The manners of companionship

By Imaam Badrud-Deen al-Ghazzee (d.984H)
Learn twelve qualities of good companionship in order to further your knowledge and practice of the Religion of Allaah.

Your life at the present moment is in between the past and the future. So what has preceded can be rectified by tawbah (repentance), nadam (regret) and istighfaar (seeking Allaah’s forgiveness). This is something that will neither tire you, nor cause you to toil as you would with strenuous labour. Rather it is an action of the heart.

The Shaykh – rahimahullaah – said, [2]

Know O pious brother – may Allaah make our affairs good – that the manners of companionship and good relationships are of various types, of which I will explain, such as will show the person of intellect the manners of the Believers and the Pious; and come to know that Allaah the Most Perfect, the Most High has made them a mercy and helpers towards each other, which is why the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘‘The example of the Believers, in their mutual love and mercy is like the example of a body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.’’ [3] And he (’alayhis-salaam) said, ‘‘The Believer to the Believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other.’’ [4] The Prophet (’alayhis-salaam) also said, ‘‘The souls are arrayed armies, so those who knew each one another before, will be friendly…’’ [5] So if Allaah intends good for His servants, He grants them companionship of the people of the Sunnah, righteousness and adherence to the Religion.; and keeps him free from the companionship of the people of innovations. The Prophet (’alayhis-salaam) said, ‘‘A person is upon the religion of his friend, so let every one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend.’’ [6]

‘About a person, do not ask, but ask about his companion;

Since every companion follows his friends.’

From the manners of companionship:

GOOD MANNERS:

Good manners with the brothers, peers and companions, following the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as he said, when it was said to him, ‘What is the best of what a person is given?’ So he replied, ‘‘Good manners.’’ [7]

MAKING ONE’S OPINION GOOD:

From the manners of companionship is behaving well regarding the faults that he sees of his companions, since Ibn Maazin said, ‘The Believer seeks excuses for his brothers, whilst the hypocrite seeks out their faults.’ And Hamdoon al-Qassaar said, ‘If one of your brothers commits an error, then seek ninety excuses for him, and if not, then you are the blameworthy one.’

COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE BELIEVERS:

To keep companionship with one whose Religion you trust and who is trustworthy, both inwardly and outwardly. Allaah the – Most High – says,

‘‘You will not find anyone who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers, sons, brothers or their relatives. For such He has written eemaan (faith) in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit (proofs, light and guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them into gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. They are the Party of Allaah, indeed it is the Party of Allaah that will be successful.’’ [Sooratul-Mujaadilah 58:22]

FORMS OF COMPANIONSHIP:

For the Shaykhs and elders: with respect to service and to carry out their needs. For those of the same peer group and those of the ‘middle rank’: with sincere advice, giving what you have and being prepared to carry out their wishes. For the students and younger ones: by guidance, teaching of manners, carrying out what knowledge demands, guidance to the manners of the Sunnah, rulings concerning the matters of the heart, and to guide them to develop good manners.

OVERLOOKING MISTAKES:

From the manners of companionship is overlooking mistakes of the brothers and not reprimanding them. So al-Fudayl Ibn ’Iyaad (d.187H) said, ‘Chivalry is to overlook the mistakes of the brothers.’ Ibnul-A’raabee (d.231H) said, ‘Forgetting the harms caused by the brothers, causes you love of them to persist.’ So it is binding upon the Believer, that he avoids seekers of this world, since they will bring him down to the level of seeking it, and this will distance him from his salvation and it will distance him from remaining alert and being aware of it. Rather, he must strive hard in attaining the companionship of the good and the seekers of the Hereafter. Therefore, Dhun-Noon (d.245H) said to the one whom he advised, ‘Accompany the one whom you will be safe from outwardly, and whom – when you see him – it helps you in doing good and reminds you of your Lord.’

AGREEMENT WITH THE BROTHERS:

And from them is: not to differ much with the brothers, but continue agreeing with the brothers in those things allowed by knowledge and the Sharee’ah. Aboo ’Uthmaan said, ‘Agreeing with the brothers is better than showing compassion for them.’

LEAVING OF ENVY:

That he does not envy the signs of Allaah’s bounty upon them. Rather, he should be happy for that and praise Allaah for it, just as he would praise Allaah if it were seen upon him. Allaah – the Most High – censures the envious one,

‘‘Or do they envy men for what Allaah has given them from His bounty.’’ [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:94]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘‘Do not envy one another.’’ [8]

TO KEEP A FEELING OF MODESTY:

That he has hayaa‘ (modesty and shame) at all times, as he – ’alayhis-salaam – said, ‘‘Faith (eemaan) has sixty or seventy odd branches, the most excellent of them is witnessing that none has the right to be worshipped besides Allaah, and the lowest branch is removing something harmful from the road, and hayaa‘ is from eemaan.’’ [9] He – ’alayhis-salaam – also said, ‘‘Hayaa‘ is from eemaan, and eemaan is from Paradise. Speaking obscenely is from coarseness and coarseness is from the Fire.’’ [10]

COMPANIONSHIP OF THE DIGNIFIED:

To accompany the one who he has a feeling of respect for, so that this prevents from acting contrary to the Sharee’ah. ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘‘Enliven your feeling of hayaa‘ (shame), by sitting before those whom you feel shame. Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘‘I have not been led into calamity except by accompanying those before whom I do not feel shame.’’

SHOWING HAPPINESS:

To have cheerfulness of the face, kindness of the tongue, largeness of the heart, outspreading the hands, withholding anger, leaving off pride, keeping people’s honour in mind and showing happiness at their companionship and brotherhood.

COMPANIONSHIP OF THE WISE SCHOLAR:

From good companionship is that he does not accompany except a Scholar, of a person who is mild, intelligent and has knowledge. Dhun-Noon – rahimahullaah – said, ‘Allaah has not disrobed any one of His servants or a robe better than intellect, and has not adorned him with a necklace better than knowledge, nor adorned him with anything better than mildness. And the completeness of that is taqwaa (fear of Allaah).’

GIVING SINCERE ADVICE:

Having a clean heart with regards to the brothers and advising them, as Allaah – the Most High – said,

‘‘Except he who comes to Allaah with a clean heart.’’ [Sooratush-Shu’araa 26:89]

Saree as-Saqatee (d.257H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘One of the best manners of righteousness is having a good heart as regards the brothers and to give them sincere advice.’

NOT BREAKING PROMISES:

Since this is from hypocrisy, and he – ’alayhis-salaatu was-salaam – said, ‘‘The signs of the hypocrite are three: When he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it and when he is entrusted he acts deceptively.’’ [11] Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d.164H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘‘Do not make a promise to your brother and then break it, so that love turns to hate.’

Footnotes:

[1] He is the muftee and faqeeh, Abul-Barakaat Badrud-Deen al-Ghazzee. For his biography, refer to Shadharaatudh-Dhahab (8/403-406) of Ibnul-’Imaad and al-A’laam (7/59) of az-Ziriklee.

[2] From Aadaabul-’Ishrah wa Dhikrus-Suhbah wal-Ukhuwwah (p. 9-20) with the checking and authentication of hadeeth based upon that of Shaykh ’Alee Hasan al-Halabee and also Shaykh Mashhoor Hasan Salmaan.

[3] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 6011) and Muslim (no. 2586), from an-Nu’maan Ibn Basheer (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[4] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 481) and Muslim (no. 2585), from Aboo Moosaa al-Ash’aree (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[5] Saheeh: Related by al-Bukhaaree (6/369) with ta’leeq (suspension), from ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa). It was connected by Aboo Ya’laa in al-Musnad (no. 4381) with an isnaad whose narrators are from as-Saheeh – as occurs in al-Majma’ (8/88) of al-Haythamee.

[6] Hasan: Related by Ahmad (2/303), Aboo Daawood (no. 4812) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 2484), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by Imaam an-Nawawee in Riyaadus-Saaliheen (no. 174).

[7] Saheeh: Related by Wakee’ in az-Zuhd (no. 423), Ibn Hibbaan (1/427) and at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (1/147), from Usaamah Ibn Shareek (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh al-’Iraaqee in Takhreejul-Ihyaa‘ (2/157).

[8] Related by al-Bukhaaree (10/484) and Muslim (no. 2564), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[9] Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/44) and Muslim (1/46)

[10] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (2/501) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 2077) with a saheeh isnaad, from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[11] Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/289) and Muslim (1/76)

The manners of companionship

By Imaam Badrud-Deen al-Ghazzee (d.984H)
Learn twelve qualities of good companionship in order to further your knowledge and practice of the Religion of Allaah.

Your life at the present moment is in between the past and the future. So what has preceded can be rectified by tawbah (repentance), nadam (regret) and istighfaar (seeking Allaah’s forgiveness). This is something that will neither tire you, nor cause you to toil as you would with strenuous labour. Rather it is an action of the heart.

The Shaykh – rahimahullaah – said, [2]

Know O pious brother – may Allaah make our affairs good – that the manners of companionship and good relationships are of various types, of which I will explain, such as will show the person of intellect the manners of the Believers and the Pious; and come to know that Allaah the Most Perfect, the Most High has made them a mercy and helpers towards each other, which is why the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘‘The example of the Believers, in their mutual love and mercy is like the example of a body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.’’ [3] And he (’alayhis-salaam) said, ‘‘The Believer to the Believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other.’’ [4] The Prophet (’alayhis-salaam) also said, ‘‘The souls are arrayed armies, so those who knew each one another before, will be friendly…’’ [5] So if Allaah intends good for His servants, He grants them companionship of the people of the Sunnah, righteousness and adherence to the Religion.; and keeps him free from the companionship of the people of innovations. The Prophet (’alayhis-salaam) said, ‘‘A person is upon the religion of his friend, so let every one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend.’’ [6]

‘About a person, do not ask, but ask about his companion;

Since every companion follows his friends.’

From the manners of companionship:

GOOD MANNERS:

Good manners with the brothers, peers and companions, following the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as he said, when it was said to him, ‘What is the best of what a person is given?’ So he replied, ‘‘Good manners.’’ [7]

MAKING ONE’S OPINION GOOD:

From the manners of companionship is behaving well regarding the faults that he sees of his companions, since Ibn Maazin said, ‘The Believer seeks excuses for his brothers, whilst the hypocrite seeks out their faults.’ And Hamdoon al-Qassaar said, ‘If one of your brothers commits an error, then seek ninety excuses for him, and if not, then you are the blameworthy one.’

COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE BELIEVERS:

To keep companionship with one whose Religion you trust and who is trustworthy, both inwardly and outwardly. Allaah the – Most High – says,

‘‘You will not find anyone who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers, sons, brothers or their relatives. For such He has written eemaan (faith) in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit (proofs, light and guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them into gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. They are the Party of Allaah, indeed it is the Party of Allaah that will be successful.’’ [Sooratul-Mujaadilah 58:22]

FORMS OF COMPANIONSHIP:

For the Shaykhs and elders: with respect to service and to carry out their needs. For those of the same peer group and those of the ‘middle rank’: with sincere advice, giving what you have and being prepared to carry out their wishes. For the students and younger ones: by guidance, teaching of manners, carrying out what knowledge demands, guidance to the manners of the Sunnah, rulings concerning the matters of the heart, and to guide them to develop good manners.

OVERLOOKING MISTAKES:

From the manners of companionship is overlooking mistakes of the brothers and not reprimanding them. So al-Fudayl Ibn ’Iyaad (d.187H) said, ‘Chivalry is to overlook the mistakes of the brothers.’ Ibnul-A’raabee (d.231H) said, ‘Forgetting the harms caused by the brothers, causes you love of them to persist.’ So it is binding upon the Believer, that he avoids seekers of this world, since they will bring him down to the level of seeking it, and this will distance him from his salvation and it will distance him from remaining alert and being aware of it. Rather, he must strive hard in attaining the companionship of the good and the seekers of the Hereafter. Therefore, Dhun-Noon (d.245H) said to the one whom he advised, ‘Accompany the one whom you will be safe from outwardly, and whom – when you see him – it helps you in doing good and reminds you of your Lord.’

AGREEMENT WITH THE BROTHERS:

And from them is: not to differ much with the brothers, but continue agreeing with the brothers in those things allowed by knowledge and the Sharee’ah. Aboo ’Uthmaan said, ‘Agreeing with the brothers is better than showing compassion for them.’

LEAVING OF ENVY:

That he does not envy the signs of Allaah’s bounty upon them. Rather, he should be happy for that and praise Allaah for it, just as he would praise Allaah if it were seen upon him. Allaah – the Most High – censures the envious one,

‘‘Or do they envy men for what Allaah has given them from His bounty.’’ [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:94]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘‘Do not envy one another.’’ [8]

TO KEEP A FEELING OF MODESTY:

That he has hayaa‘ (modesty and shame) at all times, as he – ’alayhis-salaam – said, ‘‘Faith (eemaan) has sixty or seventy odd branches, the most excellent of them is witnessing that none has the right to be worshipped besides Allaah, and the lowest branch is removing something harmful from the road, and hayaa‘ is from eemaan.’’ [9] He – ’alayhis-salaam – also said, ‘‘Hayaa‘ is from eemaan, and eemaan is from Paradise. Speaking obscenely is from coarseness and coarseness is from the Fire.’’ [10]

COMPANIONSHIP OF THE DIGNIFIED:

To accompany the one who he has a feeling of respect for, so that this prevents from acting contrary to the Sharee’ah. ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘‘Enliven your feeling of hayaa‘ (shame), by sitting before those whom you feel shame. Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘‘I have not been led into calamity except by accompanying those before whom I do not feel shame.’’

SHOWING HAPPINESS:

To have cheerfulness of the face, kindness of the tongue, largeness of the heart, outspreading the hands, withholding anger, leaving off pride, keeping people’s honour in mind and showing happiness at their companionship and brotherhood.

COMPANIONSHIP OF THE WISE SCHOLAR:

From good companionship is that he does not accompany except a Scholar, of a person who is mild, intelligent and has knowledge. Dhun-Noon – rahimahullaah – said, ‘Allaah has not disrobed any one of His servants or a robe better than intellect, and has not adorned him with a necklace better than knowledge, nor adorned him with anything better than mildness. And the completeness of that is taqwaa (fear of Allaah).’

GIVING SINCERE ADVICE:

Having a clean heart with regards to the brothers and advising them, as Allaah – the Most High – said,

‘‘Except he who comes to Allaah with a clean heart.’’ [Sooratush-Shu’araa 26:89]

Saree as-Saqatee (d.257H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘One of the best manners of righteousness is having a good heart as regards the brothers and to give them sincere advice.’

NOT BREAKING PROMISES:

Since this is from hypocrisy, and he – ’alayhis-salaatu was-salaam – said, ‘‘The signs of the hypocrite are three: When he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it and when he is entrusted he acts deceptively.’’ [11] Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d.164H) – rahimahullaah – said, ‘‘Do not make a promise to your brother and then break it, so that love turns to hate.’

Footnotes:

[1] He is the muftee and faqeeh, Abul-Barakaat Badrud-Deen al-Ghazzee. For his biography, refer to Shadharaatudh-Dhahab (8/403-406) of Ibnul-’Imaad and al-A’laam (7/59) of az-Ziriklee.

[2] From Aadaabul-’Ishrah wa Dhikrus-Suhbah wal-Ukhuwwah (p. 9-20) with the checking and authentication of hadeeth based upon that of Shaykh ’Alee Hasan al-Halabee and also Shaykh Mashhoor Hasan Salmaan.

[3] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 6011) and Muslim (no. 2586), from an-Nu’maan Ibn Basheer (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[4] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 481) and Muslim (no. 2585), from Aboo Moosaa al-Ash’aree (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[5] Saheeh: Related by al-Bukhaaree (6/369) with ta’leeq (suspension), from ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa). It was connected by Aboo Ya’laa in al-Musnad (no. 4381) with an isnaad whose narrators are from as-Saheeh – as occurs in al-Majma’ (8/88) of al-Haythamee.

[6] Hasan: Related by Ahmad (2/303), Aboo Daawood (no. 4812) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 2484), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by Imaam an-Nawawee in Riyaadus-Saaliheen (no. 174).

[7] Saheeh: Related by Wakee’ in az-Zuhd (no. 423), Ibn Hibbaan (1/427) and at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (1/147), from Usaamah Ibn Shareek (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh al-’Iraaqee in Takhreejul-Ihyaa‘ (2/157).

[8] Related by al-Bukhaaree (10/484) and Muslim (no. 2564), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[9] Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/44) and Muslim (1/46)

[10] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (2/501) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 2077) with a saheeh isnaad, from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[11] Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/289) and Muslim (1/76)

Umm Abdullah Al Wade'iyyah Speaks of Her Father's Rearing of His Daughters

=================================================================== Taken from the book: Nubthatun Mukhtesiratun Min Nasaaeh... (Brief summarized excerpt of my father's, Shiekh Muqbil bin Hadee Al Wade'iee life) The following two questions were posed to me (Umm Abdullah): 1- (What was) the extent of his (Shiekh Muqbil bin Hadee Al Wad'ee) focus on us while we were young? 2- (What was) his manner of teaching his family? As for the first question: Our father did not neglect us, even though he was extremely busy. An example of this is his major concern for us with regards to learning the Qu 'ran. He would recite the Qu 'ran to us in order for us to memorize it and (he) would record (his) recitation on a (audio) tape in order (for us) to perfect the recitation. One time while my sister was memorizing, she went to him in order for him to record his recitation, but he was in the library. She called him and he left his research, came and recorded the recitation, and then returned to his library. (translator's note: In another place it was mentioned that the Shiekh stood under a tree and recorded the recitation for his daughter and then returned to his research) When we began to understand the recitation he purchased a Quranic (audio) album by Shiekh (Mahmoud Khaleel) Al Housrey. He purchased one for each of us without a radio in order to protect us from listening to music. Once we became more mature, he purchased a recorder with a radio, but strongly warned us against music. By the praise of Allah we accepted that. We have never heard music, and we strongly detest it. Verily the Messenger(sallalahu alahi wa salem) spoke the truth when he said: 'Every newborn is born upon the fitrah, then his/her parents make him/her a jew, a christian or a pagan' (Sahih Al Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurairah) He (Shiekh Muqbil) listened to what we memorized and we read to him much good. He would order us to memorize from one specific print of The Qu 'ran. This is because memorizing from one specific print assists (the individual) in memorizing with accuracy. If he saw us carrying a different print he would become upset and admonish us. May Allah have abundant mercy on him. Amongst the students of knowledge, there were some students from Egypt and Sudan that had their wives accompanying them (in Yemen). Some of these women would teach us and our father would pay them a salary. This was done due to his specific focus and concern of our rearing and his general focus of the rearing of other (young) girls. This (manner of study) continued till (we reached) the fourth grade according to school standards. When he brought the books (curriculum/ syllabus) that we were going to study with the female teachers, he would order us to erase all the pictures of living things. We would do so with hate for pictures. After that we were taught Islamic knowledge. Knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. We would memorize with our teachers and memorize hadeeths, all praise belonging to Allah. Our father would entertain us and joke with us with that which Allah made permissible, contrary to what many people do today, except for those whom Allah has mercy upon. They (aforementioned people) entertain their children with television, music and crazy toys, and other than that from wrong and evil. (This is done) while our Prophet Muhammad -sallahu alahi wa salam- said, as it comes in Sahih Al Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Ibn Umar, the Messenger said: 'All of you are shepherds, and all will be held responsible over his flock' He (The Messenger) also said: 'There is no servant that Allah gives a responsibility and he is not sincere in it's regard, except that he will not smell the fragrance of paradise' (Sahih Al Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Ma'kal bin Yasar) Our father would forbid us from constantly leaving the home. He would order us to never leave except with his permission. ! This was a summary of his care for us while we were children. As for the second question: Firstly, he was very concerned with our learning the religion of Allah and with our increase in Islamic knowledge. Due to this, he went through great means to provide us with everything that would assist the seeking of knowledge and free our time for it. May Allah give him a generous reward and enter him into His highest part of paradise. He would designate a time to teach us, and on the following day he would question us concerning the previous lesson. If the previous lesson was difficult, he would lighten (the questioning) contrary to if it was easy. From the private lessons that he taught in our home: 'Qatru Nada' (Arabic grammar), this was taught (completed) twice, 'Sharh ibn Aqeel' (Arabic grammar), also taught twice, and Tadreeb ar Rawee (Sciences of Hadeeth). We were studying: 'Musil at Tallab ila Qawed al 'Irab' authored by Shiekh Khaleed al Azharee, but we were prevented from completing it due to his final illness. May Allah cover him with His mercy. He also promised us a lesson in Balagha (Eloquence of Arabic), but his final illness also prevented the fulfilling of this. Allah is The Helper. He would teach us in a cheerful manner, as was his norm during his lessons. This (characteristic) would allow the student(s) to inquire about any misunderstanding in the class. Our sittings with him were filled with good, review of knowledge and guidance, even during meal times and over the phone. Even during his illness while we were concerned for him, he continued to question us and bring joy to us. All praise is for Allah. Note: She mentions a footnote during this paragraph, it reads: That time while he was in Saudi Arabia before traveling to Germany, he telephoned me and said: Assalam u alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. (She said) I responded without mentioning: wa barakatuhu. He then said to me: Why didn't you respond with that which is better?! He was referring to the statement of Allah in the Qu 'ran: ‘And if you are greeted with a greeting, then return a greeting which is better or the same’. He was very concerned with our statements and if we made a mistake, he would admonish us with gentleness and say: Don't be like the people of Sa’da (city in north Yemen). One of them learns Arabic for years until he reaches the level of ‘Al Mugnee Al Labeeb’, but he still speaks on the level of a layman. (She continued to say) I said to him one time on the phone: Now, we no longer find someone to correct us in our mistakes as you used to do. He responded: Supplicate to Allah for me. (She said) I pray that Allah raises him in the high parts of paradise and I pray He (Allah) makes my sister and I from those whom He (Allah) said (in the Quran) concerning them: ‘And those who believe and their children follow them in belief, We will join them with their children (in paradise), and We will not waste their actions’ (end of footnote) Occasionally, he would be firm in his questioning in order to test our understanding. He would also do this with his male students, and at times he would give us difficult questions. I (Umm Abdullah) said to him one time: These questions are not on my level. He responded: I know, but I intended a benefit from them, but I placed them in the form of questions. I (Umm Abdullah) say: What he used to do has an origin in the legislation. It has been recorded in Sahih al Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Mu’ath bin Jabal, he said: I accompanied the Messenger (sallalahu alahi wa salam) on a riding beast when he said: 'Oh Mu’ath! I said: I answer your call and I’m continuously at your service. He (the Prophet) repeated this 3 times and then said: Do you know what is the right of Allah upon His servants? I said: No. He said: The right of Allah upon His servant is that they worship Him and don’t associate partners with Him. Then some time passed and he said: Oh Mu’ath! Do you know what is the right of the servants with Allah, if they do that (worship Him without associating partners to Him)? Their right is that He will not punish them'. Presenting a benefit in the form of a question strengthens comprehension of the information, and is understood better than presenting it in any other manner. This is because the student will gather and focus his attention to what is being presented to him. He would occasionally direct questions to the females that were listening to the lessons, and then he would check which answers were correct or false. From those questions that he asked (them): What is (the ‘Iraab) analysis for the following sentence: The two Abdullah’s came riding (camel, horse, etc). And (the likes of the question) what is the meaning of their (teachers of the Arabic language) statement explaining ‘Itha’ (if): it hides (the doer of the action) because it is (used as) a condition. It is (also) mansoob (carries a fatha) due to the response of the condition. (translator’s note: I apologize for my inability to translate the last example accurately. It deals with Arabic grammar that is very difficult to explain in English. Allah knows best) We would ask him concerning doubtful matters or confusion related to our lessons or research, and if we did not fully comprehend his explanation of the matter, he would request us to continue researching, or he would accompany us to the library and assist in researching the matter. This is something that indeed brings sadness to us, because who after my father would lend such assistance! (A poet said): Who can compare to your kind soft way?! You walk gently and without haste, but arrive/come first. Verily from Allah we come (are created), and to Him we will return. I (Umm Abdullah) ask Allah to give us a firm statement (La illaha ill Allah) in this life and the hereafter. He would admonish and direct us with gentleness and ease, and by the mercy of Allah, we had no choice but to obey him. Verily (his orders) were for our own good and well being, and all of them (his guidance and admonition) were precious pearls attached to and supported by the Quran and Sunnah. From his astonishing mannerism was that he was not strict /harsh against our opinions and deductions that were possibly correct. If we held an understanding different from his in a matter, he would not be harsh toward us. This was his normal character with his students, as was known. He would not act cruel or stern toward them (his students) if their opinions or understanding could possibly be correct. This (character) is something; oh respected reader, difficult to find (in a teacher). He warned us of the society, because it is one that is deviant and astray. It (is a society) that races toward that which is incorrect and does not benefit, except for those whom Allah shows mercy. He warned us of pride, and he disliked for a female to be prideful and arrogant toward her husband. He would say: There is no good in her (this type of female). He encouraged us with abstinence in this worldly, vanishing life. He instructed us to intend through our eating and drinking, to strengthen ourselves for obedience to Allah, in order to receive the reward of Allah. He would say: Do not busy yourselves with preparing food, what is easily available, we will eat. He (constantly) encouraged us. He was not from those fathers who discourage their daughters and families. He made our level (of work) simple in order that we continued to progress and prepare ourselves with learning and obtaining beneficial knowledge. From his statements to me was: “I hope that you become a faqeeha” (female grounded in religious legislation) . Oh by the One who we hope from no other than Him, I ask you Oh Allah to make his wish/hope a reality. As for discouraging (your daughters or family), this only brings about laziness and hopelessness, and may lead to a regretful result. At other times, if he noticed from us a deficiency in answering questions, he would admonish us. This was from his ways of wisdom. He would do this with the purpose of protecting us from conceit and pride, these two matters are diseases and they are fatal. May Allah protect and save us from them. Several years ago (while the Shiekh was still alive), I (verbally) wished (in his presence) to see a palm pith. (Later) He saw some people digging up a palm tree, when they pulled out the palm pith from the heart of the tree; he brought me one to the house and said: Here is a palm pith. (translator’s note: I believe she intended's here to illustrate her fathers gentleness and willingness to take some time out of his extremely busy schedule to fulfill his daughters wishes) In conclusion to this answer, (I would like to mention) I saw a dream of my father after his death. He and Shiekh Ul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah were present in a place that I am not certain of. I believe it may have been the lower library (in Dammaj). Shiekh Ul Islam was standing with his beautiful white beard. It almost fully covered his chest. My father was also very handsome and strong. I ask Allah to place them in His highest paradise. (end of translated text) This is what we had to offer of the translation of her work. We encourage everyone to read the full version of her father’s biography. Indeed she has placed in her book jewels and pearls that were only seen and witnessed by her. May Allah increase her in knowledge and understanding. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our last messenger Muhammad, and upon his family members and companions. Mustafa George Ruwais, United Arab Emirates

Is ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah Something New

By Shaykh ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree Translated by Taariq Preston

All praise is for Allaah. May Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, upon his family, his companions and upon all those who follow his guidance. To proceed:

Question 1: A questioner directs his questions towards Shaykh ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree and says: "When did ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah first begin? Did ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah begin - as some people claim - just two hundred years ago?

Answer 1: Shaykh ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree began answering the question by first praising Allaah saying:

"All praise is for Allaah, the Lord of all the Worlds. The good end (or Paradise) is for the pious. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship in truth, except Allaah, who is alone without partner the true deity of the first creation and the true deity of the last creation. And I further bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger and His chosen, reliable, faithful servant, may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him and his family and upon his good and pure Companions.

To proceed:

I will first speak about the meaning of (the word) Salafiyyah. What is Salafiyyah?

The linguistic meaning of Salafiyyah refers to those who have preceded us. So the Saalif (the singular of salaf) means predecessor. And the meaning of the verb salafa means to be past, to be bygone, or to precede. And the legal meaning in Islaam of the word Salafiyyah is everyone who preceded us after the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahi ‘alayhi wa sallam) from the Companions and all those who followed them in righteousness and piety, following the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah (whoever does that) then he is Salafee.

So based upon this, ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is the da‘wah of the people to act in accordance with that which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahi ‘alayhi wa sallam) was upon and that which his Companions were upon after him, from worshipping Allaah with sincerity and acting in accordance with the Qur’aan and the Sunnah in worship, as well as in our day to behaviour in our association with others. This is Salafiyyah.

As for (answering your question) when did ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah begin, then this requires the explanation of two things:

1. Firstly, ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is the pure Religion which calls to Tawheed and sincerity of worship. It is the da‘wah or the call to belief in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgement, and belief in Qadar (pre-Decree). Therefore, ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is the da‘wah of all of the Prophets, from Nooh who was the first Prophet, all the way to Muhammad (sallallaahi ‘alayhi wa sallam) who was the last and final Prophet and Messenger to be sent to mankind. May Peace and Blessings be upon them all. Therefore, the history of ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah begins with the first Prophet. It can even be said that ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah begins with Aadam (‘alayhis salaam) because it is the pure Religion. And ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is understanding the Qur’aan and the Sunnah as Allaah and His Messenger (sallallaahi ‘alayhi wa sallam) have commanded us to do so. And it is doing what Allaah and His Messenger have commanded us to do desiring the reward that is with Allaah. And it is staying away from that which Allaah and His Messenger have prohibited fearing the Punishment of Allaah. So the history of ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is not something that can be limited to one hundred years or two hundred years or five hundred years. The only thing that can be limited to any specific time period are the activities of certain astray da’wah groups such as the Ikhwaanul-Muslimeen and Jamaa‘atut-Tableegh and the Surooriyyah/Qutubiyyah and other than them from the da‘wah groups that have recently arisen. That was the first thing I wanted to explain clearly.

2. As for the second thing, ad-Da‘watus Salafiyyah was not founded by any specific person. And perhaps this is the reason why people ask when did ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah begin. So I say that adDa‘watus-Salafiyyah was not founded or established by any one specific person. Rather the Prophets and Messengers (’alayhimus salaam) were sent with this Da‘wah by Allaah the Glorified and Exalted. Therefore my son, the origin of the Da‘watus-Salafiyyah is the text (the Qur’aan and the Sunnah) and Ijmaa‘ (consensus of the scholars) and its origin is not based upon a simple notion, concept or opinion. So the leaders of ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah are the Prophets (‘alayhimus-salaam) and they are the Imaams of creation. And then, after them are the Companions of the Prophets. And after them are the scholars. Just as we find in an authentic Hadeeth: "The leaders of the Children of Israa’eel were prophets and every time a prophet was killed (halaka), another prophet came after him, and there is no Prophet after me." [1] So Allaah has rendered the leadership of this Ummah in the hands of the scholars.

And the scholars are those who are described and known to have knowledge and they explain matters of religion based upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. And they explain and solve any problems or difficulties that they encounter in understanding the texts (of the Qur’aan and Sunnah) by utilizing the Seerah (biographies) of the Salafus-Saalih (Righteous Predecessors) from the Companions (radiyallaahu ‘anhum) and the scholars of the Taabi‘een (the generation after the Companions), as well as the scholars of the three preferred generations which are the best of generations of people as the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The best of people are my generation, then those after them, then those after them." [2]

Therefore, it is not correct to say that Salafiyyah is a notion or thought or a concept that someone came up with because ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah was not founded or established by any one individual, rather this Da‘wah is what the Prophets and Messengers came with, then those who came after them from the Companions of the Prophets and Messengers, then those who called to the Religion of Allaah upon knowledge thereafter. They are the ones who call to ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah. So from amongst the Salafees of the Ummah of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that Allaah decreed to renewers of ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah were four:

1. Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H). He renewed ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah amongst those Muslims who were tested with the statement that the Qur’aan is created. Imaam Ahmad and those with him in spreading ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah - and he was the best of them and most patient of them and the strongest of them - until Allaah healed the Ummah through him. He explained to the people that the Qur’aan was the uncreated Speech of Allaah revealed from Him. And that Jibreel came down with it to Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

2. The second renewer was Shaykhul-Islaam, al-Imaam Ahmad Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H). Whoever reads his book, and from them is Majmoo‘ul-Fataawaa, then he will see how Shaykhul-Islaam advises with the Sunnah and opposes innovation (in matters of religion) and how he exerted himself in clarifying the Sunnah and educating the people. However, these two Imaams, Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal and Ahmad Ibn Taymiyyah - may Allaah have mercy upon them both - did not have a country behind them helping them and defending them.

3. The third renewer of ad-Da‘watus-Salafiyyah was Shaykhul-Islaam Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab (d.1206H) and with him was his brother in Islaam, al-Ameer Muhammad Ibn Sa‘ood (rahimahullaah). Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab explained the Religion with his tongue and his brother Muhammad Ibn Sa‘ood helped him with the sword and the spear. So a country, founded upon Tawheed, sprang up in the heart of Najd and then there came about some dissension and breaking apart and weakness, until Allaah brought the fourth renewer.

4. And he was Imaam ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Faysal and those with him from amongst the Imaams of the Da‘wah. And during their time was the fourth revival. And we, all praise is due to Allaah, live under the shade of a country founded upon Tawheed in the shade of the fourth revival, and we ask Allaah to complete this blessing upon everyone. And perhaps here ends our answer to your first question, O gathering of British students.

Source: http://www.allaahuakbar.net/scholars/jabiree/questions_and_answers_concerning_dawatus_salafiyah.htm

Study Your Deen, O Youth

sayingsofthesalaf.net

It is reported that Hishâm b. ‘Urwah said, reporting from his father, ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr – Allâh have mercy on him , “He used to say to us when we were youths, ‘Why do you not seek knowledge? Even though [today] you are the youngsters, you are about to be the elders [in the future]. What is the use of being a shaykh when the shaykh is ignorant? Four years before the death of ‘Â`ishah, I would say, if she died today, I would not feel regret about a single hadîth she had, for I had gathered them from her. I would hear that a Companion had a hadîth and would go to him. I might find that he was napping, so I would sit at his door and wait, and then ask him about it [later when he woke].’”

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of Al-Zubayr b. Al-‘Awâm. ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr was the son of Al-Zubayr b. Al-‘Awâm and Asmâ bint Abî Bakr, and the nephew of Â`ishah – Allâh be pleased with them all. He studied under her and was regarded as one of the senior scholars of his time. He is one of the famous Seven Jurists.

Ilaaj >>> Hijaamah, Headaches and Arthritis and Ibn al-Qayyim on Vinegar‏

Ibn al-Qayyim on the Benefits of Vinegar
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?nasfd

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali on the Foundational Principle
of All the Principles of Medicine
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?aaupg

The Benefits of Hijaamah in Headaches and Arthritis
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?iszwj
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?tyiig

Prevent Common Cold With Garlic
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?rkdsw

Garlic, Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?zccrk

Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah: Medicinal Treatment
With Unlawful Substances Is Impermissible
http://www.healthym uslim.com/ ?ftquq

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
HealthyMuslim. Com - Better Health, Better Living

Establish the Deen in Your Self and Your family and Then call others to it,

by Shaykh Saalih as-Sindee (hafidhahullaah)

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah

[The following represents much of the notes from Shaykh Saalih as-Sindee's heart-felt nasihah, obtained from salaficast.net]

After praising Allaah, and sending the salaam upon the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), the sahaba, and those who follow them until the Day of Judgment, the shaykh then greeted the Muslims with "as-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu," and then welcomed to Madinah a group of Muslims in front of him, and gave glad tidings to them for what they set out for: to visit the haramain, and for packing their bags and travelling to seek knowledge. And he made a du'aa to Allaah to give them and us jannah.

Allaah said in surat Ash-Shura: He (Allaah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and 'Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion and make no divisions in it (religion). ...(Ash-Shura 42:13)

Look at this command from Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala). In this ayah is a command that Allaah gave to ulul 'azaam, the five Messengers of great determination, and they are Nuh, Muhammad, Ibrahmn, Musa and 'Iesa. Allaah commanded them with these two things: to establish the religion and not divide. So this ayah requires, ya ikhwan, that we look at this command, and that we open our ears and hearts and minds so we can understand and implement.

The first affair is Iqqamat u-Deen, establishing the religion.

Iqqamat u-Deen means we should establish the religion in ourselves first, be upright, then help others to be upright in the Deen. The first issue - and it is the most important - is that we establish Islam in ourselves first. This establishing the religion in ourselves requires that one implement the Tawheed of Allaah, and this comes about in three levels: the first is that one implements the base level, which is one leaves shirk and kufr, and moves into Islam. This level itself has three levels: belief in the heart, saying upon tongue the shahadatain [la illaaha il Allaah Muhammad RasulAllaah], and then he should do action that supports his claim.

The next level is implementing that which is wajib from Tawheed. The one who implements and completes that which is wajib then also does and fulfills that which he is commanded and leaves off the prohibitted. Thirdly, doing the mustahaabat (recommended) and leaving off the makruhat (disliked) even though it may not be haram, and likewise he leaves off the doubtful matters.

Talking about these levels is easier said than done. The base level is Tawheed; to remove oneself from kufr (disbelief) is easy for one to do, but to rise to the second level and then the third level is not easy. One must have extreme patience. If one reaches it, then he enters the Jannah (Paradise) - and will not be taken to account. As you all know by reading Kitab at-Tawheed, you have come across the proofs of the one who implements [completes and applies] Tawheed, then he enters into Jannah without accounting.

The first affair is that you learn the Deen. It's not possible to establish the religion until you learn the religion. How can you establish Islam in yourself if you do not know what Islam is? For that reason, the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever Allaah wants good for, Allaah gives him understanding of the Deen."

Seeking knowledge has to be done in a certain way. Many of the people love knowledge and love to listen to knowledge, but because they have not done so systematically (correctly), their gains of knowledge is little. So the correct way to seek the knowledge of this religion is to begin with the Mega Principles of that science and then, after mastering these big principles, following the smaller principles, then the branches of knowledge, the more detailed affairs. This is how one gains knowledge. But as it relates to the actual topic of seeking knowledge, this is a long topic and will be dealt with on another day inshaAllaah.

The second thing required to establish Islam in himself is that he nurtures himself, cultivates himself and gets himself used to the obedience of Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala). Break yourself as it relates to obeying Allaah, in following His commands. That's because if you don't push yourselves to do good, then your nafs will overtake you until you fall little by little into corruption, such as leaving off the wajibat or doing the impremissible, and this is a dangerous stage as this is the stage of the people threatened with the punishment of Allaah.

That is because we are like a baby; if you leave it (a baby) to suckle on his mother, he would love to do this and he willl not be weaned until you force him to be weaned. Likewise, the adults, if you let your nafs do what it wants, it will get used to it. But if you wean it, you will eventually [adapt] fall in line.

For this reason, brothers and sisters, we have to strive against ourselves to be the best we can be, raise ourselves upon the obedience of Allaah and to be upon good character, and strive to be better today than we were yesterday, and tomorrow better than today. The salaf used to say that whoever finds that his two days are the same, then he is maghdum (he has cheated himself), because he wasted a day. If you learn something new, strive to implement it immediately.

You have to get yourself used to worshipping Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala). You should have a portion of the night for praying, a portion of the [week] for fasting, making adhkar in the morning, at night, before going to bed, worshipping Allaah. The issue here is that we implement what we learn.

We find that many people enter into the Deen of Allaah and they love to be around knowledge and the students of knowledge, and get themselves used to going here and there [for lessons], but they have not cultivated themselves to eeman. They have not cultivated themselves to the 'ibaada of Allaah. You find that their portion of really having eeman is really small. So you find that when the wind of fitan blows, many of these people fall back on their heels, and some of them even leave Islam.

This life is as Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala) described it in the Qur'an, mataa' ghurur - something one can be fooled by. It is just a short period of time. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: mali wali dunya ("What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveler...who seeks shade under a tree...then moves on.") Meaning that shade is just like the dunya.

So this life is just a few breaths, then it's over. And in the next life, there are only two abodes: Paradise and Hellfire. And what you do in this life will determine your abode in the next life. You have the ability to determine which path you want. The path of the people of the good and bad - jazza bi makuntu ta'laamun (as a reward for what you used to do).

It is upon every individual to strive against himself and be firm in obedience and leave off disobedience, but it becomes more emphasized in the places where fitan (trials and tribulations) are prevelant. More emphasized in the places. Any time a person lives among the kufaar (disbelievers), where the fitan are many, he has to increase his protection against these fitan. He has to strive harder to pray at night and fast - he has to. In the land of the kufaar, he must be stronger. He has to make his relationhsip with the Qur'an stronger in the land of the kufaar. Shaytan there is stronger and more diligent, and this [Muslim] individual has to put a barrier between him and that evil. Get your ammunition together against those things and put up your protective barrier against those things that are going to go to war against your eeman, and put them up against those things that will try to weaken your eeman or try to destroy it.

Remain steadfast upon worshipping Allaah when the obedient are few and the disobedient to Allaah are many. The person who does this has a great reward with Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) said, "Worship performed during time of harj is like making hijra to me (the Prophet)." The one who worships during harj (times when killing, fitna, and fear is widespread, and those who obey Allaah are few, and those who disobey Allaah are many) his reward is like the one who made hijrah to the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) - a reward that only some of the companions (the Muhajjirun) received.

It is upon the individual to remain steadfast on the obedience of Allaah. The one who does this and strives to worship Allaah, his reward is greater than the one who everything around him assists him in worshipping Allaah (like here in Madinah, where you hear the adhaan, you stop and pray in the masjid to the end of it). The one who obeys Allaah where the reasons to disobey Allaah are many and the bad places are many, and the bad companions are many. The one who controls himself when everyone else is disobeying Allaah, he reads a mushaf, directs himself to the Qiblah.

From those things that assists the individual in establishing Islam in himself in his obedience to Allaah is his home, his family (a spouse, children, proper environment, far from what Allaah dislikes), as the husband should steer his wife in a correct direction, he should want good for her as he wants for himself since she is his wife and the mother of his children. This also helps him. The effect the woman has on her husband is great. If she is saliha (righteous), wants to learn the Deen, give da'wah, and the likes, then he likewise will do the same; and the opposite is true. Likewise, he has to take extreme concern for the children, especially where you brothers are from [land of the kufaar] - where the trials and tribulations come from every angle. We have to take extreme and diligent concern for the children.

Many of the youth have some concern for the da'wah, and spend much time giving da'wah, yet they are negligent of those nearest to them, the people of their home.

Allaah says: And enjoin As-Salat on your family, and be patient upon that... (Ta-Ha - 20:132)

The people who have the most right to your knowledge, time, and attempts at rectification are those closest to you - the people of your home, your wife and children. And you will benefit from this, since they have an effect upon you, as mentioned earlier. This is as it relates to (Iqqamat-a-Deen) establishing the religion within ourselves.

Now we look at establishing the religion with other than ourselves, and this is comprised of two categories: Muslims, and disbelievers (non-Muslims):

- We should establish the religion on the Muslims, whom we should give da'wah, attempt to direct to the right Path, advise them, command them to good and forbid them from evil in a beautiful manner and a style that is beloved because the purpose is that the da'wah is accepted.

This issue of giving da'wah to Muslims themselves requires us to advise them. The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

Especially, in the du'aat (those who give da'wah) and students of knowledge, you find that there is a lack in giving advise to one another. You find that they've been close for years upon years, yet not once has one said to the other "baarakaAllaahu fik, ya akhee; perhaps you should do this this way." We should love good for our brother and not want them to fall into [even] one mistake. That would lead to our community being one that is built upon khair (goodness).

The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) said: "The strongest handhold of eeman is to love for Allaah and hate for Allaah." This issue of love for Allaah is not just a statement. It has requirements. From the greatest of those requirements is that two (who claim they love each other for Allaah's sake) advise one another, taking one by the hand away from the disobedience of Allaah and advising him, and vice versa. This is the true love. As for the saying of some that they love each other for Allaah's sake and they are laughing, talking about (other than the Deen) and not advising each other, this is a weak love. This advise and level of respect should reach a point that if I see my brother fall into something, that not advising that brother who needs it should prevent you from sleeping at night, worrying about him, thinking, "how can I not have advised my brother."

In a hadeeth Qudsee: Allaah said: "My love is obligatory for those who love each other for My sake."

- And we should also establish the religion on the non-Muslims:

Allaah revealed this Deen to be general for all of mankind and Jinn. For this reason, you find the first command of the Qur'an is [you can open your mushaf right now]: Oh mankind (all of mankind), worship the Lord Who created you. (Al-Baqarah 2:21) This is the first command in the Qur'an, and this is for all of mankind. And the first prohibition is: Then do not set up rivals unto Allaah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). (Al-Baqarah 2:22) The first command is Tawheed, and the first prohibition is shirk (setting up partners to Allaah).

This is the true meaning of La illaaha il Allaah Muhammad RasulAllaah.

This call is for all of mankind to worship Allaah alone, and to make that worship sincere for Allaah - and Allaah alone. Allaah did not say here: Oh you who believe. He said: Oh Mankind.

The one who has not entered into the fold of Islam, it is his right upon us that we call him to Islam. We must strive to establish the proofs, and have this Deen conveyed to every single individual, and this is from the most important issues.

Oh brothers, this kaafir (disbeliever) you see in front of you. Do you know what his abode is? Right now, you see him, eating, drinking, walking, etc... If his soul was separated from his body, his abode would be the hellfire forever on top of forever on top of forever. Upon him is the curse of Allaah, the angels and all of mankind.

There are three feelings we should have when seeing a kaafir:

1- You recognize the fadhl (blessing) upon you that Allaah guided you to Islam. Allaah had (has) the ability to make you be in his position, from among the people in a church worshipping a cross, instead of making you a Muslim in the Prophet's Masjid. This has to make you love Allaah. We should also have hope in Allaah. This has to make you have hope in Allaah, that the One who wants good for you in this world that He wants good for you in the akhira. We should also fear Allaah; our hearts are between the fingers of Ar-Rahman. He turns the hearts as He pleases. [The shaikh recited a poem of Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah): make for your heart two eyes, both these eyes make them cry from fear of Allaah. If your Lord had wished, He would have made you like them. And the hearts are between the fingers of Ar-Rahman.]

2- Also that you hate the kaafir for the sake of Allaah, from that which eeman requires of you, as Allaah commands: Oh you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as helpers in opposition to Allaah

3- Also have pity on him, because this miskeen (sad individual), if he were to die upon [his state] after having received the message of Islam, then indeed he would be among the inhabitants of the hellfire. For that reason, we have to have in our hearts some type of mercy and pity and concern for those who have gone astray and those who disbelieve.

So for these reasons, it is upon us to be diligent and work hard to get them to enter Islam to (help) save them from the punishment of Allaah, should they die upon what they're upon. Some [of the Muslims] are lazy in this regard. They say, "These people are kufaar, so what about them, forget about them, their hearts are sealed." So they don't strive to give them da'wah. This is wrong. Many of the people who have entered into the Deen of Al-Islam, Wallaahi [the shaykh swore by Allaah], we find that there's nothing but half-an-hour (30 minutes) between them being a disbeliever and them entering Islam.

Wallaahi [the shaikh again swore by Allaah], it is upon us to seek Allaah's assistance in opening the hearts of these people, advising them, calling them to the truth in a way that is better, in a way that is more likely to be accepted by them. It is upon us to have something in our hearts [in the way of] being eager to see the people guided.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullaah) said: "I wouldn't mind myself be cut up with scissors if it would help the people being guided to the Deen of Allaah." He made himself rakhisa. In other words, he would rather see himself cut up if by that, it would help the people be guided to Islam.

I am amazed at people who may have a neighbor who is kaafir, or a colleague at work, or a customer [upon kufr]. I am amazed at those brothers who don't have anything in their hearts to help them be guided to Islam. Only a few steps or breaths separate him (the kaafir) and the fire. Ya ikhwan, give this person da'wah! Maybe, Allaah will guide him at your hands.

Right now, we have a great opportunity. The Media left and right is talking about Islam, Islam, Islam. People want to know about Islam from you, and not just from the media, because they see you as a speaker from the inside. We should take this opportunity to teach people about Islam, and use this opportunity. There are people who want to know Islam more than they ever wanted to know.

Do you know the reward that you get by Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala) guiding one person by your hands?

The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "By Allaah, for Allaah to guide by your hands one individual is better for you than the red camels." The red camels were the most expensive, valuable type of wealth they had [then]. For Allaah to guide one person by your hands is greater for you than the greatest wealth in this world. It is better for you than palaces, cars.

Da'wah is in need of perseverance. You will not find a red carpet, or a path laid out with roses, and the people glorifying you to the end of it. It is a path that requires great patience and perseverance.

I heard about a da'ee (caller) in Egypt. He freed himself - free his time up - to write to people about Islam by way of mail. At one point, this da'ee corresponded with [this one particular] kaafir for a time period you cannot imagine - 26 years. And he did not despair. And the result of this: this kaafir announced Islam. ...

[Firstly,] everything is related to (Iqqamat-a-Deen) establishing the Religion.

The Second affair, do not be divided or separated in that establishment of the religion. From the greatest goals/objectives of this Deen is that its people who attribute themselves to it are together, have a working relationship, and be as upon the heart of one individual. If this affair is required of the Muslims everywhere, then this even a greater requirement in the land of kufaar.

It is upon us to strive, implement and manifest this principle and goal of being together, of having togetherness, and that we narrow the differences between ourselves, and shut off the path that shaytan would like to use to bring between us differences, hatred and envy.

This [part of the] talk right now is for you brothers, the one whom Allaah brought your hearts together upon Tawheed upon the Sunnah of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) with the correct understanding of the Salaf (may Allaah have mercy on them).

Know that shaytan is extremely diligent in trying to bring about separation between people who follow the correct manhaj. And for this reason, we hear many times about the differences and the separation amongst the Salafees in the lands of the West, in the lands of the kufaar. This requires that we come together and work together to solve this problem.

And from the greatest things required from us all, so we can solve this problem, is that we get rid of something we may have in our hearts, and this is evil thoughts (suspicion), or suu-a-dhan.

We have to have good thoughts about our brothers, and not have evil suspicion. If we see something from our brother that is incorrect or could [go] either way, we should strive to get this thought out of our heads. This is the only way we can kill the fitna that shaytan will want to cause between us.

We claim that we follow the way of the Salaf. Then, let us look at the brotherhood they had [and those who followed them], and you can base your conditions upon this example.

At one point, Imam Shafi'ee (may Allaah have mercy on him) became sick, and one of his students - his most famous student al-Muzanee - made du'aa: "may Allaah make your weakness stronger."

Imam Shafi'ee said: "If my weakness became stronger, I would die."

The student said: Wallaahi, I didn't intend anything except good.

{Shaikh as-Sindee commented: "And look how the Imam Ash-Shafi'ee dealt with his students"}

Imam Shafi'ee said: If you had cursed me explicitly, I (still) would have known that you really didn't mean it. [Source later supplied by Shaikh as-Sindee: In Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah's refutation upon al-Bakri, and Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) called it "a well-known story."]

This is Husn-u-dhan.

I would like to close by welcoming you to the city of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam), and I ask Allaah to welcome you, and ask Allaah to make our acts righteous, and that they be purely for His Face, and that no one has any portion of our actions (meaning that Allaah is singled out in them). And we ask Allaah to bless this gathering. Allaah knows best. And may the peace and blessings be upon our Prophet.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Question to Shaikh as-Sindee: Is the reward greater for being used (by Allaah) to guide an astray Muslim to The Straight Path, or a kaafir to Islam?

The Shaikh answered: "Without a doubt, guiding a kaafir to Islam - that they leave from the fold of kufr - is a greater reward. And the greatest of the levels of this is that Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala) gives you the guidance to guide this one and that one, that Allaah gives you the ability to guide them both (the Muslim and the kaafir)."