Salaf-us-Saalih.com :: The Call of the Salaf is True Islam

Scholar: Imâm Muhammad Nâsir-ud-Dîn al-Albânî
Source: Silsilat-ul-Hudâ wan-Nûr (233), Reference: Maktabah Darulhadith.com
Audio and translation courtesy of http://aFatwa.com

Question: The Palestinian Intifada has now been going on for 1 ½ years. We throw stones at the jews that either hits them on the head or not. What do you say about throwing stones at the jews or continuing the Intifada in this way at all?

Shaykh al-Albânî: We have honored the intifada from the entire beginning. It deserves to be honored given its courage and heroism. However, it goes about the wrong way. If we firstly consider the Sharî’ah-based texts and thereafter the biography of the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), we see that this matter is in need of preparation. This preparation addresses two matters;

1. the spiritual
2. and the militaristic.

We already know that the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his companions were subjected to hardships by the polytheists in Makkah until Allâh (tabârak wa ta’âlâ) allowed some of them to emigrate even if it be to Abyssinia. Allâh thereafter allowed the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to emigrate from Makkah to al-Madînah. He was followed by those who were able to follow, and others stayed. The believers are up until today subjected to the worst punishments [by the Kuffâr etc], which history is a witness to.

What I want to say is, the Muslims of the world (should not) rush it. They should rather prepare themselves to fight against the disbelievers (Kuffâr) and expel them from the Muslim countries to the disbelieving countries. That is why Allâh (ta’âlâ) said in the Qur’ân:

“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allâh and your enemy”

(8:60, interpretation of the meanings)

The intifada is undoubtedly just as (it was) before though even more evident. It has not been prepared at all in order to be able to fight against the disbelievers who have occupied this country (I.e. Palestine). Both spiritual and militaristic preparations are missing.

Secondly, we see that it is useless and worthless to confront various types of machine guns by way of stones. That is why I do not see any results from this intifada. It has now been going on for two entire years and they still stand on the same spot. Especially since the Arabic countries, who after all have a fairly [acceptable] military force, doesn’t help our brothers militaristically.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy

Sheikh Falaah Ismaa-eel (may Allaah preserve him) says that his Sheikh, Sheikh Muhammad Amaan al Jaami (Rahimahullaah) said: ”The one who is not able to exercise patience in the path of knowledge will not be able to exercise patience in worship; and the one who is not able to exercise patience in worship will not be able to exercise patience in the path of calling to Allaah.” [1]

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah preserve him) said that their shaikh Al-Allaamah Muhammad Amaan Al-Jaami (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Rectification is more cumbersome than enactment.’’ [2]

Footnotes:

[1][Source: (Explanation of Usoolus Sitta by Sheikh Falaah Ismaa-eel at Salafipublications 2004)]May Allaah grant all of us Tawfeeq
[2][Sharh Umdatul Ahkaam: Lesson: 23:www.elbukhari.net]

Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)
http://salaficentre.com/2012/01/two-beautiful-transmissions-from-shaikh-falaah-and-shaikh-abdullaah-al-bukhaari/

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy

Ibn Abdul Haadee (rahimahullaah) said:

When he [shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah)] entered prison, he found the prisoners pre-occupied with various types of games with which they pass the time, such as chess, backgammon and the likes, of (those things that lead) to neglect of the five daily prayers.

So the Shaikh [Ibn Taymiyyah(rahimahullaah)] severely disapproved of that from them. He commanded them to adhere to the five daily prayers and to turn to Allaah through performance of righteous deeds, glorification of Allaah, seeking forgiveness for their sins and supplication.

He made them acquainted with what they were in need of from the Sunnah. He awakened their desire for it and urged them towards it, until a lot of good came about in the prison due to that which was (present) in it of pre-occupation with knowledge and the Religion better than many of the small prayer rooms, the hospices, the places where people secluded themselves for worship and the schools.  And it became (such) that many amongst the prisoners chose to remain with him (Ibn Taymiyyah) after they were released, and those returning to the prison became so numerous that it became filled with them.

[Al-Uqood Ad-Du’riyyah Fee Dhikri Manaaqib Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah 330-331]

Translated by: Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)

http://salaficentre.com/2012/02/an-amazing-affair-from-the-dawah-of-shaikhul-islaam/

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• The story of the young Ibn Taymiyyah (salaf-us-saalih.com)

Attaining Two Rewards for Trying to Accomplish what You are Aiming For

by Ahmed Abu Turaab

Shaikh Ibn Uthaimeen, may Allaah have mercy on him, said,

“Indeed those things which inhibit a person from attaining what he is aiming for are numerous.  But by seeking Allaah’s Aid, the Mighty and Majestic, and by expending [the required] effort he will achieve his goal.  And let it be known that every time the diversion is stronger then the one seeking [his goal] will be in a jihaad, and that every time the distraction is stronger but the person drives it away then through that he will receive two rewards: the reward for doing the [righteous] action and the reward for repelling the hindrance and for this reason the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said,

“Ahead of you there are days of patience, when patience will be like grasping live coals, and the one who does good deeds will have the reward of fifty Companions,” because of the numerousness of the things that hinder.”

Ash-Sharh al-Mumti, vol. 1, pp. 22-23.

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• Don’t just be patient, be patient and along with that hope for a reward from Allaah for your patience during your calamity (salaf-us-saalih.com)

No Excuse for Sinners

Shaykh al-`Uthaymeen said:

We believe that the sinner has no excuse in Allaah’s divine decree, because he commits his sin by his free will, without knowing that Allaah has decreed for him, for no one knows Allaah’s decree before it takes place:

«No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow» [31:34]

How can it be possible, then, to present an excuse that is not known to the person who is advancing it when he commits his offense? Allaah invalidated this type of argument by saying:

«Those who took partners (in worship) with Allaah will say: “If Allaah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will). Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allaah’s Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: “Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie.» [6:148]

We say to the sinner who is using divine decree as an excuse: ‘Why did you not perform deeds of obedience, assuming that Allaah has decreed them upon you, since you did not know the difference between good deeds and sins? That is why, when Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) told his Companions that everyone’s position in Paradise or Hell has been assigned, they said: ‘Should not we rely on this and stop working?’ He said: «No, work and everyone will be directed to what he is created for» [Bukhaaree and Muslim].

We say to the sinner who is trying to find an excuse in the divine decree: “Suppose you want to travel to Makkah. There are two roads that may take you there. You are told by a truthful person that one of these roads is dangerous and difficult, the other is easy and safe. You will take the second one. You will not take the first road and say it is decreed upon me. If you did, people would consider you crazy.”

We may also say to him: “If you are offered two jobs, one of which has a higher salary, you will certainly take the one with the higher salary. Why do you choose what is lower in the Hereafter and use the divine decree as an excuse?”

We may further say to him: “We see you when you are afflicted with a disease, you knock at every physician’s door looking for treatment and bearing whatever pain that may result from surgical operations and the bitterness of medicine. Why do not you do the same when your heart is spiritually sick with sins?“

Source : The Muslim’s Belief.

Internet Source: http://daragharbi.org

Increase of Provision through Forgiveness

Compiled & Translated by Umm Yahya

A) Hasan al Basri -Rahimullaah- mentioned:

‘That a man complained to him concerning drought so it was said seek forgiveness from Allaah, another complained about another matter so it was said seek forgiveness from Allaah, another complained about lack of rain for his land so it was said seek forgiveness from Allaah another complained of no offspring so it was said seek forgiveness from Allaah, then he (Hasan al Basri) recited.

ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارٗا ١٠ يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّدۡرَارٗا ١١ وَيُمۡدِدۡكُم بِأَمۡوَٰلٖ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجۡعَل
لَّكُمۡ جَنَّٰتٖ وَيَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ أَنۡهَٰرٗا ١٢

<<Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.
He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers
And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. >> [Nuh: 10-12]

[Taken from: ‘Fath al-Bari’ Chapter: the Best Method of Seeking forgiveness]

B) al-Hafidh Emaad ad-Deen Isma’eel Ibn Katheer (d. 774 A.H.) -Rahimullaah- said in his Tafseer about the previous Ayaat:

‘If you repented to Allaah and sought forgiveness from Him and showed obedience to Him your Rizq (provision) would increase and rain would fall from the blessings of the skies, and the blessings of the earth would spring forth, crops would grow for you. You will be given abundant livestock. You will be aided with wealth and offspring; meaning that offspring and wealth would be given to you. And you will be given gardens that have numerous types of fruits and through out there will be rivers that flow in these gardens. This is the way of giving Dawa’ by encouragement.’

[Taken from: ‘Tafseer al-Qur’aan al-Atheem’ 4/p.536]

C) It is narrated from Abi Saeed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘Whoever performs Wudu and then says:
‘ Subhanaka Allahuma wabihamdika la ilaha ila anta astaghfiruka wa atooboo ilaika’
(‘Far are You O Allaah from imperfection, and You have all praise, there is none worthy of worship in truth except You, I seek forgiveness from You and I repent to You),
then this reward is written in a parchment and it is stamped with a seal and no falsehood can break it until the day of Judgment.’

[Taken from ‘Silsilah as-Saheehah’ No. 2333 declared Hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani]

Source : http://followingthesunnah.wordpress.com – Brother Abbaas Abu Yahya and Umm Yahya’s blog

Related articles :

• Br. Abbas Abu Yahya’s valuable Translations
• Allaah is Al-`Afuww (the Pardoner) (asmawasifaat.wordpress.com)
• Forgiving & Pardoning the one who has oppressed you hoping for the reward from Allaah (salaf-us-saalih.com)
• Consequences of Sins of a Believer are Repelled with Ten Means (sinsinislam.wordpress.com)

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, Ar-Rooh, p. 79.
Translated by Ahmed Abu Turaab @ http://wp.me/p23HnI-38

Ibn al-Qayyim said,

‘Avoid those things that necessitate the punishment of the grave.

And from the most beneficial of them is that when a man wants to sleep, he sits for an hour, for the Sake of Allaah, calling himself to account over the things that he has lost and gained during that day of his. Then, between him and his Lord, he renews his sincere repentance over those things that he lost, and sleeps on that repentance, firmly resolving not to return to the sin when he wakes up–and he does this every night.

So if he dies on that night of his, he would have died upon repentance and if he wakes up, he will wake up going towards action, pleased with the postponement of his appointed time so that he can turn to his Lord and set right what he missed out on.

And there is nothing more beneficial for the servant than this sleep, especially when he follows that [i.e., his resolve to renew his repentance] up with the remembrance of Allaah, performing those sunnahs which have been reported from the Prophet of Allaah when going to bed, [doing so] until sleep overtakes him.

So whoever Allaah wishes good for, He will grant him the success to do that. And there is neither movement, nor power except through Allaah.”

Ar-Rooh, p. 79.

Related articles

• From the Secrets of Fatiha and What it Contains – Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeya (salaf-us-saalih.com)
• The Pleasure of Sinning or the Pleasure of Repenting? (sinsinislam.wordpress.com)

Ad-Daa wad-Dawaa, pp. 91-92, slightly edited.
Translated by Ahmed Abu Turaab

Ibn al-Qayyim said, “So it may become impossible for him to pronounce the shahaadah, as many people have witnessed happen to those on the deathbed, such that it was said to some of them:

“Say Laa ilaaha illallaah.” So he replied, “Aaah! Aaah! I cannot say it!”

And it was said to another, “Say Laa ilaaha illallaah.” So he replied, “King!  Rook!  Checkmate!” and then he passed away.

And it was said to another, “Say Laa ilaaha illallaah.” So he started singing irrationally, saying, ‘Taatinaa tinintaa, [no meaning, just irrational singing]’ and then passed away.

And the same was said to another, so he replied, “And how will what you are saying help me when I left no sin except that I committed it?” and then he passed away without saying it.

And the same was said to another, so he replied, “And how will that benefit me? And I don’t know if I have ever prayed a single time to Allaah?” and then he passed away without saying it.

And the same was said to another, so he replied [talking about himself], “He is a disbeliever in what you say,” and then he passed away.

And the same was said to another, so he replied, “Every time I want to say it my tongue withholds.”

And someone who was present at the death of someone who would beg told me that [they told him to say the shahaadah] so he started saying, “For Allaah’s Sake. A penny for Allaah’s Sake,” until he passed away.

And a trader told me that he was present when one of his relatives was on his deathbed, so they told him to say Laa ilaaha illallaah and he was saying, “This piece is cheap. This is a good buy. This is such and such,” until he passed away.

So if the devil has gained mastery over the servant in the state when his mind is present and his strength [is also present] and he has complete cognizance, and has employed him in committing whichever acts of disobedience to Allaah he wants him to do, and has made him unmindful of the remembrance of Allaah the Most High, and has paralysed his tongue from remembering Him and his limbs from obeying Him–then what does one think will be the case when his strength breaks down and his heart and soul become preoccupied with the death pangs that he is in?

And [all the while] Shaitaan will have gathered all of his strength and determination and assembled everything that he is capable of to avail his opportunity concerning him–for that is the last action.

So the strongest his Shaitaan will be against him will be at that time, and the weakest he [i.e., the person] will be will be at that time.

So who do you think will be safe from that? So it is there that, “Allaah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word [i.e., 'the firm word' is Laa ilaaha illallaah], in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allaah sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allaah does what He wills.” Ibraaheem 14:27

So how can someone whose heart Allaah has made heedless from His remembrance and who has followed his desires and whose affair is ever [in] neglect be granted the success to have a good ending?

Thus far away–the one whose heart is distant from Allaah the Most High, heedless of Him, worshipping his own desires, a slave to his lusts, his tongue dry from ever remembering Allaah [i.e., not moist with His remembrance], his limbs incapacitated from obeying Him actively working to disobey Him–far away [is such a person] from being granted the success to have a good ending.”

Ad-Daa wad-Dawaa, pp. 91-92, slightly edited.
http://giftsofknowledge.wordpress.com

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• From The Foundations of Evils (salaf-us-saalih.com)

“I’m not a lucky person, rather I’m a blessed person…”

Explanation of Kitaab at-Tawheed, Abul-’Abbas Moosaa Richardson, Class 33

Question:

Is it okay to say good luck?

Answer:

“I would advise you not to say “good luck” and the idea of luck is not really considered to be al-fa’al but rather luck is what people believe in when they don’t believe in blessings from Allaah ta aa’la. They have money, they have good things happen to them and they believe in good luck and so they seek to increase themselves in good luck by charms or by belief in different things and they think that this is the source of their blessings and this is all shirk and very despicable habits to not praise the One who has given you something, to not thank the One who has bestowed a great blessing upon you and say “I’m lucky.” This is filthy and this is disgusting and I know that the questioner is not asking about that situation, but yet that is the basis of the practice of saying “good luck.” Its from those people who have those belief, so let us be distinct from them and have good words and good phrases about Allaah, let us not pass up an opportunity in front of another Muslim or in front of a kaafir, to praise Allaah for what we have. Even if you are talking to a kafir and you have to mention something about your family, or about your wealth, or about your car, say: “This is from Allaah the Lord of the Creation who has given this to me, and its not from my work and my efforts but instead its a blessing from Allaah. I’m not a lucky person, rather I’m a blessed person, with blessings from Allaah” ...and in that you become a daa’ee as opposed to saying “I’m lucky,” you become a person who’s speech is similar to the speech of the people of shirk.”

start: 47 minutes, end: 48 minutes and 40 seconds
http://www.wiziq.com
Click here for class details and here for previous audios, in shaa Allaah.

From the Secrets of Fatiha and What it Contains
By Shaykh ul –Islaam Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeyah as-Salafi  -Rahimullaah-
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

 Shamsuddeen Muhammad bin Abee Bakr Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeyah (d.751 A.H.) -Rahimullaah- said:

 Two Strengths

‘The human being has two strengths:

1. The strength of researched knowledge.
2. And the strength of practical firm determination of actions.

 A human’s complete happiness is dependent upon the perfection and completion of the two strengths of knowledge and firm determination of actions.

As for the perfection and completion of the strength of knowledge, then this is achieved

1. by knowing his Creator and his Originator,
2. knowing His Names and Attributes;
3. by knowing the path which leads to Him, and
4. by knowing what causes weakness in following that path, and
5. by knowing himself and his shortcomings and mistakes.

Having awareness of these five points, leads the human to achieve perfection in the strength of knowledge. The most knowledgeable of the people are those who know and understand these points the most.

 As for the perfection and completion of the strength of practical firm determination of actions, this can only be achieved by complying with the rights of Allaah -Subhanahu- which He has over the slave, and the slave fulfills them with Ikhlaas (sincerity), truthfulness, faithfully, being righteous and by following and testifying to Allaah’s favours upon the slave of Allaah.

The slave has shortcomings in fulfilling Allaah’s rights, and so is ashamed to face Allaah with what (little) he has from servitude to Him. The slave knows that his servitude to Allaah is less than that which Allaah is worthy of, in fact it is even less and lesser than that.  There is no way for him to perfect these two strengths except with Allaah’s help.  Allaah guides him to the straight path to which He guided, His ‘Aawliyaa and those who are close to Him. Allaah averts him from going off the path (Siraat), through either becoming corrupted in his strength of knowledge, and he falls into misguidance, or from his strength of actions, which obligates anger upon him.

 The Principles of Guidance in Sooratul – Fatiha

The complete happiness of a human cannot be achieved except with a combination of these matters, and they are included in Sooratul Fatiha and these matters are arranged in the best way, so the saying of Allaah Ta’ala: <<All praise belongs to Allaah, the Lord of all the worlds * The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.  * The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)>> comprises the first principle, which is knowing about Allaah and His Names, His Attributes and His Actions.

The Names mentioned in this Soorah are the principle names of Allaah’s Beautiful Names, which are; the Name ‘Allaah’, ‘ar-Rabb’ (The Lord) and ‘ar-Rahmaan’ (The Most Merciful).

• The Name ‘Allaah’ comprises the attributes of al-Ulooheeya (worship).
• The Name ‘ar-Rabb’ comprises the attributes of Roobubeeyah.
• The Name ‘ar-Rahman’ comprises the attributes of Beneficence, generosity and Kindness.

The meanings of the Names of Allaah revolve around this.

As for Allaah’s saying:

<<You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)>> : This is knowing the path leading to Allaah, which is none other than worshipping Him Alone with what Allaah loves and is pleased with, and seeking aid from Him whilst worshipping Him.

As for His saying: <<Guide us to the Straight Way >> this comprises the explanation that the slave of Allaah has no way to his own happiness except by Isteeqamah (being upright) on the Siraat al-Mustaqeem (the straight path).  There is no path for him to Isteeqamah except by Allaah’s guidance, just as there is no way for him to Allaah’s worship except by Allaah’s aid, in the same way there is no path for him to Isteeqamah upon the correct way except by Allaah’s guidance.

As for Allaah’s saying: << not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray>> this contains the two extremities of deviancy from the straight path.  Deviating to one of these sides leads to misguidance, which is the corruption of knowledge and belief deviating to the other side, to Allaah’s anger which is due to corruption of the intention and action.

The first part of the Soorah is mercy, the middle is guidance and last part is blessings.

 The Slave of Allaah is between Blessings and Guidance

The portion of blessings a slave of Allaah has is related to the amount of guidance he has.

The proportion of guidance for a slave of Allaah is related to the portion of Mercy. So, the whole matter returns back to Allaah’s Blessings and His Mercy.

Blessing and Mercy are from those things which necessitate Allaah’s Roobubeeyah (Lordship). Indeed Allaah is The Merciful and The Giver of blessings and these are from the obligations of His Ilaheeyaeehi (being the One worthy of worship), so He is the deity in Truth, even if the rejecters deny it, and the Mushrikeen associate partners with Him.

Whoever puts into effect the meanings of Fatiha with knowledge and understanding, practically and immediately; then he will have been successful in his perfecting [knowledge and action] in the best way. Then his worship of Allaah becomes a distinct worship by which his grade is raised above that of the general worshippers.

Wa Allaahul Must’aan.’

 [Taken From his book ‘Al-Fawaid’ p.115-118]