An Amazing Affair From The Dawah of Shaikhul Islaam
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy
Ibn Abdul Haadee (rahimahullaah) said:
When he [shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah)] entered prison, he found the prisoners pre-occupied with various types of games with which they pass the time, such as chess, backgammon and the likes, of (those things that lead) to neglect of the five daily prayers.
So the Shaikh [Ibn Taymiyyah(rahimahullaah)] severely disapproved of that from them. He commanded them to adhere to the five daily prayers and to turn to Allaah through performance of righteous deeds, glorification of Allaah, seeking forgiveness for their sins and supplication.
He made them acquainted with what they were in need of from the Sunnah. He awakened their desire for it and urged them towards it, until a lot of good came about in the prison due to that which was (present) in it of pre-occupation with knowledge and the Religion better than many of the small prayer rooms, the hospices, the places where people secluded themselves for worship and the schools. And it became (such) that many amongst the prisoners chose to remain with him (Ibn Taymiyyah) after they were released, and those returning to the prison became so numerous that it became filled with them.
[Al-Uqood Ad-Du’riyyah Fee Dhikri Manaaqib Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah 330-331]
Translated by: Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)
