The Start of the Asha’irah Creed in Morocco

The Start of the Asha’irah Creed in Morocco

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Morocco is a Muslim country in North Africa, with a rich heritage and a diverse culture. There you can find some of the most elegant architecture, the tastiest of cuisines and beaches all up and down its boarders. People predominantly come from the Amazigh, or Arab background. The 1^st university in the world is in Fes, known as Al-Qarawayeen. This learning institution was founded by a woman known as Fatimah Al-Fahiri.

I was blessed and fortunate to visit Morocco numerous times in my life and even had the chance to study Arabic in Fes, at ALIF in 1998. Sadly to say though, many of their masjids have graves inside of them. Although, this exists there are scholars here who adhere to Tawheed and the Salafi creed. The principles of Salafiyah aren’t something strange to Morocco. In fact, one the greatest scholars of recent times is from there; Shaykh Muhammad Taqiud Deen Al-Hilali.

So, when did things go wrong? When did Sufism and Bid’ah begin to plague Morocco? Ibn Khaldoon said : “The people of Morocco were the furthest of people from following the Asha’irah doctrine. They remained that way until a Shia came there forcing them to abandon the Salafi creed and follow the Asha’irah principles. His name is Muhammad ibn Tumarat. This wicked and evil individual claimed that he was infallible and the Imam Al- Mahdi. He was also a fortune-teller , thus claimed to know the unseen. [1]

Sheehabudeen As-Sallawi Al-Maliky in his history book mentioned that the people of Morocco were followers of Salafiyah. They avoided changing and altering the meanings of Quranic verses and Hadith. They remained in this state until Muhammad ibn Tumarat came back from the west. He went there and studied the Asha’irah creed, then came back to Morocco and began to spread it. He started by having people falsely interpret the verses of Allah, then he had them blindly follow the Imams of Asha’irah doctrine. Muhammad ibn Tumarat used to give Fatawa from this corrupt creed and then later on authored a book titled , “Guidance to Tawheed”. [2]

Muhammad ibn Tumarat used to sternly reject and admonish the people of Morocco for accepting Allah’s attributes as mentioned in the Quran. He even went as far as to deem them disbelievers by saying they likened Allah to creation. This is a principle of Takfir among the Asha’irah. For that reason, he called his group, “The Monotheists”. Regrettably, many people were amazed with this deviant and followed him in his misguidance. [3]

The people of Morocco follow the jurisprudence of Imam Malik. This alone is sufficient evidence to prove the Malaki Jurisprudence is free from the doctrine of Asha’irah . Muhammad ibn Tumarat died in the 6^th century at 524H, Abu Hasan Al-Ash’ari died 324H and Imam Malik died 179H. All of Imam Malik’s companions followed his creed. Therefore, how is it possible to attribute the Asha’irah creed to Imam Malik??!! Anyone with a sound heart and intellect can see the falsehood of this doctrine in Morooco. All the historians documented that Morocco before Muhammad ibn Tumarat came was a garden from the gardens of Ahlus Sunnah.

Abu Muhammad Al-Marakkechi Al-Maliki mentioned that the people or Morocco used to consider people who involved themselves in speculative theology disbelievers. The scholars who were close to the Amir of Morocco all agreed that indulging in speculative theology was malicious and that the Salaf all hated it, boycotted its participants while holding it to be an innovation. The Amir was strongly against rhetoric and when Imam Al-Ghazali’s books came to Morocco he ordered them to be burnt. [4]

We ask Allah to return the people of Morocco back to the correct creed and grant them real love for the Nabi.

Translated and arranged by

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Rabat, Morocco 1446©

The five pointed star on the flag represents the five pillars of Islam.

[1] Tareekh Ibn Khaldoon, vol1/117

[2] Al-Mua’jab page 113

[3] ibid

[4] Tareekh ibn Khalddon vol 1/117

Your Life hasn’t begun yet, you have Only One Shot at It

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

قال الله (تعالى) يَقُولُ باليتني قَدَّمْتُ لِحَيَاتِي!(الفجر:24)

Allah (The Most High) said: “Alas! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!” (Al-Fajr:24)

Lessons from this verse:

This is one of the times where Allah mentions the word life without attaching it to the word (Dunya).

Nowhere in the Quran does Allah praise the life of this world, or speak about it with high regard.

Allah used ل which means for and not في which means in . Plainly put, Allah said (لحياتي and not في حياتي ) meaning: for my life, and not in my life.

Another evidence that ties into this is the statement of the Most wise : Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end),[ Al-Ankabut:64]

There are some scholars of Tafsir who say the meaning of , “For my life” refers to the life in the grave, which some people deny and doubt the resurrection. While the majority say it refers to the eternal life.[1] Even so, both don’t include the life of this world, which is ever vanishing day by day.

This verse teaches us the life that must be sought after and pursued is the eternal life as it’s the life of stability and permanence.

Prepared by

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Battle

Jakarta, Indonesia 1445©

3^rd, Dhul Hijah

[1] Tafsir Ibn Atiyah

The Blessings of Faith Compared to Worldly Luxuries

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” اللَّهَ يُعْطِي الدُّنْيَا مَنْ يُحِبُّ وَمَنْ لَا يُحِبُّ، وَلَا يُعْطِي الْإِيمَانَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَحَبَّ

The Prophet(ﷺ) said: Allah bestows the luxuries of this world to those whom He loves and hates; however, He Only bestows faith to those whom He loves.[1]

Lessons from this Hadith

This hadith establishes the attribute of, “Love” for Allah in manner that befits His Majesty.

Having wealth along with the opulence of this vanishing world isn’t a sign that Allah loves you, or that you are blessed.

Being chosen by Allah to be an upright Muslim with correct speech, belief in the hearth, and actions are evident signs Allah loves you.

Those who are deceived by the wealth they amassed, and believe that this is evidence of their dignity, then they are the disadvantaged. They are the ones who hastened the reward of their deeds in this world and believed that what was granted to them from Allah provides them with evidence of their dignity, their virtue, their honor, along with their superiority to others. Similarly, this happened to others from the previous nations. For that reason Allah mentioned Qarun said” This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess…”[Al-Qasas:78]

Those people who are ignorant about the way Allah works are duped into thinking the wealthy are truly successful and favored. For that reason they say, “ “Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given? Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune.”[A;-Qasas:79] These are the ones whose outlook is worldly, and they do not know that Allah gives this world to those whom He loves and to those whom He doesn’t, yet He only gives the eternal life to those whom He loves.[2]

A questioner might ask then why does Allah allow those whom He doesn’t love to enjoy the riches of this world ? The answer is found in the hadith, “Were this world worth a wing of mosquito, He would not have given a drink of water to an Kafir.”[3]

Allah (تعالى ) has ordered the believers to be grateful during times of ease and patient during times of hardship.

Translated and prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Battle

Jakarta, Indonesia 1445H, Dhul -Qi’dah 26^th

[1] Muʻjam Asāmī 342 graded as being Sahih by Imam Al-Albani

[2] Explanation of Aqeedah At-Tahawiyah, by Shaykh Al-Jibreen

[3] At-Tirmithi #2320 . Imam At-Tirmtihi graded this hadith as being Sahih

The kinds of People who say “La ilaha illAllah”

By Sheikh Islam Muhammad ibn Abdil Wahhab

The kinds of People who say “La ilaha illAllah”

By Sheikh Islam Muhammad ibn Abdil Wahhab

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The meaning of the La ilaha illAllah is the word of superiority with the highest of nobility. The person who holds firm to it is safe and the one who seeks protection through it is saved. The Prophet(ﷺ) said: “Whoever says there is absolutely no deity worthy of worship except Allah and rejects everything that is worshipped besides Allah then his wealth and his property are inviolable. It is for Allah to call him to account.”[1] This hadith shows that the Shahadah is a word with importance.

There are 3 types of people with this word-“ La ilaha illAllah”.

1^st a group who say it and actualize it. They know it has a meaning, thus they act according to it. There are things that nullify the shahadah, so they stay away from them. The 2^nd group of people say it on their tongues and beautify themselves to appear as believers, yet in their hearts is disbelief and doubt. The 3^rd group simply say this word and don’t act by it. In fact, they do things that go against it. Allah said:

{الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعاً}

“Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds![2]

The 1^st group of people are safe and are the faithful believers. The 2^nd group of people are hypocrites and the 3^rd group of people are polytheists. “There is absolutely no deity worthy of worship but Allah is a fortress, yet they set up a catapult of denial and throw stones of destruction with it. As a result of that their enemy enters and snatches away the true meaning of the Shahadah and leaves them standing with only an appearance. The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah does look at your outward appearance, but instead He looks at your hearts and actions.”[3]

The meaning of this word is snatched away from the 2^nd and 3^rd category of people. i.e the hypocrites and the polytheists. They are just left stuttering words of an illusion. Like mentioning a fire that doesn’t burn, water that doesn’t drown, food that doesn’t satisfy hunger, and a sword that doesn’t cut. This kind of fortress doesn’t stop an enemy from invading. What is a husk that has no core of fruit? What is an oyster shell without a pearl? What can be done with a husk that lacks fruit?! What is the benefit of an oyster shell that lacks jewelry?!

La ilaha illAllah when acted on according to its meanings is like the soul in the body. When is the soul isn’t present the body is a corpse. Likewise, this word doesn’t benefit when it’s meaning isn’t acted on. The people of knowledge have virtue with the Shahadah. They take it by its form and meaning; thus beautifying their appearance by saying it on their tongues and acting on in their hearts. La ilaha illAllah manifests itself through the sincerity of these scholars. Allah said:

{شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ قَائِماً بِالْقِسْطِ لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ}

Allah bears witness that La ilaha 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 ilah illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[4]

The scholar who is strayed acts by this word in its essence and not in its meaning. He adorns himself outwardly with faith but inwardly with disbelief. He has faith in things which can’t benefit him ,or harm him. These kind of people have darkness in their hearts. For that reason, Allah hasn’t given them the criterion to distinguish between truth and falsehood. They remain that state on the Day of judgement. Allah said:

{ذَهَبَ اللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ لا يُبْصِرُونَ}

Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.[5]

The person who says, “La ilaha illAllah”, worshipping his desires and wealth, then what will he say to his lord of the Day of Resurrection? Allah said:

{أَفَرَأَيْتَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَ إِلَهَهُ هَوَاهُ}

Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god),[6]

The Prophet (ﷺ)said: May the worshipper of the Dinar, Dirham and striped silk cloak be miserable. If he is given anything he is satisfied and if not, then he is unsatisfied.[7]

If you say there is absolutely no deity worship on your tongue only then it’s like a barren fruit tree. This makes you a hypocrite. If you say the Shahadah while it dwells in your heart, then this makes you a believer. Beware of being a believer on tongue and not in the heart. You will be summoned by this word on the courtyard on the Day of Judgement. “My Lord I companioned this person for this amount of time, yet he didn’t give me my rights. He didn’t take care of my sanctity properly. This testimony will either be in your favor, or against you on the Day of Judgement.

The scholar of virtue will have the testimony bear witness for him honorably allowing him to enter Jannah. The scholar who is strayed will have this declaration testify candidly on his behalf until he enters the fire. Allah said:

{فَرِيقٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَفَرِيقٌ فِي السَّعِيرِ}

when a party will be in Paradise (those who believed in Allah and followed what Allah’s Messenger brought them) and a party in the blazing Fire (Hell)[8]

The testimony of “ La ilaha illAllah”,is a tree of happiness. When planted within a sprout of truthfulness and is watered with sincerity and tended to with good deeds,and then its roots become firmly planted. After this its leaves turn green that bare numerous fruits that are eaten. Allah said

{تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا}

Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord[9]

On the other hand, if this tree is planted in a sprout of denial and schisms then is watered with Riya and hypocrisy; and is fertilized with bad deeds and evil speech then the ravine of excuse overflows on it. Then, blasphemy flows beneath it. This causes the tree’s fruit to scatter and its leaves to fall. Following this the tree is uprooted. At that time, storms of filth pour rain tearing it apart.

{وَقَدِمْنَا إِلَى مَا عَمِلُوا مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ هَبَاءً مَنْثُوراً}

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.[10]

When the Muslim actualizes the Shahadah then it is incumbent upon him to complete the other pillars of Islam. This is similar to hadith. The Prophet (ﷺ) said Islam is built on five pillars: There is absolutely no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, establishing the prayer, paying the Zakah, fasting in Ramadan and performing Hajj ;whoever has the means to do so. Whoever disbelieves then Allah is in no need of anything from Jinn or mankind.[11],[12]

Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha,Qatar 1444H©

[1] Muslim 22

[2] Khaf :104

[3] Muslim 2563

[4] Al-Imran:18

[5] Al-Baqarah:17

[6] Al-Jathiyah:23

[7] Al-Bukhari:2887

[8] Ash-Shurah:7

[9] Ibrahim :25

[10] Al-Furqan:23

[11] Al-Bukhari :8

[12] درر السنية vol2/pg 112

Why do some Muslims face Trials, Earthquakes and Murder?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” أُمَّتِي هَذِهِ أُمَّةٌ مَرْحُومَةٌ لَيْسَ عَلَيْهَا عَذَابٌ فِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابُهَا فِي الدُّنْيَا: الْفِتَنُ وَالزَّلَازِلُ وَالْقَتْلُ “

Abu Musa (Radi Allahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “This nation of mine is a nation which is shown mercy. They have no punishment in the next life. In fact, their punishment is in this world by way of; trials, earthquakes, and being killed.[1]

Benefits for this subject:

This hadith and others similar in meaning show the superiority of this Ummah.[2]

This nation of mine… refers to those who follow the complete methodology of the Prophet (ﷺ) as legislated. They do what he commands. This includes wajid and sunnah. They avoid everything he has prohibited and stay away from all things which are disliked. [3]

This nation of mine is one nation which is shown mercy…This refers to most of the Muslim nation and not each and every one of them. This is supported by the hadith that establish the intercession. Some people will be punished then removed from the Fire and then allowed to enter Jannah.[4]

one nation which is shown mercy… This implies that the Muslims are shown mercy than the previous nations; as their Prophet was mercy to all of the worlds. For that reason, he’s been called, “The Prophet of Mercy.”

They have no punishment…They won’t face severe punishment.

no punishment in the next life…Most of their punishment in this world is on account of their actions, by way of trials, illnesses, and other calamities. Allah said. “ whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof.”[4:123}

In fact, their punishment is in this world by way of, trials, earthquakes, and being killed…which serve as a expiation for sins as long as they aren’t committing Shirk.[5]

This hadith caused some confusion in the past whereas some people believed it was evidence that no Muslim would be punished as a result of his bad deeds. On the contrary, whoever is a sinner and evildoer, whom Allah hasn’t forgiven will be punished. However, in this life he will face trials and difficulties which expiate his wrongdoing. This is the evident meaning of the hadith.

This hadith doesn’t mean that every Muslim is safe from the punishment of the fire. There are numerous authentic hadith which mention sinners will enter the fire and be removed from it due to intercession.

In summary, this hadith applies to the Muslims who die in trials, earthquakes, and are killed unjustly that they won’t face their destruction in the next life.[6]

This hadith’s meaning agrees with the hadith collected by At-Tirmithi. “When Allah wants good for his slave, He hastens his punishment in the world.[7]

Prepared by

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha,QA

[1] Sunan Abu Dawud 4278 graded as being Sahih by Al-albani

[2] Tanweer Sharhul Jami’ Saghir by Al-Amir As-Sana’I vol 3/pg 239

[3] Explanation of Mishkah, by At-Tibee vol 11, pg 3399

[4] بذل الماعون في فضل الطاعون” ص (127)/ Ibn hajr

[5] Maraqatul Mafatih by Al-Mubarakfuri vol 8/3372

[6] Explanation of Sunnan Abu Dawud by Shaykh Abdul Muhsin al-Abbad

[7] 2396, graded by imam At-Tirmith 2396

Embracing the Struggles of this Life’s Journey

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لِيَكُونُ لَهُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الْمَنْزِلَةُ، فَمَا يَبْلُغُهَا بِعَمَلٍ فَمَا يَزَالُ اللَّهُ يَبْتَلِيهِ بِمَا يَكْرَهُ، حَتَّى يُبَلِّغَهُ إِيَّاهَا»

Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) said Allah’s Messenger(ﷺ) said: A man has a fixed status with Allah and he is unable to reach it due to his actions. Therefore, Allah continues to test and trial him with things he dislikes until he reaches that status.”[1]

Benefits for this topic

This hadith teaches us that when we fall short in our worship and we are worthy of a certain reward from Allah, He tests and trials us with difficulties in our lives.

There is another hadith that carries the same meaning collected by Abu Dawud, Ahmed and others.

إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ إِذَا سَبَقَتْ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَنْزِلَةٌ لَمْ يَبْلُغْهَا بِعَمَلِهِ، ابْتَلَاهُ اللَّهُ فِي جَسَدِهِ، أَوْ فِي مَالِهِ، أَوْ فِي وَلَدِهِ، ثُمَّ صَبَّرَهُ عَلَى ذَلِكَ يُبَلِّغُهُ الْمَنْزِلَةَ الَّتِي سَبَقَتْ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ

The Prophet(ﷺ) said: When Allah has previously decreed for a servant a rank which he hasn’t attained by his action, He afflicts him in his body, his wealth and with his children. He then enables him to endure that so that He can bring him to rank previously decreed for him by Allah.[2]

These trials and test come to us in many different forms. Allah says: We will certainly test you a touch of fear, hunger, loss of wealth , life and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure.[3] This verse mentions five things. The word touch could apply to a small amount or great amount. There are two types of fears; general and specific. The general is similar to when a person living a particular place face an invasion. The specific fear relates to a person being afraid of a life threating illness. The test of hunger could result from three things, famine , not enough money to buy food, or an illness that restricts food from entering his stomach. The test from loss of wealth could be a person being unemployed. The test of life could result on losing a loved and the loss of crops could result from a drought or flood.[4]

Allah knows based on His Qadr the exact level of Jannah the servant is entitled to; however, his actions aren’t sufficient enough to help earn that rank. Therefore Allah tests him, so that he can earn his rightful place in Jannah. This from Allah’s blessings.[5]

This hadith is proof that acts of obedience raise a person’s status and when they aren’t many in number then Allah will raise a person’s status by way of tests and trials.

When we are going through difficult times, we must have good thoughts of Allah and be certain that what’s happening is part of His plan and in our best interest. The Prophet (ﷺ) said

مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُصِبْ مِنْهُ

Whoever Allah intends good, He makes him suffer from some affliction.[6]

When Allah intends good for the servant then from His Mercy He tests with a sickness in his body, causes death to one of his children; which causes him grief, or He tests him with a decrease in his wealth which brings him to a difficult period in his life. Then Allah rewards him for his patience if the servant is patient anticipating a reward from the Most High. The servant will then find the results from this affliction on his scale of good deeds, or find it as an expiation for his sins.[7]

The wording in the above hadith, “He makes him suffer from some affliction, could mean to that his affliction from other means as well. i.e a humanbeing.

Having an ease in your life, with good health and sufficient wealth results in a person being heedless of Allah and thus turns away from Him. Nonetheless, if a person is grateful to Allah during that the period of ease in his life then he doesn’t spoil his situation. Affliction breaks the soul from its evil and results in a person with true faith to return to Allah allowing him to attain the reward of the Hereafter.[8]

At times the servant of Allah may find the trial in his life quite difficult and feel its unbearable, then he must be mindful that Allah doesn’t burden a soul beyond its capacity.

The greater the trial the greater the reward. What reward is better than Jannah? The Prophet (ﷺ)

إِنَّ عِظَمَ الْجَزَاءِ مَعَ عِظَمِ الْبَلَاءِ

Great rewards come with great trials.[9]

A powerful supplication to make to during your times of the struggle are those the Prophets made during their hardships found in the Quran.

A dua found in the Sunnah to frequently use during difficult times.

اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى، وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى

Oh Allah I ask you for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency.[10]

[1] Collected by ابن حبان (2908) ، والحاكم 1/344

[2] Abu Dawud 3090 graded as authentic by Shaykh Al-Albani

[3] 2:155

[4] Refer to Tafsir Al-Uthaymeen, vol 2/pg 178

[5] Refer to Mulla Ali Qari vol 5/pg مراقة المفاتيح 262

[6] Al-Bukhari 5645

[7] At-Tamheed Ibn Abdul Bar, Vol 13/pg 119

[8] Ibn Al-Jawzi Kashful Mashakil vol 3/529

[9] Jami At-Tirmithi 2396

[10] Sahih Muslim 2721

The Theory of Unifying the Abrahamic Religions

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The theory that Christianity, Judaism and Islam has to be united under one umbrella to establish peace is an old concept. The idea is under the guise that these three faiths all stem from Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)[ ﷺ]. Throughout this movement and conspiracy there has been many terms used for this philosophy. Phrases such as interfaith dialogue, Interfaith rapprochement, The Abrahamic Accords. The real push to drive this agenda began around 1416H/1995 under the New World Order. At that time the first term was unity between followers of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Following this, centers around the world began to emerge with the 1^st center opening in Egypt. After that the plot further thickened to misled the people into this movement by using words like, The Believers, Abrahamic Faiths, and The World Religions.

After the term of The World Religions appeared there was a plan to merge all three books in one. i.e The Old and New Testament and the Quran together. The figurehead chosen to be the face and mouthpiece of these ideas was the Pope, as those behind this agenda wanted to present him as a man of world peace. Allah’s aide is sought

Allah tells us in the Quran that Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) wasn’t a Jew or a Christian. He says, “Ibrahim wasn’t a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa(Islamic Monotheism-to worship none but Allah Alone) and he was not a polytheist.[]. This verse alone is enough for any Muslim with sound creed to reject the belief that the term Abrahamic Faiths has legitimacy.

The Muslim who falls into this trap will refrain from speaking about the corrupt doctrine and disbelief found in Christianity and Judaism. The Muslim suckered into this theory will believe that the Jews and Christians are their brothers in faith and thus disregard Islamic laws. The fact behind this conspiracy is to completely drop the acceptance of Muhammad, whereas we all accept Abraham and the Christians accept Jesus and Moses, yet reject Muhammad. Along with this the Jews accept Moses, yet reject Jesus and Muhammad. Hence what real unity is there then?! Anyone who rejects one Prophet it is as if he has rejected all of them.

In reality the religion of all of the Prophets was one and their call was one. To worship one God Alone without any partners. The 1^st messenger sent to mankind was Nuh. He said : And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam)[1]. Prophet Ibrahim said: When his Lord said to him, “Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!” He said, “I have submitted myself (as a Muslim) to the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).”[2] Prophet Musa said: And Musa (Moses) said: “O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will).”[3] Prophet Isa said: And when I (Allah) put in the hearts of Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) [of ‘Iesa (Jesus)] to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.”[4]

The Prophets all came with one religion; however, their Sharia differed among them. All the Prophets and Messengers of God (Allah) were united on the belief in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Messengers before them, the Divine books and the Qadr[Pre-Destiny; The good and bad that occurs]. These are the are the articles of faith which are built on the three principles all Prophets and Messengers taught;

1: Worship Allah Alone without any partner- This is the call to Tawheed from Adam to Muhammad.

2: Who is Allah and how to reach Him and connect to Him- This establishes the need for Prophets and Messengers. Hence, they taught prayer, alms-giving, Fasting, etc.

3: Our condition after we reach him- this covers belief in the trial of the grave, Paradise and Hell, and the Resurrection.

All of the Divine books cover these topics. This what the Prophet () intended in his speech, “The prophets are brothers, their mothers are different, but their religion is one.[5] Also in Allah’s speech, “He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad ﷺ), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun , is that to which you (O Muhammad ﷺ) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.”[6]

This is Islam in the general meaning which all the Prophets and Messengers came with. However, in regards to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) then there are 3 reasons why Islam in the general meaning always refers back to him.

He actualized monotheism and defied polytheism, thus Allah aided him.

Allah placed Prophets and divine books among his offspring. This is why he is refered to as the father of prophets. Allah said: it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism)[7] From Ibrahim there are a total of 18 prophets. Ismail and from his lineage there is Muhammad. Ishaq and from his offspring is Yaqub, Yusuf, Ayyub, Thul Kifl, Musa, Haroon, Ilyas, Al-Yasa, Yunus, Dawud, Sulayman,Zakiriya, Yahya and Isa.

Allah disclaims the arguments of the Jews and Christians. They both claim to be adhering to Prophet Ibrahim’s way. Allah said: “Or say you that Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)] were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better or does Allah (knows better…; that they all were Muslims)? And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony [i.e. to believe in Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him when he comes, written in their Books. (See Verse 7:157)] he has from Allah? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”[8]

There are two meanings for the word Islam. The general meaning of Islam and Muslim applies to every nation that followed their prophet in what they came to them with. For that reason, they are called Muslims on the religion of Ibrahim in their worship of Allah Alone. For instance, the people who received the Torah before it was changed and altered are considered Muslims adhering to the religion of Ibrahim. They are followers of Islam and Muslims. The followers of Jesus the son of Mary, who believed in the Torah and in him and followed him in the laws he came with are called Muslims [9]adhering to the religion of Ibrahim. Those who rejected Jesus are disbelievers. Muhammad () is the seal of the all the Prophets. His legislation is the seal of the previous ones and his message is the seal of all previous messages sent from Allah.

All of mankind, Jinn and people of the scriptures must follow his law. Anyone who doesn’t follow or accept Muhammad is a disbeliever and mustn’t be described as a follower of Ibrahim or as a Muslim. Allah told us in the Quran the Christians and Jews will say to the Muslims, “ And they say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided.” When these words are said to us were are to reply, by saying, “ Say (to them, O Muhammad Peace be upon him ), “Nay, (We follow) only the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham), Hanifa [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah (Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikun (those who worshipped others along with Allah.

Taken from الابطال لنظرية اخلط بين دين الاسلام و غيره من الأديان, by Shaykh Bakr ibn Abdil Allah Zayd

Translated, prepared and arranged by

Abu Aaliyah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1443©

[1] Quran 27:91

[2] Quran 2:131

[3] Quran 10:84

[4] Quran 5:111

[5] Al-Bukhari 3443

[6] Quran 42:13

[7] Quran 22:78

[8] Quran 2-140

[9] Quran 2:135

Traits Showing a Person has Perfect Faith.By Sh Dr. Taqiud Deen Al-Hilali(1407H)

Traits Showing a Person has Perfect Faith

By Sh. Taqiud Deen Al-Hilali (1407H)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مِنْ حُسْنِ إِسْلَامِ الْمَرْءِ تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ»

The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said : Among the signs that show one has perfect faith is he doesn’t involve himself in matters that don’t concern him.[1]

The General meaning of the Hadith

This hadith teaches us that some Muslims have a good solid faith due to their regular obedience to Allah. Their avoidance of sins and doubtful matters result in their perfection of faith. Then, there are other Muslims that have deficiencies in their faith. Their Islam hasn’t reached the level of complete excellence.

When the Muslim only occupies himself with things that are beneficial in his religious and worldly affairs this shows he has perfect faith. The Muslim with perfect faith doesn’t busy himself with idle talk and fruitless actions.

It’s been said that time is like sword if you don’t cut it, then it will cut you. This means that if you do not busy yourself with productive activities you will be cut off from all good. In the end you will feel regret and be heartbroken.

Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Taken from Sheikh Taqiud Deen Al-Hilal’s explantion of Imam An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith

[1] At-Tirmithi(2318), Ibn Majah (3976) graded as being Sahih by Shaykh Al-Albani

With the Prophet during Laylatul Qadr

With the Prophet (ﷺ) during Laylatul Qadr

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

By Sheikh Attiya Muhammad Salem (1420H)

The Prophet (ﷺ ) was exposed to the greatness of this night and honored about it by Allah as being a blessed night ;as there was a man from Bani Israel who wore a weapon for 1000 months fighting in Allah’s path. Hence, Allah gave Muhammad’s ummah the ability to spend the shortest period of time with the fewest number of deeds. He (تعالى)said:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ (1) وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ (2) لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ (3) تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ (4) سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ (5)

1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees,5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

Its said the meaning of Al-Qadr is to have a high status and others have said it means decree. Both of these meanings are correct. The night of Qadr has a high status. It is the time and place when the affairs are decided for every year. Allah says in the Quran.

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنْذِرِينَ (3) فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ

We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].4. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.

1000 months is equivalent to more than 83 years, so if a person stands that night, then it would be as if he stood for 83 years or worship, and without a doubt this is something worth striving for diligently. The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most diligent of people in striving to stand laylatul Qadr.

He would also perform ‘itikaf in the masjid separating himself from all the various duties and worldly affairs due to laylatul Qadr.He (ﷺ) said:

مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

Whoever stands the night of Qadr with faith anticipating Allah’s reward then his previous sins will be forgiven.

It’s worth noting here that the special traits of this night are that Allah has honored humanity with it by sending down the light of guidance, and removing the darkness of misguidance, and the spirituality of Revelation. Consequently, He((تعالى gave life through this night to the hearts(of the believers) to perform righteous deeds and everything that revives the Muslims on earth through sending the Angels and Jibril. This is all mentioned in the Surah. It is as if Allah pointing to the that fact that had He stopped sending Jibril with revelation to the Prophet then this wouldn’t have stopped what is found in that night. This night renews everything that has been eroded in one’s faith.

By Allah’s decree revelation and legislation were sent to mankind; so by Allah’s will the affairs of everything are decided and the yearly plan is laid out for all the people on earth. During this night the angels fill the sky for every Muslim offering them peace. The whole world on that night is rejoicing when the flags of peace, goodness and safety flutter over it.

This gives the Muslims the right to call the entire world to our religion. It has a message from our Prophet(ﷺ) to them. The religion of Islam carries a message of peace which renews its covenant with its lord every year.

This is what Muhammed(ﷺ) invited his ummah to do on that night. The message of peace. It’s a fact by worship, performing Itikaf , then refraining from harming others, and working diligently in everything that pleases Allah. We are fasting during the day and we are standing during the night. At the same time the Angels are sending us peace.

It is a unique picture, and uplifting in its subject matter. Whoever misses its bounty and is deprived of its goodness has wronged himself. It was explained to Aisha what to say in the event she reaches that night. He (ﷺ) said say :

للَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

(O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).‏

This supplication in a just few words. It combines all goodness miraculously.
The one who is given the pardon is given it in his body, soul, his judgement and account, thus he is victorious by attaining the happiness in both worlds.

Muhammed (ﷺ) made it clear to his companions that its occurrence is in the odd nights of the last 10 during Ramadan. There is no need to go into detail in specifying the one night which it may occur. In every odd night there is a text that clearly states it, so for this reason it is safe to say that in every year it changes. In one year, it could be on the 27^th. In another year it could be on the 25th, the 23rd, or even on the 21^st night. The Prophet(ﷺ) regularly maintained ‘itikaf in the last ten nights seeking laylatul Qadr.[1]

Translated by:

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Battle

[1] مجموع الرسائل المديني vol 1, pg 157-158 by Sheikh Attiya Muhammed Salim(1420H)

Iman Increases and Decreases

يسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ: إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «لَا يَزْنِي الزَّانِي حِينَ يَزْنِي وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ، وَلَا يَسْرِقُ السَّارِقُ حِينَ يَسْرِقُ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ، وَلَا يَشْرَبُ الْخَمْرَ حِينَ يَشْرَبُهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ»

The one committing adultery/fornication isn’t a believer while he’s committing these acts. Also, while a thief is stealing something then he isn’t a believer and while a person is drinking intoxicants then he isn’t a believer as well.[1]

Benefits for this subject:

This hadith is proof that Iman(faith) increases and decreases and leaves the servant of Allah and returns back to him.[2]

Ahlus Sunnah are all in agreement that Iman (faith ) is speech on the tongue, actions on the body parts and belief in the heart. It increases when one is obedient and decreases when one isn’t.

It evident from the wording in the hadith, “While he’s committing…” to show that the ruling applies to one who does these acts by his own free will, for his own satisfaction; and isn’t being forced to, or is doing them out of forgetfulness. [3]

This hadith is proof that fornication, adultery, theft, and drinking intoxicants are among the canonical sins. Reason being, the Prophet (ﷺ) denied faith to person committing them.

The (( لا ) in this hadith has been interpreted to mean negation while others have said it’s a prohibition. The reading with it as prohibition is very weak position. [4]

Imam An-Nawawi said this hadith has been placed among those that the scholars differ over its meaning. However, those who have studied it in detail came to the conclusion that it means, while a person is doing one of these acts of disobedience then he isn’t a complete believer, rather his faith is deficient. This is similar to the saying, “There is no knowledge except which benefits.” i.e he has knowledge, but what doesn’t practice and act by is like its nonexistent.[5]

One reason this hadith has caused of doubt and controversy among people; as it outwardly contradicts another hadith with the wording.

عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «قَالَ لِي جِبْرِيلُ مَنْ مَاتَ مِنْ أُمَّتِكَ لاَ يُشْرِكُ بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا دَخَلَ الجَنَّةَ، أَوْ لَمْ يَدْخُلِ النَّارَ»، قَالَ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ؟ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ

Abu Dharr narrating it from the Apostle (ﷺ) that he observed: Jibril came to me and gave me the tidings: Verily he who died amongst your Ummah without associating anything with Allah would enter Paradise. I (the narrator) said: Even if he committed adultery and theft. He (the Holy Prophet) said: (Yes), even if he committed adultery and theft.[6]

Since this hadith apparently contradicts the previous hadith, “The one committing adultery/fornication isn’t a believer while he’s committing these acts…” There have been many interpretations. Some have said it means that Iman is lifted from him while he’s engaging in these sins and placed above his head like shadow and it returns back to him after he’s done. This is the strongest of the opinions. The 2^nd view is the person committing these sins has deficiency in his faith and is therefore, a sinning believer with incomplete Iman.[7] Although, to still be considered a sinning believer he must believe in his heart that these acts are Haraam, however if he believes they permissible then he is a disbeliever. [8]

Although, fornication, adultery, and drinking alcohol are mentioned in this hadith it serves as a warning against committing all sins. Zina is mentioned as it applies to all the sins one does to satisfy his desires. Theft is mentioned as it refers to all the acts of disobedience one commits in pursuit of this worldly life. Drinking alcohol implies all the wickedness one does that turns a person away from Allah’s remembrance and thus becomes heedless about His rights.[9]

Complete faith means one truly loves Allah what Allah loves and hates everything He hates. Therefore, person doing one of these actions, or leaving an obligation, has placed his desires over the love of Allah.[10]

The three things mentioned in this hadith carry a punishment in this life, and for adultery then its capital punishment.

This hadith teaches us that Iman remains in tact when sins are abandoned. When sins are done then Iman decreases or leaves. Sinning results in Iman weaking and its light going dim. This is something that is evitable between sins and Iman.

prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1442H

[1] Al-Bukhari 6782/Muslim 114

[2] Ibn Hubayrah -Ifsah 3/209

[3] مصابيح الجامع vol 5/ pg 380

[4] مطالع الانوار vol 3/pg 474

[5] Explanation of Sahih Muslim, vol2/pg 41 imam An-Nawawi

[6] Sahih Muslim 94

[7] مرقاة المفاتيح vol 1/pg 124 shaykh Al-Mubarakpuri

[8] Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari , Ibn Battal vol 8, pg 389

[9] طرح التثريب في شرح التقريب vol 7/pg 261 Al-Iraqi

[10] اختيار الأولى في شرح حديث اختصام الملأ الأعلى vol 1/ pg 127