The Youth in Islaam

The Youth in Islaam By Umm Abdullah Ibraahim, the father of the prophets- Abul Anbiyaa'. The noble Messenger of Allah, who particularly introduced the concept of tawheed and hanifiyyah(the upright way) to the land of the Two Rivers(as they call it-Mesopotamia) . The greatest of the five greatest messengers(ulul 3azm min ar-rusul) according to some scholars like Ibn Kathir (rh). He was also known as Khaleel ar Rahmaan , the close companion of the Most Merciful. Indeed, this man was none other than Ibraahim (alayhissalam). The man whom Allah called a nation(ummah)! As Allah says,{ إن إبراهيم كان أمة قانتا لله حنيفا ولم يك من المشركين } meaning: Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa (i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah). [Surah al Nahl:120] Ibraahim(AS) is one of the most spectacular figures in history;therefore, it is no wonder that he is revered not only by us, Muslims, but also by the Christians and Jews, although they have tampered with his image and life somewhat (within their books). It is quite interesting that these religions attribute monotheism to Ibraahim (Abraham in English). Ibraahim(AS) is a truly unique Messenger. He lived in a very strange era, but what he did is something an ordinary human without the help of Allah could never do. Ibraahim grew up in a society where kufr and shirk where rampant. He saw the worship of paganistic idols right and left. He saw animal sacrifices to these so called gods, who were in reality powerless and speechless carved stones. Ibraahim was such a great thinker although he was a mere teen, who could have ignored such thoughts of religion. He could've chosen to just enjoy his youth and life. NO. After thinking and watching, and watching and thinking, Ibraahim realized that surely this is not the right way and something clicked in him. Ibraahim was given these inspirations by Allah and his story is well-known by all; therefore, I will not go into the story of Al Haneef(The Upright, Man of Tawheed), Ibraahim (Alayhis-salam). However, what we need to understand and carefully think over is the strength and high station of one who believes in Allah, calls others to Him, and endures in the rough path ahead. What Ibraahim did was not easy, if some people may think so. Indeed, what He (AS) endured in the path of Allah was something that is an example for all youth and youngsters in today's day and age. Islaam has become the most unpopular subject in the world. In our day and age, the enemies are striking at the ummah from an internal and external point. Muslims have become subject to the western lifestyle of the disbelievers and many of us have given into the dhulm(oppression) and hawan(humiliation) of this time. We have forgotten who our ancestors were and we have forgotten to contemplate and ponder(at-tafakur, at-tadaburr) in the stories Allah (SWT) has revealed to us in His noble Furqan(criterion). Ibraahim(AS) acted against his whole society and challenged them with regards to their belief system. SubhanAllah! Imagine this O reader! A young boy , who was perhaps 15 or 16 years of age did this! Allah (SWT ) says, concerning what the people of Ibraahim said about him: قَالُوا سَمِعْنَا فَتًى يَذْكُرُهُمْ يُقَالُ لَهُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ meaning: They said: "We heard a young man talking (against) them who is called Ibrahim (Abraham)."[Surah al Anbiyaa':60] SubhanAllah!! Imagine this Oh fellow Muslim! He was a teenager and he challenged his whole nation, including his flesh and blood-his father! This just goes to show us how the youth were when they had tawheed and Islaam and what the youth have become without tawheed and by abandoning the Islamic practices. What a huge difference. Ibraahim (AS) knew very well what would be the consequences of his action when he went forth to break the idols of the temple;however, he took it upon himself to take the first steps in introducing the concept of tawheed to his people,regardless of the consequences and outcome. His father being at the top at the top of his list. Ibraahim(AS) was a very dutiful boy. He did not wish to fight with his father nor disobey him , but he knew that it was his responsibility to protect him from the fire. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says, وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَبِيًّا إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا يَسْمَعُ وَلَا يُبْصِرُ وَلَا يُغْنِي عَنْكَ شَيْئًا يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي قَدْ جَاءَنِي مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَمْ يَأْتِكَ فَاتَّبِعْنِي أَهْدِكَ صِرَاطًا سَوِيًّا يَا أَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ الشَّيْطَانَ ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَصِيًّا يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَنْ يَمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِنَ الرَّحْمَٰنِ فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّيْطَانِ وَلِيًّا قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنْتَ عَنْ آلِهَتِي يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ ۖ لَئِنْ لَمْ تَنْتَهِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ ۖ وَاهْجُرْنِي مَلِيًّا قَالَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكَ ۖ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّي ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِي حَفِيًّا وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَأَدْعُو رَبِّي عَسَىٰ أَلَّا أَكُونَ بِدُعَاءِ رَبِّي شَقِيًّا Meaning, And mention in the Book (the Qur'an) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.When he said to his father: "O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? "O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path."O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily! Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah). "O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allah) overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (Satan) (in the Hell-fire)." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]He (the father) said: "Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you." Ibrahim (Abraham) said: "Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious. "And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord."[Surah Maryam: 41-48] In this dialogue, we see the beautiful mannerisms of Ibraahim(AS) and how he was with his father. We also see the harshness and roughness of his father, Aazar.Allah showed us the interesting dialogue of monothiesm Ibraahim had with his father in Suratul Maryam, which shows Ibraahim (alayhi ssalam) was indeed one who practiced birrul walidayn(being dutiful to one's parents). This also shows the seriousness of the issue of giving da'wah to one's family and that they come first. One should not rush to calling others to pray and fast when his or her own family are corrupt and disobeying Allah! Did not Allah ta'alla say, وأنذر عشيرتك الأقربين "And warn your nearest kinsmen." [Surah alShu'ara: 214] Oh Muslim! Oh believer in Allah and His oneness and in the Day of Recompense! Realize that the role of the young in Islaam is indeed a great one. Islaam is not and was not a deen that was established on its own. The youth are the ones who can make a society or corrupt it. It is up to us and upon us to decide. May Allah use us for the victory of His deen! And Allah knows best.

Let the Fear of Allah Remain!

بسم الله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله أما بعد : Fearing one's creator is an essential part of faith(emaan). Allah azza wa jall has not created us for any purpose other than His worship. This is as the ayah goes: وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). [surah adh-Dhariyaat:57] al Imam ibn Kathir (rh) says in the tafsir of this ayah: meaning, `I, Allah, only created them so that I order them to worship Me, not that I need them.' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas commented on the Ayah, ﴿إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُونِ﴾ (...except that they should worship Me.) meaning, "So that they worship Me, willingly or unwillingly.'' Therefore, it is mandatory on every sane human being to realize his or her purpose in life. We were not created for mere play. Allah swt also says in His noble book: أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَـكُمْ عَبَثاً وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لاَ تُرْجَعُونَ "Did you think that We had created you in play, and that you would not be brought back to Us'' [alMu'minoon:115] So, there will be a final day , where we shall return to our Master and Creator. Ibn Kathir also mentions in the tafsir of this ayah: `did you think that you were created in vain, with no purpose, with nothing required of you and no wisdom on Our part'? Or it was said that "in play'' meant to play and amuse yourselves, like the animals were created, who have no reward or punishment. But you were created to worship Allah and carry out His commands.' So, O son of Adam, the matter is more than just living a life and enjoying it. You will meet your creator. It is only a person of right mind and yaqeen(certainty in Allah) who wonders and prepares for this great meeting. (the meeting between the creator and the creation). Many people say from their mouthes that they are muslims (ones who have submitted to Allah ta3alla) but when you say them one way or another, there are many contradictions that make you think is this person really a muslim?? Islam is different from the other religions. Our deen teaches us that there are conditions for one's emaan and islam to be correct and valid. Firstly, Islam means to submit to the laws and commands of Allah, our creator, willingly. So, do we follow the commands of Allah and His orders or do we take our Islam for granted and just say we are muslims because our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were muslims? Think about it , O servant of Allah! When we talk about emaan, we should pay attention even more. In the Quran , you will find that Allah swt mentions the word believers(mumineen, mu'minoon) , imaan(belief), many times. So, Allah is talking to those who have imaan(true faith and belief in Allah) and are truly believers. We must realize that not every Muslim is a mu'min. A muslim is one who has proclaimed the shahadatayn( testifies to the oneness of Allah and Muhammad saws as being the final messenger) and practices the basic tenets of Islam and imaan. This is a muslim. A muslim may fall into major sins and minor sins because the level of imaan is not that strong. Imaan as we know it, has many branches and it is the belief of Ahlussunah that emaan increases with good deeds and decreases with sins and disobedience. A mu'min is a muslim who completes the basics of Islam and adds to that and does not engage in the major sins. Allah praises the mu'minoon in the Quran: قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ Successful indeed are the believers. [Surah al Mu'minoon:1] One of the qualities of the mu'minoon is that they have taqwa of Allah swt. In Lisaan al Arab , the word taqwa means to have khawf(fear) of Allah. The believer fears Allah(has taqwa) and is constantly in a state of imaan and taqwa. The believer does not worship Allah on and off. WE should abstain from this 2-face way How can we expect help and mercy from Allah if we turn away from him and constantly are in a state of taqwa. Allah (SWT) does not accept the prayer of a heedless one(ghaafil). You must be sincere Oh Believer! You must know that you are dealing with an All-Forgiving, All-Wise one. Indeed, Allah's Messenger (SAWS) once pointed to his chest and said 3 times: "Taqwaa is her.Taqwa is here. Taqwa is here." [Sahih Muslim] Meaning: When the heart attains the fear of Allah subhanaah, then the limbs also take this beautiful concept and thus leading the body and mind to be at peace. Muslims are missing this concept of true taqwa(being consciousness of Allah). If people had taqwaa of Allah, the victory of Allah would already be upon us and there would not be so many problems in the ummah as there are today. Nowadays, people not only neglect the Quran and sunnah BUT expose their sin and brag about their sin. SubhanAllah, is there a worse crime!? Did not the prophet(saws) say, " All of my nation will be forgiven except the mujaahireen.(Those who expose their sin and tell people after Allah has concealed it for them)." ? What has the ummah of Muhammad come to ? Oh Allah help us. Indeed, there is no power and might except with Allah. By Umm Abdullah

The Day we Lost Our Honor

THE DAY WE LOST... The Day we lost our honor was when the beloved nation of Muhammad(saws) deviated and forgot its well-guided sources. The Day we lost our honor and power was when the leaders of the ummah traded their deen for the dunyaa' The Day we lost our honor was when the Muslim lands were sold for the protection of the tyrannical, unjust claimants of our lands. The Day we lost our power and honor was when the Muslim women deviated from the proper covering and hijaab and began to indulge in tabaruj(display of beauty , going out frequently) The Day we lost our honor was when the sunnah began to become so unpracticed among the muslims(our parents and grandparents) that one who practiced the sunnah was looked down upon and declared, "Wahhabi" The Day we lost our honor was when our scholars and people of knowledge kept quiet from the matters of the ummah The Day we lost our honor and strength was when the ummmah forgot about the Hereafter and indulged in this world and its affairs The Day we lost our izzah(honor) was when we gave the authority of the ummah to those unfit(ruwaybiddah) The Day we lost our honor was when the ummah let down their sisters, the chaste women(afeefaat) and allowed them to be arrested and violated all over the world. Until when Oh Muslims? Until when?

Qualities of The True Scholars!

Who are the scholars and what defines a scholar? Is it a government or a regime that defines who is an 'aalim ? The Most High has already defined for us who is an 'aalim and the qualities of this category of people. The first quality of a true scholar is known for: 1. Having Fear of Allah Allah azza wa jall says: ( إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ ) meaning: It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, Oft-Forgiving.[AlFaatir:28] Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah says about this ayah: "And this shows that each one who fears Allah is an 'aalim(person of knowledge,scholar) and this is true, and it(the ayah) is not proof that every scholar or person of knowledge fears Allah!" ["Majmoo' al Fataawa" 7/539. See also "Tafseer al Baydhaawi" 4/418 and "Fath al Qadeer"4/494] Ibn Katheer says: " only those who have knowledge truly fear Him as He should be feared, because the more they know about the Almighty, All-Powerful, All-Knowing Who has the most perfect attributes and is described with the most beautiful Names, the more they will fear Him" `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas commented on the Ayah:(It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah.) those who know that Allah is able to do all things. Ibn `Abbas said, "The one among His servants who knows about Ar-Rahman, is the one who does not associate anything in worship with Him; the one who accepts as lawful that which He has permitted and accepts as unlawful that which He has prohibited. He obeys His commands and is certain that he will meet Him and be brought to account for his deeds." Sa`id bin Jubayr said, "Fear is what stands between you and disobeying Allah, may He be glorified." It is also reported that Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) said: "Knowledge is not from narrating much ahadeeth, but true knowledge is on fearing Allah." We also need to understand that there is a clear distinction between the scholars of the Salaf and those of the Khalaf. Salaf meaning earlier generations, the best generations in this ummah(the sahaba, tabi'een and followers of the tabi'een). These were the best and it is an obligation upon us to follow them , for Allah preferred them and was pleased with them as He said in His noble book. As for the KHALAF, then this term refers to the generations after them until our times. And indeed it has been said; كل خير في إتباع من سلف وكل شر في إبتداع من خلف It actually means, " All good is in following the Salaf and all evil is in an innovation from one after(khalaf)." Therefore, it is incumbent on the believer to stick to the path of the pious predecessors before us and not incline towards the khalaf. Although the khalaf had good and bad among them, we are still to refrain from over-extolling them and blind following them. The only one whom we are obligated to blind follow (do taqleed on) is Muhammad(sala Allahu alayhi wassallam). 2. Not Hiding the truth regardless the blame of the blamers Allah says: وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَـقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَـبَ لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلاَ تَكْتُمُونَهُ فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ وَاشْتَرَوْاْ بِهِ ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ Meaning: (And remember) when Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) to make it (the news of the coming of Prophet Muhammad and the religious knowledge) known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it, but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And indeed worst is that which they bought.[Surah Aali Imraan:187] Ibn Kathir says in his tafsir of the ayah, "In this Ayah, Allah chastises the People of the Scriptures, from whom Allah took the covenant by the words of their Prophets, that they would believe in Muhammad and describe him to the people, so that they would recognize and follow him when Allah sent him. However, they hid this truth and preferred the the small amounts and the material gains instead of the rewards of this life and the Hereafter that they were promised. This is a losing deal and a failing trade, indeed. These Ayat also contain a warning for the scholars not to imitate their behavior, so that they do not suffer the same fate and become like them. Therefore, the scholars are required to spread the beneficial knowledge that they have, encouraging the various righteous good deeds. They are also warned against hiding any part of their knowledge." 3.Firmness in The Battlefield and patience in times of calamities The proof for this in the words of Allah: وَكَأَيِّن مِّن نَّبِىٍّ قَاتَلَ مَعَهُ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ فَمَا وَهَنُواْ لِمَآ أَصَابَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُواْ وَمَا اسْتَكَانُواْ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّـبِرِينَ - وَمَا كَانَ قَوْلَهُمْ إِلاَّ أَن قَالُواْ ربَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِى أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَـفِرِينَ - فَـْاتَـهُمُ اللَّهُ ثَوَابَ الدُّنْيَا وَحُسْنَ ثَوَابِ الاٌّخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ Meaning: And many a Prophet (i.e. many from amongst the Prophets) fought (in Allah's Cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allah's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allah loves As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).And they said nothing but: "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk." So Allah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves Al-Muhsinun.[Aal Imraan: 146-148] ـأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اصْبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ وَرَابِطُواْ وَاتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ Oh you who believe! Endure and be more patient(with your enemy), and fear Allah, so that you may be successful. [Surah Aali Imraan: 200] 4. Enjoining the Good and Forbid the Evil لَوْلاَ يَنْهَـهُمُ الرَّبَّـنِيُّونَ وَالاٌّحْبَارُ عَن قَوْلِهِمُ الإِثْمَ وَأَكْلِهِمُ السُّحْتَ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ Meaning: Why do not the rabbis and the religious learned men forbid them from uttering sinful words and from eating illegal things. Evil indeed is that which they have been performing.[Surah al Maaidah:63] 5.Ruling with the Shariah and endorsing and calling to it إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالاْحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُواْ مِن كِتَـبِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُواْ عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَآء فَلاَ تَخْشَوُاْ النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلاَ تَشْتَرُواْ بِـئَايَـتِى ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَـفِرُونَ Meaning: Verily, We did send down the Taurah (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah's Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests [too judged the Jews by the Taurah (Torah) after those Prophets] for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore fear not men but fear Me (O Jews) and sell not My Verses for a miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the Kafirun(i.e. disbelievers - of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allah's Laws ).[Surah al Maaidah: 44] If we see the Quran, especially in these ayaat in the Surahs of Aal Imraan, alNisaa', al Maaidah, and al A'raaf, Allah speaks about the Bani Israael and criticized them on certain things such as; their distorting the words of Allah in the Injeel(Gospel) and Tawrah(Torah), the killing of their prophets( It is said at one point, they received more than 70 prophets and would kill one prophet after another), their indulgence in Ribaa'(usury , interest),and more. Allah ta'ala specifically told us about their scholars -corrupt scholars of course , who would sell the words of Allah for a cheap price. These scholars would twist the ahkaam(rulings) and the Tawrah and the Injeel to suit their desires and that of the rulers of the time(The Romans). And indeed they were the ones behind the plot to kill the Masih(Messiah), Esa the son of Maryam (alayhissalam). These scholars knew what they were doing was wrong, yet they used the book of Allah to twist the verses, to suit their whims and desires. They feared the creation and turned away from the remembrance and fear of the Creator. These ayaat , although Allah was speaking of the scholar of the people of the book and their priests and rabbis, they also apply to the scholars of the ummah of Muhammad(salAllahu alayhi wassallam) and in these ayaat, Allah warns us that if we follow in their footsteps, we will meet a worse or similar fate ie, the punishment of Allah ta'alla in this world and in the next. 6. Guiding the Ummah upon the Haqq(truth) in times of Fitan(trials and tribulations) and not staying quiet or misleading the masses, but instead guiding them. Allah says: وَلَـكِن كُونُواْ رَبَّـنِيِّينَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تُعَلِّمُونَ الْكِتَـبَ وَبِمَا كُنتُمْ تَدْرُسُونَ On the contrary (he would say): "Be you Rabbaniyun (learned men of religion who practise what they know and also preach others), because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it.[Surah Aal Imraan: 79] Ibn Abbas said in the tafsir of "koonu rabaniyeen" that this means to be wise and fuqahaa'. Abdullah ibn Mas'ud and Ibn Jarir alTabari also said something similar. So, the 'aalim is the one who educates the ummah on their basic obligations and guides them in their lives. The 'aalim does not shut himself from the people and keep his 'ilm to himself. The Messenger of Allah said: (Whoever was asked about knowledge that he knew but did not disclose it, will be tied with a bridle made of fire on the Day of Resurrection.) .(reference: hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al Aas which has been graded hasan, al Haakim also graded it sahih following the conditions of alBukhari and Muslim) The 'ulama are to be at the forefront of the battle, confronting the fitnah with their knowledge that Allah has blessed them with. That is why the Messenger of Allah (salaAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Fight against the polytheists with your wealth, selves, and tongues(speech, words,)." [Musnad Ahmad] The greatest jihaad is to speak a word of truth in front of a corrupt , tyrant. This is what our early predecessors did. They did not perch next to the people of authority and watch them do as they please. No! They advised them, warned them, and fulfilled their duties as scholars, teachers, and advisers. 7. Not selling the words of Allah and the truth out of cowardice, fear or based on desires. Allah ta'alla tells us a story in Surah al A'raaf, which is the seventh chapter of the Quran. This story is about a man who was a scholar of Bani Israail, whose name was Bal'am(Ibn Kathir on the tafsir of the ayah from Ibn Abbas). This man saw the miracles of Allah, but turned his back on them and followed his desires. Allah says: وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ الَّذِى ءاتَيْنَـهُ ءَايَـتِنَا فَانْسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ الشَّيْطَـنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ - وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَـهُ بِهَا وَلَـكِنَّهُ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى الاٌّرْضِ وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ الْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث ذَلِكَ مَثَلُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـثَايَـتِنَا فَاقْصُصِ الْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ Meaning: And recite (O Muhammad ) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray. And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls his tongue out. Such is the description of the people who reject Our Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). So relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect.[Surah al A'raaf:175-176] This was someone who Allah had given the knowledge of His ayaat, and what did he do? He turned his back on them after he saw the dunyaa and it appeased him.So, Allah(swt) compared him to a dog! For indeed, the dog lolls his tongue out in both situations, whether you drive him away or let him be! He sat with the evil corrupt rulers and their wealth and luxury blinded him from the truth and led him to abandon the truth. He clung to this world. This is what clinging to the material world does to people. It blinds them and leads them to loss. So, the believers need to beware of clinging to the Earth and specifically, the scholars because they are the ones looked at and followed. If they go astray, masses of people (laymen) will follow suit. And there is no might and power except with Allah. We ask Allah to preserve the righteous scholars of the ummah and to keep them firm on the truth. And we ask Allah to expose the falsifiers and those in disguise as scholars , who harm the ummah greatly with their false fataawa and words. By Umm Abdullah

Be FIRM on What Allaah Loves!

Ibraaheem al-Harbee said, "I heard Ahmad (Ibn Hanbal) say, ‘If you love that Allaah should keep you upon that which you love, then remain upon that which He loves, and the good is in the one who sees no good in himself'.” [al-Aadaabush-Sharee’ah (2/31) by Ibn Muflih] These were the words of the great scholar, the Imam(leader) of AhlulSunnah wal Jama3ah. The man who stood up to one of the greatest fitan to be released upon this nation. It was none other than the fitna(trial and test) of the issue of "The Creation of the Quran" which was being spread by wildfire by the Mu'tazilah(one of the evil sects). So, who was this man who stood up to this claim which may seem easy to deny now, but constituted torture and even death back then? He was none other than Ahmad ibn Hanbal(May Allah have mercy on him). Only one who knows and appreciates the life story of Imam Ahmad can fully understand his words. He was a man who sacrificed his life and peaceful state of mind and physicality in order to please Allah subhanahu wa ta3alla and not the Creation. We should all realize that Islaam is not a deen built on "I love" only. NO! The truth requires much sacrifice and more than mere lip-service, because everyone and anyone can say I love, but the real deal is to prove that love with your actions. Imam Ahmad paid a hefty price for standing up for Islam at a time when scholars were giving into the false words of the Mu'tazilah that the Qur'an is created and not Allah's kalam(words). Imam Ahmad saw his companions give in and surrender to the fitna and these were the companions of Imam Ahmad we are talking about Do you think that they were mere individuals like me or you? No! They were scholars and people of knowledge, but this is the way of Allah. Allah tests the people ,especially the ones who have the knowledge of the deen and are deemed as righteous. No one is infallible after the Messenger of Allah, but we should realize that we should try our best in life to do what Allah azza wa jall wants from us and to do so as a pleased , believer. Al Islaam is not just any religion, it is not a way of life. It is THE ONLY WAY of life which is recognized by the Creator. Let us learn to appreciate this way and milla of the Upright. This way of love and truth in which many sacrificed their lives and wealth for. Prophets and Messengers were reviled, mocked , and killed by their own people and nations because of it. The sahaba left so much and sacrificed so much due to it. On the other hand, what do we as ones who claim Islaam do for it? The good is in the one who sees no good in himself. This means we should never be self-confident about our deen and say "Alhamdulillah Im a good Muslim..I do this and that..." The true believer is always on guard and worried if his deeds are even accepted by Allah ta3alla. The companions use to worry about this, so how can we, who are the later generations, being in the miserable state we are in now(as an ummah) be so confident? Allah (Swt) says in an ayah in surah al An3am that none feels safe from His punishment except the khaasireen(losers). So, Oh Muslim! Always remember Allah and Fear Him. Strive to practice your deen and always put it first and foremost before your dunya affairs. -Umm Abdullah

Reflections on a Hadith

THE REALITY OF TRUE COMPANIONSHIP IN ISLAM بسم الله ، الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على خير خلق الله، محمد المصطفى ، وعلى آله وصحبه ومن سلك .طريقة واتبع سنته إلى يوم الدين أما بعد Recently, a sister shared this amazing hadith on one forum I go to and subhanAllah it just made me think and contemplate certain things. The hadith is a very essential and a truly beautiful one. Of course, all of the ahadeeth of Rasul Allah (sala Allahu alayhi wassallam) are beautiful. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said , what is translated in meaning as, “Souls are like recruited soldiers, those that recognize one another unite in harmony and those that do not recognize one another are at an aversion.” [Sahih Muslim] Glory be to Allah subhaanah! Yes, our souls are controlled by Allah and He turns them where He (ta3alla) wills and wishes. This brings to mind the important concept of friendship. I've come to realize through some experiences that it is not us who choose our friends just like that, but rather it is Allah (ta3alla) who chooses good companions for us. There is something called friendship/friends and acquaintances. One must realize the difference between the two. Friends are people who are similar to you and understand you;on the other hand, acquaintances are people you see and meet time to time. The only friendship that will help one succeed in deen and dunya, is a true friendship based on love for the sake of Allah. A friendship not based on true love and companionship for Allah's sake is really none other than a false friendship. Of course, no friendship is perfect and there will always arise issues,but a true Islamic friendship will help the two companions solve their issues and neither will hesitate to fix their problems in their friendship because they know that their friendship was initially established for the sake of Allah. Not because of nationality ,gender, social status, ethnic background, or age. If we look into this issue further, we realize that there are many people around us whom we consider as "acquaintances" but our real friends are quite few. This is because friendship for the sake of The Most High is something special and not for everyone , this is due to the reward being a special one. In a hadith narrated by Abi Hurayra AbdurRahman ibn Sakhr (RA) the prophet (saws)said that are 7 types of people who will be shaded under the shade of Allah (swt)on the day when there will be no shade but His shade. On that horrid day in which the hair of the young child will turn white out of fear and shock, the day when the pregnant female(who died) will drop her load, the day when each and every person will be on their own, the day when the sun will come so close to the people that they will perspire profusely and some will be drowning in their perspiration(due to their amount of sinning when they were in dunya), on that day, Allah swt will honor some people and among these people whom Allah will honor on this day, are those who use to love one another and come together for Allah's sake will be saved and will be enjoying the shade of Allah's glorious throne. The Messenger of Allah swt says in the hadith: ((ورجلان تحابا في الله، إجتماعا عليه وافترقا عليه ...)) meaning: "And two people who love one another for Allah, they meet on that and they leave on that." [agreed upon] SubhanaAllah! This is the true friendship we should strive for . A real friend has the good intention of being there for you when you need him or her. A real friend tells you the truth when you need to hear it, a true friend grabs your hand when you are doing wrong and tells you "Fear Allah and stop this." A true friendship is built on the love of Allah swt thus Allah blesses these individuals with being under His shade on a day whose length will be equal to 50,000 years. Allah swt says in a sahih hadith qudsi narrated from Abi Hurayra RA as well; ((أين المتحابين في جلالي اليوم أظلهم في ظلي ، يوم لا ظل إلا ظلي )) meaning: "Where are those who loved one another for My sake? Today I shall shade them under my shade, when there will be no shade but my mine!" So, O fellow Muslim, take heed in who you take as a friend and companion and realize that not every person is suited to be your companion. The righteous belong with the righteous, and likewise, the sinners and disobedient belong with one another. This is the sunnah of Allah as He says: (( الخبيثات للخبيثين والخبيثون للخبيثات والطيبات للطيبين والطيبون للطيبات)) meaning: "Bad statements are for bad people (or bad women for bad men) and bad people for bad statements (or bad men for bad women). Good statements are for good people (or good women for good men) and good people for good statements (or good men for good women).."[Surah Nur:26] وصل الله على نبينا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم By Umm Abdullah

~Some of the People Allah Loves~

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT BRING ABOUT ALLAH'S LOVE FOR SOME OF HIS SERVANTS عن ابي ذر رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : ثلاثة يحبهم الله ، رجل أتى قوماً فسألهم بالله ، ولم يسألهم لقرابةٍ بينه وبينهم ، فمنعوه فتخلف رجلٌ بأعيانهم فاعطاه سراً لا يعلم بعطيته إلا الله والذي أعطاه . وقومٌ ساروا ليلتهم حتى إذا كان النوم أحب اليهم مما يعدل به ، فوضعوا رؤسهم ، قام رجلٌ يتملقني ، ويتلو آياتي ، ورجلٌ كان في سرية فلقي العدو فهزموا فأقبل بصدره حتى يقتل أو يقتل به . Narrated Abu Dharr RA that the Prophet sala Allahu alayhi wassallam said: "Three kinds of people Allah loves, (the first) a man who goes to a people and asks them(for help , sadaqa) for the sake of Allah and not for any other closeness between him and them, so they refuse him and a man from amongst them remains behind (the people who turn away from the other man) and gives him secretly , no one knowing of this except Allah and the one he gives. (the second) and a group of people (travelling) through almost the entire night and they become so tired that nothing becomes more beloved to them than sleep, so they put their heads down( sleep) and a man (from them) gets up remembering me (Allah), supplicating to him and reciting my ayaat , (the third) a man who was in a dispatch(for jihaad) and so they met the enemy and were defeated, but he put his chest forward and faced them off until he was killed or killed(won them)." [Recorded in sunan at Tirmidhi 4/698, Book of Description of Paradise, also in sunan al Nasai 5/84, Book of Zakah in the section "reward of the one who gives", and also narrated in al Haakims Mustadrak 1/416...Tirmidh said it is saheeh hadeeth and Haakim said it is Saheeh as per conditions of the 2 shaykhs, and al Dhahabi agreed with him] MEANING/SUMMARY OF THE HADEETH * Every true believer seeks the pleasure and winning the love of Allah azza wa jall * This hadeeth gives us some ways on how to, which can lead a person to the real sa3ada(happiness ) of a believer ONE: It is good to give companions and people what they are in need of (assistance) in a SECRET way when others refuse to help them , to seek the pleasure of Allah(in a state of ikhlass) TWO: Being active in ibadah when others get tired and lazy(and doing so secretly). No one saw this man because all of the others got knocked out ,, they were so tired. He was so tired as well but he took advantage. THREE: Having istiqaamah(steadfastness) in fighting for the sake of Allah when people get frightened from the enemy and flee from the battlefield. The mujaahid's steadfastness is an amazing thing to Allah azza wa jall. In another hadeeth, the prophet sala Allahu alayhi wassallam said that Allah laughs at the mujaahid who went out to fight and his group ran away so he was the only one left, and he got surrounded by an enemy so he says to himself "should I flee or fight" even though he knows he will be killed anyway if he decides to face them, but he chooses the latter and faces them until he is killed shaheed. (the hadith is in Mashaari3 al Ashwaaq but I will double check the exact hadeeth ..) -Its sunnah to give sadaqah, and the best thing to do is to give it secretly -its sunnah to pray qiyaamulayl -the virtue of Jihaad in the cause of Allah with oneself and wealth -That the reward is based on how hard the person works for it -Affirming the siffah of Love of Allah ta3alla ****SOURCE of The hadtih and meanings/ summary : The 40 Hadeeth collection of Shaykh Saalih ibn Ghaanim as-Sadlaan By Umm Abdullah