• - Taking Pride in Islaam

    Published by the Qur'an and Sunnah Net Group

    In the Name of Allaah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Asslaaamu Alaikum wa Ramatullah Wabarkatuh

    It is unfortunate that Muslims in many parts of the world are practising a mixture of many un-Islamic practices which find no basis in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. In the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent there has crept into the practice of Islaam the influences of Hinduism, Bhakthi-movement, idol-worship, degenerated forms of Sufism and so on and so forth. In many parts of Africa, the remnants of paganism, cult-worship and celebration of pagan festivals and fetish practices are practiced  side by side with Islaam.

    In some Arab countries and the Maghreb, people have evolved their own peculiar, form of Islaam, which finds no support or sanction in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. The practices which have been condemned by the Prophet (SAAS) are being upheld by some people, by giving them religious flavor. This type of Islaam is found in all countries where the Muslim dwells.

    The Prophet  in his final Hajj message: "O people, I leave behind two things. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah." Hence, the true revival of our Ummah can be achieved by no other means than that which the Messenger of Allaah asked us to do. Allaah has also asked the Prophet  to declare that the touchtone of the love of Allaah is the obedience to the Messenger. "Say, if you love Allaah, then follow me , Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." [3:31]

    In the face of attacks on Islaam by the disbelievers, some Muslims turn to the defensive with an inner feeling of defeat as they try to show that Islamic values are no different from western ones. If they are told that the Islamic political system is dictatorial, they respond by trying to show that it is democratic. If they are told that Islaam is spread with jihad, they respond that Muslims fought only to defend themselves when attacked. If they are told that there is a problem with the status of women in Islaam, they try to prove that Islaam allows polygamy only under strict conditions, which most men do not fulfill and hence they conclude it is virtually not allowed.

    Such apologetic attitudes should be put behind us. Islaam is a way of life given to us by Allaah, it cannot be put on the same level as other man-made ideologies or corrupted revelations. Muslims should have enough confidence in themselves to go on the offensive rather than stay on the defensive like an accused person. When Quraysh accused the Muslims of violating the sanctity of the sacred months on the occasion of the fight between the Muslim brigade of Abdullah ibn Jahsh and the disbelievers, Allaah (swt) revealed: 'They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (these are the 1st, 7th,and 12 months of Islamic calendar). Say: 'Fighting therein is a great transgression but a greater transgression in the Sight of Allaah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allaah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to al-Masjid al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and polytheism is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion. If they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds wil lbe lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide there n forever.' [2:217] This is how the Qur'aan argues with the disbelievers. The Qur'aan starts attacking them on their greatest crime: their disbelief in Allaah and their association of partners with Him. One should not present a false interpretation of our religion for he purpose of pleasing the disbelievers.

    Some Muslims today try to hide their Islamic identity for fear of being labeled a ' fundamentalist'. Men are shaving their beard and women are trying to make their hijaab look like the latest fashion. If presented with food or drink that is haram, they say we are full at the moment, or they say we do not like that particular food. Only few say that they cannot eat it because it is unlawful in Islaam. This is not the way the companions of the Prophet (saaw) behaved. When the companions accepted Islaam, they became proud of it and felt that all other ideologies and ways of the life are inferior to that which has been revealed to them from above the seven heavens.

    In the battle between the Muslims and the Persians, Rostom, the leader of the Persian army, asked to negotiate with the Muslims. Sa'd ibn abi Waqqas, the Muslim leader in that battle, sent a group of companions among which was Rib'e ibn Amer. The Persian leader prepared a magnificent reception in order to impress those 'Bedouins' and weaken their position. The Persian asked Rib'e to enter without his arms. He refused and entered with his arms and his horse and tied his horse nest to Rostom. Rostom asked: " What brings you?' Rib'e said: 'Allaah has sent us to convert mankind from the worship of people to the worship of Allaah and from the narrowness of this life to its wideness and from the oppression  of the religions to the justice of Islaam. Allaah has sent us to His religion. Whoever accept it, we accept from Him and whoever refuses, we fight him until we get the promise of Allaah." " And what is His promise?" asked Rostom. " Paradise for those who die and victory for those who survive" answered Rib'e. Rostom said: "Can you delay this matter until we think about it?" Rib'e answered: " Yes. How many days do you need one or two?? Rostom said: "More. Until I write to my people." Rib'e said: " We can't. Our Prophet does not authorize us to delay our enemies more than three days. So make up your mind."!

    This companion came from a society which was materially far behind the Persian empire. Nevertheless he had himself the seed of Truth and righteousness that allowed him not to be distracted or impressed with the glamour surrounding the disbelievers. Civilization starts with the correct belief and faith. The material aspects of civilization will come later on as a by product. On the other hand, the disbelievers, no matter how materially advanced he might be, is an uncivilized person and bears in his sould the germs of his own destruction. This is why you should TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR RELIGION. This is why YOU SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN ISLAAM.

    It is the bounden duty of every Muslim to mutually co-operate in the work of Daw'aah, preaching and teaching the faith taught by the Messenger of Allaah. Those practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet  which are lost and have gone out of practice, due to the weakness of the Ummah must be revived, taught and propagated to the world at large. The work of Dawa'ah in reality begins with the reformation of one's own self and then the message is taken to everyone. In dawa'ah, one is bound to face obstruction and
    encounter difficulties. Such person should excercise the utmost patience, constancy and endurance during hours of trial and tribulation. The revival of the Sunnah must first be established in one's home, then one's family, friends, society and the Ummah at large. The work of revival and the practices of the Prophet  the Sunnah will automatically bring about the destruction of bi'dah, the devilish innovations which have crept into the lives of Muslims everywhere, due to various influences both within and without.

          "Where you to obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allaah's path. They follow nothing but conjectures and they do nothing but lie." [6:116]

        "It is not right for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allaah and His Messenger to have any choice about their decision. And whosoever disobey Allaah and His Messenger he has indeed gone astray." [33:36]

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0082.htm

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

    Supplication

    Takhreej by Shaykh Alee Hasan hafidhahullaah with some summary

    SUPPLICATION IS A CURE

    [Takhreej by Shaykh Alee Hasan with some summary]

    Supplication is from the most beneficial types of healing, it is the enemy of illness and affliction - repressing it and treating it, preventing its occurrence, removing it or at least alleviating it. It is the weapon of the believer as is reported by al-Haakim in his 'Mustadrak' from the hadeeth of Alee bin Abee Taalib (RA) from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth."

    [Abu Ya`laa [no. 439], ibn Adee [2/296], al-Haakim [1/492] and al-Qudaa`ee [no. 143].The hadeeth is maudu` as declared by al-Albaanee. Al-Haythamee says in 'Majma` az-Zawaa`id' [10/147], "the isnaad contains al-Hasan bin Abee Zayd and he is abandoned." Refer to: 'ad-Da`eefah' [no.179, 180].]

    Supplication takes one of three positions against illness:

        It is stronger than the illness and therefore represses it.

        It is weaker than the illness and therefore the illness overcomes it and afflicts the servant, however it is still possible that it alleviate the illness.

        That they be of equal strength and prevent each other from happening in the servant.

    Al-Haakim reports from the hadeeth of Aa`ishah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Caution is of no avail against the decree but supplication benefits those things that have occurred and have not yet occurred. For indeed while the tribulation is descending the supplication meets it and they remain struggling with one another until the Day of Judgement."

    [Reported by al-Haakim [1/492], at-Tabaraanee in 'al-Awsat' [no. 4615] and in 'ad-Du`aa' [no. 33], al-Bazzaar [3/29], al-Khateeb in his 'Taareekh' [8/453] and ibn al-Jawzee in 'al-Waahiyaat' [no. 1411] The isnaad to the hadeeth is da`eef but the hadeeth is hasan is due to witnesses. Refer to: 'Saheeh al-Jaami' [2/1279 no. 7739].]

    He also reports the hadeeth of ibn Umar from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication brings about benefit to those things that have occurred and those things that have not yet occurred. So devote yourselves to supplication O servants of Allaah!"

    [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh [Eng. Trans. 1/472], at-Tirmidhee [no. 3548] and al-Haakim [1/493]. The hadeeth is hasan due to witnesses as declared so by as-Sakhaawee and al-Albaanee. Refer to: 'Saheeh al-Jaami' [1/641 no. 3409] and 'Maqaasid al-Hasanah' of as-Sakhaawee [pg. 255 under no. 486].]

    He also reports the hadeeth of Thawbaan from the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Nothing but supplication averts the decree and nothing but righteousness increases the life-span. Indeed a person is deprived of provision due to performing sins."

    [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh [Eng. Trans. 2/1026]. Reported by Ahmad [5/277, 280], ibn Maajah [chpt. 10, no.90], al-Haakim [1/493], ibn Abee Shaybah [10/441], ibn Hibbaan [no. 1090], al-Baghawee [6/13] and al-Qudaa`ee [no. 831]. The isnaad is da`eef but the hadeeth has a support that strengthens it from the hadeeth of Salmaan with the words, "Nothing but supplication averts the decree, and nothing but righteousness increases the life-span." Reported by at-Tabaraanee in 'al-Kabeer' [no.6128], at-Tirmidhee [no.2139] and others.]

    BEING EARNEST AND PERSISTENT IN SUPPLICATION

    From the most beneficial of treatments is to be earnest and persistent in supplication. Ibn Maajah reports in his Sunan the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Allaah is Angry at whosoever does not ask of Him."

    [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh [Eng. Trans. 1/473]. Reported by at-Tirmidhee [no.3373], ibn Maajah [no. 3827], Ahmad [2/443], al-Haakim [1/491] and al-Bayhaqee in 'ad-Da`waat al-Kabeerah' [no. 22] with a good isnaad. The hadeeth has a witness with a da`eef isnaad from the hadeeth of Anas reported by at-Tabaraanee in 'ad-Du`aa' [no.24] and the hadeeth of Nu`maan bin Basheer reported by the authors of the Sunan.]

    Al-Awzaa`ee mentions from az-Zuhree from Urwa from Aa`ishah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah Loves those who are earnest and persistent in their supplications."

    [Reported by Uqailee in 'ad-Du`afaa' [1/198/2], al-Falaakee in 'al-Fawaa`id' [2/89], ibn Adee [7/163] and at-Tabaraanee in 'ad-Du`aa' [no. 20]. The hadeeth is maudu. Refer to: 'Silsilah ad-Da`eefah' [no. 637], 'Irwaa al-Ghaleel' [no. 677] and 'Talkhees al-Habeer' of ibn Hajr al-Asqalaanee [2/194 no.716]]

    Imaam Ahmad reports in his 'Kitaab az-Zuhd' from Qataadah from Muwarraq that he said, "I have not found a deserving similitude for the believer except in the case of a person on the sea floating on a raft supplicating to his Lord, 'my Lord! My Lord!' so that perchance Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, may save him." ['Kitaab az-Zuhd' of Imaam Ahmad [2/273, chpt. 'Akhbaar Muwarraq al-Ijlee.'] and Abu Nu`aym in 'al-Hilya' [2/235]]

    BEING IMPATIENT WITH SUPPLICATION

    From the reasons that prevent the servant from attaining the fulfilment of the supplication is his being hasty and impatient, so when the answer is delayed or slow in coming he becomes frustrated and gives up supplicating. This person is like the one who sows a seed or plants a flower, watering it and tending to it, then when it is delayed in appearing or flowering he leaves it and neglects it.

    In Saheeh Bukhaaree from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Your supplications will be answered as long as you are not impatient by saying, 'I have supplicated to my Lord but He has not answered.'" [Saheeh Bukhaaree [Eng. Trans. 8/236 no. 352]]

    In Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The supplication of the servant will always be answered provided that he does not supplicate for something sinful or supplicate to sever the ties of kinship and provided that he is not impatient." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allaah, what is impatience?" He replied, "he says: 'I have supplicated and supplicated but I have not received an answer' then he becomes frustrated and leaves off supplicating." [Saheeh Muslim [Eng. Trans. 4/1430 no. 6595]]

    In the Musnad of Ahmad from the hadeeth of Anas that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The servant will always be in a state of good as long as he is not impatient." They asked, "how is he impatient?" He replied, "he says, 'I have supplicated to my Lord but he has not answered.'"

    [Ahmad [3/193-210], Abu Ya`laa [no. 2865], at-Tabaraanee in 'al-Awsat' [no. 2518] and in 'ad-Du`aa' [no. 21], and ibn Adee [6/2219] Its isnaad is hasan and the hadeeth is also reported via another route from by al-Bazzaar [4/37].]

    THE BEST TIMES FOR SUPPLICATION

    When the servant combines in his supplication presence of the heart and its being attentive and devoting itself solely to Allaah, sincerely asking Him for the desired matter, doing so at one of the six times when the supplication is more likely to answered - these being:

        The last third of the night.

        At the time of the adhaan.

        Between the adhaan and iqaamah.

        At the ends of the prescribed prayers.

        From the time the Imaam ascends the pulpit to the time the prayer has finished on the day of Jumu`ah.

        The last hour after the prayer Asr.

    Alongside this the servant appends to this fear and reverence in the heart, beseeching his Lord in a state of humility and submissiveness. He faces the Qiblah and is in a state of purity, he raises his hands to Allaah and begins by praising and extolling Him, then he invokes peace and blessings upon Muhammad, His servant and Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He precedes mentioning his need by seeking forgiveness from Allaah and then he earnestly and sincerely makes his request as one who is needy and impoverished, supplicating to Him out of hope and fear. He seeks the means of getting close to Him by mentioning His Names and Attributes and making the religion sincerely for Him Alone.

    Before making supplication he gives in charity. If all this is done then this supplication will never be rejected especially if the servant employs the supplications that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam informed us would be accepted or if his supplication includes mention of Allaah's Greatest Name...

    {Translators' notes: the proofs for the above times and recommendations

    1) From Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Our Lord, the Blessed and Most High, Descend every night to the lowest heaven when only the last third of the night remains and says, 'who is calling upon Me so that I may respond? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive Him." Reported by Saheeh Muslim [Eng. Trans. 1/365 no. 1656]

    2) From Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When the adhaan is proclaimed, the doors to the heaven open and the supplications are answered."

    Reported by at-Tayaalisee [no. 2106], at-Tabaraanee in 'ad-Du`aa' [no.485] and others with a hasan isnaad and is made saheeh due to supports. Refer to: as-Saheehah [no. 1413] and the notes of F. Zamrali to 'at-Targheeb fee ad-Du`aa' [pg. 76-77 no. 35]

    3) From Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The supplication made between the adhaan and the iqaamah will not be rejected."

    Reported by Abu Daawood, at-Tirmidhee [no. 212, 3594], Ahmad [3/119], ibn Abee Shaybah [no. 8465] and others with a da`eef isnaad but the hadeeth has supports which make it saheeh. Refer to: 'Irwaa al-Ghaleel' [no. 244], the notes of F. Zamrali to 'at-Targheeb fee ad-Du`aa' [pp. 75-78, no. 35].

    4) From Abu Umaamah (RA) that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked, "When is the supplication most likely to be accepted?" He replied, "in the last depth of the night and at the end of the prescribed prayers." Reported by at-Tirmidhee who said that it was hasan and al-Albaanee agreed.

    5) From Abu Musa (RA) that he heard the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam saying concerning the hour in which the supplications will be answered on the day of Jumu`ah, "It is between the time that the imaam sits (on the pulpit) and the time that the prayer is completed."

    Reported by Muslim and Abu Daawood

    Shaykh Alee Hasan said, "this (time) is problematic, however this is not the place to explain it."

    6) From Jaabir (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The day of Jumu`ah has twelve hours, and during one of the hours you will not find a Muslim servant (of Allaah) asking Allaah for something except that He will give it to him. Seek it in the last hour after the prayer of Asr"

    Reported by Abu Daawood [Eng. Trans. 1/270 no. 1043], an-Nasaa`ee and others.

    7) Abu Daawood reports the hadeeth of Fudaalah bin Ubaid that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam heard a man supplicating in prayer. He did not glorify Allaah and neither did he invoke blessings on the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "He made haste." He then called him and said to him or to those around him, "If any one of you prays, he should commence by glorifying his Lord and praising Him; he should invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and thereafter he should supplicate Allaah for anything he wishes."

    Abu Daawood [Eng. Trans. 1/390 no. 1476], at-Tirmidhee [no. 3476], an-Nasaa`ee [3/44], Ahmad [6/18] and others with a hasan isnaad. Refer to the notes of F. Zamrali to 'at-Targheeb fee ad-Du`aa' [pg. 11].

    8) From Alee (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Every supplication is veiled until one has invoked peace and blessings upon the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam."

    Reported by ibn Mukhlid in 'al-Muntaqaa' [1/76] and al-Asbahaanee in 'at-Targheeb' [2/171] and others. The hadeeth is hasan due to supports. Refer to: as-Saheehah [no. 2035] and Saheeh al-Jaami [no. 4523]}

    SOME OF THE REASONS FOR SUPPLICATION BEING ANSWERED

    Frequently we find the supplications that are answered to be those that combine dire need with the persons sincerely turning to Allaah Alone, or due to a good deed that the person performed before the supplication and Allaah made it to be the reason behind His answering the supplication as a way of showing appreciation, or the person supplicated at a time in which the supplication will be answered etc.

    Someone may think that the reason of the supplication being answered lies in the wording of the supplication itself and he takes to this wording only, ignoring the other matters that this supplicator combined when supplicating. This is like a person who takes a medicine at a recommended time and in a recommended way and thereby benefits from it, another person sees this and thinks that taking the medicine on its own suffices to bring about benefit. This is incorrect and in fact this is an area in which many people have erred.

    For example a person may supplicate at a time of dire need by the side of a grave and this supplication be answered. Now an ignorant person may see this and think that the reason behind the supplication being answered lay with the grave and not know that the reason actually lay in the person being in dire need and his sincerely resorting to Allaah. If this person, when being in this situation, had supplicated in a house from amongst the houses of Allaah then this would have been better and more beloved to Allaah.

    SUPPLICATION IS LIKE A WEAPON

    Supplications and seeking refuge are of the level of a weapon. The strength of the weapon lies in the strength of the one wielding it and not merely in its own natural strength. So when the weapon is complete having no defect and the arm wielding it is strong and any obstacles are absent - then the weapon will cause harm to the enemy, and when any of these three matters are absent then the desired effect of the weapon will also be absent. Similarly when the supplication, in and of itself, is corrupt, or the supplicator does not combine his heart with his tongue at the time of supplication, or for some reason there be an obstacle preventing the answer - then the desired outcome will not be achieved.

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0080.htm


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

    The Traps of Iblees
     
    by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah rahimahullaah
    from At-Tafseer Al-Qayyim of Shaikh Ibn Al-Qayyim [Al-Hijra magazine]

    Translation: In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

    It is not possible to encompass one of Iblees' evils, let alone all of them. Since Iblees' evil is of six types, Iblees remains behind the son of Adam until he gets him to do one or more of these six evils.

    THE FIRST EVIL IS THE EVIL OF KUFR AND SHIRK and enmity to Allâh and His Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. If he gains this from the son of Adam, his moaning is eased, and he rests from his ordeal with this man. Further, this is the first thing Iblees wants from al-'Abd (the worshipper). If Iblees gains this, he makes this person part of his army, one of his soldiers, and he appoints him as a deputy or agent against other human beings. Then, this person becomes one of the deputies or callers of Iblees.

    If he despairs of enticing him with the first evil, and if this person is one of those for whom it was written that he would be a Muslim in his mother's womb, Iblees tries the SECOND CLASS OF EVIL. THIS IS BID'AH (innovation). Iblees loves Bid'ah more than debauchery and disobedience because the harm of Bid'ah is in the essence of the religion. Moreover, it is an unrepentable sin and is against the call of the messengers and is a call to a message different from the one conveyed by Ar-Rasool. Bid'ah is a gate to Kufr and Shirk. Therefore, if Iblees gains the performance of Bid'ah from a person and makes him one of the people of Bid'ah, he also becomes one of his agents and a caller of his.

    If Iblees fails and is unable to trap Al-'Abd at this class, and if he is one of those who were granted by Allâh the gift of As-Sunnah and hatred of the people of Bid'ah and error, he proceeds to the THIRD CLASS OF EVIL, which is the class of MAJOR SINS in their various forms.

    Iblees is very covetous of letting a person fall into major sin, especially if he is a scholar who is followed. Iblees is covetous of that, so that he may repel people from him and spread his sins and disobedience amongst the people. He uses some people as his agents to spread this person's sins under the false pretence that this will help them to get closer to Allâh. But in fact this person is the deputy of Iblees without knowing it. For those who would like abomination to be spread amongst the believers there is a great torment in this life and in the Hereafter especially if they take charge of spreading about enormities, not out of advice, but by obeying Iblees and being his agent. All this is to repel people from the Scholar and from his benefit.

    Furthermore, the sins of this person (scholar), even if they reach the sky, are less to Allâh than the sins of those who would like to spread his sins about. The scholar's sins are wrongdoing to himself. If he seeks forgiveness from Allâh and repents, Allâh will accept his repentance, and He will change his bad deeds to good deeds. However, the sin of those who spread about abominations are doing wrong to the believers by looking for their mistakes and by intending to expose them. Allâh is in close observation, and He knows about this ambuscade. Nothing hidden in the chest or soul is hidden to Allâh.

    If Iblees is unable to snare Al-'Abd at this degree he moves him to the FOURTH CLASS, or the MINOR SINS. These sins may ruin a person if they accumulate. That is why Ar-Rasool sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, Be aware of the minor sins, because the simile of the minor sin is like the people who went to a desert. Then he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam mentioned a Hadeeth the meaning of which is that every one of them brought a stick of wood until they had kindled a huge fire (just as the minor sins add up little by little until they become a major sin). The person continues taking the matter of minor sins easily until he considers them inconsequential. Therefore, a person who commits major sins but fears their effect is in a better condition than he is.

    If the Al-'Abd has prevented Iblees from trapping him at this level, he moves him to the fifth level. The FIFTH LEVEL IS TO OCCUPY HIM WITH PERMISSIBLE THINGS that do not gain him reward or punishment. However, the punishment of this level is caused by passing the reward missed by being occupied with these deeds. If Al-'Abd has kept Iblees from succeeding at this level, and if he is careful about his time, being covetous with it, knows the value of moments, and knows the value of what comes of comfort or torment, Iblees transfers him to the sixth level. The SIXTH CLASS is to OCCUPY HIM WITH DEEDS OF LESSER REWARD to keep virtue away from him and to prevent him from attaining the reward of the favoured deed.

    Therefore, he orders him to do a good action with less reward if that includes leaving a better action. Very few people are aware of this. Because if a person feels a strong urge to some kind of obedience, he does not doubt that it is true obedience and that he is getting closer to Allâh. He never thinks that this call is from Iblees because he believes that Iblees never calls one to do good. Therefore, he thinks that this call is from Allâh. Actually he is excused because he never knew that Iblees would call one to seventy doors of good deeds either to get him to one door of evil or to let a better deed than these seventy deeds pass away from him.

    This cannot be known except by a light from Allâh, a light he instils in the heart of Al-'Abd. The source of this type of knowledge is following the way of Ar-Rasool sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and taking care of the levels of deeds with Allâh, the deeds of His favoured ones, the deeds more pleasing to Him, and those more beneficial to Al-'Abd, and deeds that have more Naseehah (guidance) from Allâh, His Rasool, His Book, and His believing worshippers. No one has this type of knowledge except the inheritors of Ar-Rasool sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his deputies in the Ummah, and his successors on earth. In addition, most of the creation is screened from this. This call does not come to their hearts. Allâh gives His favour to whomever He wills from among His worshippers.

    If Al-'Abd prevents Iblees from trapping him at any of these six levels, and if it becomes difficult for Iblees, he empowers his party of jinn and human beings with different kinds of harm, IMPUTING DISBELIEF TO HIM, CALLING HIM MISGUIDED AND AN INNOVATOR, WARNING PEOPLE AGAINST HIM, and intending to weaken him and to disturb his heart. Iblees, by using this method, tries to confuse this person's thinking and tries to PREVENT PEOPLE FROM BENEFITING FROM HIM. Therefore Iblees expends his utmost effort to empower the defenders of falsehood, from human beings and from jinn, against him. Then the believer is at war until death. Whenever he gives up, he is hurt or is taken captive. Hence the believer is in Jihad until he meets with Allâh.

    RELATED (as at 3rd April 2001):

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0104.htm


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

    What a Bad Servant we are!

    Imaam al-Hasan al-Basree rahimahullaah

    From Ghunyat-ut-Talibeen of Shaykh 'Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaani rahimahullaah

    Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him)] said:

    "What a bad servant [of the Lord] is he! I am speaking of a servant who fits the following description:

    1. He asks for forgiveness (maghfirah), while he is actively engaged in sinful disobedience (ma'siya).

    2. He behaves in a humbly submissive manner, so that he may be credited with loyalty (amana), but he is only pretending, to hide his disloyalty (khiyanah).

    3. He forbids what is wrong, but does not refrain from it himself.

    4. He enjoins what is right, but does not act upon his own instructions.

    5. If he gives, he does so very stingily, and if he withholds, he offers no apology.

    6. If he is in the best of health, he feels secure, but if he falls sick, he becomes remorseful.

    7. If he is impoverished, he feels sad, and if he gets rich, he is subject to temptation.

    8. He hopes for salvation, but does not act accordingly.

    9. He is afraid of punishment, but takes no precautions against it.

    10. He wishes to receive more benefit, but he does not give thanks [for what he has received].

    11. He likes the idea of spiritual reward, but he does not practice patience.

    12. He expedites sleep and postpones fasting"

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0089.htm

     


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

    Warnings to the Daa'ee

    Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baaz rahimahullaah

    From the book "Words Of Advice Regarding Da'wah"

    Beware of being extreme

    It is correct to name this awakening which pleases and excites every believer, an Islamic movement, an Islamic revival and an Islamic movement. It is necessary to encourage and guide this awakening towards adhering and clinging to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) as well as warning leaders and individuals within this awakening from exceeding the limits, exaggerating and being extreme in their actions. In accordance with what Allah says in the Qur'aan, O people of the scripture, do not exceed the limits in your religion. [An-Nisaa 171] The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have said: "O you people, beware of being extreme and exceeding the limits in the religion, for that which destroyed the people before you was none other than extremism in the religion." He (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said: "The extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed."

    Speaking about Allah without knowledge

    Beware of speaking about Allah, the Most High, without knowledge. It is not permissible for one who believes in Allah, the Most High, and the Last Day to say: 'This is halaal and this is haraam' or 'This is permissible and this is prohibited', except with a proof and completely depending upon that. It should be sufficient for him to do what the people of knowledge did before him, and that is to restrain oneself from rushing into saying that which he does not know but rather to say: "Allah knows best" or "I do not know".

        How excellent is the speech of the angels when they said to their Lord, Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except that which You taught us. [Al-Baqarah 32]

    When the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) were asked about something that they did not know, they would say: "Allah and His Messenger know best." This is only because of the completeness of their knowledge and their faith and their glorification of Allah, and being far removed from embarking on matters beyond them.

    Beware of accusing someone of disbelief or being sinful without proof

    Indeed it is a most dangerous matter for one to dare to accuse some one of disbelief or of being sinful without proof and authorization from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). There is no doubt that this is insolence towards Allah and His religion and it is also speaking about Him without knowledge. This is also in contradiction to the behavior of the people of knowledge and faith from among the pious predecessors, radiallaahu 'anhum. May Allah make us from amongst their followers in righteousness.

    It has been authentically reported that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever says to his brother, 'O kaafir!' It returns to one of them." He also said: "Anyone who called his brother 'O kaafir!' Or 'O enemy of Allah!' And it was not correct, it would return back to him." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari] i.e., whatever he said falls back on him. This is a strong threat, warning the people of accusing others of disbelieving and being sinful, except when they have sure knowledge and understanding. This and other evidences are also a warning that one should be careful to guard his tongue, and only say that which is good.

    Beware of being hasty

    How many calamities, difficulties and problems have afflicted those who are hasty! The days and nights are going and leaving behind the traces and consequences of hastiness! How much corruption and destruction and un-praiseworthy consequences have occurred because of partisanship and the following of desires? We ask Allah to keep us safe from that.

    Beware of partisanship to a group

    It is not permissible for one to blindly follow this person or that person, or the opinion of such and such a person. Nor should he follow blindly the methodology, or group of any individual.

    Differing, It's Effects and Cure

    There is no doubt that differing is one of the greatest trials and calamities to befall the Muslim Ummah. It is one of the reasons why efforts are being wasted and truth is lost. Differing among Islamic groups and Islamic centers, harms the Islamic da'wah. The only way that they can succeed is to have a unification of goals and is that they all exert their efforts and work together towards the goal which will secure the power and glory of Islam and the safety of the Muslims. It is necessary for every group, institution and community who want success in the Hereafter to help each other enjoin al-Birr (righteousness) and taqwa (piety). They should be sincere in their actions towards Allah and their primary concern should be the victory of Allah's deen, so that everyone can join together upon the truth and work upon what Allah has said in His Book,

        Help you one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwa. [Al-Maaidah 2]

    My advice for the daa'ees is that they should make sure that the actions should be done sincerely and purely for the sake of Allah, the Most High, alone. They should help one another in al-Birr and Taqwa and agree to rule by the Qur'aan and Sunnah whenever a disagreement breaks out amongst them, in accordance to what Allah says in the Qur'aan,

        And if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. [An-Nisaa 59]

    By this the goal will be one and the same and the efforts to search for success and warn away from following desires will be unified. Allah, the Most High, says,

        But if they answer you not, they know that they only follow their own lusts, and who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? [Al-Qasas 50]

    Allah says in the Qur'aan addressing His Prophet and His Messenger Daawood, 'alaihis-salaam,

        O Dawood! Verily We have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth and follow not your desire, for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah. [ Saad 26]

    Beware of Blind Support or Opposition Because Their Opinion Agrees or Conflicts With Yours

    The deen of Allah must be the authority that judges everything. Beware of following your brother just because he agrees with you over an opinion and oppose another because he disagrees with you over an opinion or an issue. This is not being just or fair. We know that the sahaabah differed in issues, but this did not effect the good faith, support and love between them, radiallaahu 'anhum. So the believer acts by Allah's laws and he accepts and submits to the truth and he makes it precede everything else.

    The believer should not oppress his brother, or act unjustly towards him if he differs with him over a  opinion from the issues of Ijtihaad, in which the proofs may not be clear or issues in which there may be differing interpretations of the text. He may have an excuse, so you must advise him and love the khair (goodness) for him and do not allow the differing to induce and prompt aggression and discord between you. Do not enable the enemy to take advantage of you and your brother. And there is no movement or power except with Allah the Most High.

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0087.htm


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

    What Can You Do In 10 Minutes?
    Compiled by Muhammad al-Shareef

    Translation: In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

    Here is a list of 10 things that would not take more then 10 minutes of our time. And if we knew what good these actions bring for our happiness in this life and the next, we would spend our life in dedication to these deeds:

    "All work is as a seed sown; it grows and spreads and sows itself anew."

    10. Pray 2 Rakahs (Salatul Duha) anytime after sunrise and before Dhuhr

    Abu Hurayrah - radiallaahu 'anhu - said, "My Khaleel - Allâh's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - advised me to do three things (1) That I fast 3 days of each month and (2) To pray 2 rakahs of Duha and (3) That I do my witr before sleeping." - Bukhaaree and Muslim

    9. Pray for Rasul Allâh - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam

    He - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - said, "Whoever prays for me once, Allâh blesses that person 10 times (because of that prayer)." - Muslim

    8. Repeat what the Mu'adhdhin is saying

    Abdullah ibn Amr narrates: a man said, "O Messenger of Allâh, the ones that call the people to prayer receive more reward than us." So Allâh's Messenger - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - replied, "Say what they say, then when you finish pray for anything and you shall be given it." - Abu Dawood

    7. Say 'Subhan Allâh - How far Allâh is from imperfection!' 100 times

    Mus'ab ibn Sa'd said: My father told me that he was with Allâh's Messenger - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - when he remarked, "Does any one of you not have the ability to attain 1000 good deeds (hasanaat) every day? Let him do tasbeeh (Subhan Allâh!) 100 times, it will be written for him 1000 hasanat or 1000 sins will be wiped from his record." - Muslim

    6. Play with your children for the sake of Allâh

    Jabir narrates: We were with Allâh's Messenger - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - invited for a meal when we passed al-Husayn playing in the alley with some Ansar children. Allâh's Messenger - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - walked a little faster to go and play with him. He stuck out his hand to take him, but Al-Husayn ran here and there squealing gleefully until Allâh's Messenger caught him. Then he - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - held his chin with one hand and his head with the other and kissed Al-Husayn and hugged him. - A sound hadith narrated by Bukhaaree in al adab al mufrad

    5. Make du’a often during times of ease.

    RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "Whoever it pleases that Allah answer his supplications during times of calamity and hardship, let him increase his supplication amidst the times of ease" (Tirmidhi and Al Hakim).

    Bonus: Say the Dhikr after Making Wudu.

    RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "If anyone of you, after perfecting his wudu, says, 'Ash hadu an laa ilaaha illAllah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa Rasooluh (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his slave and Messenger), the eight gates of Jannah will open for him and he will be permitted to enter from whichever he wishes" (Muslim).

    4. Pick up the phone to call your mother (or a close relative) and tell them that you love them.

    RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "The Wasil (One who fulfils the rights of his ties of kinship) is not the one who does good when family members do good (and bad when they are bad). The Wasil is the one who, when family members cut him off he does good to them" (Interpretation of a Bukhari).

    3. Take a few minutes to stop and contemplate Allah's amazing creation, of your eyes, voice, and entire body. Allah says in the Qur'an:

    And on the earth are signs for the certain (in faith) /And in yourselves, will you not see (and contemplate) (Az-Zariyat 51/20-21)?

    2. Share a part of your lunch with someone.

    RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "Oh Abu Dharr! If you cook any soup, increase its water and then look to your neighbors and give them some of it" (Muslim).

    And the number one deed you can do in less then 10 minutes...

    1. Make du'a for your brother in his absence.

    RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “If a person prays for his (or her) brother in their absence (without them knowing), an angel (hears the du'a) and replies, ‘Ameen! And may Allah give you the same’”(Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi).

    In fact, whenever the Sahaabah and Taabi'een wanted their du'a to be answered quickly, they would ask the same thing for their brother in order to get the angel to reply, ‘Ameen! And may Allah give you the same.’

    In sha Allah, let's all try at the very least to find one deed from this list and implement it in this coming week. After it has become habit, try another deed and so on. This is how we can all grow.

    RELATED (as at 29th November 2000):

    http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0101.htm


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