Author: faizkara

Why Are Groups Labelled and Categorised?

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Groups Labelled And Categorised Based On Sound Principles In Order to Distinguish Ahlus Sunnah From Ahlul Bidah, But Neither For The Purpose of Mere Name Calling Nor Illegal Partisanship

Al-Allaamah Abdullah Al-Bukhari [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “And from which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two affairs: Clarification of the truth and refuting falsehood and its people. The affirmation of this (affair) becomes manifest to the one who contemplates on the statement of Tawheed [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and by way of explanation. The saying of the slave (i.e. the Muslim) لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people-those who deify others besides Allaah. And the statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. And it (means) that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner. Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messengership of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that and thus deifies him; or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messengership”. (1)

Categorising the people and attributing them to their creeds, religions and characteristics – with respect to (passing) judgement and (establishing) principles – is neither an innovated nor a new (aspect) of knowledge; rather it is knowledge of Jarh Wat Tadeel [the science of criticism and commendation in Islam] and it will not cease in this Ummah as long as night and day exists. Whoever seeks to extinguish the light of this discipline for sake of his Hizb [party] or out of fearing for his beloved ones – those who have been disparaged justifiably, then indeed he is a misguided person, one who misguides others etc. Categorising the people based on truth and clear-sightedness is protection for the religion ordained by Allaah. It is a forces among Allaah’s forces [i.e. in this case it is a safeguard given to this Ummah] by way of which the distortions of those who go beyond bounds, the false claims of the falsifiers and the false interpretations of the ignorant ones are repelled, (and likewise) the deviations of the innovators, the plots of the Khawaarij and all the (deviant) sects that emerge from the Ummah of As-Saadiq Al-Ameen [i.e. The Truthful and Trustworthy One (The Messenger -sallal laahu alayhi wasallam)] (2)

Those who are followed, who set up principles of bidah and call the people to their bidah and misguidance, then indeed they are marked with the bidah they innovated. (3)

The Mubtadi [innovator in religious affairs] is the cause of the splitting (in the Ummah), because splitting is connected to innovation and unity [upon the sound creed and methodology of the Salaf] is connected to the Sunnah. The obligation of refuting the Mukhaalif [the opposer of the truth] is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear. Then [in this case], Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against the Mubtadi and the Mukhaalif. (4)

NB: Those who innovated and called to their innovations in this era are well known, such as Al Maribi, Muhammad Suroor, Sayyid Qutb, Hasan al-Bannah, Abdur Rahmaan Abdul Khaaliq, Mahmood al-Haddaad, Muhammad Al-Maghraawi, Ali Al-Halabi, Yahyah al-Hajooree and others. Some of the scholars, such as Al-Allaamah Rabee bin Haadi and others have refuted these figureheads of Bidah and shown clearly what they attempted to innovate in the pure Salafi Manhaj. Therefore, why do the refuted deceivers refrain from clarifying this issue?!

As for the concocted term Mad’khalis or Masdaakhilah, they were concocted by the desperate people of bidah after being refuted and their bidah exposed as clear as the mid day sun. Read here: http://www.themadkhalis.com

Those Who Nickname the Salafis with the terms Madkhaliyyah, Jaamiyyah:

Those Who Nickname the Salafis with the terms Madkhaliyyah, Jaamiyyah—Shaikh Rabee Responds

All The Sects In The Fire Except One –

[A Precise Clarification By Imaam Abdul Azeez In Baaz]

All The Sects In The Fire Except One – [A Precise Clarification By Imaam Abdul Azeez In Baaz]

[Ref 1: المقالات الشرعيّة pages 14-15]

[Ref 2: Source: Tasneefun Naas Aw Ar-Radd Alaa Munkiriy At-Tasneef’ page 6. By Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [rahimahullaa]

Ref 3: Source: Al-Ajwibah Al-Athariyyah’ pages 18-19. By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

Ref 4: Source: Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As-ila Al-Ashrati’ Pages 43-44. By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

[2] Reflection On Surah Al-Jumu’ah [One Reminder Every Yawmul Jumu’ah]

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them and teaching them the Book and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah)). And verily, they had been before in mainfest error.

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The intent behind Al-Ummiyyeen  (Unlettered ones) are those who neither had a book [i.e. a revealed book from Allaah] nor a fragment of (remaining) divine revelation, (such as) the Arabs and other than them, who are not from the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians). So Allaah (The Most High) bestowed a great favour on them – greater than His favour on others- because (prior to this) they had no knowledge and good (i.e. that which would lead them to righteousness in this life and success in the afterlife) and were upon clear misguidance. They worshipped trees, idols and stones, and behaved like wild beasts -the strong amongst them devoured the weak ones. They were upon extreme ignorance in (relation to their acquaintance with the affairs of knowledge taught by the) Prophets.  Thereafter, Allaah sent a Prophet from among them – they knew his lineage, his beautiful characteristics and truthfulness. (Allaah) revealed His Book (i.e. the Qur’aan) to him [i.e. This Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]; [يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ – reciting to them His Verses]- Meaning, Allaah’s clear verses, which necessitates (guidance to) Eemaan and Certainty. [وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ -purifying them] by commanding them with virtuous manners, explaining (such manners to them) in detail and forbidding them from evil manners. [وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ- and teaching them the Book (this Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah (The Sunnah)- Meaning, teaching them the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, which combines the (sound and upright) knowledge of earlier and later generations. So after this education and purification he (gave them), they become the most knowledgeable among the creation (i.e. among mankind and Jinn); rather they became the leaders of the people of knowledge and religion – the most perfect in their manners among the creation, and the ones with the best guidance and character. They became guided and others became guided through them, so they became the leaders of guidance and guides for the believers. So the sending of this Messenger to them is the most perfect (or excellent) favour and loftiest honour on them. [Source: Tayseer Kareem Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. Daar Ibn Hazm 1st edition 1424/2003. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Finally, explanation of the Hadith: “We were in a state of Jaahiliyyah and evil” By Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him]: https://salaficentre.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/

Difference Between Sin and Crime – [Brief Rebuttal Against Sophistry of a Pope Who Seeks to Speak On Behalf of Everyone]

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Safety Is Found In Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

 Allaah [The Exalted] said:

فَلَوۡلَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرُونِ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ أُوْلُواْ بَقِيَّةٍ۬ يَنۡہَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡفَسَادِ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬ مِّمَّنۡ أَنجَيۡنَا مِنۡهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱتَّبَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مَآ أُتۡرِفُواْ فِيهِ وَكَانُواْ مُجۡرِمِينَ

If only there had been among the generations before you, persons having wisdom, prohibiting (others) from Al-Fasad (disbelief, polytheism, and all kinds of crimes and sins) in the earth, as did a few of those whom We saved from among them. And those who did wrong pursued the enjoyment of good things of (this worldly) life, and were Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers in Allah, polytheists, sinners, etc.). [Surah Hud. Aayah 116]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَاسأَلهُم عَنِ القَريَةِ الَّتي كانَت حاضِرَةَ البَحرِ إِذ يَعدونَ فِي السَّبتِ إِذ تَأتيهِم حيتانُهُم يَومَ سَبتِهِم شُرَّعًا وَيَومَ لا يَسبِتونَ ۙ لا تَأتيهِم ۚ كَذٰلِكَ نَبلوهُم بِما كانوا يَفسُقونَ
وَإِذ قالَت أُمَّةٌ مِنهُم لِمَ تَعِظونَ قَومًا ۙ اللَّهُ مُهلِكُهُم أَو مُعَذِّبُهُم عَذابًا شَديدًا ۖ قالوا مَعذِرَةً إِلىٰ رَبِّكُم وَلَعَلَّهُم يَتَّقونَ
فَلَمّا نَسوا ما ذُكِّروا بِهِ أَنجَينَا الَّذينَ يَنهَونَ عَنِ السّوءِ وَأَخَذنَا الَّذينَ ظَلَموا بِعَذابٍ بَئيسٍ بِما كانوا يَفسُقونَ

And ask them (O Muhammad ) about the town that was by the sea, when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday): when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them for they used to rebel. And when a community among them said: “Why do you preach to a people whom Allah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?” (The preachers) said: “In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allah), and perhaps they may fear Allah.” So when they forgot the remindings that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil, but We seized those who did wrong with a severe torment because they used to rebel (disobey Allah). [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 163-165]

Indeed, one of the greatest trials in our era are the misguided people who ascribe to religion, because their ambiguous and false statements are blindly followed by the rabble and utilised by the militant secularists to distort the path of the Prophets. In this article, we’ll briefly respond to Pope Francis who seeks to speak on behalf of everyone in the name of God’s love! However, before we quote and respond to his sophistry, we remind ourselves of a statement of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] regarding the misguided people of the Scripture. He said, “Falsehood does not spread except with a mixture of some truth, just as the people of the Scripture mixed truth with falsehood. And by way of the little truth they possessed, they misguided many from the truth and called them to a lot of the falsehood”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 35/190]

Pope Francis stated: “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each one of us has to fight for our dignity. Being homosexual is not a crime. It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Well, yes, but let’s make the distinction first between sin and crime. But it’s also a sin to lack charity with one another; so what about that? Every man and every woman must have a window in their life where they can turn their hope and where they can see dignity of God. And being homosexual isn’t a crime. It’s a human condition”.

Quotes and Responses

His statement, “We are all children of God…”

Response: Certainly, we are all servants of Allaah [The Most Merciful], as Allaah stated:

وَقَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ وَلَدً۬ا
لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمۡ شَيۡـًٔا إِدًّ۬ا
تَڪَادُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ يَتَفَطَّرۡنَ مِنۡهُ وَتَنشَقُّ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَتَخِرُّ ٱلۡجِبَالُ هَدًّا
أَن دَعَوۡاْ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ وَلَدً۬ا
وَمَا يَنۢبَغِى لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا
إِن ڪُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ عَبۡدً۬ا
لَّقَدۡ أَحۡصَٮٰهُمۡ وَعَدَّهُمۡ عَدًّ۬ا
وَكُلُّهُمۡ ءَاتِيهِ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فَرۡدًا

And they say: “The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as a sect of the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son [‘Iesa (Christ)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels, etc.)].” Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender). [Surah Maryam. Aayaat 88-95]

As for the ambiguous and unrestricted statement that god loves us, then indeed Allaah loves the believers, the doers of good, the grateful and the repentant; and He hates the disbelievers, the ungrateful and the unrepentant transgressors. The two groups are not equal and can never be equal in the sight of Allaah. Allaah stated:

[ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ كَٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ كَٱلۡفُجَّارِ – Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidun (those who associate partners in worship with Allah and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqun (pious), as the Fujjar (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)?] [Surah Saad. Aayah 28]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَىٰ وَالْبَصِيرُ
وَلَا الظُّلُمَاتُ وَلَا النُّورُ
وَلَا الظِّلُّ وَلَا الْحَرُورُ
وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَحْيَاءُ وَلَا الْأَمْوَاتُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِي الْقُبُورِ
إِنْ أَنتَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ
إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا ۚ وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ

Not alike are the blind and the seeing. Nor are (alike) the darkness and the light. Nor are (alike) the shade and the sun’s heat. Nor are (alike) the living and the dead. Verily, Allah makes whom He will hear, but you cannot make hear those who are in graves. You (O Muhammad) are only a warner. Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them. [Surah Al-Faatir. Aayaat 19-24]

Allaah [The Exalted] informed us that the opposites are not the same based on what His Wisdom necessitates and that which is placed in the sound natural disposition of His slaves. [وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَىٰ وَالْبَصِيرُ – Not alike are the blind and the seeing]-Meaning, just as it is established in their midst – without any doubt – that these mentioned things are not equal, then likewise they should know that the opposites (related to beliefs, acts of worship, deeds) are even more so not the same. Neither is the believer and the disbeliever the same nor is the guided one and the misguided one the same. Neither is the knowledgeable person the same as the ignorant one nor are the inhabitants of paradise and hell the same. Neither are those whose hearts are dead (due to disbelief) the same as those whose hearts are alive (due to Eemaan). There is a (huge) difference between these things of that which none knows besides Allaah. So, if one knows their different statuses, makes a distinction between the affairs and it becomes clear regarding the affair that is obligated on you to compete one another and attain, as opposed to its opposite, then the determined one would choose for himself that which is more worthy and has more right to be given precedence.

[إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَاءُ – Verily, Allah makes whom He will hear]- Meaning, the hearing (that leads to sound) understanding and acceptance of truth, because indeed Allaah is the guide and the one who bestows guidance.

[وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِي الْقُبُورِ- But you cannot make hear those who are in graves] – Meaning, those whose hearts are dead (due to disbelief, wicked deeds etc); or just as your supplication cannot benefit the inhabitants of the graves in anything (except by the will of Allaah), likewise it does not benefit the one who turns away – the stubborn one – in anything (except by the will of Allaah), but your job is to warn and propagate what you are sent for, whether it is accepted from you or not. This is why Allaah said:

إِنْ أَنتَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ
إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ

You [O Muhammad] are only a warner. Verily! We have sent you with the truth).

Meaning, We only sent you with the truth, because indeed Allaah sent you after a period in which there were no Messengers when people deviated from the right path and were deprived of knowledge, and there was a great need to send you. So, Allaah sent you as a mercy to the creation. Likewise, the upright religion and the straight path with which We sent you is truth and not false, and likewise this great Qur’aan with which We have sent you – which gathers the wise reminder – is the (only) Haqq [i.e. truth that addresses the real state of affairs and there is no way of rejecting it] and it is Sidq [i.e. the only truth that passes perfect and infallible judgement on the real state of affairs].

You (O Muhammad) are a warner- Meaning, you convey glad tidings of Allaah’s reward in this life and the next for the one who obeys you, and a warner to the one who disobeys you regarding Allaah’s punishment in this life and the next, and you are not a new thing amongst the Messengers, because [وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ- And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them]- Meaning, the previous nations and generations. Allaah’s proofs were established on them, [لِّيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَىٰ مَنْ حَيَّ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ- So that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. (Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 42)] [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

 

His statement, “and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each one of us has to fight for our dignity”.

Response: Indeed, dignity in the sight of Allaah can only be attained through Taqwah [Fear of Allaah]. Allaah stated: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬ – O humankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most Taqwah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 13]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Indeed, Allaah [The Most High] has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose”. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud 5116]

Therefore, the strength given to us should be utilised to attain what is pleasing to our Lord and repentance, and not utilised to pursue that which violates His commands and prohibitions. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There are two (types) of strengths within the soul- the strength of abstinence and the strength of courage. The reality of patience is that one makes the strength of courageousness a means of action in what benefits him and the strength of abstinence a means of action in refraining from what is harmful to him. Among the people, there is one whose patience in carrying out what benefits him and being firm upon it is stronger than his patience in refraining from what is harmful to him, so he exercises patience in facing difficulty whilst carrying out acts of obedience, but he does not exercise patience in refraining from urges towards what he is forbidden. And among them, there is one whose patience in refraining from things that are in opposition to the religion is stronger than his patience in carrying out acts of obedience, and among them there is one who does not exercise patience in both affairs. The best of people are those who fulfil both affairs. Many people patiently bear the hardship of performing the night prayer during hot and cold nights, and the difficulty in fasting; but they do not exercise patience in refraining from looking at forbidden things. Many people exercise patience in refraining from looking at the forbidden things and inclination towards [forbidden] images, but they do not exercise patience in commanding good and forbidding evil”. [An Excerpt from Uddatus Saabireen. page 37. slightly paraphrased]

 

His statement: “Being homosexual is not a crime. It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Well, yes, but let’s make the distinction first between sin and crime”.

Response: This statement of the Pope is nothing else but sophistry and ambiguity. This is a well known path of those amongst the people of Scripture who deviated from the path of the Messiah [peace be upon him], as Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him], “It obligatory to know that the reason behind the misguidance of the Christians and their ilk – amongst those who go beyond bounds, such as those devoted in worship, the Shiites and other than them- is due to three affairs: firstly, utilizing ambiguous general terms and terms that are difficult to understand, and then turning away from terms that are clear and unambiguous. Whenever they hear a term that carries ambiguity, they cling to it and embrace it in their religion, even if it not a proof for it. As for the explicitly clear terms that are in opposition to their path, either they abstain from utilizing them or give them a false interpretation just as the people of falsehood do”. [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddal Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 277-278]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: “Changing the images and names of forbidden things, while their true aims and realities remain, is an increase in the corruption for which they were forbidden, in addition to seeking to deceive Allah and His Messenger, and (it is tantamount) to attributing plotting, deceit, fraud and hypocrisy to Allah’s Sharee’ah and the religion He has ordained”. [Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan 1/505]

In the English language, the word “crime” is defined as “an illegal action or activity for which a person can be punished by law” and the word “sin” is defined as “the offence of breaking, or the breaking of, a religious or moral law”. Was the Pope referring to secular law or divine law based on this English definition of crime and sin?! If he intended secular law, we remind him that not a single Prophet – including – the Messiah – judged by secular law; rather they judged by divine law. Allaah stated:

إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ فِيہَا هُدً۬ى وَنُورٌ۬‌ۚ يَحۡكُمُ بِہَا ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَٱلرَّبَّـٰنِيُّونَ وَٱلۡأَحۡبَارُ بِمَا ٱسۡتُحۡفِظُواْ مِن كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ وَڪَانُواْ عَلَيۡهِ شُہَدَآءَ‌ۚ فَلَا تَخۡشَوُاْ ٱلنَّاسَ وَٱخۡشَوۡنِ وَلَا تَشۡتَرُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِى ثَمَنً۬ا قَلِيلاً۬‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَحۡكُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ
وَكَتَبۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ فِيہَآ أَنَّ ٱلنَّفۡسَ بِٱلنَّفۡسِ وَٱلۡعَيۡنَ بِٱلۡعَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَنفَ بِٱلۡأَنفِ وَٱلۡأُذُنَ بِٱلۡأُذُنِ وَٱلسِّنَّ بِٱلسِّنِّ وَٱلۡجُرُوحَ قِصَاصٌ۬‌ۚ فَمَن تَصَدَّقَ بِهِۦ فَهُوَ ڪَفَّارَةٌ۬ لَّهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَحۡڪُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ
وَقَفَّيۡنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِم بِعِيسَى ٱبۡنِ مَرۡيَمَ مُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةِ‌ۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ٱلۡإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدً۬ى وَنُورٌ۬ وَمُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةِ وَهُدً۬ى وَمَوۡعِظَةً۬ لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ
وَلۡيَحۡكُمۡ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡإِنجِيلِ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَحۡڪُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ
وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ مُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيۡمِنًا عَلَيۡهِ‌ۖ فَٱحۡڪُم بَيۡنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ لِكُلٍّ۬ جَعَلۡنَا مِنكُمۡ شِرۡعَةً۬ وَمِنۡهَاجً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَڪُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ فِى مَآ ءَاتَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۖ فَٱسۡتَبِقُواْ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرۡجِعُڪُمۡ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ فِيهِ تَخۡتَلِفُونَ
وَأَنِ ٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَہُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ وَٱحۡذَرۡهُمۡ أَن يَفۡتِنُوكَ عَنۢ بَعۡضِ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُصِيبَہُم بِبَعۡضِ ذُنُوبِہِمۡ‌ۗ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَفَـٰسِقُونَ
أَفَحُكۡمَ ٱلۡجَـٰهِلِيَّةِ يَبۡغُونَ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَحۡسَنُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ حُكۡمً۬ا لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يُوقِنُونَ

Verily, We did send down the Taurat (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah’s Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests [too judged the Jews by the Taurat (Torah) after those Prophets] for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore fear not men but fear Me (O Jews) and sell not My Verses for a miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the Kafirun (i.e. disbelievers – of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allah’s Laws ).

And We ordained therein for them: “Life for life , eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed, such are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers – of a lesser degree).

And in their footsteps, We sent ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) , confirming the Taurat (Torah) that had come before him, and We gave him the Injeel (Gospel), in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the Taurat (Torah) that had come before it, a guidance and an admonition for Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

Let the people of the Injeel (Gospel) judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed (then) such (people) are the Fasiqun (the rebellious i.e. disobedient (of a lesser degree) to Allah.

And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad ) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures) . So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.

And so judge (you O Muhammad ) between them by what Allah has revealed and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they turn you (O Muhammad ) far away from some of that which Allah has sent down to you. And if they turn away, then know that Allah’s Will is to punish them for some sins of theirs. And truly, most of men are Fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah).

Do they then seek the judgement of (the Days of) Ignorance? And who is better in judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Faith. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayaat 44-50] (see footnote a)

If the Pope intended divine law in his definition of crime and sin in this context, then indeed Allaah labelled some of the sinners as criminals, especially the transgressors amongst the people of Prophet Lut [peace be upon him]. Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَلُوطًا إِذۡ قَالَ لِقَوۡمِهِۦۤ أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلۡفَـٰحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِہَا مِنۡ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ
إِنَّڪُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَہۡوَةً۬ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ مُّسۡرِفُونَ
وَمَا ڪَانَ جَوَابَ قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓاْ أَخۡرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرۡيَتِڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ أُنَاسٌ۬ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ
فَأَنجَيۡنَـٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا ٱمۡرَأَتَهُ ۥ كَانَتۡ مِنَ ٱلۡغَـٰبِرِينَ
وَأَمۡطَرۡنَا عَلَيۡهِم مَّطَرً۬ا‌ۖ فَٱنظُرۡ ڪَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ

And (remember) Lout (Lot), when he said to his people: “Do you commit the worst sin such as none preceding you has committed in the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns)? Verily, you practise your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds (by committing great sins).” And the answer of his people was only that they said: “Drive them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)!” Then We saved him and his family, except his wife; she was of those who remained behind (in the torment). And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). Then see what was the end of the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.). [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 80-84]

His statement: “But it’s also a sin to lack charity with one another; so what about that?”

Response: What does Pope intend by the phrase “lack word charity” in this context? If a person is accused of being guilty of this lack of charity – in this context – because he rejects homsexuality and warn humankind against it, then indeed the one who utters such an accusation is reminded of the fact that one of the traites of the Munaafiqoon is that they enjoin evil and forbid good. Allaah said:

ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقُونَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقَـٰتُ بَعۡضُهُم مِّنۢ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ يَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمُنڪَرِ وَيَنۡہَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَقۡبِضُونَ أَيۡدِيَہُمۡ‌ۚ نَسُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَنَسِيَہُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ
وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقَـٰتِ وَٱلۡكُفَّارَ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ هِىَ حَسۡبُهُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَعَنَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ۬ مُّقِيمٌ۬

The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allah’s Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Allah has promised the hypocrites; men and women, and the disbelievers, the Fire of Hell, therein shall they abide. It will suffice them. Allah has cursed them and for them is the lasting torment. [Surah At-Tawbah. Aayaat 67-68]

If this “lack of charity” mentioned by the Pope – in this context- is referring to one who takes the law into his own hands to harm sinners, then indeed, none has the right to harm anyone or take the law into his own hands. Shaikh Abdul Waahid- Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated in an article of his regarding the consequences of homosexuality, “This is the view of all of the famous scholars and jurists of Islam in line with the punishment dealt to the people of Lūt (in the Qur’an) and the hadīth of the Prophet. A Muslim, regardless of which country he lives in, is not allowed to physically harm those he regards to be sinners, nor incite others to do so. Vigilantism goes against Islamic teachings because it creates an anarchic, unjust and disorderly society”. https://abukhadeejah.com/lgbtq-homosexuality-gay-muslims-and-islam/%5D

 

His statement: “Every man and every woman must have a window in their life where they can turn their hope and where they can see dignity of God”.

Response: Certainly, indeed, Allaah is to be worshipped with love, fear and hope. This was the path of the Prophets. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated: We should know that fear of Allah should be combined with love and hope, so that fear does not become a cause of giving up hope in Allaah’s Mercy. A believer should have both fear of Allaah and hope in Allaah’s Mercy, so that fear alone does not lead him to give up hope in Allaah’s mercy, nor will hope alone make feel secure from Allaah’s plan. That is because giving up hope in Allaah’s Mercy and feeling secure from Allaah’s plan are two affairs that negate perfect Tawheed. Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers]. [7:99]

And Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّهُ ۥ لَا يَاْيۡـَٔسُ مِن رَّوۡحِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ – Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve]. [12:87]

And Allaah said: [ وَمَن يَقۡنَطُ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ رَبِّهِۦۤ إِلَّا ٱلضَّآلُّونَ – “And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray. [15:56] Ismaa’eel Ibn Raafi (rahimahullaah) said, ”Feeling secure from Allaah’s plan is when the slave is persistent in committing sin, whilst hoping for Allaah’s forgiveness’’. The Scholars (rahimahumullaah) say, ”Despair is to distance oneself from having hope for relief and losing hope in that, and it is the opposite of feeling secure from Allaah’s plan. Both these two affairs are a great sin. It is neither permissible for a believer to adhere to fear alone, and thus despairs of Allaah’s Mercy, nor should he adhere to hope alone, and thus feels secure from Allaah’s punishment; rather he should have fear and hope – fearful due to his sins, performs acts of obedience to Allaah and hopes for Allaah’s Mercy, just as Allaah [The Most High] stated:

إِنَّهُمۡ ڪَانُواْ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ وَيَدۡعُونَنَا رَغَبً۬ا وَرَهَبً۬ا‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ

Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us. [21:90]

And Allaah said:

[ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ يَبۡتَغُونَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمُ ٱلۡوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّہُمۡ أَقۡرَبُ وَيَرۡجُونَ رَحۡمَتَهُ ۥ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحۡذُورً۬ا – Those whom they call upon [like ‘Iesa (Jesus) – son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allah), as to which of them should be the nearest and they [‘Iesa (Jesus), ‘Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily, the Torment of your Lord is something to be afraid of!] [17:57]

When fear of Allaah and hope in Allaah are combined, it urges a slave (i.e. a worshipper of Allaah) to perform deeds and utilise the beneficial means to that; for indeed alongside having hope in Allaah’s Mercy, he performs acts of obedience and hopes for reward; and by way of fear, he abandons disobedience due to being fearful of Allaah’s punishment. But if he despairs of Allaah’s Mercy, he may stop performing righteous deeds, and if he feels secure from Allaah’s punishment, he is pushed towards acts of disobedience. [An Excerpt from Al-Irshaad Ilaa Saheeh Al-I’tiqaad War-Raddu Alaa Ahlish-Shirki Wal-Ilhaad. page 85]

The door of repentance from disbelief and sins lesser than disbelief is open until the soul reaches the throat. Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ
وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ
أَن تَقُولَ نَفۡسٌ۬ يَـٰحَسۡرَتَىٰ عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطتُ فِى جَنۢبِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِن كُنتُ لَمِنَ ٱلسَّـٰخِرِينَ
أَوۡ تَقُولَ لَوۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هَدَٮٰنِى لَڪُنتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ
أَوۡ تَقُولَ حِينَ تَرَى ٱلۡعَذَابَ لَوۡ أَنَّ لِى ڪَرَّةً۬ فَأَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ
بَلَىٰ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡكَ ءَايَـٰتِى فَكَذَّبۡتَ بِہَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ وَكُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ
وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ تَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وُجُوهُهُم مُّسۡوَدَّةٌ‌ۚ أَلَيۡسَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَثۡوً۬ى لِّلۡمُتَكَبِّرِينَ
وَيُنَجِّى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ بِمَفَازَتِهِمۡ لَا يَمَسُّهُمُ ٱلسُّوٓءُ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ

Say: “O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’an, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!” Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Qur’an, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers, etc.] Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons).” 58. Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: “If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the Muhsinun (good-doers).” Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers. And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allah (i.e. attributed to Him sons, partners, etc.) their faces will be black. Is there not in Hell an abode for the arrogant ones? And Allah will deliver those who are the Muttaqun (pious) to their places of success (Paradise). Evil shall touch them not, nor shall they grieve. [Surah Az-Zumar. Aayaat 53-61]

Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Verily, Allah accepts the repentance of his servants, as long as the soul has not reached the throat”. [Sunan At-Tirmidhee 3537]

Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Alalah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the beast of the earth”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 158]

And the one who dies in a state of Shirk will abide in the fire forever.

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰٓ إِثۡمًا عَظِيمًا – Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 48]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدۡ ڪَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ مَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُ ٱلنَّارُ‌ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنۡ أَنصَارٍ۬
لَّقَدۡ ڪَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَـٰثَةٍ۬‌ۘ وَمَا مِنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّآ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬‌ۚ وَإِن لَّمۡ يَنتَهُواْ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
أَفَلَا يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَيَسۡتَغۡفِرُونَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary).” But the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” 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 Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. Will they not repent to Allah and ask His Forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayaat 72-74]

 

His statement: “And being homosexual isn’t a crime. It’s a human condition”.

Response: We have already address the affair the Pope’s sophistry and ambiguous usage of the words crime and sin. As for the statement, “It’s a human condition”, this is indeed another affair that can be utilised for truth or falsehood. The human condition as they say is “the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, such as birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality”. They say, “This is a very broad topic which has been and continues to be pondered and analysed from many perspectives, including those of religion, philosophy, history, art, literature, anthropology, psychology, and biology”.

Indeed, we do not entertain this nonsense, rather our Creator sent the final Messenger and revealed the final infallible revelation – the Qur’aan. Shaikh Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] 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 prioritising necessities. Therefore, due to this Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allaah [The Most High] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ

Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’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]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213] Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ. [Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18]

Read here on this topic regarding homosexuality:

Islam and Homosexuality: What happened in Sodom and Gomorrah? The Prophet Lot (Lūt) and his Daughters: In the Bible and the Qur’an.


http://www.islamhomosexuality.com/hs/

Why Homosexuality is Prohibited in Islam : Abū Zaynab ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Qawīm : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

https://archive.org/details/islam-homosexuality-book

The awful secret about the consequences of homosexual (gay) sex – Australian Federation for the Family: https://www.ausfamily.org/resources/sexual-behaviour/the-gay-sex-secret-homosexuals-want-no-one-to-know

Finally, we make it absolutely clear once again that rebutting the ideas of misguided personalities and the callers to corruption does not necessitate that one oppresses or take the law into his own hands. Must Read: Living With Non-Muslims With Fine Conduct: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

We ask Allaah to protect us and our children from all harm -in both religious and worldly affairs Aameen.

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ

 وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public; And I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger; And I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty; And I ask you for blessings that never ceases; And I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends; And I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; Aand I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquility etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me); O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Eemaan, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [Sunan An-Nasaa’ee’ Number 1305 & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah Number 1301]

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]

Footnote a: A Treatise on Ruling by Other than What Allaah has Revealed:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ05&articleID=MNJ050003&pfriend=

Brief Acquaintance With Some Robust Facilitators of Healthy Social Relations

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآىِٕ ذِى ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَيَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنڪَرِ وَٱلۡبَغۡىِ‌ۚ يَعِظُكُمۡ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ

Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 90]

Brief Acquaintance With Some Robust Facilitators of Healthy Social Relations – By Imaam An-Nawawi, Imaam Ibnul Qayyim, Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee, Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen, Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi and Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may allaah have mercy upon them]: PDF: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/social_relations1.pdf

“UNITY” – Why Are Some Christian Leaders Abusing This Word?!

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin, Tamyee'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

A person asked, “In the name of Unity, two Christian leaders agree to allow something that is prohibited in the pure teachings of all the Prophets. One of them says that he is happy that some of his brethren in faith – amongst their religious leaders – will be allowed to offer blessings to two people who seek a marriage contract that is forbidden by the Lord, but he will not get involved personally. Is this not absurd or tantamount to making a mockery of religion ‘In The Name of Unity?!”

Response: In order to understand the basis of the misguidance of the Christian Priests in relation to terms and expressions, one must refer back to a precise statement of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. He said, “It obligatory to know that the reason behind the misguidance of the Christians and their ilk – amongst those who go beyond bounds, such as those devoted in worship, the Shiites and other than them- is due to three affairs: firstly, utilizing ambiguous general terms and terms that are difficult to understand, and then turning away from terms that are clear and unambiguous. Whenever they hear a term that carries ambiguity, they cling to it and embrace it in their religion, even if it not a proof for it. As for the explicitly clear terms that are in opposition to their path, either they abstain from utilizing them or give them a false interpretation just as the people of falsehood do”. (1)

As for some of those who ascribe to Islam, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The one who does not know the language of the Prophet’s companions- the language they used when speaking to (one another), the (language) used by the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] when he spoke to them and the manner in which they spoke in general, he will change words from their right places. For indeed many people are nurtured upon the idioms of their people and their customary usage of words, so he finds those words in Allaah’s Speech or the speech of Messenger or that of the Prophet companions and thinks that what Allaah intends or what His Messenger (intend), or what the companions (intend) is what is intended by the people of his custom and their oral expressions, even though what Allaah and His Messenger intend is the opposite of that. This occurred from a group of people- the people of philosophical rhetoric, the people who spoke about Fiqh, the people who spoke about the Arabic language, the common people and other than them. And there are others who deliberately devise other meanings for the words of the Prophets and that of their [true] followers-meanings that are in opposition to their (true) ones. Then they spoke with those words whilst intending to aid themselves, saying: ‘’Indeed, we are in agreement with the Prophets.’’ This is found in abundance in the speech of the heretical philosophers, the Ismaa’eeliyyah (Rawaafid) and those similar to them amongst the heretical philosophers, rhetoricians and the soofees. The one who (truly) knows the Prophets and what they intend (by their speech) he will know by necessity that the (speech of those heretics) is not what is intended by the Prophets”. (2)

Finally, unity can be a praiseworthy word; however, they’ve utilised it to agree upon sin and as a weapon against those who reject this agreement, and those who enjoin good and forbid evil.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddal Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 277-278]
[Ref 2: Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17]

One of The Important Aims of The Students of Hadeeth

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

I saw that solely being preoccupied with studying Fiqh and listening to (transmission) of hadeeth is not enough to rectify the heart, except combined with (the authentic narrations about) softening of the hearts and looking into the biographies of the pious predecessors. As for having knowledge of Halaal and Haraam only, it does not have a great strength (specifically) in softening the heart; rather the softening of the heart is (attained) by mentioning the narrations on the subject matter and the stories of the pious predecessors. That is because they (the pious predecessors) grasped the intent behind narrating (ahaadeeth), demonstrated the tangible obligated actions by way of them, the practical encounter with their meanings and the goals behind them. And there is nothing that will make you experience this, except after cultivation and experience. Indeed, a group of the pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous slave should look to his character and upright guidance and not (merely) the knowledge he has acquired. That is because his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. So understand this! The student of Hadeeth and Fiqh should combine (seeking after hadeeth and fiqh) with studying the lives of the pious predecessors and the Zuhhaad, so that it can be a means to softening the heart. Indeed, books have been compiled regarding the affairs and manners of each one of those well-known outstanding men (of piety). A book has been compiled regarding the affairs of Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad-ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof and other than them amongst the scholars and the Zuhhaad. (1)

Imaam Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is incumbent that the seekers of Hadeeth should be the (possessors of the) most perfect (behaviour, traits, manners, etiquettes etc) amongst the people, the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome by) angry; and that is due to constantly lending an ear to the narrations that combine the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away; so they adhere to the most refined and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly (traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc)”. (2)

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. Slightly paraphrased]

Don’t Call Me to Taqleed O Muqallid (Blind Follower)!

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: Indeed, rejecting the statements of scholars (i.e. their sound verdicts) – by way of statements whose apparent meaning is sound, but those who utilise them intend falsehood and evil – has become widespread nowadays. “I do not make Taqleed!!” Even though you find him to be ignorant, understands nothing (i.e. regarding some or many affairs) in the religion and is one of those who are greatly in need of making Taqleed of the scholars as well as following them. There is (the necessity for) Taqleed and Ittibaa. There is a person who is ignorant and he needs to make Taqleed. Taqleed is a necessity for this person, therefore it is incumbent upon him to make Taqleed of the scholars. The student of knowledge can understand by way of the proofs that such and such scholar is correct and thus he follows the person with proof. This is a level above Taqleed and below the level of the Mujtahid.

Some of them might say, “I do not make Taqleed”, even though-in reality- he is a commoner or an evil doer, or a malicious person who desires to speak ill against the scholars and keep the people away from them through these cunning ways. Therefore, let the youth be careful lest they fall into the trap of these fools – those who speak ill of the scholars in such a heedless manner.

“I do not make Taqleed of such and such”, we say to him “Who commands you to make Taqleed if you are a student of knowledge?! However, if that scholar about whom you say, “I do not make Taqleed of him” has truth with him, then is it permissible to reject the truth through this illusion which you call Taqleed and intend falsehood by way of it?! I warn the youth against despicable behaviour. It has become rife amongst the common people and prevents them from good manners, (sound adherence to) religion and character. [An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 61-62. Slightly paraphrased]

The Prohibited and Permissible Forms of Taqlid

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ06&articleID=MNJ060005&articlePages=1

The Methodology of the Salaf Concerning Ijtihad and Taqlid
http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ06&articleID=MNJ060001&articlePages=1

The following PDF https://www.troid.org/media/pdf/areturntothesunnah.pdf discusses the subject matter of Taqleed -from page 59 onward- based on the clarifications of the scholars, such as Shaikh Albaani [rahimahullaah], Shaikh Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] and others. The reader is asked to read carefully to acquire a holistic understanding of the affair.

The Religion is Established Upon Clarification of Truth and Refutation Against Falsehood- By Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari [may Alaah preserve him] said: “And from which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two affairs: Clarification of the truth and refuting falsehood and its people. The affirmation of this (affair) becomes manifest to the one who contemplates on the statement of Tawheed [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and by way of explanation. The saying of the slave (i.e. the Muslim) لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people-those who deify others besides Allaah. And the statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. And it (means) that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner. Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messengership of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that and thus deifies him; or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messengership. (1)

Beware of Mixing Truth With Falsehood

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ – And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth)]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 42]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Allaah forbade us from mixing truth with falsehood, and thus leading to concealment of the truth. Mixing truth with false is by mixing the two until one of them is confused for the other. This is forgery and deceit by way of which what is made apparent is the opposite of what it is in reality. Likewise, when truth is confounded with falsehood, the culprit manifests falsehood in the image of truth and speaks with a statement that carries two meanings- a correct meaning and false meaning, so the listener is under the illusion that the speaker intends the correct meaning, whilst he (i.e. the speaker) intends the corrupt meaning. (2)

[Ref 1: المقالات الشرعيّة page 14-15]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ Vol 1, page 124. slightly paraphrased]

[10] Warning Against Hub Ar-Riyaasah and Its Destructive Consequences – By Imaam Ibn Qudamah

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Ibn Qudaamah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: In most cases envy occurs between contemporaries, peers, brothers and cousins, because of the conflicting goals of everyone that leads 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. That is because they have conflicting goals. The basis of this affair is due to love of the worldly things, because indeed the worldly things are restricted for those who compete for it. As for the afterlife, there is no restriction within it, because the one who loves knowledge and awareness of Allaah, knowledge and awareness regarding Allaah’s angels, Allaah’s Prophets and Allaah’s Mighty Dominion over the heavens and the earth, he will not envy others after being acquainted with these affairs, because they 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 Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections], which is a vast affair. Their goal is to acquire a high status in the sight of Allaah and that which Allaah has kept in the afterlife is unlimited, because Allaah’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 become 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 Allaah and His Mighty Dominion [i.e. by pondering upon what Allaah 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.

You do not find people overcrowding to view the beauty of the sky because it is vast and unrestricted; therefore, if you are merciful to yourself, then it is obligated on you to seek after a bliss in whose path there is no obstruction and a pleasure that will not cease [i.e. the competition for this worldly life is restricted for its competitors and will come to an end, whereas the afterlife is unrestricted.] And this cannot be found in this worldly life, except by acquainting oneself with knowledge and awareness of Allaah and the amazing nature of His Dominion [over everything].

However, if you do not yearn to acquaint yourself with knowledge and awareness of Allaah and your desire is weak, then neither will you find it nor its pleasure. Therefore, you’re not man enough, because this affair is that of men, for indeed yearning for something occurs after experiencing it. The one who has not tasted will not know, the one who does know will not yearn, the one who does not yearn will not seek, the one who does not seek will not find (anything), and the one who does not find (anything) will be amongst those who are deprived.

Know that envy is a great disease of the hearts and the diseases of the hearts are not cured except with knowledge and action. The beneficial knowledge for curing envy is to know that in reality envy is harmful to your religious and worldly affairs, but the envied one is neither harmed in his religious nor worldly affairs; rather he is benefited by it. Blessings do not cease from the person you envy. And even if you were not a believer in the resurrection, this would still have necessitated a realisation–if you are sensible– to be mindful of envy due to the pain it brings to the heart as well as [having] no benefit; then how about when you know of its punishment in the afterlife.

And the clarification of our statement: Indeed, the envied one is neither harmed in his Religious nor worldly affairs, rather he is benefited by it in his Religious and worldly affairs: That is because the blessings Allaah have decreed for him will continue until the end of his lifespan and there is no harm upon him in the hereafter [due to be envied] because he has not committed any sin in that; rather he is benefited by it because he is someone receiving oppression from you, especially if the envy comes out through speech and action.

As for the benefit in the worldly life [i.e. the benefits of being envied] , it is because the most important aim of the creation is [to witness] the grief of an enemy and there is no punishment greater than the [blameworthy] envy you find in yourself. If you contemplate on what we have mentioned, you will know that you are indeed an enemy to yourself– a friend of your enemy [within yourself]. Your likeness is nothing other than that of a person who threw a stone at his enemy to kill him, but he could not harm him and the stone bounced back on his right eye and plucked it out. So his anger increased and he -again – threw a stone harder than the first one, but it bounced back on his other eye and plucked it out. So his rage increased, and he threw a third stone, but it bounced back on his head and broke it, whilst his enemy is safe and laughing at him. This is a knowledge base cure [for envy]. If a person reflects upon this, the inferno of envy will be extinguished from his heart.

As for beneficial action [to help cure envy], then it is to make binding upon oneself to destroy what envy commands one to do. If it arouses him towards hatred and defamation of the one who is envied, he should make it binding upon himself to praise and extol him. If it makes him arrogant, he will make it binding upon himself to be humble towards him [i.e. the one envied]; and if it makes him block favours from reaching him, he should make it binding upon himself to increase in giving him favours. And there were a group of the pious predecessors who whenever it reached them that a person backbit them, they would give him [i.e. the back bitter] a gift. These are very beneficial remedies for envy. [An Excerpt from ‘Mukhtasar Minhaajil Qaasideen’ page: 199-201. slightly paraphrased]