It is known that if Allaah mentioned about Himself that He Istawaa ‘ala Al-‘Arsh [19], then the Istiwaa’ according to the basic meaning is known (means : ascendance), however, the manner (the ‘how’) of His ascension above His ‘Arsh is unknown, because the essence of the Istiwaa’ amongst the creatures is distinct. The Istiwaa’ on a firmly stable chair is not the same as that on the saddle of an unyielding and easily-frightened camel. When this is distinct with respect to the creatures, then it is greater and more evident between the Creator and the creature. The belief in Allaah (Ta’aalaa) according to what we have described above yields great benefits to the believers:
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Footnotes[1] Revealed texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah
[2] lit: sensory perception, sensation. It pertains to the evidences about Allaah’s existence. Al-Hiss means, that which is perceptible through the senses. [TN]
[3] Related by Imaam Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, V.8, pp. 389-90, Hadeeth no. 597.
[4] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 6, pp. 356-358, Hadeeth no. 377.
[5] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 5, p. 236, Hadeeth no. 358.
[6] Ash-Shar’a: Islaamic Texts and Legislation’s in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. [TN]
[7] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 2, Hadeeth no. 55.
[8] Ijaabah: Answering the Du’aa of the supplicant by Allaah. [TN]
[9] Narrated Anas (radhi-Allaah ‘anhu):
“The people of Makkah asked the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-Sallam) to show them a sign (miracle). So he showed them (the miracle) of the cleaving of the moon.” Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 6, Hadeeth no. 390. [TN]
[10] Allaah, Most Great, is the Possessor of every possessor. He permits whom He wishes to possess. Allaah possesses all the treasures of the heavens and the earth. All he good is in His Hand, He gives whom He wishes and takes from whom He wishes. Everything is in need of Allaah. [TN]
[11] This great Aayah is a reminder for those who invoke upon the dead or the absent person(s) seeking help and refuge in them, that those whom you seek and call upon instead of Allaah don’t possess even a Qitmeer. They cannot help themselves let alone those who call upon them. Those who seek refuge or intercession through the righteous in the graves have not correctly estimated Allaah as the One who gives and takes, the One who provides and sustains, the One who loves to be invoked Alone, etc. [TN]
[12] If Allaah saves anyone none can punish or harm him, and if Allaah punishes or harms anyone none can save him. [Tafseer Al-Qurtubee, V.12, p.145].
[13] Ibaadaat: Acts of worship done sincerely for Allaah’s sake and in accordance with evidence from Qur’aan and (or) authentic Sunnah. [TN]
[14] Mu’aamalaat: All forms of mutual relations, treatment, procedures, behaviour, conduct (towards others), and interactions including social, business, transactions, etc. [TN]
[15] Allaah said that Hood (alayhis-salaam) told his people:
“Dispute you with me over names which you have named - you and your fathers, with no authority from Allaah?” [Qur’aan 7:71]
[16] Allaah is Al-Qahhaar: He subdued all creatures and all the elements of the loftiest and lowest worlds; nothing occurs or moves without His Permission. Everything of His Creation is in need of Him. His Irresistibility is linked to His Perfect Living, Power, and Ability. [TN]
[17] If Allaah saves anyone none can punish or harm him, and if Allaah punishes or harms anyone none can save him. See Translation of the Meaning of the Noble Qur’aan by Al-Hilaalee and Khaan, Soorah Al-Mu’minoon, Aayah 88, p.534, quoting from Tafseer Al-Qurtubee, V.12, p.145.
[18] There are many Names that are common between Allaah and His creatures.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Explaining The Fundamentals Of Faith Author: Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen Source: Sharh Usool al-Eemaan
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
THE BELIEF IN ALLAAH
The evidence for the existence of Allaah is established by: Every creature has been created in a state of belief in his Creator without preceding thought or education. No one dissuades from what is necessitated by this Fitrah (i.e. the belief in Allaah), except the one whose heart has been subjected to what averts it from its (natural course of) Fitrah, as the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) explained when he said: All of the creatures, the first and the subsequent ones, must have a Creator Who brought them to existence because they neither can bring themselves into existence, nor they could have come to exist by coincidence! The creatures could not have brought themselves to existence because a thing does not create itself - since prior to its existence it was nothing - so how could it be a Creator? And it cannot accidentally bring itself into being, because every occurrence (novelty, etc.) must need an originator. Also because its existence in such highly magnificent order and homogenous co-ordination, and due to the coherent relationship between the means and their causes, and the creatures with one another, it is absolutely impossible that it’s very being is coincidental. (In fact), what is (believed) to exist as a result of coincidence, does not follow an ordered pattern at the beginning of its existence. So how could it remain to be ordered during its course of survival and development? So, if it is impossible that the creatures have neither brought themselves into existence nor did they come to exist by coincidence, then it becomes evident that they must have a Creator, and He is Allaah, the Rabb of the Worlds. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) stated the above rational and decisive proof in Soorah At-Toor saying: which means that they were neither created without a Creator, nor were they the creators of themselves. It becomes clear, therefore, that their Creator is Allaah (Ta’aalaa). That is why when Jubair bin Mut’im (radhi-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard Allaah’s Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) reciting Soorah At-Toor, and when he (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) reached the Aayaat: Jubair, who was then a Mushrik (polytheist), commented: Let us give a parable that clarifies this matter: If someone tells you about a lofty palace, surrounded by gardens with rivers flowing in between, fully furnished with beds and mattresses, and decorated with all kinds of ornaments, the basics, and the luxurious, then he says to you: “This palace in all of its perfection, has founded itself, or that it came to exist by coincidence, without a founder!” Immediately you will deny and reject his argument, and you will consider his talk as ridiculous. (With this in mind), is it, therefore, possible that this universe with its extended earth, skies, planets, conditions, wonderful and splendid order, could brought itself into existence? Or that it came to exist without a Creator? The Ash-Shar’a is evidence for the existence of Allaah because all of the revealed Scriptures state so. The Laws that address the welfare of creation and which are provided by these Scriptures, constitute an evidence that they came from an All-Wise Rabb Who knows about the welfare and interests of His Creation. The information about the universe brought forth by the Scriptures and whose manifestation testifies for their truthfulness, is a proof that they came from the (One) Rabb Who is Able to bring into being whatever He already informed about. He, (Ta’aalaa), also says: In Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree (authentic narrations from the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam, collected by Imaam Bukhaaree), it is reported that Anas bin Maalik (radhi-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that: Responding to the invocations of the supplicants who sincerely resort to Allaah (alone) and fulfil the required conditions for Ijaabah [8] is a matter that is still being witnessed nowadays. Another example is the Sign given to Eesaa (Jesus, alayhis-salaam) by which he was able to bring life to the dead and bring forth the dead from their grave by Allaah’s Leave. Allaah spoke about him, saying: “And when you brought forth the dead by My Permission.” [Qur’aan 5:110] A third example of is that of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) when the tribe of Quraish asked him to show them a Sign (a miracle as a proof for his Prophethood). [9] He (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) pointed to the moon and (behold!) it split asunder and the people saw it. Regarding this (Sign) Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: All of these physical signs (miracles) which Allaah (Ta’aalaa) puts into effect to help and support His Messengers constitute an irrevocable proof for His Existence. Which means to believe that Allaah is the only Rabb without a partner or a helper. The Rabb is the One to Whom belongs the Creation, Kingdom, and Command; Their is no Creator but Allaah; No Maalik (Possessor) except Him [10], and their is no Command but His, He, Most High, says: Allaah also said: It is not known that anyone had denied the Ruboobiyyah of Allaah (Ta’aalaa) except an arrogant person who does not believe what he says, like what happened to the Pharaoh when he said to his people: And: What he said was not a matter of conviction. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: Allaah related what Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) told the Pharaoh: For this reason, the Mushrikeen (the pagan Arabs) used to acknowledge the Ruboobiyyah of Allaah (Ta’aalaa) despite committing Shirk in His Uloohiyyah. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He (Ta’aalaa) also said: He further said: The Command of ar-Rabb (Allaah) comprises both the Al-Kawnee (Universal) and the Ash-Shar’ee (Legal or Judicial) Commands. Just as He is the One Who runs the affairs of the universe, Rulings it as He wants and in accordance with what is necessitated by His Wisdom, He is also the Judge Who rules it by means of Legislations that deals with Ibaadaat [13] and Laws governing all forms of Mu’aamalaat [14], in conformity with His Wisdom. So, whoever sets up a legislator besides Allaah in Ibaadaat or a judge in Mu’aamalaat commits Shirk and does not ascertain the Eemaan. It is the belief that Allaah Alone is the true Ilaah (God) who has no partner or associate. The Ilaah means Al-Ma’looh i.e. Al-Ma’bood, the only true God who deserves to be worshipped out of love and magnification. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He (Ta’aalaa) also said: All that is being taken as an Ilaah worshipped as god besides Allaah, its Uloohiyyah is false. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) says: Calling them aaliha (gods) does not entitle them to the right of Uloohiyyah. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said describing the pagan deities of Al-Laat, Al-‘Uzzaa, and Minaat that: He (Allaah) told us that Yoosuf (alayhis-salaam) said to his two companions of the jail: For this reason, the Messengers, may the Salaat and Salaam of Allaah be upon them, used to say to their respective nations: The Mushrikeen, however, refused and set up gods as rivals to Allaah, worshipping them besides Allaah, and seeking their support and help. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) invalidated their acts by two proofs: Allaah (Ta’aalaa) also said: “Do they attribute as partners to Allaah those who created nothing but they themselves are created? No help can they give them, nor can they help themselves.” [Qur’aan 7:191-192] If this is the situation with those gods, then worshipping them as gods besides Allaah is the utmost of foolishness and falsehood. He also said: “Say: Who provides for you from the sky and from the earth? Or Who owns hearing and sight? And Who brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living? And Who disposes the affairs? They will say: ‘Allaah.’ Will you not then be afraid of Allaah’s Punishment (for worshipping other than Him)? Such is Allaah, you Rabb, in truth. So, apart from Truth, what (remains) but error? So, how then you are turned away?” [Qur’aan 10:31-32] It means to affirm the Names and Attributes which Allaah affirmed to Himself in His Book and in the Sunnah of His Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) in the way that best fits Him without: Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He also said: “And there is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” [Qur’aan 42:11] It is known that if Allaah mentioned about Himself that He Istawaa ‘ala Al-‘Arsh [19], then the Istiwaa’ according to the basic meaning is known (means : ascendance), however, the manner (the ‘how’) of His ascension above His ‘Arsh is unknown, because the essence of the Istiwaa’ amongst the creatures is distinct. The Istiwaa’ on a firmly stable chair is not the same as that on the saddle of an unyielding and easily-frightened camel. When this is distinct with respect to the creatures, then it is greater and more evident between the Creator and the creature. The belief in Allaah (Ta’aalaa) according to what we have described above yields great benefits to the believers: THE BELIEF IN ALLAAH COMPRISES FOUR MATTERS:
FIRST: BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAAH:
“Each child is born in a state of “Fitrah”, but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian.” [3]
“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators?” [Qur’aan 52:35]
“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no firm belief. Or are the treasures of your Rabb with them? Or are they the tyrants with the authority to do as they like?” [Qur’aan 52:35-37],
“My heart was about to fly (i.e. upon hearing this firm argument) [4].” In another separate narration, he said: “And that was the time when Eemaan was first settled in my heart.” [5]
“And (remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime. We listened to his invocation.” [Qur’aan 21:76]
“(Remember) when you sought help of your Rabb and He answered you.” [Qur’aan 8:9]
“Once in the lifetime of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) the people were afflicted with drought. While the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) was delivering the Khutbah (religious talk) on a Friday, a bedouin stood up and said: ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! Our possessions are being destroyed and the children are hungry; please invoke Allaah (for rain).’ So the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) raised his hands (invoked Allaah for rain). At that time there was not a trace of cloud in the sky. By Him, in Whose Hands my soul is, clouds gathered like mountains, and before he got down from the pulpit, I saw the rain falling on his (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) beard. It rained that day, the next day, the third day, the fourth day till the next Friday. The same Bedouin or another man stood up and said: ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! The houses have collapsed, our possessions and livestock have been drowned; please invoke Allaah for us (to stop the rain).’ So the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) raised both his hands and said: ‘O Allaah! Round about us and not on us.’ So, in whatever direction he pointed with his hands, the clouds dispersed and cleared away... ” [7]
“Then We inspired Moosaa (saying): ‘Strike the sea with your stick.’ And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.” [Qur’aan 26:63]
“And I bring the dead to life by Allaah’s Leave.” [Qur’aan 3:49]
“The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft, and if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: ‘This is continuous magic.’ ” [Qur’aan 54:1-2]
SECOND: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S RUBOOBIYYAH:
“His is the Creation and Commandment.” [Qur’aan 7:54]
“Such is Allaah your Rabb; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (the thin membrane over the data-stone).” [11] [Qur’aan 35:13]
“I am your Rabb, most high.” [Qur’aan 79:24]
“O chiefs! I know not that you have an Ilaah (a god) other than me.” [Qur’aan 28:38]
“And they belied then (the Aayaat: proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof [i.e. the Aayaat are from Allaah, and Moosaa alayhis-salaam is the Messenger of Allaah in truth, but they disliked to obey Moosaa, and hated to believe in his Message of Tawheed.]” [Qur’aan 16:14]
“(Moosaa alayhis-salaam) said: ‘Verily, you know that these signs have been sent down by none but the Rabb of the heavens and the earth as clear (evidences i.e. proofs of Allaah’s Oneness and His Omnipotence etc.). And I think you are, indeed, O Pharaoh doomed to destruction (away from all good!)’ ” [Qur’aan 17:102]
“Say: ‘Whose is the earth and whosoever is therein? If you know!’ They will say: ‘It is Allaah’s!’ Say: ‘Will you not then remember?’ Say: ‘Who is (the) Rabb of the seven heavens, and (the) Rabb of the Great ‘Arsh (Throne)?’ They will say: ‘Allaah.’ Say: ‘Will you not then fear Allaah (believe in His Oneness, obey Him, believe in the Resurrection and Recompense for each and every good or bad deed).’ Say: ‘In Whose Hand is the sovereignty of everything (i.e. treasures of each and everything)? And He protects (all), while against Whom there is no protector [12], if you know.’ They will say: “All that belongs to Allaah.” Say: ‘How then are you deceived and turn away from the truth?’ ” [Qur’aan 23:84-89]
“And indeed if you ask them, ‘Who has created the heavens and the earth?’ They will surely say: ‘Mighty, the All-Knower created them.’ ” [Qur’aan 43:9]
“And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: ‘Allaah’. How then are they turned away (from the worship of Allaah Who created them)?” [Qur’aan 43:87]
THIRD: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S ULOOHIYYAH:
“And your Ilaah is one Ilaah, La Ilaaha illa Huwa (there is no true God worthy of worship but He), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” [Qur’aan 2:163]
“Allaah bears witness that La Ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La Ilaaha illa Huwa, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Qur’aan 3:18]
“That is because Allaah - He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and those besides Him whom they (the polytheists) invoke - they are but Baatil (vain Falsehood). And verily, Allaah, - He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [Qur’aan 22:62]
“They are but names which you have named, - you and your fathers, - for which Allaah sent down no authority.” [Qur’aan 53:23] [15]
“O two companions of the prisons! Are many different arbaab (lords) better or Allaah, the One, Al-Qahhaar? [16] You don’t worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allaah has sent down no authority.” [Qur’aan 12:39-40]
“Worship Allaah! You have no other Ilaah (God) but Him.” [Qur’aan 7:59, 60, 73, 85; 11:50, 61, 84; and 23:23, 32]
“They have taken besides Him other gods that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit to themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, not (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead.” [Qur’aan 25:3]
“Say: (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam to those polytheists, pagans, etc.) ‘Call upon those whom you asset (to be associate gods) besides Allaah, they possess not even the weight of a small ant, - either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor there is for Him any supporter from among them. Intercession with Him profits not, except for him Whom He permits.’ ” [Qur’aan 34:22-23]
“O mankind! Worship your Rabb (Allaah), Who created you and those before you so that you may become pious. Who has made the earth a resting place and the sky as a canopy, and sent down rain from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allaah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).” [Qur’aan 2:21-22]
“And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: ‘Allaah.’ How then are they turned away (from the worship of Allaah, Who created them)?” [Qur’aan 43:87]
FOURTH: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S NAMES AND SIFAAT (ATTRIBUTES):
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.” [Qur’aan 7:180]
“His is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Qur’aan 30:27]
TWO SECTS WENT ASTRAY REGARDING THIS MATTER:
Footnotes
[1] Revealed texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah
[2] lit: sensory perception, sensation. It pertains to the evidences about Allaah’s existence. Al-Hiss means, that which is perceptible through the senses. [TN]
[3] Related by Imaam Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, V.8, pp. 389-90, Hadeeth no. 597.
[4] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 6, pp. 356-358, Hadeeth no. 377.
[5] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 5, p. 236, Hadeeth no. 358.
[6] Ash-Shar’a: Islaamic Texts and Legislation’s in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. [TN]
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tafsir Ayat Al-Kursi from Tafsir of Imam Ibn Kathir
Abridged under the supervision of Shaykh Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri
© Dar-us-Salam
"Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission? He know what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
~ Surah Al-Baqarah Ayat Al-Kursi (v.255)
Ayat Al Kursi has Ten Complete Arabic Sentences
Allah's statement,
Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He
mentions that Allah is the One and Only Lord of all creation.
Allah's statement,
Al-Hayyul-Qayyum
testifies that Allah is the Ever Living, Who never dies, Who sustains everyone and everything,. All creation stands in need of Allah and totally relies on Him, while He is the Most Rich, Who stands in need of nothing created. Similarly, Allah said, "And among his signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His command." (Surah Ar-Rum Ayah 25)
Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him
means, no shortcoming, unawareness or ignorance ever touches Allah. Rather, He is aware of, and controls what every soul earns, has perfect watch over everything, nothing escapes His knowlegde, and no secret matter is secret to Him. Among His perfect attributes, is the fact that He is never effected by slumber or sleep. therefore Allah's statement, "Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him" indicates that no unawareness due to slumber or sleep ever overtakes Allah. Allah said afterwards,
nor sleep
which is stronger than slumber. It is recorded in the Sahih that Abu Musa said, The Messenger of Allah delivered a speech regarding four words:
"Allah does not sleep, and it does not befit His majesty that He sleeps. He lowers the scales and raises them. The deeds of the day are resurrected in front of Him before the deeds before the deeds of the night, and the deeds of the night before the deeds of day. His Veil is light, or fire, and if He removes it, the rays from His Face would burn whatever His sight reaches of His creation." (Sahih Muslim 1:161)
Allah's statement,
To him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth
indicated that everyone is a servant for Allah, a part of his kingdom and under His power and authority. Similarly, Allah said "There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allah) as a servant. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any Helper, or protector or defender)." (Surah Maryam Ayah's 93-95)
Allah's statement
Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission?
is similar to His statements, "And there are many angels in the heavens, whose intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He wills and is pleased with." (Surah An-Najm Ayah 26)
and, "They cannot intercede except for him with whome He is pleased." (Surah Al-Anbiya Ayah 28)
These Ayat assert Allah's greatness, pride, and grace, and that no one dares to intercede with Him on behalf of anyone else, except by His permission. Indeed, the Hadith about the intercession, states that the Prophet said, "I will stand under the Throne and fall in prostration, and Allah will allow me to remain in that position as much as He wills. I will thereafter be told, "Raise your head, speak and you will be heard, intercede and your intercession will be accepted". The Prophet then said, "He will allow me a proportion whom I will enter into Paradise." (Sahih Muslim 1:180)
Allah's statement,
He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter
this refers to His perfect knowledge of all creation; its past, present and future. Similarly, Allah said that the angels proclaimed; "And we (angels) descend not except by the command of your Lord (O Muhammad ). to Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between those two; and your Lord is never forgetful." (Surah Maryam Ayah 64)
Allah's statement,
And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills
asserts the fact that no one attains any part of Allah's knowledge except what Allah conveys and allows. this part of the Ayah indicates that no one ever acquires knowledge of Allah and in His Attributes, except what He conveys to them. For instance Allah said, "But they will never compass anything of His knowledge." (Surah Ta-Ha Ayah 110)
Allah said,
His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth.
Waki' narrated in his Tafsir that Ibn Abbas said, "Kursi is the footstool, and no one is able to give due consideration to [Allah's] Throne." (At-Tabarani 12:39)
Al-Hakim recorded this Hadith in his Mustadrak (Al-Hakim 2:282) from Ibn Abbas who did not relate it to the . Al-Hakim said, "It is Sahih according to the criteria of the Two Sahihs, and they (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it."
In addition, Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn Abbas said, "If the seven heavens and the seven earths were flattened and laid side by side, they would add up to the size of a ring in a desert, compared to the Kursi." (Ibn Abi Hatim 3:981)
Allah said,
And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preservng them
meaning, it does not burden or cause Him fatigue to protect the heavens and earth and all that is in between them. Rather, this is an easy matter fo Him. Further, Allah sustains everything, has perfect watch over everything, nothing ever escapes His knowledge and no matter is ever a secret to Him. All matters are insignificant, modest and humble before Him. He is the Most Rich, worthy of all praise. He does, what He will, and no one can ask Him about what He does, while they perfect alertness concerning everything. He is the Most High, the Greatest, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, and no Lord other than Him.
Allah's statement,
And he is the Most High, the Most Great
is similar to His statement, "the Most Great, the Most High." (Surah Ar-Rad Ayah 9)
These and similar Ayat and authentic Hadiths about Allah's Attributes must be treated the way the Salaf (righteous ancestors) treated them by accepting their apparent meanings without equating them [with the attributes of the creation] or altering their apparent meaning.
Friday, April 24, 2009
THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ISLAAMIC CREED
The Deen of Islaam, as it is discussed above, is a Deen that compromises ‘Aqeedah (matters of Faith) and Sharee’ah (Laws, Legislation, and Judicial aspects). We indicated some of its Laws and mentioned its Arkaan which are considered the basis of its Legislation. As to the ‘Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah (The Islaamic Creed), its basis is: The Belief in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and Al-Qadar [1], its good and bad. These basis are verified by evidences from the Book of Allaah (i.e. The Qur’aan) and from the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-Sallam). In His Book, Allaah says: He (Ta’aalaa) says about Al-Qadar: In the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-Sallam) said in his reply to Jibreel (Gabriel) when the latter asked him about Eemaan (Faith): “It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allaah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets." [Qur’aan 2:177]
“Verily, We have created all things with Qadar, and Our Commandment is but one, as the twinkling of an eye.” [Qur’aan 54:49-50]
“Eemaan is to believe in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in Al-Qadar, its good and its bad.” [2]
Footnotes
[1] Al-Qadar is the Ability of Allaah, where He knew, wrote, willed and created all things in predestined proportions and precise measures. See the book “Al-Qadaa’ wal Qadar” by this translator.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Best Books on Tawheed
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts
![]() | Reference: Fataawaa Al Lajnah Ad Daaimah, question no.3778, Vol. 3, P.250, 3rd edition, 1999 CE. |
![]() | Category: Knowledge |
What is the best book for studing Tawheed and the Islaamic ‘Aqeedah and how can a person obtain it?
The greatest and best book that clarifies the correct ‘Aqeedah is the book of Allaah, then the narrations of His messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم .
The best books in the subject of ‘Aqeedah are the books:
Fath Al Majeed;
Al ‘Aqeedah Al Wasitiyah;
Al ‘Uloo Lil 'Ali AlGhafaar;
At Tawasul wal Waseelah;
Mukhtasar Al Sawaiq Al Mursalah;
Tatheer Al ‘Itiqaad;
Sharh Al Tahaweeyah.
...and Allaah is the Granter of success.
![]() | Translator: Ismaa'eel bin Yusuf, Abul-Qayyim |
![]() | Date Published: Saturday, 21 May २००५ |
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Conditions of La ilaha illa-Allah
Every Muslim knows that the key to Paradise is the statement, "There is none worthy of worship except Allaah." Yet too many Muslims simply rely upon this statement and believe that as long as they have made this statement, nothing will harm them.
They think they will be granted Paradise because of this mere verbal statement of the Shahaadah. There is no question that the mere saying of," I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger," is not sufficient for salvation. In fact, the hypocrites used to make this statement quite often yet Allaah describes them as liars and says that they shall abide in the lowest abyss of the Hell-fire.
As many scholars state, though, this statement or testimony is the key to Paradise. The famous follower Wahb ibn Munabbih was once asked, " Isn't the statement of la ilaha illa-llah the key to Paradise?" He answered, "Yes, but every key has ridges. If you come with the key that has the right ridges, the door will open for you. Yet if you do not have the right ridges the door will not open for you." That is, the statement must meet certain conditions. These conditions are what will differentiate the person who will benefit from his making of that statement from the one who will not benefit from that statement, no matter how many times a day he may have made that statement.
If we study the verses of the Qur’aan and the Hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him), we will find that the conditions of the shahaadah are seven, eight or nine in number depending on how we look at them. It is important that all of us make sure that we are meeting these conditions in our own lives and in our own testimony of faith. We must do our best to satisfy these conditions before it is too late and our testimony will be of no avail whatsoever. It is not simply for the sake of teaching these conditions, indeed there is no benefit to that. But it is, instead, for all of us to look to ourselves and to make sure that we are actually meeting these conditions so that, by Allaah's mercy, the doors to Paradise will be open for us by our key of la ilaha illa-llah.
These are the nine conditions of Shahaadah:
1- KNOWLEDGE:
That is, one must have the basic and general knowledge of what is meant by the shahaadah. One must understand what the shahaadah is affirming and what the shahaadah is denying. Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
"So know that there is no God save Allaah, and ask forgiveness for your sin" (Muhammad: 19).
Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever dies knowing that there is no one worthy of worship except Allaah shall enter Paradise.” (Recorded by Muslim).
In fact, the shahaadah itself is a testimony. When one testifies to something, one must know what it is that he is testifying concerns. Obviously, a testimony about something that one does not have any knowledge about is absolutely unacceptable. Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
" Save him who bears witness unto the truth knowingly" (al-Zukhruf: 86).
Now this condition probably sounds obvious; if someone said to you, "There is no God except Allaah," and then said that what he meant by Allaah was Jesus, you would immediately tell him that this shahaadah is nonsense. Yet can you imagine that there is a Muslim country in the world that until recently used to have a yearly weeklong celebration to "the Gods of the Sea"! All along they call themselves Muslims and they make the shahaadah numerous times a day.
This clearly shows that they have no idea what the meaning of their shahaadah is. Do you think that this kind of shahaadah will open the doors to Paradise for them? Today, there are many Muslims who wonder why we should not accept secularism. They think that there is nothing wrong with secularism! Many of these Muslims pray five times a day and utter the shahaadah repeatedly. Yet they see nothing wrong with accepting a Lawgiver other than Allaah? What kind of shahaadah are these people making?
All of us do our best to learn at least the basics of Islaamic beliefs, the basics of what shahaadah means. In this way, Allaah willing, we will be making the correct shahaadah. We will be witnessing to the truth as we are supposed to be witnesses to it.
2- CERTAINTY (or al-yaqeen):
This is the opposite of doubt and uncertainty. In Islaam, in fact, any kind of doubt is equivalent to Kufr or disbelief. We must, in our hearts, be absolutely certain of the truth of the shahaadah. Our hearts must not be wavering in any way when we testify to the truth of, "There is none worthy of worship except Allaah." Allaah describes the believers in the Qur’aan as those who have belief in Allaah and then their hearts waver not. Allaah says,
"the (true) believers are those only who believe in Allaah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allaah. Such are the sincere" (al-Hujuraat : 15).
Similarly, the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said, "No one meets Allaah with the testimony that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and I am the Messenger of Allaah, and he has no doubt about hat statement, except that he will enter Paradise." (Recorded by Muslim.)
Indeed, Allaah describes the hypocrites as those people whose hearts are wavering. For example, Allaah says,
"They alone seek leave of thee (not to participate in jihad) who believe not in Allaah and the Last Day and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver" (al-Tauba: 45).
Many scholars have stated that the diseases of the heart, or the doubt and suspicions that one allows into one's heart, are more dangerous for a person's faith than lusts and desires. This is because lusts and desires may be satisfied at some time yet the person still knows them to be wrong and he may control himself and repent and give up that evil deed. On the other hand, the doubts and suspicions may linger in the heart, with no cure, until the person finally leaves Islaam entirely or continues to practice Islaam while, in fact, in his heart he does not have the true faith. The greatest cure for these doubts is seeking knowledge. It is through sound knowledge of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah that most of these doubts will be removed.
3- ACCEPTANCE (or al-qabool):
If a person has knowledge of and certainty in the shahaadah, this must be followed by acceptance, with the tongue and heart, of whatever that shahaadah implies. Whoever refuses to accept the shahaadah and its implications, even if he knows that it is true and certain about its truth, then he is a disbeliever. This refusal to accept is sometimes due to pride, envy or other reasons.
In any case, the shahaadah is not a true shahaadah without its unconditional acceptance. The scholars all talk about this condition as a general condition in the way that I have just stated. However, there is also a more detailed aspect that we must all be aware of. The believer accepts whatever the implications of the shahaadah are. This also means that he believes in whatever is stated in the Qur’aan or stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him), without any right to choose what he wants to believe and what he wants to reject. Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
"Do you believe in part of the book and reject part of it? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous doom" (al-Baqarah: 85).
This is one aspect that the Muslims must be aware of. Although it is not the same as the complete refusal to accept the truth, by rejecting part of the truth that has come from Allaah, one also negates his testimony of faith. Unfortunately, many Muslims are doing this nowadays in various ways. Although not all of these forms may necessarily be considered apostasy,they are still very dangerous. For example, if they do not like what is stated in a verse in the Qur’aan, they simply reinterpret the verse according to their liking. If they do not like what is stated in a hadeeth, they simply state that the hadeeth must not be authentic although they are not scholars in that area. This kind of behavior is the antithesis of the behavior of the true Muslims. Whatever comes from Allaah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), the true Muslim believes in as the truth. This goes hand in hand with their testimony of faith.
4- SUBMISSION and COMPLIANCE (or al-inqiyad):
This implies the actual physical enactment with our deeds of our shahaadah. In fact, this is one of the main meanings of the word Islaam itself, "the submission to the will and commands of Allaah." This is what Allaah commands in the Qur’aan,
"Turn unto Him repentant, and surrender unto Him" (al-Zumar: 54).
Allaah has praised those who submit to His command by their actions. Allaah says,
"Who is better in religion than he who surrenders his purpose to Allaah while doing good" (al-Nisa: 125).
Actually, Allaah has clearly made it a condition of faith that one submits to the command of Allaah and His messenger. Allaah says,
"But nay, by your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you [the Messenger of Allaah] judge of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike of which you decide, and submit with full submission" (al-Nisa: 65)
Unfortunately, there are many that claim that there is no relationship between faith and deeds. You can even hear one Muslim saying about another, "That is the best Muslim I have ever met," yet the other person performs scarcely any of the deeds of Islaam whatsoever. This incorrect understanding of faith has spread throughout the Muslim world. Indeed, our shahaadah or testimony of faith must be implemented or realized in our hearts, tongues and actions. In our hearts, we must have love for Allaah, fear Allaah and hope in Him. With our tongues we must testify to the shahaadah. And with our actions, we must implement what the testimony of faith requires from us.
Anyone who claims to be a Muslim and yet does no deeds, either does not understand Islaam whatsoever or is bearing testimony against himself that his testimony of faith is not a true and correct testimony of faith. This does not mean that the true believer never commits a sin. Indeed, true believers do commit sins, but as long as they recognize that what they did is not correct and it is inconsistent with their obligation of submitting to Allaah, then they have not violated the soundness of their testimony or shahaadah. But do not forget they are still sinners. And what is the minimum of submission that is required from a person beyond whom there can be no claim to faith? For those scholars who say that the abandonment of prayers is infidelity, it is the five daily prayers. Whoever does not perform, at least, the five daily prayers have gone beyond the limit that is acceptable for lack of deeds. Allaah knows best.
5-TRUTHFULNESS (or as-sidq), as opposed to hypocrisy and dishonesty:
This means that when we say the shahaadah, we are saying it honestly. We actually mean it. We are not lying when it comes to our testimony of faith. The Prophet (peace be upon his) said, "No one bears testimony to there being no one worth of worship save Allaah, sincerely from his heart, except that Allaah makes the Hell-fire forbidden for him." (Recorded by al-Bukharee and Muslim.)
We are all familiar with those who say the testimony of faith yet they are not saying it honestly. They do not believe in it but they are simply saying it in order to protect themselves or to get some gain from doing so; these are the hypocrites. Allaah has described them in the opening of the Qur’aan with the following words,
"And of mankind are some who say, 'We believe in Allaah and the Last Day,' when they believe not. They think to beguile Allaah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves, but they perceive not. In their hearts is a disease, and Allaah increases their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie" (al-Baqarah: 8-10).
Obviously, the shahaadah of those who become Muslims simply to benefit from being Muslim and not because they believe in Islaam will be rejected by Allaah in the Hereafter. They will face a painful punishment due to their lying.
6- SINCERITY (or al-ikhlaas):
That is, when we make the shahaadah, we must do so solely for the sake of Allaah. We must not do it for any other reason. And we must not do it for anyone else's sake. In this manner, the meaning of sincerity is opposite of Shirk or ascribing partners with Allaah. We became and remain Muslims solely for Allaah's sake. Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
"Worship Allaah, making religion pure for him" (al-Zumar: 2).
And Allaah also says,
"And they are ordained not else than to serve Allaah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion" (al-Bayyinah: 5).
And the Prophet (peace be upon him) added, "Allaah has forbidden for the Hell-fire anyone who says, 'There is no one worthy of worship except Allaah,' and say so desiring the face [and pleasure] of Allaah." (Recorded by Muslim).
This is something that we should all think about, especially those of us who grew up in Muslim families and were born Muslim. We should make it very clear to ourselves that we are Muslims only for the sake of Allaah. We are not Muslims for the sake of our parents, friends, family or community. It must be clear in our minds that we are Muslims for the sake of Allaah first, last and only. One of the signs that we are Muslims for the sake of Allaah is that we do whatever Allaah asks of us, regardless of what anybody else desires or wants from us. That is, in the same way that we are Muslims solely for the sake of Allaah, all of our actions are done for the sake of Allaah.
However, sometimes one begins to wonder whether some people meet this condition. Some people from the Muslim world practice Islaam to the extent that it is pleasing to their families. If there is anything in Islaam that their families do not like- although their families are Muslim and therefore they actually should like all of Islaam- then they do not practice that aspect of Islaam. One common example of that nature is mixing between men and women. Sometimes a brother, here in the U.S., will not mix with women and his wife will remain separate from the men. Yet, when they return to their homes, because this is not pleasing to their families who want to mix between men and women, they easily, simply and happily compromise their religion for the sake of their parents. These people must sincerely ask themselves why they are Muslims. Are they Muslims for the sake of their parents and therefore whatever their parents like they will do and whatever their parents do not like they won't do? Or are they Muslims for the sake of Allaah and therefore whatever Allaah dislikes they will not do and whatever Allaah is pleased with they do?
7- LOVE (or al-mahabbah):
That is, the believer loves this shahaadah, he loves in accordance with the shahaadah, he loves the implications and requirements of the shahaadah and he loves those who act and strive for the sake of this shahaadah. This is a necessary condition of the shahaadah. If a person makes the shahaadah but does not love the shahaadah and what it stands for, then, in fact, his faith is not complete. It is not the faith of a true believer. And if he loves something more that this shahaadah or if he loves something more than Allaah, then he has negated his shahaadah. The true believer, the one meeting the conditions of the shahaadah puts no one whatsoever as an equal to Allaah in his love. Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
"Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allaah,loving them with a love like (that which is due to) Allaah only. However, those who believe are stauncher in their love of Allaah" (al-Baqarah: 165).
And elsewhere Allaah says:
"Say: If your fathers, or your sons, or your brethren, or your wives, or your tribe, or the wealth you have acquired, or merchandise for which you fear that there will be no sale, or dwellings you desire are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allaah brings His command to pass. Allaah guides not wrongdoing folk" (al-Tauba: 24).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever has three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith. [The first of these] is that he loves Allaah and His Messenger more than he loves anyone else..." (Recorded by al-Bukharee and Muslim.).
This is one of the most important aspects of Islaam yet, for some reason, it is missing from the lives of many Muslims. They act in Islaam as if Islaam were a chore instead of doing things out of the love of Allaah. When Allaah orders us to do something, like bear witness to the faith, we should realize that that thing is pleasing to Allaah and, therefore, out of our love for Allaah, we should be very pleased to do the acts that are pleasing to Allaah. But, as I said, this feeling is missing from many, many Muslims today.
8: DENYING EVERY OTHER OBJECT OF WORSHIP:
Although that is clear in the words of the testimony of faith, it does not seem clear to everyone who makes that testimony. Therefore, I am mentioning it explicitly here. In Surah al-Baqarah, Allaah clearly reminds us of this important aspect of the shahaadah, the shahaadah is not merely an affirmation but it is both an affirmation and a negation. Allaah states,
"And he who rejects false deities and believes in Allaah has grasped a firm handhold which will never break" (al-Baqarah: 256).
Perhaps the Prophet (peace be upon him) made this point even clearer when he said,"Whoever says there is no one worthy of worship except Allaah and denies whatever is worshipped besides Allaah, then his wealth and blood are protected and his accounting will be with Allaah." (Recorded by Muslim).
Although this condition should be obvious to everyone who says the words of shahaadah, you can still find Muslims who say the shahaadah and then make acts of worship for beings or things other than Allaah. You will find them going to the graveyards and worshipping those in the graves. They will perform acts of worship, not for the sake of Allaah, but for the sake of the dead "saints" in the grave. What kind of shahaadah have these people made? Do you really think that their shahaadah will mean anything on the Day of Judgement as long as they believe that acts of worship may be done for other than Allaah?
9- ADHEREING to the shahaadah until one dies:
This is must if the shahaadah is to mean anything for you in the Hereafter. You cannot rest on your laurels of what you may have done in the past. No, indeed, the shahaadah must be your banner until your death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, " A man spends a long time doing the deeds of the people of Paradise and then he ends his deeds with the deeds of the people of the Hell-fire. And a man spends a long time doing the deeds of the people of the Hell-fire and then he ends his deeds with the deeds of the people of Paradise." (Recorded by Muslim)
In another hadeeth, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "By the One beside whom there is no other God, one of you does the actions of Paradise until there is just a handspan between him and Paradise and then the book [preordainment] overtakes him and he does the actions of the people of Hell and he enters into it" (Recorded by al-Bukharee and Muslim.)
And Allaah says in the Qur’aan,
"O believers, observe your duty to Allaah with right observance, and die not save as Muslims [surrendering yourselves to Allaah]" (al-Imran: 102).
Dear brothers and sisters, these are the conditions of the shahaadah. These are the aspects of the shahaadah that each and every one of us should look to in himself and ask himself, "Is my shahaadah meeting those requirements? Am I saying it sincerely, honestly and out of love for Allaah? Am I saying it based on what it really means? Am I denying all other false objects of worship?"
These questions we should ask ourselves now before we meet Allaah. Allaah willing, we shall ask ourselves these questions now and we shall find that we have all the right answers for them. Or, if we find we have some deficiency, we shall work to remove that deficiency. Such that, by Allaah's mercy, in the Hereafter, our shahaadah will be the key to Paradise for us and the gates of Paradise will swing wide open for us and we will be able to live forever in the bounties of Paradise, with Allaah being pleased with us.
Again, it is not simply a matter of knowing these conditions. Indeed, one can meet many Muslims who have these conditions memorized, yet when one looks to their deeds and behavior, one can see that these conditions have no effect on them. This means, in fact, no matter how well he knows and can rattle off these conditions, he, in fact, is not fulfilling them. In the Hereafter, his knowledge of these conditions will be of no avail to him. Indeed, his knowledge will be a proof against him, as he clearly knows what the conditions are that he must satisfy yet he has shown that he is not willing to satisfy them in his life.
This article appeared in two parts in AL-BASHEER magazine (Vol.7, No.5 January-February, 1994).
Explaining The Fundamentals Of Faith Author: Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen Source: Sharh Usool al-Eemaan Translator: Dr. Saalih as-Saalih Pub
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![]() Arkaan ul-Islaam are its basic foundation upon which it is established; they are five, mentioned in the narration by Ibn Umar (radhi-Allaahu ‘anhu) in which the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) said: FIRST: The Shahadah of: La ilaaha illal laah, Muhammad Rassoulul laah Is the decisive belief expressed on the tongue as though one sees with his own eyes the certainty of his firm conviction. The fact that the Shahadah has been made as a single pillar despite the multiplicity in what is being attested, is because of either of the following (reasons): Some of the Benefits attained by the declaration of the great Shahadah include the liberation of the heart and soul from slavery to the created, and from following paths other than the Messengers’ path. SECOND: Regarding the Establishing of Prayers: it is worshipping Allaah by performing it in the right and perfect manner [2] and on its prescribed times. Some of its Benefits include the openness of the chest, contentment and joy, and restrainment from committing sins and wrong-doings. THIRD: The Giving of Zakaat: is devoting worship to Allaah by offering the obligatory prescribed amount of charity deducted from the wealth upon which Zakaat is due. Some of its Benefits are: purifying the self from immoral characteristics like misery, and fulfilling the needs of Islaam and Muslims. FOURTH: Fasting: it is devoting worship to Allaah by refraining from everything known to nullify the fast during the days of the month of Ramadaan. Fasting coaches the self to endure the relinquishment of what it is like seeking to gain the pleasure of Allaah. FIFTH: The Hajj to The House of Allaah: is worshipping Allaah by going to the Sacred House (Al-Ka’bah) to execute the rites of Hajj. Some of its Benefits include: the training of the self to expend physical and financial sacrifices in obedience to Allaah (Ta’aalaa). This is the reason why Hajj is considered as one kind of Jihad in the cause of Allaah (Ta’aalaa). The Benefits that we have mentioned above regarding the basics of Islaam, and others which we have not mentioned, makes of this Ummah a virtuous and purified Islaamic Nation adhering to Allaah through the Deen of Truth, and treats the created with justice and truthfulness. This (conclusion) holds true because the right adherence to the rest of the Islaamic Laws depends upon the proper practicability of the above basics. The status of the Ummah will thrive and prosper as long as it properly adheres to the matters of its Deen. The degree of its prosperity that may escape is proportional to the degree of abandonment of good adherence to matters of its Deen. Whoever seeks an evidence for this, let him read the saying of Allaah (Ta’aalaa): Let him also examine the history of those who preceded because history is a lesson for people of thought, and an insight for anyone free from any obstructing barrier to his heart. And it is Allaah alone whose Help can be sought.
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Footnotes[1] Agreed upon hadeeth: The text is from Saheeh Muslim.
[2] As detailed by the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-Sallam) in his authentic Sunnah. See for example an excellent collection of the narration’s describing the Prophet’s Prayer in Shaykh Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee’s book: “The Prophet’s Prayer”. [TN] |
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