Removing the Doubts: Can we judge someone’s intention?

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

It is sometimes observed that when a person makes a mistake and another one comes up to correct him, a third person would be found saying: “Who are you to judge him? Only Allaah knows his intention” (or something similar).

Yes, we cannot judge someone based on his intention, as has been clarified in this Hadeeth:

Ikhlaas and that which causes deficiencies in it

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

To achieve Ikhlaas (sincerity and purity of intention - to be truthful and honest to Allaah alone, performing an act solely for Allaah’s sake whereby nothing is sought except Allaah’s Countenance and His pleasure), we have to avoid all forms of Shirk (associating others with Allaah, which causes insincerity). And from the root cause for insincerity (or shirk) is self-desire (al-Hawa). Therefore no  action should be done because of self-desire. 

There are 6 types of self-desires which opposes Ikhlaas:

i. To make oneself appear good in the hearts of others.

ii. To seek the praises of others.

iii. To avoid being blamed by others.

iv. To seek the glorification of others.

v. To seek the wealth/money of others.

vi. To seek the services or love of others.

The 2 virtues of saying the following du`aa

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

{رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ}

{Our Lord! We believe so forgive us and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy} [Surah al-Mu’minoon (23): 109]

It is from the Mercy of Allaah that the Qur'aan is still with us

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿أَفَنَضْرِبُ عَنكُمُ الذِّكْرَ صَفْحاً أَن كُنتُمْ قَوْماً مُّسْرِفِينَ ﴾

{Should We then take this Reminder away from you and ignore you because you are a nation who has transgressed all limits?} [Surah al-Zukhruf (43):5]

Imaam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله commented on this Aayah:

Weakness of the Hadeeth: Fasting `Aashoorah is like worshiping for 2 years

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

There's a text going around saying:

In `Arabic it is:

من صام آلتاسع والعاشر من محرم كمن تعبد عامين ومن أبلغ الناس بها كمن تعبد ثمانين عامآ

And in English it is being circulated as:

“Whoever fasts on the 9th & 10th of Muharram (which is the 22nd & 23rd of November), it's as if they had done ibadah for 2 years & whoever makes someone else aware of this, it's as if they have done ibadah for 80 years. So forward this Insha Allah.”

Narrations like these are the precise reason why the note: “Reference Please” was written. As it is seen, the above narration is without a reference and nor can its origin be traced out as a Hadeeth of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم or the narration of the Salaf, and none of the Books of Hadeeth mention this. So, this is nothing but a Fabrication and a LIE. May Allaah forgive us for interpolating in His religion.

And sufficient for us is this authentic Hadeeth:

On the authority of Abu Qataadah رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked about fasting on the Day of `Aashooraa. So he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “it expiates (the sins from) the previous year.” [Muslim (1162)]

Weakness of the Hadeeth: The Ink of the Scholar is Holier than the Blood of the Martyr

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

»مداد حبر العالم أقدس من دم الشهيد«

“The ink of the scholar is holier the blood of the martyr.” [Baseless]

These Ahaadeeth – about the virtues of the scholars over that of a martyrs or the virtues of the ink of the scholars over that of the blood of the martyrs – has been narrated on the authority of a number of Sahaabah with different wordings, but all with the chains which are baseless, unfounded, very weak or fabricated.

Here are some of them:

Definition of al-`Ibaadah

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Al-`Ibaadah is: when you act upon the Sunnah, hoping for a reward from Allaah.

Shaikh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله said, "Ibaadah is a collective term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with from amongst sayings and inward and outward actions.” [al-`Uboodiyyah (1/44)]

He also said, “Ibaadah is obedience to Allaah by carrying out what He has commanded through tongues of His Messengers.”

Fudayl ibn Ayyaad رحمه الله, a taabi'ee, said regarding the verse {...that He may test you, which of you is best in deeds...} [11:7], “The most sincere and the most correct.” So those who were around him said: “And what is the most sincere and the most correct?” He replied: “Action, if it is correct but not sincere will not be accepted and action, if it is sincere but not correct will not be accepted until it is both sincere and correct. Sincere means that nothing but the Face of Allaah is sought and correct means that it is in conformity with the Sunnah.” [Tafseer al-Sa`dee (1/377)]

When the reformers themselves need reformation!

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

It is a sad state of affairs to say, but the ones who cause more harm are the reformers themselves. So one will find these righteous people forming factions and divided (into different groups), and that there is disunity amongst them only because they differed in one of the issues of the religion, in which differences can be tolerated.* This is the reality, especially in the lands where Islaam is not firmly established. So they have enmity, hatred and rivalry towards one other, only because of an issue like Raf`al-yadain (raising of both hands before and after Rukoo`) in the Salaah.

Between Seeking Knowledge and Jihad – what to prefer?

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

The answer is: (seeking) knowledge is better than doing Jihaad in the way of Allaah, because everyone is in need of knowledge.

Acceptance of the Du`aa and faulty minds!

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Verily, every du`aa is accepted and rewarded by Allaah سبحانه وتعالى, as long as the one who is making the du`aa:

First: starts the du`aa by praising Allaah and prays upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Second: does not consumes that was earned unlawfully.

Third: avoids sins

Fourth but not the last: does not make a du`aa which is Haraam in itself (like asking for breaking up of family ties).

Sign of destruction: Opposing the Sunnah

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Opposing the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, in matters big or small, is the beginning of all destructions.

Allaah تعالى says:

{فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ}

{And let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad’s) commandment beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.} [Surah al-Noor (24): 63]

Imaam Ahmad رحمه الله said: “Do you know what the Fitnah is? The Fitnah is Shirk. May be the rejection of some of his words would cause one to have doubt and deviation in his heart and thereby be destroyed.”

One great example that nobody should forget is when the Archersرضي الله عنهم أجمعين  failed the Prophet's command on the day of Uhud. The victory turned into defeat.

Teach them the Rules and the Principles:

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“It is necessary for the teachers not to quote numerous issues one after the other to the students, because this way they will forget. But what they should do is, teach them the principles and the rules and their limitations (and conditions) because that is the closest way of retaining the knowledge in the heart. But if one just lists the many different issues (one after the other), the students will forget them quickly.”

[Sharh al-Arba`een al-Nawawee]

Where are your manners?

‎ بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Where are your manners O brothers and sisters when you discuss or debate with your own brothers and sisters? Subhaan-Allaah! It is amazing to see that even on the subject of Islaam when people differ, some of them start using indecent language and trying to abase each other, going totally out of character – all the while talking in the name of Islaam.

Even when talking about the innovators and deviants we have to maintain our character and not to exceed the limits.

Allaah تعالى says:

{وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ}

{And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses)} [Surah al-`Ankaboot (29): 46]

If the people of the Book deserve our good manners, then our Muslim and sisters brothers deserve the most. 

Did not the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم say: “No doubt! Your blood, your properties, and your honor are sacred to one another”? [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (67)]

But the rights of Allaah are more important to be defended than the rights of the creation!

The Innovators are Not given Supremacy:

Another title: One of the Virtues of the People of Hadeeth.

‎ بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

The Imaam, Abu Bakr Ahmad bin `Alee, famously known as al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee رحمه الله mentioned in his book that Is-haaq bin Moosaa al-Khatmiyy [1] said:

“No one in this Ummah was strengthened the way the As-haab al-Hadeeth (companions of the Hadeeth) were strengthened and facilitated (by Allaah تعالى). Allaah تعالى says:

Reference Please

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

So we see that just for the sake of sharing and keeping their pages & blogs buzzing & twittering, some people are posting anything and everything which THEY judge it to be authentic or correct. The real problem begins with the fact that a lot of them do not even post the reference.

A brother posts on his wall:

Quote: “…”

Scholar: XYZ

OK, we get it, that such-and-such scholar said such-and-such, but the name of the scholar is not a reference akhi/ukhti. The reference has to be a book (or if he is a contemporary scholar, than an audio or a video if there is one).

How in the world did you ever come to know what `Alee ibn Abee Taalib or Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما said or what Ibn Taymiyyah or Ibn al-Qayyim or Sufyaan al-Thawree said, whereas they died centuries ago?! You did not meet them nor did you hear from them. Akhi/ukhti, between you and them are the books.

And when you ask them for the reference, they will not be able to provide you one because regrettably they blindly did the “ctrl+c” & “ctrl+v” (copy paste) from someone else.

So you see, we need the reference to identify the authenticity, as well as to know that the Imaams are not being quoted out of context and that we are not attributing a lie on them by quoting that which they never said.

And Allaah’s help is sought from such foolishness.

The comfort of this dunyaa should only make us more humble

‎ بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Compare your `Ibaadah when you are in comfort and at the times of distress. Verily the difference is really great. The eagerness to worship Allaah sincerely is more in the times of distress than in the times of comfort. The tears flow readily in distress than in comfort.

When the Dunyaa and its comfort over powers man, he tends to lose the grip on his faith and starts forgetting the purpose of his creation (even if it is for a short period):

Do not weaken nor lose hope while making Du`aa

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Do not lose hope and do not despair. Verily Allaah سبحانه و تعالى listens to your du`aa.

Don’t you see, how He تعالى sustains both the Muslims and Kuffaar? He تعالى provides for the Kuffaar even when they have rejeted Him and are disobedient to Him and associate partners with Him.

So if He تعالى provides for them, don’t you think He تعالى will provide for you more because you are calling on Him alone?

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #58

Hunger and Nakedness

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (4/264) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

Allaah تعالى says:

{إن لك ألا تجوع فيها ولا تعرى*وأنك لاتظمؤ فيها ولا تضحى}

{Verily, you (O Aadam) have (a promise from Us) that (in Paradise) you will never be hungry therein nor naked * And you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun's heat} [Surah Taahaa (20): 118-119]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #57

Which hand is to be preferred for wearing a wrist-watch

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (4/176-177) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The Shaikh رحمه الله said:

And know that when the wrist watches (first) appeared, the people began wearing it in the left hand, so that the right hand remains free and that the watch does not interfere with the person when he makes the movements with his right hand – as the right hand is used more than the left hand (beginning with the right hand, eating and drinking with the right hand etc). So since the movement of the right hand was more, the people used to wear it on the left hand as it would be easier for the right hand to move without the wrist watch interfering much.

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #56

Guidelines while doing al-Istikhaarah [1]

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (4/162) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The scholars have differed if counseling should be sought first or al-Istikhaarah should be done first? The correct way is that one should proceed with al-istikhaarah first, according to the saying of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم:

“إذا هم أحدكم بالأمر فليصل ركعتين”

“If anyone of you intends to do something, he should offer a two-Rak`aat prayer” [2]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #55

On suicide bombing

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (1/221-223) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The Shaikh رحمه الله said:

It is allowed for a person to expose himself to danger if there is public interest for the Muslims (as a whole). This young boy indicated to the king on the way he could be killed and that was to take an arrow from his quiver and place it in the bow and say: “In the name of Allaah, the Lord of this young boy.” [1]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #54

Respecting the scholars

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (3/231-233) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The author – (Imaam al-Nawawee) رحمه الله – said: Chapter: “Respecting the scholars, and giving them preference over others, honoring their gatherings and to spreading their dignity” and whatever is related to that with a similar meaning.

The author رحمه الله meant by the scholars – the scholars of the Sharee`ah (of Islaam), those who are the inheritors of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets because the Prophets do not leave behind Dirham or Deenaar. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم died leaving behind his daughter Faatimah and uncle al-`Abbaas, but they did not inherit anything from him; because the Prophets do not leave behind anything except `Ilm.

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #53

Never will a difficulty dominate two ease

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The Shaikh رحمه الله said:

Ibn `Abaas رضي الله عنهما said: “Never will a difficulty dominate over two ease”, in the saying of Allaah تعالى in Surah al-Sharh (94): 5-6:

{فإن مع العسر يسرا إن مع العسر يسرا}

{So verily, along with every hardship is relief; Verily, along with every hardship is relief}

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #52

Fortunetelling: and the categories of the people regarding it

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

Shaikh رحمه الله said:

A fortuneteller (soothsayer / astrologer / diviner / chiromancer / sibyl / oracle or whatever other names they are known by) is a person who speaks about the matters of the unseen which are going to take place in the future. So, when a person approaches him, he falls under one of these 3 categories:

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #51

Punishment for the one insults (reviles/swears/curses) the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (3/609) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]:

Narrated `Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه: As if I saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم talking about one of the Prophets whose nation had beaten him and caused him to bleed, while he was cleaning the blood off his face and saying: “O Allaah! Forgive my nation, for they have no knowledge.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3477, 6929) and Saheeh Muslim (3353)]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #50

Etiquette on killing harmful animals

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The Shaikh رحمه الله said:

The scholars have a principle (in regards to animals):

ما آذى طبعاً قتل شرعاً

That which has a nature to harm, is permissible to kill. [1]

Meaning: That which by its nature is bound to cause damage, killing it is permissible. But that which by its nature is not harmful, but it has caused you harm in some way, you can kill it (too). But this last point (about killing non-harmful animals) has limitations.

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #49

Obedience leads to a healthy heart and stronger Imaan:

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (3/532) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

The Shaikh رحمه الله commented on the Hadeeth:

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik رضي الله عنه: When Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم ate food he licked his three fingers, and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When any one of you drops a mouthful he should remove anything filthy from it and then eat it, and should not leave it for the Satan. He also commanded us that we should wipe the dish saying: You do not know in what portion of your food the blessing lies.” [Saheeh Muslim (5049)]