Thursday, October 2, 2014

10 virtues when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Friday

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

Some of the merits when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Jumu`ah:

First: The coming together of two days which are the best of days.

Friday, September 26, 2014

al-Istighfaar: The Obligation after An Obligation

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾

{Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask Allaah for forgiveness. Indeed, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving and Most-Merciful.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 199]

Shaikh al-Sa`dee رحمه الله said:

“Allaah تعالى commands the one who has completed the rituals of Hajj (like stoning, slaughtering etc.), to seek His forgiveness (Istighfaar) and to do a lot of Dhikr (Remembrance). Seeking forgiveness is for the shortcomings and the negligence which happened while the slave (of Allaah) carried out the acts of worship; and Remembering Allaah is for Thanking Allaah for His blessings upon him by accommodating him in carrying out these duties and for His vast favors.

It behooves the slave, that whenever he completes the acts of worship (like the Salaah), he should seek Allaah’s forgiveness for his shortcomings and thank Him for His assistance in carrying out the duties. Don’t be like the one who thinks that he has completed his duties (flawlessly) and regards it as doing a favor to Allaah and who thinks highly about himself. This one deserves to be detested and have his deeds rejected - unlike the first one - who deserves to (have his deeds) accepted and assisted in doing more good deeds.”


[Tafseer al-Sa`dee (1/92)]

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

For those who are tempted to argue:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that a man abused Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه while the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was sitting. Appreciating (the forbearance and patience of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه), he صلى الله عليه وسلم kept smiling, but when the man went on length and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه replied to some of what he said, the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم became angry and left.

Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه went after him and said: Oh Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! He was abusing me in your presence but when I replied to some of what he said, you became angry and left. He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, “There was an Angel with you, replying to him on your behalf but when you replied to him, Shaitaan got in and I am not supposed to sit with Shaitaan.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم then added: “Oh Abu Bakr! There are three things, all of which are true:

1- Anyone who is wronged and he ignores it for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will help him out and strengthen him.

2- Anyone who begins to give intending thereby to unite ties of kinship, Allaah provides for him with much more because of it.

3- Anyone who opens the door of begging, desiring to increase his wealth, Allaah increases his scantiness because of it.”


[Musnad Ahmad (9624) and graded as “Jayyid” by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (2231)]

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Death: the destroyer of pleasures.

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported: the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures (i.e. death).” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2307), Sunan Ibn Maajah (4258), Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (1824) and graded as “Hasan Saheeh” Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “None of you should long for death, for if he is a good man, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil-doer, he may stop the evil deeds and repent.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5671, 5673, 7235) on the authority of Anas Ibn Maalik and Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنهما and Saheeh Muslim (6480, 6482, 6485)]

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
“It is necessary that one keeps in mind about his situation and his end in this world. And this end is not the (real) end; rather, behind it is a destination greater than this (worldly life) and it is: the Hereafter. So it is necessary that a person always remembers death, not because it will separate him from his loved ones - and this is shortsightedness - but because it will separate him from (doing more) good deeds. So if he remembers death with this perspective, he would prepare himself and do more good deeds for the Hereafter. But if he is of the former perspective, then it will only sadden him and make matters worse.” [Sharh al-Mumti` (5/231)]

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Medicine & Pharmaceutical Symbols: The symbols of paganism spread among the people

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Snakes and their venoms have intrigued humanity since ancient times. No other animal has been more worshiped yet more cast out, more loved yet more despised than the snake. The core of this fascination, and often fear of the snake, lies in the creature’s venom. Throughout history, snakes have been objects of worship, and their venom has been used to create magical potions and medicines. Additionally, snakes symbolize various concepts such as love, health, disease, medicine, pharmacy, immortality, death, and wisdom.

The symbol featuring 2 snakes first appeared in the Sumerian civilization (around 2350-2150 B.C.). In Greek mythology (2000-400 B.C.), statues of Asclepius (the “god” of Medicine), holding a “Caduceus”, and his daughter Hygeia (“goddess” of Health), holding a snake and a bowl, became symbols of medicine and health, respectively. A variant of the Caduceus (with one snake and a staff) is used as a symbol by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, snakes and bowls are symbols associated with pharmacies in Europe. Snakes have also been worshiped by Hindus. In ancient Egypt, snake motifs appeared in hieroglyphs, and in China, dried snakes from about 30 species are still used in traditional medicine.

These symbols and their variants are commonly found in pharmacies and medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics:


1. The serpent of Epidaurus on the staff of Aesculapius (Asclepius):
Aesculapius was one of the Greek “gods” of medicine, frequently shown holding a staff with a snake coiled around it. Historically, the snake has symbolized wisdom, immortality, and healing in various cultures well before its link with ancient Greece.


2. The bowl of Hygeia with the serpent of Epidaurus:
This symbol is a variation of the previous one. Hygieia was Aesculapius’s daughter and a “goddess” of health (“Hygiene”). She was often shown holding a cup with a snake coiled around her body or arm.


3. The Caduceus
TThe staff featuring two snakes has been a symbol of medicine in the West since the 19th century, likely originating from other two older symbols. It is often depicted with wings and associated with Mercury (Roman) or Hermes (Greek), the messengers of the “gods”.

﴿سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا﴾

{Glorified and High be He! From `Uluwwan  Kabeeraa (the great falsehood) that they say.} [Surah al-Israa (17): 43]

Rather, Allaah is al-Shaafee (The Healer), who {…when I am ill, it is He who cures me} [Surah al-Shu`araa’ (26): 80]

Rather, “You (O Allaah!) are the Great Curer. There is no cure except through You. Cure (him/her), a cure that leaves no disease.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim]


Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos* حفظه الله said:

Fifth: Muslim doctors, pharmacists, and others should remove and refrain from placing all types of medical symbols and related items that have the potential to corrupt the `Aqeedah or are linked to pagan philosophy – whether on the (glass doors), walls, signboards, (prescription) papers, stamps, or means of transport (ambulance, etc.). This also includes the “Red Cross,” which is similar to the Christian symbol of the cross and is from the worst form of Kufr and the detestable form of Shirk (associating partners with Allaah). Allaah تعالى said:

﴿لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّـهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ﴾

{Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilaah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilaah (God -Allaah).} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 73]

This also includes the pharmaceutical symbols, i.e., the snake coiled around a cup, because in the religion of the Greeks and Romans, the snake represents the “god” of medicine, who bestows health and well-being. Similarly, all symbols that oppose Tawḥeed and Sincerity (Ikhlaaṣ) towards Allaah and corrupt the Muslim `Aqeedah (Creed) should be shunned.

[Adapted from the book, “نصيحة إلى الطبيب المسلم” (Advice to the Muslim Doctor), pg.9:]

Also, understand that deficiency in Tawḥeed arises from excessive dependence on the means, like doctors, medicine, and other resources, instead of placing ultimate trust in Allaah. According to Sharee`ah (Islaamic law), one should make efforts to use the means available - such as seeking cures and sustenance - but the heart must rely on Allaah rather than on the means themselves.

[*Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos is a senior Salafi scholar from Algeria and has been praised by Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAsjoCZZkBA
Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool said: No one speaks ill of Shaikh Farkoos except an innovator.]


And Allaah is the One who grants success.

Monday, August 18, 2014

The Khawaarij, irrespective of era, follow the same pattern

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Be it “ISIL / ISIS / IS” from the present day Khawaarij or their forefathers from the Harooriyyah or other than them, they go down the same bloody road of spilling the blood of the Muslims while the Kuffaar are safe from their hands.

The description which Imaam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله gave about the Khawaarij more than 700 years ago is like he is speaking about the Khawaarij of today:

“If they (the Khawaarij) were to gain power, they would cause mischief on earth – in `Iraaq, in Shaam (and everywhere). They would not leave a small boy or a small girl, nor a man or a woman (except that they would kill them). This is because in their view, the people have got so much corrupted that nothing can reform them except through mass killing.” 

[al-Bidaayah wal-Nihaayah (10/584-585)]


Friday, August 15, 2014

Be firm upon the Truth!

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

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

“Be firm, and do not change (your stance) because of the large number of attacks on you nor due to (their) being offended by your words. As long as you are upon the truth then be firm, for truth is never budged (by falsehood). Thereafter, defend (the truth) if you are in a weak position. There is nothing lesser than defending (the truth). But if you are in a strong position, then upon you is to attack (the falsehood). For the days take turns (sometimes in your favor and sometimes otherwise).

Tafseer: Whom do you hire for work?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى mentions about one of the sisters whom Moosaa عليه السلام had helped:

﴿قَالَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا يا أَبَتِ اسْتَـْجِرْهُ إِنَّ خَيْرَ مَنِ اسْتَـْجَرْتَ الْقَوِىُّ الأَمِينُ﴾

{And said one of them (the two women): “O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.”} [Surah al-Qasas (28): 26]

Friday, August 8, 2014

Tafseer: Our slaves will be victorious

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى said:

﴿وَلَقَدْ سَبَقَتْ كَلِمَتُنَا لِعِبَادِنَا الْمُرْسَلِينَ * إِنَّهُمْ لَهُمُ الْمَنصُورُونَ * وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ الْغَالِبُونَ﴾

{And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the Messengers; That they verily would be made triumphant. And indeed, Our soldiers, verily they would be the victors.} [Surah al-Saaffaat (37): 171-173]


Tafseer al-Muyassar (by prominent scholars):

“Verily, Our Word – which cannot be changed – has preceded for Our Slaves, the Messengers, that they will be triumphant over their enemies with proofs and strength. And as for Our soldiers – the Mujaahideen (those who strive) in our path – for them (is the victory and they shall) overcome their enemies in every aspect with regards to the outcome and good end.”

**********

Thursday, July 17, 2014

How one gradually abandons prayer:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله said:


“And it is known that abandoning the prayer with congregation is among the major factors for abandoning the prayer in its entirety – Allaah’s refuge is sought – because this disease of the heart which made him abandon the congregation will eventually pull him towards desertion and carelessness (of prayer). So sometimes he is praying and sometimes he is not. And this is based on Riyaa’ (showing off); so if he is with the people he prays – to avoid embarrassment, but when he is alone, he forsakes it. And this is the state of the hypocrites.” [al-Ikhtiyaraat al-Fiqhiyyah (1/107)]

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Is monarchy/kingship wrong?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1. If monarchy/kingship is wrong, then why did Allaah تعالى appoint Taaloot as a king?

{And their Prophet said to them, "Indeed Allaah has appointed Taaloot as a king over you."} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 247]

2. If kingship is wrong then why were Prophets Dawood and Sulaimaan عليهم السلام ruling as kings?

It is due upon us that we supplicate for the rulers:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1. If our Muslim brothers deserve our supplications, then the Muslim rulers have precedence over all the others.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Religion is sincerity (Al-Naseehah), religion is sincerity, religion is sincerity.” They said: ‘To whom, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said: “To Allaah, to His Book, to His Messenger, TO THE IMAAMS OF THE MUSLIMS and to their common folk.” [Saheeh Muslim (661)]

Why we need to warn against innovation:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد


Shaikh Rabee` bin Haadee al-Madkhalee حفظه الله said:

“The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to give the sermon while no Mubtadi` (innovator) was in front of him. But he صلى الله عليه وسلم would always or most of the times would say: “To proceed, the best speech is the Speech of Allaah, and the best guidance is that of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the worst affairs are the newly invented (i.e. innovations in religion)…”

He صلى الله عليه وسلم used to repeat this a lot while there were no innovators in front of him; Why?! Because of the dangers of Bid`ah (innovation in religion)…”


كتاب: مرحباً يا طالب العلم ص 35

Ibn `Umar: By Allaah! I will not give my pledge…

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

On the authority of Abu al-`Aaliyah al-Baraa’ that `Abdullaah Ibn al-Zubair and `Abdullaah bin Safwaan were sitting in al-Hijr (al-Hijr Isma`eel as it is more commonly known – the semicircle next to the Ka`bah) and Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما, who was making Tawaaf around the Ka`bah, passed by them. One of them said to the other: Of those who are alive, do you see anyone better than him? A man was instructed to call Ibn `Umar to them once he finishes his Tawaaf. So when Ibn `Umar finished his Tawaaf and prayed two Rak`aat, the man approached him and said: `Abdullaah Ibn al-Zubair and `Abdullaah bin Safwaan are calling you, so Ibn `Umar went to them.

`Abdullaah bin Safwaan said: O Abu `Abdul Rahmaan! What prevents you from giving your Bai`a (pledge) to Ameer al-Mu’mineen, meaning `Abdullaah Ibn al-Zubair, whereas the Ahl al-`Uroodh (people of Makkah), and people of al-`Iraaq and the common people of al-Shaam have given Bai`a to him?

Ibn `Umar said: “BY ALLAAH! I WILL NOT GIVE MY PLEDGE TO YOU WHILE THE SWORDS ARE STILL HANGING ON YOUR SHOULDERS, AND YOUR HANDS HAVE CAUSED THE BLOODSHED OF THE MUSLIMS.”

[Sunan al-Kubraa of al-Baihaqee (16808) and its chain is Jayyid]


Note: This is clear evidence that Bai`a is not to be given to anyone while the Fitnah still looms among them – till the matters are decided in the favor of one of them and the Ummah agrees upon it (unlike some people agree and others disagree) and that there is no more Fitnah.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

How to know when the deeds are being accepted?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn Rajab رحمه الله said:
“Whoever does an act of obedience – out of the many acts of obedience – and completes it.
The sign of it being accepted is that he follows it with another act of obedience.
And the sign of it being rejected is that he follows it with an act of disobedience.”

[Lataaif al-Ma`aarif (1/224)]

Friday, July 4, 2014

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #74

The Salaah - the Garden of Worship

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد


Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
“The Salaah is a Garden from among the Gardens of Worship. The Garden in which there is beautiful combination (of a lot of good actions) - (recitation of the) Qur’aan, Remembrance (of Allaah), Du`aa (Supplication), Tasbeeh (Glorification of Allaah), Takbeer (exalting Allaah’s Greatness) and Seeking Refuge (from evil and mischief).”
[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (5/210)]

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Fitnah of a wicked scholar and an ignorant worshiper:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

If the Fitnah caused by a wicked scholar is severe, then how much more worse is the Fitnah caused by those who pretend to be scholars, misguided and misguiding others, giving Fatwa based on their whims:

Sufyaan al-Tahwree رحمه الله said:
“Seek Allaah’s refuge from the Fitnah of an ignorant worshiper (al-`Aabid al-Jaahil), and from the Fitnah of a wicked scholar (al-`Aalim al-Faajir), for indeed their trial is a (great) affliction upon those who will be tested (through them).”
[Akhlaaq al-`Ulamaa’ (1/87) of al-Aajurree]

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله commented on the above statement of Sufyaan al-Thawree, saying:
“For indeed the people imitate their scholars and the worshipers among them. So if the scholars are wicked and the worshipers are ignorant, then calamities will spread because of them and great trials will be afflicted upon specific (individuals) and the general (mass) (i.e. everyone will be caught in their trial).”

[Miftaah Daar al-Sa`aadah (1/160))]

Love of Hadeeth and innovation cannot be gathered in a person’s heart:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ahmad bin Sinaan رحمه الله said:
“There is no Mubtadi` (innovator) in this world except that he hates the As-haab al-Hadeeth (the Muhadditheen). If a person introduces an innovation (in religion), the sweetness of Hadeeth is taken away from his heart.”

[Siyar A`laam al-Nubalaa’ (9/569)]

Saturday, June 28, 2014

When is a person considered to be upon the Sunnah?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Sahl bin `Abdullaah al-Tustaree رحمه الله was asked: How can a person know that he is following (Ahl) al-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah?

He said: “When he finds for himself ten characteristics:

1. That he does not abandon the Jamaa`ah.

2. And that he does not reviles Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

3. And that he does not revolt with (i.e. raises) the sword against this Ummah.

4. And that he does not belie (deny) the Qadr.

5. And does not doubt in (the articles of) Imaan.

6. And that he does not argue in (regards to the matter of) the Deen.

7. And that he does not abandon offering the Salaah (al-Janaazah) for anyone who died from the People of the Qiblah (i.e. the Muslims) due to a sin (which the deceased might have committed).

8. And that he does not abandon wiping over the Khuffs (shoes/socks).

9. And that he does not abandon the (Salaah in) congregation behind a pious or a sinner.”


[Sharh Usool I`teqaad (1/205/324) of Laalikaaee. This is how only 9 points are mentioned]

Friday, June 27, 2014

Affirming The Attributes of Allaah: Speech

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد


Shaikh `Abdullaah Ibn Humaid رحمه الله said:

And this is the saying of our scholars.

As for this reasoning, which the Mu`tazilah set up and other than them - for example (in regards to) affirming the Attribute of Speech for Allaah - they say it is not permissible to affirm (the Attribute of) Speech for Allaah. (They say) Because if we affirm that Allaah speaks, then it becomes imperative (to believe) that He has a tongue and it becomes imperative (to believe) that He has two lips, and it becomes imperative (to believe) that He has gums. This is because speech is not possible without the lips, the tongue or the gums. If you affirm all these, then you have likened Him with His creation.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Do not be among those who recite the Qur’aan but curse themselves:


بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Saaleh bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan غفر الله له said:

“As for the saying of Allaah تعالى:

{…not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray.} [Surah al-Faatihah (1): 7]

{those who earned Your Anger}, they are the scholars, those who do not act upon the knowledge that they have.

{nor of those who went astray}, they are those who do actions without knowledge.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Delaying the prayer to watch a football match?

(This fatwa is not limited to a football match only)

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

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

“As for delaying the prayer just because one wants to watch a game; then I, By Allaah, advise you as a compassionate brother, do not spend your precious time in watching a game because I do not know of any goodness for you in that – neither in this world, nor in the hereafter. Rather, it is only wasting of time. Moreover, in many of these matches, as per what we have heard, the private parts are uncovered. One finds them wearing shorts which would reach only half their thighs or something similar, while they are youths. No doubt, youths will become a Fitnah if they uncover their thighs. On the other hand, in these games, the spectators support and praise a person with such praises which he is unworthy of (especially when he is a Kaafir).

Therefore, I wish that you instead gather for learning something beneficial, like Riyaadh al-Saaliheen or some other books in which there is benefit and rectification of the hearts and actions. And as you know that the lifespan is limited and a person does not know when he will run out of time. So make benefit of the opportunity (that you have been given). Baarak Allaahu feekum.”

[Majmoo` Fataawa of Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen (15/37)]

The stages of seeking knowledge:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Muhammad Ibn al-Nadhar said:
“The first (level) of seeking `Ilm is: Listening and paying attention, then its memorization, then its implementation, then its propagation.”

[Siyar A`laam al-Nubalaa’ of al-Dhahabee (7/227)]

Friday, June 13, 2014

Knowledge Revolves Around 5 Things:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى said:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ﴾

{O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitaan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 168]

Abu `Abdullaah al-Saajeey – Sa`eed bin Yazeed said:
“There are 5 traits by which `Ilm is completed:
1) Knowing about Allaah عز وجل [1].
2) Knowing the Truth (i.e. Islaam) [2].
3) Sincerity in doing things for Allaah (alone) [3].
4) Implementing the Sunnah [4].
5) Eating the Halaal [5].
If anyone of these is missing, the Deeds are not raised up (i.e. they are not rewarded).”
[Tafseer al-Qurtobee (2/208)]
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Salvation lies in 3 things:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى said:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ﴾

{O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitaan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 168]

Salvation lies in 3 things:

Sahl bin `Abdullaah رحمه الله said: “Salvation lies in three things:
1) Eating the Halaal.
2) Performing the obligations.
3) Following (emulating) the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

[Tafseer al-Qurtobee (2/208)]