Dear Rayne: The Purpose Of Creation
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
I hope and pray this finds you brimming with happiness and a taste of sun on your tongue. 
If you smell enough pleasant things you will smell the sun on something and thus taste its bliss as well. I found it in a yellow bottle of body wash that’s name started with a C. Lol! I loved that smell so much oh how I would open it’s top just to have a nice whiff. Lol* and then bask in the shower bathing with it. Blush blush.
The importance of family being close knit is always observed as being the tenet for Holidays. Did you notice this? When your family celebrates Christmas, Thanksgiving and the like. It would seem its a family holiday only for families right? I would like to point out God created us to worship Him and do acts that are pleasing to Him. This whole life is nothing but a very long test with many practice exams. Our Final Examination is completed when we die. This is the reason we have so many opportunities and differences presented to us in our lifetimes. Your environment today is due to a series of choices that I made and what your dad made as well as the choices of what he has been choosing to do. Our lifestyles are completely different, even opposite you and I. While I was like you, raised by my father not my mother, my father had the same values I share today and my mother was more like your father. I however did not listen so well to my father and took my desires as a God without realizing it. My father tried very hard to help me May Allah Bless him, and I was stubborn to not take heed. This is what has caused the divide between you and me today. I was homeless living in my car with you in the middle of winter and struggling to make a living. That is the truth and terrible secret I hide. I had family an hour from you but honestly did not believe they would be thrilled to take us in. I was very shy and embarrassed about being so helpless. May God forgive me. I loved you and adored you so much. I was distraught at being so incapable of doing better. I am sorry. I left you with your dad and his family believing that he would finally ‘grow up’ and give you back to me when I returned. I went out and tried to make my small fortune to provide a nice life for us and was inadequate. I stumbled greatly from the cruelty of others. I was robbed and kidnapped and barely escaped with my life. When I finally was able to return to you your dad and his family were none too thrilled, to say the least. I am very shy and easy to hurt thus when I was confronted with name calling and insults I fled. I am sorry. I really am so sorry, God is my witness I am sorry. I felt like I was too weak and alone to stand and fight just to see your sweet and precious face though I regret it so much. I wish I had been stronger and more capable to live near you and be with you throughout your life. It was the will of your family that I leave and the decree of God. I do not blame them you are a treasure and I hope they adore you as I would have. May God bless them. I love you and miss you terribly. The nights of crying myself to sleep over losing you were the worst in my life and though I have hurt nothing hurt nearly as much as losing out on raising you. Today I turn and look and see that the same choices I was faced with then have again appeared in my midst, this time with four children. I digress that I hope to not make the same mistakes and that everyone will turn out well and successful in their meetings with Allaah. It seems what I am blessed in is. Something not appreciated by the world and not valued by others. This is my belief and for it I am mocked, humiliated and tortured. I pray you will succeed with Joy on Judgment Day and not be hurt with the likes of the things I have suffered. I am pleased to be the one oppressed and not the oppressor and I praise my Lord for that mercy. All praise is to Him who has blessed me much over the rest of the Creation. Though I hurt now and am laughed at today, one day I will stand before The Lord and that day there will be no mocking from others. I just hope and pray that I will meet His pleasure and so will my children. I can not stand before the Lord my dear as an intervention for you. You will stand before him yourself, please prepare for that day today and every day.
Allaah the Exalted says,
“So let man see from what he is created! He is created from a water gushing forth. Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs. Verily, Allaah is Able to bring him back to life! The Day when all the secrets (deeds, prayers, fasting) will be examined (as to their truth). Then he will have no power, nor any helper.”
Quran (86:5-10)
May God guide you and your family to His straight path causing you to meet His Pleasure and protect you all from His displeasure. I have looked for Him and found Him for your sake. I looked hard through all religions and creeds hoping if I found truth with Him, He would return you to me. I found Him and the fact that He had not decreed for me to have ease in returning to a life with you. I still worship Him and hope in Him now for the salvation of my own soul and with the hope He will guide you and save you from His ultimate torment and punishment. I think of you often in my dealings with others hoping if I am merciful with them so will Allah be with you. These are things you cannot see and would never know and they are the truth, Allaah is my witness. I was ignorant enough to marry a man who would not take you as a concern and who not concern too much over my concerns. And in this I also failed you. I am very sorry may God forgive me and bless us with peace and happiness. I know my life has been difficult and with that knowledge I continue to persevere hoping you will be saved from much difficulties and sadness. In Allaah I trust, turn to and repent knowing that I am trusting in the Almighty.
I love you Rayne. May Allaah bless you.
Love,
Mom
Dear Rayne: Look To The Future
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
I pray this finds you well, with peace and faith of God being One with no partner. Well my dear you are so tall and shining with personality brimming with youthful energy. May Allaah bless you. I hope you will take advantage of your youth and good health to make efforts in advancing your progress to be successful, charismatic and worldly. I wander if you pursue any artistic hobbies, after school activities or community service. My eyes can’t help but to tear up writing this as these are very important social obligations though they may seem small and useless. An example is the movie Are We Done Yet with Ice Cube, it’s a sequel to the movie Are We There Yet. In Are We Done Yet the family buys a house that ends up being a huge money pit needing repairs on absolutely everything and they basically have to rebuild it. It turns out the Realtor they bought the house from is also a licensed contractor, electrician, home inspector and a birthing coach and midwife. The father is furious he has to keep dealing with the same man to complete his house and this makes this funny hilarious to see the same man being so many different licensed contractors. However, in today’s world this is a very serious issue that more people should follow the example of. It is hard to find work and make enough money to eat let alone to have nice things. I hope you will find the conviction inside yourself to motivate yourself into acquiring many useful skills and talents that will help you to earn enough money to sustain your self. You can begin to save money now and in the next few years as a ‘nest egg’ use this money to buy a car and a place to live comfortably when you are finished with school. Saving a few hundred dollars may seem hard but if you keep saving it you will soon have accumulated several thousand dollars for your advancement in life. Don’t tell others of your saved money and brag about it. Others will ask you to loan them money or encourage you to spend it on things you may like, but could do with out.
I used to volunteer my time at a retirement home. I would paint the ladies nails, read to them from their books, and journal their thoughts for them. This taught me to have a deep appreciation for the elderly while opening my eyes to their lives. I learned from their perspective what they thought was most important in life. They all, always said how fast time flies and the importance of being the best you can be in all aspects. Learning the best of manners and character, acquiring sound education, and obtaining deep faith in God were their replies. Believe that He has a purpose for all of us, a divine decree. I love you and pray you will read this and if not then, I pray these ideas come to you in your dreams and you are blessed to act upon them now to save yourself from a meager existence in your older ages. I am sorry I have nothing to offer but these letters which may or may not ever reach you, prayers and good intentions. I do wish to give you more and pray that I will be blessed in succeeding in doing that soon.
In Allaah I trust, turn to and repent.
Mom
Dear Rayne: 1 Mankind is Weak
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
I write this for my beautiful darling daughter in the hope one day she will somehow find this letter. I miss you, may Allah bless you and forgive you wherever you happen to fall short. As mankind has been created weak and often commits error falling short of perfection. I often think about you. And wander what you might be learning in school. I hope you pay close attention in school and always stay in school. I pray you have a love and awe for learning and enjoy yourself studiously. I miss attending school very much when I was your age. I used to wake up too early for school excitedly anticipating the new day’s teaching. It was so refreshing to put my pencil to paper and hand to keyboard writing my notes from lectures. It opened my eyes to the size of the world and how miraculously we all co-exist on this planet. With so many different cultures, religions and politics it’s really a testament to a Creator. We are so small and weak even in comparison to the ant which carries ten times its own weight. And the fly which when snatches something from us we can not get back.
Allah says,
“And if the fly snatches a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.”
Quran (22:73)
Our lifespans are short and our capabilities limited, we resort to the Almighty knowing we resort to the Almighty the most firm hand hold and trust.
Though we may be what seems lifespans apart never to see each other we are still under the same moon, stars and sun. I pray for you and strive for you though you may never be able to witness it. I pray one day before Judgment Day we will be blessed to share our days together and enjoy the company peacefully and happily. I love you my sweet and beautiful daughter. I am sorry if it feels like I have let you down and don’t love you. I am sorry I am so weak and my capabilities so little that I have been unsuccessful in being closer with you. I pray you will find forgiveness and mercy in your heart in dealing with me. I hope your step mom and dad have done well by you and you are happy. I pray for your safety and security in this world as well as in the next which will last forever. Some will reside forever in eternal bliss, they shall have no fear on them nor shall they grieve. They will enter Paradise with greetings of Peace and know their rightful homes better then we know our homes in this life. And some will be forced into couches of punishment in a boiling heated abyss of painful and humiliating torment. They will be given a boiling fluid of puss and blood to drink and a thorny tree to eat. They will request for different food and be told that just as they refused to believe in Allaah (with fear and revere Him alone) they too will now be ignored in their requests for an ease of punishment and change in conditions. We beg Allaah’s forgiveness and seek refuge in Him from His punishment and displeasure. We pray we see His blessed face and meet His pleasure. We pray He blesses us to reside in the Highest of His Paradise clothed with the clothes of Tooba forever.
I love you my darling and may God bless you.
Common Quranic Misconceptions on The Attributes of Allaah
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
And He, the Majestic and Most High, says: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship me.”
Qur’an adh-Dhariyat 56
This Qur’anic verse illuminates the obligation of tawhid devoting all acts of worship solely to Allaah since He has created the jinn and mankind for fulfilling this objective.
Lessons From This Verse:
The jinn and mankind are obliged to devote all acts of worship solely to Allaah.
The Qur’anic verse expounds the wisdom behind the creation of the jinn and mankind.
It is only Allaah, the Creator, Who deserves worship rather then other false deities incompetent to create. This point is a refutation of the idolaters arguments.
Almighty Allaah is the Self-Sufficient and thus He is in no need of His creatures, whereas they are in dire need of Him. This is, definitely, because Allaah is the Creator and they are His creatures.
The Qur’anic verse, further proves that Allaah is All-Wise in His actions.
And He, the One free of all defects, says:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a Messenger, saying, worship Allaah and avoid taghut.” Qur’an An Nahl:36
According to this Qur’anic verse, Almighty Allaah sent Messengers for every nation and generation inviting them the solely worship Him and avoid deifying false deities. For this very ultimate goal did Allaah dispatch Messengers, since polytheism first originated at the time of Nuh (Noah (peace be upon him) until the finalty of Prophethood through the advent of Muhammad (peace and blessings on him).
Lessons From This Verse:
The divine wisdom behind dispatching Messengers is to invite people to monotheism and prohibit them from the perpetration of acts entailing polytheism.
Though they are of various legislations, all Messengers call for one common religion, which is consisted in devoting all acts of worship solely to Allaah and associating no partner with Him.
Divine Message has pervaded in all nations and Allaah’s proof was established on all so that no one may be excused on the Day of Judgement.
The significance of monotheism, which is held incumbent upon all nations.
The Qur’anic verse implied the same meaning expressed in the Two Testifications of Faith (Testifying that there is no deity but Allaah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him). In addition to negating the validity of worshipping any false deity, it proved Allaah as the sole God. Therefore, perfect monotheism should combine both disapproval of all false deities and absolute approval of Allaah’s Divinity.
And He, the One free of all defects, says:
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment…..”
Qur’an Al-Isra:23
Lessons From This Verse:
Monotheism is the first decree enjpined by Allaah on man. It is, thus, the foremost binding right of Allaah incumbent upon His servants.
The verse conveys the same meaning expressed in the Testification of Faith, declaring that all false deities are not worthy of being worshipped while Allaah is.
The Qur’anic verse affirms the significant merit of fulfilling parents due rights of respect and kind treatment since these rights are directly preceded by the enjoinment of monotheism.
The obligation of showing all kinds
Of benevolence, righteousness and tenderness when dealing with parents. The Qur’anic verse does not, however, specify a limit or designate a way of such a good treatment.
The prohibition of being undutiful or ungrateful to ones parents.
Allaah, Exalted be He, says:
“Worship Allaah and associate nothing with Him….”
Qur’an An-Nahl: 36
The obligation of devoting all acts of worship exclusively to Allaah Alone, since such a command is given top priority according to the Qur’anic verse. Therefore, worshipping one God (Allaah) is the most assurred obligatory ordinance.
The prohibition of ascribing partners to Allaah, as it is the gravest and most abominable sin.
Avoidance of all forms and acts of polytheism is a prerequisite for the validity of mans devotion to Allaah. So, Allaah espoused enjoinment of devotion and the prohibition of polytheism.
All types of polytheism, according to the Arabic context of the Qur’anic verse, are categorically prohibited whether minor or major.
The impermissibility of associating any partner with Allaah, whether an angel, a prophet, a righteous person or an idol.
Qur’an: Al-An am:151:153
Since the polytheist followed their whims and satanic insinuations, they devoted their worship to deities other then Allaah, prohibited what Allaah provided for them as lawful, and killed their children so as to draw closer to their false deities. Almighty Allaah commanded His Messenger to inform them of what their Creator and Owner made absolutely prohibited according to His revelation, not out of their speculation. These prohibited items are listed under the ten commandments stated in the Qur’anic verse as follows:
1. Allaah commands His servants not to associate any object or false deity with Him. The prohibition here is so exclusive and general that it includes the forbiddance of worshipping any false deity or object and the avoidance of any ritual offered to them as well.
2. He commands sons and daughters to do well and be dutiful to parents, to be modest with them, and to protect and obey them unless they enjoin a violation or a sin.
3. He commands Muslims not to bury daughters alive, or kill children for fear of poverty since man does not provide sustenance for them or even for himself.
4. He commands Muslims not to approach immoralities – what is apparent for them and what is concealed as well.
5. He commands His servants not to kill any of the believers or dhimmis except with a legal right, such as killing someone for retaliation, stoning to death both married and previously married people in case they commit adultery, or killing an apostate.
6. Allaah, Exalted be He, commands Muslims not to approach the orphans property unless with the intention to protect and invest it. The orphans property should be paid back when he or she reaches maturity.
7. Almighty Allaah further commands us to ‘……give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except (with that within) its capacity….’ Qur’an Al-An am 152 Therefore we’re enjoined to establish justice as much as we can in case of taking or giving.
8. ‘……And when you speak (testify), be just, even if it concerns a near relative….’ Qur’an Al-Anam: 152 Almighty Allaah immediately preceded the command to establish justice in testimony with the command of doing justice in transactions.
9. Allaah ordains the fulfillment of covenants as He says, ‘….And the covenant of Allaah fulfil….’ Qur’an al-an’am 152 The covenant of Allaah is to obey Him by acting upon His commands and avoiding His prohibitions and, moreover, behaving in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him)
10. ‘….And, (moreover), this is my path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow (other) ways, for you will be separated from His way….’ (Qur’an al-an am 153) Allaah, Exalted and Glorified be He, stresses that following the straight pathis to adhere to all commandments elucidated in the aforementioned two Qur’anic verses. Such commandments, which comprise both the abandonment of prohibited acts, particularly monotheism, constitute the straight path. The believers are commanded to ‘…follow it (the straight path); and do not follow (other) ways….’ (Qur’an al-An am 153) which invoke bid’and He, the One free of all defects, says: (matters innovated in religion) and doubtful matters so that ‘……you will be separated from His way…’( Qur’an al-An am 153), in example deviating from the straight and righteous path.
Lessons From This Verse:
While polytheism is the gravest sin, monotheism is the most significant obligatory act.
The gravity of parents rights.
The prohibition of committing homicide without a legal and justified reason. Murder of one’s relatives is, however, a graver sin.
The prohibitiom of devouring the orphan’s property (by means of trade).
One is enjoined to preserve justice in word and deed even if the person involved is a relative.
The incumbency of fulfilling covenants.
The obligation of embracing Islam and deserting any other religion.
It is exclusively Allaah’s to prohibit or make something lawful.
“Concerning the words of Allaah:
He (swt) says: ‘…Verily Allaah is with those who are patient.’
Qur’an 2:153
And His words:
‘And when My slaves ask you (Of Muhammad) concerning Me, then (say: (I am (Allaah) indeed near…)
Qur’an 2:186
In the two above-mentioned verses, Allaah (swt) says that He is (a) near to His slaves and (b) with the patient ones. However, we cannot understand verses from the Qur’an in isolation, but instead we must try to understand the Qur’an as a whole. It is accepted by all that Allaah does not contradict himself, He is far above that. Neither does His Messenger contradict Him nor contradict himself. Therefore these verses and others like them which speak of Allaah’s nearness or His being with us must be understood in a way that does not conflict with other verses, such as:
‘The All-Beneficiant (Allaah) has ascended over the throne.’
Qur’an 20:5
‘Verily your Rabb is Allaah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then ascended over the throne.’
Qur’an 7:54
‘Do you feel secure that He, who is over the Heaven will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake.’
Qur’an 67:16
‘The angels and the spirit (Jibreel), ascend to Him in a day the measure wherof is fifty thousand years.’
Qur’an 70:4
And the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him): “Every night, Allaah (swt) descends to the lowest heaven.”
Muslim
That is, He descends in a manner befitting His majesty, not resembling any of His creatures.
And in his examination of the slave girl, the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) asked her: “Where is Allaah (swt)? She replied: “In the sama (meaning the highest place not the sky like the ignorant believe)? He (peace be up upon him) said: “Who am I?” She said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him)” He said: “Free her she is a believer.”
Muslim
As for Allaah’s saying that He is with us or near us Ibn Kathir says, concerning Allaah’s words: “He (Allaah) said: “Fear not, verily I am with you both, I hear and I see.”
Qur’an 20:46
“What is intended here is that Allaah (swt), does not disappoint those who supplicate Him nor does anything distract Him from it; on the contrary, He hears their supplications. And this is encouragement to us to supplicate Him.”
Furthermore, we can say that it does not befit Allaah’s Greatness and Majesty to say that He is everywhere, since ‘everywhere’ must include dirty places, such as toilets and drains. Allaah (swt) is far Exalted above that.
Concerning the words of Allaah (swt):
‘And your God is One God: None has the right to be worshipped except He, the All-Beneficient, the All-Merciful.’
Qur’an 2:163
‘Abdullah Yoosuf ‘Ali renders the words La ilaha illa Huwa as: “There is no true God but He (swt).” Muhammad Pickthall renders it similarily. In fact, this, the Muslim (shahada, testimony of faith) does not mean that there are no deities but Allaah (swt), or that there is no true Lord save Allaah (swt). Ibn Kathir (May Allah be pleased with him) says, concerning this verse: “Allaah (swt), informs us concerning His Oneness in worship, that He has no partner and no equal; indeed He is Allaah (swt), the One and Only, the Self-Sufficient whom all creatures need and rely upon, besides Whom none should be worshipped, the Beneficient the Merciful.”
Shaykh Muhammad Jameel Zaino says, in his book on Tawheed: “That is, none is rightfully worshipped save Allaah (swt).”
Doctor Muhiadden Al Waye says, in his Book ‘Pillars of Islam’ Shahadah and Salaah: “Islam is based on five pillars.” The first pillar is to witness that: It means: “I bear witness that none is worthy of worship except Allaah (swt) and also I bear witness that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is the Messenger of Allaah.” This meaning is agreed upon by all the scholars (may Allaah be pleased with them all) of Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jummah. The almost universal translation of the shahadah as: “There is no God except Allaah (swt)” is not correct; the correct form should be “there is no God worthy of worship except Allaah (swt). Many things are worshipped besides Allaah (swt), albeit without right. It was because the pagan Quraish understood the true meaning that they refused, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) said to them: “Say: “La ilaha illa Allaah!” – because they understood that what was required of them to stop worshipping their Idols and worship only Allaah (swt). Had they understood it to mean that there is no Lord or creator except Allaah they would have accepted, for they knew that. May Allaah (swt) guide us all to the correct understanding of His deen and make us firm in belief and increase our knowledge and wisdom.”
Common Misconceptions Regarding Some Qur’anic Verse and Prophetic Hadiths p. 15-19
Sameh Strauch
Concerning Rulers Not Ruling What Allaah Has Revealed
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
Concerning Those Who Do Not Rule by What Allaah SWT Has Revealed
By Shaykh Muhammad Naasir-Ud- Deen al-Albaani (Rahimahullaah)
Source: Salafipublications Silsilah as-Saheehah (Vol 6. no.2552)
The reason for the revelation of the verse “the one who does not rule by what Allaah revealed…”, and that it refers to Kufr in action not in belief.
2552- Indeed Allaah revealed, “the one who does not rule by what Allaah revealed then they are kaafir”, “they are dhaalim”, “they are faasiq”. Ibn Abbaas said, “Allaah revealed them with regards to two groups from the Jews one of which had overpowered the other to the point that they consented to and agreed that for every person that the victorious tribe (al-Azeeza) killed from the subjugated tribe (adh-Dhaleelah) then the ransom was 50 wasq (a unit of weight), and that for every person the subjugated tribe killed from the victorious then the ransom was 100 wasq, and they remained in this state until the Prophet arrived in Madeenah and then both the tribes were subjugated, and that day they did not overcome him because of the peace treaty . Then the subjugated tribe killed a person from the victorious tribe and the victorious tribe sent someone demanding 100 wasq. So the subjugated tribe said: ‘can this ever be that two people have the same religion, same genealogy, same city and the ransom for some of them be half of the others? We only used to give you this ransom due to your injustice to us, and now that Muhammad has come we will not give you this.’ So a war almost started between them and then they agreed to make the Messenger of Allaah judge between them. Then the victorious tribe said: ‘by Allaah, Muhammad will not give you twice the sum of what we gave them for they (the subjugated tribe) spoke the truth, they did not give us this ransom except as an injustice on our part and due to our power over them. So secretly send someone to Muhammad who can inform you of his opinion, if he gives you what you wish then agree to have him arbitrate, and if he does not then beware and do not agree to have him arbitrate.’ So they sent some people from the hypocrites to Muhammad. So when the Messenger of Allaah came, Allaah informed him of all of their affair and what they desired and He, Azza wa Jall, revealed, “O Messenger! Let not those who hurry into disbelief grieve you, of such who say: ‘we believe’…” to His saying, “then they are faasiq” [Qur'an 5:41-47] Then he (ibn Abbaas) said, “By Allaah they were revealed with regards to these two (Jewish tribes), and it was these two that Allaah, Azza wa Jall meant (in these verses)” Related by Ahmad (1/246), at-Tabaraanee in ‘al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer’ (3/95/1) via the route of Abd ar- Rahmaan bin Abee az-Zinaad from his father from Ubaid Allaah bin Abd Allaah bin Utbah ibn Mas’ud from Ibn Abbaas that he said: and mentioned the hadeeth.
And in ‘ad-Durar al-Manthoor’ (2/281), as-Suyutee ascribed the hadeeth to Abu Dawood, ibn Jareer, ibn al-Mundhir, Abu ash-Shaykh, ibn Mardawiyyah from ibn Abbaas. And it is in the tafseer of ibn Jareer (10/352) in this form but he does not mention ibn Abbaas in his isnaad.
And in Abu Dawood (3576) is the (hadeeth relating to the) revelation of the three verses specifically for the Jews of Qareedha and an-Nadeer, contravening what may be understood from the saying of ibn Katheer in his tafseer (6/160) after reporting this long narration from Ahmad, “and Abu Dawood reports something similar from the hadeeth of ibn Abee az-Zinaad from his father.”
And the author of “ar-Rawd al-Baasim fee adh-Dhabb an as-Sunnah Abee al-Qaasim” quotes from him (ibn Katheer) that he declared the isnaad hasan. And I have not seen this in his book ‘at-Tafseer’ so maybe this occurs in his other works.
And declaring this hadeeth hasan is what the principles of this noble science dictate for it revolves around Abd ar-Rahmaan bin Abee az-Zinaad and he is as al-Haafidh (ibn Hajr) said, “truthful, his memorisation changed/failed when he moved to Baghdaad, and he was a faqeeh”
And the saying of al-Haythamee (8/16), “and the likes of it is reported by Ahmad and at-Tabaraanee, and in it is Abd ar-Rahmaan bin Abee az-Zinaad and he is da’eef, and he has been declared trustworthy, and the remaining narrators of Ahmad are trustworthy”.
I say: his saying “da’eef, and he has been declared trustworthy” is not good, because has determined the opinion that he is da’eef to be stronger than the opinion that he is trustworthy. And the truth is that he is in the middle and that he is hasan in hadeeth except when he contradicts (others), and this cannot be derived from his aforementioned saying. And Allaah knows best.
An important benefit:
When you know that the three verses, “whosoever does nor rule by what Allaah revealed then they are kaafir”, “then they are dhaalim”, “then they are faasiq” were revealed with regards to the Jews and their saying over his judgement, “if he gives you what you want then agree to have him arbitrate, but if does not then beware and do not agree to have him arbitrate” – this saying which the Qur’ân points to before these verses, “they say: if you are given this then take it, but if you are not given this then beware.”- when you understand this then it is not permissible to take these verses to refer to some of the rulers and judges of the Muslims who rule by other than what Allaah revealed in the earthly laws.
I say: it is not permissible to declare them kaafir due to this, and to eject them from the religion, when they are believers in Allaah and His Messenger, even though they are sinning by ruling by other than what Allaah revealed – this is not permissible. Because even though they are like the Jews from the point of view of their ruling (by other than what Allaah revealed), they differ from the point of view that they have faith and conviction in Allaah contradicting the Jews, for indeed they rejected the Messenger as indicated in their previous saying, “but if he does not then beware and do not agree to have him arbitrate.”
And the reason behind this is that kufr is of two types: kufr in belief and kufr in action, and the kufr in belief is linked to the heart, and the kufr in action is linked to the limbs. So the one whose actions are kufr due to their contradicting the Sharee’ah, and this kufr follows on from what has become established in his heart i.e. kufr in belief, then this is the kufr which Allaah will not forgive and this person will reside in the Fire forever. But if (these kufr actions) contradict what is established in his heart, then he is a believer in the Rule of his Lord, but he contradicts this with his actions. So his kufr is kufr of action only, and it is not kufr in belief. And he is under the Will of Allaah, if He Wills He will punish him, and if He Wills He will forgive him. And it is with this (second) type (of kufr) that some of the ahaadeeth are to be understood which generalise the term kufr for a Muslim who performs a sinful action. And it would be good to mention some:
1) “Two things if done are kufr: abusing genealogies and wailing over the dead.” Reported by Muslim
2) “Arguing over the Qur’ân is kufr.”
3) “Abusing a Muslim is fisq, and killing him is kufr.” Reported by Muslim
4) “Speaking about the favours of Allaah is giving thanks (shukr), and leaving it is kufr”
6) “Do not return to being kaafir after me by some of you hitting the necks of (killing) others.” Agreed upon.
And many other ahaadeeth for which there is no need to go into great detail about at this time. So any Muslim who performs any of these sinful actions, then his kufr is kufr in action i.e. he has done an action of the kuffaar. Except in the case that he sees it (the sin) to be permissible, and does not believe in it’s being a sin, so in this case he would be a kaafir whose blood is lawful because now he has also shared in the belief of the kuffaar.
And ruling by other than the what Allaah revealed is not exempted from this principle, and what is narrated from the salaf supports this, and that is none other than their saying on the tafseer of this verse, “kufr less than kufr” as is authentically reported from the Commentator of the Qur’ân, ibn Abbaas, and then some of the Taabi’een and others learnt this from him. And it is necessary to mention some of them so that maybe they may illuminate the path ahead of those that have been misguided in this dangerous issue, and have taken the road of the Khawaarij who declared people to be kaafir due to their committing sins even though they may pray and fast!
1) ibn Jareer at-Tabaree narrates (10/355/12053) with a saheeh isnaad from ibn Abbaas that he said about the verse, “whosoever does not rule by what Allaah revealed then they are kaafir”, “meaning kufr, but not kufr in Allaah and His Angels and Books and Messengers”
2) And in a narration from him about this verse, “it is not the kufr that they (i.e. the Khawaarij) believe, indeed it is not the kufr that ejects one from the religion, it is kufr less than kufr.”
Narrated by al-Haakim (2/313) and he said “saheeh isnaad” and adh-Dhahabee agreed. And it would have been more deserving of them to say, “saheeh according to the conditions of the two Sheikhs (Bukhaaree and Muslim)” as the isnaad is like this. Then I saw that ibn Katheer said in his tafseer (6/163) from Haakim that he said, “saheeh according to the conditions of the two Sheikhs”, so it is obvious that this statement is omitted in the printed edition of ‘al-Mustadrak”. And ibn Katheer also ascribes the narration, summarised, to ibn Abee Haatim.
3) And in another narration from him via the route of Alee bin Abu Talha from ibn Abbaas that he said, “the one who rejects what Allaah revealed is a kaafir, and the one who believes in it but does not rule by it is a dhaalim faasiq.”
Reported by ibn Jareer (12063). I say: ibn Abee Talha did not hear from ibn Abbaas, but the narration is good as a witness.
4) Then he (ibn Jareer) reports (12048-12051) from Ataa bin Abee Rabaah about the three verses, “kufr less than kufr, fisq less than fisq, dhulm less than dhulm.” And it’s isnaad is saheeh.
5) Then he reports (12052) from Sa’eed al-Makki from Tawoos about the verse, “it is not the kufr that ejects one from the religion”
And it’s isnaad is saheeh. And this Sa’eed is ibn Ziyaad ash-Shaybaanee al-Makki, and ibn Ma’een and al-Ijlee and ibn Hibbaan and others declared him trustworthy, and a group narrate from him.
6) And he reported (12025, 12026) via two routes of narration from ‘Imraan bin Hadeer who said a group of people from the Banee Umru bin Sadus [and in another narration: a group from the Ibaadiyyah] came to Abu Mazliz (he is from the great trustworthy taabi’een, and his name is Laahiq bin Humaid al-Basree) and said: “do you see the saying of Allaah ‘the one who does not rule by what Allaah reveals then they are kaafir’ is this the truth?” He replied, “yes.” They said: “ ‘the one who does not rule by what Allaah revealed then they are dhaalim’ is this the truth?” He replied, “yes.” They said, “ ‘the one who does not rule by what Allaah revealed then they are faasiq’ is this the truth?” He replied, “yes.” So they said, “O Abu Majliz do these (rulers) rule by what Allaah revealed?” He replied, “this is the religion that they hold to and they call to, so if they leave anything from it they know that they have fallen into sin.” They said, “no by Allaah, but you are afraid and worried.” He said, “you are more deserving of this (description) than me! I do not see this, but you do yet you do not forbid (them from) it. But these verses were revealed with regards to the Jews and Christians and the People of Shirk.” And it’s isnaad is saheeh.
And the scholars differed over the explanation of the kufr that is mentioned in the first verse, having five different opinions which ibn Jareer narrates (10/346-357) with their chains of narration to their proponents. Then he concludes by saying (10/358),
“and the most correct saying of all of these according to me is the saying of the one who says: these verse were revealed with regards to the kuffaar of the People of the Book due to the verses before and after them, and they are the people who are meant in them, and the context of these verses is about them. So it is most deserving that the narrative be about them.
So if someone were to say: indeed Allaah generalised the narrative to all who do not rule by what Allaah revealed, so how can you specify it?
It is said (in reply): Indeed Allaah generalised the narrative to all those who reject the Ruling of Allaah that is laid out in His Book. So He informed us about them that they, by their leaving the Ruling – by way of what they left – are kaafir. And this is the saying on all who do not rule by what Allaah revealed, rejecting it – that he is a kaafir as said by ibn Abbaas. Because his rejecting the ruling of Allaah after he knows it to have been revealed in His Book is the same as his rejecting the Prophethood of the Prophet after he knows him to be a Prophet.”
In conclusion: the verse was revealed with regards to the Jews who rejected what Allaah had revealed, so the one who associates with them in this rejection, then he is a kaafir, with kufr in belief. And the one who does not associate with them in this rejection then his kufr is in action, because he has performed an action of theirs. And he is a sinful criminal (mujrim aathim), but he is not ejected from the religion due to this as has preceded from ibn Abbaas (RA). And al-Imaam Abu Ubaid al-Qaasim bin Sallaam explained this and increased upon this explanation in ‘Kitaab al-Eemaan’, chapter “leaving faith due to sin” (pg. 84- 96 with my tahqeeq), so the one desiring further research should refer to this.
After writing what has preceded I saw ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, saying in the explanation of the verse in his ‘Majmoo al-Fataawaa’ (3/268), “meaning he regards it permissible to rule by other that what Allaah revealed.”
Then he mentioned (7/254) that Imaam Ahmad was questioned about the kufr mentioned in the verse and he replied, “a kufr which does not eject from faith, like having faith in some of it (?), and likewise with kufr. Until there comes a matter over which there is no difference over.”
And he (ibn Taymiyyah) said (7/312), “so when there is the saying of the salaf that man can have faith and hypocrisy in him, then likewise is their saying that he can have faith and kufr (in him). But not the kufr that ejects one from the religion, as was said by ibn Abbaas and his companions over His saying, “the one who does not rule by what Allaah revealed then they are kaafir.” They said: kufr that does not eject one from the religion. And Imaam Ahmad and other Imaams of the Sunnah followed them in this.”
The wording of at-Tabaraanee has, “And the Messenger of Allaah did not overcome them or …. On that day as he was in a peace treaty”
The True Understanding of Politics in Islaam (as-Siyaasah)
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
The True Understanding of Politics in Islaam (as-Siyaasah)
Source: Troid.Publications
Indeed, all praise is for Allaah subhaanahuwata’ala. We praise Him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of our souls and our evil actions. Whosoever Allaah guides then none can misguide and whosoever Allaah misguides then none can guide aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, having no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
My dear brothers & sisters in Islaam, no doubt, it will not have escaped your attention that once again this summer a conference was convened by a group of misguided brothers to discuss, once again, the current political climate in the Middle East, Israel, and the Muslim world as a whole. Declarations were set to be made regarding the leaders of our nations, and the causes of our downfall. Yet although the event was cancelled at the last minute, the misguided understanding and false notions that groups such as these maintain, hold many dangers for our communities. It is especially dangerous for the young and enthusiastic ones from amongst us, who, although sincere are open to be deceived by the people of empty speech, empty slogans, and little understanding of the Qur’ân and Sunnah. Thus, while most of us have heard their rantings about our current political situation, let us consider this small excerpt from our esteemed Shaykh, ‘Alee Hasan al-Halabee concerning this subject:
” And it is obligatory to know an unchanging Sharee’ah principle which will produce a certainty that will open up our intellects and awaken us to the true realities of the state of our affairs, and it is this that whatever calamities have befallen us, or that now befall us, or will befall us, then it is because of what our own hands have earned: and because of our falling short with regards to fulfilling the obligations of our Deen. As Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’ala says in the Qur’ân: “Whatever calamity and misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your own hands have earned” (Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:30) and
“Whatever evil befalls you, it is from your own self” (Soorah an-Nisaa 4:79)
Unfortunately, some of the du’aat (callers) have become accustomed to blaming the enemies for any and every misfortune and subjection which the Muslims face. Yet this not only contradicts the Divine manhaj and clear Prophetic guidance, but it also contains grave and evil consequences and results in a number of negative attitudes, and from them:
(1) It contradicts the Book and the Sunnah in its analysis of the present state of affairs, since Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’ala placed the blame of the defeat at the battles of Uhud and Hunayn upon the Muslims themselves, even though it was the kaafirs (disbelievers) who did what they did: “Indeed Allaah did fulfill His Promise to you, when you were killing your enemies by His permission; until you lost your courage, disagreed over what was commanded, and disobeyed” (Soorah al-’Imraan 3:152), and “On the day of Hunayn, when you rejoiced at your great numbers, it availed you nothing” (Soorah at-Tawbah 9:25).
(2) It contains an over-estimation of the power of the kaafirs in the soul of the Muslims – which only further increases the Muslims in their weakness.
(3) It contains a declaration of the purity of ones own soul, since it implies that we have fulfilled the conditions for victory to be granted to us, and deserve to be given establishment upon the earth – even though the kaafirs still have the upper hand over us. With such a negative attitude we will neglect to cultivate our souls and neglect to take account of our own selves, just as it will lead to another grave and serious attitude, which is:
(4) A suspicion that Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’ala has not kept His Promise to grant victory to the Muslims, and that the kaafirs have managed to overcome the order of Allaah. And concerning this, Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’ala tells us: “The promise of Allaah is true. And who is more truthful in speech than Allaah” (Soorah an-Nisaa 4:122).
(5) This matter sprouts from weakness of Yaqeen (certainty of faith) in Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’aala and a weakness of ones tawakkul (reliance) upon Him. And the fact that the blame for what has befallen the Muslims lies upon themselves does not mean that we free the kaafir from any blame in what they do to the Muslims, since this is one thing and that is another. This is proved by the fact that when we were informed by Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’aala about the causes for the defeat at Uhud, this did not imply that Allaah freed them from any blame for what they did to the Muslims.
So the true understanding of siyaasah (politics, as defined by the Sharee’ah) is to recognize your own condition, and that you look after the affairs of the Ummah: and that you truly understand your state of affairs – calling the people and those near to you. Anything other than this is lies, nonsense, hollow speech and the following of desires, since it is in contradiction to the Guidance laid down by the Lord of the Heavens, and a deviation from the Manhaj of the Prophets, and far removed from the path taken by the callers who are upon the ways of guidance. However, as regards to those who gasp and pant after hollow politics and scurry behind the current affairs – which are both empty and repetitive – then it is precisely this which is plotted for us by the enemies of this Ummah so that they can divert the Muslim youth away from their true position, and turn them away from their principle obligation, and distance them away from their primary goal, which is the worship of Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta’aala.
Indeed, our Shaykh, The Scholar of fiqh Nasiruddin al-Albani, has said: ” The best way to change the evil is for Muslims to repent to their Lord, correct their beliefs, and nurture themselves and their families according to the correct Islaam, as Allaah says ” Verily, Allaah does not change :people’s condition unless they change what is in themselves.” (Soorah ar-Ra’d 13:11). And the way to salvation is not, as some people imagine, to rise up with arms against the rulers, and to conduct military coups. In addition to being among the contemporary bid’ahs (innovations), such actions disregard the texts of Islaam, among which is the command to change ourselves. Furthermore, it is imperative to establish the foundation upon which the building will stand:
” Verily, Allaah will Most certainly support him who supports His cause; verily, Allaah is Most Powerful and Almighty.” (surah al-Hajj 22:40). This is the methodical and orderly approach, and the correct practice based upon the Qur’ân and Sunnah that the Ummah must agree upon, enjoin and call to.
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
Ibn al-Qayyim on Open Rejection of the Rulers and Kings and Making Khurooj
Source: I’laam ul-Muwaqqi’een an Rabbil-Aalameen
Ibn al-Qayyim – may Allaah have mercy upon him – said:
“This is a great topic, containing much benefit and due to ignorance of this topic a great mistake has fallen upon the Sharee’ah…”
Up until he said, after mentioning that the basis of the Sharee’ah is built upon the welfare and benefits of the servants:
“…The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) legislated for his Ummah, the obligation of rejecting the evil so that by its rejection, the goodness that Allaah and His Messenger love is obtained. And when rejecting the evil leads to what is more evil and more hated by Allaah and His Messenger then it is not allowed to reject it – even if Allaah hates it and detests those who perform it (the evil). And this is like rejection [inkaar] against the kings, and the ones in authority by coming out against them [with arms etc. to fight them] – for verily, that is the basis and foundation of every evil (sharr) and every tribulation (fitnah) till the end of time. And the Companions asked permission from the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) for killing the leaders [Umaraa’] who delay the prayer from its proper time, saying: “Shall we not kill them.” So he said: “No, so long as they establish the prayer”, and he also said: “Whoever sees something from his leader [Ameer] something that he dislikes then let him be patient and let him not raise his hand [away] from the leader’s obedience.” And whoever reflects upon the greatest and smallest trials that have befallen Islaam, then he will see that they are due to the negligence and wastage of this principle and the lack of patience upon [witnessing] evil. So he seeks bring about its end and as a result of this, a greater evil is brought about. And the Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saw the greatest of evils in Makkah and he was not able to change them. In fact even when Allaah opened up for the Muslims Makkah [i.e. gave the Muslims victory over it] and when it became daar ul-Islaam he was resolved to changing the Ka’abah and returning it to the foundations that Ibraaheem (alaihis-salaam) had built it upon – but even though he had the capacity to do that, he was prevented from it by the fear that something greater would occur due to the lack of tolerance of the Quraish, since they were new to Islaam and had recently left disbelief – and for this reason he did not grant permission for rejecting against the leaders [Umaraa’] with the use of one’s hand [i.e. with force] due to the greatness of what results afterwards on account of it…” Ibn al-Qayyim in ‘I’laam ul-Muwaqqi’een an Rabbil-Aalameen.’
The Obligation Upon the Rulers, the Islamic Scholars, and the General Muslim Masses
Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.
The Islaamic World: The Obligation Upon the Rulers, the Scholars, and the General Masses
By the Noble Scholar, Shaykh ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn ’Abdullaah Ibn Baaz [al-Istiqaamah][1] Source TROID Publications
[Q]: What is the obligation upon the Muslim scholars with regards to facing the trials and calamities that have befallen the Islaamic world?
[A]: From that which there is no doubt about is that sins, and being far removed from the correct Islaamic ’aqeedah (beliefs) – in both sayings and actions – are from the greatest reasons for bringing about crisis and calamities that have befallen the Muslims. Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said:
“Whatever of good reaches you, it is from Allaah, and whatever of evil befalls you, it is from yourself.” [Qur'an Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:79]
Allaah – the Most Perfect, the Most High – also said:
“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. Yet He pardons much.” [Qur'an Sooratush-Shooraa 42:30]
So Allaah is Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful to His servants, sending to them clear signs and warnings, in order that they may turn back to Him in tawbah (sincere repentance) and that He may forgive them. So when a person turns to Allaah and draws closer to Him by an arm’s length, then Allaah draws closer to him by two arms length. For indeed Allaah – the Most High – loves those of His servants who turn to Him in tawbah (sincere repentance) and is happy with that, whilst He, the Majestice, Most High, remains absolutely self-sufficient of His servants. The obedience of the obedient ones does not benefit Him, nor do the sins of the sinful ones harm Him. Rather, He is Most Kind, Ever Merciful to His servants. And He grants them the ability to do acts of obedience and to leave acts of disobedience. So these crisis and calamities are none other than a warning to His servants, in that they should turn back to Allaah in repentance and obedience, and He informs them of this by way of testing them. Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And certainly We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruit. But give glad tidings to those who have sabr (patience); those who, when afflicted with a calamity, say: Indeed to Allaah we belong, and to Him we shall return. They are those for whom are the salawaat (blessings and forgiveness) from their Lord, and His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:155]
And Allaah – the One free from all defects – said:
“Evil has appeared upon the land and the sea, because of what the hands of men have earned. That Allaah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return to Allaah in repentance.” [Soorah Room 30:41]
And Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And We shall test you by way of evil and good, and to Us you will return.” [Qur'an Sooratul-Anbiyaa‘ 21:35]
And Allaah – the Most Perfect – said:
“And We tested them with good blessing and evil calamities, in order that they may return to the obedience of Allaah.” [Qur'an Sooratul-A’raaf 7:168]
And there are many other aayaat with similar meanings.
So the obligation upon the leaders of the Muslims – the Scholars, rulers, and other than them – is to have concern for the various afflictions and calamities that occur, and to remind and admonish the people, and to explain to them what they have fallen into. Also, those in authority – from the Scholars and rulers – should set a good example of righteous conduct, and should discuss the reasons as to why Allaah is angered and gives retribution; and they should seek to cure this with tawbah (repentance), istighfaar (seeking Allaah’s forgiveness) and correcting their affairs. The rest of the Ummah will then follow them in this, since the guidance of the Scholars, and the wisdom of the rulers – and both being correct and upright – has one of the greatest affects with regards to the fulfillment of responsibilities. The Prophet said, “Each of you is a guardian, and is responsible for those whom he is in charge of. So the ruler is the guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a man is the guardian of his family and is a guardian for those under his care; a woman is a guardian of her husband’s home and is responsible for those under her care; a servant is the guardian of his master’s wealth and is responsible for what is under his care. So each one of you is a guardian for what is under his care. So each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for what he is entrusted with.” [2]
However, when the Muslims become accustomed to sinning and being contented with it, and those who wield authority and power do not try to prevent them, then the anger of Allaah will quickly descend upon the Ummah. And when His anger occurs, and His punishment takes place, then it covers both the sinful and obedient, and the protection of Allaah is sought from this. About this Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And beware of the fitnah (trial and discord) that does not affect in particular only those amongst you who are wrong-doers.” [Qur'an Sooratul-Anfaal 8:25]
Likwise, the Prophet said, “When the people see an evil, and they do not try to change it, then Allaah will cover them all with punishment from Himself.” [3] Allaah – the Most Perfect – said:
“Indeed Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change the condition of themselves.” [Qur'an Sooratul ar-Ra’d 8:25]
So the Scholars will be thoroughly questioned in front of Allah with regards to them giving knowledge and guidance to the people, and explaining to them what is correct and what is wrong, and also clarifying the beneficial from the harmful.
So we ask Allah that He favours all the Muslims and grants them the ability to be obedient to their Lord, and to cling to the guidance of their Prophet Muhammad , and that He grants their leaders the ability to fulfill their duties, and that He reaches their Scholars the ways of guidance , so that this all may traverse its path and direct the Ummah to it, and that He guides the misguided Muslims and corrects their affairs. Indeed He is the Guardian over this, and the one having power to do this.
[Q]: The enemies of Allaah are very eager to enter into the Muslim lands by various methods. So what efforts do you believe should be exerted in order to put a stop to this surge that has threatened the Islaamic societies?
[A]: This is not something strange coming from the callers to Christianity, Judaism, or other religions of kufr (disbelief). Since Allaah, the Most Perfect – and to Him belongs all praise – has informed about this in His clear Revelation, when He said:
“Never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their ways of life. Say: Indeed the Guidance of Allaah, that is the only true guidance. And if you were to follow their false desires after what you have received of the knowledge of Revelation, then you would have neither a guardian, nor any helper against Allaah.” [Qur'an Sooratul-Baqarah 2:120]
Allaah – the Most Perfect – also said:
“And they will never stop fighting you, until they turn you away from your Religion, if they can.” [Qur'an Sooratul-Baqarah 2:217]
This is why they utilize every possible means to penetrate into the Muslim lands, and use various methods and tactics to achieve this. One of their methods is to plant the seeds of doubt and uncertainty into the minds and thoughts – and they continue to do so without easing up, nor becoming weary – utilizing the church to spread their hatred and enmity, and directing their efforts though it.
Therefore, it is obligatory upon the leaders and scholars to exert every possible effort in cautioning and directing the Muslim children, and to oppose the efforts of the enemies of Islaam with countermeasures. For indeed the Ummah of Islaam is an Ummah that has been entrusted with a responsibility of carrying this Religion and conveying it to others. So when we – in the Islaamic societies – are determined to arm our sons and daughters with correct knowledge, and true understanding of the Religion; beginning this process at an early age, then we will never fear the enemy – by the permission of Allaah. Thus, as long as we continue to cling to the Religion of Allaah, glorifying and venerating Him, following His Sharee’ah (prescribed laws), and fighting those who oppose Him, then the opposite will happen; it will be the enemies of Allaah who will fear the Muslims. Allaah – the Most Perfect, the One to Whom belongs all praise – said:
“O you who believe! If you help Allaah by acting upon what you have been commanded with, then Allaah will plant your feet firmly by giving you victory over your enemies.” [Qur'an Soorah Muhammad 47:7]
Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – also said:
“But if you have sabr (patient perseverance) and have taqwaa (piety) by doing what Allaah orders and refraining from what He refraining from what He has prohibited, then no harm will their cunning plots be to you at all. Indeed Allaah encompasses everything by His Knowledge.” [Qur'an Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:120]
And there are plenty of other aayaat with a similar meaning. So the most important factor in stopping this attack is to prepare a generation that truly knows and understands the realities of Islaam. This can be achieved by giving them the correct guidance and cultivation at home, and by utilizing the various means of education in order to help the society. Add to this the role of guiding, which is the duty of those in authority, and their duty of being constant in doing beneficial acts, being constant in reminding the people with what is of benefit to them, and doing that which cultivates the correct Islaamic ’aqeedah (belief) in the people:
“Indeed in the remembrance of Allaah do the hearts truly find tranquility.” [Qur'an Sooratur-Ra’d 13:28]
And there is no doubt that negligence is one of the causes that lets the enemies of Islaam into the Muslim lands – along with their ideological attack – which gradually distances the Muslims from their Religion, step by step. So with this, evil will increase amongst them and they will be affected by the false ideologies of their enemies. And Allaah – the One free from all defects, the Most High – ordered the Believers to have sabr (patience), to call to patience, and to strive in His Path using every method at their disposal; as He – the Most Majestic, Most High – said:
“O you who Believe! Persevere and be more patient, and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and have taqwaa of Allaah (by doing what He orders and keeping away from what He prohibits) in order that you may be successful.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:200]
And Allaah – the Most Perfect – said:
“And those who strive hard in our cause, we shall surely guide them to Our avenues. Indeed Allaah is with the doers of good.” [Qur'an Sooratul-’Ankaboot 29:69]
I ask Allaah by His Beautiful Names and Lofty Attributes that He improves and corrects the affairs of the Muslims, and that He grants to them the understanding of the Religion, gathers the word of their leaders upon the truth, and improves and corrects their close advisors. Indeed, He is the Most Kind, Most Generous. And may Allaah extol and send abundant blessings of peace upon our Leader and our Prophet, Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and his true followers.
Footnotes:
[1] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa wa Maqaalaatul-Mutanawwi‘ah (4/134-139)
[2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (13/100) and Muslim (no. 1829), from ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu)
[3] Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 2168), who authenticated it. The hadeeth was related from Aboo Bakr as-Siddeeq (radiyallahu ’anhu).
The difference between punishments and trials
Bismillaahs
Allah menitions in the Quran that when an evil befalls us it is due to what our own hands have earned. Also our beloved Messenger, Muhammad (sallalahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said in a hadith that the most tried are the Prophets, then those in piety after those. So therefore in our day to daylife when things go wrong in our lives how do we decide whether it is due to our sinfulness or that Allah loves us and therefore sends a trial upon us.
Praise be to Allaah.
Punishments are what happen to people in return for their evil deeds. Trials are tests which are sent to try people, and people may be tested by good things or by bad.
Concerning punishments, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself…” [al-Nisa’ 4:79]
Concerning the phrase “is from yourself”, Qutaadah said: “[It means] the punishment is for you, O son of Adam, because of your sin.” Abu Saalih said that “whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” means “because of your sin, and I [Allaah] am the One Who decreed it for you.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).
Allaah also says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]
Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “[It means] whatever misfortune happens to you, O people, is because of evil deeds that you have already done, and ‘He pardons much’ refers to evil deeds – He does not punish you for them but He pardons them. ‘And if Allaah were to punish men for that which they earned, he would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth…’ [Faatir 35:45 – interpretation of the meaning].”
Concerning trials, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1706).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The extent of the reward will be in accordance with the extent of the trial. If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever is content will have contentment, and whoever is angry will have anger.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2320; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2210).
The following outlines how one may tell whether a given event is a punishment or a trial:
If the misfortune results from doing an act of obedience to Allaah, such as being wounded in jihaad, or losing money when migrating for the sake of Allaah, or losing a job because of becoming Muslim or increasing one’s commitment to Islam, then this is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded, but if one reacts angrily then one will earn the wrath of Allaah. If the misfortune results from sin, such as sexually-transmitted diseases or illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and taking drugs, and so on, then this is the kind of punishment that comes in this world (as opposed to being deferred until the Hereafter). If the misfortune is connected neither to a good deed nor a sin – such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business – then it depends on the person’s situation. If he is good and devout, it is a trial, and if he is sinful, it is a punishment.
The misfortune may be a punishment to atone for sins, or it may be a trial aimed at raising a person’s status and increasing his hasanaat (good deeds/rewards) – this may be determined by whether a person is obedient or disobedient. A person should not praise himself, rather he should criticize himself for his shortcomings and strive to attain perfection. He will benefit from misfortunes in any case, if he has patience and hopes for reward. And Allaah knows best.
Dealing with the fitnah (temptation) of women
Bismillaah
I have read the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “I have not left behind me any fitnah (temptation) more harmful to men than women.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5096; Muslim, 2740.
My question is: how can I save myself from this temptation, when I see it everywhere – in the street, on TV, on the internet, at work…?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has created man in a world of trials and tests, and He has made Paradise the abode of His friends and beloved ones, who preferred His pleasure over their own and preferred obedience to Him over their physical comfort. And He has made Hell the abode of those among His slaves who disobey Him and preferred their own whims and desires to the pleasure of their Lord. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Such is the Paradise which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our slaves who have been Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”
[Maryam 19:63]
“But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts.
Verily, Paradise will be his abode”
[al-Naaz’i’aat 79:40-41]
And He says concerning the people of Hell (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salaat (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaat (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell”
[Maryam 19:59]
And He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“That shall be their recompense, Hell; because they disbelieved and took My Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery”
[al-Kahf 18:106]
“Then for him who transgressed all bounds, (in disbelief, oppression and evil deeds of disobedience to Allaah).
And preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts),
Verily, his abode will be Hell-fire”
[al-Naazi’aat 79:37-39]
So the Muslim must strive to worship Allaah and keep away from that which angers Allaah, for Allaah will not cause the reward the one who does good to be lost:
“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our paths (i.e. Allaah’s religion — Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allaah is with the Muhsinoon (good-doers)”
[al-‘Ankaboot 29:69 – interpretation of the meaning]
One of the fitnahs (temptations) with which we are tested is the fitnah of women, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah (temptation) more harmful to men than women.” There follow some of the methods by which we can avoid this temptation. We ask Allaah to set the affairs of the Muslims straight.
1 – Faith in Allaah.
Faith in Allaah and fear of Allaah provide a safety valve and protect a person against committing haraam actions and following his own whims and desires.
If the believer becomes aware that Allaah is always watching and if he ponders the meanings of His names and attributes, such as the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Watchful, the Reckoner, the Preserver, the All-Encompassing, that will generate fear of Him in secret and in public, and will put a stop to disobedience towards Allaah, and will reduce the strength of desire that leads many people to commit haraam actions.
2 – Lowering the gaze and avoiding looking at haraam things
The gaze can generate bad thoughts in the heart, which then lead to ideas and then to desires, then to will and resolve, and then inevitably to doing haraam things. Think about the meaning of this verse which makes a connection between the first steps towards haraam and the end result. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do”
[al-Noor 24:30]
Ibn Katheer said: “This is a command from Allaah to His believing slaves, to lower their gaze and avoid looking at that which is forbidden to them so that they only look at that which they are permitted to look at. If it so happens that a person’s gaze accidentally falls upon something haraam, he should turn his gaze away from it quickly.
3 – Warding off evil thoughts
Bad thoughts pose a danger to the heart… If a person dwells on them and does not push them away, they will develop into an idea, then into will and resolve, then this will inevitably lead to haraam actions. Beware of dwelling on passing thoughts; rather what you must do is to ward them off and crowd them out with good thoughts.
The treatment, then, is to ward off these passing thoughts and keep yourself busy with beneficial thoughts.
4 – Marriage
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, and whoever cannot, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5065.
5 – Fasting for those who cannot afford to get married
– because of the hadeeth quoted above, in which it says, “…and whoever cannot, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5065.
Al-Qurtubi said:
The less a person eats, the weaker his desire becomes, and the weaker his desire is, the less sins he commits.
6 – Keeping away from bad companions.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A man will follow the way of his close friends, so let each one of you look at who he takes as a close friend.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 8433; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 4046.
7 – Keeping away from places of
temptation.
It is obvious that we are living in a society that is filled with temptation – media of all types, magazines, flirting in the marketplaces, satellite TV, the internet, etc… So you have to flee from all of these in order to keep your religious commitment sound.
8 – Do not make your houses graves.
Make your house a reminder of obedience, not of sin. If a room is connected to sin for example, that will make a person commit sin repeatedly, because every time he enters that room he will remember the sin and may be provoked to commit the sin again. So he should make his room and his house a reminder of obedience to Allaah, so when he enters he sees the Mus-haf which he reads, and he remembers praying qiyaam al-layl for Allaah, and the regular Sunnah prayers that he offers in this room. Doing a lot of acts of worship in your house will make a connection in your mind between the house and doing good deeds, so you will do more and will think less of sin, and the calls of desire will grow less.
9 – Trying to make the most of your time in worshipping and obeying Allaah.
Time is one of the great blessings that Allaah has bestowed upon His slaves, but there are many who are not making the most of it. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Two blessings which many people do not make the most of: good health and spare time.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6412.
See also question no. 3234.
10 – Remembering the blessings of the Hereafter.
Particularly appropriate in this context is remembering al-hoor al-‘iyn and their attributes, whom Allaah has prepared for those who are patient and steadfast in avoiding sin. This can help the Muslim to look at these transient haraam pleasures which only lead to regret and loss.
We ask Allaah to help us to avoid temptation, both obvious and hidden. Praise be to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds.
