29 Mar 2011

Muslims speaking out against the Crusades







Muslims voicing their anger towards the injustice of the Western Democracy and demanding the Shariah law to become dominant. The Crusades in the Muslim lands has caused carnage throughout those lands that were illegally occupied by the West.

Muslims in defence of Shaykh Abu Hamzah al Masri







Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami said (Tuhfah Al-Muhtaj 9/237) said:


If the enemy captures a single Muslim, it becomes wajib (obligatory) on every one who has the ability, to rush to their rescue (even without seeking anyone’s permission). It is apparent that it is compulsory on everyone, similar to the situation where the enemy invades our land. Moreover, saving our brothers is of a higher priority, as the sanctity of a Muslim is greater (than the sanctity of a State).

Muslims in defence of Shaykh Omar Bakri Muhammad



Sulayman Keeler speaking on behalf of Shaykh Omar Bakri Muhammad who was falsely imorisoned bythe Lebanese regime


Abu Izzadeen speaking on behalf of Shaykh Omar Bakri Muhammad after the incarceration of a nable shaykh of Ahlus sunnah wal Jama'ah






The scholars have many positions on this subject, but they are agreed upon it being obligatory to free the Muslim prisoners of war, by either sacrificing ourselves or by our wealth.



Ibn Qudamah Al-Hanbali said (Al-Mughni 9/228):



It is obligatory to pay the ransom money for the Muslim prisoners, if it is possible.



This was also said by Umar bin Abdul-Aziz, Imam Malik and Ishaq. It has been narrated from Ibn Zubair that he asked Al-Hassan bin Ali about freeing the prisoners. Al-Hassan replied: “It is obligatory upon the entire Earth on which he was fighting.”



It has been established from the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) that he said: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the prisoner.”



It has been narrated by Saeed through his chain from Hibban bin Jabalah, that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said:Indeed it is obligatory upon the Muslims to free their captives or to pay their ransoms.”



The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) wrote a letter advising the Muhajireen and Ansar: “To restrain the enemy soldiers in their fortresses and to free the Muslim captives with goodness.”



The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) paid the ransom for two Muslim men with a man who he (SAWS) had taken from Bani Uqail, and he paid the ransom for two people with a woman who was given as a gift by Salamah bin Al-Akwa.



These evidences show how the prisoners were freed, not specifying any particular way. However, if we are able to free the prisoners through a particular way then it becomes obligatory upon us do take that course. This is what the jurists did and they said: “It is compulsory upon us to even wage war in order to release the Muslim captives, if we are in a position to wage war.”



Imam An-Nawawi said (Ar-Raudah 10/216):



If the enemy capture a Muslim or two, then is it equivalent to invading a Muslim land? There are two opinions on this. The first opinion is no, because the troubling of one Muslim soldier is insignificant. The more correct and other opinion of the two is yes, because the sanctity of a single Muslim is greater than the sanctity of an entire state. Therefore, if the Islamic State is close to the location where the prisoner was captured, then it should release the prisoner and exact a fine from those who have captured him. (Otherwise, paying the ransom money is wajib (compulsory) if we can free the prisoner by it).



Al-Qurtubi (2/26) said:



Our scholars have said that ransoming the prisoners with money is wajib (obligatory), even if one dirham does not remain in the Islamic Treasury. Ibn Khuwaiz Mindad has confirmed the existence of verses of the Quran that indicate the obligation of releasing the prisoners. It has also been narrated from the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) that he ransomed the prisoners and ordered others to do so as well. This has also been course taken by the Muslims and their consensus that it is incumbent to free the prisoners by taking money from the Islamic Treasury, and if that is not possible, then it becomes compulsory as a collective duty: if one person executes it, the sin is lifted from the shoulders of the rest of the Muslims.



Related from the author of The Book of Jihad and Fighting in Islamic Politics from the author of As-Seer Al-Kabeer with its commentary (3/1583):



It is OK to exchange both male and female non-Muslim prisoners who are in the hands of the Muslims, for Muslim prisoners. This is the opinion held by Abu Yusuf, Muhammad and it is the strongest opinion held by Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him).



Ibn Juzai Al-Maliki said (Page 172 of Qawaneen Al-Ahkam Ash-Shar’iyyah):



It is necessary to rescue the Muslim prisoners from the hands of the disbelievers by fighting them. If the Muslims are unable to do so, then it becomes compulsory upon them to pay the ransom money. It is incumbent on a rich person to ransom himself and on the Imam (leader), to pay the ransom money for the poor people, from the Islamic Treasury. If they still fall short, then it becomes compulsory to take from the wealth of all the Muslims, even if it finishes their wealth.



Al-Izz bin Abdus-Salam said (Page 97 from Ahkam Al-Jihad wa Fadailihi):



Rescuing the Muslim prisoners from the hands of the disbelievers is one of the best means of coming close to Allah. Some of the scholars have said: “If even one Muslim is captured, it becomes compulsory upon us to persevere in fighting the disbelieving enemy until we either free the Muslim captives or destroy the disbelieving enemy. Therefore, what do you say if they capture a large number of Muslims!?”



Ibn Nuhaas transmits from An-Nawawi in Ar-Raudah (2/838 from Mashari Al-Ashwaq ila Masari’ Al-Ushaq):



If the enemy capture a Muslim or two, then is it equivalent to invading a Muslim land? There are two opinions on this. The first opinion is no, because the troubling of one Muslim soldier is insignificant. The more correct and other opinion of the two is yes, because the sanctity of a single Muslim is greater than the sanctity of an entire state.



Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said (Al-Fatawa 28/635):



Freeing the prisoners is one of the greatest compulsory deeds and spending ransom money and other means towards that, is one of the greatest ways to come close to Allah.



Ibn Al-Arabi said (Ahkam Al-Quran 2/440):



Unless the prisoners are from the weak and oppressed, then the State should be steadfast in their cause. To help them with our bodies is wajib (obligatory) and no one should remain behind until they all leave to rescue them or spend all of their wealth to rescue them. This was said by Imam Malik and all of the scholars. Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we must return, if we leave our brothers in the hands of the enemy and they have wealth, weapons, number, strength and authority.



Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami said (Tuhfah Al-Muhtaj 9/237) said:



If the enemy captures a single Muslim, it becomes wajib (obligatory) on every one who has the ability, to rush to their rescue (even without seeking anyone’s permission). It is apparent that it is compulsory on everyone, similar to the situation where the enemy invades our land. Moreover, saving our brothers is of a higher priority, as the sanctity of a Muslim is greater (than the sanctity of a State).



Abu Bakr Al-Jassas (Ahkam Al-Quran 1/58) said:



The ransoming of Muslim prisoners is one of the obligatory deeds that has been established upon us. Al-Hajjaj bin Artaah narrated about this ruling from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) wrote a letter to the Muhajireen and Ansar, to detain the enemy prisoners in their stronghold, ransom their prisoners for something befitting and for peacemaking amongst the Muslims. Mansoor narrated from Shaqeeq bin Salamah from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Feed the hungry, spread the greeting (salam), visit the sick and free the prisoner.”



These two serve as evidences for freeing the prisoners because the word, ‘Al-Aani’ in Arabic refers to prisoner. Imran bin Hussain and Salamah bin Al-Akwa’ narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) ransomed pagans for Muslim prisoners.



Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani said (Fath Al-Bari 6/167):


The saying of Imam Al-Bukhari, ‘The Chapter on Freeing Prisoners’ refers to freeing them from the hands of the enemy by money or by other means. The word ‘Al-Fakak’, where the fa (Arabic letter) from the word has a fatha (it is also permissible for it to take a kasrah), means to free. This word is mentioned in two hadiths. The first one is the hadith of Abu Musa: “Free the prisoner.” Ibn Battal said that freeing the prisoners is compulsory on a collective duty (Fard Kifayah). This opinion is also held by the majority of the scholars.

28 Mar 2011

7 under the shade of Allah

The Prophet,peace and blessings be upon him, said:

There are seven whom Allaah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allaah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allaah', a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allaah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah collected in Bukharee & Muslim
by the Noble Shaykh, Naasir ibn Hamd al-Fahd (May Allah hasten his release from captivity)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, and may Salah and Salam be upon the Messenger of Allaah, to proceed:

Know, my Muslim brother, that from the principles of the religion of Islam is disbelieving in the Taghut, and this is half of tawheed; its other half being belief in Allah, as Allah the Most High says:

Whoever disbelieves in the Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has held unto the firm hand hold.

And He said:

And we have sent in every people a Messenger saying worship Allah and steer clear of The Taghut.

And from disbelief in the Taghut is: declaring (ones) disavowal from Kufr and its people, and hating them, and having enmity towards them, as Allah the Most High says: There has been a good example in Ibrahim and those who were with him, when they said to their people: “We are free from you and what you worship besides Allah, we have disbelieved in you, and enmity and hatred has begun between us and you until you believe in Allah alone.”

Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahulla) said: For Allah has ordered us to follow in the way of Ibrahim and those who were with him, as they declared Bara’ah (innocence, disavowal) from the Mushrikin and what they worship besides Allah, and al-Khalil (Ibrahim) said: “I am free from what you worship, except the One who created me. Indeed He shall guide me,” and having Bara’ah is opposite of allegiance, and the foundation of Bara’ah is hatred, and the foundation of allegiance is love, and this is because the reality of tawheed is to not love except Allah, and to love what Allah loves, thus he doesn’t love except for Allah, and does not hate except for Allah.

Many of the Muslims have been tested by living in the lands of the Kafirun (disbelievers), for various reasons; however the hukm (Islamic ruling) upon living in the lands of the Kuffar has various details which the people of knowledge have mentioned, generally compromising three categories;

The First Category: If the Muslim is capable of openly declaring his religion, as well as declaring publicly his disbelief and rejection of the Taghut, then it is permissible for him to reside there, and if he is a public caller (daaie) to Allah whilst living between Kuffar, then it may even be praiseworthy and recommended for him to reside there, and this was the condition of the Prophets when they lived amongst their people.

The Second Category: If he is unable to openly declare his religion, and is able to migrate to a land where he can openly declare his religion in it, then it becomes obligatory to do so.

TheThird Category: If he is unable to openly declare his religion, and is unable to migrate, then he is from the weak excused ones, but he must refrain from interacting with the Kuffar and mixing with them as much as possible. And, all this has been explained elsewhere.

For this reason, it is obligatory upon those Muslims who reside in the land of the Kuffar (Daar ul Kufr) to actualise the Millah of Ibrahim (as) by declaring Bara’ah from the Kuffar and their religion, and to openly show them hatred and enmity. However, I wish to make two issues related to this matter clear;

The First Issue: Actualising the Millah of Ibrahim does not mean leaving calling the Kuffar to Islam in a nice manner, for the Messenger (saw) was open to the Kuffar from his people in his declaration of their Kufr, and his enmity and hatred towards them, and this did not prevent him (saw) from calling them to Islam by softness, mildness, and with good reminders. In this matter two types of people have fallen into misguidance,

1. Those who see nothing except softness in calling people to Islam, so he left openly showing enmity and hatred to the disbelievers, and thus fell into having allegiance (towards them).

2. Those who see nothing but hatred and enmity towards them, so they ignore inviting them to Islam by mildness.

The Second Issue: The actualisation of the Millah of Ibrahim does not mean being treacherous to the Kuffar or cheating them or their wealth if they give a contract of passage (or safety) to the Muslim, for the Muslim, if he is granted a contract of protection and passage by way of an agreed upon contract with the Kafir, even if only by way of custom, then it becomes prohibited on him to be treacherous or deceive them.

I ask Allah, the Glorified the Most High to forgive the ones who wrote, translated, published and read it from amongst the Muslims, and I ask Him the Glorified to help us all to that which He loves and is pleased with, and to grant us sincerity, and to accept from our actions, and to keep us firm until we meet Him, and may Salah and Salam be upon our Messenger Muhammad, and upon his family and Companions.

Shaykh Naasir bin Hamd al-Fahd (May Allah hasten his release from captivity)


عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه ، قال : سمعت رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم يقول : ( من رأى منكم منكرًا فلغيره بيده ، فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه ، فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه ، وذلك أضعـف الإيمان ).
رواه مسلم [ رقم : 49 ]

On the authority of Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (radiAllaahu anhu) who said : I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) say :


Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith.

It was related by Muslim.

The Muslims voicing their anger against the Crusades





Muslims speaking out against the Crusader nations and demanding Shariah






كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ

"You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah." (Quran 3:110)

speaking in defence of the oppressed Muslims







“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'ruf (all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” [Surah Al Imran 3:104]

27 Nov 2010

I order you with five things which Allah ordered me with

From al-Haarith al-Ash’aree (radiyallaahu ’anhu) who said that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahi ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Indeed Allah - The Most High - ordered Yahyaa Ibn Zakariyyaa with five things; that he should act upon them and order the Children of Israa’eel to act upon them. ’Eesaa Ibn Maryam said to him, ‘Indeed Allah ordered you with five things, that you act upon them, and that you order the Children of Israa’eel to act upon them. So either you order them, or I will order them.’ So Zakariyyaa said, ‘If you precede me in that, I fear that I will be punished, or swallowed up by the earth.’ So he gathered the people in the Mosque of Jurusalem until it was filled, and the people sat upon its walls. He admonished them saying, ‘Indeed Allah has ordered me with five things which I should act upon, and order you to act upon. The first thing is that you should worship Allah and not associate anything along with Him in this worship. Verily one who worships anything along with Allah is like a man who bought a slave with his own wealth - either gold or silver - and said, ‘This is my house and this is my work so give the wages to me. So the slave worked, and gave the wages to other than his owner. So which of you would be pleased for his slaves to be like that? But Allah created you and provides for you, so do not associate anything in worship along with Him.

And I order you with prayer, and when you pray, then do not turn aside.

And I order you with fasting. And that is the like of a man, amongst a group of people, who had a small pouch containing musk. Each of them likes to smell it. And to Allah, the fasting person is better than the smell of musk.

And I order you with Sadaqah (charity). For its like is that of a man taken prisoner by the enemy, so they will take a hold of him and tie his hand to his neck, so he will say, ‘Will you not allow me to ransom myself for you?’ So he gives them small and large amounts to escape from them.

And I order you to make mention and remember Allah a lot. And the like of this is a man being chased by the enemy, who are hastening after him. So he comes to a protected fortress and enters into its protection. Likewise is the case for the servant. For he does not protect himself from Shaytaan except by the remembrance of Allah - the Mighty and Majestic.”

The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahi ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “I order you with five things which Allah ordered me with: The Jamaa’ah, hearing, obeying, hijrah (migration), and Jihaad in the way of Allah - the Mighty and Majestic. So whosoever separates from the Jamaa’ah by a hand-span, throws off the yoke of Islam from his neck, unless he repents. And whosoever calls with the calls of the days of ignorance, then he is from the horde of the Hellfire.” It was said, “Even if he fasts and prays?” He said, “Even if he fasts and prays. So call with the Call of Allah which Allah gave: The Muslims, the Believers, Worshippers of Allah."

12 Jul 2010

The Prophets sermon on Ramadan

Baihaqi reported on the authority of Salman Al-Farsi (Radhi Allah 'Anh) that Prophet ('Alaihi Salat was-Salam) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Sha'ban. In it he ('Alaihi Salat was-Salam) said,

"O People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings and forgivenesses. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and pray). Allah has honoured you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered.

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in all earnestness with hearts free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fast, and to recite the Holy Qur’an. Indeed!, miserable is the o­ne who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness in this great month. While fasting remember the hunger and thirst o­n the Day of Judgement. Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your sins and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times, during which Allah Almighty looks at His servants with mercy. Allah Answers if they supplicate, Responds if they call, Grants if He is asked, and Accepts if they entreat. O people! you have made your conscience the slave of your desires.

Make it free by invoking Allah for forgiveness. Your back may break from the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate yourself before Allah for long intervals, and make this load lighter. Understand fully that Allah has promised in His Honour and Majesty that, people who perform salat and sajda (prostration) will be guarded from Hell-fire o­n the Day of Judgement.

O people!, if anyone amongst you arranges for iftar (meal at sunset) for any believer, Allah will reward him as if he had freed a slave, and Allah will forgive him his sins. A companion asked: “but not all of us have the means to do so” The Prophet (SAW) replied: Keep yourself away from Hell-fire though it may consist of half a date or even some water if you have nothing else.

O people!, anyone who during this month cultivates good manners, will walk over the Sirat (bridge to Paradise) o­n the day when feet will tend to slip. For anyone who during this month eases the workload of his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and for anyone who doesn’t hurt others during this month, Allah will safeguard him from His Wrath o­n the Day of Judgement. Anyone who respects and treats an orphan with kindness during this month, Allah shall look at him with kindness o­n that Day. Anyone who treats his kinsmen well during this month, Allah will bestow His Mercy o­n him o­n that Day, while anyone who mistreats his kinsmen during this month, Allah will keep away from His Mercy.

Whomever offers the recommended prayers during this month, Allah will save him from Hell, and whomever observes his obligations during this month, his reward will be seventy times the reward during other months. Whomever repeatedly invokes Allah’s blessings o­n me, Allah will keep his scale of good deeds heavy, while the scales of others will be tending to lightness. Whomever recites during this month an ayat (verse) of the Holy Qur’an, will get the reward of reciting the whole Qur’an in other months.

O people!, the gates of Paradise remain open during this month. Pray to your Lord that they may not be closed for you. While the gates of Hell are closed, pray to your Lord that they never open for you. Satan has been chained, invoke your Lord not to let him dominate you."

Ali ibn Talib (RAA) said: “I asked, ‘O messenger of Allah, what are the best deeds during this month’?” ‘He replied: ‘O Abu-Hassan, the best of deeds during this month is to be far from what Allah has forbidden’.”

The purpose of Fasting

by Syed Qutb

{"O you who believe! Fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may acheive taqwa."}[al-Baqarah; 183]


"...And it is only natural that fasting would be obligated for the same Ummah upon whom Jihaad in the Path of Allah is obligated, in order to establish His way of life on this Earth, and in order to lead humanity, and to become witnesses over the people. So, fasting is the manifestation of this intense, strong will, and it is the manifestation of the human being's connection with his Lord - the connection of obedience and submission - just as it is the manifestation of one rising above all of his material needs and withstanding the pressures and pains of doing such, all in pursuit of Allah's Pleasure.

And all of these are necessary components in preparing the soul to withstand the burdens of the path that is filled with obstacles and hardships, and that is surrounded on each side of it with desires and passions, and which throws in the face of the one traversing it thousands of deceptions!

Of course, this is all in addition to that which time has shown to be the physical benefits of fasting. Even though I generally do not like to connect the obligatory acts of worship and divine injunctions with the physical benefits that are obvious to the eye - since the underlying wisdom in them is to prepare the human spirit for its proper role on Earth, and to condition it for the complete reward that is awaiting it in the Hereafter - with this, I do not want to deny that which science has shown to be the physical benefits of these obligatory acts and injunctions...

And so begins the obligation of answering this call which is beloved to the believers - the call that is mentioned to them along with its underlying reality. Then, it is confirmed and established - after making this call to them - that fasting is an ancient obligation upon the believers in Allah from all religions, and that the primary purpose and goal of fasting is to prepare and condition their hearts to have taqwa, transparency, sensitivity, and fear of Allah:

{"O you who believe! Fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may acheive taqwa."}

Such is the overall goal and purpose of fasting announced: it is taqwa. So, taqwa is what wakes up in the heart, while it is fulfilling this obligation, the obedience to Allah and the pursuit of His Pleasure. Taqwa is what shields these hearts from ruining one's fast with sins, even those that simply appear in their conscience. And those whom the Qur'an is addressing know the value of taqwa with Allah, as it is a goal that their souls yearn for! And this fasting is simply one path to this goal. As a result, raised before their eyes is a goal and a guiding light that leads them by way of fasting...{so that you may acheive taqwa."}"

['Fi Dhilal al-Qur'an'; 1/167-168]

The Believer Fears No Person!





{“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”}
[Al 'Imran; 175]


Ibn Taymiyyah commented (‘Majmu’ al-Fatawa’; 1/77-78):

“So, this verse proves that Satan makes his allies sources of fear, and he causes people to be afraid of them. And the verse shows that it is not permissible for the believer to fear the allies of Satan, and he should not fear people, as it was Said: {“So, do not fear the people, and fear Me…”} [al-Ma'idah; 44] So, we are commanded to fear Allah, and we are prohibited from fearing the allies of Satan. Allah Said: {“…So that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers. So, fear them not, and fear Me!”} [al-Baqarah; 150] So, He prohibited the fear of the wrong-doer, and He commanded us to fear Him.

He also Said: {“Those who convey the message of Allah and fear Him, and fear none except Allah…”} [al-Ahzab; 39] And He Said: {“…and fear Me, alone…”} [an-Nahl; 51]

And some people say: ‘O Lord! I fear You and I fear those who don’t fear You.’ These are nonsensical words, and it is not allowed to say them. Rather, one should fear Allah alone and not fear any person, since whoever does not fear Allah is too low to be feared, as he is a wrong-doer and is from the allies of Satan. So, Allah has forbidden us from having fear of such a person. If it is said that ’such a person can hurt me,’ the response is that he is only hurting you because Allah has set him loose on you, and if Allah seeks to repel his harm from you, He can easily do so. The affair is all with Allah, and He sets people loose upon a person because of his sins, and if you fear Allah and keep your duty to Him and rely on Him, He will protect you from every evil there is and will not allow anyone to have power over you, as He Said: {“And whoever relies on Allah, He is sufficient for him.”} [at-Talaq; 3] The fact that someone is given power over you is the result of your sins and your fear of that person. So, if you fear Allah and repent from your sins and seek His Forgiveness, nobody can overpower you, as Allah Said: {“…and Allah will not punish them while they seek His Forgiveness.”} [al-Anfal; 33]

And a narration states that Allah Said: “I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship except Me! I am the King of kings! The hearts and foreheads of all kings are between My Hands. So, whoever obeys Me, I will make the hearts of all kings merciful to him, and whoever disobeys me, I will make them a source of agony for him. So, do not preoccupy yourselves with the abilities of the kings. Rather, repent to Me and obey Me, and I will make them support you.”
In ‘Ighathat al-Lahfan’ (1/94), Ibn Qayyim said:

“From the plots of the enemy of Allah (i.e. Satan) is that he makes the believers afraid of his soldiers and allies. So, they do not strive against them, they do not enjoin what is good, and do not forbid what is bad. This is from his greatest plots for the believers, as Allah has informed us by Saying: {“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”} …Qatadah explained this by saying: “He makes them great and powerful in his heart. This is why Allah Said: {“…So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”} So, the stronger your faith becomes, the weaker the fear in your heart will be of Satan’s allies, and the weaker your faith becomes, the stronger the fear in your heart will be of them.”"

In ‘al-Fawa’id’ (p. 78), he also said:

“There is nothing that exists that can affect something else completely independently and of its own accord. Rather, nothing can affect something without another factor somehow contributing to that effect and an obstacle is removed that prevents that effect from taking place. This applies to matters that can be seen by the eye. It also applies to the invisible and metaphysical, such as the Sun affecting livestock and plants, as this depends on other factors such as the presence of fertile ground, as well as other factors in addition to this factor. Likewise, childbirth depends on many factors besides intercourse, and this rule applies to everything that affects something else. So every creature that is feared or hoped in is at best simply one of many factors that can affect something else, and nothing can affect something in a completely independent fashion except Allah, the Overwhelming One. So, none should be hoped in or feared except He.

This is a concrete proof that attachment, hope, and fear of any but Allah is null. If we were to assume that one can affect something on his own, we would still have to accept that he did not derive this power on his own, and was rather granted it by someone else. So, he has no power of his own, as there is no might nor power except with Allah. He has all might and power in His Hand. So, the might and power for which people are feared are in reality in the Hand of Allah. So, how can we fear and hope in those who have no might or power? In fact, fearing someone and hoping in him is a reason for being afflicted by that very person and being prevented from his mercy, because the more you fear someone other than Allah, the more that person will overpower you, and the higher your hopes are in that person, the more you will be prevented from his mercy.”

ٌRegarding this verse, Sayyid Qutb said in ‘Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an’:

“Indeed, it is Satan who tries to make his allies a source of fear and terror, and to dress them up with the appearance of power and awe. As a result, the believers should be aware of the plot of Satan and impede his attempts. They should not fear these allies of his. Rather, they should fear Allah alone, as He alone is the Mighty, Overwhelming, and Able who should be feared: {“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”} Indeed, Satan is the one who inflates the reputation of his allies and dresses them up with the garments of power and ability, and implants in our hearts the idea that they have the ability to do this and that, and that they can bring about benefit and harm. He does all this to fulfill his own interests: to use them to spread evil and corruption on Earth, as well as to cause people to bow down to them and submit their hearts to them so that nobody would say a word of opposition to their faces, and that nobody would even think of criticizing them or preventing them from evil and corruption.

Satan has an interest in falsehood and evil becoming widespread, and that he appear strong, capable, overwhelming, aggressive, and tyrannical so that no opposition stands to his face, nobody repels him, and nobody overpowers him. Satan has an interest in maintaining things this way. So, under the umbrella of fear, terror, and aggression, his allies carry out on Earth that which brings joy to his eyes! They make good appear as evil and evil appear as good. They spread corruption and falsehood and deception. They stifle out the voice of truth, guidance, and justice. They set themselves up as gods on Earth to support evil and kill off good without anyone daring to confront them or stand up to them or expel them from their positions of power - in fact, without anyone pointing out the falsehood that they have beautified or beautifying the truth that they have painted as ugly.

And Satan is a deceptive plotter who hides behind his allies and spreads fear through them into the hearts of those who fail to protect themselves from his whispers. Here, Allah exposes him and stands him naked without any covering for his plots, and makes his reality plain and clear to the believers - the reality of his plots and whispers - so that they are aware of them. So, they do not fear the allies of Satan, as they are too weak to be feared by a believer who relies on his Lord and His Power.

Indeed, the only power that is to be feared is the power that has the ability to bring about benefit and harm. It is the Power of Allah, and it is the Power that the believers in Allah fear. When they fear it alone - the greatest Power of all powers - no force on Earth can stand in front of them - neither the power of Satan nor the power of the allies of Satan… {“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”}”

Dhikr gives a person strength

Ibn Qayyim said:

"Dhikr gives a person strength so that he can do with dhikr that which he cannot do without it. I saw wonders in the strength of Shaykhul'-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in walking, speech, courage and writing. He used to write in one day what a scribe would write in a week, or more. The troops saw his amazing strength in war. RasulAllah (saw) taught his daughter Fatimah (raa) and Ali (ra) to recite tasbih thirty-three times every night when they went to bed, and to recite tahmid thirty-three times, and to recite takbir thirty-four times, when she asked him for a servant and complained to him about the hardship of grinding corn, working and serving (her family). He taught her that and said: “It is better for you than a servant.” It was said: The one who persists in doing that will find strength in his body that will make him independent of the need for a servant."

(al-Waabil al-Sayyib, 77)

The different importance of the ranks of "the sword" and "the pen" in the (various) dynasties.

Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammed ibn Khaldun
AL MUQADDIMAH اﻟﻤﻗﺩﻤﻪ

It should be known that both "the sword" and "the pen" are instruments for the ruler to use in his affairs. However, at the beginning of the dynasty, so long as its people are occupied in establishing power, the need for "the sword" is greater than that for "the pen." In that situation, "the pen" is merely a servant and agent of the ruler's authority, whereas "the sword" contributes active assistance.

The same is the case at the end of the dynasty when its group feeling weakens, as we have mentioned, and its people decrease in number under the influence of senility, as we have stated before.543 The dynasty then needs the support of the military. The dynasty's need of the military for the purpose of protection and defense is as strong then as it was at the beginning of (the dynasty) for the purpose of getting established. In these two situations, "the sword," thus, has the advantage over "the pen." At that time, the military have the higher rank. They enjoy more benefits and more splendid fiefs.

In mid-term of the dynasty, the ruler can to some degree dispense with "the sword." His power is firmly established. His only remaining desire is to obtain the fruits of royal authority, such as collecting taxes, holding (property), excelling other dynasties, and enforcing the law. "The pen" is helpful for (all) that. Therefore, the need for using it increases. The swords stay unused in their scabbards, unless something happens and they are called upon to repair a breach. For (purposes) other than that, (swords) are not needed. In this situation, the men of the pen have more authority. They occupy a higher rank. They enjoy more benefits and greater wealth and have a closer and more frequent and intimate contact with the ruler. At such times, (the pen) is the instrument the ruler uses to obtain the fruits of his royal authority. He uses it to supervise and administer his realm and to display its (excellent) condition. At such a time, the wazirs and the military can be dispensed with. They are kept away from the intimate circle of the ruler and have to beware of his moods.

It is in this sense that Abu Muslim wrote the following reply to al-Mansur when he ordered him to come (to him): "And now: We remember the following admonition of the Persians: 'The most fear-ridden thing there is, is the wazirs when the mob has calmed down.' " 544

This is how God proceeds with his servants.

"By it, the entire matter (of religion) is established and maintained.."

Shaykh Abdu'r-Rahman Ibn Hasan Aali-Shaykh said:

"Imam Nawawi said: Know, the concept of enjoining good and forbidding evil has been lost with the passing of time and nothing seems to remain in these times except slight traces while this is an enormously important concern। By it, the entire matter (of religion) is established and maintained। And when deviation increases, the punishment will befall both the righteous and the wicked


When he (Nawawi) said:

“in these times” he was referring to the fifth and sixth generations। If this is the case then, what about the tenth generation and after-wards when foreign concepts have become so deep-rooted?" (Fathu'l-Majid Sharhu Kitabi't-Tawhid)

"We are free of you and of what you worship beside Allah..."




The example of Ibrahim (as) was indeed a shining example and provides an excellent model both in his loyalty to his Lord, to his religion and to the community of the believers, and in his and in his disavowal, even though these included his own father.

The story of Ibrahim's struggle with his own people is like that of all the other Messengers. He called them to something better than what they had, to the worship of Allah alone, to the devotion of worship to Him Alone, to the rejection of every other object of worship other than Allah.

“And mention Ibrahim in the Book, surely he was of good faith, a prophet. When he said to his father: Father why do you worship what can neither see, nor hear, nor do you any good? Father, knowledge has come to me that has not come to you, so follow me, I will lead you on the single path. Father, do not be a servant of Satan, surely he is an enemy of the all Merciful God. Dear father, I fear that the punishment of Allah should descend upon you, that you should become a minion of Satan. He said: Would you, Ibrahim, find our gods wanting? And will you not now desist, or shall I have to pelt you with stones. Go now, for we have come to the parting of the ways. He said: Upon you be peace, I will seek your forgiveness from my Lord, He has indeed been to me ever gracious. I sever my bonds with all of you and with what you worship beside Allah. And I call upon my Lord and hope that in so doing I should not remain thus burdened.' And he withdrew from them and from what they used to worship beside Allah, and We blessed him with Ishaq and Yaqub, each of them We made a Prophet.” (Maryam 19/41)

This was the beginning of the da'wah of Ibrahim (as), which he began by inviting those closest to him. When they did not respond he abandoned them to the falsehood in which they reveled; obstructing, rejecting and denying the glad tidings which he brought, for surely had he remained with them in the midst of their society, and been prevented from leaving their land, then surely they would have succeeded in advancing their call to falsehood before him.

The Qur'an continues to describe the mission of Ibrahim (as), saying that he presented them with every possible kind of evidence. Allah says:

“And tell them the story of Ibrahim when he said to his father and his people: What is this that you are worshiping? They said: We worship idols, and to them wear ever devoted. He asked: Do they hear you when you call, do they help you, can they harm you. They said: No, but we found our fathers doing this. He said: Do you observe what you have been worshiping, you and your fathers and those before them? They are all my enemies, except for the Lord of the Worlds." (ash-Shu'ara 26/70-77)

When they could produce no kind of proof for what they said they resorted to blind tradition, to what their fathers and grandfathers had done. Ibrahim (as) said to them: "I am the enemy of these gods of yours." It is the same thing that Nuh (as) said, challenging his people, for he said:,

“Decide then upon your course of action, you and your gods. Let there be no doubt about it in your minds. Then do your worst and give me no respite.” (Yunus 10/71)

Likewise, Huud (as) said:

“Allah is my witness, as are you, that I deny all that you worship beside Him. So connive against me all of you and give me no respite. Allah is my rock, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that it is in His grip. Indeed my Lord is on the Straight Path.” (Huud 11/54-56)

And again about Ibrahim (as) said:

“You have a shining example in Ibrahim and those with him when they said to their people: We are free of you and of what you worship beside Allah. We renounce you. There has arisen between us and you enmity and hatred enduring until you believe in Allah alone." (al-Mumtahina 60/4)

The most illustrious of our scholars, those of the first generations of the Muslims, have spoken about this doctrine of Ibrahim (as), which they described as saying, there can be no alliance without enmity. Thus, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya said: "Alliance in the absence of enmity is incorrect. Allah has said about our father Ibrahim: "Do you observe what you have been worshiping, you and your fathers and those before them? They are all my enemies, except for the Lord of the Worlds." Ibrahim's alliance and amity towards Allah would be unjustified without the establishment of this enmity. There is no ally other than Allah, and there is no alliance except in renunciation of all objects of worship other than Him. He said, And when Ibrahim (as) said to his father and his folk: "I renounce all that you worship except He that created me. Surely He will guide me. And he made it a word enduring after him, perhaps they would to their Lord return.” (az-Zukhruf 43/26-28) Rather it was the allegiance to Allah and the severance from all that is worshiped beside him which was the word enduring after him passed down through the prophets and their followers, one after the other. It is the 'word', 'there is no god but Allah', the heritage of Ibrahim until the Day of Resurrection." (al-Jawab al-Kaafi, 213; see also Tafsir Ibn Kathir 7/212 and Majmu'at at-Tawhid, 133)

Imam Tabari remarks: "O followers of Prophet Muhammad (saw), you have had a shinning example in the act of Ibrahim (as) and of those who were with him in the matter of exposing the disbelievers, declaring enmity towards them and in abandoning relations with them, except for his words to his father: "I will ask for forgiveness (from Allah for you)." this is not part of the exemplary behavior of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) since it refers to a promise he made his father before it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah. After this was clear to him he freed himself completely of him, so free yourselves also from the enemies of Allah. Do not take any of them as protectors, as allies, until they believe in the One God and renounce worship of all else. Show them clearly your enmity and hatred." (Tabari, Tafsir, 28/62)

As a result of Ibrahim's declaration, dark forces gathered to plot his death. Throughout history and across the ages, this is always there action of those who reject the call to Allah, piqued by the simple fact that someone has called others to the worship of Allah alone. Similarly, in the story of the companions of the Trench, Allah (awj) says:

“And they had no complaint against them except that they believed in Allah, the All-Mighty, Worthy of all Praise.” (al-Buruj 81/8)

So the people of Ibrahim (as) prepared a fire for him to be burnt but, encompassed by the protection of Allah, he remained unharmed, since the fire was commanded to temper itself and to give safety to him.

“They said: Let us build a fire for him and cast him to the flames. So they plotted a plot against him, but and We made them the lowest of the low.” (as-Saffat 37/97-98)

"In advancing their own theories and counter-arguments they assumed a position of equality with the Divine Source of Guidance, and neither did the proof that they had been shown prevent them from using force in order to advance their foolishness, their delusion, so Allah entrapped them and raised up His Word and His Religion, as the Qur'an relates: "They said: Burn him and stand by your gods, if you will be doing. We said: "O fire, be coolness and peace, safety for Ibrahim'. And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst of losers." (Ibn Kathir, Qasas al-Anbiyya, 1/181; see also details of the story in the same source al-Anbiyya 21/68-70)

So also, the Last of the Prophets Muhammad (saw) was directed to follow the religion of his father Ibrahim (as):

“Then We revealed to you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Ibrahim Hanifan (Islamic monotheism, to worship none but Allah). Indeed he was not of al-Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers).” (an-Nahl 16/123)

“Say (O Muhammad) Allah has spoken the truth; so follow the religion of Ibrahim Hanifan. Indeed he was not of al-Mushrikun.” (Al-i Imran 3/95)

“They said: Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided. Say (to them Muhammad): Nay, only the religion of Ibrahim, Hanifan, and he was not of al-Mushrikun.” (al-Baqarah 2/135)

"Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who follow him, and this Prophet (Muhammad) and those who believe. And Allah is the protector of the believers.” (Al-i Imran 3/68)

“Who is more upright in religion than one who submits himself to Allah; and he is a Muhsin (a good-doer). And follows the religion of Ibrahim Hanifan. And Allah has taken Ibrahim as His intimate friend.” (an-Nisa 4/125)

"And strive hard in Allah's Cause, as you ought to strive. He has chosen you, and has not made for you any hardship in religion. This is the religion of your father Ibrahim, he who has named you Muslims before.” (al-Hajj 22/78)

“And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim except him who be-fools himself?” (al-Baqarah 2/130)

This is what Allah has said to the followers of Muhammad (saw), about the deeds of Ibrahim (as) who acted incomplete sincerity and depended utterly upon Allah Alone. Who worshiped only Allah and denounced all disbelief and those who followed it, who opposed all falsehood and its minions.

20 Jan 2010

The First Friday Sermon after the Liberation of Quds by Sultan Salahuddeen Ayubi (May Allah have mercy on him)

The first Friday sermon that was delivered after the liberation of Jerusalem from the occupation of the Crusaders at the hands of Sultan Abi Al Muzaffar Yousuf Bin Ayyub. Salahuddin Al Ayyubi, on 4th Shaban 583 H, corresponding to the 10th of October 1187, delivered by shaikh Mahyudeen Muhammad Bin Zakee Adeen Ali Al Qurayshi (May Allah have mercy on him), that has been related in the majestic book of the Anas in the Tareekh Al Quds “History of Quds” and Al Khaleel The friend” of Mujeeruddin Al Hanbali (May Allah have mercy on him).

When he advanced (i.e. shaikh Muhyadeen) on the pulpit he began with Surah Fatihah and
recited it till the end

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

And said, (Surah Al Anaam, Verse 45)

Of the wrong-doers the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds.

Then he read from (Surah Al Anaam Verse 1-3

Praise be Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who reject Faith hold (others) as equal, with their Guardian-Lord.
He it is created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). And there is in His presence another determined term; yet ye doubt within yourselves!
And He is Allah in the heavens and on earth. He knoweth what ye hide, and what ye reveal, and He knoweth the (recompense) which ye earn (by your deeds).

Then he recited from the (Surah Isra Verse 11)

The prayer that man should make for good, he maketh for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds).

Then from (Surah Al Kahf Verse 1-6)

Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:
(He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him, and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward,
Wherein they shall remain for ever:
Further, that He may warn those (also) who say, "Allah hath begotten a son":
No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that issues from their mouths as a saying what they say is nothing but falsehood!
Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.

Then he read from (Surah Nahl Verse 59)

With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on?

Then he recited from (Surah Fatir Verse 1-2)

Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels, messengers with wings,- two, or three, or four (pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.
What Allah out of his Mercy doth bestow on mankind there is none can withhold: what He doth withhold, there is none can grant, apart from Him: and He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.

Then he began the Sermon and said:

First Khutbah (sermon):

All praise be to Allah, the glorifier of Islam with His victory, disgracer of disbelief with His might, and resolver of matters by His commands, and the perpetuator of bounties through His thanks, and the tempter of the disbelievers with His cunning who has destined days as exchange (amongst people) with His justice, and made the outcome for the pious with His grace, and has shaded His slaves by His shadow, and has exhibited His religion over all religions… So Powerful over His slaves that He isn’t argued, and apparent over His creation that He is not competed, and the matters go in accordance with His wishes that He doesn’t consult, and the Ruler of what He wants that He cannot be protected against. Praise him for His victory and Manifestation, and His reinforcement of His auliyaa (allies) and His victory for His ansar (helpers), and for the purification of Jerusalem from the impurities of idolatry and harms. He has truly praised Him, who has felt the praise from the secret of his inner self and the apparent of his outer self. And I bear witness that there is no God Except Allah, He has no partner, unto Him is all praise, He is the Self-sufficient, He does not beget nor is He begotten, and there is no one like Him. This is the witness of the ones who have purified their hearts with the Oneness of Allah, and pleased Allah with it, And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, the remover of Doubts, and the refuter of Shirk, and the Denier of lies, who was taken for a journey by night from the Sacred mosque (Masjid Al Haraam) to the Farthest mosque (Masjid Al Aqsa) and was ascended to the High Skies

So that (ruins unknown) have covered them up. (Surah Najm, Verse 14)

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his successor, Caliph Abu Bakr as Siddiq, the forerunner to belief and on the Ameer-Al Muminin Umar Bin AL Khattab…the first to lift from this land the rites of the Cross and on Ameer Al Muminin Usmaan Bin Afaan, ‘the one with 2 lights’ the compiler of the Qur'an, and the Ameer Al Muminin Ali Bin Abi Talib, the agitator of idolatry and the destroyer of the idolaters, and on his family and his companions and the ones who follow him with righteousness. O people, take glad tidings for the pleasure of Allah, which is the ultimate aim, and the highest of ranks, for Allah has facilitated on your hands to restore this lost (property- Masjid Al Aqsa) of the lost Ummah and has returned it to its residence of Islam after its abuse at the hands of the idolaters for about a 100 years, and the purification of this house, where Allah has permitted His name to be exalted and remembered, and the wiping off of idolatry from its ways after it had extended on it lobbies, and its rites had settled in it, and for having raised its bases with tawhid, for it was actually based on it and for having strengthened its base with blessings. It has been built on piety from between its hands and from behind it, for it is the homeland of your father Ibrahim and the Ascent of your Prophet (peace be upon him) and your Qiblah towards which you used to pray at the beginning of Islam, and it is the abode of the Prophets and the destination of the Awliya (righteous), and the graveyard of the Prophets and the descent of the revelation, and the place where descends the obligations and prohibitions, and it is the land of summoning and the crescendo of propagation. It is in the holy land that Allah has mentioned in His articulated book, and it is the Masjid Al Aqsa where RasulAllah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed with the closest Angels (to Allah) and it is the country where He sent His slave and Prophet and His word that he revealed to Maryam and His soul Isa, who He graced with His message and honored with Prophet hood, but did not shunt him from the rank of slavery to Him, for the Almighty has said:

Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah): those who disdain His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer). (Surah An Nisa, Verse 172)

No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!
He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners they attribute to Him! (Surah Al Mominoon, Verse 91-92)

In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say: "Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all every - one that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over all things."
(Both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are sons of Allah, and his beloved." Say: "Why then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay, ye are but men,- of the men he hath created: He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and He punisheth whom He pleaseth: and to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto Him is the final goal (of all)"
O People of the Book! Now hath come unto you, making (things) clear unto you, Our Messenger, after the break in (the series of) our messengers, lest ye should say: "There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)": But now hath come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner (from evil). And Allah hath power over all things. (Surah Al Maidah, Verse 17-19)

It is the first of the two Qiblah and the second of the Holy mosques and the third of the Holy lands, journeys are not made after the 2 Mosques except o it, and aims are not aught after the two abodes except to it. For had it not been that Allah has chosen you from His slaves and exalted you from the citizens of this land, Allah wouldn’t have specified you with this preference, in which no one can compete with you and no one can exceed you in glory, so Tuba (glad tidings) to you for an army at whose hands the Prophetic miracles occurred and the incidents of Badr and the determinations of the Siddeeq, and the victories of Umar, and the armies of Usman, and the terrorizing of Ali. You renewed for Islam the days of Qadisiyah, and the epics of Yarmuk, and the duals of Khaibar, and the attacks of Khalid.

So may Allah reward you on behalf of His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the best of rewards, and thanks to you for what you sacrificed of your souls in combating the enemies, and may Allah accept your shedding of your blood as a closeness to Him and may Allah reward you with Paradise for it is the land of the joyous, so appreciate this bounty, May Allah have mercy on you, the appreciation it deserves and rise obediently to Allah for its obligatory to thank Him for it, for it is His compassion on you that He has appointed you with this reward, and qualified you for this favor, for this is the victory for which the doors of the skies have opened, and the darkness has lighted due to its occurrence, and the close Angels are delighted, and the eyes of the Prophets and the messengers are cooled.

Is it not a bounty that He has made you the army at whose hands the Jerusalem is freed at the end of time, and the army who stood by their swords since the spread of the Message of iman, for Allah is about to free at your hands similar places and that the gratitude be to the people of the greenery more than the gratitude to the people of the barren. Isn’t this the house that Allah has mentioned in His book and stipulated in His Precise Message? For Allah has said,

Glory to (Allah) who did take his servant for a journey by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque whose precincts we did bless, -In order that we might show him some of our signs: for he is the one who heareth and seeth (all things)…. (Surah Bani Israel, Verse 1)

Isn’t it the house for which Allah held the sun on Yushaa (peace be upon him) that it sets and separated in between its steps so that conquering it is enabled and neared? Isn’t this the house which Allah the Almighty ordered Musa to order his followers to rescue it but none answered except 2 and Allah got angry on them for that and made them wanderers as a punishment of forgetfulness. So praise Allah who guided your determination for what the Children of Israel backtracked whereas they were preferred on the worlds?

He caused you to do what other nations failed before you, from the previous nations. And assembled your word which was divided, and enriched you with what was required. Let it humble you (enough) that Allah has mentioned you to a gathering who are with Him and made you, after formerly being solders with no identity, His army.

The descended Angels have thanked you for what you have gifted this house from the pleasance of tawhid (oneness), and the spreading of holiness and glorification, and for your wiped of their (Christians) ways of harm of Idolatry and trinity, and the dissolute and wicked belief. So now the Angels of the skies ask forgiveness for you, and pray for you blessed of prayers, so save, may Allah bless you, this bounty with the fear of Allah that which whomsoever holds on to it is safe and who takes refuge with its tab, has succeeded and is protected. And beware of following fantasies, and the signs of deterioration, and retaliating sternforemost, and recoiling from the enemy, and grab this opportunity to remove the remains of the torment (disbelief), and fight in the way of Allah, the true Jihaad, and sell yourself O the slaves of Allah for His pleasure for He has made you the best of His slaves, beware that the Satan makes you stumble and makes despotism enter unto you so you start imagining this victory to have come by your sharp swords, and by your excellent horses, and by your slaughtering (the enemies) in the lands of slaughter, No BY Allah this victory is only from Allah the Almighty, the Just, so beware O slaves of Allah, after Allah has graced you with this great victory, and high achievement, and honored you with this apparent conquest, and has bound your hands with His firm rope, that you do perform any Major sin, and that you commit any great disobedience.

Jihaad… Jihaad for it is the best of your worships, and the most honorable of your habits, triumph Allah, Allah will triumph you. Save Allah, Allah will save you, and remember Allah, Allah will remember you, and thank Allah, He will increase and thank you. Terminate the evil and cut off the root of the enemies, and purify the rest of the earth from these impurities that has angered Allah and his messenger and cut all the branches of Disbelief and uproot its base, for the days have called you for retaliation for Islam, and the nation of Muhammad, Allah is the greatest, triumph of Allah and His victory, domination of Allah and subjugation… Allah has disgraced those who disbelieved.

And know, May Allah have mercy on you, that this is the chance, so grab it, and a prey so hunt it, and booties so take it, and a mission so go out for it and excel in it, and advance your determination to it and prepare for it, for the matters are by their outcomes, and the gains by its munitions, for Allah has triumphed you on this disillusioned enemy and they were like you (in numbers) or more, so how is it after Allah has multiplied one of you to 20, For the Almighty said

O Prophet! rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.
For the present, Allah hath lightened your (task), for He knoweth that there is a weak spot in you: But (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (Surah Al Anfaal, Verse 65-66)

May Allah help us and you to follow His commands, and restrain us from what He has restrained, and aid us O Muslims with victory from Him.

If Allah helps you, none can overcom e you: if he forsakes you, w ho is there, after that, that can help you?.. (Surah Aal Imran, Verse 160)

The most honorable of sayings that is said at any station, and the deepest penetrating arrows launched from the bows of speech and the most understandable saying that appeals to the mind is the saying of the One Almighty, the All-Knower, Allah the Exalted has said

When the qur'an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive mercy.. (Surah Al Aaraf, Verse 204)

I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan. In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, declares the praises and glory of Allah: for he is the exalted in might, the wise..… .It is he who got out the unbelievers among the people of the book from their homes at the first gathering (of the forces). Little did ye think that they would get out: and they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! but the (wrath of) Allah came to them from quarters from which they little expected (it), and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their ow n hands and the hands of the believers. Take warning, then, o ye with eyes (to see)!. (Surah AL Hashr, Verse 2)

Then he said“

I command you and my self, O the Slaves of Allah with what Allah has ordered from obeying with goodness so obey Him, and forbid you and myself from what Allah has forbade, from the ugliness of disobedience so don’t disobey Him, I say these words of mine and seek forgiveness from Allah the Great, for me and you and for all the Muslims of the world, so seek forgiveness from Him.”

the second part of the khutbah by Salaahudeen al Ayyubi

Then he delivered the second Khutbah (sermon) as is usual, shortened, then he prayed for the Imam Nasir, Khalifa Al Asr and said,

Second Khutbah (sermon)

O Allah, prevail the rule of your slave –the submitter to Your might, the grateful to Your bounties, the acknowledger to Your ability, Your sharp sword, and glowing star and the protector of Your religion, the defender, and the guard on Your prohibited sacredness, the Esteemed Master, the King Al Nasir, the unifier of the word of faith, and the suppressor of the slave and Cross, the Sultan of the Deen (religion) and the Duniya (world), the Sultan of Islam and Muslims, and the purifier of Jerusalem from the hands of the idolaters, Abi Al Muzaffar Yusuf Bin Ayyuub resuscitator of the State of Ameer Al Muminin.

O Allah pervade his simple land, and surround your Angels around his flag, and reward him aptly on behalf of the Hanafi religion, and thank on behalf of the creed of Muhammad his determination and march. O Allah, preserve for Islam its soul, and preserve for belief its containment, and spread in the East and West its message. O Allah how You liberated on his hands Jerusalem after we assumed what we assumed, and the Muslims were put to trial, conquer at his hand nearest of the earth and farthest of it, and make him possess (control) the matter of disbelief and their forelocks. Let not there remain a unit he encounters, except that he disrupted it, nor a group except that he scattered them, neither a group after group except that he put them with who preceded them. O Allah, thank on behalf of Muhammad (peace be upon him) the Sultan, and spread in the East and West his order and prohibition. O Allah guide through him the centers of the lands and its sides, and corners of the countries and its folds, O Allah disgrace through him the cores of the disbelievers and smear (in dust) through him the noses of the dissolute, and spread peace with his rule in the region, and spread the units of his soldiers in all directions. O Allah, retain the rule for him on his heel until the Day of Judgment, and protect his righteous successors, and his brothers, who bloom with determination and establishment, and aid his rule with their presence, and decree to glorify his and their supporters. O Allah as you have shown at his hand to Islam this goodness of days, and is renewed with the passage of months and years, so grant him the immortal rule (land) that does not perish in the House of the pious, and answer His prayer in his saying

"My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.'' (Surah AnNaml, Verse 19)

Then he prayed with what was the norm and descended and established the prayer

May Allah grant us the honor of listening the Friday sermon at the liberation of Aqsa again!

They are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other

Tafseer Ibn Abbaas

“Muhammad is RasulAllah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.” (al-Fath 49/28)

(Muhammad is RasulAllah) and this without the witness of Suhayl Ibn 'Amr. (And those with him) i.e. Abu Bakr, the first who believed in him and called the disbelievers with him to the religion of Allah (are hard against the disbelievers) this refers to 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab who was tough with the enemies of Allah, strong in the religion of Allah and a defender of Allah's Messenger (and merciful among themselves) and dutiful towards each other; this refers to 'Uthman Ibn 'Affan who was very dutiful and merciful towards the Muslims, and spent much of his money on them. (Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing) in prayer (and falling prostrate (in worship)) this refers to 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib who abundantly bowed and prostrated in prayer, (seeking bounty) reward (from Allah and (His) acceptance) acceptance of their Lord through Jihaad; this refers to Talhah and al-Zubayr who were very hard on, and tough with, the disbelievers. (The mark of them is on their foreheads from) the sign of their staying awake is on their faces from (the traces of prostration) from repeated prostration at night; this refers to Salman al-Farisi, Bilal, Suhayb and their fellow believers. (Such is their likeness) their description (in the Torah and their likeness) and their description in (in the Gospel like as sown corn) this is the Prophet (pbuh) (that) Allah (sendeth forth its shoot) i.e. Abu Bakr, the first to believe in him and the first to face the enemies of Allah (and strengtheneth it) and assists him; this is 'Umar who assisted the Prophet (pbuh) with his sword against the enemies of Allah (and riseth firm) He became strong with the wealth of 'Uthman which he used in Jihaad in the way of Allah (upon its stalk) and spread his message among Quraysh through 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, (delighting the sowers) the Prophet (pbuh) was pleased with Talhah and al-Zubayr (that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them) by means of Talhah and al-Zubayr. It is also said that from Allah's saying (Muhammad is RasulAllah…) up to here was revealed in praise of those who took part in the swearing of allegiance at Ridwan and the sincere, obedient prophetic Companions in general. (Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (and do good works) and do acts of obedience in private between themselves and their Lord, (forgiveness) of their sins in this world and in the Hereafter (and immense reward) and abundant reward in the Garden'.

The defiance of Abu Bakr

Once during his caliphate, Ali ibn Abi Taalib stood up before the people and delivered the following sermon:

"O people, who is the bravest of all people?" Those that were present answered, "You are, O Leader of the Believers." Ali said, "Lo, I never entered into a duel with another man except that I came out victorious over him. And yet, the bravest of all people was none other than Abu Bakr Ra. We once build a command centre for RasulAllah SAW, and we said, "Who will stay with RasulAllah SAW, so as to prevent the polytheists from attacking him? By Allah, not a single one of us approached (to volunteer for the job) except for Abu Bakr Ra, who, with his sword unsheathed, stood over the head of RasulAllah SAW. Abu Bakr Ra then fought against anyone who tired to attack.

I remember the time when I saw the Quraish opposing the Prophet SAW and physically shaking him violently, and all the while they were saying to him, "Have you taken our Gods and made them into one God!" By Allah, not a single one of us stepped forward (to defend him) except for Abu Bakr Ra, who struggled against and struck one man and pushed violently another; all the while he was saying (to them), "Woe upon you, are you fighting against a man because he says: My Lord is Allah?" Ali Ra then lifted the robe he was wearing, and he began to cry until his beard became soaked in tears. He then continued, "I ask you by Allah, was the believer from the family of the Pharaoh better or Abu Bakr?" The attendees of the gathers then began to cry along with Ali Ra, who said, "By Allah, Abu Bakr for an hour is better than the believer of the family of the Pharaoh even if clones of him were to fill the entire earth: the latter kept his faith a secret while the former openly proclaimed his faith"

Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah (3/271, 272)

18 Jan 2010

Silence is Golden...quotes from Nawawi's Kitab Al-Adhkaar

Imam Shafi' said: "When one wishes to say something, then it is upon him to think before he speaks. If there is beneficial good in what he will say, then he should speak. If he has doubt about that, then he must not speak until that doubt is removed."

al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyaad said: "Whoever limits his speech to be in accordance with his actions will (surely) lessen his speech on that which doesn't concern him."

Imam Shafi' adviced one of his students: "Do not speak about things that do not concern you, for indeed, every time that you speak a word, it takes control of you and you do not have any control over it!"

Abdullah ibn Mas'ood said: "There is nothing that deserves to be imprisoned more than the tongue."

Abul-Qaasim al-Qushayree said: "Remaining silent is salvation and that is a fundamental principle. Staying quiet at the appropriate time is a characteristic of manhood, just as speaking when it is right to do so is from the most honorable of manners."

10 ahadith about imitating the practices of the nations that came before

These types of narrations come that inform us of future events, they are meant as an indhar (warning), not iqrar (approval). These mawquf narrations from the Companions have the ruling of being marfu' (attributed to the Prophet), since they discuss issues of the Unseen, and the Companions would not speak about such issues from their own opinion. Rather, they took these words from the Prophet, and Allah Knows best.

1 - Abu Sa'id al-Khudri narrated that RasulAllah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:

"Indeed, you will follow the practices of those who came before you - handspan by handspan, armspan by armspan - to the point that if they follow the lizard into its hole, you would follow them in this." We said: "O Messenger of Allah, are you referring to the Jews and Christians?" He replied: "Who else?"

[Reported by Ahmad, al-Bukhari, and Muslim]

2 - al-Mustawrad bin Shaddad said that RasulAllah said:

"This nation (i.e. the Muslims) will not leave anything from the practices of the people who came before it except that it will adopt them."

[Reported by at-Tabarani, and al-Haythami said: "Its narrators are trustworthy."]

3 - Hudhayfah said:

"You will follow ways of those who came before you, step by step. You will not avoid their path, and it will not avoid you."

[Reported by al-Ajuri in 'ash-Shari'ah']

4 - He also said:

"There is nothing that Bani Isra'il did except that you will do the same." So, a man asked: "Will there be homosexuality amongst us?" He replied: "Yes."

[Reported by Ibn Abi Shaybah]

5 - 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said:

"By Allah, you resemble Bani Isra'il more than anyone else. You will not leave a single thing that they did except that you will also do it, and there will not be a single characteristic that they had except that you will also have it."

[Reported by Muhammad bin Nasr al-Maruzi in 'as-Sunnah']

6 - Ibn Mas'ud and Hudhayfah both said:

"You resemble Bani Isra'il more than anyone else in their character and practice. You imitate them in their actions step by step, except that I am not sure whether or not you will worship a calf!"

[Reported by al-Baghawi and Ibn Abi Shaybah]

7 - Ibn 'Abbas said:

"There isn't anything that was with Bani Isra'il except that it will also be with you."

[Reported by Nu'aym bin Hammad and Muhammad bin Nasr al-Maruzi]

8 - 'Ubadah bin as-Samit said:

"By Allah, there is nothing about those who came before you except that it will also be with you."

[Reported by Muhammad bin Nasr al-Maruzi]

9 - Ibn 'Umar said:

"You will adopt the practices of those who came before you - the good and the bad."

[Reported by al-Maruzi]

10 - al-Walid said that he was walking with Abyad, one of the Companions of the Prophet, to visit a friend:

"So, we entered the mosque, and we saw the people praying. I said: "Praise be to Allah who has caused Islam to unite white and black people!" So, Abyad said: "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, the Day of Resurrection will not come until you adopt some practices of every religion." I said: "Will this be because people will leave Islam?" He replied: "They will pray like you pray, they will sit in your gatherings, they will live amongst you, and they will adopt some of the practices of every religion.""

[Reported by 'Abdan in the book 'as-Sahabah']