Assalamu’alaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarakatuhu...

Bismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim ....

Allah: The One 

By  Dr. Norlain Dindang MababayaThe Only True God and Creator of All

The Qur’ân, the Divine Revelation from the only God, Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds (Qur’ân 56:80), repeatedly tells us that there is no god but Allâh [1]. Allâh (Subhanahu wata’ala, meaning: the Exalted, Most Glorious) Alone claims for universal divinity.  He I Alone commands mankind to know that there is no god but He. Allâh the Almighty says in His Book:

“And your Allâhs one Allâh; there is no god but He, Most Gracious Most Merciful.”   (Qur’ân, 2:163)

“Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning there from, and let them know that He is  (no other than) One Allâh.  Let men of understanding take heed.”   (14: 52)

 " Allâh! There is no god but He (the) Rabb[2]  (the Only Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Throne Supreme!”   (27: 26)

“O mankind!  Call to mind the grace of Allâh unto you! Is there a Creator other than Allâh to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He. How then are you deluded away from the Truth?  (35:3)

“Verily, your Allâhs One, Rabb of the heavens and of the earth and all between them and Rabb of every point at the rising of the sun!”   (37:4-5)

 “Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allâh, and ask forgiveness for your fault...”   (47: 19)

For the clear guidance of all mankind, Allâh the Most High mentions in many parts of His Book that He Alone is our God. Indeed, there is no god but Allâh.  He is the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Supporter of all (3: 2), and the One Who gives life and death (3:156; 6:95; 15:23). Allâhs the Creator of all things.  He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible  (13: 16).

Belief in Allâh requires that we refrain from assigning partners to Him (6:22, 13:36 and 60:12) as well as saying things about Allâh of which we have no knowledge (7: 33).  He is Allâh, the One, not one in a Trinity (5:72), nor one of two (16:51).  He has no begotten son (2:116; 6:100; 10:68; 19:35) nor is He begotten (112: 3).  Nor does He have consort nor daughters (6:100-101; 16:57; 37:149-157). Verily, Allâh has no partner (6:163).  No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle, Well Aware (6:102, 103).The Only One Worthy of All Praises

Furthermore, the Qur’ân contains many praises to Allâh -- the Only One worthy of all praises (31:26). The most beautiful names or attributes belong to Him (7:180).  Ask yourself the following sensible questions:  Is there anyone besides Allâh, who claims to be  the Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds (i.e., this present world and the world in the Hereafter)?  Who has ever claimed ownership of all things in heaven and earth, except Allâh?  Has anyone, except Allâh, ever claimed to be the Only One Free of all wants, Worthy of all praise, Master of the Day of Judgment and the Only Deity?  Do you know of anyone, except Allâh, who claims to be the Only Creator, Who begets not nor was He begotten, and none is comparable unto Him?   If your answer to any of these challenging questions is “None”; then, accept the veracity of the following ayaat (Qur’ânic verses), as divine words coming from the Only True God, Allâh:

In the Name of Allâh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.  All praises belong to Allâh, the Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds: Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment.  You Alone we worship, and You Alone we seek for help. Guide us to the straight Way, the way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned your anger and who went astray.  (1:1-7)

Allâh!  None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who Sustains and protects all that exists.  Neither slumber nor sleep can overtake Him.  His are all things in the heavens and on earth.  Who is he that can intercede with Him, except with His permission?  He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter.  And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills.  His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them.  For He is the Most High the Supreme (in glory). (2:255)

“All Praises and thanks be to Allâh Who, (Alone) created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light.  Yet those who reject Faith hold (others) as equal with their Rabb.”    (6:1)

“But if they turn away say:  ‘Allâh suffices me: There is no god but He: On Him is my trust - He is the Rabb of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme!’” (9:129)

“Say: ‘Call upon Allâh or call upon Rahman (the Most Beneficent), by whatever name you call upon Him (it is well), for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speak your Prayer aloud nor speak it in a low tone but seek a middle course between.’  And say: ‘Praises belong to Allâh Who begets no son and has no partner in (His) dominion: nor is He low to have protector.  And magnify Him for His greatness and glory!’”   (17:110-111)

“To Allâh belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allâh is He (Who is) free of all wants worthy of all praise.”   (31:26)

 “Glory to your Rabb, the Rabb of Honor and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)!  And Peace on the Messengers!  And praises to Allâh the Rabb of the Worlds.”   (37:180-181)

“Then Praise be to Allâh, the Rabb of the heavens and Rabb of the earth, the Rabb of all the worlds! To Him is Glory throughout the heavens and the earth: and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom!”  (45:36-37)

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth does declare the Praises and Glory of Allâh: to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belongs Praise: and He has power over all things.  It is He Who has created you; and of you are some that are Unbelievers and some that are Believers: and Allâh sees well all that you do. He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions and has given you shape and made your shapes beautiful: and to Him is the final Goal. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth: and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal.  Yes, Allâh knows well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.  (64:1-4)

Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion: and He has Power over all things. He Who created Death and Life that He may test which of you is best in deed: and He is the Almighty, Most Forgiving.   He Who created the seven heavens one above another;  you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious.  Then look again: Do you see any flaw?  (67:1-3)

“Say: `He is Allâh the One. The Eternally besought of all.  He begets not nor was He begotten and there is none comparable unto Him.’"    (112: 1-4)

The above verses are just few of the many enlightening verses in the Qur’ân that show how Allâh stresses His unique divinity.  The Qur’ân consistently guides mankind to the Oneness of Allâh: Who Alone is our God, Creator and Provider and Who Alone deserves all praises and beautiful attributes.The Only One Worthy of True Worship

We must firmly believe that Allâh is the only One worthy to be worshipped.  Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah (Traditions and Practices, which include the Ahâdîth  or Teachings of Prophet Muhammadr emphasize the fact that Only Allâh deserves our true worship. True prayer is due to Him alone (13:14).  We have to worship Allâh alone (6:102, 103; 11:1-2), because He commands us to worship Him.   For your guidance, try to reflect on the following Ayât (Verses).  Has anyone, except Allâh, persistently claimed for Divinity, and commanded us to serve or worship no one but Him? Allâh the Almighty says in the Qur’ân:

“Serve Allâh and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess; for Allâh loves not the arrogant the vainglorious.”  (4:36)

“That is Allâh your Rabb!  There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; then you worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs.  No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle well-aware.”  (6:102-103)

“Verily, I am Allâh: There is no god but I: So serve Me (only), and perform regular prayers for My remembrance.”   (20:14)

“. . . (This Qur’ân is)  a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) --   further explained in detail --   from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).  (It teaches) that you should worship none but Allâh.”   (11:1-2)

You should accept that only Allâh consistently claims for Divinity.  Verily, Allâh is our God.  He Alone deserves our true worship.  You should worship Allâh; because, He makes it very clear in the Qur’ân that the very purpose why He has created us is to worship Him throughout our lives.  He I tells us:

“I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, Most Strong.”  (51:56-58)

“So glorify the praises of your Rabb and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).  And worship your Rabb (Sustainer) until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death).”    (15:98-99)Signs of Allâh 

Allâh the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful has sent down the Qur’ân as a mercy to the believers (the Muslim).  It is the complete guidance to all who sincerely believe and worship Him.  It explains all things, a guide and a mercy to all who believe in His absolute oneness (7:52 and 16:89).  For your guidance, accept the invitation to believe and worship Allâh as your Creator and Sustainer.  Contemplate and ponder upon all His creations, including you.  The following are some of the numerous very enlightening Qur’ânic Verses on the Signs of Allâh:

Among His Signs is this that He created you (Adam) from dust; and then behold you are men scattered (far and wide)! And among His Signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.  And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are Signs for those who know. And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day and the quest that you (make for livelihood) out of His Bounty: verily in that are Signs for those who hearken. And among His Signs He shows you the lightning by way both of fear and of hope and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.And among His Signs is this that heaven and earth stand by His Command: then when He calls you by a single call from the earth behold you (straightway) come forth. To Him belongs every being that is in the heavens and on earth: all are devoutly obedient to Him. It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; and for Him it is most easy.  To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (We can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might Full of Wisdom. (30: 20-27)

“Among His Signs are the Night and the Day and the sun and moon. Adore not the Sun and the Moon but adore Allâh Who created them if it is Him you wish to serve.” (41:37)

“Verily in the heavens and the earth are Signs for those who believe. And in the creation of your selves and the fact that animals are scattered (through the earth) are Signs for those of assured Faith. And in the alternation of Night and Day and the fact that Allâh sends down Sustenance from the sky and revives therewith the earth after its death and the change of the winds are Signs for those that are wise. Such are the Signs of Allâh which We rehearse to thee in truth: then in what exposition will they believe after (rejecting) Allâh and His Signs?”  (45:3-6)The Rationale for Believing in the Absolute Oneness of God

The belief in Tawhîd (absolute Oneness of God) in Islâm is the most logical idea that every rational individual could ever think of.  Simply because, should there be two, three or more “gods” then, the entire universe would have been in chaos as a result of the competition of and struggle for power among “gods.” Allâh the Exalted  says:

”If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allâh, there would have been ruin in both!   But glory to Allâh, the Rabb of the Throne:  (High is He) above what they attribute to Him.” (21: 22)

“No son did Allâh beget nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods) behold each god would have taken away what he had created and some would have overcome over others! Glory to Allâh (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!”    (23:91)

The belief in Tawhîd in Islâm, therefore, is the absolute Truth. Indeed, it is a divine message that the whole mankind must know and respond by accepting Islâm.   It is for your salvation that you should believe in the absolute Oneness of Allâh. Allâh will never guide you if you do not believe in Him as the Only One worthy of true worship.  If you continue associating partners with Allâh and join others in worship with Him, all your good deeds will be in vain.   If you die rejecting Allâh, He will not forgive you and you will be among the losers. Allâh the Almighty says:

“This is the Guidance of Allâh.  He gives that guidance to whom He pleases, of His servants if they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.”  (6:88)

And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammadr), as it was to those (Allâh’s Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.”   (39:65)

The concept of God in Islâm is the most logical and rational that any sensible person can ever think of.  Verily, Allâh is the One and Only True God.  He is the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds.  If you still doubt Allâh’s claim for Unique and Supreme Divinity, then contemplate deeply on the following very enlightening verses:

  “Say: ‘Will you worship besides Allâh something, which has no power either to harm or benefit you?  But Allâhs He Who hears and knows all things.’”  (5:76)

 “Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing but are themselves created? No aid can they give them nor can they aid themselves! If you call them to guidance they will not obey.  For you it is the same whether you call them or you hold your peace! Verily, those whom you call upon besides Allâh are servants like you.  Call upon them and let them listen to your prayer if you are (indeed) truthful!”  (7:191-194)

 “Say: ‘Praise be to Allâh and Peace on His servants whom He has chosen (for His Message). (Who) is better? Allâh or the false gods they associate with Him?’”   (27:59)

 “Is it a Falsehood gods other than Allâh that you desire? Then what is your idea about the Rabb of the Worlds?”   (37:86-87)

If you cannot give a better concept of God and His Divine attributes than what the Qur’ân tells us, then accept Allâh  as your Rabb (Sustainer) as He is the Rabb of the Worlds.   Verily, Allâh is the Only True God:

“That is because Allâh is the (only) Reality and because whatever else they invoke besides Him is Falsehood; and because Allâh He is the Most High Most Great.”   (31:30)

 He is Allâh, besides Whom there is no (other) deity, knowing the unseen and the visible. He is the Mercy-giving, the Merciful!  He is Allâh, besides Whom there is no (other) deity, the Sovereign, the Holy, (the Source of) Peace, the Secure, the Preserver, the Powerful, the Irresistible, the Grandiose.  Glory be to Allâh ahead of anything they may associate (with Him)!  He is Allâh, the Creator, the Evolver, the Shaper, His are the Finest Names.  Everything in Heaven and Earth celebrates Him.  He is the Powerful, the Wise. (59:22-24)

For your divine guidance, believe in Allâh as the One and Only True God.  Sincerely accept Him as your only Rabb worthy to be worshipped.  Fear His eternal punishment for those who reject Faith:

 “As to those who reject Faith, I will punish them with severe chastisement in this world and in the Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.”  (3:56)

  “But those who disobey Allâh and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein.  And they shall have a humiliating punishment.”  (4:14)

 “Those who reject Faith and deny Our signs will be companions of Hell-Fire.”  (5:9-10)

  “...But those who reject Allâh and deny Our Signs, they are the companions of Hell-Fire.”  (57:19)

“Who does greater wrong than who forges falsehood against Allâh, even as he is being invited to Islâm?  And Allâh guides not those who do wrong.”  (61:7)

If you can not sincerely accept the Truth, then seek Allâh’s help and guidance to protect you from the evil whisper of Satan. Allâh is our Rabb (2:21-22) and Protector (2:257).  He guides us to seek His protection from Satan's influence. The Almighty says:

 “If a suggestion from Satan assail your (mind), seek refuge with Allâh; for He hears and knows (all things).  Verily, those who fear Allâh, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, they remember Allâh, and (indeed) they then see (aright)!”   (7: 200-201)

 “Say: `I seek refuge with the Rabb and Cherisher of mankind, the King (or Ruler) of mankind, the God (or Judge) of mankind --   from the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper) (the same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind  -- among jinn and among men.’”   (114:1-6)

 For your eternal salvation, sincerely believe in Allâh as the Only True God of all the worlds (mankind, jinn, animals and all creatures). Allâh Alone deserves all the unique qualities and supreme attributes of God.  Verily, Allâh is the One and Unique God.   He is the Only One worthy of true worship.  Therefore, worship Him Alone and associate no one with Him.

_____________________

[1] Allah is an Arabic term, which connotes the One and Only True God.  Even among Christian Arabs, they always use the word Allah when they mean God.  Allah is not only the God of the Muslims.  Allah is the true God of all mankind (Qur’ân, 114:3).  He is the universal God of all.  The term Allah has no plural word unlike the word God.  It signifies absolute Oneness of God.  Hence, it is a must to use the word Allah instead of God.

[2] Note:  Some Muslim scholars say that the best translation of “Rabb” is “Lord”.  I retain the original Arabic word  “Rabb” to mean  “the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer”, because the word  “Lord” has human connotations.   Christians not only use the term “Lord” to refer to Jesus Christ but also to other human beings.  It refers to “a person having great power and authority; ruler and master.”  In Great Britain “Lord” refers to  “a) a nobleman holding the rank of baron, viscount, earl, or marquis; member of the House of Lords; (Qur’ân, and)  b) a man who by courtesy or because of his office is given the title of Lord, as a bishop, the son of a duke, or a Lord mayor.” This is to avoid associating partners with Allah.  Verily, Allah the Creator of all (Qur’ân, 2:29, 117; 6:73) and the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds (Qur’ân, 1:2; 39:75) has no partner (Qur’ân, 6:163). There is nothing whatever like unto Him (Qur’ân, 42:12).  Allah is the One, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him (Qur’ân, 112:1-4).

http://www.wefound.org/texts/Allah_files/One%20God.htm

Assalamu’alaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarakatuhu...

Bismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim ....

Some Manifestations of Allah’s Kindness

It is from Allah’s kindness that He creates the fetus in its mother’s womb, and that the womb does not reject it even though it is a foreign body. Allah makes the womb ready to welcome it.

Allah thus enfolds the fetus in three protective coverings, that of the placenta, that of the womb, and that of the mother’s body where it develops in safety and receives nourishment from its mother.

It is from Allah’s kindness that the newborn knows to take its mother’s breast and knows to cry whenever it is hungry or needs something so that its needs can be tended to.

 It is from Allah’s kindness that He blesses us with patience and fortitude in the face of pain and hardship. When we bear patiently what befalls us reconcile ourselves to His will, it is good for us. We see this in the story of Joseph (peace be upon him).

 First, he suffered at the hands of his brothers who abandoned him at the bottom of a well. Then he suffered years of imprisonment in Egypt as a result of sexual allegations he was innocent of.

 Finally, Allah blessed him to enjoy power and influence in Egypt. After everything that happened, Joseph declared: “Lo! My Lord is Most Kind to whom He pleases.” [Sūrah Yūsuf: 100]

Most people grumble about the tribulations that they face as individuals and as communities, because they do not see anything in them but their obviously negative aspects. With time, they come to see the situation’s many dimensions and outcomes, and they realize that it manifests Allah’s kindness in many profound ways.

It is from Allah’s kindness that He made the religion easy. Allah says: “And in truth We have made the Qur'an easy to understand, so will anyone take heed?” [Sūrah al-Qamar

: 17]

 Facilitation and flexibility are among the overarching principles of Islamic law. Whenever Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was faced with a choice between two options, he would always choose the easiest of the two, as long as no sin was involved. [Sahīh al-Bukhārī (3560, 6786) and Sahīh Muslim (2327)]

Allah is Kind in what he provides for us and in what He withholds from us. This is why Allah says: “Allah is Most Kind to His servants; He gives sustenance to whom He pleases.” [Sūrah al-Shūrā: 19]

 It is from Allah’s kindness that He gives His servants of His bounties what is best for them and withholds from them when receiving those bounties is not in their best interests. Allah gives to us and withholds from us according to the dictates of His wisdom, mercy, and justice.

If we ponder Allah’s kindness towards us, we will feel more devoted to Him and we will glorify His praises all the more. Whenever we are in difficulty or distress, we should remember that Allah is Most Kind, and beseech Him, saying: “O You who are the Most Kind, show kindness to me and save me from that which I dread.”

 http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-241-3740.htm

Assalamu’alaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarakatuhu...
Bismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim ....

Sisterhood is a beautiful bond between muslimaat.

"Help you, one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwaa (virtue, righteousness) but do not help one another in sin and transgression."[Soorah al-Maaidah (5): 2]

A Good Sister is more than a good friend. She is a companion in this dunya, in this world. She gives naseehah (advice), shares her knowledge, keeps contact with her sisters in Islaam, does ibaadah (worship of Allaah) together with her sisters in Islaam..

She protects the honour of her sisters in faith, she controls her tongue and does not spread rumours nor talks behind the back of her sisters. She is a trustworthy friend, a beloved sister.


Sisterhood is a beautiful bond between muslimaat. Simplest way to spread love between us is to spread salaam as Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has said,


"By the One in Whose hand in my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam amongst yourselves." [Muslim]


He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has also said: "Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance."[ Sahih Muslim]


On the authority of Aboo Dharr Jundub ibn Junaadah and Aboo Abdur Rahman Mu'aadh ibn Jabal, on the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "Fear Allah wherever you may be, trail a bad deed with a good deed and it will wipe out, and treat the people with good character" {Tirmidhee}

posted by Our beloved sister.. : Nawel Al Djazayriah

Assalamu’alaikum Warohmatullohi Wabarakatuhu...

Bismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim ....

Polishing the Hearts

Imaam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d.751 H), rahimahullaah 1

From al-Istiqaamah magazine

Allah - the Most High - said:

"O you who believe! Remember Allah and remember Him a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:4I].

"Those men and women who remember Allah a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:35].

"So when you have finished the rights of your Pilgrimage, then remember Allah as you remember your fore-father, or with more intense remembrance." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:200].

These verses contain a command to remember Allah intensely and abundantly, since the worshipper is in dire need of [remembering Allah] and cannot do without it even for a twinkling of an eye. This is because every moment that a person does not spend in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah will not be of any benefit to him. Rather, the harm entailed in being neglectful of the dhikr of Allah is far greater than any benefits that can be gained. One of the 'aarifeen (those who are knowledgeable about Allah) said:"If a person were to spend such and such number of years engaged [in the dhikr of Allah], then he turns away from it for just a moment, what he will lose is far greater than whatever he has already gained."

Al-Bayhaqee relates from 'Aaishah radiallaahu 'anhaa that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no time in which the son of Aadam does not remember AIIaah in it, except that it will be a source of regret for him on the Day of Judgement" 2

Mu'aadh ibn jabal radiallaahu 'anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The people of Paradise will not have any regrets except for those moments in which they were not engaged in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah." 3

Mu'aadh ibn Jabal also relates that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked: What action is the most beloved to Allah? So he replied: "That you continue to keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of Allah, until you die." 4

POLISHING THE HEART

Abu Dardaa radiallaahu 'anhu said:"For everything there is a polish and the polish for the heart is the dhikr of Allah".

Al-Bayhaqee relates from Ibn 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu that AlIaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "For everything there is a polish, and the polish for the hearts is the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. There is nothing more potent in saving a person from the punishment of Allah than the dhikr of Allah." It was said: Not even Jihaad in the path of Allah. So he replied: "Not even if you were to continue striking with your sword until it breaks."5

There is no doubt that hearts becomes rusty just as copper and silver coins become rusty. The polish for [this rust] is the dhikr of AIlaah. This is because [dhikr] is like a polish [which polishes the heart] like a shiny mirror. When dhikr is left, the rust returns. But when dhikr resumes, then the heart is [again] polished. And hearts become rusty due to two things:-

(i) neglecting remembering Allah, and

(ii) committing sins.

The polish for these two things is:-

(i) seeking Allaah's forgiveness and

(ii) dhikr.

CONFUSING TRUTH WITH FALSEHOOD

Whoever neglects [remembering Allah] most of the time, then his heart will become rusty in accordance with how neglectful the person is. And when this [filthy] rust accumulates on the heart, then it no longer recognises things as they really are. Thus, it views falsehood as if it is the truth, and truth as if it is falsehood.

This is because this rust darkens and confuses the heart's perception, and so it is unable to truly recognise things for what they really are. So as the rust accumulates, the heart gets blackened, and as this happens the heart becomes stained with this filthy rust, and when this occurs it corrupts the heart's perception and recognition of things.

The heart [then] does not accept the truth nor does it reject falsehood, and this is the greatest calamity that can strike the heart. Being neglectful [of dhikr] and following of whims and desires is a direct consequence of such a heart, which [further] extinguish the heart's light and blinds its vision.

Allah - the Most High - said:
"And do not obey him whose heart We have made to be neglectful of Our remembrance, one who follows his own whims and desires and whose affairs are furat [have gone beyond bounds and whose deeds have been lost]." [Soorah al-Kahf 18:28].

QUALITIES OF A GUIDE

So when a worshipper desires to follow another person, then let him see: Is this person from the people of dhikr, or from the people who are negligent [about remembering Allah]? Does this person judge in accordance with his whims and desires, or by the Revelation? So, if he judges by whims and desires then he is actually from those people who are negligent; those whose affairs have gone beyond bounds and whose deeds are lost.

The term furat [which occurs in the above verse] has been explained in many ways. It has been explained to mean:- (i) losing the rewards of that type of action which is essential to do, and in which lies success and happiness; (ii) exceeding the limits of something; (iii) being destroyed; and (iv) opposing the truth. Each of these sayings are very close in meaning to each other.

The point is that Allah - the One free from all imperfections, the Most High - has prohibited following all those who possess such attributes. So it is absolutely essential that a person considers whether such attributes are found in his shaykh, or the person who's example he follows, or the person that he obeys. If they are, then he should distance himself from such a person.

However, if it is found that the person is, in most cases, pre-occupied with the dhikr of Allah and with following the Sunnah, and his affairs do not exceed the limits, but rather he is judicious and resolute in his affairs, then he should cling to him very firmly.

Indeed, there is no difference between the living and the dead, except with the dhikr of Allah; since [the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam] said: "The example of one who remembers Allah and someone who does not, is like the example between the living and the dead."6

FOOTNOTES

1. AI-Waabilus-Sayyib min Kalimit-Tayyib (pp.78-82).

2. Hasan: Related by Abu Nu'aym in al-Hiliyatul-Awliyaa (51361-362). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5720).

3. Saheeh: Related by lbnus-Sunnee in 'Aml al-Yawma wal-Laylah (no.3). Refer to Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5446).

4. Hasan: Related by lbn Hibbaan (no.2318). It was authenticated by Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee in Saheeh al-Waabilus-Sayyib (p.80).

5. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/352), from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal radiallaahu 'anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5644).

6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (11/208) and Muslim (1/539).

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