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Deniers: Far Astray

[ALLAH’S Quran – 4:136] “O you who have attained to faith! Hold fast unto your belief in God and His Apostle, and in the divine writ which He has bestowed from on high upon His Apostle, step by step, as well as in the revelation which He sent down afore time: for he who denies God, and His angels, and His revelations, and His apostles, and the Last Day, has indeed gone far astray.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
[Bukhari, Book #2, Hadith #35] “Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The person who participates in ALLAH’s cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in ALLAH and His Apostles, will be recompensed by ALLAH either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in ALLAH’s cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause.”

Taking Account Of The Self (Al-Muhaasabah)

Alif Laam Meem. Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tested those before them, and indeed, Allah knows those who are truthful, and He knows those who lie. [Qur’an 29:17]

The duty of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is especially difficult when practised on one’s own self. Familiarity takes the edge off of criticism, and Shaytaan is ever prepared to defend the erring soul with countless excuses, for this is his last stronghold, and he will never abandon it willingly.

When Shaytaan loses hope of affecting a believer’s deed or speech, he seeks to invade the heart and strike at the root of righteousness – intention. By corrupting the intention, he will win the soul; by injecting it with shirk, he will make it unacceptable to Allah (suhaanahu wa ta’aalaa), because in His sight, “Deeds are only according to intentions.” {Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

A sensitive believer who knows the weaknesses of the soul can be on guard against the whisperings of Shaytaan and not lose sight of “as-siraat al-mustaqeem.”

‘Umar Ibnul-Khattaab advised, “Call yourselves to account before you are called to account.”; and undoubtedly, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) has given us the means by which to do this: And We have shown him the two ways. [Qur’an 90:10]

In other words, mankind has been given the tools with which to distinguish good from evil, and right from wrong: observation, perception, conscience, judgement and emotion, all in a delicate balance. But even so, as we are reminded by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, such an assessment is difficult unless one has the following:

1. The light of wisdom -the light by which Allah has enlightened the hearts of those who follow the teachings of the prophets.

2. The ability to discern between blessing and trials in what Allah has provided, i.e. one’s wealth, time, skills, opportunities, influence, etc. – That which is used in ways pleasing to Allah contains blessing and benefit, but that which is used otherwise will be evidence against the soul on the Day of Judgement

3. Suspicion of the self, which leads to a more complete inspection – For indeed, none will harbour a negative thought about his own soul except one who knows it well, while one who thinks well of his soul is most ignorant of himself. [Ibn Al-Qayyim in Madaarij as-Saalikeen]

Except for the most private forms of worship, most of our deeds are observed by others and judged by them. However, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) is concerned with what is in the heart. “Allah does not look to your bodies or your faces, but he looks to your hearts and deeds.” [Muslim]

The quantity of deeds is therefore less important than the quality (how and why). No matter what the impression of our fellow men is, the true intention behind every word and action is known only by Allah, and it is He Who judges from the position of absolute familiarity with every soul and every circumstance.

He knows that which deceives the eyes and what the breasts conceal. Qur’an 40:19

How easy it is to make excuses or justify oneself to others. However, one must constantly remember that Allah is aware of the entire truth; therefore, we ourselves must face the truth as well. Speaking directly to His servants in the Qur’an, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) says: And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves so be aware of Him. Qur’an 2:235

And know that Allah comes between a man and his heart and that to Him you shall be gathered. Qur’an 8:24

Truly He knows the secret and what is even more hidden. Qur’an 20:7

So do not represent yourselves as righteous, for He knows best who fears Him. Qur’an 53:32

Whether you show what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will hold you to account for it. Qur’an 2:284

These verses were terrifying to the Prophet’s companions (radiallahu ‘anhu). Because of their intense devotion and their consciousness of Allah, they often worried about certain thoughts and feelings that came to them, repeatedly asking the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) about them until they were finally reassured, “Allah has overlooked for me in my community that which occurs in their minds as long as they neither speak of it nor act upon it.” [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, An-Nasaai, Ibn Maajah]

The pious companions and their followers were the most critical of their own souls, always seeking to correct themselves in anticipation of the Judgement; and indeed, they were the best of the community. After the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) had confided to Hudhayfah the names of some of the hypocrites, ‘Umar asked him fearfully, “Am I among them?” Thus, when Allah wishes good for His servant, he makes him aware of his own faults.

The Patience Of Prophet Ayyub (Alayhis Salaam)

Allah the Glorified and Exalted says: “And remember Ayyub when he cried to his Lord: Verily distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a reminder for all who worship Us.” [Source ‘Qur’an Surat Al-Anbiyaa’ 21 83-84]

Imaam ‘Abdur-Rahman as-Sa’dee  [Rahimahullaah] said: “Meaning, remember Our slave and Messenger Ayyub [‘Alayhis Salaam], praising him and revering him, and raising his station, when (Allah) tested him with a severe test and thus found him remaining patient, being pleased with Him. What occurred is that Shaytan had gained strength over his body as a trial and test from Allah. Shaytan blew into his body so he became full of ulcers. he remained this way for a long period, and his ailment worsened after which his family died and he lost his wealth. So he cried out to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

So he sought a means of nearness to Allah with supplication by mentioning his condition, and that affliction has seized him greatly. And due to the expansive and vast mercy of his Lord Allah answered him and said: “Strike the ground with your foot. This is a spring of water to wash in, cool and a refreshing drink.” [ Source ‘Qur`an Surat Saad 38:42]

So he struck the ground with his foot and a cold spring gushed forth, so he washed there from and drank, so Allah cured him of his ailments. Allah [Azza Wa Jall] said: “…and We restored his family to him…” This means We returned his family and his wealth to him.

Allah [Azza Wa Jall] said: “…and the like thereof…” Meaning that Allah bestowed upon him well-being, also an abundance of family and wealth. Allah [Azza Wa Jall] said: “…as a mercy from Ourselves…”. Meaning upon him due to him having patience and being pleased with what Allah had decreed, so Allah gave him an immediate reward before the reward of the Hereafter.

Allah [Azza Wa Jall] said: “…and a reminder for all who worship Us…”. This means We have made it an admonition for the worshipers who benefit from practicing patience. If they look at the distress that afflicted Ayyub [‘Alayhis Salaam].. how Allah [Azza Wa Jall] rewarded him after it left him, and if they look at the reason behind that, they will find that it was because of his patience. Due to this, Allah [Azza Wa Jall ]praised him because of it [his patience] in His statement: “Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a slave ! Verily he was ever oft returning in repentance (to us).” [Source ‘Qur`an Surat Saad 38:44]
So He made Ayyub [‘Alayhis Salaam] an example for the slaves when calamities befall them.”

57 Ways Of Winning Your Husband’s Love

  1. Behave like a female, i.e. with all the tenderness of a female.
  2. Dress pleasantly and attractively. If you are a homemaker, don’t stay in your sleeping suit all day.
  3. Smell good.
  4. Don’t lay out all your problems on your husband as soon as he walks in. Give him a little mental break.
  5. Don’t keep asking him ‘What are you thinking?’ because, unlike women, men’s thoughts are as random as the results of a Google search. Women on the other hand have thoughts as organized as a labeled file cabinet!
  6. Stop nagging non-stop before Allah gives you something really to complain about.
  7. Absolutely no talking about your spousal problems to anyone you meet under the pretense of seeking help, even if you are the victim. If you think you want to solve legitimate marital issues then go seek counseling with the right person.
  8. Be kind to your mother-in-law the same way you would like your husband to be kind to your own mother.
  9. Learn all the rights and obligations of each other in Islam.
  10. Race to the door when he comes home as if you were waiting for him. Smile and hug.
  11. Keep your house clean, at least to the level that he wants it.
  12. Compliment him on the things you know he’s not so confident about (looks, intelligence, etc). This will build his self-esteem.
  13. Tell him he’s the best husband.
  14. Call his family often.
  15. Give him a simple task to do at home and then thank him when he does it. This will encourage him to do more.
  16. When he’s talking about something boring, listen and nod your head. Even ask questions to make it seem like you’re interested.
  17. Encourage him to do good deeds.
  18. If he’s in a bad mood, give him some space. He’ll get over it, Insha Allah.
  19. Thank him sincerely for providing you with food and shelter. It’s a big deal.
  20. If he’s angry with you and starts yelling, let him yell it out while you’re quiet. You will see your fight will end a lot faster. Then when he’s calm, you can tell him your side of the story and how you want him to change something.
  21. When you’re mad at him, don’t say ‘You make me furious,’ rather say, ‘This action makes me upset.’ Direct your anger to the action and circumstance rather than at him.
  22. Remember that your husband has feelings, so take them into consideration.
  23. Let him chill out with his friends without guilt, especially if they’re good guys. Encourage him to go out, so he doesn’t feel cooped up at home.
  24. If your husband is annoyed over a little thing you do (and you can control it), then stop doing it.
  25. Learn how to tell him what you expect without him having to guess all the time. Learn to communicate your feelings.
  26. Don’t get mad over small things. It’s not worth it.
  27. Make jokes. If you’re not naturally funny, find some jokes on the internet.
  28. Tell him you’re the best wife and compliment yourself on certain things you know you’re good at.
  29. Learn to make his favorite dish.
  30. Don’t ever, ever talk bad about him with friends or family unnecessarily.
  31. Use your time wisely and get things accomplished. If you’re a housewife, take online classes and be active in your community. This will not only make you happy but will impress your husband too.
  32. Do all of the above (i.e. trying to please your husband) for the sake of Allah and you will see Allah’s blessings in everything you do.
  33. Spouses are garments for each other; hide your husband’s faults and help him get over them wisely.
  34. Tell your husband you love him, many many times.
  35. Have a race with your husband and let him win, even if you are much fitter than him.
  36. Be fit and take care of your health; you will remain a strong mother, wife, cook, and housekeeper.
  37. Cultivate good manners. Do not be too loud, whether while laughing, talking, or even walking.
  38. Do not leave the house without his permission and certainly not without his knowledge.
  39. Make sure all his clothes are clean and pressed so they always look fresh and crisp.
  40. Ask Allah to strengthen and preserve the bonds of compassion and love between the two of you, every day in every prayer. Truly Satan’s most treasured act is to create rifts between couples to the point of divorce. Seek Allah’s refuge from Satan.
  41. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and that’s really true.
  42. Make sure you always have something for dinner.
  43. Brush your hair every day.
  44. Don’t forget to do the laundry.
  45. Surprise him with gifts. Even necessities can be gifts, like a pair of new shoes.
  46. Listen to him when he’s talking. Don’t interject with him and talk about your own issues.
  47. Try (hard as it might be) to take an interest in his hobbies (bowling?). Try not to go shopping too much and spend all his money.
  48. Look attractive and it’s fine, in fact good, to be seductive towards him.
  49. Learn tricks and techniques to please your husband in intimacy.
  50. Prepare for special evenings with him with special dinner and exclusive time (no children permitted).
  51. Take care of your skin, especially the face, which is the center of attraction.
  52. If you are not satisfied intimately, talk to him and help him. Don’t wait till matters become worse.
  53. Never discuss important or controversial matters with him when he is tired or sleepy. Find the right time for the right discussion.
  54. Learn to compromise.
  55. Continue to do things for your husband and don’t take him for granted.
  56. Respect his rights (he’s your road to paradise).
  57. Make tea for him or whatever hot drink he likes, it will soothe his rough edges.

How It All Started: – || – An Enmity That Will Always Remain

In the name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful

Said (God): ‘Iblis! What prevents you from bowing down to one whom I have created with My hands? Are you too proud, or do you deem yourself superior? Answered (Iblis): ‘I am better than he: You have created me out of fire but created him from clay.’ Said He: ‘Then get out from it: you are accursed; My rejection shall follow you until the Day of Judgment.’ Said (Iblis): ‘My Lord! Grant me a respite till Resurrection Day.’ Said He: ‘You are one of those granted respite till the day of the appointed time.’ (Iblis) then said: ‘I swear by Your very might: I shall certainly tempt them all except Your true servants.’ (And God) said: ‘This, then, is the truth! And the truth do I state: I will most certainly fill hell with you and such of them as shall follow you.’ Say: ‘No reward do I ask of you for this, and I am not one to claim what I am not. This is no less than a reminder to all the worlds, and in time you will certainly come to know its truth.’ (SAD: 38: 75-88)

We discussed how human life on earth started, and how Iblis, which is the Arabic name for Satan, refused to bow to Adam when God commanded him to do so. As a result, God questioned him about this and he gave the arrogant answer that he was better than Adam because the latter was created out of clay while he himself was created out of fire. Needless to say, no one can affront God with such arrogance and remain in a position of favor.

At this point, the divine order was issued expelling this rebellious creature: “Said He: Then get out from it: You are accursed; My rejection shall follow you until the Day of Judgment.” We cannot define the referent of the pronoun ‘it’. It could refer either to heaven, or to God’s grace. Both interpretations are possible. There needs to be no argument over this. In both cases the meaning is clear: Iblis was expelled and cursed as he incurred God’s displeasure by rebelling against His orders.

However, Iblis’s envy turned into a grudge and determination to avenge himself on Adam and his progeny: “Said (Iblis): My Lord! Grant me a respite till Resurrection Day.” God granted Iblis his request for some purpose, allowing him the chance he wanted: “Said He: You are one of those granted respite till the day of the appointed time.” Satan then revealed his goal which summed up his grudge: “(Iblis) then said: I swear by Your very might: I shall certainly tempt them all except Your true servants.” Thus Iblis defined his plan of action. He swore by the Lord of power that he would tempt all human beings, except those over whom he had no power. This was not a gesture of nobility on his part; but rather an acknowledgment of the uselessness of his efforts. Thus he told us about the barrier between him and those who are safe from, and immune to his temptation. It is their worship of God that makes them safe. This is in accordance with God’s design and will. God declares His will, defining the way ahead: “(And God) said: This, then, is the truth! And the truth do I state: I will most certainly fill hell with you and such of them as shall follow you.”

God always states the truth. The Qur’an repeatedly states this fact and re-emphasizes it in various ways. In this surah, there are several references to different aspects of the truth, such as the demand of the disputants who climbed the walls of David’s sanctuary that he should judge between them in fairness. The Arabic text adds clear connotations that the judgment should be made on the basis of truth. Similarly, the comments on David’s story refer to the creation of the heavens and the earth on the basis of the truth. Now, God Almighty reaffirms the truth, saying: “This, then, is the truth! And the truth do I state.” Thus, these references emphasize different aspects of the truth, but its nature is always the same. It includes this true promise: “I will most certainly fill hell with you and such of them as shall follow you.”

It is, then, a battle between Satan and Adam’s children: They go into it with full knowledge, aware of the consequences which are made clear in this true promise. They bear responsibility for their choices. Yet in His mercy, God has decided not to leave them without enlightenment. Therefore, he sent them His messengers to warn them.

At the end of the surah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is instructed to say his final word: “Say: No reward do I ask of you for this, and I am not one to claim what I am not. This is no less than a reminder to all the worlds, and in time you will certainly come to know its truth.”

It is a sincere call to them to save themselves when the warning has been given and fate has been shown. The caller, advocating the truth, plain and simple, makes no false claims or pretensions, demanding no reward from anyone. He orders nothing except what sound human nature readily endorses. He simply delivers a reminder to the world, since people may forget or choose to be oblivious. They may ignore the great message that has been delivered to them, but they will eventually come to know its truth. Indeed within a few years of receiving this address, the Arabs knew the truth of this message, and they will come to know it on Judgment Day, when God’s promise will be fulfilled: “I will most certainly fill hell with you and such of them as shall follow you.”

Thus, the ending of the surah is in full harmony with its beginning as also with the themes and issues it has tackled. It is given in a powerful note suggesting that what is to come is grave indeed: “In time you will certainly come to know its truth.”

– Commentary by Sayyid Qutb