Wednesday 31 October 2012

Stick to the sunnah




Stick to the sunnah

Ibraaheem at-Taymee (Rahimahullah) used to say:

“O Allaah protect me with Your Religion, and with the Sunnah of Your Prophet, from differing regarding the truth, and from the following of desires, and from the paths of misguidance, and from affairs producing doubts, and from deviation and argumentation.”


al-I`tisaam of ash-Shaatibee (1/116) [Daar Ibn `Affaan, 1st edn., 1412]

The innovator…



The innovator…

Imâm Abdullaah Ibn Mubarak:

 “A Mubtadi’ (innovator) has darkness in his face, even if he were to wash his face thirty times a day.”

 ~Imâm al-Laalika’ee||Sharh Usool al Itiqaad #284

Rectify what remains of your life




Rectify what remains of your life

Fudail ibn lyaad, may Allah have mercy upon him, encountered a man, so he asked him the following questions:

Fudail ibn Iyaad: “How old are you?”

The man: “Sixty years old.”

Fudail ibn lyaad: “Thus you—for the past sixty years have been upon a journey towards the meeting with your Lord and you have almost reached your destination.’

The man: “Verily from Allah we come and to Him we shall return.”

Fudail ibn lyaad: “Do you know the meaning of this statement?”

The man: “Yes. I know that I am a slave of Allah and I am returning to Him.”

Fudail ibn Iyaad: “Oh my brother; whoever knows that he is a slave of Allah and that he is going to return to Him: then let him also know that he is going to stand in front of Him. And whoever knows that he is going to stand in front of Him then let him also know that he is going to be questioned. And whoever knows that he is going to he questioned then let him prepared answers for the questions.”

The man: “What is the solution?”

Fudail ibn Iyaad: “It’s simple.”

The man: “What is it?”

Fudail ibn Iyaad: “Rectify what remains (of your life) and you will be forgiven for what has already passed by; but if you misuse what remains (of your life) then you will be taken to account for that which has passed by and that which remains.”



Translated by Rasheed Barbee

Note: This is not a translation of Shaykh Raslaan’s speech, rather it is a translation of the narration that he is speaking about.

Source: http://mtws.posterous.com/rectify-what-remains-of-your-life-advice-from



Thursday 25 October 2012

Don't Despair



Don't Despair


Sulayman ad-Darani said:

“If every single person began to have doubt in the truth, I would remain certain in it by myself.”

[''Uluww al-Himmah'; p. 42]


 Every time you feel disheartened by your being alone on this path, then look to those who came before you and strive to catch up with them, and turn away from everyone else, as they will not benefit you in the least with Allah. If you happen to see them somewhere along the path that you are upon, then do not turn to look at them, for if you do so, they will distract you and simply delay your progress.”


Ibn al Qayim al Jawziya ['Madarij as-Salikin'; 1/21]

Sunday 21 October 2012

Importance of asking Allaah for well-being (العافية)


Importance of asking Allaah
for well-being (العافية)

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

1. On the authority of `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما that he said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! What should I ask from Allaah? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

سل الله العفو والعافية
“Ask Allaah for al-`Afwa (pardon) and al-`Aafiyah (well-being)”

He asked again: What should I ask Allaah (next)? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said:


سل الله العفو والعافية

“Ask Allaah for al-`Afwa (pardon) and al-`Aafiyah (well-being)” 

[Saheeh al-Mawaarid (2052) and graded as “Saheeh li ghairihee” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


2. It was narrated that Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما said: “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم never abandoned these supplications, every morning and evening:

اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في الدنيا والآخرة اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في ديني ودنياي وأهلي ومالي اللهم استر عوراتي وآمن روعاتي واحفظني من بين يدي ومن خلفي وعن يميني وعن شمالي ومن فوقي وأعوذ بك أن أغتال من تحتي

(Allaahumma innee as-aluka al-`afwa wal-`aafiyah fee ad-dunya wal-aakhirah. Allaahumma inni as-aluka al-`afwa wal-`aafiyah fee deenee wa dunyaai wa ahlee wa maalee. Allaahumma astur `awraatee, wa aamin raw`aaitee wahfadhnee min bayni yadayya, wa min khalfee wa `an yameenee wa `an shimaalee, wa min fawqee, wa a`oodhu bika an ughtaala min tahtee)

“O Allaah! I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and in the Hereafter. O Allaah! I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religious and my worldly affairs. O Allaah! Conceal my faults, calm my fears, and protect me from before me and behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in You from being taken unaware from beneath me” [Sunan Abu Dawood (5074), Ibn Maajah (3871) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


3. On the authority of `Aaishah رضي الله عنها that she said: Whenever I came to know that it is the night of Laylat al-Qadr, the most I would supplicate is by asking Allaah for al-`Afwa (pardon) and al-`Aafiyah (well-being).” [al-Nasaa’ee in Sunan al-Kubraa, and graded as “Thaabit” (proven) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (7/1011)]


4. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه climbed the mimber (pulpit) and then wept and said: In the first year (of Hijra), the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم climber the mimber and wept and said: “Ask Allaah for al-`Afwa (pardon) and al-`Aafiyah (well-being), for no one is granted, after certainty (i.e. Islaam), anything better than al-`Aafiyah (well-being).” [al-Tirmidhee (3558) and graded as “Hasan Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


5. Hasan bin `Alee رضي الله عنهما said: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم taught me some words to say in Witr in Qunoot:

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، إِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، وَلَا يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ

“O Allaah, guide me along with those whom You have guided, protect me (from evil and harm) along with those whom You have protected, be an ally to me along with those whom You are an ally to and bless for me that which You have bestowed. Protect me from the evil You have decreed for verily You decree and none can decree over You. For surety, he whom You show allegiance to is never abased and he whom You take as an enemy is never honored and mighty. O our Lord, Blessed and Exalted are You.” 

[Sunan Abu Dawood (1425) and the wordings are his, and Sunan al-Tirmidhee (464), Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (1745) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


6. It was narrated that `Aasim bin Humaid said: I asked `Aaishah رضي الله عنها with what did he - meaning the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم - start Qiyaam Al-Lail (the night prayers)? She said: You have asked me something which no one before you has asked. The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to say the Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar) ten times, the Tahmeed (Al-Hamdulillaah) ten times, the Tasbeeh (Subhaan-Allaah) ten times and the Tahleel (Laa ilaaha illallaah) ten times and the Istighfaar (pray for forgiveness) ten times and say:


اللهم اغفر لي واهدني وارزقني وعافني ، أعوذ بالله من ضيق المقام يوم القيامة

(Allaahumma-ghfirlee, wa-hdinee, wa-rzuqnee, wa-`aafinee, A`oodhu billaahi min dheeqil-maqaami yawmal-qiyaamah.)

“O Allaah! Forgive me, guide me, grant me provision and good health. I seek refuge with Allaah from the difficulty of standing on the Day of Resurrection.)” 

[Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (1616) and the wordings are his, Sunan Abu Dawood (766) and Sunan Ibn Maajah (1123) and graded as “Hasan Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]



7. Narrated `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to say (in the prayer) between the two prostrations:


اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وعافني واهدني وارزقني
“O Allaah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, heal me, guide me, and provide for me.” 

[Sunan Abu Dawood (850) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


8. Narated Shakal bin Humaid رضي الله عنه:  I said: O Messenger of Allaah! Teach me a supplication from which I may benefit. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Say:


اللهم عافني من شر سمعي وبصري ، ولساني وقلبي ، وشر منيي

(Allaahumma `aafinee min sharri sam`ee, wa basaree wa lisaanee, wa qalbee, wa min sharri maniy)

“O Allaah! Protect me from the evil of my hearing, my seeing, my tongue and my heart, and from the evil of my sperm.” – (meaning sexual organ).

[Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (5456, 5484), and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


9. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever comes across a person suffering a calamity and says:


الحمد لله الذي عافاني مما ابتلاك به ، وفضلني على كثير ممن خلق تفضيلا

‘All praise is for Allah Who saved me from that which He tested you with and Who most certainly favored me over much of His creation.’ He will be kept safe from that calamity” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (3431, 3432) on the authority of Abu Hurairah and `Umar رضي الله عنهما, and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]



[This text has been translated into Spanish, click here to read it]




Source: http://foodiefahoodie.blogspot.com/2012/10/importance-of-asking-allaah-for-well.html 

Sunday 14 October 2012

Terrorism in Occident


Terrorism in Occident

Question: The question is regarding what recently took place of explosions in London, and which has been allegedly attributed to those who claim to be Muslims. However, we have learnt from our Scholars that Islaam is free from, and has nothing to do with such actions. Would you please clarify this?

Answer: What occurred in London of the actions of some of those who claim to be Muslim or adherents to Islaam, is actually something which gives a bad and evil picture of this Deen (Religion). These people are painting a bad and corrupted picture of Islaam to those in the West. We know that in the West there are philosophers and those amongst the Jews who know and recognize that the hearts of the population in the West are turning to Islaam and this is something they are not pleased with. They therefore point out these events in order to increase the enmity between the common people and Islaam.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم warned against these types of actions. Once he saw that a lady was killed in a battle, and he even warned against that. One should not do this to the women, the children or the old people; these innocent individuals should not be harmed. Islaam warns against these things and we already mentioned that Islaam spread because of the good characteristics that people saw in the Muslims. Once when Mu'aawiyyah had a pledge with a State and the pledge was about to be broken he wanted to attack them but some of those around him said: "You have to honor your pledge and your trust."

A Muslim is not one who breaks his trust regarding Muslims or non-Muslims. These types of actions actually turn and twist the picture of Islaam in an adverse way. Islaam and the Muslims are all free of these types of acts. It is something that no Muslim agrees with. What will now happen to the Muslims because of this? The people who did this don't care. They don't show mercy to the Muslims nor do they show mercy to those who are not Muslims. They don't show mercy to the Muslims or the non-Muslims. We ask Allaah for sincerity and to allow us to honour this Deen, and not to disfigure it in the face of those who do not truly know about it."


Answered by: Shaykh Rabee` ibn Haadi al-Madkhali

Title of Lecture: Ad-Da'wah and the Caller to al-Islaam

Date of the Lecture: Saturday July 9, 2005

Friday 12 October 2012

Mention of the people is a disease...


 
 
‎'Abdullah bin 'Awn, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said:
 
"Mention of the people is a disease and rememberance of Allaah is a cure."
 
Al-Haafidh Adh-Dhahabi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "I said: "Certainly by Allaah. So it is amazing how we and our ignorance, leave off the cure and embark upon the disease?
 
Allaah, the Most High, says: "So remember Me and I will remember you." [2:152] and He says: "And the rememberance of Allaah is greater." [29:45] and He says: "And those who believe and whose hearts find tranquility in the rememberance of Allaah. Do not the hearts find tranquility in the rememberance of Allaah?" [13:28]
 
However that isn't achieved except by the success of Allaah. And whoever constantly invokes Allaah and keeps knocking at the door, it will be opened for him."
 
Siyar 'Alaam An-Nubalaa: 6/369

One of the Reasons for the Destruction of the Jews


One of the Reasons for the Destruction of the Jews


The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said,

“Verily the children of Israaeel were destroyed when they started story telling”

Shaykh Al-albani said: Said (Ibn Kathir) in An-nihaya:
Meaning they relied upon speech and left off actions. So that was the reason for their destruction. Or vice versa; When they left off actions they were destroyed and then turned to story telling.
So I (Al-Albani) say:
It is possible to say that the reason for their destruction was the importance their preachers gave to story telling and tales and not to fiqh or beneficial knowledge through which people know their religion, what would have carried them towards righteous actions. So when they did that they were destroyed.
So this is the case of many of the story tellers of our era. Those whose speech revolves around Judeo-Christian traditions, heart softeners and sayings of the soofis. And Allah’s safety is sought.
[As-silsilah As-saheehah 4/246]

Translated by Shafqath Hussain.
Checked by Nadeem Ahsan Shah.

From Among the Punishments of Sins


From Among the Punishments of Sins

There is the weakening of the journey to Allaah and the (blessed) abode of the Hereafter.
There is the stoppage of blessings and the lowering of punishments.
A servant is living in a state of fear, dread and loneliness.
The heart is turned away from a condition of healthiness and correctness to that of illness and deviation.
The heart becomes blind and its light is extinguished.
The removal of status, honor and respect in the sight of Allaah and His creation.
A decrease in one’s intellect.
The blessings of long-life, provisions, knowledge, deeds and obedience are blotted.
The various species of creation confront the servant with injury.
The servant forgets himself.
The Guardian Angel withdraws from the servant and Shaytaan draws near to him.
—-

Transcribed from: Sins and their Punishments || Ibn ul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullaah)

Taken from: https://daragharbi.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/from-among-the-punishments-of-sins/

Monday 8 October 2012

What's better? As salamu alaykum or As salamu alayka {ki}


What's better? As salamu alaykum or As salamu alayka {ki}

 
Question: Some people say greeting with As salamu alaykum is better than greeting with As salamu alayki (for a woman) or As salamu alayka (for a man)? and also people say that if someone greets with As salamu alaykum, then the angels also reply to the person's salam (greeting)? 
 
Answer: Shaykhah answered by saying: Yes, it is better to greet by saying As salamu alaykum because this is what came in the sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, as for As salamu alayki or As salamu alayka, then it is more specific, (brief). As for the second question: Yes, the angels do reply to the greeting of the person who greets by saying As salamu alaykum. Shaykhah mentioned, the hadith on this is found in Adab al-Mufrad of Imam Bukhari.
 
Question was asked today September 21, 2012 by (Nasrin Akther) to shaykhah Umm salamah, Shaykh Muqbil's wife.

Ibn Taymiyyah: "Whenever I waiver and become indecisive"




« إنه ليقف خاطري في المسألة والشيء أو الحالة فأستغفر الله تعالى ألف مرة أو أكثر أو أقل حتى ينشرح الصدر، وينحل إشكال ما أشكل. قال: وأكون إذ ذاك في السوق أو المسجد أو الدرب أو المدرسة لا يمنعني ذلك من الذكر والاستغفار إلى أن أنال مطلوبي »
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said

“Indeed whenever I waiver and become indecisive in my mind about an issue, or about something or a situation [which is problematic for me] then I ask forgiveness of Allaah the Most Higha thousand times or more, or less until He opens my chest for me and solves the problem which I was confused about. Even if at that time I was in a market place, or in a masjid or in a mountain pass or a school, that does not prevent me from the remembrance [of Allaah] and asking for forgiveness until I achieve my objective.” 
[Al-‘Uqoodad-Durriyyah min Manaaqib Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah by Ibn ‘Abdul-Haadee (d.748 H), page 5, Daar Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah Print, with the checking of Muhammad Haamid al-Faqee].

Translation: 
Abu Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain (Mecca)

Sunday 7 October 2012

The Virtue of the Mind


CHAPTER ONE
The Virtue of the Mind

People have differed regarding the essence of the mind and its location, subsequently this subject has been extensively discussed. In addition many hadiths has been narrated establishing the excellence of the mind. Some of which I have already mentioned in my book “Dispraise of Desires”, therefore I will not repeat them here rather I will mention a selection:
The excellence of a thing is know by its fruits, and from among the fruits of the mind is knowing the Creator, may He be exalted. For the mind has contemplated the proofs [of the existence of the Creator] until it knew Him, and has contemplated the proofs of the truthfulness of the Prophets until it recognized their truthfulness. The mind has encouraged obedience to Allah and to His messengers. It has schemed to get all that is difficult to obtain, and it tamed the animals. It taught man to build ships on which he reached what the sea had prevented men from reaching, and tricked the birds of the sea until they were hunted. All of this while man’s eyes observe the consequences and work in accordance with safety and need. Furthermore is taught man to relinquish the life of this world for the hereafter. Because of it, human beings have excellence over animals that have been prevented from having it (the mind), and it what qualifies man for the speech of Allah and His commandments. With it, man reaches the highest ranks that his kind can reach from the good of this world and the hereafter, in both knowledge and actions.
These virtues suffice the need to delve into detail.
From the book: “Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d.597 AH)

Saturday 6 October 2012

Averting Excessive Sadness


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Averting Excessive Sadness



Know that (the heart of) a person of sound mind cannot be free of sadness, because he remembers his previous sins, therefore becomes saddened, he thinks about his negligence, reflects on what the scholars and the righteous have said, as a result he becomes sad for not taking heed.

Malik ibn Dinar, “If a heart is devoid of sadness, it will become desolate. Just as a house becomes desolate if no one resides in it.” 1

Ibrahim ibn ‘Isa 2, “I have not seen a person with as much sadness as al-Hasan; whenever I see him, I assume that he has just recently been afflicted with a trial.”

Malik ibn Dinar, “As much as you grieve for this world, the fear of the Day of Judgment leaves your heart.” Thus, as it is evident that sadness accompanies the heart of the righteous, excessive sadness therefore should be avoided. That is because one should feel sad regarding what he has missed, and I have already clarified the way to recant.

It was mentioned in a hadith, “The rest of the life of a believer is invaluable, he can recant in it what he has missed.” If sadness is related to something the cannot be recanted then it is of no use, however if it is related to a religious matter then he should make it up with the aid of hoping for the Graciousness and Mercifulness of Allah. On the other hand if one has sadness in regards to worldly matters and whatever he misses from it, then that is an evident loss, a wise person should rid himself of that.

The best of the cures of sadness is to know that one cannot bring back what he has missed, rather by feeling sad he is adding another misfortune to the already existing misfortune ultimately making two misfortunes. Also a misfortune should not be made heavier by being saddened by it, rather it should be eased and pushed away. Ibn ‘Amr said, “If Allah takes something away from you, get busy with anything that will not make you think about it.” In addition, what Allah gives you instead of what was taken away from you makes that easier. However, if there is nothing that can make the matter easier, then one should struggle to push away sadness from his heart.

Know that what calls to sorrow and sadness is Hawa not the mind, simply because the mind does not call to that which is not useful. One should know that the matter, eventually, will get easier after some time, therefore he should strive to bring forward that which is supposed to happen then (i.e. comfort) so that he relaxes during the time of difficulty until such ease and comfort is achieved. One of the things that make sorrow and sadness disappear is knowing that is is useless, believing in its reward and remembering those who are afflicted with worse misfortunes.


---------------------------------------------


1 Reported by Abu Nu’aym in al-Hilyah [2:360] from Malik ibn-Dinar he said, “If there is no sorrow in the heart, it will desolate, just like a house desolates if there is no resident in it.”

2 Abu Nu’aym in al-Hilyah [10:393]. Abu Nu’aym said, “Ibrahim ibn Isa, the ascetic, he accompanied Ma’ruf al-Karkhi and heard form Abu Dawud at-Tayalisi and Muhammad ibn al-Muqri’.”

From the Book: “Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH)

Friday 5 October 2012

Disciplining and Handling Wives


CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Disciplining and Handling Wives

It is necessary to study this chapter thoroughly, for the worthiest of acts is that a man marry a virgin, who has not now a man before him.
Wise people have said, “A virgin is for you, and non-virgin is against you.” Further, it is a grave mistake for an aged man to marry a young girl, for she will become an enemy to him as he will not be able to fulfil her needs and as her needs are not met she will naturally develop an aversion towards the old man. Thus, if a man is tested with such and has married a young woman while he himself is aged then he should treat her aversion with good morals, tolerance and by spending money on her extravagantly.
This has already been explained in detail in my book ‘Al-Shayb’ (Grey Hair [Old]). One should also beautify himself for his wife just as he likes that his wife beautify herself for him, he should cover his body so that she does not see from him anything except that which is liked and she should do the same.
Section One: Act which lead the Wives Astray
A husband should not joke with his wife often, so that she does not belittle him and hence become disobedient. Moreover he should not place all his money in her hands, so that he is not placed under her control as she could take his money and leave him. Allah, May He be exalted, said,
وَلاَ تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً
“And give not to the foolish your money which Allah has made a means of support for you.” [al-Nisa’ 4:5]
Rather he should joke with her, while maintaining his prestige and status.
Section Two: How to discipline a Spouse
The best way to discipline a woman is by preventing her from speaking with other women (who are not righteous, who possess evil traits and morals) and from leaving the house (unnecessarily). Further, and elderly woman should be assigned to discipline her, teaching her how to respect her husband, informing her of the rights of a husband, also to dignify in her eyes he who spends moderately, and act as her preserver for the insanity of a youth is dangerous.
Section Three: Marrying concurrent to One’s Age
If an aged man marries a woman who is not a young immature girl, nor an old feeble woman, then that would be better for him as she would be less arrogant and more respectful towards him.
Section Four: Needs of a Young Man
A young man demands what he wants, he cannot be enforced to do what he does not like, therefore if he wants to enjoy women then it is a choice he can take i.e. he could buy young slaves girls, if he is able to. This is because young (slave) women do not have jealousy or, at least, they do not possess it excessively, because they are owned and because of their owner’s ability to replace them and sell them. He, however should assign a keeper to monitor them and also have another keeper to observe the already assigned keeper.
Section Five: Being Content with what one has
If a man is granted a woman who is exactly everything he desired, he should forget what he missed for the sake of what he has, because branches are never mentioned when origins and roots are preserved, also having an excessive amount of women requires a lot, the least of which is taking care of them.
From the Book: “Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH)

Adverting Excessive Thinking


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
 
Adverting Excessive Thinking

 
 
Know that thinking is needed to remember what was forgotten, and to think about future benefits. However if thinking is about that which is not fruitful it will be harmful, and if it is excessive it will exhaust the body.
 
The hypocrites say, “Scholars should leave thinking for sometime, lest they exhaust their bodies.” I said, a wise person should not stop thinking about what he can attain. 

However when a layman thinks of becoming the Caliph, that he is as knowledgeable as Abu Hanifah or Al-Shafi’i, that he is an ascetic exactly like Bishr al-Hafi and Mar’uf al-Karhi, to have the wealth of ‘Abdul Rahman ibn ‘Awf, these thoughts exhaust the body, especially if he is only thinking and is idle (instead of working hard to achieve what he wants). 

A person should rather think about that which is possible for him to achieve, and what he can attain from good deeds. He should also think about his struggle against evil.  For many sinners reflected on their consequences and repented, many kings reflected on the vanity of this life, to became ascetic.
 
Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyAllahu ‘anhuma) said, “Praying two rak’at with contemplation is better than praying all night while the heart is heedless.” (1)
 
Umm al-Darda’ (radiyAllahu ‘anha) was asked, “What was the best deed of Abu’l-Darda?” She said, “Contemplation and thoughtfulness.” (2)
 
Malik ibn Dinar stood on his feet praying until dawn and said,”The people of hellfire, in their chains and iron collars, kept presenting to me until dawn.”
 
Some wise men used to say, “Warding off thinking brings blindness.”
 
 
-----------------------------------------------
 
 
[1] Reported by Ibn ul-Mubarak in the Book of Zuhd p.403, and Muhammad ibn Nasr in the Book of Qiyam-ul-Layl p.60.
 
[2] Reported by Ibn ul-Mubarak in the Book of Zuhd p.302 thought the chain of ‘Awn ibn ‘Abdullah from Umm al-Darda’ that he was asked, “What was the most frequent act of Abu al-Darda?” She said, “Contemplation.” Reported by Abu Nu’aym in al-Hilyah [1:208] “ She said, “Contemplation and thoughtfulness” [1:209] Abu l-Darda said, “Contemplation for an hour is better than praying one whole night.”
 
From the Book: Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d.597H)

Thursday 4 October 2012

The Heart’s Best Medicine


The Heart’s Best Medicine


Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, says:


In short, there is nothing more beneficial for the heart than reading the Qur`aan and with contemplation and reflection. The Qur`aan encompasses all the levels of the travellers, the conditions of the workers, and stations of those possessing knowledge. It is the Qur`aan that generates love, desire, fear, hope, repentance, reliance, pleasure, entrustment, gratitude, patience, and the rest of the different states that are life to the heart and perfection of it. Likewise, it repels all the rebuked characteristics and actions that cause the corruption and ruin of the heart.


If people were to possess a realization of what recitation of the Qur`aan with contemplation contains, they would devote themselves to it at the expense of anything else. When the person reads it with reflection and he comes across an aayah that he is in need of, for the cure of his heart, he repeats it, even if he does so a hundred times or the whole night. Hence, to recite a single aayah of the Qur`aan with contemplation and reflection is better than reciting the Qur`aan to completion without any contemplation or reflection. It is also more beneficial for the heart and more conducive to attaining eemaan and tasting the sweetness of the Qur`aan.

Transcribed from: Causes Behind the Increase and Decrease of Eemaan | Shaykh `Abdur-Razzaaq al-`Abbaad

Source: http://daragharbi.org/2012/01/29/the-hearts-best-medicine/

The Difference between the Perspective of Mind and the Perspective of Hawa


CHAPTER THREE
 
The Difference between the Perspective of Mind and the Perspective of Hawa

 
Know that Hawa calls to Attaining pleasure without taking into consideration its consequences, though one might know that this satisfaction will bring annoyance that actually exceeds it [exceeds the satisfaction] and also prevents one from attaining other similar satisfaction.
 
Nonetheless Hawa turns one away from reflecting on all this, which makes one lower to the exact state of animals, however animals are excused because they do not observe the consequences of what they do. Hence, a wise person should not descend from a high and noble state that he is honoured with, no the state of those that are low [animals], the mind should observe the consequences [of actions] one should examine the benefits and interests, since it acts as a resolute person and an advisory doctor.
 
The similitude of Hawa is that of an ignorant boy and a gluttonous sick person.
 
For this reason, when the mind perceives something that differs to the Hawa’s entreaty, a wise and reasonable person should then consult his mind, particularly as he is aware that it is knowledgeable as well sincere in its advice, he should be patient upon what the mind orders him to do, because knowing excellence of the mind is enough for him to favour it.
 
Further if he needs additional proof of the uprightness of the mind’s decision, he should contemplate the consequences of following his Hawa such as scandalous exposure in front of people, vilification, missing virtues and good deeds.
 
For this glory has ever deteriorated, honour has been disgraced and humiliated or a bird hunted except as a result of following Hawa?!
 
The proof can be found when a person anticipates what his Hawa is calling to prior to attaining it, he should then reflect on his state after his satisfaction has passed, he should compare this between his satisfaction and his sin for that is when he will know that he has lost double of what he has gained.
 
A poet said regarding this:
 
How much satisfaction that provoked happiness, Ended up revealing sadness and sorrows
How many desires ripped from their participants, The garment of religion and virtue
 
Know that when a human acts in accordance to his Hawa, he will find in himself disgrace and humiliation, ever if this Hawa does not harm him, that is because he feels subdued by his Hawa, but when he overcomes his Hawa he will find in himself honour and pride as he will feel triumphant and victorious.
 
For this reason, when people see an ascetic they become amazed by him, and they would kiss his hand [to show respect] because they perceive him as a person who is strong enough to leave what they were weak in the face of and that is disobeying Hawa.
 
From the book: “Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d.597H)

It is You we worship and You we ask for help


It is You we worship and You we ask for help


Ibn al-Qayyim said, 

“How many times I would hear the Shaikh of Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah sanctify his soul, saying, “You [Alone] do we worship …” [Faatihah 1:5] repels ostentation, and, “You [Alone] do we ask for help …” repels grandeur/pride [kibriyaa].”


Madaarijus-Saalikeen, vol. 1, p. 54.



Source: http://giftsofknowledge.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/it-is-you-we-worship-and-you-we-ask-for-help/

The Pleasure of Sinning or the Pleasure of Repenting?


The Pleasure of Sinning or the Pleasure of Repenting?

Ibn al-Qayyim said, “So if the sinner knew that the pleasure of repenting and the joy associated with it is multiple times greater than the pleasure of sinning and the joy associated with it, he would rush to it much more than the way he rushes to the pleasure of sinning.”


Ar-Rooh


Source: http://giftsofknowledge.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/the-pleasure-of-sinning-or-the-pleasure-of-repenting/

Whenever I order my wife, she replies saying ‘In sha’allah I will do or I won’t.


Whenever I order my wife, she replies saying ‘In sha’allah I will do or I won’t.
 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His last Messenger Muhammad
 
 
This fatwa was taken from: fatawa of Noor-‘al-adaarb: Marriage (Nikah)
 
Question:
 
Someone asks saying whenever I order my wife, she replies saying ‘In sha’allah I will do or I won’t’. What’s the ruling for this?
 
Answer:
 
Sheikh: She must comply to what you ordered her to do as long as there is no harm on her, or disobedience towards Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet peace be upon him said (if ordered anyone to fall in prostration to anyone else, I would have commanded the wife to prostrate to her husband for the greatness of his rights on her), but as noted earlier, provided that there is no harm on her (in doing what you ordered her to do) or disobedience towards Allah and His Messenger. If it was the disobedience towards Allah and His Messenger, she does not have the right to agree with you, and also you have no right to order her with that; and if there is a harm to be caused for her, you are not permissible to do so because it is not kind to her.
 
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen
 

السؤال: يقول أيضاً إذا أمرت امرأتي تقول إن شاء الله أفعل ولا أفعل فما حكم هذا منها؟
 
  الجواب  
الشيخ: هو يجب عليها أن تمتثل ما أمرتها به ما لم يكن في ذلك ضررٌ عليها أو معصيةٌ لله ورسوله وقد قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم (لو أمرت أحداً أن يسجد لأحدٍ لأمرت الزوجة أن تسجد لزوجها لعظم حقه عليها) ولكن كما أشرنا سابقاً بشرط أن لا يكون عليها ضررٌ في ذلك ولا معصيةٌ لله ورسوله فإن كان في ذلك معصيةٌ لله ورسوله فلا يجوز لها أن توافقك ولا يجوز لك أيضاً أن تأمرها بذلك وكذلك إذا كان عليها ضرر فإنه لا يجوز لأنه ليس من العشرة بالمعروف.

Wednesday 3 October 2012

Undergoing Afflictions


Undergoing Afflictions


Ibn al-Qayyim: 

 The soul will never become pious and purified except through undergoing afflictions. It is the same as gold that can never be pure except after removing all the base metals in it.

al-Fawaa`id, p365

Source: http://daragharbi.org/2012/01/05/undergoing-afflictions/

Don't speak about ALLAH without 'Ilm - Ibn Qayyim



Al-Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim said:
 
“And indeed Allaah -Subhaanahu - prohibited speaking about Him without knowledge in giving fatwaa and issuing judicial rulings, and He made it from the greatest of the muharramaat (the prohibited matters). Rather He placed it in the highest level from them. So He said- Ta'aala :
 
قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّيَ الفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَاوَمَا بَطَنَ وَالإِثْمَ وَالْبَغْيَ بِغَيْرِ الحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَاناً وَأَن تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ (33)

 
“Say (O Muhammad): "(But) indeed the things that my Lord has forbidden are al-Fawaahish (lewd, evil sins of every kind) whether committed openly or secretly, al-Ithm (sins of all kinds), ath-Thulm (unrighteous oppression), joining partners (in worship) with Allaah for which He has sent down no authority for, and that you speak about Allaah that which you have no knowledge of." [al-A'raaf (7):33]
 
So He arranged the muharramaat in four levels, and He began with the least of them, and it is al-Fawaahish (lewd, evil sins of every kind) then secondly He followed with what is more severe than it in prohibition and it is al-Ithm (sins of all kinds) and ath-Thulm (unrighteous oppression), then mentioned thirdly what is greater than them in prohibition and it is shirk with Him - Subhaanahu . Then He followed fourthly with what is more severe in prohibition than all of that, and it is speaking about Him without knowledge. And this is general to speaking about Him -Subhaanahu - without knowledge in His Asmaa’ was-Sifaat (Beautiful Names and Perfect Attributes) and His Af’aal (Actions), His Deen, and His Shar’ (legislation)…”
 
[I’laam al-Muwaaqqi’een]

Performing Optional Prayers at Home


Performing Optional Prayers at Home


Shaikh Uthaimeen, may Allaah have mercy on him said, 

“It is from wisdom that a person performs the optional prayers in his house so that his children can see and learn from him, and so that the women can follow his example and so that his house does not become a grave which is not prayed in.”


Bulugh al-Maraam, v.3, p. 46.

Source: http://giftsofknowledge.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/performing-optional-prayers-at-home/

The woman is the key...




al-Ansari: The woman is the key to the security in every society and the foundation of the family. (al-Majmu' 1/173)

The women are not ...



Ibn 'Uthaymeen: "The women are not a garment you wear & undress however you like. They are HONORED and have their rights”. [al-Liqa' ash-Shahri]

Tuesday 2 October 2012

IS THE TRADE OF KHADIJAH رضي الله عنها, A PROOF FOR WOMEN TO WORK NOWADAYS?


IS THE TRADE OF KHADIJAH رضي الله عنها, A PROOF FOR WOMEN TO WORK NOWADAYS?



Question:
Is there an authentic Hadith which states that the Prophet ﷺ used to work for Khadijah رضي الله عنها? If so, does this mean that the woman can be allowed to work as Khadijah رضي الله عنها has a business, which is like working?
Answer:
Bismillaah, alhamdulillahi wassalatu wassalaamu alaa rasoolillahi wa ala’ aalihi wasallam, amma ba’ad
It is a true fact that before the Prophet ﷺ married Khadijah رضي الله عنها , he used to work for her and take responsibility of some of her trade caravans.
However, this is not a proof that can be used by those who want to allow women to work in jobs by herself as seen nowadays, but it is rather against them because Khadijah herself did not work, but she employed other men to do it on her behalf.
Furthermore, it should be understood that if a woman is able to work within the rules of the Shari’ah [such as without free mixing or any other Fitan (trials) and with the permission of her Wali (guardian) or husband] and she is able to uphold her responsibilities to her husband and family, then there is no Daleel (evidence) to say that work is illegal for her.

Wallaahu ta’ala A’lam
Answered by Ahmad Banajah
Edited by Abu Abdillaah Rifkhan

SALAFIYYAH AND FEMINISM


SALAFIYYAH AND FEMINISM



Question:
What stance should the Salafis have for the feminist movements we have nowadays? Is it correct to say that feminism and Islam go hand in hand, as some “Muslim feminists” proclaim?
Answer:
Bismillaahi wassalatu wassalaamu alaa rasoolillahi amma ba’ad
Nowadays, many people understand that feminism gives women the freedom to be treated as equals to men in the society, by having the right to work, drive and live like men. Hence, they mock Islaam and its teachings, by saying that Islaam oppresses a woman by restricting her freedom in matters of her life.
For this reason, the feminists want the Muslim women to listen to their worthless call, one which ends up in Ikthilaat (free-mixing between genders), rape, abortion, prostitution and the likes of these disastrous evils that has struck many parts of the world.
As a matter of fact, feminism oppresses the women because they are forced to take the same burden as the men, if not higher, although Allaah سبحانه و تعالى did not give the women the same ability as the man as in the following evidences, from the Kitaab (The Book)
……الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ ۚ فَالصَّالِحَاتُ قَانِتَاتٌ حَافِظَاتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللَّهُ
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband’s property, etc)”……[Surah an-Nisa’ (4), Aayah 34] 
and the Sunnah as in the Hadith of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
 عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي أَضْحًى ـ أَوْ فِطْرٍ ـ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَقُلْنَ وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا، أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا
Once Allah’s Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, “O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).” They asked, “Why is it so, O Allah’s Apostle ?” He replied, “You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intellect and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is deficient in our intellect and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intellect. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?” The women replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her religion.”[Sahih al Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 6, Hadith 301]
From some of the many evils of feminism is encouraging women to mix freely with men, and for women to compromise their chastity and modesty by taking off their veils, and giving the woman the right to divorce her husband whenever she wants or chooses to and numerous other evils. All of this causes such common situations as is seen in the West nowadays, where nearly every marriage ends up in divorce and where almost every young girl has lost her virginity because of Zinaa (adultery). The statistics are alarming and the root causes for these, are such evil ideologies such as women’s rights, feminism and the likes.
All of this shows us that Islaam does not go hand in hand with feminism. Those activists who support and fight for such ideologies want our Muslim women to be cheated in every way and lose her dignity and respect just like what has happened to their women, who have become as cheap a commodity as cigarettes. Hence, they also lead the children astray by taking the mother away from the home, by giving her such unwanted rights.
Allaah enjoins that which gives every human being, that which he or she is entitled or is able to do and this is called Al-Adl (justice), as Allaah says in the following verse:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ
“Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl….”  [Surah an-Nahl (16), Aayah 90] 
and He does not enjoin equality of the sexes as He has created one to excel over the other, as stated in the aforementioned verse of Surah an-Nisa.
Wallaahu ta’ala A’lam
Answered by Ahmad Banajah
Transcribed by Abu Abdillaah Muhammad Rifkhan