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Earning The Blessings Of Paradise Does Not Mean One Has To Forego The Pleasures Of This World

Monks and ascetics, and many of the believers of this ummah think that the blessings of the hereafter cannot be attained without giving up the good things and pleasures of this world. So you see them punishing themselves and making life hard for themselves with non-stop fasting and [qiyaam] praying at night. Some of them even deny themselves good food, drink, and clothing and reject work and marriage. All of this is wrong, for Allah has created the good things of this world for the believers, and He denounces those who forbid the beautiful things that Allah (SWT) has created for His slaves:

“Say (O Muhammad): ´Who has forbidden the adornment which Allah has brought forth for His creatures or the good things from among the means of sustenance?´ Say: ´These are for the enjoyment of the believers in this world, and shall be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection.´ Thus do We clearly expound Our revelations for those who have knowledge ” [7:32]

This world is only condemned when it distracts the believer from the Hereafter, but if he treats it as a means of achieving success in the akhirah then its pleasures need not be spurned, as some people think.

Beginning Of Creation

Start Of Creation
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 414:
Narrated Imran bin Husain:
I went to the Prophet and tied my she-camel at the gate. The people of Bani Tamim came to the Prophet who said “O Bani Tamim! Accept the good tidings.” They said twice, ‘You have given us the good tidings, now give us something” Then some Yemenites came to him and he said, “Accept the good tidings, O people of Yemen, for Bani Tamim refused them.”

They said, “We accept it, O Allah’s Apostle! We have come to ask you about this matter (i.e. the start of creations).”

He said, “First of all, there was nothing but Allah, and, His throne was over the water, and He wrote everything in the Book and created the Heavens and the Earth.”

Then a man shouted, “O Ibn Husain! Your she-camel has gone away!”
So, I went away and could not see the she-camel because of the mirage. By Allah, I wished I had left that she-camel (but not that gathering).

Narrated ‘Umar: One day the Prophet stood up amongst us for a long period and informed us about the beginning of creation (and talked about everything in detail) till he mentioned how the people of Paradise will enter their places and the people of Hell will enter their places. Some remembered what he had said, and some forgot it.

After Completion of Creation
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 416:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Apostle said, “When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book which is with Him on His Throne, “My Mercy overpowers My Anger.”

Sun, Solar System
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 421:
Narrated Abu Dhar:
The Prophet asked me at sunset, “Do you know where the sun goes (at the time of sunset)?”
I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know better.”
He said, “It goes (i.e. travels) till it prostrates Itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to rise again, and it is permitted and then (a time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted, and it will ask permission to go on its course but it will not be permitted, but it will be ordered to return whence it has come and so it will rise in the west. And that is the interpretation of the Statement of Allah:

“And the sun Runs its fixed course For a term (decreed). that is The Decree of (Allah) The Exalted in Might, The All-Knowing.” (36.38)

Sun & Moon
Prophecy, Sun & Moon will be Folded up one day

Volume 4, Book 54, Number 422:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, “The sun and the moon will be folded up (deprived of their light) on the Day of Resurrection.”

Volume 4, Book 54, Number 424:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas:
The Prophet said, “The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the Signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of someone’s death or life. So, if you see them (i.e. eclipse), celebrate the Praises of Allah (i.e. pray).”

 

Pictures Of Their Punishments

(1) The Punishment of the People of Hell Will Vary in Degree
As Hell has various levels, in some of which the torment and horror are greater than in others, so the people of Hell will be given different levels of punishment. According to a hadith narrated by Muslim and Ahmad from Samurah, the Prophet (saw) said, concerning the people of Hell: “There are some whom the Fire will take up to their ankles, others up to their knees, others up to their waists, and others up to their collarbones”. According to another report, “up to their necks” (Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah wa Sifaat Na’imihaa, Baab Shiddat Harr an-Naar, 4/2185)

The Messenger of Allah (saw) has told us about those who will receive the lightest punishment in Hell. al-Bukhaari reports from al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer who said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, “The person who will have the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day of Resurrection will be a man under the arch of whose feet will be placed a smoldering ember, and his brains will boil because of it.”

In another report also narrated by al-Bukhaari from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer, the Prophet (saw) said, “The person who will have the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day of Resurrection will be a man under the arch of whose feet will be placed two smoldering embers, because of which his brains will boil as water boils in a mirjal [copper vessel] or qumqum [narrow-necked vessel].” (al-Bukhaari in Sahih, Kitaab ar-Raqaaq, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 11/417, and Muslim in his Sahih, Kitaab al-Imaan, 1/196, no. 363)

According to a report narrated from an-Nu’man ibn Basheer by Muslim, the Prophet (saw) said: The person who will have the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day of Resurrection is a man who will be given shoes and laces of fire, because of which his brains will boil like water in a mirjal (copper vessel). He will not think that anyone could be more severely punished than himself, yet he will be the one with the lightest punishment”. (Sahih Muslim, Kitaab al-Imaan, 1/196, no. 364; Muslim also reports from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri in the same chapter, no. 361)

al-Bukhaari and Muslim both narrate from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri that he heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say when his uncle Abu Taalib was mentioned: “Maybe my intercession will help him on the Day of Resurrection, so that he may be put in a shallow part of Hell, with fire reaching to his ankles and causing his brain to boil”. (al-Bukhaari in Kitaab ar-Riqaaq, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 11/417 and Muslim in Kitaab al-Imaam, Baab Shifa’at an-Nabi (saw), ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, 1/195, hadith no. 360)

Many aayaat confirm the different levels of punishment that will be given to the people of Hell:

“The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire..” (4:145)

“..and [the Sentence will be] on the Day that Judgement will be established [it will be said to the angels]: “Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest Penalty!” (40:46)

“Those who reject Allah and hinder [men] from the Path of Allah, for them will We add Penalty to penalty, for that they used to spread mischief [or corruption]”. (16:88)

al-Qurtubi said, “This topic indicates that the kufr of the person who simply disbelieves is not like the kufr of a person who oppresses, disbelieves, rebels, and disobeys. There is no doubt that the kuffaar will suffer different levels of punishment in hell, as is known from the Qur’an and Sunnah. We know for certain that the punishment of those who oppressed and killed the Prophets and Muslims and spread corruption and disbelief on earth, will not be the same as the punishment of those who simply disbelieved, but treated the Prophets and Muslims well. Do you not see Abu Taalib, how the Prophet (Saw) will bring him up to a shallow level of Hell, because he helped him, protected him, and treated him well? The hadith narrated by Muslim from Samurah may be interpreted as referring to the kuffaar, as there is a hadith about Abu Taalib, or it may be interpreted as referring to those monotheists who will be punished”. (at-Tadhkirah, p. 409)

Ibn Rajab said, “Know that the different levels of punishment suffered by the people of Hell will be according to the levels of their deeds for which they entered Hell”. Then he quotes the evidence for that, such as the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas, “The punishment of those who were extreme in their disbelief and spread corruption on earth, calling others to kufr, will not be like the punishment of those who did not do such things”. Then Ibn Rajab says, “Similarly, the punishments of the monotheists in Hell will be at different levels, according to their deeds. The punishment of those who were guilty of major sins (kabaa’ir) will not be like that of those who were guilty of minor sins (saghaa’ir). The punishment may be reduced for some of them because of other good deeds, or for whatever reason Allah (swt) wills. Hence some of them may die in the Fire”. (at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p. 142-143)

(2) Roasting of the Skin
The Fire of the Almighty will burn the skin of the kuffaar. The skin is the site of sensation, where the pain of burning is felt, and for this reason, Allah (swt) will replace the burnt skin with a new one, to be burnt anew, and this will be repeated endlessly:

“Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast them into the Fire. As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty. For Allah is Exalted in Power, All-Wise” (4:56)

(3) Melting
One of the kinds of torment will be the pouring of al-Hameem over their heads. al-Hameem is ultra-heated water; because of its extreme heat, it will melt their innards and everything inside:

“… then as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads. With it will melt or vanish away what is within their bellies, as well as [their] skins”. (22:19-20)

at-Tirmidhi reported from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Prophet (saw) said:
“al-Hameem will be poured on their heads and will dissolve through until it reaches their sides and all their innards will drop out until it comes out of his feet, and everything is melted, then he will be restored as he was.” He (at-Tirmidhi) said, “It is a sahih ghareeb hasan hadith”. (at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.145, Jaami’ al-Usool, 10/540)

(4) Scorching (the face).
The noblest and most dignified part of a person is the face, hence the Prophet (saw) forbade us to strike the face. One of the ways in which Allah (swt) will humiliate the people of Hell is by gathering them on their faces, blind, deaf, and dumb, on the Day of Resurrection:

“..We shall gather them together prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf; their abode will be Hell; every time it shows abatement, We shall increase for them the Fierceness of the Fire”. (17:97)

Then they will be thrown on their faces in the Fire:

“And if any do evil, their faces will be thrown headlong into the Fire; “Do you receive a reward other than that which you have earned by your deeds?” (27:90)

The Fire will burn and cover their faces forever, with no barrier between them and it:

“If only the unbelievers knew [the time] when they will not be able to ward off the Fire from their faces, nor yet from their backs, and [when] no help can reach them!” (21:39)

“The Fire will burn their faces and they will therein grin, with their lips displaced” (23:104)

“Their garments of liquid pitch, and their faces covered with fire”. (14:50)

“Is then one who has to fear the brunt of the penalty on the Day of Judgement [and receive it on] his face, [like one guarded therefrom]?” (39:24)

Look at this horrific scene that makes one shudder!

“The Day that their faces will be turned upside down in the Fire, they will say, “Woe to us! Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” (33:66)

Do you not see that just as meat and fish are turned over when they are cooked, so their faces will be turned over in the Fire of Hell. We seek refuge with Allah (swt) from the punishment of the people of Hell.

(5) Dragging
Another of the painful torments that the Kuffaar will suffer is being dragged on their faces into Hell:

“Truly those in sin are the ones straying in mind, and mad. The Day they will be dragged through the Fire on their faces [they will hear]: “Taste the touch of Hell.” (54:47-48)

Their pain at being dragged will be increased by the fact that they will be tied up in chains and fetters:

“…But soon shall they know – when the yokes [shall be] round their necks and the chains, they shall be dragged along, in the boiling fetid fluid, then shall they be burned”. (40:70-72)

Qataadah said, “They will be dragged once in the Fire, and once in al-Hameem.” (Ibn Rajab, at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.147)

(6) Blackening of the faces.
Allah (swt) will blacken the faces of the people of Hell in the Hereafter:

“On the Day when some faces will be [lit up with] white and some faces will be [in the gloom of] black; to those who faces will be black [it will be said]: “Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith”. (3:106)

This is intense blackness as if the darkness of night had covered their faces

“But those who have earned evil will have a reward of like evil, and ignominy will cover their faces. No defender will they have from [the wrath of] Allah. Their faces will be covered, as it were, with pieces from the darkness of night. They are Companions [or dwellers] of the Fire, they will abide therein [for aye!] (10:27)

(7) The Fire Will Surround the Kuffaar
The people of Hell are the Kuffaar whose sins and disobedience surround them, leaving no hasanah for them. Allah (SWT) said, in response to the Jews who claimed that the Fire would only touch them for a certain length of time:

“Nay, those who seek gain in evil and are girt round by their sins – they are companions [or dwellers] of the Fire; therein shall they abide [forever]” (2:81)

No one will be in such a state unless he is a kaafir and a mushrik. Siddeeq Hasan Khan says, “What is referred to here by evil deeds is a certain type of deed, the reasons for which should be overwhelming, with no way out or means of achieving hasanah. Eternity in Hell is for the kuffaar and mushrikeen, so evil and sin in this aayah has to be interpreted as meaning kufr and shirk. Thus the arguments of the Mu’tazilah and Khawaarij are shown to be false by the proven mutawaatir reports that state that the sinners among the monotheists will eventually be brought forth from Hell.”

Sins and evil deeds surround the Kuffaar like a bracelet around the wrist, so their punishment should fit their crimes. Hence the Fire will surround the Kuffaar on all sides, as Allah (swt) says:

“There will be a bed of Hell [Fire] and over them coverings [of Hellfire]” (7:41)

The “bed” is what comes under them, and the “coverings” are what come over them. What is meant is that fires will surround them from above and below, as Allah (swt) says:

“On the Day when the torment [Hellfire] shall cover them from above them and from underneath their feet” (29:55)

“They shall have coverings of Fire above them, and coverings of Fire beneath them”. (39:16)

Some of the Salaf interpreted the “Bed” (al-Mihaad) as meaning a mattress and the “cover” (al-Ghawaash) as being a blanket (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/168)

The “surrounding” may be interpreted in another way, which is that Hell will have a wall to surround the kuffaar so that they will never be able to get out or escape from it, as Allah (SWT) says:

“..Verily We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose [smoke and flames] like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in; If they implore relief, they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!” (18:29)

(8) The Fire Will Leap Up Over Their Hearts
We have already explained that the physical bodies of the people of Hell will be made huge in size. In spite of that, the Fire will penetrate their bodies until it reaches their innermost depths:

“Soon will I cast him into Hellfire! And what will explain to you what Hellfire is? Naught does it permit to endure, and naught does it leave alone, Darkening and changing the color of man!” (74:26-29)

Some of the Salaf said concerning the phrase, “naught does it leave alone” that it meant, “it eats bones and flesh and brains and does not leave anything untouched” (Ibn Rajab, at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.146)

Allah (SWT) says: “By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into that which Breaks to Pieces. And what will explain to you what that which Breaks to Pieces is? [It is] the Fire of the [wrath of] Allah, kindled [to a blaze], that which mourns [right] to the hearts”. (104:4-6)

Muhammad ibn Ka’b al-Qurtubee said, “The Fire eats into him until it reaches his heart, then his body will be created anew. It was reported that when Thaabit al-Bananee read this aayah, he said, “The Fire will burn them until it reaches their hearts, while they are still alive; this is how great their suffering is!” Then he wept.” (at-Takhweef min an-Naar, p.146)

(9) Their entrails will be spilled out in the Fire
al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Usaamah ibn Zayd that the Prophet (saw) said: “A man will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and thrown into the Fire. Then his entrails will be spilled out into the Fire, and he will be forced to walk around and around like a donkey on a treadmill. The people of Hell will gather around him and say, “O So-and-so, what is wrong with you? Did you not enjoin us to do good and forbid us to do evil?” He will say, “I used to order you to do good, but I did not do it, and I used to forbid you to do evil, but I used to do it.” Then he will walk around and around like a donkey in a treadmill” (al-Bukhaari and Muslim, Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 2/642, hadith no. 5139)

One of the people whose entrails will be spilled out in Hell is ‘Amr ibn Lahay who was the first to change the religion of the Arabs. The Prophet (saw) saw him dragging his own entrails in Hell. Muslim reports from Jaabir ibn Abdullaah that the Prophet (saw) said, “I saw ‘Amr ibn ‘Aamir al-Khuza’ee dragging his own entrails in Hell, and he was the first one to introduce as-Saa’ibah (a she-camel turned loose for free pasture for the sake of idols, upon which nothing was allowed to be carried”. (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 2/642)

(10) The Chains, Fetters and Hammers of the People of Hell
Allah (swt) has promised that the people of Hell will have chains fetters and hammers in the Fire:

“For the Rejecters We have prepared iron chains, yokes and a blazing Fire”. (76:4)

“With Us are fetters [to bind them] and a Fire [to burn them] and a food that chokes, and a penalty grievous”. (73:12-13)

The yokes will be placed around their necks:

“…We shall put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers. It would only be a requital for their ill [or evil] deeds”. (34:33)

Excellence Of Weeping Out Of Fear From Allah

Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, the Exalted, says:
‘And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility.’ (17:109)

‘Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur’an)’ And you laugh at it and weep not’. (53:59-60)

446. Ibn Mas’ood radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said to me: ‘Recite the Qur’an to me’. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qur’an to you, when it has been revealed to you” He Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam replied, ‘I love to hear it recited by others’. So I recited to him a portion from Soorat An-Nisaa’. When I reached the Aayah:

‘How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad as a witness against these people”. (4:41)

He Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Enough for now’. When I looked at him I saw his eyes were shedding tears. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that besides the recitation of the Noble Qur’an, a Muslim should also listen to it from others so that he can contemplate further on it. It also makes one weep when one listens to the Noble Qur’an.

447. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam delivered a Khutbah to us the like of which I had never heard from him before. In the course of the Khutbah, he said: ‘If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much’. Thereupon those present covered their faces and began to sob. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth has been mentioned in this chapter for the reason that it furnishes positive proof of the fact that the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to weep out of fear of Allah when they heard sermons and preachings. It induces us to follow them.

448. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, ‘One who weeps out of fear of Allah, will not enter the Hell till milk returns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the path of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never exist together’. [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary:
1. A person who has such a fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala that he weeps on account of it, cannot be disobedient to Allah. Obviously, his life will generally be spent in the obedience of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and strict abstinence from sins. It is very true to say that it is as impossible for such a person to go to Hell as the return of milk to the udders.

2. Similarly, Jihad is a highly meritorious act for a Muslim. A Mujahid, who fights for the sake of Allah, is perfectly safe from Hell because the dust that falls on this way on him, cannot mix with the smoke of Hell.

449. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left-hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful’.
[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth has been included in this chapter for the reason that it highlights the merits of weeping for fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. The fear of Allah keeps one away from the disobedience of Allah, the reward of which in the Hereafter is Jannah – a world which abounds in the Bounties and Pleasure of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

450. ‘Abdullah bin Ash-Shikhkhir radhiallaahu`anhu reported: I came to the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam when he was performing prayers. He was sobbing and his chest sounded like a boiling kettle. [Aboo Dawood and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us how the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to weep in prayer out of fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. To weep in the course of supplication and at the thought of one’s appearance before Allah reflects piety.

451. Anas radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to Ubayy bin Ka’b radhiallaahu`anhu, ‘Allah (SWT) has ordered me to recite to you Soorat-Al-Baiyyinah (98): ‘Those who disbelieve …’

Ubayy radhiallaahu`anhu asked, ‘Did He name me” The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam replied in the affirmative. Whereupon Ubayy radhiallaahu`anhu began to weep. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth highlights the following:

1. The permissibility of crying out of joy when a certain bounty has been bestowed upon one, and out of fear that one fails to show gratefulness to the Bestower of the bounty (i.e., Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala).

2. The superiority of Ubayy bin Ka’b radhiallaahu`anhu and the high position he occupies with regard to his recitation and memorization of the Qur’an.

452. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: After the death of the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam, Aboo Bakr radhiallaahu`anhu said to ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu: ‘Let us visit Umm Aiman radhiallaahu`anha as the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to visit her.’ As we came to her, she wept. They (Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhum said to her, ‘What makes you weep’ Do you not know that what Allah has in store for His Messenger Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam is better than (this worldly life)” She said, ‘I weep not because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam (in the Hereafter) is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come.’ This reply moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her. [Muslim].

Commentary: Here, this Hadeeth has been reproduced to furnish justification for weeping on the departure of virtuous people because their presence is a source of many blessings. With their departure from this world, people are deprived of many graces. Pious people are certainly very much grieved on their death.

453. Ibn ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu reported: When the illness of the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salaat and he said, ‘Ask Aboo Bakr to lead Salaat.’ Whereupon, ‘Aishah radhiallaahu`anha said; ‘Aboo Bakr is very tender-hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur’an.’ Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam repeated, ‘Ask him (Aboo Bakr) to lead Salaat’.

In another narration: ‘Aishah radhiallaahu`anha said: ‘When Aboo Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur’an to the people on account of weeping.’ [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadeeth brings into prominence the distinction of Aboo Bakr As-Siddiq radhiallaahu`anhu. It was because of this distinction that the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam selected him as Khalifah (caliph) after the death of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam. On this occasion, ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu said, ‘Should we not like him for our (worldly life) political leadership when the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam had chosen him for our Deen’.

2. The justification for weeping at the time of the recitation of the Noble Qur’an. This was a special virtue of Aboo Bakr As-Siddiq radhiallaahu`anhu which was a mark of his perfect Faith.

454. Ibraheem bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf reported: Food was brought to ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu when he was observing Saum (fast) and he said: ‘Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered. Then the bounties of this world have been bestowed upon us generously. I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds have been awarded to us in this world.’ On this, he began to sob and left the food untouched.
[Al-Bukhaari].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us about the hospitality of the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and the respect they had for each other.

Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu was one of the figures of ‘Al-Ashratul-Mubash-sharun bil Jannah (the ten Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam who were given the glad tidings of entering Jannah during their lifetime). For this reason, he is superior to Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu, but he acknowledged him superior on the consideration of his martyrdom and poverty through which he had passed. He holds Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu better on the grounds that he had confronted the infidels in extremely difficult circumstances and sacrificed his life for the sake of Allah.

The second point which this Hadeeth brings out is the fear which Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu felt at the abundance of wealth and property, although he used to spend his wealth and riches in the way of Allah and Jihad. Today, the only purpose of our wealth is that we waste it either on foolish customs and ceremonies of marriage or construction of buildings and their decoration. It was this abundance of the wealth of which the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam were afraid. The Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam had himself expressed great anxiety over it.

455. Aboo Umamah Sudaiy bin ‘Ajlan Al-Bahili radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allah `alayhi wa sallam said: ‘Nothing is dearer to Allah than two drops and two marks: A drop of tears shed out of fear of Allah and a drop of bloodshed in Allah’s way. Regarding the two marks, they are: Marks left in the Cause of Allah and a mark left in observing one of the obligatory acts of worship of Allah, the Exalted’. [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions the merits of the following:

1. Weeping out of fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

2. The blood which flows in the way of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

3. The marks of injuries that are left on the bodies of those who take part in Jihad.

4. The marks of wounds received in the performance of obligations.

The Ahadeeth on the subject are many.

456. Al-‘Irbad bin Sariyah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: One day the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became softened. [Aboo Dawood and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Even in the relevant chapter, the author has only given a reference of this Hadeeth and not its full text. This has, however, been stated in chapter 16, bearing the title ‘Observing the Sunnah and the manners of its obedience’.`

 

Oppression (Persecution) Forbidden In Islam

[ALLAH’S Quran – 2:193] “And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.”

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said :
[Muslim, Book #032, Hadith #6247 ] “Abu Dharr reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying that he reported it from his Lord, the Exalted and Glorious: Verily I have made oppression unlawful for Me and for My servants too, so do not commit oppression.”

[Muslim, Book #032, Hadith #6248 ] “Jabir b. Abdullah reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is a darkness on the Day of Resurrection, and be on your guard against petty mindedness for petty mindedness destroyed those who were before you, as it incited them to shed blood and make lawful what was unlawful for them.”

[Muslim, Book #032, Hadith#6250] “Salim reported on the authority of his father that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: A Muslim is the brother of a fellow-Muslim. He should neither commit oppression upon him nor ruin him, and he who meets the need of a brother, Allah would meet big needs, and he who relieved a Muslim from hardship Allah would relieve him from the hardships to which he would be put on the Day of Resurrection, and he who did not expose (the follies of a Muslim) Allah would conceal his follies on the Day of Resurrection.”

[Sunnan Abudawud, Book #41, Hadith #4884] “Narrated Abu Bakrah: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: There is no sin more fitted to have punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He stores up for him in the next world than oppression and severing ties of relationship.”

The Highest Position In Paradise

The highest position in Paradise which will be attained by only one person is called al-Waseelah. It will be attained, insha’Allah, by the Chosen Prophet, the best of Allah’s creation, our Prophet Muhammad (saw).

This is narrated in a hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari from Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah according to which the Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever says, when he hears the call to prayer, “Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-da’wati-tammah, was-salaatil-qaa’imah, aati muhammadan al-waseelata wal-fadeelata, wab’aththu maqaaman mahmoodan alladhi wa’adtahu [O Allah, Lord of this Perfect Call and the Prayer to be Offered, grant Muhammad al-Waseelah – the highest position in Paradise – and also the eminence and resurrect him to the praised position You have promised], intercession for him will be granted on the Day of Resurrection.”

Muslim reported that ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr al-‘Aas said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, “When you hear the muaddhin call, say what he says, then send blessings on me, for whoever sends blessings on me, Allah (swt) will return it to him tenfold. Then ask Allah to grant me al-Waseelah, for whoever asks Allah (swt) to grant me al-Waseelah intercession will be granted for him.””

The Sahaabah asked the Prophet (saw) “What is al-Waseelah?” He said, “It is the highest level of Paradise, which only one man will reach, and I hope that I will be the one”. [Ahmad from Abu Hurayrah]

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “al-Waseelah is a rank above which there is no other in the sight of Allah (swt). Ask Allah (swt) to grant me al-Waseelah” [Ahmad from Abu Sa’eed, See Ibn Katheer, an-Nihaayah, 2/2332]

Who Are The Ya’jooj And Ma’jooj (Gog and Magog)?

Who are the Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (Gog and Magog)?

The Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (Gog and Magog)

During the reign of Hadhrat Eisa alayhis salaam people will live an extremely peaceful life filled with prosperity and abundance. Then the wall which imprisons Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj will break and they will surge forth in large numbers.

“But when Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj are let loose and they rush headlong down every hill” (Quran 21:97)

Who are the Ya’jooj and Majooj?

Zul Qarnain alayhis salaam who was a pious and just Ruler traveled to many lands and conquered them, establishing justice and the Law of Allah therein. Allah Ta’ala provided him with all forms and material strength through which he was able to carry out his conquests and missions.

He once carried out a mission in three directions, the far west, the far east, and then in a northerly direction. It was here that he came across a tribe of people who complained to him about the tribes of Ya’jooj and Majooj which inhabited the land behind two huge mountains and often emerged from behind these mountains to perpetrate acts of anarchy and plunder among them. They requested Zul Qarnain alayhis salaam to erect a barrier between themselves and the tribes of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj so that they could be saved from their atrocities. With the material strength at his disposal, Zul Qarnain alayhis salaam enlisted their physical labor and set about erecting a high wall between the two mountains. The height of the wall or its exact length is unknown. What is known is that the height of this wall reaches that of the summit of both mountains. It is made with blocks or sheets of iron, which is further strengthened by molten lead. In this manner, Ya’jooj and Majooj are unable to scale the wall, or cross it, except when it is the will of Allah.

“And when the promise of my Rabb approaches, He will level it to dust” (Qur’aan 18:98)

They are situated in a land of ice that is hidden from our gazes and the exact location of which is unknown. Though many interpretations do exist in this respect, none of these can be said to absolute.

Ya’jooj and Majooj are human beings and according to a narration they are from the progeny of Yafith ibn Nooh alayhis salaam alayhis.

Some Ahaadeeth…

In a lengthy hadeeth by Hadhrat Nawwas bin Sam’aan radhiyallahu anhu Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said:

“…Allah will send revelation upon Eisa alayhis salaam that ‘Such a creation of mine is now going to emerge that no power will be able to stop them. Therefore take my servants and ascend the Mount of Toor.’ Then Ya’jooj and Majooj will emerge and surge forth in all their fury. When those from among them who constitute the former part of their army pass the lake of Tiberias (which is in northern Palestine), they will drink up all the water of that lake and by the time those that constitute the latter part of that same army pass the lake, they will say, “There used to be water here (long ago). When they reach the Mount of Khamr in Jerusalem, they will arrogantly proclaim: ‘We have conquered the people of the earth, now we will annihilate those in the sky.’ So saying they will fire their arrows towards the sky. When the arrows return to the ground they will be blood-stained.

In the meantime, Eisa alayhis salaam will be on the Mount of Toor with his followers. At that time the head of an ox will be as valuable as is a hundred dinars to you on this day. [This indicates the scarcity of provisions]. Faced with these hardships, Eisa alayhis salaam and his followers will make dua unto Allah (to remove this calamity). As a result, Allah will cause sores to appear on the necks of each and every individual of these people which will cause their death suddenly. When Eisa alayhis salaam and his followers descend from the Mount of Toor there will not be a single space on the land where the dead rotting bodies of these people is not littered, giving off a horrendous odor. Eisa alayhis salaam and his followers will once more supplicate unto Allah as a result of which Allah will send down huge birds whose necks will be as thick as that of the necks of camels, and they will dump these bodies in a place where Allah wills. (According to a narration by Tirmidhi, they will be dumped at a place called Nahbal).

Allah Ta’ala will then send down heavy rain, the waters of which will flow in every part of the earth cleansing it thoroughly. It will rain for a period of forty days.

The Muslims will then burn the bows and arrows of the Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj for a period of seven years.

Allah will order the earth to yield forth its crops in abundance and there will be such blessing and prosperity that one pomegranate will be sufficient for a whole group while the peel thereof will suffice to cast a shadow over them. The milk of one camel will be sufficient for many groups while one milk giving cow will be sufficient for a whole tribe. One milk giving goat will be sufficient for a whole family…”

(Muslim)

Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:

“On the day of Qiyamah Allah will say to Aadam alayhis salaam to pick out the Jahannamis from his entire progeny. Aadam alayhis salaam will ask: ‘O Rabb, who are they?’

Allah will say: ‘Nine hundred and ninety-nine of a thousand are Jahannami while the one is a Jannati.’

On hearing this the Sahaba were overtaken by fear and they asked “O Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam , who will that one Janniti be?’

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: ‘Do not grieve, the nine hundred and ninety-nine will be Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj while you will be the Jannati.”‘ (i.e. your numbers in relation to them will be one in a thousand).

(Bukhaari and Muslim)

Hadhrat Abdullah ibne Umar radhiyallahu anhu says that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:

“Allah Ta’ala divided mankind into ten parts. Nine-tenths constitute Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj while the remaining tenths constitutes the rest of mankind.”

Hadhrat Zainab bint Jahsh radhiyallahu anha says: “…once Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam awoke from such a sleep that his face was red and these words were on his tongue: ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Destruction is upon the Arabs on account of the evil which has come close to them. Today a hole as big as this has opened up in the wall of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj.’ ..and Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam indicated the size of the hole forming a ring with his index finger and thumb.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu narrates that:

every day Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj break (dig) through the wall erected by Zul Qarnain alayhis salaam until they reach the end of it to that extent that they can actually see the light on the other side. They then return (home) saying that ‘We will break through tomorrow.’ But Allah Ta’ala causes the wall to revert to its original thickness and the next day they start digging through the wall all over again, and this process continues each day until as long as Allah wills them to remain imprisoned. When Allah wishes them to be released, then at the end of the day they will say, “If Allah wills, tomorrow we will breakthrough.” The following day they will find the wall as they had left it the previous day (i.e. it will not have returned to its original state) and after breaking the remaining part of it they will emerge.”

(Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

Commenting on the above hadith, Allamah ibne Arabi says, Three miracles are evident in this Hadith:

1.) It never occurs to these tribes that they must continue work during the night. After all, they are in such large numbers that they can easily delegate the work among themselves and work in shifts. But Allah does not allow this thought to occur to them.

2.) It never occurs to them that they can merely cross the mountains or scale the wall, which they can do through the aid of equipment and implements which they possess in large numbers. According to a narration by Wahab ibn Munabbah it is known that these tribes are agriculturists and artisans possessing various types of equipment.

3.) The thought of saying “If Allah wills” never enters their minds and it will only occur to them to say it when Allah wills that they are released.

Celebrating Eid, The Sunnah Way

The time for celebration is here. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid.” (Al-Bukhari)

Here are some of the Sunnah acts of Eid:

Doing Ghusl before going out to the prayer

It was narrated in a Saheeh Hadeeth in Al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that Abdullah Bin Umar used to do Ghusl on the day of Al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. (Al-Muwatta’ 428)

Al-Nawawi said Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is Mustahabb (recommended) to do Ghusl for Eid prayer.

Eating after the prayer on Eid Al-Adha
On Eid Al-Adha it is recommended not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so as to eat from the sacrifice if he has offered one. If he is not offering a sacrifice then there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.

As for Eid Al-Fitr, it is recommended to eat some dates before going to the prayer.

Takbeer on the day of Eid
This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid.

Al-Daraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, Ibn Umar would be excessively engaged in reciting Takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite Takbeer until the Imam came out.

Saying Takbeer when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the Imam came out was something that was well known among the early generations. This has been narrated by a number of scholars.

In the case of Eid Al-Adha, the Takbeer begins on the first day of Dhul-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of Tashreeq.

Description of Takbeer
It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with an authentic chain from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that he used to recite the following Takbeer during the days of Tashreeq:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaha illAllah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillaahil-Hamd

Meaning: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise.

Al-Mahamili also narrated the following with an authentic chain from Ibn Mas’ood:

“Allahu Akbar Kabeera, Allahu Akbar Kabeera, Allahu Akbar Wa Ajall, Allahu Akbar Wa Lillaahil-Hamd.” (Al-Irwa’, 3/126)

Greeting each other
The etiquette of Eid also includes congratulating and exchanging good wishes by people, with any permissible expressions of congratulations.

Jubayr Ibn Nufayr said when the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “Taqabbal Allah Minna Wa Minkum,” which means, “May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” (Al-Fath, 2/446)

Adorning oneself on Eid
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. (Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756) Al-Bayhaqi narrated with an authentic chain that Ibn Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid.

Choosing different routes
Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that on the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to vary his route. (Al-Bukhari, 986)

This was done so that the two routes would bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection, as the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.

And also to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), or to cast fear in the hearts of the hypocrites and Jews, and to overwhelm them with a large number of people with him. Another reason was so that he could attend to people’s needs, answer their questions, set an example, give charity, or visit his relatives.

Those Saved From The Punishment Of Hell Fire

[ALLAH’S Quran – 3:16-17] “Those who say: Our Lord! Lo! we believe. So forgive us our sins and guard us from the punishment of Fire; The steadfast, and the truthful, and the obedient, those who spend (and hoard not), those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.”

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:
[Bukhari, Book #46, Hadith #693] “Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body-parts of the slave.” Said bin Marjana said that he narrated that Hadith to ‘Ali bin Al-Husain and he freed his slave for whom ‘Abdullah bin Ja’far had offered him ten thousand Dirhams or one-thousand Dinars”

[Bukhari, Book #13, Hadith #30] “Narrated Abu ‘Abs: I heard the Prophet saying, “Anyone whose feet are covered with dust in Allah’s cause, shall be saved by Allah from the Hell-fire.”

[Bukhari, Book #76, Hadith #547] “Narrated ‘Adi bin Hatim: The Prophet said, “There will be none among you but will be talked to by Allah on the Day of Resurrection, without there being an interpreter between him and Him (Allah). He will look and see nothing ahead of him, and then he will look (again for the second time) in front of him, and the (Hell) Fire will confront him. So, whoever among you can save himself from the fire, should do so even with one half of a date (to give in charity).”

[Muslim, Book #009, Hadith #3605] “Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A Muslim who emancipates a Muslim (slave). Allah will save from fire every limb of his for every limb (of the slave). Sa’id b. Marjana said: When I heard this hadith from Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him), I went away and made a mention of it to ‘Ali b. Husain and he at once emancipated the slave for which Ibn ja’far was prepared to pay ten thousand dirhams or one thousand dinars.”

Inner Revolution

God is the greatest of all powers. No one can escape Hid reckoning. He will deal severely with the wicked. Belief in a God of this awesome nature is no simple matter; faith transforms a person a being when it enters his soul.

Imagine the change that comes over a person who suddenly realizes that a lion is roaming free in front of him. A far greater change occurs when one truly realizes the existence of God. To believe in God is to discover Him, and when one truly discovers God, one becomes more certain of His existence than of anything else, one fears Him above all else.

Faith in God is like an earthquake, which shakes the human soul. The true believe sees the Day of Resurrection before it comes.

Such belief engulfs one’s entire being in the fear of God. This fear is manifested in all one’s dealings with others. One does not humiliate the weak for one sees that they are God’s envoys. One does not cover before the strong, because one sees that all are helpless before God. One accepts the truth when it is proven, for denying it would be like seeing heaven, and hell before one, then leaving the fresh gardens of paradise to plunge into the flames of hell.