Category Archives: Translations

Translations of recognized Islamic scholars’ works

Can a Lady’s Step-Father or Maternal Uncle Act as a Walee (Legal Representative) for her Marriage?

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The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Legal Verdicts, headed by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz [d.1420] (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked about the step-father and maternal uncle of a young lady – Can they take the position of the walee (legal guardian or representative) in a valid marriage?

They replied:

The step-father is not a (valid) walee for his step-daughter, and nor is the maternal uncle (from her mother’s side).  Instead, only the male inheriting blood relatives can be legal representatives (for marriage), Continue reading →

Humbling Oneself and Rejecting Popularity

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[ The twelfth and final part of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Humbling Oneself and Rejecting Popularity

The last point of guidance that we will take from the fountains of Imam Ahmad that do not dry up, is the statement of Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Haaroon, “I saw that when Aboo ‘Abdillaah walked the streets, he hated that someone would walk behind him.”

Furthermore, ‘Abdullaah, the son of Imam Ahmad, said, “When he went out to Jumu’ah Prayer, my father would not allow anyone to follow behind him, and he used to stop until the people following him would pass him up.” Continue reading →

The Effect of Knowledge on One’s Writings

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[ Part Eleven of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

The Effect of Knowledge on One’s Writings

‘Abdullaah, the son of Imam Ahmad, said, “A baby was born to my father. ‘Abdul-A’laa gave me a letter of congratulations to give to my father.” ‘Abdul-A’laa was one of the scholars of hadeeth at that time. “He read it,” continued ‘Abdullaah, “And then tossed it aside.”

“This is not the writing of a scholar, nor a muhaddith (hadeeth narrator),” said Imam Ahmad, “This is the merely the writing of an average writer.”

Imam Ahmad was teaching his son a lesson, detesting what this scholar wrote, as no knowledge could be felt in his writing. Continue reading →

Seeking Safety and Good Health When Supplicating

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[ Part Ten of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Seeking Safety and Good Health When Supplicating

Al-Khallaal was a student of Imam Ahmad. I tried to bring a statement from each one of Imam Ahmad’s students who narrated something noteworthy, so if I did not fully accomplish this, then know that his history was rich, his sayings were many, and his school deserves that you study it and reflect over it. You will find that he was truly the imam of Ahlus-Sunnah in his speech and actions.

Al-Khallaal said, “I heard Ahmad ibn Hanbal saying, ‘I had memorized the Quran. Then when I began seeking the narrations, I became busy.'” When he began seeking and memorizing the narrations, he became too busy to keep track of the Quran, and forgot some of it due to his occupation with the narrations. Continue reading →

Seeking Knowledge Until Death

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[ Part Nine of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Seeking Knowledge Until Death

Imam Ahmad had two sons, ‘Abdullaah and Saalih. They were half-brothers, meaning that each of them had a different mother. Saalih, the son of Imam Ahmad, said, “A man saw my father carrying a mih-barah.” A mih-barah was a wooden inkwell that students used to carry along with their pens.

He said, “A man saw my father was carrying a mih-barah, and said, ‘O Abaa ‘Abdillaah!’ Look at how the all the people were fascinated by him, even the elders of the people! He said, “O Abaa ‘Abdillaah! You have reached this position, you are the imam of the Muslims!” He had a problem seeing Imam Ahmad carry his mih-barah as the young students would carry it, or that he would still read books or shoulder the same responsibilities that the youth did.

Imam Ahmad replied with a statement that nullified this man’s whole understanding. He said, “With the mih-barah all the way to the maq-barah (the graveyard).” What did he mean? Continue reading →

Memorizing the Quran

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[ Part Eight of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Memorizing the Quran

From the noteworthy sayings of Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have Mercy on him) is his statement, “‘Azeezun ‘alayya that the dunyaa melts the hearts of men whose chests comprehend the Quran!” He said (repeating), “It is hard for me to accept that the dunyaa could melt the hearts of men whose chests comprehend the Quran.”

If a man is able to carry (memorize) the Quran with him by heart, then verily Allaah has given him a great bounty indeed. On the Day of Judgment it will be said to the recitor of the Quran: “Read, ascend, and recite with rhythm as you used to recite rhythmically in the dunyaa! For verily your place will be determined by the last verse you recite.” [1] Continue reading →

Praying at Night

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[ Part Seven of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Praying at Night

One of Imaam Ahmad’s students, ‘Abdus-Samad ibn Sulaymaan, said something that I mentioned earlier in this lecture, “I stayed with Ahmad ibn Hambal. He left for me a container of water. In the morning he found that I had not used it. He said, ‘A companion of the narrations, and he has no activity in the night?!’ I told him, ‘I am a traveler.’ He replied, ‘Even as a traveler!'”

This is an outstanding lesson from Imaam Ahmad! The student of knowledge must keep himself upon some rites of worship, he must have an eagerness to get close to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. Continue reading →

Identifying Religious Innovations and Staying Away From Them & the Importance of Hadeeth

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[ Part Six of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Identifying Religious Innovations and Staying Away From Them & the Importance of Hadeeth

From Imaam Ahmad’s other noteworthy sayings, may Allaah have Mercy on him, is his statement, “I do not know any people more in need of learning hadeeth than the people in our time.”

They asked him, “And why is that?”

He replied, “Innovation has spread, so whoever does not have the Sunnah, or the narrations, then he will fall into innovation.” Continue reading →

Loving and Hating for the Right Reasons

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[ Part Five of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Loving and Hating for the Right Reasons

From the noteworthy sayings of Imaam Ahmad about the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah is his statement, “Love the people of the Sunnah according to the degree that they are upon the Sunnah.” This means that your love should be based on the Sunnah, that you do not love for petty reasons, nor for some worldly reasons. Real love is for those who are upon the Sunnah.

It could be that a person of the Sunnah, a person of the correct ‘aqeedah, does some evil things. However, due to his correct ‘aqeedah, his clarity, and his submission to Allaah’s Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), you find that he is a person whose heart is free of innovation and doubts. Continue reading →

Recognizing the High Status of Islamic Scholars

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[ Part Four of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Recognizing the High Status of the Scholars

From his other noteworthy sayings, may Allaah have Mercy on him, elevate his and our positions, and reward him with the best reward, the most plentiful and loftiest one, “Whatever the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have detested, then it is evil.” He (Imam Ahmad) said (repeating), “Whatever the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have detested, then it is evil.” He meant that the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah are to be referred to in affairs of what is to be considered evil and what is not.

So whatever the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have detested in the issues of ‘aqeedah, then it is evil. Whatever the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have detested with regards to manners, then it is evil. Whatever the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have detested in affairs of ordering righteousness and forbidding evil, then it is evil. This means that a man must return to the scholars of the Sunnah if he wants to know about the affairs of the Sunnah, about the proper understanding of righteousness and evil. Continue reading →

Living in Fear of Allaah

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[ Part Three of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Living in Fear of Allaah

Al-Mar-roothee [1] was one of Imam Ahmad’s companions and students, and he relayed many issues from him. He said to Imam Ahmad, “O Abaa ‘Abdilllaah! There are so many people that call on you!”

He looked at him and said, “I fear this may be something that gradually leads me to something evil.” Continue reading →

Speaking Only About Beneficial Matters

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[ Part Two of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Speaking Only About Beneficial Matters

Aboo Daawood Sulaymaan ibn Ash’ath, the author of Sunan Abee Daawood, was a student of Imam Ahmad who related many issues from him, issues that are published today. He said, describing the Imam, “I have not seen anyone like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal He never used to talk about the things that the people talk loosely about from the worldly affairs, but if some affair of knowledge was mentioned, he would talk.” Continue reading →

Benefits From the Life and Works of Imaam Ahmad – Introduction to the Series

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[ The introduction to a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

The praise is for Allaah, the One who keeps a group of scholars available during the times when there is no messenger, scholars who bring those who have strayed back to the Guidance, curing their blindness and bringing them back to life using Allaah’s Book. For how many have they brought back to life from those killed by Iblees? And how many strayed and then were guided by the scholars?

What great effects they have on the people! And how filthy are the effects of the people on them! They expel from the Religion of Allaah the perversions of the people of falsehood, the twisted explanations of the ignoramuses, and the plagiarism of those who have strayed, those who bear the flags of innovation and dispute over the Book of Allaah. Continue reading →

Dedicating One’s Youth to Worship

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[ Part One of a series of inspiring articles from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad” (“Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad”) by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) ]

Dedicating One’s Youth to Worship

Since his childhood, Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have Mercy on him) could be seen with signs of nusuk on him. [The term nusuk will be explained shortly.]  Ma’roof Al-Karkhee (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said, “I saw Ahmad ibn Hanbal when he was a young boy, and he had signs of nusuk on him. I used to hear him making statements that were full of benefit.”

This statement describes how he was upon guidance even as a young boy. He used to be seen with signs of nusuk on him. What is meant by nusuk is worship and acts of obedience. The effects of worship and obedience are not only physical ones seen in the appearance and dress, but their effects are also found in one’s speech, manners, in the acts of worship and obedience themselves, and in one’s preference for the next life over this one.

Imam Ahmad said about his own self, “I did not marry until after I reached 40 years of age.” His companions said that this was because he used to be busy traveling to seek knowledge before that. He went to Makkah, and from there to San’aa’. There is a story about this trip:

He set out with his companion, Yahyaa ibn Ma’een, for Hajj. He said to Yahyaa, “When I finish Hajj, verily I am going to Yemen to meet the scholar of Yemen, the scholar of Hadeeth, ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ibn Hammaam As-San’aanee.” As-San’aanee died in the year 210 after Hijrah.

When they reached Makkah, they found that ‘Abdur-Razzaaq was making Hajj that year as well. So Yahyaa knew who he was and met him. He saw him going around the Ka’bah, and since he knew him, he went and greeted him. Yahyaa said to ‘Abdur-Razzaaq, and they knew each other, “This is Ahmad ibn Hanbal” So ‘Abdur-Razzaaq became happy about this and said, “It has reached us that he is a person who has a lot of goodness.”

When they prayed their two rak’ahs after making tawaaf, Yahyaa said to Imam Ahmad, “Ahmad, our provisions for the journey to San’aa’ have been used. And here is ‘Abdur-Razzaaq, so let us stay with him so we can take some narrations from him.”

Ahmad said to Yahyaa ibn Ma’een, “My intention is still present, and I will not oppose it. So I will continue on to San’aa’.” This shows the effects of his commitment to the hardships of seeking knowledge. A trip to San’aa’ in that time was not made in cars or airplanes or the likes, rather it was only made with great hardships, the realities of which can not be described.

Ma’roof said, “I saw Ahmad ibn Hanbal when he was a young boy and he had signs of nusuk on him.” In reality, this is what we should see in our children, that they work hard to correct themselves in their youth, in their early years. Because at this, if they do not build upon this foundation with what is correct, with acts of worship and obedience, then it will be very difficulty after that, except for those whom Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted, excludes.

Whoever holds to His Religion in his youth, firmness will return to him. Someone being devout or obedient is not just a claim or a verbal ascription to something, nor is it something seen only from the outside. Rather devoutness in the Religion entails one taking on serious rituals, he must worship, and he must be obedient.

This leads us to the story when Imam Ahmad once hosted one of his students in Hadeeth, ‘Abdus-Samad ibn Sulaymaan. When he was hosting him in his house, and it came time to sleep, he brought him some water to make wudhoo’ from or for general use. Then he went to sleep. When the morning came, Imam Ahmad saw that all of the water was still there, so he asked about it. ‘Abdus-Samad replied, “I did not use the water.” Imam Ahmad said, “A student of the narrations who does not do anything at night?!”

He meant, “All the way to the morning, you did not pray in the night?! You did not worship!? You did not even pray two rak’ahs?!” ‘Abdus-Samad replied, “Verily I am a traveler.” He said, “Even as a traveler!” Meaning, “Where is the witr? Where is the prayer?”

So without a doubt, if this was important in that day and time for cultivating one’s soul and getting set in the proper direction, then we are in more need of it today. This is the case especially with the youth who seek knowledge, those holding tight to their guidance, those who show outward signs of righteousness, and those who are keen in doing good deeds. [1]

One must keep his soul tied to some acts of worship. No doubt, one must keep his soul tied to some acts of obedience. If you force the soul to be obedient, it will become obedient. If you abandon it, then it will be a soul that gravitates toward wrongdoing.

It has been related that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said (what means):

“Whoever shows enduring patience, Allaah will make him firm upon patience. Whoever seeks knowledge, Allaah will teach him. Whoever seeks out good, he will be given it. Whoever takes steps to avoid evil, he will be protected from it.” [2]

Therefore, this description of Imam Ahmad proves that he had an upbringing based on obedience to Allaah and acts of worship, so much so that he used to force his soul to shun many worldly things and to take on great hardships. The result of this was that he established his soul firmly upon obedience to Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted.

FOOTNOTES

[1] This paragraph was updated to correct a mistake in the original translation. (1435-06-23)

[2] The first part of this hadeeth, “Whoever shows enduring patience, Allaah will make him firm upon patience,” it is found in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, on the authority of Aboo Sa’eed Al-Khudree (may Allaah be pleased with him).

Continue reading this series…
Part Two – Speaking Only About Beneficial Matters

Or go to the Index of articles in this inspiring series.

Translation, Titles, and Footnotes by: Moosaa Richardson

Originally published on Bakkah.net: 1423-05-16, updated: 1439.08.13.

Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad – Index of Articles

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The following is an index of all articles in the inspiring series called “Benefits from the Life and Works of Imam Ahmad” by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him), from a recorded lecture entitled, “Min Ma’een al-Imaam Ahmad”.

Introduction

Part One – Dedicating One’s Youth to Worship

Part Two – Speaking Only About Beneficial Matters

Part Three – Living in Fear of Allaah

Part Four – Recognizing the High Status of Islamic Scholars

Part Five – Loving and Hating for the Right Reasons

Part Six – Identifying Religious Innovations and Staying Away From Them & the Importance of Hadeeth

Part Seven – Praying at Night

Part Eight – Memorizing the Quran

Part Nine – Seeking Knowledge until Death

Part Ten – Seeking Safety and Good Health When Supplicating

Part Eleven – The Effect of Knowledge on One’s Writings

Part Twelve – Humbling Oneself and Rejecting Popularity

About the Author: Who is Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh?

Translation, Titles, and Footnotes by: Moosaa Richardson

Originally published on Bakkah.net: 1423-05-16

“…Before Fitan (Trials and Tribulations) of Pitch-Black Darkness Appear…”

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…

The great scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (d.1420), may Allaah have Mercy on him, was asked: [1]

What is the meaning of the disbelief mentioned in the hadeeth, “A man will wake up as a believer, and be a disbeliever by nightfall; and a man will go to bed as a believer and wake up as a disbeliever, selling out his religion for some small worldly commodity”?  And what is meant by “selling out his religion”?

HIS ANSWER: Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen on Speaking Slang Arabic (‘Aammiyyah)

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In the Name of Allaah…

Many non-Arabs who learn proper Arabic find difficulty in communicating with regular, everyday people.  The problem is that common Arabs don’t usually speak a very high level of fus-haa (proper) Arabic, rather they speak ‘Aammiyyah, a lesser grade of Arabic slang.  Students of the Arabic Language tend to have a strong stance against the use of this slang, ‘Aammiyyah. 

Perhaps the following words from the great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), may provide some much needed insight into the issue: [1] Continue reading →

Regarding Prayer Interrupted by the Iqaamah in the Masjid

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…

Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee (d.1376), may Allaah have Mercy on him, was asked about the proper application of the authentic hadeeth that means, “Once the prayer is established there is no prayer other than the obligatory one.”

He replied: Continue reading →

Preferring to Spend on One’s Poor Parents Over Slaughtering Sheep for an ‘Aqeeqah

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Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee (d.1376), may Allaah have Mercy on him, was asked, “If someone has poor parents, should preference be given to spending on their needs over slaughtering sheep for an ‘Aqeeqah (i.e. for a newborn child)”?

His answer: Continue reading →

Following Math-habs and Ascribing to Salafiyyah

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Shaykh Muhammad ‘Umar Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) was asked the following question:

Please I would like to know if there is anything wrong with not subscribing to a math-hab. I learn from both the Salafees and Sunnees (ie. I try to adhere to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah) but I don’t like to claim either of the two because I fear that pride that might grow in me and cause me to avoid the truth if it comes from another source. In other words, I don’t want to be like some people who follow a math-hab and don’t want to change when the proof is against them. Please advise me. Continue reading →

When is the Time of ‘Eshaa’ Prayer Over?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Merciful, may His Complete Salaah and Salaam be upon the finest of His Creation, His last Messenger Muhammad, and upon all his family members and companions, to proceed…

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420), may Allaah have Mercy on him, wrote in his exemplary book, Tamaam al-Minnah (pp.140-142):

As for his (Sayyid Saabiq’s [1]) statement:

“…And as for the time of ‘Eshaa’ Prayer then it extends until the time of Fajr, and this is understood from the hadeeth of Aboo Qataadah who said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: Continue reading →

Passing on Reports from an Unnamed “Thiqah” (Reliable Person)

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Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee, well-known Hadeeth scholar and retired professor from the Islaamic University of Al-Madeenah, sheds some light on the status of reports that come by way of unnamed “reliable” people (thiqaat). 

QUESTION

We understand that accepting the report of a thiqah (trustworthy person) is from the Deen, however how do we know who is thiqah and who is not? Many people are spreading reports on the authority of “someone who is thiqah,” but they do not reveal who he is, possibly because they really doubt his reliability. Continue reading →

Does Bleeding Break One’s Wudhoo’?

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[ This is Part Four of the article, Splitting into Groups and Parties, by Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420) – may Allaah have Mercy on him.  Here, the shaykh elaborates on another specific example of classic differing. ]

…Let me give you another example, and I will sum up our talk with this one. I am only bringing a lot of examples here because of the importance of this point, for I have seldom found it explained clearly and properly in the books of the scholars. In the Musnad of Al-Imaam Ahmad, the Mustadrak of Al-Haakim, the Sunan of Al-Bayhaqee, and other books of the Sunnah, there is another report on the authority of Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) wherein he said, “We were out with the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) during a battle when we killed a woman from the polytheists…” Continue reading →

Praying an Optional Prayer to Lead the People in an Obligatory Prayer

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[ This is Part Three of the article, Splitting into Groups and Parties, by Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420) – may Allaah have Mercy on him.  Here, the shaykh elaborates on a specific example of classic differing. ]

…From here let us move on to refer to some of the issues that have been the source of differing for a long time, issues related to some fiqh rulings between the Hanafees and Shaafi’ees. One side would bring a proof regarding something that happened in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam). The other side would refute that, saying that there is no clear indication in the report that what happened was made known to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), it does not say that he was informed about it and approved of it. This reply that some of the people of the math-habs gave is refuted by that which has preceded in our discussion. Continue reading →

A Sign of the Saved Sect: Following the Companions

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 [ This is Part Two of the article, Splitting into Groups and Parties, by Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420) – may Allaah have Mercy on him.  Here, the shaykh stresses the importance of applying the understanding of the Companions in an issue of fiqh, and how that will unify the people. ]

…One sign of the saved sect, one that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) described clearly when he was asked about it, is found in his statement:

“It is what I and my Companions are upon this day.” [1] Continue reading →

Splitting into Groups and Parties

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[ In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful… ]

QUESTIONER: All praise is due to Allaah, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His trustworthy Messenger, and upon all of his family and companions, to proceed:

This is a question for our shaykh, the ‘Allaamah, Shaykh Naasir. The questioner asks, “What is the Sharee’ah’s ruling on these numerous Islaamic groups, sects, and organizations – as they are different from each other in their methodologies, styles, calls, and beliefs, the very foundations that they are established upon? In regards specifically to the hadeeth that proves that the group that adheres to the Truth is a single group?” Continue reading →

The Saved Sect May Be Separated on Earth, but They are One in Belief and Methodology

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[ This is the conclusion of the article, Splitting into Groups and Parties, by Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420) – may Allaah have Mercy on him. ]

…The reason why I have brought all these points is so that we understand that there is no way to reach the true, correct understanding of Islaam, except by knowing the seerah of the Companions and how they practiced this great Islaam, the religion that he (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) taught them personally, whether by his statements, actions, or approvals. Continue reading →

Advice for Writers and Administrators of Internet Forums

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Written by: Shaykh ‘Ubayd ibn ‘Abdillaah al-Jaabiree (may Allaah preserve him)

All praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of all that exists. There is no animosity except for the oppressors. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, who is alone without partners, and He is Al-Haqq Al-Mubeen. And I further bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allaah make high mention of him and his family and companions, and grant them security.

To proceed:

Verily I have reflected over what has taken place in the latest fitnah and the results and outcomes that have appeared amongst our youth and amongst our brothers who are holding to the methodology of As-Salaf As-Saalih. I believe that the great amount of gossip coming from those who do not have much knowledge or awareness of Allaah’s Deen, His Legislation, or what the Salaf were upon is a reason for the kindling of this fitnah and for the spreading of its flames, especially since the majority of these problems can be traced back to the Internet and what is said and written on it, from those whose description I have referred to. Continue reading →

Double Your Towbah – Repent from Delaying Your Repentance!

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The great scholar of Islam, Ibn Qayyim al-Jowziyyah [d.752] (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“…And we shall mention some things related to repentance (towbah) that are very necessary (to grasp), and it is not befitting that someone be ignorant of them. 

From them: Immediate repentance is obligatory after committing a sin.  It is not permissible to delay it.  Whenever someone delays it, he has committed (another) sin by delaying it. Continue reading →

Islamic Degrees and Certificates Vs. Grounded Knowledge and Understanding

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In the Name of Allaah, the Ever Merciful…

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked the following question about academic qualifications:

Question: Am I qualified to call to the Salafee ‘aqeedah if I have attained an excellent mark in a course offered by a da’wah office?

Answer: This (being truly qualified) does not happen except by way of knowledge.  If you know the correct ‘aqeedah and have a complete understanding of it, then you have attained knowledge of it.  But it is not sufficient for you to have an excellent (academic) mark without understanding ‘aqeedah.   Continue reading →

Towheed Expounded Upon in Aayat al-Kursee

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Part 9 of a series of translated articles from the book, Lessons from the Noble Quran (pp.26-30) by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

[ In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His last Messenger, and upon all his family members and companions, and all those who follow his way, to proceed… ]

Allaah says in Aayat al-Kursee [1]:

( Allaah, there is none deserving worship other than Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of everything. Neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who can intercede without His Permission? He knows what lies in front of them and what is behind them. They will never comprehend anything from His Knowledge except what He allows them to. His Kursee [2] is more expansive than the heavens and the earth, and He does not grow tired of protecting them both (the heavens and the earth), and He is the Highest and the Greatest. ) Continue reading →

The Wisdom Behind the Repetitive Affirmation of Towheed ar-Ruboobiyyah in the Quran

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Part 8 of a series of translated articles from the book, Lessons from the Noble Quran (pp.25-26) by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

[ In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful, may His Complete Salaah and Salaam be upon His Messenger, and upon all his family members and companions, and all those who follow his way, to proceed… ]

In the Qur’aan Allaah only mentions towheed ar-ruboobiyyah, that which the disbelievers themselves affirm, to show its weight as a proof and to establish the evidence for towheed al-uloohiyyah. So Allaah brings an idea that they agree about as a proof against them, and this obliges them to answer the following questions: Continue reading →

The Three Categories of Towheed are Defined in the Qur’aan

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Part 7 of a series of translated articles from the book, Lessons from the Noble Quran (pp.21-25) by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

[ In the Name of Allaah, the Lord of all the worlds, may His Most Complete Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Prophet and Messenger, and upon all his family members and companions, to proceed… ]

We have previously stated that the three categories of towheed are taken directly from the Noble Qur’aan. The categories are taken from many verses, so let us look to some of them now. Continue reading →

The Towheed Sought from Mankind

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Part 6 of a series of translated articles from the book, Lessons from the Noble Quran (pp.20-21) by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

[ In the Name of Allaah, the Lord of all the worlds, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Prophet and Messenger, and upon all his family members and companions, and those who follow his way, to proceed… ]

The towheed that is sought from us is towheed al-uloohiyyah. All of the Messengers began by calling their people with [1]:

( Worship Allaah, as you have no deity to worship other than Him ) Continue reading →

Haakimiyyah: An Error as a Category of Towheed

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Part 5 of a series of translated articles from the book, Lessons from the Noble Quran (pp.17-21) by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

[ In the Name of Allaah, the Lord of all the worlds, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Prophet and Messenger, and upon all his family members and companions, and those who follow his way, to proceed… ]

There are some in our time who have divided towheed into four categories, saying, “Towheed is four categories: towheed ar-ruboobiyyah, towheed al-uloohiyyah, towheed al-asmaa’ was-sifaat, and towheed al-haakimiyyah.” In order to say this, they relay on the idea that dividing towheed is just a traditional way of explaining it, not something restricted. Based on this assumption, there is nothing preventing us from adding another category. Continue reading →