Tag: worship

How to Attain and Actualise Sincerity in a Persons Actions? – Shaykh Abu Abdillah Khalid adh-Dhufayri (Allah preserve him)

Written by Abu Aa'isha Amjad on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

There are many ways to actualise sincerity from them are the following,

(1) A person recognises the reality and status of this worldly life, it’s passing by and will not last.

(2) That it is has no value in reality.

(3) That a person remembers death frequently.

(4) He remembers the purpose for his creation.

(5) He ponders upon the names and attributes of Allah, he recognises and affirms that Allah is Al-‘Aleem He knows all, he has the Muraaqabah of Allah, meaning he is aware that Allah knows, hears and sees everything he does.

(6) He works towards rectifying his sincerity and realises it is from the highest levels of worship.

(7) There is no arrival to paradise except by the Pleasure of Allah.

There are many affairs and means which will aid a person rectify his sincerity and these are from them.

Shaykh Abu Abdillah Khalid Adh-Dhufayri (hafidahullah) (1st March 2020)

[5] Sound Knowledge, Piety and Independent Defense Industry For Reformation and Strength – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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

Sound Knowledge, Obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, Together With Independent Defense Industry Needed For Reformation, Rectification and Strength]:

Pdf Article on This Link:

https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1_Some_Causes_of_Weakness_In_The_Ummah.pdf

[4] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – [Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, 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.

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “We do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after (acquaintance with) the knowledge of Tawheed. This is what is specified as an obligation”.

The Shaikh also said, “You say, ‘Indeed, my child graduated from such and such university and he has a master’s degree or what they call a PHD, and he studied in America or in London or in such university’, and you think that with these (qualifications) he has become a mountain amongst the mountains of the earth; however, as long as he is unaware of the rights of his Lord, unaware of your rights and the affairs of his religion, then by Allaah he is a mirage and there is neither goodness in him nor in his knowledge (of the worldly sciences). To be ignorant (of these worldly science) would be better for him because they led him to reject his religion, country and society. The situation of (this person) is that of evil and his manners have been corrupted. Therefore, it is obligatory that you do not become lackadaisical concerning the affairs of your children as long as they are young. Teach them what is beneficial and nurture them upon good”.

The Shaikh also said, “It is obligated on the teachers to implant the true creed in the hearts of the young generation. They should clarify -for them- the wisdom, beauty and underlying reasons behind the rulings of the Islamic law until their hearts grow in faith and radiated with its light, so that they become upright and benefit their country, governments, Islamic Nation, its people and the Religion”.

The Shaikh also said, “Alas, how can we be pleased with sending our young children to a faculty in America or to such and such country, and he (the parent) says, “My child has gone to study”, (whilst he has gone) to study disbelief, hearsay, deviation, how to turn away from his family, his country and religion!” “How can a person excuse himself for sending his young child to Germany, France, America, Italy and London, whilst he has not yet been nurtured upon the correct creed. This is an error. (Your Muslim child) will come to you whilst turning away from his religion, turning away from his parents and looking down upon them. He will consider them to be (people) who neither possesses understanding nor do they know, whilst in reality he is the one without understanding. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to give serious concern to the children under his care because they are a trust. And when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed the trust. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat [things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you]. [Soorah Anfaal: Ayah: 27]

Therefore, your children are a trust and when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed them. It is obligated on every one of us to fear Allaah with regards to the (affair) of his children and those under his care. The days go past and the end of a (person’s) lifespan draws closer, and a person does not know when his life span will suddenly come to (an end). (One) must strive to teach his children beneficial knowledge, nurture them upon goodness and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and he is responsible for them. A woman is a shepherdess in her husband’s house and she is responsible for her flock'”.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’. pages 938-944. slightly paraphrased]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[3] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Imaam As-Sadi)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, 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.

Imaam Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls [i.e. upon excellent traits, manners, dealings, characteristics, sound creed etc] which are the determinants of [sound] rectification and success. What the Religion of Islaam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts [upon righteousness], urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.

The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam.

Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which [some] people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature.

The Imaam also said: Industrialization And Modern Inventions: Everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and [virtuous] manners, then indeed -in this era-, it has greatly declined. So, when this industrial advancement is devoid of sound religion and faith, it became a great harm from two angles:

Firstly: It beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided, for indeed a person might be from the most skillful in affairs related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in affairs related to the religion, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next.

Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of sound religion, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them, killing, destruction and other affairs related to it. Its regulators [or overseers] and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life, rather they have not ceased moving from one miserable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows that [to be the case]. Therefore all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying [Allaah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc.

[An Excerpt from Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. pages 45-50]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah.

[2] Creed, Adherence to The Qur’aan, Sunnah and Path of The Salaf; Correct Way of Pursuing Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Saudi Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

“The latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except through that which rectified its early part”, just as the people of knowledge and sound faith have stated. This is a statement of Imaam Maalik [may Allaah have mercy upon him]- the well-known scholar of sound understanding and piety. Many other people of knowledge reported this statement during and after his era and they all agreed that the latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part. This means that the path followed by its earlier generations -the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His noble Messenger – is what will rectify its future generations until the Day of Judgement. The one who wishes to rectify an Islamic society or any other society in this worldly life through other than the path and practical steps that rectified those who have preceded, then such a person is mistaken and has spoken untruth. There is no path other than the path (of the Messenger and his companions). The only path of rectification and uprightness is the one that was followed by our Prophet and his noble companions, and then those who follow them exactly in righteousness till this era of ours. And this necessitates:

-To give close attention to the Great Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger and convey them to the people.

-To acquire understanding of the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah and convey both of them with knowledge and clear-sightedness.

-To clarify the rulings found in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, including – first and foremost – the sound creed and the views that must be accepted by the Islamic society. On the other hand, one should clarify the forbidden creeds and views that are to be avoided.

-To clarify the boundaries of Halaal and Haraam that have been legislated by Allaah and His Messenger, so that they are not violated. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا – These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not] [Soorah Al-Baqarah: Ayah 187].

These limits are the unlawful deeds forbidden by Allaah because they lead to sins. And just as Allaah forbade mankind from going beyond the boundaries of Halaal and Haraam, He also legislated acts of worship and rulings in the religion. [An Excerpt from ‘Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’ah pages 1-2]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[1] Creed, Adherence to The Qur’aan, The Sunnah and Path of The Salaf; Correct Way of Pursuing Reformation and Advancement- [By Saudi King Abdul Azeez]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Saudi King Abdul Azeez Bin Abdir-Rahmaan [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The foundation of the Islamic Creed is the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and that which the Sahaabah were upon; then the pious predecessors after them (see appendix a), and then after them the four Imaams of the Muslims- Imaam Maalik, Imaam Shaafi’ee, Imaam Ahmad and Imaam Abu Haneefah. The creed of these people is one in the foundation of the religion and that is the three categories of Tawheed- the Oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, the Oneness of Allaah in that He (alone) has the right to be worshipped and His Oneness in His Names and Attributes”. (see appendix b)

Saudi King Abdul Azeez said, “It is obligatory that we adhere to the Rope of Allaah  [i.e. the Qur’aan, Sunnah etc] and that which the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] were upon. If we adhere to this, we will be callers to Allaah  [i.e. Callers to Tawheed, the Sunnah and everything Allaah has commanded], establish our affairs based on what Allaah has revealed, speak and establish our economic affairs based on Taqwaa [i.e. fear of Allaah by fulfilling everything Allaah has commanded and keeping away from everything Allaah has forbidden], so that Allaah may show us kindness. However, if we do not do so and we are abandoned to our own selves, then we might become like what Ali  [may Allaah be pleased with him] that Allaah said: [نَسُوا اللَّهَ فَنَسِيَهُمْ – They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them]”. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 67]

Saudi King Abdul Azeez said, “O Muslims! It is obligatory that we hold onto the Rope of Allaah (i.e. the Qur’aan), follow the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], follow the guidance of the Messenger, act on Allaah’s orders and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden. Indeed, every speech that is not followed by action is false. There can be no rectification for the Muslims except through their unity upon singling out their Lord in [His Lordship, Names and Attributes and worshipping Him alone and associate none to Him as a partner in Worship]. And during every differing that leads to splitting and division, the Religion commands us to hold onto Allaah’s Sharee’ah, enjoin one another with the truth and patience, just as Allaah  [The Most High] commanded us in the Qur’aan. We should be truly acquainted with our Lord and seek His Aid and Assistance. We do not fear except the (consequences of) our sins and it is obligated on the Muslims to follow Allaah’s Religion and obey all that Allaah has ordered, practically. In this is the (means of) rectifying their worldly affairs and the upright establishment of all their (other) affairs”.

Saudi King Abdul Azeez said, “Deeds that are in opposition to the Sharee’ah can never be beneficial for anyone and all harm (is found) in following other than the foundation brought by our Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]”.

He said, “Indeed, the progress and advancement of the Muslims is among those affairs we (pursue) – we call to it by the will of Allaah. (However), there cannot be advancement for the Muslims without a return to their religion, adherence to their sound creed and holding onto the Rope of Allaah (i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah). The path towards this is clear and provided for the one who wants to follow it, and that is to single out Allaah in worship – to be free from shirk and bidah- and act on that which the religion has commanded us, for indeed there is no benefit in speech if not (accompanied) by action”.

[Source: An Excerpt from  “Haqeeqah Manhaj Al-Mamlakah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah”. Pages 26-33]

To be continued InShaaAllaah

Appendix a: Mountains of Knowledge – Creed of The Salaf (Pious Predecessors): https://darpdfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Mountains-of-Knowledge_-Inheritors-of-the-Prophets.pdf

Appendix b: Read “Creed of the Four Imama”: https://darpdfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Creed-of-the-Four-Imams-Sh.-Muhammad-al-Khumayyis-1.pdf

No Rush to Support a Group of non-Muslims Against Another Group of non-Muslim Due to Mainstream Media Opinions!

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

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

No Rush to Support a Group of non-Muslims Against Another Group of non-Muslims Due to Mainstream Media Opinions and So called Convincing Analysis; Rather Abstain Until You Ask Upright Investigators Amongst The People of Tawheed and Sunnah – Those Who Have No Ulterior Motives; Neither Paid to Promote a Particular Narrative nor a Particular Man made ideology, Nor Seeking to Promote The Agenda of Anyone Battling For Geopolitical Dominance In The East or West.       

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَمَا تَفَرَّقُوٓاْ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡعِلۡمُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا كَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى لَّقُضِىَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُورِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ مُرِيبٍ۬
فَلِذَٲلِكَ فَٱدۡعُ‌ۖ وَٱسۡتَقِمۡ ڪَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَقُلۡ ءَامَنتُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِن ڪِتَـٰبٍ۬‌ۖ وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

And they divided not till after knowledge had come to them, through selfish transgression between themselves. And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord for an appointed term, the matter would have been settled between them. And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture [i.e. the Taurah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] after them (i.e. Jews and Christians) are in grave doubt concerning it (i.e. Allah’s true religion Islam or the Qur’an). So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Surah Ash-Shura. Aayaat 14-15]

When Allaah commanded the Muslims to be united in their religion, and forbade them from splitting, He told not to be deceived by the fact that Allaah has sent down a book to them, because the previous people of the Scripture did not split, except after Allaah had sent down upon them the Book which necessitated that they should be united, however acted in manner that opposed what their Book commanded. All of that was due to transgression and enmity from them, because indeed they showed transgressed and envied one another, rancour and enmity occured and led to (blameworthy) differing. So, be warned O Muslims lest you become like them.

وَلَوۡلَا كَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى لَّقُضِىَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ
وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُورِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ مُرِيبٍ۬
فَلِذَٲلِكَ فَٱدۡعُ‌ۖ وَٱسۡتَقِمۡ ڪَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ
وَقُلۡ ءَامَنتُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِن ڪِتَـٰبٍ۬‌ۖ

And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture [i.e. the Taurah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] after them (i.e. Jews and Christians) are in grave doubt concerning it (i.e. Allah’s true religion Islam or the Qur’an). So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)].

[وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – and I am commanded to do justice among you], Meaning, when passing judgement regarding that which you have differed between yourselves. Therefore, your enmity and hatred does not prevent me from judging with justice between you. And part of justice is that when judging between people who make different statements – amongst the people of the Scripture and others – one accepts what they possess of truth and reject what they possess of falsehood.

[ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

Worship During Al-Harj is Like Emigrating to The Prophet

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

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

Maqil Bin Yasaar [may Allaah be pleased with him] narrated that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Worship during Al-Harj is like emigrating to me”. [1]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The intent behind [the word] ‘Harj’ in this Hadeeth is when the affairs of the people are in a state of Ikhtilaat [i.e. chaos, confusion, disorder, dissarry  etc]. And the reason behind the great virtue of worship during this state of affairs is because the people are heedless of worship and diverted from it, and none fulfils it except [some or few] individuals. [2]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said: The intent behind [the word] Al-Harj is Al-Ikhtilaat [i.e. chaos, confusion, disarray] when it occurs between the Muslims. That is because many people are diverted from worship due to this state of confusion [chaos, disarray etc]. Also killing and blood shed occurs during this state of affairs. Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] urges a person to engage in worship during the time of fitan, because the majority of the people are diverted from worship. The one who busies himself with worship [during this time] is like one who has migrated to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. You know the virtue Al-Hijrah [migration]! Al-Hijrah in the Arabic language means to abandon. Allaah said: [وَٱلرُّجۡزَ فَٱهۡجُرۡ  – And keep away from the idols][Al-Muddathir’ Aayah 5]

The One who engages in worship during times of trials and it does not divert him from worship, he has the reward of one who migrated to Allaah’s Messenger, because a Muhaajir [emigrant] leaves his country and flees to Allaah’s Messenger in order to safeguard his religion, and took place in the early Islamic era – during the era of the Messenger. So, the word Hijrah [migration] in the Islamic legislation means to leave the land of kufr and settle in the land of Imaan in order to safeguard one’s religion.

The word Hijrah is also intended to mean abandonment in general, so the one who abandons Fitna and busies himself with worship, then indeed he has abandoned Fitna and proceeded towards worship. Therefore, Hijrah means to abandon something. Allaah’s Messenger said: A [true] Muslim is the one whom other Muslims are safe from his tongue and hands, and a Muhaajir [emigrant] is one who refrains from what Allaah has forbidden. [Ref A]

Therefore, he is a Muhaajir because he abandons what Allaah has forbidden and fulfils what Allaah has commanded. This Hadeeth urges [exhorts] a person to engage in worship during times of fitna, because Fitna diverts people from worship except the one whom Allaah blesses with the ability to abandon Fitna and engages in worship.

However, this does not mean that one refrains from warning against Fitna and clarifying for the people, rather – firstly – he abandons Fitna, warns the people and forbids them from it. That is because just as he would like the people to come to him with good, he should also go to them with good. Just as he loves to be safe from Fitna, he should also love the same for the people. This deed of his is Jihaad [striving in the path of Allaah] and Inkaarul Munkar [i.e. the virtuous act of rejecting evil].  Listen to audio here: https://safeshare.tv/x/-HxAEXdPD-M#

Who to Return to During Times of Fitan

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

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 Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaitaan (Satan), save a few of you.'[4:83]

Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] 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. This ayah (also) guides to another affair and that is (important news touching public safety and fear) is to be relayed to those in authority from amongst the Scholars and the Rulers and not to the common people, for there is no benefit in transmitting it to the common people; rather what is of benefit is that it is transmitted to the people in authority because they are those with a sound understanding of the affairs and the benefits that are extracted from them. They are the ones with the ability to avert the harmful affairs.

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 [may Allaah be pleased with him] that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: ‘’It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears’’.

And Mugheerah bin Shubah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, ‘’The Messenger of Allaah 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 Bukhaari and Muslim should be mentioned here; when Umar was told that the Messenger of Allaah 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 to speak to him; then Umar asked the Prophet, saying, ‘‘Have you divorced your women?’’ The Prophet said, ‘No’.  So Umar said, I said ‘Allaahu Akbar……’

And in the narration collected by Imaam Muslim, Umar said, I asked, ‘Have you divorced them?’ The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘No’.  So I stood by the door of the mosque and shouted with a loud voice, saying, ‘The Messenger of Allaah 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 did divorce his wives).

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said about this Aayah [i.e. An-Nisaa 83]: This is a moral conduct [commanded by Allaah] to His slaves – that they do not do this [i.e. hasten to spread news]. And it is obligated on them that when there comes to them an affair from the important affairs – matters related to a universal benefit for the people, public safety and those affairs on which depends the sorrow or happiness of the believers, or an affair of public fear which may bring about calamity upon them- that they should verify the [news of that affair] and not to be hasty in spreading it; rather they should refer it back to the Messenger and to those in authority- the people of sound opinions, the people of knowledge; those who can give sound advice, the people of intelligence and those who approach affairs with calmness, and they are those who know what is of overriding benefit and that which is in opposition to it [i.e. the scholars].

So, if they see that disseminating such news will bring about an overriding benefit for the Muslims, strengthen them, bring about happiness and make them vigilant over their enemies, then they would disseminate such news; but if they see that there is no overriding benefit in disseminating such news, or that there is benefit in it, but there is more harm in doing so; then they would not circulate such news.  That is why Allaah stated:

وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ

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)- Meaning: They would have derived from it [the proper cause of action] through contemplation and through their correct opinions and rightly guided sciences.

Therefore, in this there is proof regarding a principle related to a moral conduct, that when an [important affair] from the [important affairs] suddenly appears, it is obligatory to refer it to those who are competent in the affair and one should not put himself forward before them, for that is closer to correctness and [safer] in preventing mistakes. And in this, there is a prohibition against being hasty in circulating news [that is related important affairs of public safety or fear] and a command to contemplate before speaking- to look into the affair, as to whether it is an affair of overriding benefit to be dealt with, or whether it should be avoided if it does not carry an [overriding benefit].

[وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ – Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you]- Meaning: by way granting you the ability to act upon righteousness, instructed you with moral conducts and taught you that which you never knew, then [لَٱتَّبَعۡتُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – you would have followed Shaitan (Satan), save a few of you]. [Ref 4]

Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiriy [may Allaah preserve him] says: When the people of virtue and righteousness were faced with an adversity and an intricate affair, they would go to the Senior People of knowledge to ask them and seek a Jawaab Ash-Shaafee Al-Kaafee [i.e. an appropriate answer that would bring about rectification of the religious affairs and preservation of the well-being of the people based on the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. This is a followed path –beginning since the era of Prophet’s companions, then the Imaams of the Taabi’een and then –after them- the people of knowledge, virtue, religion and Eemaan. And how beautiful is what Ibn Mas’ood said: The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad and their elders. But if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be destroyed. [Ref 5]

[Ref 1: Saheeh Muslim: Kitaab Al-Fitan Wa-Ash’raat As-Saa’ah- Chapter: The virtue of Ibaadah During Al-Harj. Hadeeth Number 2948]

[Ref 2: Saheeh Muslim Bi-Sharhi An-Nawawi. Vol 17. page 70. Hadeeth Number 2948. slightly paraphrased. Publishers: Daar al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. Ist Edition 1421 (Year 200) ]

[Ref A: Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 2382 and Muslim. Hadeeh Number 84]

Ref 3: https://safeshare.tv/x/-HxAEXdPD-M#

[Ref 4: Al-Fitnah Wa Mawqiful Muslim Minhaa’ 78-83 by Shaikh Muhammad Aqeel. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from:  الطيب الجني على شرح السنة للإمام المزني – page 19. slightly paraphrased]

Admonitions From The Salaf [Pious Predecessors]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

Abu Ad-Dardaa [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “What I fear the most is that it is said to me on the day of judgement, ‘Did you know or were you ignorant?’ If I say, ‘I knew’, then no verse of the Qur’aan will remain except that I will be held to account for the obligation related to it- whether I fulfilled the command and kept away from what it forbade. I seek refuge with Allaah against knowledge that does not benefit, a soul that is never satisfied and a supplication that is not answered’”. [Ref 1]

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] also said, “What I fear for myself is that it is said to me in the midst of the people, ‘O you who were commanded! Did you act?’ If I say, ‘Yes’, then it is said to me, ‘What did you do with what you know?’” [Ref 2]

Mu’aadh Bin Jabal [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “Learn what you wish, but Allaah will not reward you until you act”. [Ref 3]

Jundub Al-Bajalee [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “The example of one who admonishes the people but forgets himself is like a lamp that gives light to other and burns itself”. [Ref 4]

Maymoon Bin Mehraan [rahimahullaah] said, “One day Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [rahimahullaah] spoke in the presence of a group of his companions and Allaah granted him the ability to utter sound and fine speech. He looked at a man amongst those who were sitting with him and he was wiping his tears, then he said, ‘O leader of the believers! Carry on with your admonition because indeed I hope that Allaah will bless the one who hears it or the one it reaches’. So, Umar said to him, ‘Take this from me, indeed there is trial in speech and deeds are more worthy for a believer’”. [Ref 5]

Maalik Bin Deenaar [rahimahullaah] said, “Whoever seeks knowledge in order to act upon it, Allaah will bless him. And whoever seeks knowledge foe other than acting upon it, the knowledge will increase him in boasting”. [Ref 6]

Maalik Bin Deenaar [rahimahullaah] said, “You meet a man and he does not make a mistake in a single letter in his speech, but all his deeds are based on error”. [Ref 7]

Ibn Sammaak [rahimahullaah] said, “There are many things that do not harm if they are not beneficial; but as for knowledge, it harms if it does not benefit”. [Ref 8]

Ibraaheem At-Taymee [rahimahullaah] said, “I have never compared my speech to my deeds except fearing that the speech belied my deed”. [Ref 9]

[Ref 1: Sifatus Safwah 1/300]

[Ref 2: Sifatus Safwa. 1/300]

[Ref 3: Hilyatul Awliyaa (Tahdheeb). 1/185]

[Ref 4: Az-Zudh. By Imaam Ahmad. 330]

[Ref 5: Mawsoo’ah. By Ibn Abee Dunyaa. 1/181]

[Ref 6: Hilyatul Awliyaa (Tahdheeb) 1/427]

[Ref 7: Hilyatul Awliyaa. (Tahdheeb) 1/429]

[Ref 8: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 2/761]

[Ref 9: Sifatus Safwa 2/580]

[2] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

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

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

The sound Islamic Creed is based on the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah as opposed to the other creeds. The sources of the other creeds differ and you’ll find them being in opposition to each other- filled with contradictions and diverse orientations. As for the person who has been blessed with the sound Islamic creed, he is saved from all of this. The sound Islamic creed is the creed that agrees with Fitrah [natural disposition of (human beings)] and sound intellect. Allaah [The Most High] said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic 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. [Soorah Ar-Rum: Ayah: 30]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Every newly born child is born in a state of fitrah [i.e. upon a natural inclination to worship Allaah (alone)], and it is his parents who make him into a Jew, a Christian or fire-worshipper……”

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said that Allaah said: “Indeed, I created my servants as Hunafaa [i.e. inclined towards monotheism and distanced from polytheism], but the devils divert them from their true religion [of Islamic monotheism]”.

When a person of sound intellect is introduced to the sound Islamic creed and its evidences, he will not oppose it. He will know that it does not contradict sound intellect. It was said to one of the Arabs, “How do you know that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is truthful? He replied, ‘I have not found him command something, except that it is commanded by the sound intellect; and I have not found him prohibit something, except that it is prohibited by the sound intellect’”.

This shows that those who nurture the people upon the sound Islamic creed are the callers to that which agrees with the natural disposition and sound intellect, as opposed to the false creeds because they are in opposition to the natural disposition and sound intellect. Those who call to false creeds utilise lies, deceit, fables, dreams etc…. to spread those false and deviated creeds.

The false creeds and their adherents contradict each other, but as for the sound Islamic creed, its people do not contradict one another. Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآَنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا

Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions. [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 82]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ – Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)]. [Soorah Fussilat: Ayah: 42]

The sound Islamic creed founded upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah is free from falsehood. Falsehood cannot approach it because it is founded upon a pure source. As for the other creeds, they are based on contradictions and differences;

يُؤۡفَكُ عَنۡهُ مَنۡ أُفِكَ

إِنَّكُمۡ لَفِى قَوۡلٍ۬ مُّخۡتَلِفٍ۬ ]

And certainly, you (i.e. people of false creeds) have different ideas (about Muhammad and the Qur’an). Turned aside therefrom (i.e. from Muhammad and the Qur’an) is he who is turned aside (by the Decree and Preordainment of Allaah)]

The sound Islamic creed is clear and there are no obscurities in it, as opposed to the creed of the falsifiers. Its fundamental principles and evidences are clear, as opposed to the other creeds. For example one of the people of philosophical rhetoric wrote a very abstruse treatise on the knowledge of the existence of Allaah and then said, “None will comprehend it, except someone who is firmly grounded in knowledge”. Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi (rahimahullaah) said that one of the philosophers said, “I spent all night looking at the evidences of the philosophers till morning came, but I could not understand anything”.

The sound Islamic creed unites the hearts and prevents hatred and rancour between the people; rather it even unites creatures that are different from one another. For example, look at the bond between the angels and the pious people amongst the children of Aadam! Allaah said:

الَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ الْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ

Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord and believe in Him (i.e. believe in the oneness of Allaah) and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): “Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!’’ [Soorah Ghaafir: Ayah: 7]. So they (i.e. the angels) supplicate and ask Allaah to forgive the believers, and this bond between them and the believers is due to the sound Islamic creed they share.

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ لَوْ أَنْفَقْتَ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ – And He has united their (i.e. believers’) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise]. [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 63]

It is Allaah Who unites (the hearts of the) believers through the sound Islamic creed and this is why Allaah (The Most High) said: [إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)]. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah: 10]

As for the bond you find between the people of corrupt creeds, they are all disconnected. Allaah (The Most High) said:[إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا وَرَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الْأَسْبَابُ – When those who were followed, disown (declare themselves innocent of) those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them]. [Soorah Al-Baqarah: Ayah: 166]

Allaah (The Most High) said:[الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ – Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun ([the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].

The sound Islamic creed gives one’s heart peace and tranquillity. Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)]. [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 97]

A good life is dependent upon Eemaan and righteous actions. Allaah (The Most High) said:

طه (1) مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآَنَ لِتَشْقَى (2) إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَى

Ta-Ha. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.] We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress. [Soorah Taahaa: Ayah:1-2]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ – Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest]. [Soorah Ar-Radd: Ayah:28]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: The hearts were created to be upon Tawheed, but when they abandon what they were created for, they become confused and bewildered. The heart’s need of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah is like a fish’s need for water. A fish dies when deprived of water and likewise the heart dies when deprived of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah.

The sound Islamic creed is a creed of uprightness and justice- neither going beyond bounds nor falling short, as opposed to the other creeds. There is not an affair in the religion- be it the beliefs, acts of worship and its laws- except that the people are divided into three categories in that regard; [a]The Extremists [b]Those who fall short and [c]Those who remain upon uprightness and justice upon the sound creed-those who cling to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. (1)

The (sound) creed in the Religion is like the roots of a tree and the foundation of a building. And just as a tree cannot stand (firm) except by way of its roots and a building cannot stand (firm) except by way of its foundation, likewise the Religion cannot be established except by way of (sound) Eemaan and Sound Creed. A person without sound creed is similar to a body without a soul. Allaah (The Most High) said:

[أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do]. [Soorah Al-An-aam: Ayah: 122]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُم – O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Muhammad) calls you to that which will give you life] [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 24]

This is why Allaah called the revelation ‘Rooh’. Allaah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah: 52-53]

And why did Allaah (The Most High) call it Rooh? It is because the real life of the hearts cannot exist, except by way of the revelation, and the sound creed is the greatest affair in the revelation. Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَتَى أَمْرُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (1) يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنْذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ – The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): “Warn mankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds)]. [Soorah Nahl:Aayaat: 1-2]

This (i.e. the sound creed, Tawheed, sincerity in worship) are the greatest affair in the revelation.

Some Virtues of the Sound Creed

The sound creed is the basis upon which the Religion of Allaah is built. This is manifested in the parable in the Ayah:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ تُؤْتِي

أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.” [Soorah Ibraaheem: Aayaat: 24-25]

“Whose (i.e. this tree) roots are firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)”. The firmness of these roots are [the sound Creed, sound Eemaan and Sincerity in worshipping Allaah alone], and thereafter, the branches are made strong and the fruits are produced. “Its roots are firmly fixed”; and what is well known is that a tree cannot be of benefit when its roots are not firmly fixed; so if the roots are firm, the branches will be strong and the fruits are produced. This is a parable in explanation of the Religion of Islaam and the status of the sound creed in the Religion.

And if you wish to know the status of the sound creed in the Religion of Allaah, then look at the date palm tree because the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that the goodly tree which has been compared to the believer is the date palm tree. Ibn Umar (radiyallaahu-anhumaa) narrated: While we were with the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), he said: ‘’Inform me of a tree which resembles a Muslim man. Its leaves do not fall and it does not, and does not, and does not; and it gives its fruits every now and then.’’ It came to my mind that such a tree must be the date palm, but seeing Abu Bakr and Umar saying nothing, I disliked to speak. So when they did not say anything, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is the date-palm tree’’………[Al-Bukhaari: Vol 6: Number: 4698]

This (hadeeth) shows the nobility of this tree amongst other trees, because Allaah specified it and compared it to the believer. The date-palm tree has roots which are firmly fixed and deeply rooted, and it seeks after water by way of which it is given life. And whenever there is water, its roots seek after it; likewise the heart of the believer seeks after Allaah’s revelation by way of which it is given life. Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.” [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:16]

Allaah revives the dead earth by way of water; so just as a tree is given life by way of water and dies when deprived of water; likewise, the hearts cannot be alive, except by way of the revelation. And if (the hearts) are deprived of the revelation, they become dead. And that is why whenever a person is distanced from the revelation, he comes closer to death (i.e. his heart comes closer to corruption), and whenever he comes closer to the revelation, his heart is given life (i.e. obedience to Allaah, worshipping Allaah alone, distanced from sin etc) in accordance with his closeness to the revelation. (2)

[Ref 1: Source: Al-Madkhal Li-Diraasah Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah: Lesson 1 of Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
[Ref 2: Source: Al-Madkhal Lidiraasat Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr ‘ lesson 3]