Tuesday, 4 December 2012

The Meeting Between Yahyah az-Zimmiy and Shaytaan


The Meeting Between Yahyah az-Zimmiy and Shaytaan


Abridged: The Meeting Between Yahyah az-Zimmiy and ShaytaanDerived Benefit by Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee ‘Umayr al-Madkhalee
Abdillaah Al-Qazweeniy also narrated to us, saying: Yahyaa Ibnu Abdaka Al-Qazweeniy said: I heard Yahyaa Ibn Yoosuf Az-Zummiy saying: Once I was taking a midday nap in one of the sandstone inns, then suddenly a powerful creature (of  a strange and frightening appearance) entered upon me, so I said: ”Who are you?”  He said: ”You not scared O father of Zakariyyah!” I said: ”Yes, (i.e. I am not scared), who are you”, and I stood up ready to fight him.  So he said:  “I am Abu Murra (i.e. shaytaan.”)  So I said: Laa HayyaakAllaah– ‘’May Allaah not give you life- (i.e. may He not maintain your life upon good).” So he said: ”Had I known that you were in this house I would not have entered and I would have resided in another house. This has been my place of residence since I came to Khurasaan.”  I said: ”Where did you come from?” He said: ”From Iraq.”  So I said:”What did you do in Iraq?” He said: “I have left a vicegerent in it.”  I said: ”Who is he?”  He said:”Bishr Al-Marreesiy.”   I said: ”What is he calling to (i.e. propagating)?”  He said: ”He is  propagating) that the Qur’aan is created, and I came to Khurasaan and also left a vicegerent in it.“ I said: ”What do you say about the Qur’aan?”  He said: “And even though I am an accursed devil, I say that the Qur’aan is the speech of Allaah and it is not created.”… 
Shaykh Rabee’ said: “… This story was narrated from Yahyah Ibn Yoosuf  (Abu Zakariyyah) with an authentic chain of transmission.  shaytaan came to him whilst he was in a house that resembles a hotel, where strangers and those arriving at a place take as their place of residence.  Shaytaan entered upon him and said: “You not scared of me?”  So Abu Zakariyyah said to him: “No, I am not scared of you, and who are you?”  So shaytaan said: “I am Abu Murra; i.e. I am shaytaan—the big shaytaan–May the curse of Allaah be upon him.” Yahyah was ready to fight him, so shaytaan said: ‘’I am Abu Murra.’’ Yahyah said to him: ”May Allaah not give you life (i.e. may He not maintain your life upon goodness.)  
Yahyah was firm and strong at heart in challenging shaytaan, because a person may not be able to face the Jinn.  There are many people who die out of fear when they see the Jinn.
However, some people are able to face the Jinn and defeat them and amongst them was Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu), because he did not walk a path except that shaytaan took a different path.
And Abu Hurairah  (radiyallaahu-anhu) was from such people because he captured shaytaan three times whilst shaytaan was stealing from the food the Messenger(sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) asked Abu Hurairah to guard.
A strong believer neither fears the Jinn nor the people. He does not fear anyone except Allaah, especially the type of fear that is tantamount to shirk—we seek Allaah’s protection from this.  Some people have a fear that is tantamount to shirk—fear of the dead and the devils. We seek Allaah’s protection from calamity. However, Yahyah-Abu Zakariyyah did not fear, rather he was strong at heart and strong in facing shaytaan
So shaytaan said to him: “Had I known that you were in this house, I would not have entered.”  This proves that shaytaan does not have knowledge of the unseen and the Jinn do not know the unseen, just as Allaah stated in the story of Sulaymaan (alayhis-salaam :(“Then when We decreed death for him [Sulaiman (Solomon)], nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment.” [Soorah Sabah: Ayah: 14]
Allaah said: “Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person.  Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars. [Soorah Shu-araa Ayah: 221-223]
The devils steal from the news of the heavens by snatching a statement and descend with it; then they relate it to the soothsayer or the magician and add a hundred lies to it.  This person who receives this from the devils is a shaytaan, a soothsayer and a magician. But whether he is a soothsayer, a shaytaan or a magician, they all receive slander and lies from shaytaan.  They are liars because whoever narrates a narration whilst knowing that it is a lie, then indeed he is one of the liars.
So Yahyah asked shaytaan where he came from and he said that he was from Iraq.  The trials and tribulations flared up in Iraaq.  So Yahyah said to him: “What did you do in Iraq?” He said: “I left a vicegerent in it.“  Yahyah said to him: “Who is he?“  He said: “Bishr Al-Marreesiy.”  Therefore, the callers to innovation and misguidance are the vicegerents of shaytaan and the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets and their vicegerents Inshaa-Allaah.
The callers to innovation, falsehood, disbelief and misguidance are vicegerents of Iblees and his armies.  Therefore be cautious of being amongst the army of shaytaan or amongst his vicegerents.
Then Yahyah asked shaytaan about what Bishr Al-Marreesiy was calling to? He said that he was saying that the Qur’aan is created.  This alone is a great achievement for shaytaan, because it brought about strife, differing and such and such.
However, there are innovations greater than it– and protection is sought from Allaah—being propagated by many people and you will find that it is the hundredth one amongst his/their innovations.  These people are more severe and they cause more strife in being the vicegerents of shaytaan than Bishr Al-Marreesiy.  And I (i.e. Shaikh Rabee) have said to some of those who defend some of the contemporary people of innovations:  What is your resentment against Bishr al-Marreesiy and what led both the people of Sunnah and the people of innovation in this Ummah to drop him? He said: ‘’Because he said that the Qur’aan is created.’’  I said: Such and such joins him in this affair and he has other big innovations that are greater than this, so how is it that you do not tremble.  Watch out against blindness O brothers!  We seek Allaah’s protection from blindness and misguidance.  We seek Allaah’s protection from calamity, especially when these people attribute themselves to the salafi manhaj with their calamities.  The distress will be very heavy and the calamity will be greater if the supporters of the big innovations make claims and ascribe themselves to the salafi Manhaj.  By Allaah this is a distress upon the Ummah, for many have harmed themselves and harmed the stupid and ignorant people.  We ask Allaah for well-being!
Shaytaan then said: ‘’then I came to khurasaan…..’’: This is the east, as it has been stated that the horn of shaytaan will rise from there.  The horn of shaytaan rose in Iraq and its surrounding areas—the innovations of the Raafidah (Shia), the Khawaarij, the Mutazilah, the Jahmiyyah and other than them.  And also in Iraq arose the innovation that the Qur’aan is created.  Shaytaan raised his horn from this east and we ask Allaah (The Blessed and Most High) to prevent Islaam and the Islamic nation from its evil.
So Yahyah said to shaytaan: “What do you say about the Qur’aan?” That is:  If you (shaytaan) have this zeal and a vicegerent for this innovation, then what is your view about it?  He (shaytaan) said: “And even though I am an accursed devil, I say that the Qur’aan is the speech of Allaah and it is not created.’’ Shaytaan laughs at the people and ruins them, Allaah said: “He only invites his Hizb(followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” We seek Allaah’s protection (from that).
Alright, some of the callers to Islaam would say to you that he does not believe in such and such.  For example, it is said to him: “What do you say about wahdatul-wujood (i.e. oneness of Being—the belief of kufr which means that everything that is seen is Allah or a manifestation of Allah?”   Alright, he says that he does not believe in wahdatul wujood, but he calls to it!  He is a shaytaan and he is more of a filth that those who fall to this innovation.
They say to you: such-and-such does not utter the innovation of wahdatul wujood, yet he is the utterer and author of it. Was it a slip of the tongue and the pen; however he praises the people of wahdatul wujood!?  If he does not believe it, then he is worse than them and this is amongst the plots of shaytaan, for he (shaytaan) does not believe that the Qur’aan is created yet he calls to it and is zealous about it.  For example: A (person) calls to socialism, Judaism or Christianity and he praises these creeds whilst not believing in them! Paul called to Christianity whilst not believing in it and he was more of a disbeliever amongst them because he does not believe that Eesaa is the son of Allaah and that he is the third of the three or that he is Allaah, yet he fabricated these beliefs; therefore he is more of a disbeliever than the Christians.  This is the same as the affair of the one who calls to innovation—he calls to an innovation that is tantamount to disbelief or an innovation that is not tantamount to disbelief, then he is worse than the one who believes in it but does not call to it.”

Source: باب ذكر اللفظية، ومن زعم أن هذا القرآن حكاية للقرآن الذي في اللوح المحفوظ كذبوا…/ من شرح الشريعة للآجري-رحمه الله
Post taken and modified for presentation purposes by brother Aboo Bilal via KSA_Dawah from the following two posts:
source



العلَّامة ربيع بن هادي المدخلي-حفظه الله-: احفظوا هذه القصَّة...(...قال: وحدَّثنا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْقَزْوِينِيُّ أَيْضًا، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ عَبْدَكَ الْقَزْوِينِيُّ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ يَحْيَى بْنَ يُوسُفَ الزِّمِّيَّ، يَقُولُ: بَيْنَا أَنَا قَائِلٌ فِي بَعْضِ بُيُوتِ خَانَاتِ مَرْوٍ فَإِذَا أَنَا بِهَوْلٍ عَظِيمٍ، قَدْ دَخَلَ عَلَيَّ، فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ أَنْتَ؟، قَالَ: لَيْسَ تَخَافُ يَا أَبَا زَكَرِيَّا؟، قَالَ قُلْتُ: فَنَعَمْ، مَنْ أَنْتَ؟ قَالَ: وَقُمْتُ وَتَهَيَّأْتُ لِقِتَالِهِ، فَقَالَ: أنا أَبُو مُرَّةَ قَالَ: فَقُلْتُ: لَا حَيَّاكَ اللَّهُ، فَقَالَ: لَوْ عَلِمْتُ أَنَّكَ فِي هَذَا الْبَيْتِ لَمْ أَدْخُلْ، وَكُنْتُ أَنْزِلُ بَيْتًا آخَرَ، وَكَانَ هَذَا مَنْزِلِي حِينَ آتِي خُرَاسَانَ قَالَ: فَقُلْتُ: مِنْ أَيْنَ أَتَيْتَ؟ قَالَ: مِنَ الْعِرَاقِ قَالَ وَقُلْتُ: وَمَا عَمِلْتَ بِالْعِرَاقِ؟ قَالَ: خَلَّفْتُ فِيهَا خَلِيفَةً، قُلْتُ: وَمَنْ هُوَ؟ قَالَ: بِشْرٌ الْمِرِّيسِيُّ، قُلْتُ: وَإِلَى مَا يَدْعُو؟ قَالَ: إِلَى خَلْقِ الْقُرْآنِ، قَالَ: وَآتِي خُرَاسَانَ فَأَخْلُفُ فِيهَا خَلِيفَةً أَيْضًا قَالَ: قُلْتُ: إِيشِ تَقُولُ فِي الْقُرْآنِ أَنْتَ؟، قَالَ: أَنَا وَإِنْ كُنْتُ شَيْطَانًا رَجِيمًا أَقُولُ: " الْقُرْآنُ كَلَامُ اللَّهِ غَيْرُ مَخْلُوقٍ.

قال: وحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْعَبَّاسِ الطَّيَالِسِيُّ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا بُنْدَارٌ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْحَمِيدِ الْوَاسِطِيُّ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُوسَى مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى قَالَ: كُنَّا نَقْرَأُ عَلَى شَيْخٍ ضَرِيرٍ بِالْبَصْرَةِ، فَلَمَّا أَحْدَثُوا بِبَغْدَادَ الْقَوْلَ بِخَلْقِ الْقُرْآنِ قَالَ الشَّيْخُ: إِنْ لَمْ يَكُنِ الْقُرْآنُ مَخْلُوقًا، فَمَحَا اللَّهُ الْقُرْآنَ مِنْ صَدْرِي، قَالَ: فَلَمَّا سَمِعْنَا هَذَا مِنْ قَوْلِهِ تَرَكْنَاهُ وَانْصَرَفْنَا عَنْهُ، فَلَمَّا كَانَ بَعْدَ مُدَّةٍ لَقِينَاهُ، فَقُلْنَا يَا فُلَانُ مَا فَعَلَ الْقُرْآنُ؟ قَالَ: مَا بَقِيَ فِي صَدْرِي مِنْهُ شَيْءٌ، قُلْنَا: وَلَا (قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ)(الإخلاص:1) قَالَ: وَلَا (قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ)(الإخلاص:1) إِلَّا أَنْ أَسْمَعَهَا مِنْ غَيْرِي يَقْرَؤُهَا...)أهـ.

التعليق:

القصَّتان صحيحتان وقد يستغرب الإنسان ولكن ليس بغريب ولا بحديث، فهذا (يَحْيَى بْنَ يُوسُفَ الزِّمِّيَّ) حكى هذه القصَّة-ويعني-حكيت عنه بإسناد صحيح، أنَّ الشيطان أتاه وهو في (مرو) في خان، يعني: كأنَّه منزل يشبه الفندق ينزل فيه الغرباء والوافدين وكذا من هذا الصنف، قال له: ما تخاف مني؟، قال له أبو زكريا: لا ما أخاف منك ما أخاف، من أنت؟، (فَقَالَ: أنا أَبُو مُرَّةَ)-أنا الشيطان-، الشيطان الأكبر-لعنة الله عليه-.

(...قَالَ قُلْتُ: فَنَعَمْ، مَنْ أَنْتَ؟ قَالَ: وَقُمْتُ وَتَهَيَّأْتُ لِقِتَالِهِ، فَقَالَ: أنا أَبُو مُرَّةَ قَالَ: فَقُلْتُ: لَا حَيَّاكَ اللَّهُ...)، يعني: ثابت قوي الجأش، يمكن لو كان جبان تخور عليه قواه ويموت، الشيطان أمامه وكذا يخاف، الإنسان ما يقدر يواجه الجن، كثير من الناس لَمَّا يرى الجن يموت خوفًا، بعض الناس لأ يستطيع يواجه الجن ويهزمها، ومنهم عمر بن الخطَّاب ما سلك فجًّا إلَّا سلك الشيطان فجًّا غير فجِّه.

ومنهم أبو هريرة-رضي الله عنه-أمسك الشيطان وهو يحثو من الطعام ويسرق أمسكه ثلاث مرَّات، ما يخاف!.

المؤمن القوي لا يخاف لا من الجن ولا من الإنس، لا يخاف إلَّا الله-تبارك وتعالى-، خاصَّة الخوف الشركي-نعوذ بالله-، فبعضهم يخاف الخوف الشركي من الأموات ومن الشياطين-ونعوذ بالله من البلاء-، فهذا لم يخف ثابت الجأش وقوي وقابل الشيطان هذه المقابلة، 
(...فَقَالَ...) له الشيطان: (...لَوْ عَلِمْتُ أَنَّكَ...) وهذا دليل أن الشيطان والجن لا يعلمون الغيب كما قال الله في قصَّة سليمان (...فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ الْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ الْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا فِي الْعَذَابِ الْمُهِينِ)(سبأ:14)، (هَلْ أُنَبِّئُكُمْ عَلَى مَن تَنَزَّلُ الشَّيَاطِينُ * تَنَزَّلُ عَلَى كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ * يُلْقُونَ السَّمْعَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمْ كَاذِبُونَ)(الشعراء:221-223)، كاذبون وهم كذَّابون-بارك الله فيك-.

لأنَّه يسرق يسمع الأخبار في السحاب أو في السماء ويأخذ-يخطف-الكلمة وينزل ويقرُّها في أذن الكاهن أو الساحر، فيضيف إليها مائة كذبة، هذا الذي يضيف يقال أنه الشيطان ويقال أنه الكاهن، وعلى كل حال: سواء الكاهن أو كان الشيطان، الساحر والكاهن اللذان يتلقيان من الشياطين الإفك والكذب كذَّابون، فإنَّ من روى حديثًا يرى أنَّه كذب فهو أحد الكذَّابين.

على كل حال: قال: (...لَوْ عَلِمْتُ أَنَّكَ فِي هَذَا الْبَيْتِ لَمْ أَدْخُلْ، وَكُنْتُ أَنْزِلُ بَيْتًا آخَرَ...) ما هو في هذا المنزل، (...وَكَانَ هَذَا مَنْزِلِي...) يعني: هذا المنزل الذي أنت فيه أنزل فيه-كنت أنزل فيه-، (...حِينَ آتِي خُرَاسَانَ قَالَ: فَقُلْتُ: مِنْ أَيْنَ أَتَيْتَ؟ قَالَ: مِنَ الْعِرَاقِ...) قلت: الفتنة محتدمة فيها.

(...قَالَ وَقُلْتُ: وَمَا عَمِلْتَ بِالْعِرَاقِ؟ قَالَ: خَلَّفْتُ فِيهَا خَلِيفَةً...) من الخلفاء قد يكون خلفاء الشياطين، (...قُلْتُ: وَمَنْ هُوَ؟، قَالَ: بِشْرٌ الْمِرِّيسِيُّ...فدعاة البدع والضلال خلفاء الشيطان، والعلماء ورثة الأنبياء وخلفاؤهم إن شاء الله، ودعاة البدع والباطل والكفر والضلال خلفاء إبليس وجنوده، فاحذروا أن يكون أحد منكم من جند الشيطان أو من خلفائه-نسأل الله أن يحفظ علينا ديننا وأن يجنِّبنا الفتن والبدع، وأن ينزِّهنا من خلافة الشياطين-.

(...قُلْتُ: وَإِلَى مَا يَدْعُو؟ قَالَ: إِلَى خَلْقِ الْقُرْآنِ...) هذه وحدها مكسب كبير للشيطان وفيها معارك وفيها خلافة وفيها وفيها، هناك بدع أكبر منها-والعياذ بالله-يدعو إليها كثير من الناس، فتجد هذه واحدة من مئات البدع من بدعه-مع الأسف-، فهؤلاء أقوى وأعرك في الخلافة من بشر المريسي.

وأنا قلته لبعض المنافحين عن بعض أهل البدع المعاصرين، قلت له: ماذا تنقم على بشر المريسي وفي ماذا سقط عند الأمَّة سنِّيها وبدعيِّها؟، قال: لأنَّه كان يقول بخلق القرآن، قلت: فلان يشاركه في هذه القضية وعنده مئات أخرى-يعني-من البدع الكبرى أكبر من هذه كيف ما تهزك؟، شوفوا يا إخوان العمى!-أعوذ بالله من العمى والضلال-نعوذ بالله، أعوذ بالله من البلاء خاصَّة إذا كان هؤلاء مع بلائهم ينتمون إلى المنهج السلفي فإن الكارثة تتضخم جدًا والمصيبة تعظم إذا كان أنصار البدع الكبرى يدَّعون وينتسبون إلى المنهج السلفي فهذه والله كارثة على الأمَّة، وقد أضرُّوا كثيرًا بأنفسهم وبمن-يعني-تابعهم من الأغبياء والجهلة-نسأل الله العافية-.

(...قَالَ: وَآتِي خُرَاسَانَ...) لأن هذا الشرق كما يقول: يطلع منه قرن الشيطان، ففي العراق وما وراءه-يعني-قرن الشيطان، بدعة الروافض والخوارج والمعتزلة والجهميَّة وغيرهم-ومنها خلق القرآن-كلها ذَرَّ قرنها من هذا المشرق الذي نسأل الله-تبارك وتعالى-أن يكفَّ شرَّه عن أمَّة الإسلام وعن الإسلام.

سأله: (...قُلْتُ: إِيشِ تَقُولُ فِي الْقُرْآنِ أَنْتَ؟...) إذا كان عندك هذا النشاط وخليفة من الخلفاء لهذه البدعة؟، أنت إيش رأيك فيها؟، ماذا تقول؟، (...قَالَ: أَنَا وَإِنْ كُنْتُ شَيْطَانًا رَجِيمًا أَقُولُ: (الْقُرْآنُ كَلَامُ اللَّهِ غَيْرُ مَخْلُوقٍ)...)أهـ، يضحك على الناس فيضيِّعهم-بارك الله فيك-، (...إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ)(فاطر:6) نعوذ بالله.

طيب بعض الدعاة يقول لك: هو ما يؤمن بهذا! مثلًا: ما يقول: بوحدة الوجود؟، طيب يقول: ما يعتقد بوحدة الوجود، طيب ما يعتقدها يجوز ولكن! يدعو إليها! هو شيطان، هو شيطان-بارك الله فيك-، هو أخبث من هؤلاء الذين يقعون في بدعته، عرفتم؟.

يقولون لك: فلان ما يقول بوحدة الوجود، هو قالها، كتبها، سبق لسان وقلم، طيب إيش اللي خلَّاه يكتبها؟، يمدح أهلها، وإلى آخره؟، فإن كان يؤمن بها فهو منهم، وإن كان لا يؤمن بها فهو شرٌ منهم، من كيد الشيطان هذا، لا يؤمن بالمقولة: إن (القرآن مخلوق) ويدعو إليها وينشط لها وكذا وهو لا يؤمن بها!، فإذا كان مثلًا يدعو إلى الاشتراكية أو اليهودية أو النصرانيَّة ويمدحها ولا يؤمن بها! وهو لا يؤمن بها!، لأن بولص دعا إلى النصرانيَّة وهو لا يؤمن بها وهو أكفر منهم، هو لا يؤمن بأن عيسى بن الله أو ثالث ثلاثة أو هو الله، هو اللي وضع هذه العقائد وضعها وهو لا يؤمن بها، لكن هو أنجس وأكفر من النصارى.

فهكذا الذي يدعو إلى بدعة، يدعو إلى بدعة كفريَّة ولَّا غير كفريَّة هو شرٌ مِمَّن لا يدعو إليها مِمَّن اعتنقها ولا يدعو إليها، فهمتم هذا؟، فلان يقول لك: فلان ما يدعو إلى وحدة الوجود.

احكوا له القصة هذه، احفظوها تكون حجَّة عليه، وهي قصَّة صحيحة، فهمتم؟[1].



Monday, 3 December 2012

How to Acquire Good Manners



How to Acquire Good Manners


AUTHOR: Shaikh Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen

[This is a chapter from the book "Makaarim-ul-Akhlaaq" (pg. 32-35) [Dar-ul-Watan Lin-Nashr] By Shaikh Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen, prepared and arranged by Khaalid Abu Saalih.]

We mentioned previously that good manners can either be present in someone naturally or they can be instilled into him (i.e. through learning). And we stated that inherent good manners are better than acquired good manners. We mentioned a proof for this which was the Messenger of Allaah’s (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement to Al-Ashaj bin ‘Abdil-Qais (radyAllaahu ‘anhu): “Rather, Allaah has molded (i.e. created) you upon these two (noble characteristics).” [1]

It is also because good manners that are innate do not disappear from a human being whereas good manners that are acquired may vanish from a person in many instances since it requires constant practice and effort as well as exercise and hard work. It also requires that one be reminded of it whenever there occurs something that affects a human being. This is why when a man once came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said to him: “O Messenger of Allaah, advise me”, he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not get angry.” The man then repeated his request several times, upon which the Prophet continued to reply: “Do not get angry.” [2]

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “The strong person is not the one who wrestles and overpowers his opponents. Rather the strong person is the one who controls himself in times of anger.” [3]

So a strong person is not someone who wrestles with people and overpowers them, He is someone “who controls himself in times of anger.” He takes hold of himself and restrains himself during instances when he becomes angry.

A person controlling himself in times of anger is considered a characteristic of good manners. So if you become angry, do not let your anger penetrate, rather seek refuge in Allaah from the accursed Devil. And if you are standing, then sit down. If you are sitting, then lie down. And if your anger increases, then perform ablution (wudoo) until it goes away.

A person may acquire and earn good manners by way of training (himself), working hard at it and through constant practice. So he may obtain good manners through one of the following methods:

First: By contemplating on the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger: One should look up the texts that show the virtue of the particular noble characteristic that he wishes to characterize himself with. This is since when a believer sees some texts that praise a characteristic or action, he implements them. [4]

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) indicated this when he said: “The example of a good companion and an evil companion is like that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith. The seller of musk either sells you (perfume), gives you free samples or you get a pleasing smell from him. As for the example of an evil companion – such as a blacksmith – he either burns your clothes or you get a nasty smell from him.” [5]


Second: He should accompany those who are known for having good manners whilst staying far away from those who possess bad manners and poor actions. This is such that he turns this companionship of his into an educational institute that assists him in (his goal of) obtaining good manners. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let each of you look into whom he takes as a close friend.” [6]

Third: He should reflect on the consequences that come as a result of having bad manners. This is since a person with bad manners is despised. A person with bad manners is forsaken. A person with bad manners is always talked about in a bad way. So when one comes to realize that bad manners will lead him to all of this, he will then keep away from it.

Fourth: He should always envision an image of the Prophet’s (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) manners and how he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would humble himself before the creation, being kind to them, forgiving to them and patient with their harm. So if a person visualizes the Prophet’s character and the fact that he was the best of mankind and the greatest of those who worshipped Allaah, he will then perceive a low image of himself and at this point the influence that arrogance has over him will be shattered and this will cause him to have good manners.

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by Abu Dawood (no. 5335), Ahmad in al-Musnad (4/206), Muslim with only the first part of it (no. 25 & 26), and At-Tirmidhee (no. 2011)

[2] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 6116) and At-Tirmidhee (no. 2020)

[3] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 6114) and Muslim (no. 107)

[4] Purification (of the soul) cannot be achieved except by way of the messengers as stated by Ibn Al-Qayyim when he said: “Purifying the souls is harder and more difficult than curing the bodies. So whoever purifies his soul through exercise, hard work and being in isolation – all of which the messengers did not come with – he is like a sick person that tries to cure himself based on his own opinion. Where is his opinion with respect to the expertise of a doctor?! The messengers are the doctors of the hearts – there is no way to purify and rectify the hearts except through their way, at their hands and by totally submitting and complying with them. And we ask Allaah for His assistance!” [Madaarij-us-Saalikeen (2/300)]


[5] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 2101 & 5534) and Muslim (no. 146); An-Nawawee said: “This shows the virtue of accompanying righteous and good people – those who possess chivalry, good manners, piety, knowledge, and good behavior. It also shows the prohibition of accompanying evil people, innovators, and those who backbite people or who are very wicked and so on, i.e. other types of condemnable characteristics.” [See Sharh Saheeh Muslim: (16/394)]

[6] Reported by At-Tirmidhee (no. 2378) who said it was hasan saheeh, Abu Dawood (no. 4833), Ahmad in al-Musnad (2/303, 334) and deemed hasan (sound) by Al-Albaanee in Saheeh-ul-Jaami’ as-Sagheer (no. 3545) and Silsilat-ul-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah (no. 927).


Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Love and hate for the sake of Allaah, by ibn Taymiyyah


Love and hate for the sake of Allaah



Ash shaykhul Islaam  Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah said in his essay on al uboodiyyah:

The true ‘abd however, is the one who is pleased with what pleases Allaah and His Messenger; who has hatred for what Allaah and His Messenger hate; offers walaa’ to the awaliyaa’ of Allaah and holds enmity towards the enemies of Allaah. This is the person who has fulfilled emaan as in the hadeeth:

“Whoever loves for Allaah; hates for Allaah; gives for Allaah and denies for Allaah has fulfilled emaan”(1)

He (sallallahy alyhi wa sallaam) also said:

“The firmest bond of emaan is love for Allaah and hate for Allaah”(2)

Also recorded in the saheeh, the Prophet (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) has said:

” Three (qualities), whoever possess them, will find the sweetness of emaan: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him besides anyone else, that he loves someone only for the sake of Allaah and that he hates to return to kufr after Allaah has delivered him from it just as he hates to be slung into the fire”(3)

Thus, this person agreed with His Lord in that which He loves and hates. Allaah and His Messenger became the most beloved of all to him and he loved the creation for Allaah, not for any other reason. This was a result of his perfection of love for Allaah, since (also) having love for what ones beloved loves, constitutes perfection of having love for ones beloved.

So if he loves the Prophet of Allaah and the awliyaa of Allaah because of their accomplishment of what al-Haqq loves, not for any other reason, he has then loved them for Allaah and none other.

Allaah has indeed said


“Allâh will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers”-Al Maaidah:54

This is why Allaah has said:

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم  to mankind): “If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” -Aali Imran 3:31

The Messenger (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) only commands that which Allaah loves, prohibites that which Allaah hates, he only does that which Allaah loves and informs of that which Allaah loves to ratify.


Hence, whoever loves Allaah, has to follow the messenger; by believing in him in that which he informs, obeying his orders and emulating him in his actions. whoever does this has indeed performed what Allaah loves and consequently, Allaah will love him.


Footnotes

(1) Related by Abu Dawood no.4681, at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer no.7613,7737 & 7738 and al-Baghawee no.13/54 with a hasan chain from Aboo Umaamah.

(2) A hasan hadeeth that has a number of chains from several companions. The best of these chains is that related by Imaam at-Tabaraanee in al-Mu’jam al- Kabeer no10357 from ibn Masoud with hasan chain, Allaah willing. I have a seperate treatise on the chains and takhreej of this hadeeth.

(3) Related by al- Bukharee no.16, 21, 6041 & 6491; Muslim no.43; ibn Majah no.4033; an- Nasaa’ee no.8/94-96; at- Tirmidhee no.2626; Ahmad no.3/103, 172, 174, 230, 245, 275 & 288; at- Tayaalisee no.1959 & Mandah in al- Emaan no.281, 282 & 284 from Anas RadhiAllaahu anhu.

Transcribed from Al Uboodiyyah of shaykhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah (Eng. Trans. pg. 115-117)

Monday, 26 November 2012

The Best Act of Worship: Humility


The Best Act of Worship: Humility


عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ: " يَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَفْضَلِ الْعِبَادَةِ: التَّوَاضُعِ "

Aisha (Radi Allahu Anha) said: " People are paying no attention to the best act of worship: Humility."

Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah (13/360) Ibn Hajr graded this Athar as being Saheeh.


Benefits for this subject:

At-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Allah tests His believing servants with humility to see how they obey Him and follow His commands." [ Saheeh Bukhari Ibn Battal ]

Shaykh Abdur Rahman As-Sa'dee (May Allah rest him in Jannah) said, "Humility and Humbleness are among the foundations of the religion and its core whereas, pride contradicts Islam.

The origin of humility is found in the verse: (سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا) (We hear and obey) [ Al-Baqarah 285]. This means we hear what you have said our Lord in the Quran and what Your Messenger has said.

Humility and pride are two distinct traits that aren’t hidden from anyone. Let's look at the differences between the two:

The humble person submits to the truth no matter who it comes from. He doesn’t care about his old views, speech or position. He aides the truth whenever it becomes clear to him its right.

The arrogant stubborn one clings inflexibly to his speech, actions and ways. In fact he has a high opinion of his speech and deeds. When the truth is made clear to him, he turns up his nose arrogantly; as he's amazed with himself. Having this trait lowers a person to a very low status.

The person with humility spreads the greetings of peace to the young and old, to those of high status and low. He treats everyone the same.

The conceited person doesn’t give salaams or even look at the needy and poor. He has no concern for their needs and he won't even intermingle with them.

The humble individual is loved by Allah and His servants. He is always close to good and distant from evil, sin and transgression.

The arrogant one is hated by Allah and His servants. He is always distant from piety and righteousness and close to evil, sin and transgression.

Humbleness is a quality to the Prophets and Messengers. This attribute is for the God fearing and Guided. Arrogance is a characteristic of the tyrants and oppressors.

Humility increases a person's nobility and raises his status until he eventually reaches the ranks of those loved and pleased by Allah. How many humble people attain love and charity!  How many times is a person with humility praised! How often do people supplicate to Allah for a modest man!

 On one hand, there isn’t a humble person to Allah, except that the Most Merciful raises his rank.  On the other hand, there isn’t an arrogant person except Allah lowers his status [ Majmu' As-Sa'dee vol 22/ 150-153]


Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1433©

Published  5th / Rabi Thani 1433

source

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Stick to the scholars…



Stick to the scholars…

Shaykh Abdus-Salaam Ibn Barjas Rahimahullaah:

 “O student! If you want knowledge from its sources then you should stick to the great scholars [Kibâr-ul-'ulama]: those who have gray beards and weak bodies and have lost their power in [pursuit of] knowledge and educating. Stick to them before they disappear and take from their treasure before they take it with them.

One misses the full-moon in the dark night.”


 ~al-’Awa’iq, p. 26.

source

Ibn al-Qayyim On The Fast of Arafah & Ashura



Ibn al-Qayyim On The Fasts
of Arafah & Ashura

Ibn al-Qayyim said,

“Some are deceived by fasting the days of `Ashura and `Arafah, such that some may even say that the fast of `Ashura’ expiates the whole year, and the fast of `Arafah remains as a surplus of reward.

Such people have failed to realize that the fast of Ramadan and the 5 daily prayers are greater and more noble than the fasts of `Arafah and `Ashura, and that [it is understood that] sins are [only] forgiven as long as major sins are avoided. So, [fasting] from one Ramadan to another, [praying] from one Jumu’ah to the next, act in a mutually strengthening manner to achieve forgiveness of minor sins, provided major sins are avoided.

So, how then can an optional fast expiate every major sin of a person while he still persists upon the sins, and has not repented from them? Also, it is possible that these two optional fasts expiate all sins in totality, but that this has certain prerequisites and conditions, such as avoidance of major sins, or that the expiation is achieved in conjunction with other good deeds, much the same as the 5 daily prayers and the fasting of Ramadan expiate minor sins in conjunction with the avoidance of major sins. “If you abjure the major things which you are prohibited from, We shall expiate you your evil deeds” [an-Nisaa : 31]


al-jawaab al-kaafi, p. 24

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Compulsory love for the sahabah



Compulsory love for the sahabah



It is reported that Ayyûb Al-Sakhtiyânî – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

“Whoever loves Abu Bakr has upheld the religion, 
whoever loves ‘Umar has made the way clear,
whoever loves ‘Uthman is enlightened by the light of Allaah 
and whoever loved ‘Ali has taken the firmest handhold.
Whoever speaks well of the companions of the Allaah’s Messenger (sallallahu alyhi wa sallaam) is clear of Hypocricy,
But whoever belittles any of them or dislikes [any of them] for something he did, then he is a heretic (mubtadi’),an opponent of the sunnah and the Righteous Predecessors (the salaf), and it is feared that none of his deeds will be raised to the heavens until he loves all of [the companions] and his heart is clear towards them”

Ibn Abî Zamanîn, Usûl Al-Sunnah article 189.

source

Friday, 23 November 2012

The greater becomes his freedom..



The greater becomes his freedom..


Ash Shaykh al Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah said:

“The stronger the ‘abd’s desire is for the favour of Allaah and His Mercy, in accomplishing his needs and necessary requirements, the stronger his ‘Uboodiyyah to Allaah will be and the greater becomes his freedom from everything besides Allaah.”

Al Uboodiyyah by as shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (Eng trans. pg 107)


source

Word of advice..becareful!



Word of advice..becareful!

Imaam Ash-Shâfi‘î (rahimahullâh) said,

 “Whoever spread gossip for you spreads gossip against you. Whoever relates tales to you will tell tales about you. Whoever when you please him says about you what is not in you, when you anger him will say about you what is not in you.”

Siyaar A’lam an Nubala – Imaam adh Dhaabee

source

Thursday, 22 November 2012

When will Palestine be returned to us?

When will Palestine be returned to us?–Shaikh Raslaan

 
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
 
Shaikh Raslaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:
When will Palestine be returned to us?
 
When a Muslim in any place in the earth asks, ”When will Palestine be returned to us?” The answer is, ”If you return to Allaah (in correct belief, righteous action, obedience etc.), Palestine will be returned to you.”
 
This answer is derived from the statement of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) reported by Imaam Ahmad and Abu Dawood on the authority of Thawbaan (radiyallaahu-anahu) that the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:
 
 ”The nations will soon call one another against you, just as people call one another to eat from a qas-a (i.e. a large plate of food). They asked: ‘’O Messenger of Allaah, is it because we will be few in number at that time? He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) replied: No, you will be many in number at that time, but you will be Ghuthaa –(i.e. like the froth scum on the water). And Allaah will remove from the hearts of the enemies the fear they had for you and will place wahn in your hearts. They said: What is Wahn O Messenger of Allaah? He said: Love of the worldly life and having hatred for death.’’
 
[Reported by Ahmad 21897 and Abu Daawood 4297. [Declared authentic by Imaam Albaanee in As-saheehah number: 8183]
 
If we return to Allaah (in correct belief, righteous actions, obedience etc.), He will returned to us what has been taken away away from us.
 
If we remain distant from Allaah (i.e. distant from the correct creed, righteous actions, obedience etc.), we will lose what is in our hands. And indeed Allaah (The Blessed and Most High) has made this judgement in His Tremendous Book, and He (The Most High) said:
 
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ
 
‘’And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless, verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.”
 
[Soorah Ibraaheem: Ayah: 7]
 
He (The Blessed and Most High) clarified that being thankless for blessings bestowed (on us) will cause it to cease…. Our scholars say, ”Blessings are a prey and being thankful (for it) is the thing that makes (it) remain.
 
[Source:Mataa ta-oodu Ilaynaa Falasteen pag 7-8]

Advice of Abdullaah Ibn Abbas Radhi’Allaahu anhu





Advice of Abdullaah Ibn Abbas 

-Radhi’Allaahu anhu-


In ’al-Hilya’ [is a report] that ibn Abbass said:


“Oh sinner, do not feel safe from the evil consequence of it (sin), and that which comes along with the sin is greater (in evil) than the sin: The minute amount of shyness you have from the one on you right and the one on your left while your committing sin is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your laughing while you don’t know what Allah will do with you is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your happiness with sin when you commit it is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your sadness over sin when it (the chance to commit sin) passes you, is greater (in evil) than the sin; and your fear of the wind when it moves the door which veils you when your committing the sin,and your heart is not disturbed (by the fact) that Allah sees you is greater (in evil) than the sin. Beware! Do you know what the sin of Ayyoub was for which Allah tested him in his body with severe sickness and by the depletion of his wealth? A poor man sought his help against an oppressor,so that he might repel the oppressor.So he(Ayyoub) did not help him,nor did he prohibit the oppressor from his oppression. So Allah tested him.”

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim al Jawziyyah Al Jawaab ul Kaafy li man sa’ala ‘an ad-daa ish Shaafi

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

O you transgressing sinner, slow down!


O you transgressing sinner, slow down!

Imam abu Muslim and the Jinn

Abee Muhammad ibn Maasi said: ‘Aboo Muslim al-Kajji narrated to us:

“I went out and found that the hammam [a public bath] was open in the
early morning.
So I said to the person in-charge: ‘Has anyone entered yet?’

And he answered: ‘No.’

So I entered and immediately I opened the door, a speaker said to me:
‘Aboo Muslim aslim taslim [Abu Muslim submit and you will be saved].’ And then he
started reciting poetry saying:

لك الحمد إما على نعمة

‘For You [Allaah] is all the praise; either for the favours,


وإما على نقمة تدفع

Or for the afflictions you prevent;


تشاء فتفعل ما شئته

You Wish and You do as You will,

وتسمع من حيث لا سمع
And You hear what cannot be heard.’

He [Aboo Muslim] said: ‘So I hastened and left while I am shocked.

And I said to the caretaker of the hammam: “didn’t you say that there is nobody in it!!?”

So he said: ‘that is a jinn, time after time he reaches out [communicates] to us and speaks by lines of poetry!’

Thus I said: ‘Have you memorized any of his poetry?’

He replied: ‘Yes.’

And he then read to us:

أيها المذنب المفرط مهلا

O you transgressing sinner: Slow down,

كم تمادى وتكسب الذنب جهلا

how long have you –ignorantly- extended and acquired sins;

كم وكم تسخط الجليل بفعل
How many of the actions have you done to
anger The Noble,

سمج وهو يحسن الصنع فعلا
Disgustingly while think he is doing good;

كيف تهدا جفون من ليس يدري

How can the eyelids close and be calm; of the one who does not know,

أرضي عنه من على العرش أم لا

Is The One Above the throne pleased with him or not.”

End of narration.

Shaykh Al-Albaanee said: ‘The chain of this story is authentic; all its
narrators are Thiqaah. ’

The major scholar and Haafidh (memorizer), the leader of narrators of his era, Abu Muslim Ibraahim ibn Abdullaah al-Basree al-Kajji, the author of ‘Sunan’ ; he passed away in the year 292. And he had met Abu Aasim al-Answaaree, and lived long. [200-292 H].

Source: Mukhtaswar al-‘Uluww al-‘Aliyy Al-Ghaffar , of Imaam
Adh-Dhahabee.

Benefits:
- Even the jinn affirm and believe in the Noble Attributes of Allaah like: His Will, His Hearing, His Knowledge, His Anger, His Pleasure, and most importantly Al-Istiwaa [Him being Above the throne].


Translated by Aboo Waheeda

Refutation against the Doubt that the Shaykh has declared the Books of the Four Madhaahib Worthless


Refutation against the Doubt that the Shaykh has declared the Books of the Four Madhaahib Worthless


And Allah knows that the man has fabricated against me affairs that I have not stated. And most of these affairs have not even been brought to my attention. So from them is his statement that I have declared the books of the four Madhaahib worthless and that I say the people have been upon nothing for the last six hundred years.

Explanation:

It is correct that the Shaykh declares the books of the four Madhaahib worthless? This is from the greatest of lies. They Shaykh himself studied the madhhab of the Hanaabilah, but he did not remain staunch upon the madhhab of the Hanaabilah. Rather, he took whatever was based upon the proof, regardless of whether it came from the madhhab of ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204H), or the madhhab of Maalik (d.179H), or the madhhab of Abee Haneefah (d.150H). This was the manhaj of the Shaykh. His origin (asl) was upon the madhhab of Imam Ahmad (d.241H). However, with regards to religious verdicts, he took whatever had the strongest proof, regardless of whether it came from the madhhab of Imam Ahmed or other than him. He was not fanatical, he only wanted the truth. This was his manhaj in fatwa (religious verdicts) and teaching. He would take whatever has the strongest evidence, from any madhhab from amongst the four Madhaahib. However, he did not go outside of the four Madhaahib.

So the statement of Ibn Suhaym, “…declared the books of the four Madhaahib worthless,” is a lie, because he did not go outside of the four Madhaahib. Rather, he benefited from them and gave fatwa based upon whoever has the strongest evidence from amongst them, regardless of whether that was in agreement with his Hanbalee madhhab or not, because he wanted to reach the truth.

And he said, “The people have been upon nothing for the last six hundred years.” Meaning, he declared the people of disbelievers. This is from the fabrications of Ibn Suhaym, that the Shaykh declared the people to be disbelievers. Why did he declare the people disbelievers? Was it because he called to Tawheed and prohibited Shirk? So due to this, they alleged that he declared the people disbelievers, whilst he was only calling to Tawheed and prohibiting Shirk. And he did not declare the people to be disbelievers, he did not declare anyone a disbeliever, except the one whose disbelief has been confirmed by a proof from the Book and the Sunnah, as occurs in the ten invalidators of Islaam, which he wrote about.

From the Book: “Explanation of the ‘Aqeedah of the Imaam, the Reformer, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab (d.1206H) Explained by the Noble Shaykh, Dr. Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan. Pgs.: 234-235.

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Rulings and Lessons Derived From Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah, by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen



 Rulings and Lessons Derived From
Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah,
by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah

Amma-ba'd

 Lessons Derived From Verse 102 of Sooratul-Baqarah- Taken from AHkaam minal-Qur`an Al-Kareem (Rulings from The Noble Qur`an) - by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah Ta'aala)

1- Allaah (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) subjected the Shayaateen to Sulaymaan ('alayhi salaam), and then tested the people by way of them. This is derived from Allaah's Words which say:

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَى مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan (Solomon)... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


2- Sulaymaan ('alayhi salaam) did not disbelieve; rather these Shayaateen taught people sorcery (magic), and continued to extend it to the people. Prophets are sinless with regard to committing acts of disbelief and polytheism.


3- Performing acts of sorcery (magic) is disbelief. This is derived from the saying of Allaah:

وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُو

...Rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


4- Teaching people sorcery (magic) is an act of disbelief, because Allaah says:

وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ

...Rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

Sorcery (magic) is of two categories: The first category is the sorcery of the Shayaateen from the jinn. This type comprises seeking their help, seeking protection from them and refuge with them. This is disbelief (kufr!) without doubt.

The second category is the sorcery that uses potions made from leaves, trees, and the like. They have no connection to the Shayaateen and therefore do not reach the level of kufr. However, this category is to be considered forbidden (haram) because it entails causing harm and injury to others.

If it is firmly proven by a Muslim government that an individual is practicing the first category of sorcery, he is to be executed for disbelief and apostasy. If it is the second category of sorcery, the person should be executed as a precautionary measure against his evil, and to prevent him from harming Muslims.


5- The truth is what Allaah permits to happen and in what He commands. This is the case even when the thing which has been permitted or commanded is itself invalid. In light of this, the two angels mentioned in the verse came down to earth to teach the people sorcery (magic), and as has been previously discussed, the teaching of sorcery is disbelief (kufr). However, Allaah permitted these two angels to teach the people sorcery in order to test them by way of what the two angels were teaching.

It is possible for something that is disbelief, under certain circumstances, to be obedience even if it is a category of disbelief. To clarify this, I offer the following two examples: 1) making prostration to other than Allaah is Shirk; however, if Allaah commands that a prostration be made to other than Himself, then it is an act of worship. Have you not seen that Allaah said:

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِأدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلاَّ إِبْلِيسَ

And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam!" And they prostrated except Iblees (Satan)... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 34)

In this case, we see that prostration to other than Allaah was obedience and an act of worship because Allaah commanded it. However, this same act is Shirk if Allaah does not command it. 2) Taking a life is one of the major sins, especially if the victim is a close relative of the killer. This act could also be a praiseworthy act of obedience, as we see in the story of Ibraaheem with his son Isma'eel ('alayhimi salaam). Ibraaheem saw in his dream that he had to slaughter his son Isma'eel. After he related his dream to his son, Isma'eel said:

يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ

..."O my father! Do that which you are commanded. You shall find me - if Allaah wills - to be among the patient ones." (As-Saffat, ayah 102)

Therefore, they submitted their affairs to Allaah, and they yielded themselves to Allaah's Decree and Legislation. When Ibraaheem laid his son to slaughter him - prostrate on his forehead - Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) released him from this obligation.

وَنَادَيْنَاهُُ أَنْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ قَد صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا إِنَّا كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ

And We called out to him: "O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!" Verily! Thus do We reward the good-doers. (As-Saffat, ayat 104-105)

So in light of this concept, the two angels that were sent down to teach people sorcery were sent by the Command and the permission of Allaah. Therefore, the lessons in sorcery that they gave the people were in obedience to Allaah. However, it was still to be considered disbelief from the standpoint of those who were the recipients of this knowledge. That is why Allaah said:

وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

...But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)."... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


6- There are times when Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) makes the circumstances under which people can choose to commit sin easy. This is to test whether the people will sin against Allaah or not. So Allaah made the circumstances under which people could learn sorcery from the two angels easy. The angels freely gave these lessons to the people.


7- Whenever someone seeks to enter into a situation, it is obligatory to clearly reveal the circumstances of that situation devoid of any fraud or deception. This is the way to achieve complete sincerity and clarity. Therefore, the two angels did not instruct anyone in sorcery until they both said:

إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

"We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)."... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

They clarified their own condition, and they clarified the condition of anyone who learned from them. The angels clarified that they came as a Fitnah (trial), and they both clarified that learning sorcery from them was disbelief.


8- One of the most powerful forms of sorcery (magic) is the one whose spell leads to the separation of spouses. This is based upon Allaah's Saying:

فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِه ِِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِه

...And from these (angels), people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

This type of sorcery (magic) is called by two names: Al-'Atf and As-Sarf. This category of spell (Al-'Atf), if it is cast upon a person, he will develop an obsessive attachment to another person. He will not be able to control his own actions whenever he is around this person. The only thing he is able to do is follow this person around the way a sheep follows a shepard when he calls it.

The spell that has the opposite effect (As-Sarf) is a type of spell that makes a person separate from someone who is dear to him. This is the example of what happens between a man and his wife. He begins to view her as if she was one of his worst enemies, or the wife begins to view her husband in this light. This is one of the most potent forms of sorcery in terms of its ability to cause injury and harm.


9- Sorcery (magic) is not able to have any effect upon people except by the permission and Command of Allaah, because Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) said:

وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

...But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


10- Whenever someone turns in refuge to his Lord, and calls out to Him regarding a situation that befalls him, verily Allaah is able to release him from that situation even if he has been afflicted by sorcery (magic):

Allaah said in this regard:


وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

...But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


11- There is an indication in this verse that a person who has been afflicted with sorcery (magic) must ask Allaah to release him from this affliction with conviction, sincerity and a sense of urgency:

Allaah (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاه ُُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَاءَ الأَرْضِ أَءِلَه ٌ ٌ مَعَ اللَّهِ قَلِيلا ً مَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilaah (god) with Allaah? Little is that you remember! (An-Naml, ayah 62)

It is possible that one of the strongest medicines - if not the strongest - to effect sorcery is for a person to take refuge with Allaah, while begging Him to release him from the affliction of sorcery. Therefore, when a powerful spell was cast on the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), Allaah sent down the two Soorat of seeking refuge - Sooratul-Falaq and Sooratun-Naas. Then an angel read them over him, and Allaah healed him with that.


12- Sorcery (magic) is as harmful to the sorcerer, as it is to others; even if he believes it to be a benefit to him and that he is earning a living. However, the earnings that he reaps are of repulsive nature. The only increase he will receive from Allaah is distance from Him, and the only increase he will receive due to these earnings is loss.

This is why Allaah said:

وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلاَ يَنفَعُهُمْ

...And they learn that which harms them and profits them not... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


13- A sorcerer (magician) is a kaafir. This is derived from the Saying of Allaah:

وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق

...And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


14- The repugnant nature of what these people achieved by learning (magic) is clear from Allaah's Saying:

وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ

...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


15- These people sold their own souls and thereby lost it so that they could learn the sorcery (magic) that Allaah has described in His Saying:


وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ

...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


16- These people who chose to learn sorcery and thereby destroy themselves were the biggest ignoramuses, whether they understood that or not. In light of this, Allaah says:


وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق

...And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter... (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)

This shows that they know that the sorcerer does not have any share in the Hereafter. That they oppose and commit sin with clear knowledge, and refuge should be sought from Allaah.

وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ


...And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)...


Source: The Ruling of Sorcery, Fortune-Telling and Related Issues, by Shaikh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullaah Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah Ta'aala); pages 18-23.


Note: Here is Allaah's Perfect Ayah in its entirety:

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَى مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَة ٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِه ِِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِه ِِ وَمَا هُمْ بِضَارِّينَ بِه ِِ مِنْ أَحَد ٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلاَ يَنفَعُهُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاه ُُ مَا لَه ُُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَق ٍ وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا بِهِِ أَنفُسَهُمْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ

They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan (Solomon). Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, rather the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Haaroot and Maaroot, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)." And from these (angels), people learned that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 102)


Subhanak Allaahuma wa bihamdika ash-hadu anlaa illaaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala), and if I erred, then that is from me and shaytan.

Source

“Make Tawbah”..



“Make Tawbah”..

It was reported that a man came to Hasan al-Basri complaining about barrenness with regards to his garden, he replied: ‘Make Tawbah.”. Then another man came to Hasan, complaining about poverty, he replied: “Make Tawbah.” Then another man came asking him to pray that Allah gives him a son, he replied …“Make Tawbah.”Hasan’s companions witness the three answers that he gave, so they asked him: three different men asked you three different questions and you gave them the same answer!! He replied: I didn’t say anything by my own, Allah the most high says 


فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا
يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا
وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا



“Saying, ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for
He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; “‘And Give
you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on
you rivers (of flowing water)”

” Ask forgiveness from your lord: Verily, He is oft-Forgiving He will
then send rain to you in abundance and give you increase in wealth and
children and bestow on you gardens, and bestow on you rivers.” Surah
Nuh, 10-12

Imam al-Qurtubi stated, ” In this verse, are clear proofs that asking
for forgiveness is a cause of the descent of rizq/wealth and rain.”

Tafsir al-Qurtubi, v18,p.302.


Source

Monday, 19 November 2012

If you see that one of you has slipped...


Umar bin al-khattaab: “If you see that one of you has slipped (i.e. by sins), correct him, pray for him and do not help Shaytaan against him (by insulting him, etc.)” Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 15/256.



Would Fire Consume the Marks of Postration?


Would Fire Consume the Marks of Postration?

 
Abu Hurairah reported: "The Messenger of Allah said: "There will be a bridge laid across Hell." And I will be the first to pass over it. The only invocation that the Messengers then would say is: "O Allah safeguards us".  "It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (hooks like) thorns that scratch people according to their deeds, some will be totally safe, and some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell (fire). After Allah, Exalted is He, finishs judging His slaves, He takes out from Hell some of those who beared witnessed that there is deity worthy of worship but Allah, so He orders His angels to bring them out. When angels took for them, they recognise then by the marks of postration. Because Allah, the Most High, forbade fire to consume the marks of postration. They take them out, thought their bodies were burnt, so they pour on them water, called the water of life. They will grow on its banks, as a seed carried by the torrent grow."
 
Ahmad in his Musnad (2/275-276), Sahih al-Bukhari (1/204) and Sahih Muslim (182)

Worldly Fire compared to the Fire of Hell

Worldly Fire compared to the Fire of Hell
 
 
 
 
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said: “This fire of yours which burns the son of Adam (in this world) is one seventieth of the heat of the Hell. They said: “We swear by Allah, our fire is quite enough.” The Prophet said: “It is sixty nine times more and each part of it is like the heat of your fire.”1
 
‘Adl ibn Hatim related: The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah, Exalted is He, shall speak to every one of you without [the need for] an interpreter. When you look to your right side you will find only deeds you have done [in this worldly life]. When you look to left side you will only find the deeds you have done  [in this worldly life]. When you look in front of you there will be Hell so save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity.”2
 
1: Ahmad in his Musnad (2/313),(2/467), Sahih al-Bukhari (8/147) and Sahih Muslim (2988)
2: Ahmad in his Musnad (4/256,377), Sahih al-Bukhari (7/198) (8/185,202)and Sahih Muslim (1016)

Punishment of Backbiters


Punishment of Backbiters

 

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “When my Lord ascended me to the heavens, I passed by a group of people having nails made of cooper with which they scratch their faces and chest. I asked: Who are those, O Jibril? He answered: Those are who consume the flesh of people [i.e. backbiters] and vilify the honour of others.”
 
Sunan Abu Dawud (4857), Musnad Ahmad (3/224)