Some Golden Principles During Times of Fitnah

Some Golden Principles During Times of Fitnah

In his exellent book The Position of the Mu`min At Times of Fitnah, Shaikh 'Abdul-Azeez bin 'Abdillaah bin Baaz (rahimahullaah) said:

quote:

Therefore, the only thing that will save you and protect you from Fitnah, by the permission of Allaah, is: judging by the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and that is by returning back to Ahlus-Sunnah and the scholars of the Sunnah, who have the understanding of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and studied very well, knowing their rulings and adhering to them. Therefore, it is obligatory upon every individual in the Ummah - including mankind and jinn, Arabs and non-Arabs, men and women - to judge by the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and to adhere to the methodology of the Salaf of the Ummah...

Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah) continued:

quote:

...As for the hadeeth that is narrated from the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) regarding sitting down at time of Fitnah, this is known with the people of knowledge and its details are as follows: The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: quote: There shall soon be a Fitnah: the one who sits in that time is better than the one who stands, and the one who stands is better than the one who walks, and the one who walks is better than the one who hastens to it. And the closer you get to it, the closer it would get to you. Therefore, whoever is able to seek refuge in a shelter, let him do it. [Bukhari (3602), Muslim (6886); narrated by Abu Hurairah (radiallaahu 'anhu)] The temptations that are meant in this hadeeth are the ones that are vague and ambiguous, and the way of truth in them is unknown; rather it is mixed up. Such are the temptations which the believer is advised to abstain from and stay far away from it with whatever way necessary. And this is similar to what is stated in his (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) statement: quote: There shall soon be a time in which the best wealth of the Muslim man will be his sheep which he will carry along with him to the peak of the mountain and the falling places of rain, fleeing with his religion from Fitan. [Bukhari (19), narrated by Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (radiallaahu 'anhu)] When the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was asked: quote: Who is the best among the people? He (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) replied: A believer who strives his utmost in Allaah's Cause with his life and property. They asked: "Who is next?" He (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allaah, and leaving the people secure from his mischief. [Bukhari (2786), Muslim (1888), narrated by Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri] The intent behind "Fitan" in the above mentioned hadeeth are the bewildering ones, and it is upon the believer to stay away from them. But if it is a situation when the oppressor is obvious from the oppressed, and the truth is obvious from falsehood, in this case, it is obligatory upon him to follow the truth and be at the side of the oppressed, and oppose the oppressor and falsehood. As the Prophet said: Aid your brother whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. He was asked: O Messenger of Allaah, how can I help him when he is an oppressor? He said: Prevent him from opression; that is helping him.

All Praise is due to Allaah, we are upon guidance and a clear Religion; Solace is close by, and evil will cease to exist by the Permission of Allaah.

Source: The highly beneficial book The Position of the Mu`min At Times of Fitnah, by Shaikh 'Abdul-Azeez bin 'Abdillaah bin Baaz (rahimahullaah)

The Three Kinds of Hearts

The Three Kinds of Hearts

by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah

(taken from Ar-Risalat Ut-Tabukiyyah)

Contrary to the happy ones described above are those who neither accept the guidance that Allah sent with His Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), nor do they benefit from it. They are described by Allah in the followning:

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah but did not carry it (i.e., fulfill it) is like a donkey carrying volumes of books (but not benefitting from them. (Al-Jumu'ah 62:5)

The Prophet also classified people into three groups based on their response to his Messenger and Guidance. He said:

The example of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah sent me is like rain that falls on different kind of land:

1) One kind of land is good. It accepts the water and produces vegetation and grass in plenty.

2) A second kind of land is dry, with a solid bed that reserves the water so that the people can drink and irrigate with it.

3) A third kind is a porous land that can neither retain water nor produce vegetation. This is an example of those who acquire the knowledge of the Deen and benefit from the guidance that Allah gave me, and of those who do not take heed nor accept Allah's Guidance. (Recorded in al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Messenger likens the knowledge that he was given to rain because both are causes of life. The rain is the body's cause of life, whereas the knowledge is the heart's cause of life. He also likens the heart to valleys, as Allaah says:

He sends down water from the sky, making valleys flow according to their different capacities.....(Ar-Ra'd 13:17)

Just as there are three kinds of land, there are three kinds of hearts:

1) The first is a good land that is receptive of water and productive of vegetation. When the rain falls on it, it absorbs the water eagerly, giving rise to all sorts of pleasant vegetation.

This is an example of a person with a healthy, pure and intelligent heart. His heart embraces knowledge, and is guided by its true intelligent nature, blossoming by that wisdom and true faith. Therefore, because of its good nature, it is eager to take the knowledge, and ready to bear fruits.

This person is also like a rich merchant who has experience in different trades and investments, which enables him to invest his wealth in what brings the best profit.

2) The second kind is a hard and solid land prepared to keep and preserve the water. This benefits the people who frequent it for drinking and irrigation.

This is an example of a person whose heart preserves the knowledge and safeguards it so as to convey it just as he hears it, without alteration or conjecturing. This type of person is also described by the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) as follows:

There is often a person who conveys the knowledge to those who are more knowledgeable than himself; and there is often a person who carries the knowledge when he himself is not knowledgeable. (Recorded by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi, Ahmad, and others from Zayd Bin Thabit, Anas Bin Malik and others. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 404)

This is also like a rich man who does not possess the knowledge or experience to invest his wealth, but who knows very well how to preserve it.

3) The third is a barren land incapable of holding water or producing vegetation. Regardless of the amount of rain falling on it, that does not profit it.

This is an example of a person whose heart does not accept any knowledge or wisdom. It is also like a poor man who neither possesses wealth nor knows how to preserve it.

The first of the above three examples applies to a learned teacher of knowledge, calling to Allah's path with clear guidance. Such are the inheritors of the prophets.

The second example applies to a person who preserves the knowledge, precisely conveying what he hears. He carries to other people precious goods that they can use for trade and investment.

The third example applies to a person who neither accepts Allah's guidance nor benefits from it.

Thus this hadith covers the different types of people and their positions in regard to the Prophet's message, the first two types being happy ones, and the third being the miserable.

Growing the Beard is Obligatory

Growing the Beard is Obligatory

by

Muhammad bin Jamil Zino

(Taken from the book "Islamic Guidelines")

1. Allah the Exalted said concerning the insolence of the Satan:

".....and I will order them to change the creation of Allah....."(4:119)

So shaving one's beard is changing the nature created by Allah and obedience to the Satan.

2. Allah the Exalted said:

"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam) gives you take it, and whatever he forbids you abstain (from it). " (59:7)

3. The Prophet sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam ,

"Trim the mustache and leave the beard and be different from the Magi." (Muslim)

4. The Prophet sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam ,

"Ten things pertain to the nature as Allah created: trimming the mustache, growing the beard, brushing the teeth, sniffing water into the nose, cutting the fingernails.......and so on." (Muslim)

5. It is narrated:

"The Prophet sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam cursed the men who intend to look like women." (Bukhari).

Shaving one's beard makes him look like women in the face and takes him away from Allah's Mercy.

6. He sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam also said,

"......but Allah ordered me to grow my beard and trim my mustache." (Ibn Jarir)

Thus growing the beard is a command of Allah and the Prophet sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam and the act of the Companions, and shaving it is prohibited in the Hadith.

7. You should not shave or remove any hair on the cheeks as they are part of teh beard.

8. Medical reports reveal that the beard protects the tonsils from the sunstroke. Shaving of the beard also harms the skin.

9. Beard is an ornament to man, designed by Allah. Even some birds like the cocks have it to be dissimilar to the the female birds.

10. Shaving the beard is as it is violation of the Prophet's command to grow it.

11. I asked a man, while he was shaving his beard, whether he loved the Prophet. He said that he did. Then I asked him why he did not accept the command of the Prophet with regard to the beard. Then he got convinced and promised to grow it.

12. If you wife does not like the beard, you can tell her that this is a Muslim characteristic and that she should fear Allah. Also quote a Hadith of the Prophet :

" Do not obey anybody in disobedience to Allah." (Ahmad)

The Soul that Greatly Commands Evil

The Soul that Greatly Commands Evil

by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaq Al-Abaad

Taken from Causes Behind the Increase and Decrease of Eemaan pg.109-111

This is a condemned soul, which Allaah placed inside the individual. It orders him with every evil, invites him to all perils and guides him to every vulgarity.

This is its nature and that is its trait, except for the soul that Allaah grants tawfeeq and which He makes firm and assists. None has been saved from the evil of his soul except by the tawfeeq of Allaah, as Allaah says relating from the wife of al-Azeez:

"And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the soul does indeed incline greatly to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Soorah Yoosuf 12:53)

Allaah says:

".....And had it not been for the Grace of Allaah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure..." (Soorah an-Noor 24:21)

Allaah also says to the most honorable and beloved creation to Him:

"And had We not made you stand firm, you would nearly have inclined to them a little." (Soorah al-Israa 17:74)

Furthermore, the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wa salam) used to teach them (i.e.., the people) the 'Speech of Need' (Khutbah al-Haajah): " All praise is for Allaah; we praise Him, seek His aid and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our souls and from the wickedness of our actions. Whosoever Allaah guides, then none can misguide him and whosoever Allaah misguides, then none can guide him..." (related by Aboo Daawood)

Thus, evil is concealed within the soul and it necessitates actions of evil. If Allaah lets the servant have his own way with his soul, he will perish at the evil of his soul and the evil actions that it sanctions. If Allaah on the other hand, grants the servent tawfeeq and assists him, he will deliver him from all of this.

Allaah has made in contrast to this soul, a soul that is content. If the soul that constantly commands evil urges the servant with something, the content soul prohibits him from it. The person at times obeys this soul, and at other times obeys the other; he himself is one of the two that is prevalent over him.

Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, states: "Allaah has assembled two souls: a soul that greatly orders evil and a soul that is content, and they are hostile towards one another. Whenever one diminishes, the other strengthens. Whenever one takes pleasure in something the other suffers pain as a result of it. Nothing is more difficult for the soul that constantly encourages evil than performing deeds for Allaah and preferring His pleasure to its own desire and there is nothing more beneficial to it than Allaah. Likewise, there is nothing more difficult upon the content soul than performing deed for other than Allaah and that which the incentives of desire bring about, and there is nothing more harmful to it than desire.... and the war is continuous, it cannot come to an end until it completes its appointed time from this world."

Hence, there is nothing more harmful to a person's eemaan and religion than his soul that constantly commands evil, whose standing and description is such. It is a primary reason and effective and active constituent that weakens eemaan, unsettles it and impairs it.

As such, it becomes imperative for the one who seeks to safeguard his eemaan from diminution and weakness to tend to the matter of calling his soul to account, admonishing it and to increase in censuring it, so that he can deliver himself from its adverse and devastating consequences and ends.

Tafseer Surah At-Tur

Tafseer Surah At-Tur (The Mount) 52:21

Tafseer Ibn Kathir {abridged}

Vol 9 pgs. 287-290

Surah. At-Tur (52) Ayah 21.

"And those who believe and whose offsprings follow them in faith- to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned." (Surah At-Tur ayah 21)

The Offspring of Righteous Believers will be elevated to Their Gardens in Paradise

In this ayah, Allaah the exalted affirms His favor, generosity, graciousness, compasion and beneficence towards His creation. When the offspring of the righteous believers imitate their parents regarding faith, Allaah will elevate the latter to the ranks of the former, even though the latter did not perform deeds as goodly as their parents. Allaah will comfort the eyes of the parents by seeing their offsprings elevated to the grades. Surely, Allaah will gather them together in the best manner, and He will not decrease the reward or the grades of those higher in rank for joining them together, hence His statement,

"to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything"

Ath-Thawri reported that Ibn Abbas said, "Verily, Allaah elevates the ranks of the believers' offspring to rank of their parents, even though the latter have not performed as well the former, so that the eyes of the parents are comforted." Ibn Abbas then recited this ayah,

And those who believe and whose offsprings follow them in faith- to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned. {1} (Tafsir Ath-Thawri 283)

Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim recorded this statement from Sufyan Ath-Thawri from Ibn Abbas. {2} (At-Tabari 22:467)

Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded that Ibn Abbas commented o�n Allaah's statement,

And those who believe and whose offsprings follow them in faith- to them shall We join their offspring.

saying, "They are the offspring of the believers who died o�n the faith. If the ranks of their parents are higher than their ranks, they will be joined with their parents. No part of the reward their parents received for their good deeds will be reduced for them."

Abdullah, son of Imam Ahmad, recorded that 'Ali said, "Khadijah asked the Prophet (alayhee salatul wasalaam) about two of her children who died during the time of Jahiliyyah, and the Messenger of Allaah (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said; "They are both in the Fire" When he saw sadness o�n her face, he said "If you saw their dwelling place, you would hate them. She said, "O Allaah Messenger! What about my children with you.' He said, "They are in Paradise." The Messenger of Allah (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said,

"Verily, the believers and their offspring will dwell in Paradise, while the idolators and their offspring will dwell in the Hell-fire.

The Prophet (alayhee salatul wasalaam) then recited the ayah,

And those who believe and whose offsprings follow them in faith...{1}***

*** Ahmad 1:135. This is a weak Hadith according to the majority of the scholars***

Certainly, it is Allaah's grace and favor that He grants the children this blessing because of the good deeds of their parents. He also grants His favor to parents o�n account of their offspring invoking Allaah for them. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah, (radiallahu anhu), said that the Messenger of Allaah (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said,

"Verily, Allaah shall elevate the grade of a righteous servant in Paradise, who will ask, "O Lord! How did I earn this?' Allaah will reply, "Through your son's invoking Me to forgive you." {1} (Ahmad 2:509)

This Hadith has an authentic chain of narration, but it was not recorded in the Sahih this way. However, there is a witnessing narratin for it in Sahih Muslim, from the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said,

"When the Son of Adam dies, his record of deeds will cease except in three cases: an o�ngoing charity, knowledge that people are benefitting from and a righteous son who invokes Allaah for him." {2} (Muslim 3:1255)

Shaykh Muqbil's fatwaa on television (cont.)

Al 'Allaamah Shaykh Muqbil's fatwaa on television (cont.)

Taken from Ijaabatus-Saa'il 'alaa Ahimm il-Masaa'il, pp.245-246

Translated by Aboo Sumayyah Aqeel Walker

Written by/Said by Al Imaam Muqbil bin Haadee Al Waadi'ee (Rahimahullaah)

Edited by Editorial Staff at tazkiyah (dot) org (the site is down now, baarak Allaahu feekum)

Question: Some people, if you argue against them by mentioning the fact that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) prohibited the gaze (i.e. looking at members of the opposite sex who are not one's relatives), and likewise Allaah (glory be unto Him, the Most High) prohibited the gaze (at members of the opposite sex) in a verse (of the Qur'aan), the person does not consider the picture that he sees on the television to be the same as this form or image (of a woman) that he sees on the street, for example. He says (about the picture on TV), "This is just a picture."

Answer: Look at this contradiction, my brothers in Allaah's religion. Some people, if you say to them, "Verily looking at the woman that is on television is forbidden," the person will respond by saying, "This woman (on TV, her picture) is not like the woman that is on the street. This is just called a picture (the woman on TV)." Then after this, the looking at the picture itself, if it is a picture that is on paper, and her thighs are exposed, and likewise her arms are uncovered and her face is seductive, it is not permissible for a man to look at her, even if it is just the picture of a woman on paper, let alone if it is a picture of her that appears, and moves, and other things as well (like on TV).

And has anything caused more corruptive trials and temptations for the people more than the pictures on television? If the people are not being tested and seduced by the pictures, then why don't they make a television without a picture. We request from them that they make a television without a picture, we the Muslims. What's wrong with them that they put pictures of themselves on their books? What's wrong with them that they take pictures as a part of the curriculums of study, and in other things from the trials and clear matters? The Muslim has no choice in these times but to adhere to his religion and not be concerned with whoever opposes him. That which I advise every brother in Allaah's religion, is that he adheres to his religion and not be concerned with whoever opposes him. May Allaah help everyone to do what He loves and is pleased with.

I ask the brother who is asking the question. The person will say, "Verily the television contains Qur'aan and Hadeeths and religious admonishment and panels discussions." I ask the brother, "Do the governments bring in the television in order to spread the religion of Islam or in order to spread their politics?" With all fairness, the governments bring the televisions and the media broadcasts to spread their politics. So ask Allaah to make it easy for the Muslims to have a means of broadcast that conveys Allaah's religion in the proper manner that it should be conveyed. And all praise is due to Allaah. If the Muslims establish what is obligatory in the masjids and the obligation of inviting to Allaah's religion, then this contains an abundance of good, and all praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of all that exists. The discussion concerning pictures, are they forbidden or not? That which we believe and practice the religion of Allaah upon is that pictures are forbidden, even if there was nothing else to prove it other than the hadeeth about the curtain. And it is the hadeeth related by 'Aishah, and it is in the two Saheehs (of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim). The hadeeth states that she ('Aaishah) covered up the entrance of a small room that she had with a curtain that had images on it. And the curtain was called a Qiraam, which is a type of cloth covering. So the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) entered and he saw the curtain, or he intended to enter and he saw the curtain, and then he refused to enter, and his face showed that he was upset. Then he said,

"O 'Aaishah, don't you know that the people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be those who make these pictures?"

Then, also on another occasion he wanted to enter and found two coushions (in the house) - which means two pillows - and they had images on them. Then he took the two coushions and tore them up. Therefore, pictures, if they are considered pictures of animate beings (that have souls, such as people and animals), then they are forbidden and it makes no difference whether it is a picture on a peice of paper, or on television or on video tape. This is nothing other than blind following and fear of differing with people. The people say, "It is not considered a picture", and "it is just like a mirror", and other things from these different statements. The mirror doesn't capture the image but the television is a captured image. These are only claims and deceptive tricks upon us so that we remain behind them like cattle. Anything that is brought to us from the enemies of Islam we accept it and meet it with open acceptance. And Allaah is the One Who is sought for help.

What do you say about the hadeeth of the curtain (of 'Aaishah), oh our brothers? Is the picture that is on the curtain a three dimensional image or not? It is not three dimensional figure (like a statue). So this is a clear proof that no one can deviate from except someone who is trying to be stubborn or someone who has been effected by some other people or he thinks good about some people (i.e. relying upon them, giving them the benefit of the doubt). And Allaah is the One Who is sought for help.

Shaykh Muqbil's fatwaa on television

Al 'Allaamah Shaykh Muqbil's fatwaa on television

Taken from Ijaabatus-Saa'il 'alaa Ahimm il-Masaa'il, pp. 247-253

Translated by Aboo Sumayyah Aqeel Walker

Written by/Said by Al Imaam Muqbil bin Haadee Al Waadi'ee (Rahimahullaah)

Edited by Editorial Staff at tazkiyah (dot) org (the site is down now, baarak Allaahu feekum)

Question: These days the television and video exist which ruins the youth and causes division in their thinking and they become blind followers of the enemies of Islaam. So what is the way or how do we advise the people to avoid this devil (the T.V.), and what are the harms that are caused by this television?

Answer: All praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of all that exists, and may Allaah send prayers of blessing and peace upon our Prophet, Muhammad, and upon his family and his companions, all of them. I bear witness that there is no deity that deserves to be worshiped except Allaah alone, who has no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.

Thus, to proceed: Television and video are among the tests which the Muslims have been tested with from their enemies. They (TV and video) contain corruptions that none knows except Allaah, He Who is free of imperfections and the Most High. Among these corruptions is the matter of At-Tabarruj (being indecently dressed and revealing parts of the body that should be covered in public). They (TV and video) contain Tabarruj of the women. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said,

"I did not leave behind any Fitnah (evil trial or temptation) that is more harmful to the men than the women."

And the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said,

"I have not seen any who are more deficient in intellect and religion, and more effective in removing the intellect of the prudent man than one of you women."

And the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) warned about the gaze. He said to Jareer bin 'Abdullah, as is mentioned in the Saheeh of Muslim, "Turn your gaze away."

Rather, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says in His Noble Book, "Say (O Muhammad) to the believing men to lower their gazes and guard their private parts (from illegal sex)." And He also says, "And say (O Muhammad) to the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their private parts (from illegal sex)."

And in the two Saheehs (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) it is reported in a hadeeth from Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) that he said that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "The son of Adam's (mankind's) share of Az-Zinaa (illegal sex, i.e. adultery and fornication) has been written upon him - he will fall into that and it is inevitable. The two eyes, their adultery is the gaze (i.e. looking at what is unlawful), and the two ears, their adultery is listening (to what is unlawful), and the hand, its adultery is the striking (that is unlawful), and the leg, its adultery is the walking (to what is unlawful). And the heart desires and hopes, and that (adultery) is either confirmed or rejected by the private parts." This is a harm from the harmful and corruptive matters, and it is the evil harm of the gaze. And the gaze is among the greatest causes of the corruption of the heart. So much so that some of the people have said:

(Poetry)"All of the incidents begin with the gaze,

And most of (the people in) the Fire will be from those who belittle the evil,

How many gazes did in the heart of its doer,

The deed of the arrows without a bow and without a bowstring,

It captivated his eye, that which harmed his heart,

There is no welcome to delight that comes with harm."

And the woman may be a righteous woman or the man a righteous man, and due to the gaze, the heart will become corrupted. Indeed he did well who said:

(Poetry)"Say to the pretty girl in the black scarf,

What did you do to the devoted religious man?

Indeed he was getting his garments ready for the prayer,

Until you appeared before him at the door of the Masjid,

Return his prayer and fasting back to him,

Do not tempt him, by the right of the Lord of Muhammad!"

Thus, it is obligatory upon every Muslim, who feels the responsibility toward his family and toward himself, to avoid this Fitnah (evil trial and temptation), which many of the people have been tested with (meaning TV). And the Lord of Might says in His Noble Book, "O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is humans and stones." And the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, as is related in the two Saheehs, from a hadeeth of Ibn 'Umar, "Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock." And he also said, as is related in the two Saheehs, from a hadeeth of Ma'qal bin Yasaar that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "There is no shepherd whom Allaah makes responsible for a flock, then he does not take care of them with his sincerity and advising, except that he will not find (i.e. smell) the fragrance of the Paradise."

Therefore, it is obligatory upon the Muslim to avoid this evil trial and to cleanse his house of it (i.e. TV). Yes. In the two Saheehs, it is related in a hadeeth from Abu Moosaa Al-Ash'aree (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "The likeness of the righteous company and the wicked company is like the person who carries musk oil and the blower of the bellows. The carrier of musk fragrance will either give you some as a gift, or you will buy some from him, or you will smell a nice fragrance coming from him. But the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing or you will smell a foul odor coming from him." Then you are going to bring in a devil for yourself from America (on the TV) who is going to come and dance in front of your wife?! A devil from America or from France, who will come and dance or a boxer who boxes, and he's going to come and box in front of your wife. What is correct brothers is that this is a lack of feeling the responsibility before Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic.

Likewise, the intelligent woman does not like for her husband to look, and have his heart tempted, by gazing at young ladies (on the TV). She does not like this. And happiness is not achieved between the woman and her husband unless she is obedient to him and far from looking at other than him. And likewise for him himself, he should be far from looking at women other than her. This is the Fitnah (evil trial, mischief) of the gaze.

The second Fitnah (evil trial, mischief) is the Fitnah of picture making. The callers to Allaah's religion, who take pictures on the Minbars (podiums, speaking stands) - a caller to Islaam, maa shaa' Allaah, saying to the people, "O people! You must adhere to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)! Stick to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)." Yet, he is disobeying the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). And the Messenger (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) commanded 'Aliyy to not leave any grave elevated except that he level it, nor any picture except that he erase it. The word picture (in this hadeeth) comes in the indefinite form in a manner of negation. Therefore it includes every type of picture. Then after that the person comes to us with a Fatwaa (religious verdict) from the noble Shaikh (so-and-so) saying that he permitted that a person be filmed on television and that a person be filmed on video for the sake of Da'wah (Islaamic propagation) to Allaah. We are not disorganized in the religion of Allaah. And the Lord of Might says in His Noble Book, "And the help only comes from Allaah." We are not able to manifest anything for the Da'wah if Allaah does not want it. And Allaah will never manifest anything for us unless we are upright and adherent to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). O free is Allaah of any imperfection! The student of knowledge is upon something extremely dangerous. Don't you know that Allaah, Who is free of imperfections and Most High, says, "And fear Allaah and Allaah will teach you."And He, the Most High, says, "O you who believe, if you fear Allaah, He will give you a Furqaan (discernment for judging and separating right from wrong)." And Allaah, free is He from imperfections, the Most High, says, "O you who believe! Fear Allaah and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad), and He (Allaah) will give you a double share of His mercy, and He will give you a light so that you may walk by it, and He will forgive you."

Allaah threatens those who deviate among the students of knowledge. He says,"And if We willed We could certainly take away that which We revealed to you (Muhammad), then you would not find for yourself any guardian against Us."

The matter, O my brothers, is being upright. So stand firm and upright for Him (Allaah). The Lord of Might says in His Noble Book, "So stand upright (acting upon the orders of the religion) as you have been commanded." The Fatwaa (religious verdict) of Yoosuf Al-Qardhaawee is to be thrown up against the wall (Yoosuf Al-Qardhaawee gave a verdict saying pictures are permissible). And the Fatwaa of the Noble Shaykh (so-and-so), who gave the Fatwaa saying that filming pictures is permissible on the television also is to be thrown up against the wall. Why? Listen to the statement of the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) when he entered into the apartment of 'Aishah and she had covered a little room of hers with a curtain that contained pictures. So the Prophet refused to enter and he said,

"O 'Aishah! Verily the severest of the people in punishment on the Day of Resurrection will be those who made these pictures."

Some people say, "Those who make the pictures or the photographer, he is the sinner." Yet you went to him so that he could take your picture and you allowed it. And the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "Whoever among you that sees an evil, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able, then with his tongue, and if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith." And Al-Imaam Ahmad reported in his Musnad from Jaabir (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) entered the Ka'bah and found pictures on the walls. So he called for some water and a rag (to wash them away). This proves that they were not three-dimensional (i.e. statues). Also, the hadeeth of the curtain proves that they were not three-dimensional images (i.e. statues). In the two Saheehs it is related from a hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) from the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) regarding what he narrated from his Lord (that Allaah said),

"And who does a greater wrong than the one who goes and creates like my creation. So let them create a speck of dust or let them create a seed or let them create a grain of barley." Also in the Jaami' of At-Tirmithee in a hadeeth from Abu Hurayrah it is reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "A neck will come out of the Fire (of Hell) and it will have two eyes to see with and two ears to hear with and a tongue that speaks. So it will say, 'Verily I have been made responsible for dealing with three: with every arrogant, stubborn person, and whoever took another god along with Allaah, and those who made pictures.'"

In the Saheeh of Al-Bukhaaree it is reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) cursed the picture makers. And you are a partner with him (in this) because you approved of it. Rather, you gave him the authority to take your picture. Something else remains, and that is that the person may say, "(What about) The pictures that are on the money?" The pictures that are on the money, this is from the boasting of the kings and the presidents. It is not a proof. However, if you fear for your money then take it, and the sin is upon whoever forced you to this (i.e. use money with pictures of people on it). Likewise is the matter of the identification card and the driver's license and the passport and other things from the matters. The sin is upon whoever has compelled you to do this if you are forced. A student of knowledge wrote to me during these days - may Allaah reward him with good - saying, "I want to come to seek knowledge with you but I think that pictures are forbidden and I feel that I am not forced to do this, for verily it is possible for me to seek knowledge in my land." So I responded to him by saying that he was right, may Allaah reward him with good. This is the matter. So concerning the picture, do not take a picture except for a matter that is a dire necessity in which you fear that something will happen to you, or your wealth or your honor that you cannot bear. Then after that, be sure, be sure, be sure, that if America and Russia said, "The earlobe of the person should be photographed instead of the complete photograph of the person," then they (the Muslims) would certainly say that with them. They rush to follow behind America and Russia. And these pictures, they say that it is possible that they look alike. Yes, it is possible that pictures look similar. A person informed me, who works at the Immigration office (in Yemen), he said, "How many criminals who have a beard, and then they shave off their beard, and they return (here to Yemen) and we aren't even aware of it, O Allaah, unless the name is the same (i.e. in their documents). So we remain in doubt about the guy and in an investigation with him. And if he is persistent we say maybe it isn't him. Sometimes the person may take out the picture and put another picture in its place, and this happens." And Allaah is the One Who is sought for help.

Then, after that, there is the spy. He comes to the Islaamic countries with a diplomatic briefcase. He doesn't come as a poor person, in the appearance of an impoverished man, in the appearance of a student of knowledge, in the form of one who is barely living adequately. He comes with a diplomat's briefcase. He doesn't come in this fashion. So O our brothers! The Muslim rulers have begun rushing behind America, Russia and the enemies of Islaam.

We ask Allaah to correct them and to guide them. We must make Du'aa (supplication) for them (the Muslim rulers) to be made righteous and to be guided. We have mentioned two corruptive evils from the evils of television. What remains is that some of them want to make their position seem right by using a hadeeth in the Saheeh of Al-Bukhaaree, that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "Except for a design in a garment." ⁽¹⁾ This statement of his, "Except a design in a garment" may have different meanings. Is this statement truly attributed to the Messenger (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). I will mention to you the story (around this narration). It is that one of the companions narrated to his brothers that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "The angels do not enter a house that contains a dog or a picture." Then he became sick and they (his brothers) visited him and found pictures on the walls (in his house). And they said, "Glory be to Allaah! You told us before that the Angels do not enter a house which contains a dog or a picture, then (you have) these pictures!" Then a friend of his said to them, "Didn't you all hear? He said, 'Except for a design in a garment.'" This could mean that it was from the statement of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and it could mean that it was not from his statement. This is one thing. It could also carry the meaning of being a design in a garment such as trees and from those things that do not have a soul. So it (allowed pictures) would be things such as trees and from those things that do not have a soul.

---

1

Shaykh Muqbil's Footnote: [Then it became apparent to me that the addition, "Except for a design in a garment" is strangely contradicting (Shaath). That is because 'Ubaydullaah bin Al-Aswad Al-Khawlaanee added it and Busr bin Sa'eed did not add it, and Busr bin Sa'eed is given more preference as being correct. In reference to 'Ubaydullaah bin Al-Aswad, then three people narrated from him and no one who is considered authoritative confirmed his reliability, just as is mentioned in Tahdheeb ut-Tahdheeb. And the hadeeth is in Al-Bukhaaree, vol. 6, pg. 312. So it is known from this that there is contradiction in it, or even we may say its objectionable defectiveness, because Busr bin Sa'eed is reliable and 'Ubaydullaah was not declared reliable by anyone who was considered an authority. Thus, he ('Ubaydullaah) is Majhool ul-Haal (i.e. his status is unknown). And Allaah knows best.] It is permissible for us to make this hadeeth the principle regarding pictures, that they are forbidden. What remains with us is the dolls of the small children. People use this as an argument and that the hadeeth of 'Aishah is considered an abrogation of the hadeeth regarding pictures. No. The principle regarding pictures is that they are forbidden and a concession (exception) has been made for small children to take some wool and rags (and make dolls). The principle concerning pictures is forbiddance. If you want a doll for the children, you make it like this. You take a cloth and put some wool inside of it and you tie it closed and give it to them. This is also just as 'Aishah did regarding the toy horse (that she had) and it had wings made of wool and cloth. And the principle is forbiddance. This (picture making) is from the corruptive evils, let alone what is disseminated on the television of temptations, and corruptions and things that stir up the sexual lusts. Then, after all of that, they bring for us the guy with the big turban or the "respected man" to give a lesson on the television (i.e. referring to TV in the middle east). In any case, the corruptive evils of television are too many to be restricted and counted. We ask Allaah to cleanse the lands of the Muslims of it. Verily He has power over all things

The Sermon of Iblis to the Disbelievers on the Day of Judgement

Shaytan disowns His Followers on the Day of Resurrection

(And Shaytan will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Shaytan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the wrongdoers.'') (Ibrahim 14:22)

Allah narrates to us what Iblis will say to his followers after Allah finishes with the judgement between His servants, sending the believers to the gardens of Paradise and the disbelievers to the lows (of the Fire). Iblis, may Allah curse him, will stand and address the latter, in order to add depression to their depression, sorrow to their sorrow and grief to their grief. He will declare,

(Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth.) by the words of His Messengers that if you follow them, you will gain safety and deliverance. Truly, Allah's promise was true and correct news, while I promised you then betrayed you.' Allah said in another Ayah,

(He (Shaytan) makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaytan's promises are nothing but deceptions.) (4:120)

(I had no authority over you) Shaytan will say, `I had no proof for what I called you to, nor evidence for what I promised you,

(except that I called you, and you responded to me.) even though the Messengers establish the proof and unequivocal evidences against you and affirmed the truth of what they were sent to you with. But you disobeyed the Messengers and ended up earning this fate,

(So blame me not,) today,

(but blame yourselves.), because it is your fault for defying the proofs and following me in the falsehood that I called you to.' Shaytan will say next,

(I cannot help you), I cannot benefit, save, or deliver you from what you are suffering,

(nor can you help me.), nor can you save me and deliver me from the torment and punishment I am suffering,

(I deny your former act of associating me (Shaytan) as a partner with Allah.) or because you associated me with Allah before,' according to Qatadah. Ibn Jarir commented; "I deny being a partner with Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored.'' This opinion is the most plausible, for Allah said in other Ayat,

(And who is more astray than one who calls on others besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls to them And when mankind are gathered, they will become their enemies and will deny their worshipping.) (46:5-6) and,

(Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them.)(19:82) Allah said next,

(Verily, the wrongdoers), who deviate from truth and follow falsehood, will earn a painful torment. It appears that this part of the Ayah narrates the speech that Shaytan will deliver to the people of the Fire after they enter it, as we stated. `Amir Ash-Sha`bi said, "On the Day of Resurrection, two speakers will address the people. Allah the Exalted will say to `Isa, son of Maryam,

(Did you say unto men: "Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah'') (5:116) until,

(Allah will say: "This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth.'')(5:119) Shaytan, may Allah curse him, will stand and address the people,

(I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me.) Allah next mentioned the final destination of the miserable ones, who earned the disgrace and torment and having to listen to Shaytan address them, then He mentioned the final destination of the happy ones.

Source : Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Surah Ibraheem 14:22

Jealousy and Envy

Jealousy and Envy

It is to dislike that which Allaah has blessed o�ne of his servants with. It is not just a desire for the cessation of that which Allaah has blessed other than him with, rather it is absolute dislike of the person for that which Allaah has blessed him with over and above someone else. And this is jealousy and envy, irrespective of whether it is a desire for its cessation or for it remaining whilst he dislikes him.

Just as has been affirmed by Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah who said: "Jealousy and envy is disliking a person for that which Allaah has blessed him with over and above others".

Often jealousy will not leave the inner soul, meaning that it becomes compulsive within the soul. However, it has been mentioned in a hadeeth:

"If you become jealous, then do not intend it; and if you become suspicious, then do not seek it out". [Fath al-Baaree of al-Haafiz ibn Hajar - Volume 10, Page 213; etc...]

Meaning, that is is obligatory upon a person, should he notice jealousy in his heart for another, that he does not offend him with any statement nor any action, for certainly that is from the practice of the Jews, about whom Allaah says:

Or do they envy men for what Allaah has given them of His Bounty ? Then We had already given the family of Ibraaheem the Book and al-Hikmah (as-Sunnah), and conferred upon them a great kingdom. [Soorah an-Nisaa:54]

Then the jealous o�ne falls into many prohibitions:

Firstly: His disliking that which Allaah has decreed, for certainly, disliking that which Allaah has blessed someone with is to dislike that which Allaah has decreed. This constitutes opposing the ruling of Allaah.

Secondly: Jealousy devours the good deeds, just as fire devours wood, for in most cases the jealous o�ne is prepared for his victim with mention of that which he dislikes by frightening the people away from the victim, and putting him down in that which he is able. And this is from amongst the major sins which could possibly outweigh o�ne's good deeds.

Thirdly: That which settles in the heart of the jealous o�ne, in the form of grief and the burning "fire" which devours him, such that each time Allaah bestows a blessing upon his victim, he becomes distressed and his chest tightens. He observes this person, and in all that Allaah has blessed him with, he is saddened and distressed and the world around him tightens.

Fourthly: Certainly in jealousy there is a likening to the Jews, and that which is known is that he who involves himself in a practice of the disbelievers becomes o�ne of them in this act, as the Prophet (sal Allaahu 'aleyhi wa salam) said:

"Whoever resembles a people (nation), then he is (considered) from amongst them". [Musnad of imaam Ahmad - Volume 5, Page 5; etc..]

Fifthly: Jealousy conflicts with the completeness of eemaan (faith), as the Prophet (sal Allaahu 'aleyhi wa salam) said:

"None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself". [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree - The Book of Eemaan]

....that you dislike for the cessation of a blessing of Allaah upon another, and if you do not dislike this then you do not love for your brother that which you love for yourself, and this conflicts with the completeness of eemaan.

Sixthly: Jealousy results in the turning away of the servants from asking Allaah of His Favours; so you find him always concerned with the blessing which Allaah has bestowed upon other than him, and subsequently, he fails to ask Allaah of His Favours, as He said:

And wish not for the things in which Allaah has made some of you to excel others. For men there is reward for what they have earned, for women there is reward for what they have earned, and ask Allaah of His Bounty. [Soorah an-Nisaa:32]

Seventhly: Jealousy leads to contempt of the blessing of Allaah upon him. Meaning, that the jealous o�ne sees he is not in any blessing, and the victim is in a blessing greater than him, and as a result, despises the blessing of Allaah upon himself and does not turn to express gratitude, but instead becomes neglectful.

Eighthly: Jealousy is an ugly characteristic. This jealous o�ne observes the blessings of Allaah upon someone from amongst his group, then he attempts, with all he is able to muster, to interfere amongst the people and the victim by putting him down in that which he is able. He does this by scorning at that which the victim attempts in doing good, besides other things.

Ninthly: That the jealous o�ne, when he becomes jealous of his victim, often resorts to attacking him; in this case, his victim will take of his good deeds o�n the Day of Judgement, and if there are no good deeds remaining, the jealous o�ne will take of the evil deeds of the victim, such that he will finally be hurled into the Hell Fire.

In Summary: Certainly jealousy is an ugly characteristic, and sadly it is more prevalent amongst the scholars and the student of knowledge, and amongst the merchants too. Indeed, anyone who has a trade, then his opponent is jealous of him. However, it is more predominant amongst the scholars and the students of knowledge. This is sad, particularly since it is more appropriate and befitting for the people of knowledge to be the furthest from jealousy and the nearest to the perfection of good morals and ethics.

My dear brother, if you see that Allaah has blessed o�ne of his servants with something, then strive hard to be like him. Do not dislike him whom Allaah has blessed with something, rather say:

O Allaah increase for him from your favours and grant me better than him.

And jealousy does not change a thing from the state of the victim; however, as we have just mentioned, in these causes of corruption and evil and the nine dangers listed, hopefully, he who reflects over them will find much, and Allaah is the o�ne from whom assistance is sought.

Book: The Book Of Knowledge

Page: 95-99

By: Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)