Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #79

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The following points are covered under this topic:

1. Importance of revising knowledge

2. What forgetting the Qur’aan means and the rulings pertaining to it

3. Reasons for forgetting and its cure

4. Weak Hadeeth

Riyaadh al-Saaliheen: Chapter: The Command to keep on reciting the Qur’aan and being careful not to allow oneself to forget it.

1002 - Narrated Abu Musa رضي الله عنه: the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Keep refreshing your knowledge of the Qur’aan, for, by Him in Whose Hand my life is, Qur’aan runs away (is forgotten) faster than camels that are released from their tying ropes.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5033) and Saheeh Muslim (1727)]

1003 - `Abdullaah ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما reported Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying: “The example of a man who has memorized the Qur’aan is like that of a hobbled camel. If he remained vigilant, he would be able to retain it (with him), and if he loosened the hobbled camel it would escape.” [Saheeh Muslim (1722)]

The obligation for men to perform the Salaah in Jamaa`ah:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله said:

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ﴾

{And perform al-Salaah, and give Zakaah, and bow down along with those who bow down (in prayer).} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 43]

This verse is prove that it is obligatory (upon individuals) to gather together to observe the Salaah in congregation. If the purpose was just to observe it, then the following command would not have been stated clearly in the last part of this verse: {and bow down along with those who bow down (in prayer).}

﴿وَإِذَا كُنتَ فِيهِمْ فَأَقَمْتَ لَهُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَلْتَقُمْ طَائِفَةٌ مِّنْهُم مَّعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوا أَسْلِحَتَهُمْ فَإِذَا سَجَدُوا فَلْيَكُونُوا مِن وَرَائِكُمْ وَلْتَأْتِ طَائِفَةٌ أُخْرَىٰ لَمْ يُصَلُّوا فَلْيُصَلُّوا مَعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوا حِذْرَهُمْ وَأَسْلِحَتَهُمْ﴾

{When you (O Messenger) are among them, and lead them in al-Salaah, let one party of them stand up [in Salaah] with you taking their arms with them; when they finish their prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear and let the other party come up which has not yet prayed, and let them pray with you taking all the precautions and bearing arms.} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 102]

Allaah تعالى has made it an obligation upon Muslims to observe the Salaah in congregation at times of war and great panic. If this is the case, then what about doing so at times of peace? If it was allowed for someone to abandon the Salaah in congregation, those who are engaged in war against the enemy would be the first to have an excuse for abandoning the congregation. So, it becomes evident that observing the Salaah in congregation is one of the most important obligations and that no one is allowed to abandon it.

[Majmoo` Fataawa of Shaikh Ibn Baaz (12/15-16)]

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #78

Etiquette: Permissible sitting positions

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Chapter: On the permission to lie on one's back and put one leg across the other when one's private parts are not exposed, and the permission to sit cross-legged and sitting with one's legs drawn up

820 - Narrated `Abbaad bin Tameem that his uncle said: “I saw Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم lying flat (on his back) in the mosque with one leg on the other.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (475, 6287) and Saheeh Muslim (5239)]

821 - Jaabir bin Samurah رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم prayed the Fajr (dawn) prayer, he used to sit crossed-legged where he had prayed till the sun had come well up.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (4850) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Why some people can’t accept the truth?! (some of the reasons):

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1) Hero worship:

In the past the people did not accept the truth because it went against the teachings of their forefathers:

﴿وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ اتَّبِعُوا مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ قَالُوا بَلْ نَتَّبِعُ مَا أَلْفَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ آبَاءَنَا أَوَلَوْ كَانَ آبَاؤُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَهْتَدُونَ﴾

{When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah has sent down." They say: "Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following." (Would they do that!) Even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided?} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 170]

The intention of the Imaam is different from that of the followers

The intention of the Imaam is different from that of the followers. Everyone has to make the intention for the prayer he is about to pray. The place of intention is the heart.

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

1) Praying optional (Nafil) prayer behind the one who is praying the obligatory (Fardh) prayer:

a)

Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree رضي الله عنه narrated: A man came when Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم had already prayed, so he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Which of you will give some reward to this person?” So a man stood to pray with him. [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (220) and the wordings are his; and Sunan Abu Dawood (574) with the wordings: “Is there not a person who will give him charity by praying with him?”; and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Don't be lax about straightening the rows in congregations

And we want to unite the Ummah whereas we cannot even stand as one in our prayers:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله said:

And from the matters in which there is laxity and negligence - on the part of some of the Imaams (of the Masaajid) and those who are praying behind them in the congregation – is in regards to straightening the rows, standing (straight) in it, and being close to each other (while offering the prayer in congregation). And in this matter it is feared that the wrath of Allaah سبحانه may befall (the one who is negligent about it) on account of the threats that have been reported in this regard:

On the authority of Abu Mas`ood al-Ansaaree رضي الله عنه who said:  The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to gently pat our shoulders (when we were standing in rows) at the time of Salaah and say: “Keep (the rows) straight and do not differ from each other (do not be irregular) lest your hearts should suffer from discord.” [Saheeh Muslim (868)]

Narrated An-Nu`maan bin Basheer رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Straighten your rows or Allaah will alter your faces (and would create dissension amongst you).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (717) and Saheeh Muslim (874, 875)]

It was reported on the authority of Anas رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:  “Straighten your rows, for the straightening of rows is a part of the perfection of Salaah.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (722) and Saheeh Muslim (871, 873)]

[Majmoo` Fataawa of Shaikh Ibn Baan (12/10)]

More Ahaadeeth on Straightening the Rows:

http://ilm4all.blogspot.com/2012/04/hadeeth-prophetic-method-of-uniting.html

Better a thief than a Raafidhee

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Bashshaar bin Bard said to Hilaal bin `Attiyyah and they were friends:

“O Hilaal! Will you listen to my advice?” He (Hilaal) said: “Yes.” He said: “(O Hilaal!) There was a time when you used to steal donkeys. Then you repented (from it) and (now) you became a Raafidhee. (O Hilaal!) Return back to stealing donkeys, for it is, By Allaah, better for you than to be engaged in Rifdh (i.e. better for you than being a Raafidhee).”

[Wafayaat al-A`yaan (1/425)]

The one with poor recitation should not be made the Imaam - especially when the meaning changes

Praying behind the one who makes apparent and clear mistakes while reciting the Qur’aan

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Question: Some scholars are reported to have said that the one who makes clear and obvious mistakes while reciting the Qur’aan, like substituting the letter (like ز instead of ذ, س instead of ث), or changing the vowel sound, or leaving al-Madd al-waajib (the compulsory prolongation) etc., then it is not proper to pray behind the one who does so. Please advise us in this regards.

Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله:

The mistakes are of two types: 1) the mistake which alters the meaning. In this regards, the Imaam should be notified so that he corrects his recitation. Example: reciting

The Best Gift: Taqwa

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Taqwa is: “the Fear of Allaah” by which one abstains from sins.

Taqwa is: that which generates “the Love of Allaah” by which one performs all that he has been commanded.

Taqwa is: “God-consciousness” by which one is in constant remembrance of Allaah and is mindful of Him تعالى in all his affairs.

The best provision is: “Taqwa”

The best advice one can give is: “Taqwa”

The best advice one receives is: “Taqwa”

The best thing one enjoins upon others is: “Taqwa”

The best gift one can give to his loved ones is: “Taqwa”

The thing by which people will enter Paradise the most is: “Taqwa”

Welfare of the children: the concern of every parent

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The welfare of the children depends upon the righteousness of the parents. The more the parents are obedient to Allaah تعالى, the more they secure His protection for their children.

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿فَانطَلَقَا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَتَيَا أَهْلَ قَرْيَةٍ اسْتَطْعَمَا أَهْلَهَا فَأَبَوْا أَن يُضَيِّفُوهُمَا فَوَجَدَا فِيهَا جِدَارًا يُرِيدُ أَن يَنقَضَّ فَأَقَامَهُ﴾

{Then they both (Moosaa and Khidr) proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight…} [Surah al-Kahf (18): 77]

What is done sincerely for the sake of Allaah will remain

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Al-Suyootee رحمه الله said:

Ibn Abee al-Dhi’b رحمه الله authored “al-Muwatta” in al-Madeenah which was greater (in size) than “al-Muwatta” of Imaam Maalik رحمه الله. So it was said to Imaam Maalik: “What is the benefit of this work of yours?” Imaam Maalik رحمه الله said: “What is done (sincerely) for the sake of Allaah, will remain.”

[Al-Suyootee in “Tadreeb al-Raawee (1/93)]

And Allaah جل وعلا made the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik famous and spread throughout the earth and about which Imaam al-Shaafa`ee رحمه الله had said: “There is nothing on earth after the Book of Allaah that is more correct that the Muwatta’ of Maalik ibn Anas.”

Imaam al-Shaafa`ee made this comment before al-Bukhaaree and Muslim wrote their books, as was noted by al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer. The Isnaads of Maalik are of the highest standard of Saheeh, because of this, the two Shaikhs al-Bukhaaree and Muslim narrated most of his Ahaadeeth in their books.

How to purify the heart:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn Baaz رحمه الله said:

“Whoever takes care of his time by doing Dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah, reciting the Qur’aan, accompanying the good people, and distancing himself from the ignorant and bad company will purify and soften his heart.”

Majmoo` Fataawa of Shaikh Ibn Baaz (5/244)

A promise from Allaah: He تعالى will suffice His Prophet against the mockers

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

﴿إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ﴾

{Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers.} [Surah al-Hijr (15): 95]

Shaikh al-Sa`dee رحمه الله said:

“Meaning: (Allaah is sufficient) for you (O Muhammad) and what you came with. And this is a promise from Allaah تعالى to His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم – that the mockers will not be able to harm him (or cause any damage to his reputation), and that Allaah تعالى will suffice him صلى الله عليه وسلم against the mocker by inflicting them with any punishment as He تعالى Wills. And He تعالى has already done this (in the past); verily, no one showed up, mocking the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and what he came with, except that Allaah تعالى destroyed him and gave him a violent (or a painful) death.”

Dhulm: its meaning and its types

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn Faaris defines ظلم (Dhulm) as:

“ظُلْم [Dhulm] has two root meaning, one of (which is darkness) which is the opposite of light and radiance; and the other is: putting a thing in other than its own place.”

--end of quote

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

The Khawaarij kill indiscriminately

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The Companion `Abdullaah bin Khabbaab رضي الله عنهما:

His father Khabbaab bin al-Arat رضي الله عنه was also a companion. In fact Khabbaab was among the foremost to accept Islaam. He was one of the six people to embrace Islaam and was tortured at the hands of the Mushriks of Makkah.

As for `Abdullaah bin Khabbaab, he, along with `Abdullaah bin al-Zubair, were the first to be born in Islaam.

`Abdullaah bin Khabbaab was killed by the Khawaarij:

Some of the Khawaarij were travelling from al-Basrah to al-Koofah. On their way they met `Abdullaah bin Khabbaab along with him was his wife (at his home). They asked him: Who are you? He said: I am `Abdullaah bin Khabbaah, the Companion of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. They asked him about Abu Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmaan and `Alee رضي الله عنهم. He mentioned all of them with lots of praises, so they killed him and shed his blood in the water. And they killed his wife who was pregnant with near delivery. She said to them: I am a woman, don’t you fear Allaah? They ripped open her womb (and killed both the mother and the child).

[Usud al-Ghaabah (3/223) and Siyar A`laam al-Nubalaa’ (2/534)]

•――۩۞۩――•

When the Khawaarij killed `Uthmaan رضي الله عنه, they did not care...

1) for his old age.

2) that he was reciting the Qur'aan.

3) that he was the Companion of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

4) that he was the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلم son in law.

5) that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم trusted him with two of his daughters.

6) that even the angels felt shy in front of him.

7) that he was one of the 10 who were promised Paradise.

And centuries later, Hizb al-Tahreer and those who follow their ways from Ikhwaan al-Mufliseen and Jamaat Islaami are not ashamed of accusing `Uthmaan رضي الله عنه and justify his killing.

•――۩۞۩――•

The Khawaarij do not respect the sanctity of the place or the time:

A) It was the month of Ramadhaan when the Muslims faced the Kuffaar in the battle of Badr...and it was the month of Ramadhaan when the Khaariji, `Abdul-Rahaam bin Muljim, killed `Alee رضي الله عنه.

B) In the year 1400 Hijri, Juhaymaan al-`Utaibi and his brother-in-law, Muhammad bin `Abdullaah al-Qahtaanee (who declared himself as the Mahdi), along with their forces seized the Masjid al-Haraam in Makkah (a sacred place), in the month of Muharram (a sacred time in which fighting is prohibited). They killed the Saudi security forces along with the pilgrims who got trapped in the Haram. Even the walls of Masjid al-Haraam were riddled with bullets. It took two weeks before Masjid al-Haraam was released from their clutches.

So do not acclaim your own virtue

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

﴿فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ﴾

{So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allaah and keep his duty to Him.} [Surah al-Najm (53): 32]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Three things destroy (a man): The greed that is obeyed, the desires that are followed and a person being amazed with his own opinion.” [Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah (1802/4/412-416) and graded as “Hasan li ghairihee” (accepted due to supporting chains). This has been reported from Anas bin Maalik, Ibn `Abbaas, Abu Hurairah, `Abdullaah Ibn Abu Aufaa and Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهم]

The Arabic phrase in the Hadeeth:

إعجاب المرء بنفسه

can also be translated as to mean: “a person who has high opinion about himself”. In other words: a person who has pride, self-conceited, having the impression that he can never be wrong, etc.

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said: “al-`Ujb (pride, self-amazement, haughtiness) destroys the (good) deed the way al-Riyaa (showing off) destroys it.” [Madaarij al-Saalikeen (1/515)]

Shaikh Ibn al`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said in his Tafseer about this verse:

Explanation of the Hadeeth: "I Shall teach you some words"

Hadeeth #19 from Sharh al-Arba`een al-Nawawee by Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

On the authority of `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما who said: One day I was (riding) behind the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (on the same mount) and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allaah and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allaah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allaah [alone]. And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allaah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allaah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2516) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

In another narration, other than that of al-Tirmidhee, reads: “Be mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. Recognize and acknowledge Allaah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will remember you in times of adversity. And know that what has passed you by [and you have failed to attain] was not going to befall you, and what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease.” [Mustadrak of al-Haakim (6304)]

Meaning of the word ‘Aayah’

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn Hajar رحمه الله mentioned in al-Fath:

“al-Mu`aafa al-Nahrawaanee mentioned in his book “al-Jalees”: the word al-Aayah (الآية) in the (Arabic) language connotes three meanings:

1. A distinguishing sign.

2. A miracle (which took place or is) in progress.

3. A befalling affliction (calamity).

As for the first, it is the saying of Allaah تعالى:

How this hadith: “Convey from me, even if it is one verse” should be understood

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Narrated `Abdullaah bin `Amr رضي الله عنه: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single Aayah (Verse, sentence), and tell others the stories of Banee Israa’eel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3461) and Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2669)]

The Hadeeth, when quoted in full, gives the explanation that not everyone is suitable to propagate except when the person is sure that what he is saying is the truth. He should be sure that he is not attributing a lie against Allaah, His Book, His Deen and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. And this assurance only comes with seeking knowledge.

Shaikh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

Importance of scholars and seeking knowledge in establishing the Sharee`ah

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“…and this is from Shaitaan. Shaitaan is the one who wants to incite enmity between the Muslims and especially between the students of knowledge to the extent that one renounces the other. For the Shaitaan knows that the Sharee`ah (of Allaah) cannot be established except through (seeking) knowledge and by the scholars.” [Tafseer Surah aal-`Imraan pg. 602]

۩۞۩

And then we have people calling the scholars as:

1. Scholars for dollars.

2. Scholars of “al-Heedh wal-Nifaas” (menstruation and postpartum bleeding) (a derogatory term by which these people want to limit the scope of the scholars, claiming that they are only concerned with the issues of Tahaarah etc.).

3. The scholars are ignorant of “al-fiqh al-waaqi`” (the current affairs).

4. “We live in the West while they are in the East”, (another way of saying that the scholars are ignorant).

So when we hear such things or something similar to it, where scholars are being degraded, then know that Shaitaan is at work. These are the ways Shaitaan wants to create a rift between the scholars and the people. We seek Allaah’s refuge from such evil.

Beware of speaking about Allaah without knowledge for one wrong word can destroy our Hereafter

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Do not speak about Allaah without Knowledge:

Al-Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“And indeed Allaah سبحانه prohibited speaking about Him without knowledge in giving fatwaa and issuing judicial rulings, and He تعالى made it from the greatest of the Muharramaat (the prohibited matters). Rather He placed it in the highest level from them. So He تعالى said:

﴿قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّيَ الفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَاوَمَا بَطَنَ وَالإِثْمَ وَالْبَغْيَ بِغَيْرِ الحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَاناً وَأَن تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ﴾

Unity is not achieved by wishful thinking or flattery

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

So many speakers in the east and the west are trying to “unite” the Ummah by uniting with the deviants, sharing the same platform with them and many have signed the treaty with them to: “cooperate in which they agree and remain silent in which they disagree”. The likes of Nouman Ali Khan cooperating with the Soofees including the deviant Hamza Yusuf and others. Yasir Qadhi and his complete U-turn on the Raafidhah and his aligning them now. And many more like “Mufti” Menk, one would hardly find them touching the subject of Tawheed, `Aqeedah and Shirk. Their reasoning: The topic on Tawheed and Shirk divides the Ummah and these topics do not generate big crowds.