidating, and vulgar transgressor! We see this saddening transformation quite often, and the extent to which someone’s character can change is quite shocking. Is this how distant Islamic morality is from our hearts and souls, due to which it fails to change such qualities?

It was narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “A believer is neither a slanderer nor a curser, nor is he obscene or vulgar.” [Sahih At-Tirmithi] Ibn Battaal said that ‘obscene’ means the one who is verbally abusive and commits obscene actions. ‘Vulgar’ means foul-mouthed [An-Nihaayah]. How could a person turn into one who fits such a bad description denounced by the Prophet (saws) in a single moment because of a situation or a word or a dispute!

We used to think that foolish people are those who are poorly-educated, ill-mannered, and have these sinful (evil) qualities. However, we were shocked to find many people whom we thought to be educated fitting the description as well!

World before the Prophet (saws)...

When Allah sent His last and greatest Prophet, Muhammad (saws), humankind was immersed in a state of degeneration. The messages of the past Prophets had been distorted and ignored, civilization was on the decline and humanity had slumped into an age of darkness, with disbelief, oppression and corruption prevalent everywhere. The condition of the world at that time presented the gloomiest picture ever of human history.

At the time of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (saws) there existed two great powers on earth: one in the East and another in the West. In the East there was the Persian Empire, and in the West, the Roman Empire. As it might be expected, these two powers were actively hostile and almost permanently at war with one another. As a result, they were weak and disunited, though appearing to be otherwise. Despite their disunity and weakness, they made no serious effort to eradicate the causes of their instability. 

The Arabs were living under no better conditions. They were families and tribes comprising different attitudes and feelings; but they were all similar in one respect: they were slaves of habits and impulses. They used to take pride in invasion and plunder. Moreover, they were so low in their moral affairs that a number of them used to bury their daughters alive.

Religiously speaking, the Arabs of that era were mostly idol worshippers. Some of them used to make their own gods from sweets, and subsequently, they would eat them when they got hungry. They had replaced the monotheism of Ibraheem (as) with the worship of idols, stars and demons, turning the Ka'bah, which was built for the One and Only Creator, into a pantheon of idols. In addition, tribal rivalries and blood feuds ran among them like the burning desert sands of Arabia.

Be Pragmatic !

What is Pragmatism? It is defined as “the quality of dealing with a problem in a sensible way that suits the conditions that really exist, rather than following fixed theories, ideas or rules.”

Indeed, the above definition can be utilized for truth and falsehood, because if the words ‘sensible’, ‘ideas’ and ‘rules’ are not confined within the commands of Allah and His Messenger (saws) then definitely whatever is pursued in their name will cause harm. Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities (in that dispute), and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritizing necessities. Therefore, due to this Allah commanded (us) to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allah said: "Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allah’s Shari’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed." [2:213] Therefore, Allah designated the revealed Books (i.e. the Qur’an being the final of them) as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ.” [Dar Ta’arud Al-Aql Wan-Naql]

If you say that the intellect is to be given precedence over the revelation, then which intellect should we follow? Are the intellects of the people combined in the intellect of one man or do they differ? There are intellects of the philosophers, the atheists, the heretics, the people of evil desires and those who confound truth with falsehood; and due to this one of the pious predecessors said, ‘Had the desires been one, it would have been considered to be the basis of truth’; therefore, we say, ‘Had the intellects been one, it would have been considered to be the basis of truth.’

Knowledge never comes without effort...

Knowledge never comes without effort, and some time off sleep or some time off rest time, and some time off the social media time. We mention this to show you what the author  means when he says i’lam. I’lam, he wants you to know. He wants you to know how to honor knowledge. Something important is coming, I am going to teach you. We are engaging in something important and that is what he is trying to tell you, sacrifice for what I am about to tell you. We mentioned examples that we could never be like, I know that. Why do we mention them? We mention those examples and if you be like five percent of that or possibly ten percent of that, you would be in good shape. Unlike if we mention our surroundings, those who waste their time in vain or possibly in sins. They can never get anywhere but if we mention these supreme examples and you are like five percent or you try to hit fifty percent like them, then you are good.

 

Look at an-Nawawi wrote volumes and volumes. What amazes me about this man is that he died when he was a few years older than I am today right now. He died when he was forty four years old. Do you know that he only started writing when he was in his thirties? People today just want to jump to the Khutbah and give Khutbahs. He started writing when he was in his thirties.

 

He wrote Sharh Muslim, Riyad as-Saliheen, al-Adhkar, al-Majmu’, Minhaj fīi al-Fiqh, at-Tibyan fi Adaab Hamalat al-Qur’an, a great book on the manners of those who carry the Qur’an, al-Idhah, Bustan al-‘Arifin, Minhaj at-Talibeen, Rawdhat at-Talibeen, Tahdhib al-Asma’ wal-Lughat, and at-Taqrib, it is a summary of the book of Ibn Salaah on the science of Hadith. He compiled Forty an-Nawawi Hadith. Who does not have that? Who does not say an-Nawawi tens of times a day? Every student of knowledge says that. He wrote Zawa’id ar-Rawdhah and it is a book on Usool al-Fiqh. He started the interpretation or elucidation of Sahih al-Bukhari but he was never able to finish it. It would have been a great, magnificent book like that of Ibn Hajr on Sahih Muslim.

 

Covid-19 in India was blamed on Muslims !

The outbreak of COVID-19 in India has presented yet another opportunity to launch a fresh attack on the Muslim community. Physical, verbal and psychological warfare is being waged against Muslims, pushing further their ostracisation in Indian society.

Violent attacks on Muslims perceived to be carriers of the virus have been reported from different parts of the country. There have been reports of meetings in gated communities discussing the prohibition on Muslims being allowed in. Elsewhere, gangs of youth have been manning the entry points of villages to prevent the entry of Muslims. Muslim vendors have also been asked to stop selling on the streets.

There has been a sudden surge in Islamophobic hashtags and posts on different social media platforms accusing Muslims of purposefully spreading the virus. A new term, "corona jihad", has been coined to describe this conspiracy. Videos showing Muslims spitting on vegetables and fruit, licking plates and smearing surfaces with their saliva are being circulated widely.

It all started when news spread that people who had attended a large gathering of Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary movement, at its premises in New Delhi had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. People travelled from outside India to attend this event and it is suspected that they may have introduced the virus into the congregation.

The Shirk of Voting in Legislative Elections !

Q and A with Shaykh `Umar Ibn Maḥmūd Abū `Umar Regarding the Shirk of Voting in Legislative Elections!

The Shaykh said: “I say: In the first question, they say; “Our Noble Shaykh, to begin with, some of those who spread (the idea of) Parliamentarian elections, and that they are permissible, have come with a new doubt which they have relied upon. And this doubt is based upon a Ḥadīth, the Text of which is the following:

From Umm Salamah Bint Abī Umayyah Ibn al-Mughīrah, the wife of the Prophet (saws) she said, “When we arrived in the land of Al-Ḥabashah, we were given the protection of the best neighbour, An-Najāshī.” Until she said, “So by Allāh! We were upon that (peace and security) until a person came upon him, – meaning one who disputed him in his kingdom –.” She said, “So by Allāh! We did not know grief that was more severe than the grief that we grieved at that point out of fear that that one would defeat An-Najāshī, so a man come not acknowledging our rights as An-Najāshī would acknowledge them.” She said, “And An-Najāshī went ahead (to engage with him in a battle), while between them was the width of the Nile.” She said, “So the Companions of the Messenger of Allāh (saws) said, ‘Who is a man who will go out and observe what takes place between the people, then come to us with the news?’” She said, “So Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-'Awwām said, ‘I will.’” She said, “And he was among the youngest of the people.” She said, “So they blew into a water skin for him, then he placed it upon his chest, then he swam on it until he arrived at the place in the Nile River where the meeting place of the people was, then he went until he witnessed them.” She said, “So, we made Du`ā’ to Allāh for An-Najāshī, to have dominance over his enemy, and consolidation for him in his country. And the matter of Al-Ḥabashah was sought to be made stable through him. So we were with him in the best of homes, until we came back to the Messenger of Allāh (saws) and he was in Makkah.”

The questioner says, “Aḥmad and Al-Bayhaqī narrated it, and this phrasing is that of Aḥmad, from the path of Ibn Isḥāq, who said, Az-Zuhrī narrated to us (Ḥaddathanā), from Abī Bakr Ibn Abdir-Raḥmān Ibn al-Ḥārith Ibn Hishām, from Umm Salamah.

So the method of using this as evidence according to them, is that they made Du'ā’ to Allāh to give An-Najāshī consolidation in the land, and he was a kāfir at that time, as they said. And if Du'ā’ is the highest levels of support, then whatever is less than it like voting, is included in it from a more deserving point. Then they said, if you forbid (participating in) the elections, then is it allowed for you to make Du'ā’ to Allāh to consolidate a seat in parliament for a man, instead of voting for him? So what is your opinion with in the way the evidence is used, and what is the correct stance which it is upon us to take towards those who are of the opinion of the permissibility of voting in the general legislative elections, Wa Jazākum Allāhu Khayr.”

I say, and with Allāh is the granting of success, as it is known, that the issue of elections is a newly invented issue, modern and it is from the new occurrences.

Companions of The Cave supplicated for...

"Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs? (Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: “Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!” Therefore, We covered up their (sense of) hearing (causing them, to go in deep sleep) in the Cave for a number of years. Then We raised them up (from their sleep), that We might test which of the two parties was best at calculating the time period that they had tarried." [18: 9-12]

"Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs?" - Meaning: Their affair was not something amazing in relation to Allah’s All-Encompassing Power and Authority Over all affairs, for indeed the creation of the heavens and earth, the alternation of night and day, the subjugation of the sun, moon, the stars and the other mighty signs demonstrates Allah’s All-Encompassing Power. Allah is able to do whatever He wills and nothing (in the heavens or in the earth) escapes Him. Ibn Jurayj reported from Mujahid who stated about the meaning of the above Ayah: You are amazed by the story of the people of the cave! Indeed, there are among the signs of Allah that which is more amazing than that. [Al-Misbahul Muneer Fi Tahdbeeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer] Allah has not ceased showing His slaves signs in the universe and in their ownselves, by way of which truth is distinguished from falsehood, and guidance from misguidance. [Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fi Tafseer Kalaam al-Manaan]

"(Remember) when the young fled to the Cave" - Meaning: Intending to fortify and shield themselves from the Fitna of their people.

The Right to Life !

Allah honored man and created him with His own Hand and blew into him from His Spirit. Then, He made His angels prostrate to him and subjected to him all that is in the heavens and the earth – all from Him. Moreover, He made him a successor on earth and bestowed talents and blessings upon him so that he can dominate the earth. He preferred him over all beasts and animals. Man cannot fulfill his goals unless he takes his rights in full. At the forefront of these rights, which are guaranteed by Islam, is the right to life – an inviolable right.

Allah says: "And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden (to be killed) except by [legal] right." [6:151]. The right that permits the taking of souls was explained by the Prophet (saws) when he reportedly said: "It is not permissible to spill the blood of a Muslim except in three cases: the married person who commits adultery, a life for a life, and the one who forsakes his religion and separates from the group." [Muslim]

Out of its great concern for the protection of life, Islam threatens those who deem it permissible to kill with the severest punishment. In the Quraan, Allah says: "But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment." [4:93]

Moreover, it is clearly indicated in authentic hadiths that killing a believer is one of the gravest sins. In a hadith via Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib, the Prophet (saws) said: "If this world were to be destroyed, that would be less significant before Allah than the unlawful killing of a believer." [Ibn Majah] In another hadith on the authority of Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, the Prophet (saws) said: "If the inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth all took part in shedding the blood of a believer, then Allah would cast them (all) in the Fire." [At-Tirmithi] Also, Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet (saws) said: "He who helps in (the spilling of) the blood of a Muslim, even with half a word, it will be written between his eyes on the Day of Judgment 'Desperate of the mercy of Allah'." [Al-Bayhaqi]

Modern time moderation in Deen !!!

One of the eminent characteristics of our religion is moderation. Allah says: "Thus We have made you )true Muslims - real believers of Islâmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)), a just (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you." [2:143]. Justice is a main feature of Islam in all matters, and that is the meaning of "a just nation" in acts of worship and transactions. Accordingly, there will be no extravagance, extremism, deviation, and negligence as done by the people of the Scriptures. The Christians have exceeded the proper limits regarding Jesus and made him a son of god of what they attribute to Him, in addition to monasticism which they innovated even though they did not practice it properly. As for the Jews, they described Allah with the ugliest characteristics: they described him as poor and miser may Allah curse them and cast anger upon them. Both religions have participated in distorting the revealed Books: the Torah and the Bible according to their whims.

In these days, groups of people —who deviated the moderation of Islam and its application in reality— emerged, most of them are from the public. Their view is: a person may do whatever he likes even if that action contains disobedience to Allah. According to this view, there is no harm for a person to listen to songs, watch deniable acts in television, in addition to backbiting and tale bearing. A person should not spend all his time in obedience, worship, religiousness, moreover there are some groups criticize religiousness and integrity. It was reported in the old traditions that Sahl ibn `Abdullah At-Tastury said: Adhere to the old authentic traditions and the Sunnah for I fear a time will come when the Prophet (saws) will be mentioned and followed in all his conditions, they would dispraise, averted, freed themselves of him, degraded, and insulted him.

Lawful wealth in the hands of the righteous...

 

Some of the Ahadith of the Prophet (saws) are quite terse yet convey a multitude of meanings, and this is no surprise since they were produced by the one who was given the keys of eloquent speech and wise sayings. Some of his statements serve as fundamental principles, general rules, and just standards. On every given topic, there are Ahadith that are considered all-inclusive fundamental principles under the heading of which all the respective subtopics fall. Some of these terse Ahadith address the topic of wealth, establishing the correct Islamic viewpoint on wealth and setting fixed criteria for dealing with it and ways of disposing of it.

One of these is the following Hadith, which was narrated on the authority of ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas: “The Prophet (saws) sent for me, commanding me to pack my clothes and arms and go to him. I did what he asked and came to him while he was performing ablution. He looked at me from head to toe then said: ‘O ‘Amr, I want to send you in charge of an army so that Allah will bless you with spoils, and I will give you your lawful share of the spoils.’ I said: ‘I did not become Muslim in pursuit of wealth; I became Muslim out of the desire for embracing Islam so that I would be with the Messenger of Allah (saws)!’ He said: ‘O ‘Amr! How excellent lawful wealth is in the hands of a righteous person!’” [Ahmad and Al-Bukhari. Abu ‘Awaanah, Ibn Hibbaan, Al-Haakim, Al-Albaani: authentic]

According to its very wording, the Hadith clearly states that wealth is praiseworthy if it is lawfully gained and in the hands of a righteous person. The lawfulness of wealth means that it is pure and earned through lawful means, and the righteousness of the owner means that he uses his lawful wealth in what benefits him and his community. He fulfills the Rights of Allah with regard to his wealth by paying the obligatory Zakaah on it and may spend it in  charity voluntarily. This is a praiseworthy attitude towards wealth, as evidenced by his saying “How excellent lawful wealth is…” In the same vein, another Hadith lauded wealth when it is lawfully earned and rightfully spent. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Sa‘eed that the Prophet (saws) said: “This wealth is sweet (alluring); whoever earns it lawfully and spends it rightfully, then what excellent help it is!” [Al-Bukhari] In this case, wealth is an excellent means for a Muslim to fulfill the due rights over him, uphold the ties of kinship, relieve the distressed and spares himself from the humiliation of begging for money, as well as all the other benefits of wealth. The Shari‘ah texts that laud wealth and commend richness should be interpreted in this light.

The Pagan Origins of Halloween !

All Saints' Day, Nov. 1, feast of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, the day God is glorified for all his saints known and unknown. Roman Catholics are obliged to hear Mass on this day. In medieval England it was called All Hallows; hence the name Halloween (Hallows' eve) for the preceding day (Oct. 31).

From the Compton's Family Encyclopedia, 1991 Edition: Customs and superstitions gathered through the ages go into the celebration of Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, on October 31, the Christian festival of All Saints. It has its origins, however, in the autumn festivals of earlier times.

The ancient Druids had a three-day celebration at the beginning of November. They believed that on the last night of October spirits of the dead roamed abroad, and they lighted bonfires to drive them away. In ancient Rome the festival of Pomona, goddess of fruits and gardens, occurred at about this time of year. It was an occasion of rejoicing associated with the harvest; and nuts and apples, as symbols of the winter store of fruit, were roasted before huge bonfires. But these agricultural and pastoral celebrations also had a sinister aspect, with ghosts and witches thought to be on the prowl.

Even after November 1 became a Christian feast day honoring all saints, many people clung to the old pagan beliefs and customs that had grown up about Halloween.

Some tried to foretell the future on that night by performing such rites as jumping over lighted candles. In the British Isles great bonfires blazed for the Celtic festival of Sambain. Laughing bands of guisers, young people disguised in grotesque masks, carved lanterns from turnips, and carried them through the villages.

In the United States, children carved faces on hollowed-out pumpkins and put lighted candles inside to make jack-o'-lanterns. Halloween celebrations today reflect many of these early customs. Stores and homes display orange and black figures of witches, bats, black cats, and pumpkins. People dressed in fanciful outfits go to costume parties, where old-fashioned games like bobbing for apples in tubs of water may be a part of the festivities. Children put on costumes and masks and go from house to house demanding "trick or treat."

You are a Wahhabi, you hate the Family of the Prophet!

So, you say to the Raafidah, “Indeed, it is Shirk to call upon other than Allah when seeking benefit and seeking protection from harm regarding an affair which none can fulfill except Allah. It is not permissible to invoke Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (ra) or other than him amongst the dead…. Indeed, is it permissible to invoke the dead and seek deliverance and rescue from them?’’ They (i.e. Raafidah) say, “You are a Wahhabi, you hate the family of the Prophet (saws).’’

Allah said:

"And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Muhammad) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say: ‘This (Muhammad) is a sorcerer, a liar.  Has he made the aaliha (gods) (all) into One Ilaah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!’ And the leaders among them went about (saying): “Go on and remain constant to your aaliha (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)! We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention! Has the Reminder been sent down to him (alone) from among us?” Nay! but they are in doubt about My Reminder (this Qur’an)! Nay, but they have not tasted (My) Torment!" [38:4-8]

So, you say to the Raafidah: Indeed, it is Shirk to call upon other than Allah when seeking benefit and seeking protection from harm regarding a matter which none can (fulfill) except Allah. It is not permissible to invoke Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (ra) or other than him amongst the dead, because Allah said:

"And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (the thin membrane over the date stone).  If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything).  O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise." [35:13-14]

Evil consequences of haste & spreading false news !!!

"When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, you would have followed Shaitaan, save a few of you." [4:83]

Imaam Ibn Katheer said: ”In this Ayah (there) is a rebuke against the one who rushes towards affairs and then gives news about it before verifying it – circulates and spreads it – and perhaps there is no credibility in it."

Therefore, this Ayah obligates verification and clarification when (news) is heard, as Ibn katheer mentioned. It rebukes the one who hastens in transmitting and spreading (news) before verifying its credibility.

Ibn Katheer then mentioned a number of narrations about being careful about hastiness and lack of verifying news – and from them is a narration by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (saws) said: "It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears."

And Mugheerah bin Shubah said, "The Messenger of Allah (saws) forbade Qeel Wal Qaal (i.e. so and so said)." Ibn Katheer said, "It is the one who narrates a great deal of that which the people say without verification, contemplation and clarification."

Then Ibn Katheer stated: The hadith of Umar collected by Bukhari and Muslim should be mentioned here; when Umar was told that the Messenger of Allah (saws) divorced his wives, he left his house and entered the mosque, where he found the people talking about it; so he could not endure waiting and ask for the permission of the Prophet (saws) to speak to him; then Umar asked the Prophet (saws), saying, "Have you divorced your women?" The Prophet (saws) said, ‘No.’ So Umar said, I said ‘Allahu Akbar……’

And in the narration collected by Imaam Muslim, Umar said, I asked, ‘Have you divorced them?’ The Prophet (saws) said, ‘No.’ So I stood by the door of the mosque and shouted with a loud voice, saying, ‘The Messenger of Allah did not divorce his wives.’ Then the Ayah (i.e. Ayah 83, Surah Nisaa) was revealed. Umar said, ‘I investigated this affair properly’ (i.e. whether the Prophet (saws) did divorce his wives).

Directions Iblees approaches bani Adam...

Allah informed us in Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 119 that shaytaan said:

"Verily, I will mislead them" - Meaning: From the truth. "And surely, I will arouse in them false desires"; Ibn Abbaas said: "He (shaytaan) desires to hinder (them) from repentance and to delay it." [A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

"I will order them to slit the ears of cattle"; "(That is) to cut off the ears of the cattle"; "And indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah";  Ibn Abbaas said: He (iblees) intends by this the religion of Allah. And the meaning of this is that Allah created his slaves upon an upright fitrah (i.e. an upright natural disposition that will enable them to recognize Allah, accept the call of the messengers when it reaches them and worship Allah alone), as He said:

"So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of true Monotheism - Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq–illah (i.e. the Religion of Allah Islamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. (Always) Turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him…." [30-31]

And that is why he (saws) said: "Every child is born on a Fitrah (a natural disposition to recognize Allah, accept the call of the messengers when it reaches them and worship Allah alone), but his/her parents convert them him/her to Judaism, Christianity or Magianism, as an animal gives birth to a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?’’ Then after (narrating this hadeeth) Abu Hurairah recited: "Allah’s Islamic Monotheism, with which He has created mankind."

Oppression & Scheming...

The divine norms of Allah have no scope for favoritism or flattery; He Says:

"And you will not find in the way of Allah any change." [33:62]

"And you will never find in the way of Allah any alteration." [35:43]

The Islamic Shari‘ah does not distinguish between the equals, nor does it treat unequals as equivalent. The (inevitable) destruction of schemers, oppressors, and renegers is only a matter of time. The passage of time is part of the solution, and the constants and standards should remain unshakable. Muhammad ibn Ka‘b Al-Qurathi said: “Three qualities beset those who possess them: 1) (evil) scheming, as Allah Says: "Evil scheme shall not beset any save the authors of it" [35:43]; 2) reneging, as Allah Says: "So, he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself" [48:10], 3) and oppression, as Allah Says: "O mankind, your oppression is only against yourselves" [10:23].”

Among the Causes of Destruction:

These qualities incur the destruction of the people who possess them. Evidently, there is a close connection between causes and effects and between premises and conclusions; your deeds are your own doing. Allah Says: "Whoever does a good deed – it is for himself; and whoever does evil – it is against the self. Then to your Lord you will be returned." [45:15] Similarly, He Says: "If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, (you do it) to yourselves." [17:7] In the same vein, the Prophet (saws) said: “Do whatever you wish; you will be rewarded or punished accordingly.” It was also authentically reported that the Prophet (saws) said: “Allah, The Exalted, Said: ‘O My slaves, indeed, I enumerate and record your deeds for you, and then recompense you for them accordingly. Therefore, anyone who finds good (reward), should praise Allah, The Exalted, and whoever finds otherwise should blame none but himself.”

NEWS : LGBT & so-called Muslim Preachers !

These are pictures from an event the media called a "border demonstration." The "demonstration" was for "migrant rights."

At the top left is Zahra Billoo, one of CAIR's executive directors who is often featured in US media as a "Muslim leader." She is receiving an oil "blessing" from an LGBT priestess named Reverend Traci Blackmon. As you can see, she is quite moved by this kufr ritual.

There is also Hussam Ayloush, another CAIR director, taking a selfie with an LGBT priestess. His big smile speaks volumes.

You might think, "If only there had been some knowledgeable scholar who could have advised them against such behavior..."

But, as you can see, Omar Suleiman was also participating in the "demonstration," as was Imam Zaid Shakir. They also stood and posed with women, marched alongside LGBT priestesses, etc.

What did this demonstration involve?

The media described some aspects of it [link in comments]:

"Carcaño and Blackmon anointed those who would be participating in the civil disobedience with oil as a blessing."

"...the marchers walked in organized rows along a muddy trail... They paused when they reached the beach to read out dozens of names of those who died on migrant journeys. The first name read was Roxana Hernández, a trans woman from Honduras..."

“They sang 'We Shall Not Be Moved' as they inched forward, either stepping and kneeling again or in some cases walking on their knees in the sand. Some locked arms or held hands. One woman in the middle of the group pressed her hands together in prayer.”

Islām is Inherently Prejudicial...

Islām is Inherently Prejudicial (And There's Nothing Wrong with That)!!!

In general, Muslims and non-Muslims are treated differently in this life and in the Hereafter!

Allāh stated:
أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ اجْتَرَحُوا السَّيِّئَاتِ أَن نَّجْعَلَهُمْ كَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَوَاءً مَّحْيَاهُمْ وَمَمَاتُهُمْ ۚ سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

"Or do those who commit evils think We will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds - (make them) equal in their life and their death? Evil is that which they judge." [Sūrat al-Jāthiyah, 21]

It is unacceptable for non-Muslim women, other than those from the People of the Book, to marry Muslim men!

Allāh stated:
وَلَا تَنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ

"And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men (to your women) until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you." [Sūrat al-Baqarah, 221]

And He stated:

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." [Sūrat al-Mā’idah, 5]

Division of Shirk into 3 Parts ?!?

Question: What do you say about the division of Shirk into three parts: Akbar, Asghar (minor) and Khafi (hidden)? 

Answer: A group from the people of knowledge make this division and that requires examination, the correct opinion however is that shirk is divided into two: 
1. Shirk Akbar (Major Shirk) 
2. Shirk Asghar (Minor Shirk) 

As for shirk khafi (Hidden Shirk), from it is that which is akbar such as nifaq as the munafiqeen show Islam but inside (hidden) they have shirk. And from it is minor shirk and that is of different ranks and degrees. And I have read that some of the latter day scholars have said dividing shirk into three parts that shirkul khafi is less than asghar.

And this statement without restriction is not correct and as has been said as shirkul khafi sometimes is major shirk and the person who does it will not receive the intercession of the Interceder or the Mercy of the Most Merciful and Allah has Proscribed for him an eternity in the Hellfire. Allah Says:
"Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the zalimoon there are no helpers." [5:72]

Responsibility of Muslim Scholars...

“…Muslim scholars are also responsible for our ordeal and for what has afflicted Islam. They are responsible for the sins and mischief caused by the colonialists and imperialists, by the rulers and governments and by the masses who are ignorant of and rebellious against Islam. 

These scholars are worthy of such accusations because they support imperialism or at least keep silent before its violence. They occasionally support the non-Islamic rule and compromise with it at other times. They have left the masses in their ignorance of the basic principles of Islam and in their unawareness of the conspiracies forged against Islam. 

They have detached Muslims from their religion, because they failed to indicate to the masses the judgment of Islam with regard to the colonialists, imperialists, and to the governments that aid and pay allegiance to them. As a result, the Muslim masses obeyed the pro-colonialist governments. Islam has been lost due to the silence of Muslim scholars, and the masses by turn, have been put in a state of loss due to the loss of their religion. The masses might have helped in reclaiming the loss because they believed that the Muslim scholars would not approve of anything unless it was in conformity with Islamic teachings and God’s commandment. 

Muslim scholars have closed their eyes, shut their mouths and plugged their fingertips in their ears, forgetting about Islam, and they have been asleep for centuries while the Muslim people followed them in their somnolence, believing that their Islam was safe and sound, or their scholars never would have kept quiet. 

Muslim scholars for long have disregarded their Islam. They have never censured any attitude violating Islam, nor tried to repel and revoke any injunction that ran contrary to the principles of Islam. They have never even convened a meeting to encourage the reinstitution of Islam jurisprudence.

The Violent Grave Worshippers !!!

The entire religion enters into worship, so when a person knows, is certain regarding what Al Ilaah means – that it means something worshipped and he knows the reality of what worship is, then it will become clear to him that the one who devotes an act to worship to other than Allah has indeed worshipped that thing and taken it as a god, even if he runs away from naming it an object of worship or a god, and then calls it Tawassul, intercession or what is similar.

A Mushrik is a Mushrik, whether he accepts or denies it, just as a usurer is a usurer whether he accepts or denies it, even if he does not call what he does Ribaa. The drinker of alcohol is a drinker of alcohol, even if he calls it other than its name. It has been reported in a hadith that the Messenger (saws) said, “Indeed, a people from my Ummah will drink alcohol, (and) give it other than its (real) name.” [Bukhari]

Changing names can neither change the reality of the person or the thing nor does the ruling that apply ceases. In Tafseer Ibn Kathir as mentioned that when Adi bin Hatim (ra) heard the statement of Allah: "They have taken their priests and monks as lords besides Allah" [9:31], he said to the Prophet (saws), “We did not worship them”, so the Prophet (saws) said to him, “Do they not make forbidden that which Allah has made lawful and you make it forbidden, and they make lawful that which Allah has forbidden and you make it lawful?” So he (Adi) said, “Certainly”, so the Messenger (saws) said, “That is your worship of them.” Therefore, Adi (ra) did not think that being in agreement with them in such an affair was tantamount to worshipping them, so the Messenger (saws) informed him that it was tantamount to worshipping them, even though they did not believe that it was an act of worship devoted to them.

Four Types of Diseases !

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: There are two types of diseases: Disease of the heart and disease of the body, and both have been mentioned in the Qur’aan. The disease of the heart are two types: 
[a] The disease of Shubhah (i.e. an affair of falsehood that is made to resemble truth) and Shak (i.e. doubt). 
[b] The disease of Shahwah (i.e. evil or vain desires or lewd conduct) and Ghay (i.e. deviation from the right path). 
Both of them have been mentioned in the Qur’aan. 

Allah stated regarding the disease of Shubhah: "In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease." [2:10] 

Allah said: "And that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: What Allah intends by this (curious) example?" [74:31] 

And Allah stated about the one who is called to judge by the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, but he refuses and turns away: "And when they are called to Allah (i.e. His Words, the Qur’an) and His Messenger to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuse (to come) and turn away. But if the right is with them, they come to him willingly with submission. Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt or fear lest Allah and His Messenger should wrong them in judgement. Nay, it is they themselves who are the Zalimun (polytheists, hypocrites and wrong-doers, etc.)." [24:48-50] This is the disease of Shubhah (i.e. an affair of falsehood that is made to resemble truth) and Shak (i.e. doubt).

An update from a Sister on Camp Roj

During the past couple of weeks we have seen drastic changes in the behaviour of the guards and camp management. They are entering tents very frequently and whenever they want, and they are harassing us in the streets by threatening us with prison if we don't abide by the new camp rules. Many are unfortunately unaware of the conditions in the prisons and are therefore unable to understand why we are obeying our enemies.

Imagine being dragged into a dark room with no light or windows. All what you get to eat is some old pieces of bread with mold on it once a day. You're not allowed to speak to anyone. You're suffocating because of the heat and lack of air. You hardly get any water to drink. You're not allowed to use the bathroom. Now imagine that you have small children with you in this room, who are going through the same as you, without the enemies showing any mercy. In fact, you know they enjoy seeing your suffering, weakness and helplessness. On top of that you are slapped, beaten and stripsearched in front of your kids, while they are crying and screaming. They see nothing wrong with letting males be present while the awrah is being uncovered. It's hard to say if it's better for the kids to stay up to one year in the camp without their mother or to be in prison with her and go through all this with her. We really don't know what is more damaging to their physical and psychological health. And all of this is just a very brief description of the reality. It would take pages and pages to write down all the details.

Anyone who is caught with a phone or breaks any other rule here in the camp will from now on face prison for 8 months up to 1 year. Several women have been taken to prison these past couple of weeks, while their kids are left behind and the only thing we can do is sincere Dua.

The Quraan AND Muslim Unity !

Our Jewish, Christian & Shi'a brothers ???

Shaykh Nāsir alFahd was asked: what is the ruling on those who say: "our Jewish, Christian and shi'a brothers," as a form of da'wah. They interpret the verses in Sūrah ash-Shu'arā, and what is intended by that, as brothers in humanity? 

Answer: as for their statement considering the Jews and Christians as brothers; I have written a treatise before I came to prison regarding this in response against al-Qardawi. However, it did not get published because I did not finish it. This (interpretation) is corrupt, because brotherhood has 2 categories - there is no 3rd category for it.

1) Brotherhood in religion:

إنماالمؤمنون إخوة

Verily the believers are but brothers. [49:10]

2) Brotherhood with family:

وإلى عاد أخاهم هودا

And to the people of aad (we sent) their brother hūd. [11:50] 

Between them and those who they take as brothers; there is no unity in religion, nor common family ties. Thus, what kind of brotherhood do they claim?! Moreover, it is a negator of al-walaa and al-baraa. The evidences for that is too many to specify.

As for their evidences from Sūrah ash-Shu'arā, then it is an evidence against them. For two reasons:
 

Mutual Rivalry In Religious Affairs & Worldly Professions !

Imaam Ibn Qudamah said:

In most cases envy occurs between contemporaries, peers, brothers and cousins, because of the conflicting goals (or aims) of everyone which lead to discord and enmity. And due to this, you will find a scholar envying another scholar, but he will not envy a worshipper; a worshipper envying another worshipper, but he will not envy a scholar; a trader envying another trader and a cobbler envying another cobbler etc… because they have conflicting goals (or aims). The basis of this affair is due to love of the worldly things, for indeed the worldly things are restricted for those who compete for it; but as for the afterlife, there is no restriction within it, for indeed the one who loves knowledge and awareness of Allah, knowledge and awareness regarding Allah’s angels, Allah’s Prophets and Allah’s Mighty Dominion over the heavens and the earth, he will not envy others after being acquainted with these affairs, because they (i.e. those who are acquainted with these affairs) are not restricted by one another; rather one particular individual scholar is known by thousands of scholars and they rejoice due to the understanding he has.

This is why there is no envy between the (upright) scholars of the religion, because their aim is to acquire knowledge and awareness of Allah, which is a vast affair. Their (i.e. the upright scholars) goal is to acquire a high status in the sight of Allah and that which Allah has kept in the afterlife is unlimited, because Allah’s loftiest blessing is the pleasure of meeting Him, which can neither be prevented nor restricted, nor can some competitors in the affair make it restricted for others; rather harmony increases as the competitors increase; but if wealth and status becomes the goal of the scholars, they will envy one another.

The difference between knowledge and wealth is that wealth does not remain in the hands of one person; but as for knowledge, it settles in the heart of a scholar and in the heart of the one taught by the scholar, whilst still remaining in the heart of the scholar. Therefore, whoever contemplates on the Greatness of Allah and His Mighty Dominion (i.e. by pondering upon what Allah has created and the revelation He has sent down), it will become the greatest pleasure for him than every other blessing, because neither can he be prevented nor restricted in that. And he will not harbour any envy in his heart towards anyone, because if others were acquainted with what he is acquainted with, it will still not reduce his pleasure in the affair.

What do I do if I find out my Favorite Preacher is Corrupt ?

It is very traumatic to find out that the person you've been listening to for years has changed or is now expressing increasingly deviant views. 

If you recognize this deviance, consider yourself one of the fortunate ones. Most of the fans of the person won't even understand the problem because their entire source for learning Islam is the preacher himself. So these fans don't even have an objective measuring stick needed to know what is or isn't corruption. Their understanding of Islam completely depends on whatever the celebrity teaches. If he changes, they change.

I have gone through this trauma myself. People that I thought were upright scholars of Deen that I loved and respected turned out to be unabashed sell outs. It wasn't one or two "off the cuff" remarks that made me realize this, but an extended pattern of behavior, associations, and private correspondence. When I talked with the preachers in question about these issues, rather than assuage the worry, they compounded it by doubling down, excusing their behavior, making ugly accusations against me, accusing me of disloyalty, etc.

What I have seen is that when fans of celebrity compassionate imams find out about corruption and deviance, they go through the 5 stages of grief.