Safety comes first

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Allaah تعالى says:

{O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allaah and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!} [Surah al-Jumu`ah (62):9]

Tafseer: {Allaah is the Walee of those who believe}

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

﴿اللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَوْلِيَاؤُهُمُ الطَّاغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُمْ مِنَ النُّورِ إِلَى الظُّلُمَاتِ أُولَئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ﴾

{Allaah is the Walee (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyaa’ (supporters and helpers) are Taaghoot (false deities), they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 257]

What follows is the Tafseer of the above Aayah from the following books of Tafaaseer:

Tafseer al-Baghawee.

Tafseer Ibn al-Katheer.

Tafseer al-Sa`dee.

Tafseer al-`Uthaymeen along with 10 points of benefit from this Aayah.

Darkness is of 3 types

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

In his Tafseer, Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

Allaah تعالى said:

﴿يُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ﴾

{He brings them out from darkness into light.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 257]

“Al-Noor” (light) has been mentioned in singular form because (the path towards the truth) is only one path. Whereas “al-Dhulumaat” (darkness) has been mentioned in plural form because of its many types; it could be darkness of ignorance or darkness of Kufr or darkness of disobedience.

As for darkness of ignorance: the similitude of an ignorant person is that of a blind man, bewildered, don’t know where to go as Allaah تعالى said:

﴿أَوَمن كان ميتاً فأحييناه وجعلنا له نوراً يمشي به في الناس﴾

How Bid`ah takes away the Imaan

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

`Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه said: “Beware of what the people introduce of the Bid`ah. The Deen (religion) is not taken away from the heart in one go (at once). Rather, Shaitaan introduces the person to a Bid`ah (and keeps him engaged in it) till Imaan (Faith) is removed from his heart. Soon (a time is coming where) people will let go of all the obligations which Allaah has enjoined on them from the Salaah (prayers), the Siyaam (fasting), the Halaal and the Haraam, and they will speak about their Lord عز وجل (without knowledge). So whosoever reaches that time should flee.” It was said: “O Abu `Abdul Rahmaan! Flee to where?” He said: “Where there is no one.” He further said: “He should flee with his heart and his religion, and he should not sit with Ahl al-Bid`ah (innovators and people of desires).”

[Sharh Usool `Itiqaad Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah (196, 1/136)]

Know when you have been put to trial

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Hudhaifah رضي الله عنه said: “True misguidance is when you allow that which you used to prohibit, and when you prevent (neglect) that which you used to allow. And beware of variegating* in the Deen of Allaah, for the Deen of Allaah is one.” [Jaami` Bayan al-`Ilm (2/933)]

*The word “Talawwun” means changing the color and “Talawwun fee-Deen” means being inconsistent and unsteady in religion.

**********

In another narration, Hudhaifah رضي الله عنه said: “[The trials affect the hearts. If any heart accepts it, then a black spot will appear on his heart. But if any heart repels it, then a white spot will appear on his heart.] If one of you likes to know if he is has been put to trial or not, then let him see: If he considers something as Halaal (permissible) that which he used to consider it as Haraam (prohibited), then know that he has been put to trial. And if he considers something as Haraam that which he used to consider it as Halaal, then know that he has been put to trial.” [al-Mustadrak of Imaam al-Haakim (8443) and said: “It is Saheeh as per the conditions of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim” and Imaam al-Dhahabee agreed with him. The first part is from Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaibaah (37343)]

Following the Salaf

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Evidences for the Obligation of Following the Salaf-us-Saalih

Firstly, from The Noble Qur’aan:

Allaah تعالى says:

{And the former, the first from amongst the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar, and those who followed them in righteousness, Allaah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them gardens of which rivers flow below, abiding therein forever, that is great success.} [Surah al-Tawbah (9):100]

Allaah تعالى is unreservedly pleased with the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar, and is pleased with those who follow them in righteousness (i.e. the attainment of Allaah’s pleasure for the companions is secure, whereas for those who come after them; this is not guaranteed, as it is dependent upon their adherence to the way of the companions in righteousness).

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #61

Installments: Tricks of the Trade

While working on this article, a generous number of ideas arose for the title so my wife figured we'd humor you with them rather than let them go to waste!

Beg, Borrow or Steal: Dubious Transactions

Usury: A Capital Offense

Commerce or Coercion? Transactions in Islaam

Un-Installments

Deal With It: Transactions of Conscience

The Real Deal

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (6/335-337) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله] 

Tafseer: {We will assuredly guard it}

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Tafseer of the Aayah concerning the saying of Allaah تعالى:

{ إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَـفِظُونَ }

{Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’aan) and surely We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)} [Al-HIJR (15): 9]

Al-Baghawee رحمه الله said in his Tafseer:

{Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr} i.e. the Qur’aan.

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #60

The prohibition of procrastination by a rich person in fulfilling his obligation

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (6/302-305) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

Allaah تعالى says:

{إن الله يأمركم أن تؤدوا الأمانات إلى أهلها}

{Verily! Allaah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 58]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #59

The punishment of the magician

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (6/314) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“The magician should be killed, irrespective of whether he repents or does not repent. This is because of the great harm he has done to the people and the intensity of his boldness (in defying the commands of Allaah) – and Allaah’s refuge is sought. That is why it came in a Hadeeth: “The punishment of a magician is a strike with the sword”[1]”

*******

[1] Tirmidhee (1460). This is authentic as a statement of the Companion Jundub bin Ka`b رضي الله عنه and not as a statement of the Prophet صلى لله عليه وسلم. Al-Dha`eefah (1446).

Explanation of the Hadeeth: Reward depends upon the Intention

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

All praises be to Allaah; we praise Him, and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the evil of our own selves, and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whosoever Allaah guides, no one can misguide him. And whomsoever Allaah misguides, no one can guide him. We bear witness that no one has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and we bear witness that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is the Slave and Messenger of Allaah.

May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His last and final Messenger, upon his family and companions, and upon those who follow them with righteousness till the Day of Judgment!

 

Verily, the best speech is the Book of Allaah (Qur’aan). The best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. The most evil of matters is innovation, and every innovation is a heresy, and every heresy is misguidance and every misguidance is in Hell.

This is the translation of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen’s رحمه الله explanation of the very first Hadeeth from al-Arba`een al-Nawaweeyah (Forty Ahaadeeth al-Nawawee): “Rewards of Deeds depend upon the intention”. The purpose here is to help the English speaking readers to benefit from the explanation of the esteemed Shaikh رحمه الله in understanding the meaning of this Hadeeth. We would like to note that the translation was made as close as possible to the meaning of the original text and not always done verbatim as a translation of that sort loses its essence in some cases. Further, the footnotes are the words of the translator to help the reader better understand the points being made.

To download the file: Explanation: Reward depends upon intention

Link 2:  Explanation: Reward depends upon intention

Link 3: Explanation - Reward depends upon intention

Explanation of the Hadeeth: Reward depends upon intention;

Baarak Allaahu feekum Wa Sal-Allaahu `alan-Nabiy.

What to do when you enter the Masjid and the Muadhdhin is giving the Adhaan?

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله was asked:

Question: If I enter the Masjid and the Muadhdhin (the caller) is giving the Adhaan (i.e. calling for prayer). So, should I follow the Muadhdhin (in repeating the Adhaan) or should I offer the Tahiyaat al-Masjid?

Answer: If a person enters the Masjid and the Muadhdhin is giving the Adhaan other than the second Adhaan for Jumu`ah (i.e. it may be the Adhaan for Fajr, Dhuhr, `Asr or the first Adhaan of Jumu`ah etc.), then he should answer (repeat with) the Muadhdhin.

But if it is the second Adhaan for Jumu`ah, then he should not repeat with the Muadhdhin. Rather, he should offer the Tahiyaat al-Masjid, so that he can free himself to hear the Khutbah; because hearing the Khutbah is Waajib (compulsory), but answering (repeating with) the Muadhdhin is Sunnah (optional).

[Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen, Fataawa Noorun `ala al-Darb]

Prohibition of pointing with a weapon even in jest

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “None of you should point out towards his Muslim brother with a weapon, for he does not know, Satan may tempt him to hit him (or cause the weapon to slip from his hand and hit him) and thus he would fall into a pit of fire (Hell)” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (7159) and Saheeh Muslim (6834)]

Some of the signs of the Innovators:

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said: “The innovators have certain signs and from them are:

* They have the characteristic of following other than the Sunnah; and this is evident from the number of Bid`ah (new things) that they introduce (in the religion) through their speech and their actions and their `Aqeedah (belief/creed).

* They are fanatic towards their opinions, and will not accept the truth even if it has been made clear for them.

* They have hatred towards the scholars of this Deen.”

[Majmoo` al-Fataawaa (5/90)]

Please Verify!

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Assalaam `alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

This is for the brothers and sisters who have the means to refer to the `Arabic text of the Ahaadeeth.

Always verify the translation with the actual `Arabic text, as due to human nature, errors are bound to enter the translation.

For example, the English translation of the Hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim that hell will be brought having “seventy thousand bridles”; in two websites it is only translated as “seventy bridles”. The word “thousand” was overlooked due to human error.

Moreover, it seems that this Hadeeth was copied from the same source. This is evident because both the websites also wrongly attribute this Hadeeth to Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه while the original `Arabic text mentions the name of `Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه.

(Both the websites have been informed of the error - alhamdulillaah)

The purpose of this message is only to remind the brothers and sisters - those who have the means - to verify before posting.

Baarak Allaahu feekum.

wa sal-Allaahu wa sallim wa baarik `alaa Nabiyinaa Muhammad.

Don't be deceived by the call to "good manners" only

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Allaah تعالى said:

﴿قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُ لَيَحْزُنُكَ الَّذِي يَقُولُونَ ۖ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّـهِ يَجْحَدُونَ﴾

{We know indeed the grief which their words cause you (O Muhammad); IT IS NOT YOU THAT THEY DENY, but it is the Verses (the Qur'aan) of Allaah that the Dhaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers) deny.} [Surah al-An`aam (6): 33]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was called al-Ameen (the honest one) by the Muskriks even before he received any revelation and they still used to call him al-Ameen even after they had rejected his call. They never had the problem with the personality.

So, the first and foremost thing we have to understand is that the Mushriks never stopped the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from calling towards good manners, or doing good to the neighbors, or feeding the poor and taking care of the widows and orphans; but it was the `Aqeedah and the call to Tawheed that they were against.

﴿أَجَعَلَ الْآلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهًا وَاحِدًا ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَيْءٌ عُجَابٌ﴾

{“Has he (Muhmmad) made (all) the gods all into One God. Verily, this is a curious thing!”} [Surah Saad (38):5]

So don’t be amazed by the good manners of the Sufees, the Rawaafidh, the Mu`tazilah, or the Kuffaar, because this is how Shaitaan wants to deceive us. Always remember teaching/learning `Aqeedah comes first. Do not be content with learning good manners with the creation as the primary subject while `Aqeedah is given a secondary preference.