Explanation of the Hadeeth of al-Fitan by the 3 Imaams, Ibn Baaz, Ibn al-`Uthaymeen and al-Albaaee رحمهم الله

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The three Imaams, Shaikh `Abdul `Azeez Ibn `Abdullaah Ibn Baaz رحمه الله and Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله and Shaikh Muhammad Naaser-uddeen al-Albaanee رحمه الله explaining the Hadeeth of al-Fitan:

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عليه وسلم: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

بادروا بالأعمال فتناً كقطع الليل المظلم، يصبح الرجل مؤمناً ويمسي كافراً ويمسي مؤمناً ويصبح كافراً، يبيع دينه بعرض من الدنيا

“Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a Believer in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening or he would be a Believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods.” [Saheeh Muslim (169)]

Explanation by Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله. (Click the link)

Explanation by Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله. (Click the link)

Explanation by Shaikh al-Albaanee رحمه الله. (Click the link)

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #72

The Hadeeth of al-Fitan: "Believers by Day, Kaafir by evening..."

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (2/16-20) of Shaikh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عليه وسلم: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

بادروا بالأعمال فتناً كقطع الليل المظلم، يصبح الرجل مؤمناً ويمسي كافراً ويمسي مؤمناً ويصبح كافراً، يبيع دينه بعرض من الدنيا

“Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a Believer in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening or he would be a Believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods.” [Saheeh Muslim (169)]

Evils of Uprising

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“Of the many revolutions (which took place), bring me ONE example where the situation of the people became better than before! Can you? You will never be able to (give a single example).”

[Sharh Kitaab al-Siyaam min Kitaab al-Kaafee, Cassette (2), First side.]

A scholar realizes the evils in the Fitan even before it takes place, due to his understanding of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. But as for the savage mob, then they only know that they have fallen in the turmoil after they have sunk in the mire.

Al-Hasan al-Basree رحمه الله said:

“When the Fitan is approaching, every scholar knows about it; and when it has gone away, only then do the ignorant ones know it.”

[Ibn Sa`d in Tabaqaat al-Kubraa on the authority of `Afaan bin Muslim (9/166) and its chain is authentic; and also in al-Hilyat al-Awliyaa’ (9/24)]

When the Fitan approaches, no one knows its reality and the harm that is in it except for the sincere scholars; whereas the ignorant are duped by it.

The first step towards righteousness

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The first step towards righteousness is by leaving off evil and the paths leading towards it.

The Evil actions are:

1. Every action which opposes the Book of Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: Shirk, Kufr, Hypocrisy, Bid`ah.

2. Every action which has been prohibited in the Book of Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: Gambling, consuming intoxicants, pigs and dead animals.

3. Every action which has been cursed in the Book of Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: dealing in Ribaa (usurious transactions), hiding knowledge, accusing a chaste woman of immoral acts, tattooing.

4. Every action which has been threatened with punishment - in this world or the Hereafter - in the Book of Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: causing mischief on earth, turning away from Allaah’s remembrance.

5. Every action which has Hadd (legal punishment) prescribed in the Book of Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: illegal sexual intercourse, theft.

6. Every action which distances a person from Allaah تعالى or the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: listening to music, watching movies, engaging in idle talks.

7. Every action which is HATED by Allaah تعالى or His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: oppression, pride, being ungratefulness to Allaah تعالى.

8. Every action supplicated against by the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم is evil. Example: not sending Salaah upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم when his name is mentioned, not benefiting from the month of Ramadhaan, and being disobedient to the parents.

9. Every action from which the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم distanced himself by saying: “I am free of him…” or “…he is not from me” or “…he is not from us”, is evil. Example: “The one who deceives is not of me.” [Saheeh Muslim]

10. Every action which is not legislated in the Deen, but a person still does it expecting a reward from Allaah or thinks that it is a religious duty, is evil. Example: Bid`ah of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, wiping the neck while making Wudhu.

[A lot of sins like Shirk, Kufr will qualify for all the above categories, but were not repeated for the sake of brevity]

Why have we not yet benefited from this Ramadhaan?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

If we have not yet benefited from this Ramadhaan, then know it is because of the lack of sincerity and Khushoo` among us, except for those whom Allaah تعالى protected:

The Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

أول شيء يرفع من هذه الأمة الخشوع حتى لا ترى فيها خاشعا

“The very first thing to be raised from this Ummah is Khushoo` (awe, fear of Allaah) until there is not a single person in it with khushoo`.” [Saheeh al-Jaami` (2569) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

He صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:

أوَّلُ ما يُرْفَعُ مِنَ الناسِ الخشوعُ

“The first thing to be raised from the people is Khushoo`.” [Saheeh al-Jaami` (2576) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Abu Dardaa’ رضي الله عنه said to one of the companions:

إِنْ شئتَ لأُحَدِّثَنَّكَ بأوِّلِ علْمٍ يُرْفَعُ منَ الناسِ الخشوعُ يوشِكُ أنْ تدخُلَ مسجِدَ جماعَةٍ فلا تَرَى فيه رجلًا خاشِعًا

“If you wish I will tell you what the first type of knowledge taken from the people will be - it is al-Khushoo` (the fear of Allaah- humility, submissiveness) such that if you enter a Jaami'ah Masjid, you will not see a single man who has Khushoo`.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2653) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Al-Ijmaa`: A Brief Introduction

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

All praise is for Allaah alone and peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger of Allaah and his family and his companions. To proceed:

What follows is a brief introduction of the meaning and importance of al-Ijmaa` (i.e. Consensus of the Scholars on any given issue from the issues of al-Islaam). The subject has been divided into the following topics:

Al-Ijmaa`: A unique feature of this Ummah.

Definition of al-Ijmaa`.

What is not considered as al-Ijmaa`.

The status of al-Ijmaa`.

Al-Ijmaa` can never go against the Text.

From the benefits of knowing the Ijmaa`.

More proofs that the Ijmaa` is authoritative evidence.

The two opinions.

When knowledge doesn't benefit:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

A. When knowledge doesn’t benefit:

1. it is a sign of following the footsteps of Shaitaan:

Shaitaan knew that it is Allaah تعالى who created him and Aadam عليه السلام. He acknowledge that Allaah تعالى is the Creator, but when the time came to obey His commands, he refused. Thus Allaah تعالى said:

Tafseer: {Al-Fitnah (affliction in the Deen) is worse than al-Qatl (killing)}:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Being afflicted by trials and tribulations is part of this worldly life. Man – from the cradle to the grave – will be tested with these trials. As Allaah تعالى says:

﴿لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي كَبَدٍ﴾

{Verily, We have created man in toil (hardship)} [Surah al-Balad (90): 4]

There is no one but is afflicted and tested with one or the other type Fitnah. In generality, the afflictions are of five types, as Allaah تعالى says:

The Pious have more right to inherit Allaah's Earth

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said in his Tafseer (2/378):

In this (i.e. verse 191 of Surah al-Baqarah) there is an indication that the Muslims deserve more rights to the Earth (land) of Allaah than any other people because of the saying of Allaah تعالى:

﴿وأخرجوهم من حيث أخرجوكم﴾

{and turn them out from where they have turned you out } [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 191]

And His تعالى saying:

﴿ولقد كتبنا في الزبور من بعد الذكر أن الأرض يرثها عبادي الصالحون * إن في هذا لبلاغاً لقوم عابدين﴾

{And indeed We have written in Zaboor (Psalms) after (We have already written in) Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz (the Book, that is in the heaven with Allaah), that My righteous slaves shall inherit the land. Verily, in this (the Qur’aan) there is a plain Message for people who worship Allaah (alone).} [Surah al-Anbiyaa’ (21): 105-106]

And the saying of Moosaa عليه السلام to his nation:

﴿استعينوا بالله واصبروا إن الأرض لله يورثها من يشاء من عباده والعاقبة للمتقين﴾

{Moosaa said to his people: "Seek help in Allaah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allaah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He will of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqoon (pious)} [Surah al-A`raaf (7): 128]

The Nafs (Self) is inclined towards evil even when the Shayaateen are chained:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah سبحانه وتعالى mentioned that the wife of the `Azeez (the minister) said to the king:

﴿إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾

{Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whomever He wills)} [Surah Yusuf (12): 53]

And Allaah تعالى also said:

﴿وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ * فَإِنَّ الْجَنَّةَ هِيَ الْمَأْوَىٰ﴾

{But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode.} [Surah al-Naazi`aat (79): 40-41]

Weakness of the Hadeeth: "My Ummah has been given 5 things in Ramadhaan"

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم is supposed to have said:

“My Ummah were given five things for Ramadhaan which were not given to anyone before them. For them:

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allaah than the fragrant smell of musk.

2. The Angels (in another narration it is: “The fish”) seek forgiveness for the fasting people until they break their fast.

3. Allaah prepares and decorates a special garden in Jannah everyday and then says (to it): {The time is near when faithful servants shall cast aside the great trials of the world and come to you.}

4. In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadhaan.

5. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven.”

The Sahaabah رضي الله عنهما thereupon enquired: “O Messenger of Allaah! Is that last night Laylatul Qadr? The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “No. But it is only right that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his service.”

[Musnad Ahmad (7917), Musnad al-Bazzaar (8571) and al-Baihaqee in Shu`ab al-Imaan ()]

Ruling on the Hadeeth: “Very weak”

1. Shaikh al-Albaanee in Dha`eef al-Targheeb wal-Tarheeb (586) said: “It is “Dha`eef Jiddan” (very weak).”

2. Shu`aib al-Arna’oot in his checking of Musnad Ahmad said: “It is “Dha`eef Jiddan” (very weak). Regarding Hishaam bin Abu Hishaam (one of its narrators), then there is consensus about him being weak. And Muhammad bin Muhammad bin al-Aswad (another narrator) is “Majhool al-Haal” (his status is unknown) and no one reported from him except this Hishaam and `Abdullaah bin `Aun.”

3. Shaikh Ahmad Shaakir said in his checking of Musnad Ahmad: “Its chain is “Dha`eef” (weak).”

4. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalaanee said in al-Mataaalib al-`Aaliyah (1009): “Its chain is “Dha`eef” (weak).”

The Shayaateen are locked up, but not their soldiers:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

QUESTION:

What is your advice to the Muslims as the month of Ramadhaan has come closer?

Shaikh al-Fawzaan حفظه الله answered:

“It is Waajib (obligatory) for a Muslim to ask Allaah that He تعالى makes him reach (the month of) Ramadhaan, and that He تعالى helps him in fasting, and establishing the night prayers, and in doing (extra) good deeds during (this month), because this is an opportunity in a lifetime of a Muslim.

“Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadhaan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allaah’s rewards then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

“Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadhaan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allaah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.”

This is an opportunity in the lifetime of a Muslim; perhaps he may not get this (opportunity) again.

The Muslim should be happy when the month of Ramadhaan approaches and should rejoice at it, and he should welcome it with joy and delight, and he should spend it in obedience to Allaah. Its nights (should be spent) standing in prayers, its days in fasting, and reciting the Qur’aan and doing Dhikr (Allaah’s remembrance) – this is a profitable (time) for a Muslim (to reap great benefits).

But as for those who, when Ramadhaan approaches, air corrupt and immoral TV programs, soap operas, useless talk shows (including those based on lies, falsehood, and superstitions), and game shows to keep the Muslims preoccupied (and to divert them from the obedience of Allaah), they (who participate in airing and making these shows) are all Shaitaan’s troops. Shaitaan recruited them for this.

So, upon a Muslim is to beware of all these (programs and people), and to warn against them. Ramadhaan is not a time for engaging in amusement and play and watching TV series and game shows, and wasting time.”

Source:

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/14849

Encouragement towards righteousness (effacing minor sins):

 بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

“Encouragement towards righteousness” is a series of Ahaadeeth gathered together, the purpose of which is to remind the readers of the day to day acts which will help in effacing the Minor Sins.