(They are) those who are patient ones, those who are true (in Faith, words, and deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [give the Zakat and alms in the Way of Allah] and those who pray and beg Allah’s Pardon in the last hours of the night. [ 3:17]
Allah (تعالى) said:
وَبِالأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ
And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.[51:18]
These two verses establish the legislated act to ask Allah for forgiveness in the last hours of the night before dawn or the last 6th of the night.[1] Include in these verse is time of Suhur .The word Suhur (سحور (comes from (سحر )Sahr.
Allah said: And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.” This means that during those hours of night they ask Allah for his forgiveness. The salaf used to wake up at night regularly to offer prayer then afterwards they would seek Allah’s forgiveness and pardon.[2]
Hasan Al-Basri said: The (Salaf) wouldn’t sleep much at night. In fact they were active in worship and sometimes this would extend to until the last 6th of the night; and then they would complete those acts of worship by making Istighfar.[3]
The Suhur has been mentioned by the Prophet[ﷺ] to be blessed. He [ﷺ] said
Imam Qadi Al-Iyyad mentioned what blessings come from Suhur in his explanation of Sahih Al-Muslim.
· Help the fasting person fast easier.
· Adds to the Iftar meal
· Add blessing to the time that it’s consumed and this is at the pre-dawn. The word Suhur comes Sahr which is eaten at that time. Actions and supplications done during those hours are accepted.
· During Suhur Allah’s Mercy descends to Earth.[5]
When looking and reflecting over the verse Al-Imran the description fits the people who are fasting. Allah (تعالى ) said:(They are) those who are patient ones, those who are true (in Faith, words, and deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [give the Zakat and alms in the Way of Allah] and those who pray and beg Allah’s Pardon in the last hours of the night. [ 3:17]
They are patient, true in faith, devote in their worship, pray and beg Allah’s Pardon. Imam Al-Qurtubi said: “The people having Suhur for Allah’s pleasure stand up praying the night prayer, and in most cases when a person is praying he’s making dua, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, all which take place in Ramadan.[6]
Imam Al-Qurtubi in his Tafsir mentioned that Sayyidul Istighfar should be said during the last hours of the night. [7]
So during this blessed month let’s make istighfar to fill in the gaps where we might haave fallen short in worship during the fast. Allah knows best.
Prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Abu Hurayah (Radi Allahu Anhu) said Allah’s Messenger said: A servant of Allah doesn’t ask Allah daily seven for protection from the fire; except Hell says, “ Oh my Lord Your servant such and such asks Your protection from me , save him. Also, a Muslim doesn’t ask Allah for Jannah seven times daily; except Paradise says , “ My Lord your servant such and such asks You for Paradise, so let him enter.” [1]
Benefits of this subject
This hadith serves as an encouragement to ask Allah for Jannah and
refuge in Him from Hell
This hadith highlights the generosity of Allah and His complete mercy
towards His believing servants, whom Allah has granted the success to have
faith in things which are a must.
Included in the meaning of this hadith is the evidence of Allah’s
complete ability to do as He wills. Therefore when He wants to do something he
simply says, “ Be and it happens.”
Allah has given both Paradise and Hell the ability to talk and they do. On the Day of Judgment our body parts will speak, the Earth will speak up and this is all supported by evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah.
This hadith teaches us to say certain words of remembrance at a particular time for a specific amount of times. Moreover, this should be done regularly; as it has a large virtue in doing it. i.e entering Jannah and being saved from entering Hell.
The Prophet (SallAllahu alayhi wa Salam) guided his nation, those who
accepted his call, follow him in in message with knowledge and actions to this
supplication. If a person seeks refuge in Allah from the fire and asks Him for
Paradise then, indeed by doing this one will be successful.
The Muslim male and female must take advantage of the opportunities Allah gives them to earn a great reward and have their level raised and their sins removed, since Allah’s bounty is great and His mercy is vast. Also, it has been mentioned in another hadith that if a Muslim adhering to the Tawheed of Allah, asks Allah for Jannah three times and seeks refuge in him from the fire, then Allah will honor him by entering into Jannah and being saved from Hell as a favor and mercy. Allah has great bounties.[2]
Our Lord the Highest is generous in all aspects. For that reason, it’s an obligation to ask Him, seek things from Him. It’s proper manners to ask Allah for spiritual guidance in your request. Allah’s creation is those who ask Him, since he is their Creator, so asking Him for your wishes and needs is part of Allah’s responsibility. Allah loves that His servants seek and ask Him for what they want; likewise He gets angry if they don’t ask Him. The best creation and most beloved to Allah are those frequently ask Him. Allah loves those who insist in their supplications to Him. The more a servant insists Allah grants his wishes the more Allah loves him and draws the servant nearer to Him. As a result, He grants him his wishes and gives him Jannah and saves him from the fire.[3]
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to a man: ‘What
do you say during your Salat?’ He said: ‘The Tashah-hud, then I ask Allah for
Paradise, and I seek refuge with Him from Hell, but I do not understand what
you and Mu’adh murmur (during Salat). He said: ‘Our murmuring revolves around
the same things.’”[4]
“The Messenger of Allah [صلى الله عليه
وسلم] said: ‘Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times, Paradise
will say: ‘O Allah, admit him to Paradise.’ And whoever seeks protection from
Hell three times, Hell will say: ‘O Allah, protect him from the Fire.'”[5]
Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Batttle Sr.
The Prophet [SallAllahu alayhi wa salam] said: Two are hated to the Son of Adam. Death! Death is better for the believer than fitnah. Also, the Son of Adam hates having a small amount of money.”[1]
Benefits of this topic
Al-Alamah Ash-Shiekh Zaid Al-Madkhali [رحمه الله ] commented on this hadith in his commentary on the hadith collected in Imam Al-Albani’s Silsilah Saheehah on # 1192.
He wrote. Without a doubt this hadith is true. Human-beings hate death and love life. Although at times death can be better for him if he lives in an era of turmoil and mass trials, and the greatest of trials are those that happen in the religion. i.e Shirk, Bid’ah and sin. Therefore, when these types of things are prevalent then at that time death is better than remaining alive. Nonetheless, if a person is doing good actions in life then there is no harm in having a love for this life. This includes increasing acts of obedience and abandoning sinning and practicing acts of piety, so for that reason, living is better for him.
The best part of loving life is to love Islamic legislation being practiced in it. On the contrary, if a person loves life for the sake of fulfilling the desires and lusts without considering them to be either Halal or Haraam, then this is a haughty ignorance that is dreadful. For that reason, Aisha [رضي الله عنه] said The Prophet [ صلى الله عليه و سلم ] said
He who loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him, and he who dislikes meeting Allah, Allah abhors to meet him. I (‘A’isha) said: Oh Allah’s Prophet, so far as the feeling of aversion against death is concerned, we all have this feeling. Thereupon he (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) said: It is not that (which you construe), but (this) that when a believer (at the time of death) is given the glad tidings of the mercy of Allah, His Pleasure, and of Paradise, he loves to meet Allah, and Allah also loves to meet him, and when an unbeliever is given the news of the torment at the Hand of Allah, and Hardship to be imposed by Him, he dislikes to meet Allah and Allah also abhors to meet him. [2]
What’s more, is its man’s nature to dislike having small access to wealth; however, having a little bit of money is a good thing for the Son of Adam resulting in a light questioning on the day of judgment. Whereas, having access to large portions of money results in heavy questioning. i.e where did you earn it? What did you spend it on?
At times a person can spend his destructively and wastefully. The poor person will have an easier questioning regarding wealth, so for that reason being poor could be better than being rich.
All the people aren’t the same. There are some people that being rich for him is better than being poor. The reason being, if he was poor he’d resort to crime. For example, theft, deceit, treachery and the abandonment of his religion, so having wealth is the only remedy for that kind of person’s behavior. It is as if he wasn’t created except to have wealth given to him. If Allah bestows His bounty on him he goes from one state to another state until he becomes good. While on the other side there are some people who become corrupt by money and for that reason being poor is better for him. This is wisdom from Allah and justice.
Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in
disbelief and evil deed, etc.).
Because he considers himself self-sufficient. [ Al-Alaq 6-7]
There are texts which
establish the superiority of being rich provided a person does the right thing
with his money. Also, there are texts which dispraise being wealthy when the
person is stingy and doesn’t spend it in Allah’s cause. People aren’t the same.
The hadiths in the subject need to be understood all together, in order to act
by them all, and not act by some thus leaving others.
In closing, whoever is rich and spends his wealth as Allah has ordered then being rich for him is good and whoever has a fortune and doesn’t spend as Allah decreed then being poor is better for him. All of this is based on how each individual spends his money; regardless of it being a lot or a little.
Translated by Abu Aaliyah
Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle Sr.
‘Ali said
at Siffin, “The intellect is located in the heart. Mercy is located in the
liver, Compassion is located in the spleen. The self (nafs) is located in the
lungs.”[1]
Benefits of this subject
Where is the intellect?
There is a difference of opinion among scholars about the exact place of the human being’s intellect. While the majority of the Jurists, in particular, those among the Shaf’I school hold it to be in the heart, and then there are those among the Hanafi School who say the intellect is in the brain, or in the head. The opinion about the man’s intelligence being found in the brain is based on philosophers, and the idea that it’s in the head comes from doctors. [2]
What is the evidence that the human being’s intelligence is in the heart?
Although this issue causes some people confusion the matter is quite clear. A man’s intelligence is found in the heart. Allah said, “Have they not travelled through the land and have they heart wherewith to understand.”[3] and He said , “ It is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.”[4] The place for one’s intelligence wasn’t mentioned in these two verses as being in the brain. Moreover, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “Verily in each one of you is a morsel of flesh and when it’s sound the rest of the body is sound and when it is corrupt the rest of the body is corrupt. In fact, it’s none other than the heart.”[5]. How could one say , or argue his opinion when there is divine proof from the Quran and the Sunnah?! Every statement that contradicts these two must be rejected. The intellect is in the heart and mind is where thoughts are ideas are gathered. Once the mind gathers its thoughts and ideas it then sends them to the heart, which either accepts or rejects them. This isn’t far-fetched as Allah said, “ And also in yourselves. Will you not then see“[6]
How are the heart and the mind connected?
Ibn Abbass (رضي الله عنه ) was asked how does he learn ?, He replied, “ A tongue that asks questions and with a heart that’s intellectual.” The origin of a person’s intelligence begins with his heart and concludes with his mind. Thus the intelligence is connected to the brain. However, a person’s views, beliefs, thoughts, and ideas start in the brain and the will to act on them begins in the heart. The meaning for intelligence applies to the actions, the knowledge and the choice, which are part of a person’s will and these all begin in the heart. A person can’t have the will to do something unless he has the idea. After the idea reaches the heart it conceptualizes it. Thus the idea to carry it out begins at the heart, while the idea itself begins in the brain. The thought begins and ends with the brain itself, so in this regard, some people say the intelligence is in the mind, as the heart sends the brain a signal to do the act.[7]
How are the Liver, the Lungs, the Spleen and the Heart
all connected?
“Mercy is located in the liver, Compassion is located in the
spleen. The self (nafs) is located in the lungs.”The Spleen is located
under the ribcage and above the stomach in the upper left quadrant of the
abdomen.
Abu Hilal Al-Askari said the difference between mercy and compassion is compassionate is more affecting and far-reaching than mercy. For that reason, Allah describes Himself as being, “ The Most Compassionate of Mercy” [9/128]
The way all of these are connected is by the intellect being in the heart. The heart is a piece flesh that when it’s sound and upright so is the rest of the body and when its poison and corrupt, then so is the rest of the body. A sound intellect with proper thoughts and good manners places mercy and compassion in their proper places. On the other hand, a corrupt heart bearing bad thoughts and manners will not allow mercy and compassion to be placed where they should b and thus they will result in killing each other. i.e possible cancer growth.
What’s learned here is the heart is more superior to the Liver and Spleen, along with all of the body’s organs. Therefore mercy and compassion only stem from one whose heart is intelligent. The reason being, when the intellect is immoral then a person’s perception will be so likewise. Allah knows best.[8]
After looking at all of the possibilities surrounding this hadith’s meanings then it’s possible we could add that corrupt heart from sinning could have a negative effect on the rest of the body. This is similar to how the Prophet [ صلى الله عليه و سلم ]said : “When the believer commits sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents and gives up that sin and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished. But if (the sin) increases, (the black spot) increases. That is the Ran that Allah mentions in His Book: “Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn.” [83:14][9]
Abdullah
ibn Masud used to say, “The slave continues to lie and a black spot grows
in his heart until all his heart becomes black. Then he is written, in Allah’s
sight, among the liars.”[10]
And Allah knows best[11]
[1]
Adabul Mufrad # 547 graded as Hasan by Imam Al-Albani
[2]
Explanation of Sahih Muslim, Imam An-Nawawi , vol 11/pg 29
Anas ibn Malik [ رضي الله عنه] narrated that Um Sulaym[رضي الله عنه ]came to the
Prophet [صلى الله عليه و سلم] and ask him to teach
her supplication which she could say during her prayer. The Prophet [صلى الله عليه و سلم] said glorify Allah
10 x, praise Allah 10x , acknowledge His greatness 10x then ask for your needs.
Following this Allah will say, granted granted.”
Collected by Imam An-Nasa’I 1299
and others and graded as being Sahih by way of other supporting narration by
Imam Al-Albani in his checking of Sunnan An-Nasa’i
Benefits for this subject
Um Sulaym was a companion of the Prophet [صلى
الله عليه و سلم] and there is a difference of opinion about her name. Some say
her name was Sahlah. She died during the reign of Uthman[ رضي الله عنه ]
This hadith proves that the rememberances of Allah that include, saying,
“ SubhanAllah, Al-Hamdulilah, and Allahu Akbar are said before the Tasleem. i.e
the conclusion of the obligatory prayers.
After the second Tashahud is when a person makes dua.
It’s recommended to make the remembrances of Allah extoling and glorifying
Him before supplicating to Him.
It’s permissible to say , SubhanAllah,
Al-Hamdulilah, and Allahu Akbar in the prayer when you intend to make dua.
It’s allowed to say glorify Allah, praise Him and acknowledge His
greatness when a person wants to ask Allah for a specific need and then anticipate
that supplication will be answered. [ explanation of Sunnan An-Nasa’I vol
15/pg 215-216 by Al-Alamah Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Adam Al-Ethiopi [ may Allah
preserve him]
Translated by Abu Aaliyah
Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Fasting and the Quran will both intercede on behalf of the servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say my Lord, I prevented him from the food and desires during the day, and so let me intercede for him. The Quran will say, “ I prevented him from sleeping at night, so let me intercede in his favor. Allah will say, “ You may both intercede.”
Collected by Ahmed(2/174),
Al-Bayhaqi, in Branches of Faith (1994). Imam Al-Albani graded it as being
authentic.
Benefits for
this Subject
Ash-Shiekh UbaidAllah Al-Mubarkfuri said:, “Fasting”
refers to the fast of Ramadhan, while other scholars say every kind of fast is
included. “The Quran” refers to the its recital and Imam t-Tibee
said, “It means the night prayer. There is something similar found in the verse
when the Quran is refered to as the Prayer. Allah said, “Recite the Quran at
Fajr. Indeed the Quran in the early dawn is witnessed” Al-Isra 78. And it’s
clear by wording, “The Quran will say I prevented him from sleeping at night. [1]
Al-Amir As-Sanan’I said, these two acts will actually intercede for the
person in reality.[2]
Ash-Shiekh UbaidAllah Al-Mubarkfuri said: “These two will intercede on
his behalf…” implies that Fasting and the Quran recital will be giving a
physical form with the ability to talk, thus the deeds on the Day of
Resurrection will have a body. Also, these words could indicate that Allah will
send an Angel to speak on the tongue of these two acts. This hadith must be
accepted and understood just as it is. [3]
Imam At-Tibee said: The intercession of the Quran and Fasting has been interpreted to mean that these acts will be given the ability intercede on the person’s behalf as mentioned in the texts. This is the correct methodology; as the human’s mind is limited in regards to understanding the divine world. Therefore, the only thing to do is to submit to these texts as they are and to believe in them. There are some people who say the intercession of the Fast and the recital of the Quran is figurative and means they will stop Allah’s Anger towards the servant and give him honor, raise his status and rank with Allah on the Day of Judgment. [4]
Imam Mulla Ali Al-Qari said, “ Perhaps the intercession of Ramadhan will
remove the bad deeds.[5]
Translators’ note. Ramadhan is the month of the worship day and night.
During the night we pray Tarawih, study and read the Quran and during the day
we are fasting. Therefore , this hadith can be applied for the month of
Ramadhan. And Allah knows best.
Prepared by Abu Aaliyah
Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Blank Pages in your Book of Deeds on the Day of Resurrection
Blank Pages in your Book of Deeds
on the Day of Resurrection
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Sa-eed ibn Jubair said: The slave will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and given his book. He won’t find any of his prayers, his fasts, or any other of his good deeds recorded.
He’ll ask: My Lord this book’s pages are blank. I used to do good deeds.
It will be said: Your Lord forgets nothing or is wrong. All of your deeds went to the people you used to backbite
[Gardens of the Pious/ pg 287/ Ibn Mullaqqin]
Lessons from Sa-eed’s speech
Backbiting depletes our good deeds
A person can stop backbiting, but he needs to repent to the person he’s wronged; to restore his right and honor. It said in a proverb: ترك الذنب و لا طلب المغفرة [ He left off sinning but didn’t ask for forgiveness]
The tongue is one of the most dangerous organs on our bodies.
Refraining the tongue is an act of worship.
Think about wasting your entire life here on Earth doing worship to only give it away in the next life.
Ways to regain some of what you have already lost before it’s too late!
1-The one whose flesh you’ve eaten should be praised and supplicated to Allah for his well-being- Mujahid
2-Seek Allah’s forgiveness for him-Abu Hazm
prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
[powr-hit-counter id=58a8f2c0_1526901544425]
Explanation of Seven Principles from the Salafs’ path of Piety -By Imam Sahl At-Tustari [283H]
Explanation of Seven Principles from the Salafs’ path of Piety
By Imam Sahl At-Tustari [283H]
قال الامام سهل التستري: أُصُولُنا سَبعَةُ أشياء: التَّمسُّكُ بكتابِ الله والاقتداءُ بسنَّةِ رسول اللهِ وَ أكلُ الحلالِ و كفُّ الأذَى واجتنابُالآثامِ و التَّوبةُ وأداءُ الحقُوقِ
Shaykh Sahl At-Tustari said: Our principles are based on 7 things; • Acting firmly by the Quran •Following the Sunnah •Eating Halal •Avoiding harm to others •Staying away from sin •Repenting •Fulfilling the rights of others.[1]
Shaykh Sahl ibn Abdillah At-Tustari was a poor man and a sincere advisor. Most of the speech was centered on the spiritual development for actions of worship.
Shaykh Abu Muhammad Sahl ibn Abdillah At-Tustari resided in Basri for a majority of his life. His uncle was the reason for him to strive on the path of piety and zuhd. One day his uncle, Muhammad ibn Sawwar, told him, Listen Sahl! Why not be mindful of the Allah, Who created you?! Sahl replied: “How can I do that?” Muhammad said:” When Muhammad said:” When you getting to go to sleep say this three times, without moving your lips, Allah is with me, Allah is looking at me, Allah is a witness over me.
Sahl said he took his uncles advice and found the sweetness of faith. On another occasion his unlce said to him. Sahl, the one who knows Allah is with him, sees him and is a witness over him; would he sin and disobey Allah?![2]
Acting firmly by the Quran… Allah ordered us to hold firm to the Quran. He said:And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah[ 3-103]
Allah said: Follow what has been inspired to you (O Muhammad ) from your Lord, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) and turn aside from Al-Mushrikun.[6:106]
Allah ordered His Messenger and the Muslims to follow the Quran and act by it because it’s the truth without contradictions. Allah said: And (O Muhammad ), follow the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient till Allah gives judgement. And He is the Best of judges.[10:109]
Ibn Kathir mentioned this verse means adhere to what has been sent down to you and act by its commands and remain patient with those who oppose you for doing so.[Tafsir 2/436]
Following the Sunnah…Allah ordered us to follow the Prophet [ﷺ]And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad ) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) , and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.[59:7]
The Prophet[ﷺ] speech is revelation. The Most High said: Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.[53:3-4].
The Prophet [ﷺ] words explain the Quran therefore they go hand in hand. Allah said: And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad ) the reminder and the advice (the Qur’an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.[16:44]
Through adhering to the Quran and the Sunnah with discipline the person will remain on the correct path. Al-‘Irbad bin Sariyah say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered a moving speech to us which made our eyes flow with tears and made our hearts melt. We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah. This is a speech of farewell. What did you enjoin upon us?’ He said: ‘I am leaving you upon a (path of) brightness whose night is like its day. No one will deviate from it after I am gone but one who is doomed. Whoever among you lives will see great conflict. I urge you to adhere to what you know of my Sunnah and the path of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and cling stubbornly to it. And you must obey, even if (your leader is) an Abyssinian leader. For the true believer is like a camel with a ring in its nose; wherever it is driven, it complies.” [3]
Eating Halal…Allah is ordered us to eat Allah. He said: O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Taiyibat [all kinds of Halal (legal) foods which Allah has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.],[ 23:51]
Allah said: O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship.[2:172]
Allah said: O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.[2:168]
Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali said: Allah doesn’t accept an action or purify person unless he eats Halal. Eating unlawful food spoils actions and prevent them from being accepted.[ Jami-olum wal Hikam pg 185]
Sometimes the word ( الطيب ) is used as a synonym for (الحلال) This is similar to the verse. Allah said: Say (O Muhammad ): “Not equal are Al-Khabith (all that is evil and bad as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.) and At-Taiyib (all that is good as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith (evil) may please you.”[5:100]
Not only can eating unlawful Haraam food prevent a person’s actions from accepted, but eating wearing clothes purchased from illegal earnings or Haraam wealth. i.e drug money, Riba, stolen wealth,etc..
Then Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty, and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying “O Lord! O Lord!,” while his food is haram (unlawful), his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram, so how can [his supplication] be answered?[ Sahih Muslim:1015] This hadith highlights the importance of of dealing in Halal transactions and the dangers of illegal dealings.[Fathul Mubeen, by Shaykh Ahmed Al-Haytami Ash-Shafa’I 974H]
Avoiding harm to others…Harming others isn’t only restricted to Muslims, but includes all of humanity and animals. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.”[ Sahih al-Bukhari 7376] And the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth. “[Sahih al-Bukhari 3318]
Harming Muslims is even more strictly prohibited. When a Muslim harms his brother in faith it shows he has weak faith. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (Radi Allahu anhu) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): “Who is the most excellent among the Muslims?” He said, “One from whose tongue and hands the other Muslims are secure.”.
Harming a Muslim with tongue is by back-biting, slander, spread false rumors, tale-carrying, cursing him, name-calling and so forth. Allah said: O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: “O sinner”, or “O wicked”, etc.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.).12. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting) . And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.[49:11-12]
Harming a Muslim with hands is done by physically attacking him, assaulting him with a weapon, or placing something harmful in path. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Faith has seventy-some odd doors, the lowest of which is removing something harmful from the road,[ Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2614]
Staying away from sin… Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that there are three things land people into Hell.
Doubtful matters which cause doubting in Allah’s religion
Following evil desires which cause a person to place his whims and desires over obeying Allah and seeking His Pleasure.
Anger which causes a person to oppress others. And the origin of sinning stems from three things
This is what caused Satan to become the being he is today
Greedy tendencies. This is what removed Adam from Jannah
This is what took place between the two sons of Adam, when one killed the other. Whoever protects himself against these three things will be protected from the evil. Disbelief comes from arrogance. Sinning comes greedy tendencies and oppression and acting unjustly comes from envy and jealousy.[Al-Fawa’id 298]
Repenting…Repenting to Allah for our sins is a must on every human-being. Its conditions are;
Stop the sin immediately
The feel of remorse and regret
The will to never to return to that sin again
Return people’s rights back to them[ Hada’iq Al-Awliyah/by Ibn Al-Mullaqqin/pg 49]
Allah has ordered repentance in the Quran. He said: And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.[24:31]
He said: “And ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn unto Him in repentance. Verily, my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Loving.”[11:90]
These verses in the Quran that order us to repent and show Allah accepts it are numerous. Through repenting to Allah and seeking His forgiveness we stand chance to receive Jannah; however this repentance must be done sincerely. Allah said: O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) the Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad ) and those who believe with him, their Light will run forward before them and with (their Records Books of deeds) in their right hands they will say: “Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us [and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirat (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely] and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things .”[66:8]
By repenting to Allah we aren’t only following His commands ,but also the Sunnah of the Prophet [ﷺ]Narrated Abu Huraira[ Radi Allah anhu] narrated.I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying.” By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.”[Al-Bukhari 6307] and in another narration in Ibn Majah’s Sunnan [3815]on Abu Hurairah it was mentioned the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ ) said: ‘I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him one hundred times each day.’
These narrations encourage us to seek Allah’s forgiveness daily before we die as that is when the door of repentance is closed or when the sun rises from the east. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“ Allah accepts the repentance of His slave so long as the death rattle has not yet reached his throat.” And Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him”.[Muslim 7089]
Fulfilling the rights of others…Allah said: And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily! the covenant, will be questioned about.[17:34]
Allah said:And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (Bai’a: pledge for Islam) when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety. Verily! Allah knows what you do.[16:91]
Allah said: O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations[5:1]
Allah said: O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?. Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.[61:2-3]
These verse are a stern warning agiant breaking contracts and not giving people their rights which they are entitled to. Spouses have rights over each other, children have rights over their parents and the greatest right of all is owed to Allah. That is we worship Him alone without any partners.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Mu`adh! Do you know what Allah’s Right upon His slaves is?” I said, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Not to punish them (if they do so).[Al-Bukhari:7373]
Allah knows best and to Him I repent
Acknowledgements: Quranic verses were taken from the noble Quran.
Prepared by
Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Doha, Qatar [1439 H]
[1] Hilyatul Awliyah 3/546[summarized version by Salih Ahmed Saamy
Ebaddah ibn Samit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated Allah’s Messenger (sallahu alayhi wa salim) said: “Guarantee me you’ll do six things and I guarantee you Jannah. Whenever you speak say the truth. Fulfill your promises when you make them. When you’re entrusted with something, carry out that trust. Safeguard your private parts, lower your gaze and prevent your hands from harming others.”
Collected by Ibn Khuzaymah (3/91), Ibn Hibban (107), Al-Hakim (4/ 358,359), Al-Khara’itee in Noble character (page 31), Ahmed (5/323). Shaykh Al-Albani graded this hadeeth as being Hasan Lee Ghayri hi (1470) in Saheehah
Benefits of this topic:
Shaykh Abdur Razzaq ibn Abdul Muhsin (may Allah preserve him) commented on this hadeeth. He wrote:
“Guarantee me you’ll do six things and I guarantee you Jannah” refers to six actions that are easy to do. These six deeds are among the doors of piety, which are so simple and easy to perform. Whoever continues to practices these six things in his life until death is guaranteed Jannah. This is a safe and sure path to paradise. Allah says, “And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) not far off. (It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allah) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allah (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allah Alone, i.e. follow Allah’s Religion, Islamic Monotheism). “Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism), Enter you therein in peace and security; this is a Day of eternal life!” There they will have all that they desire, and We have more (for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic [ Qaf 31-35]
“Whenever you speak say the truth” This trait applies to the honest Muslim. He isn’t known to be a liar. This straightforward Muslim continues to speak the truth until his truthfulness lands him in Jannah. The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa salim) said, “Be honest and truthful. Honesty and truthfulness guide a person to piety. And piety guides a person to Jannah. The man will continue to speak the truth until he is written down as being truthful.
“Fulfill your promises when you make them” Fulfilling promise is a characteristic of the believer and a sign among the many signs of Taqwa. The Muttaqeen aren’t known to break their promises or breach their contracts, oaths or pledges. Completing a promise, oath or pledge is the foundation for building a Muslim society. Included in this action are all trade, business, and mutual relations. Each and every one of these dealings is related to the community. Furthermore, these transactions and pledges stop at the fulfillment of a promise. Hence if the promise is broken then the trust is gone, and when that takes place mutual relations deteriorate and respect diminishes.
“ When you’re entrusted with something, carry out that trust ” This is among the greatest traits of character which Allah praises. The Most High praises the people who carry out something they are entrusted to do. When a person does this action it shows he has complete faith and good Islam. Carrying out trust preserves the religion, honor, wealth, body, soul, and knowledge, etc. The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa salim) said, “The believer is the one the people trust with their wealth and life. Therefore, if trusts are carried out in the community the unity is strengthened and brotherhood grows stronger. And once these things occur goodness and blessings prevail and spread.
“ Safeguard your private parts “ This means you prevent them from doing Haraam or falling into illicit deeds. Allah says, “And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.[ Al-Mu’Minun 5-7]. Safeguarding the private parts preserves and protects the offspring, lineage, cleans the society and is a security against evil and diseases.
“ lower your gaze “ This means you don’t look at prohibited things. Allah says, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) [An-Nur 30-31]. Lowering the gaze has many benefits. It gives a person the light and sweetness of faith. Furthermore lowering the gaze strengthens the heart, purifies the soul and sets it straight. Through lowering the glance a person is given a protection against looking at Haraam things and falling into sin.
“ prevent your hands from harming others “ This means you prevent your hands from harming people, transgressing against them or placing something evil in their way. The person who harms Allah’s slaves, Allah and the people hate and detest him. What’s more is the society and common folk rejects the one who harms Allah’s servants. This is a sign of bad character and inferiority. On the contrary, whenever a person refrains his hands from harming others it shows that he is well behaved, has good manners and interacts with others on piety. Allah has prepared a great fortune for the one who doesn’t harm people with his hands. How it is that person’s character and nobility aren’t enough until he moves something harmful out of the believers’ path! The Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa salim) said, “A person while walking along the path saw the branches of a tree lying there. He said: By Allah, I shall remove these from this road, so they may not harm the Muslims. And as a result of this action, he was admitted to Paradise.[ Muslim 6340].
These are the legislated deeds for Jannah, its light is clear. The path to Jannah from these deeds is easy, so take advantage of them before it’s too late. Let us prepare an abundance of good deeds for our soul before we die. I ask Allah to help us to practice these deeds and gain these traits. I ask Allah to grant us the success in all good deeds. May Allah\s peace and blessings be on our Prophet, his family, and all his companions
Taken fromhttp://www.al-badr.net/web/index.php?page=article&action=article&article=3
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Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
The Superiority of the 1st Row
The Superiority of the 1st Row
By Imam Mulla Ali Al-Qari 1014H
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Allah the Most High said:
وَٱلصَّـٰٓفَّـٰتِ صَفًّ۬ا
By those ranged in ranks [ As-Saaffat:1]
Allah swears by those Angels lined up in ranks offering worship, or this could include the scholars who pray in congregation joining both their knowledge and actions, or it refers to those who line up to fight.
Allah said:
وَإِنَّا لَنَحۡنُ ٱلصَّآفُّونَ
Verily, we (angels), we stand in rows (for the prayers as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers); (165)
There are many narrations which show and support the superiority of the first row.
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ “ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلاَئِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى الصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ ” .
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and the angels send blessings upon the first row.’”[1]
إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم قال إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الذين يصلون الصفوف ولا يصل عبد صفا الا رفعه الله به درجة
The Messenger of Allah() said: ‘Allah and His Angel send blessing to those who join the ranks. Whenever a servant completes a row by joining it Allah raises his ranks.[2]
“Why don’t you draw yourselves up in rows as angels do in the presence of their Lord?” We said: Messenger of Allah, how do the angels draw themselves up in rows in the presence of their Lord? He (the Holy Prophet) said: “They make the first rows complete and keep close together in the row.”[3]
عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ” لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ – أَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ – مَا فِي الصَّفِّ الْمُقَدَّمِ لَكَانَتْ قُرْعَةً ” . وَقَالَ ابْنُ حَرْبٍ ” الصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ مَا كَانَتْ إِلاَّ قُرْعَةً ”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If you were to know, or if they were to know, what (excellence) lies in the first rows, there would have been drawing of lots (for filling them) ; and Ibn Harb said: For (occupying) the first row there would have been drawing of lots. [4]
The Messenger [] Lining up the rows is a part of completing the prayer.[6]
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ خَيْرُ صُفُوفِ الرِّجَالِ أَوَّلُهَا وَشَرُّهَا آخِرُهَا وَخَيْرُ صُفُوفِ النِّسَاءِ آخِرُهَا وَشَرُّهَا أَوَّلُهَا ” .
the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst ones the last ones, and the best rows for women are the last ones and the worst ones for them are the first ones.[7]
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ لاَ يَزَالُ قَوْمٌ يَتَأَخَّرُونَ عَنِ الصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ حَتَّى يُؤَخِّرَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي النَّارِ ” .
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying the people will continue to keep themselves away from the front row until Allah will keep them away (from the front) in the Hell-fire.[8]
Some of the noble Hanafi and Shafa’I Jurists mentioned best row is the first row right behind the Iman although it may be distant from the Ka’ba.
Taken from
الفضل المعوّل في الصف الأول
By Imam Mulla Ali Al-Qari [ رحمه الله تعالى ]
Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
