A high-ranking member of the Riyadh community informed me that in 1376 Hijri, a group of fishermen from the town of Jubayl set out to sea, and after spending three days and three nights fishing, they were unable to catch even a single fish. Meanwhile, a group of nearby fishermen caught a large number of fish. They were surprised, not merely from the disparity between their failure and the other group’s success, but because they were performing the five daily prayers and failed while the other group was not praying and succeeded. One of them said, “How perfect is Allah! We prayed to Allah every single prayer, and we didn’t get anything; the other group did not prostrate to Allah even once over the last few days, and look at all they managed to get!” In this way, the Shaytaan (Devil) whispered evil suggestions to them and advised them to abandon the prayer. The next morning, they did not wake up for Fajr (the morning prayer). They also neglected to perform the Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers. Before nightfall, they set out for the ocean; they caught a fish, and upon slitting it open, they found a pearl in its stomach — a costly pearl. One of them took the pearl in his hand, stared at it, and said, after reflecting, “How perfect is Allah! When we obeyed Him, we got nothing, and when we disobeyed Him, this is what we got! Indeed, this sustenance before us is of a doubtful nature.” Then he took hold of the pearl and hurled it into the ocean, saying immediately afterward, “Allah will recompense us with better than this. By Allah, I will not take it, for we acquired it after abandoning the prayer. Come with me, and let us leave this place wherein we disobeyed Allah.” They traveled three miles before camping for the night. Shortly afterward, they went fishing again, and they caught a fair-sized fish. When they slit it open, they found the same valuable pearl inside its stomach. They said, “All praise is due to Allah, who has provided us with good sustenance.” They caught the fish after praying, remembering Allah, and asking for His forgiveness, so this time they kept it.
TAG: slaves of Allah
The Granter And Acceptor Of Repentance
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: “On the Day of Resurrection, my followers (or Ummah) will be summoned Al-Ghurr Al-Muhajjalun from the traces of Wudu. Whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
The word “Ghurr” is the plural of “Agharr” which means shining or white. It is used for animals (like a horse), i.e., a white mark on its face. Here, it refers to that radiance which will issue from the brows of the believers on the Day of Resurrection and which will make them prominent. Muhajjalun is from Tahjil, which also means whiteness, but it refers to the whiteness found on all four legs, or at least on three legs, of a horse. Here, it refers to that light which will shine through the hands and feet of the believers because of their habit of performing Wudu. This means that the believers among the Muslims will be distinguished from other communities by virtue of the refulgence issuing from their faces, hands, and feet on the Day of Resurrection in the same way that a horse with a white forehead is easily distinguished from other horses.
185/1024 – Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)
At-Tawab (The Granter and Acceptor of Repentance)
By Dr. Muhammad Ratib An-Nabulsi
[He turns to His slaves and accepts their repentance, no matter how grievous or numerous their sins might be]
God’s name “At-Tawab” (The Granter and Acceptor of Repentance) is wholly an issue of His divine mercy: the issue that God (The Granter and Acceptor of Repentance) can deal with His slaves in accordance with His holy justice, and, thus, they would deserve Hell-Fire.
O Slave Of Allah Here Is Prosperity
Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that Prophet Muhammad [sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] said:- ” Whoever spends a pair two units of property (like spending two dinars or two camels) or two units of acts of worship (like praying two Rak‘ahs or fasting two days) in the cause of Allah will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed ‘O slave of Allah… here is Prosperity!’
So whoever was among the people who used to offer their Prayers will be called from the Gate of the Prayer
and whoever was among the people who used to participate in Jihad will be called from the Gates of Jihad
and whoever was among those who used to observe Fasts would be called from the Gate of Ar-Rayyaan
and whoever was among those who used to give in Charity will be called from the Gate of Charity
Abu Bakr [Radhi Allaahu Anhu] said ‘Let my parents be sacrificed for you, Oh Allah’s Apostle! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates… will there be anyone who will be called from all these gates?”
Prophet Muhammad [sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] replied “ Yes. And I hope you will be one of them.” [Source: Sahih al-Bukhari]
“In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said ‘Where are those who Fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” [Source: al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947]
The Ship That Will Never Sink
Let us board “the ship of Tawheed” at the beginning of the new year and sail safely from this world of trials and temptations to the eternal world of ultimate bliss and enjoyment. May Allah guide and assist us to achieve this goal with sincerity and we undertake this task solely for the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty.
Let us build this ship and move away from the destructive waves of polytheism and innovations by putting up the sails of ‘Kalimatus Ikhlas’. We are well aware of the story of Prophet Nuh and his ship. It was indeed the ‘ship of Tawheed’ and by the will of Allah, it reached its destination with success. To build and board this ship we all have to ask ourselves; why are we here? What is the purpose of our life? What will be our destination? The answer should be as follows: And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should worship Me. (Qur’an, 51:56)
Here the word ‘worship’ means to single out Allah in each and every aspect of life. As for the specific meaning of worship, Sheik Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “Worship is a comprehensive term covering whatever Allah loves and is pleased with, both words and actions, the apparent or the hidden; such as love, hope, fear, dependence, seeking refuge, having awe, prayer, fasting, zakah and other duties prescribed by Islam.”
May Allah have mercy on us to enrich our knowledge. Let us conduct a brief study of our esteemed and beloved Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life in Makkah. In the first 13 years of his prophethood, we know that he was busy expounding the essentials of monotheism and eradicating the scourge of polytheism. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) prepared the Sahabiyat (companions) for migration. Their hearts migrated from worldly riches and they desired for the sought world of the hereafter and strove for the pleasure of Allah, The All-Glorious. This led to building strong ties with Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). They coveted Jannah and continuously sought escape from the torments of the hellfire.
What is the first obligation and prohibition that Allah has prescribed for mankind?
The first obligation is to single out Allah in all worship, and the first prohibition is not to associate anything with Him as it is clear from many of the verses from the Noble Qur’an. “And your Lord has commanded that you shall not worship (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. (Qur’an, 17:23) Allah has stated the prohibitions and the obligations with “none has the right to be worshipped but Allah” as is obvious from the verses below. “And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him and be good to the parents and to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the neighbor of (your) kin and the alien neighbor, and the companion in a journey and the wayfarer and those whom your right hands possess; surely Allah does not love him who is proud, boastful. (Qur’an, 4:36)
Say, “Come I will recite what your Lord has forbidden to you (remember) that you do not associate anything with Him and show kindness to your parents and do not kill your children for (fear of) poverty. We provide for you and for them and do not draw nigh to indecencies, those of them which are apparent and those which are concealed, and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirements of justice; this He has enjoined you with that you may understand.” (Qur’an, 6:151)
What is the right of Allah upon His slaves and what is the right of the slaves upon Allah?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “O Muadh! Do you know what Allah’s right is upon His slave ?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “They worship Him (Allah) Alone and do not associate any partner in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He will not punish them (if they did so).” [Bukhari]
This shows the tremendous importance of the Tawheed (monotheism), and the wisdom behind the creation of the jinn and mankind. It is to worship Allah alone and reject all objects of worship besides Him. May Allah enable us to sail on this ship with guidance and success.
Let us set sail in “the ship of Tawheed” with our family and friends and attain security and guidance from Allah as He the Exalted says: It is those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone and confuse not their belief with Zulm wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah, for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. (Qur’an, 6:82)
It is Allah’s promise that the one who actualizes Tawheed and keeps his belief clear from the many shades of polytheism for him there will be complete security in five things; his religion, mind, health, wealth and offspring.
Not believing in Tawheed will result in a loss of security and guidance, the greatest loss a person can ever suffer. Even the Prophets were constantly reminded of Tawheed as Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “ When Musa [Moses] said: “O my Rabb, teach me something by which I can remember You and supplicate to You.” Allah answered: “say, O Musa La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped).” Musa said: “O, my Rabb, all Your slaves say this.” Allah said: “O, Musa, if the seven heavens and all of their inhabitants besides Me, and the seven earths were in a pan (of a scale) and La ilaha illallah was in (another) pan La ilaha illallah would outweigh them.” (Al-Hakim)
This means that if the sins of the slaves of Allah reached the weight of the seven heavens along with all its inhabitants besides Him, and the weight of the earth, the statement La ilaha illallah would outweigh the weight of the sins. This is the greatest virtue of Tawheed and it is only for those in whose heart it is planted firmly with a strong belief and complete faith. He should be a sincere believer and should have no doubts relating to it. He should understand its value, seek pleasure in it and love its meaning. He must also not associate anything with Him in worship and that is when his heart will be strong and pure with the statement of Tawheed. The mere uttering of it enlightens him, and gives him peace apart from washing away his sins.
The Messenger of Allah said,” Allah says: O, son of Adam! If you came to Me with sins filling the earth, then you meet Me without associating anything in worship with Me, I would come to you with its (the earth’s) full of forgiveness.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Now, why is it that the statement of Tawheed outweighs everything except Allah, the Highest? It is because the statement with its conditions has great value and virtue that no man or Jinn can imagine. The statement singles out Allah, the Highest, in a unique way. It contains negation of worship to anyone besides Him and affirmation of worship solely for Him. The pure essence of singling out can only be obtained through negation and affirmation. To ponder upon is the fact that if Prophets were in need of reminders then how is it that we are ignorant of such a great matter and to top it all most of us don’t even strive toward learning it.
Nowadays many of ignorant Muslims claim that one who utters the Kalimatul Ikhlas will enter paradise. Merely uttering the Kalima will not lead to the peace and blessings of paradise. One has to say the Kalima wholeheartedly, observe the five pillars of Islam, adhere to the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and read the Qur’an. Only then that he will be granted bounties and favors from Allah, the Highest. However, if he says the statement of Tawheed, but does not abstain from Shirk he will not be entitled to the promise mentioned in the Hadith above.
Thus, one’s heart must be filled with Allah’s greatness, praise, glory, magnificence, honor, and love. When it is totally suffused with these attributes of Allah, The Supreme, will forgive him and make the fire forbidden for him that is without any punishment.
For indeed Allah has forbidden hell for those people who say: “There is nothing worthy of being worshipped but Allah, thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
May Allah, The All-Forgiving forgive us and admit us to paradise without reckoning, so that we may also be a part of His abundant favors, blessings and mercy.
-By Farzana Qamar
What Is Allah’s Right On Mankind?
On the authority of Mu’aadh bin Jabal, a companion of the Prophet Muhammed who said: “I was riding with the Prophet, sitting behind him, when he said to me, “O Mu’aadh! Do you know what is Allah’s right over His slaves, and what is the slave’s right over Allah?”. I said, “Allah and His Messenger know Best”. He said, “The Right of Allah over the slaves is that they should worship Him alone [1] and not associate anything with Him [2], while the right of the slaves over Allah is that He will not punish (on the Day of Judgment) whoever does not associate with Him.” [Collected by al-Bukhari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, Ahmed & Ibn Majah]
The Creation Of Mankind
Glorified be Allah, who created man (Adam) and caused one of the noble souls (Ruh) to enter him [Soorah al-Hijr (15):29] and made mankind into nations and tribes, that they may know one another. Verily the most honorable of them in the Sight Allah is the believer who has at-Taqwa (i.e. the Qualities of piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah; that keeps him away from all kinds of sin and evil deeds) [Soorah al-Hujarat (49):13].
The Recognition Of Allah
The question would arise: … How can all the people around the world be expected to believe in the One True God, given their varying backgrounds, societies, and cultures?
For people to be held responsible for worshipping the One True God, they all need to have access to knowledge of Him.
The Qur’an teaches us that all human beings have the recognition of Allah imprinted on their souls as part of their very nature with which they are created. This natural in-born inclination to worship Allah alone is called in Arabic as the `Fitrah’. If the child was justified alone, it would grow up aware of Allah in His Unity, but all children are affected by the pressure of their environment, whether directly or indirectly The Prophet Muhammed reported that Allah
said: “I created man in the right religion, but the devils (Shaitaan ) made him go astray.” [Reported in Sahih Muslim, vol.4, p.1488, no.6853]
The Prophet also said: “Every child is born in the state of Fitrah (i.e. a Muslim), then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian.” [Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, vol.8, no.597 and Muslim, vol.4, no.6423]
The religion the child follows is one of custom and upbringing and Allah does not hold it to account or punish it for this religion. But when the child matures in youth and clear proofs of the falsehood of man-made religions are brought to it, the adult must now follow the religion of knowledge and reason. The Shaytaan (devils) try to make
evil pleasing to him and encourage him to stray away from the straight path. The person must now live in the midst of a struggle between his Fitrah and his lower desires in order to find the right path. If he chooses his Fitrah, Allah will help him overcome his desires even though he may have to go through a lot of trials and struggles, as Allah says: “Surely We (Allah) will test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, and life and fruits of your work, so give glad tidings to those who are patient.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 155]
Because of all the powerful forces fighting against the Fitrah, Allah chose certain righteous men and revealed to them clearly the right path. These men whom we call Prophets were sent to help our fitrah defeat its enemies, and Allah says: “Verily We (Allah) have sent every nation a messenger saying `Worship Allah alone and avoid the Taghoot (false gods)” [Soorah al-Nahl (16): 36]
All the truth and good practices today came from the teachings of the past Prophets.
Born Muslims
Those who are fortunate enough to have been born in Muslim families must be aware that all such `Muslims’ are not automatically guaranteed paradise, because the Prophet warned that a large portion of Muslims will stray away from the teachings of Islam; and the Sunnah would be replaced by innovations (Bidah), as mentioned in the following Hadeeths:-
Hadeeth 1: “I have been given the Qur’an and it’s equal (the Sunnah) with it.” [Reported by Abu-Dawood (Eng. translation), vol.3, no.4587, at-Tirmidhi, al-Haakim & Ahmed]
Let me not find any of you, while resting on his couch, that order of mine is mentioned in front of him, either a command of mine or a prohibition, he says: `I do not know! Whatever we find in the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) we follow (otherwise we do not)”. [Reported by Abu Dawood (Eng. translation),vol.3, no.4588, at- Tirmidhi, ibn Majah, Ahmed]
Hadeeth 2: “You will follow the practices of your predecessors, inch by inch and yard by yard; so that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would also follow them.” When the Prophet was asked if he meant the Jews and Christians, he replied “If not them, who else?” [Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, vol.9, no.422 & Sahih Muslim, vol.4, no.6448]
Hadeeth 3: “The Last Hour will not come until some groups of my nation attach themselves to the polytheists and some of my people worship idols.” [Reported by Abu Dawood (Eng. translation), vol 3, no.4239; Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi]
Hadeeth 4: “The Last Hour will not come until women from the daws tribe wiggle their buttocks (as they ircumambulate) around the temple of the idol al-Khalasha.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, vol.9, no.232 & Muslim, vol.4, no.6944]
Hadeeth 5: “There will be among my followers those who will make allowable (Halal) fornication and adultery, the wearing of Silk (for men), taking intoxicants and musical instruments (Ma’aazif)….Allah will destroy them during the night and let the mountain fall on them.” [Collected in al-Bukhari, vol.7, no.494 (b)]
All those mentioned in the Hadeeths above will have Muslim names and will consider themselves Muslims, but it will be of no benefit to them on the Day of Judgment. This is because ……….
They ignored the teachings of the Last Messenger Muhammed (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) and altered the Religion according to their convenience. Have you not seen the one who takes his desires as his god? [Soorah al-Furqan (25): 43]
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and render not vain your deeds.” [Soorah Muhammed (47): 33]
“Say (O Muhammed to mankind): if you (really love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” [Soorah al-Imran (3): 31]
They seek help in other than Allah “Most of them claim to believe in Allah but they really commit Shirk.” [Soorah Yusuf (12): 106]
and: “And your Lord says: `Call on Me, I will answer your prayers.” [Soorah Ghafir (40): 60]
“When my slaves ask you (O Muhammed) about me tell them `Verily I am close, I listen to the prayer of everyone who calls on me.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 186]
“And invoke not besides Allah, any that neither can profit you nor harm you, but if you do so you shall certainly be one of the disbelievers.” [Soorah Hud (11): 106]
“Those on whom you call besides Allah are only slaves (mortals) like yourselves.” [Soorah al-A’raaf (7): 194]
Some Muslims have turned the Qur’an into a good luck charm which they hang on chains around their necks, in their cars, or have placed them in beautifully decorated cases to be kept in the house along with the other pieces of furniture; while our Prophet Muhammed said that the purpose of the Qur’an is to …… “Read the Qur’an and Apply it.” [Musnad Ahmed ibn Hambal]
“Verily this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the Believers, who do deeds of righteousness, and they shall have a great reward.” [Soorah al-Israa’ (17): 9]
But alas, some so-called Muslims will even refuse guidance from the Qur’an: “And the Messenger (Muhammed) will say `O my Lord! Verily my people deserted this Qur’an (by neither listening to it nor acting according to its Laws).” Soorah al-Furqan (25): 30]
Remember You Pledge To Allah
Let us give a thought as to whether we are simply Muslims by chance or Muslims by choice. Is Islam what our parents, tribe or country did (or does), or is it what the Qur’an teaches and what the Prophet Muhammed and his Companions (May Allah be pleased with them all) did.
In the seventh chapter of the Qur’an-Soorah al-Araaf, Allah explains that when He created Adam, He caused all of Adam’s descendants to come into existence and He took a pledge from them…….. `Am I not your Lord?, to which they all replied `Yes, we testify to it.” [Soorah al-A’raaf (7): 172]
Allah then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He is the Creator and the Only True God, worthy of worship; “That was in case you (mankind) should say on the Day of Resurrection, we were unaware of all this.” [Soorah al-A’raaf (7): 172]
“It was also in case you should say, `Certainly it was our ancestors who made partners (with Allah) and we are only their descendants; will you then destroy us for what those liars did.” [Soorah al- A’raaf (7): 173]
Therefore the pledge with Allah can only be fulfilled by a Muslim by choice and by the practical application of the principles of Islam in our lives.
“Say truly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” [Soorah al-An’aam (6): 162]
Conclusion
May Allah, the Merciful keep us on the right path to which He has guided us and bestows on us His blessings and mercy, for indeed whoever Allah guides……no one can misguide. “None has the right to be worshipped but you, O Allah. Truly I have been on the wrong-doers.” [Soorah al-Anbiyaa (21): 87]
May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be on the Prophet Muhammed, his Family, his Companions, and on all those who follow the path of guidance until the Last Day
Foot Notes
[1] i.e. to establish Tawheed…” the belief that Allah is One, without partner or associate in His Dominion and Actions; without similitude in His Essence and Attributes (Asmaa’ was-Sifaat) and without rival in His divinity and in worship.” -There is none equal or comparable unto Him. [Soorah al-Ikhlas:4]
[2] meaning in Arabic `Shirk’……” directing any form of worship to anyone or anything besides Allah believing that others besides Allah have the power to harm or benefit.
A True Muslim
Our Prophet (sall-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) declared: “I have been sent down to perfect virtue and to spread beautiful morals over the world. Another hadith-i-sharif state: “Among you, the ones with perfect morality are the ones with an elevated faith.’ Therefore, even faith is measured by morality.
Spiritual purity is essential for a Muslim. A person who lies, who cheats, deceives others, is cruel, unjust, shirks from helping his co-religionists, assumes superiority, thinks only of his advantages, is not a true Muslim, no matter how much he worships. The exalted meaning of the first three verses in Chapter (sura) Maun is: “O! My Messenger! Have you seen someone who denies the Judgement, puts the orphan aside with harshness, does not give their rights, and does not encourage others to feed the needy?’ The worship of such people is not accepted. In Islam, keeping away from the prohibitions (haram) takes precedence over doing the commandments (fards). A true Muslim is, first of all, a perfect and mature person. He has a smiling face. He is a honey-tongued man who tells the truth. He never knows what it is “to be angry.’ Rasulullah (Hadrat Muhammad [sall-Allahu alaihi wa sallam]) declared: “The person given mildness is the one endowed with the goodness of this world and the Hereafter.’
A Muslim is extremely modest. He listens to everyone who consults him and helps them as far as possible.
A Muslim is dignified and polite. He loves his family and his country. Our Prophet (sall-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) declares: “Your love of country originates from your faith.’ That is why, when the government fights against aggressors, a Muslim does his military service willingly. It says as follows in a work written by a German priest in 1560, which has been mentioned above: “Now I’ve understood why the Muslim Turks overcame us in all our expeditions. Whenever there is a holy war here, the Muslims immediately take up their arms, fight and die willingly for the sake of their country and religion. They believe that those who die in a holy war will go to Paradise. In contrast, in our country, when there is a likelihood of war, everyone looks for a hiding place lest they should be enrolled in the army. And those who are recruited by force fight reluctantly.
How Allahu taala likes His slaves to be, is explained very well in the Quran al-karim. The exalted meanings of verses 63-69 in Chapter Furqan are: “[The virtuous] slaves of the Rahman (Allahu taala, who has much compassion for His slaves) walk on the earth modestly and yet with dignity. When ignorant people try to annoy them, they respond with kind words, such as peace and safety be on you! They spend the nights standing and prostrating [performing namaz] before Allahu ta’ala. [They offer their thanks and praise to Him]. They entreat Allah, O my Allah, take the Hell torment away from us. Indeed, His torment is eternal and bitter, and that place is no doubt an evil and horrible residence. In their spending, they are neither prodigal nor miserly; they follow a moderate way between these two extremes, and they do not violate anyone’s rights. They do not attribute partners to Allah. They do not kill anyone, which is prohibited by Allah. [They only punish the guilty.] They do not commit fornication.’ In verses 72-74 of the same chapter: “[Those virtuous human slaves whom Allahu taala likes] they do not bear false witness. They abstain from things… useless and harmful. If they are accidentally involved in something useless or which can be done with great difficulty, they pass by in a dignified manner. They do not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the revelations of Allahu ta’ala when they are reminded of them. They implore saying, O my Allah! Bestow such wives and children as may be a source of comfort to our eyes. Make us examples for those who fear You.’
Moreover, the sacred meaning of the second and third ayahs (verses) in Sura (chapter) Saff: “Believers! Why do you profess what you never did? Allah dislikes you when you say something you cannot practice,’ which shows that a person’s vowing or promising what he cannot perform makes him a bad person in Allahu taala’s view.
A true Muslim is extremely respectful to his parents, teachers, commanders, the laws, and the leading authorities of his country. He is not concerned with something insignificant. He is busy only with something useful. He doesn’t gamble. He doesn’t kill his time.
A true Muslim does his worship perfectly. He offers gratitude to Allahu taala. Worship should not be performed unwillingly or unconsciously. Worship must be performed willingly and with great love for Allahu taala. To fear Allahu taala means to love Him very much. You do not want the person you love much to be displeased and you are afraid lest you might cause him to be disturbed. In this way, worship for Allahu taala should be performed in such a manner as to prove our love for Him. The blessings that Allahu taala has given us are so great that our debt of gratitude to Him can be paid only by loving Him much and by worshipping Him with profound sincerity. There are different kinds of worship. Some kinds of worship, as we have said above, are between Allahu taala and His slave. Maybe Allahu taala will forgive those who worship insufficiently. It is worship to respect others’ rights, too. But He will never forgive those who abused others and have the rights of others on them, unless the owners of those rights forgive them.
A Most Beautiful Character
Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people assuredly, Allah loves those who do good.? (3:134)
Bukhaaree and Muslim relate that Abdullaah ibn Amr (radee Allaahu anhu – may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah, (sall-Allaahu alayhi wa sallam may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those who are most beloved to me are those who have the best character’.
They also narrate that Aa’ishah (radee Allaahu anhaa – may Allah be pleased with her) said: ‘Never was the Messenger of Allah (sall-Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) given the choice between two things without choosing the easier of them, as long as it entailed no sin. If it did entail sin, he was of all people the most remote from it. Never did he seek revenge for something done against himself; but when the sanctity of Allah was challenged, he would take vengeance for His sake alone.’
The meaning of a good character is the inclination of the soul towards gentle and praiseworthy acts. This may take place in one’s personal actions for Allah Most High, or in actions that involve other people. In the former case, the slave of Allah has an open and welcoming heart for His commandments and prohibitions and does what He has imposed on him happily and easily, and abstains from the things which He has forbidden him with full contentment, and without the least dissatisfaction. He likes to perform optional good acts and abstains from many permitted things for the sake of Allah Most High whenever he decides that to abstain in that way he would be closer to perfect slavehood to Him. This he does with a contented heart, and without feeling any resentment or hardship.
When he deals with other people, he is tolerant when claiming what is his right, and does not ask for anything which is not; but he discharges all the duties which he has towards others. When he falls ill or returns from a trip, and no-one visits him, or when he gives a greeting which is not returned, or when he is a guest but is not honoured, or intercedes but is not responded to, or does a good turn for which he is not thanked, or joins a group of people who do not make room for him to sit, or speaks and is not listened to, or asks permission of a friend to enter, and is not granted it, or proposes to a woman, and is not allowed to marry her, or ask for more time to repay a debt, but is not given more time, or asks for it to be reduced, but is not permitted this, and all similar cases, he does not grow angry, or seek to punish people, or feel within himself that he has been snubbed, or ignored; neither does he try to retaliate with the same treatment when able to do so, but instead tells himself that he does not mind any of these things, and responds to each one of them with something which is better, and closer to goodness and piety, and is more praiseworthy and pleasing. He remembers to carry out his duties to others just as he remembers their duties towards himself so that when one of his Muslim brethren falls ill he visits him if he is asked to intercede, he does so, if he is asked for a respite in repaying a debt he agrees, and if someone needs assistance he gives it, and if someone asks for favourable terms in a sale, he consents, all without looking to see how the other person had dealt with him in the past, and to find out how other people behave. Instead, he makes “what is better” the imam (leader) of his soul, and obeys it completely.
Good character may be something which a man is born with, or it may be acquired. However, it may only be acquired from someone who has it more firmly rooted in his nature than his own. It is well known that a man of sensible opinion can become even more sensible by keeping the company of intelligent and sensible people and that a learned or a righteous man can learn even more by sitting with other people or learning or righteousness; therefore it cannot be denied that a man of beautiful character may acquire an even more beautiful character by being with people whose characters are superior to his own.
And Allah gives success!
By: Imaam al-Bayhaqi
What Are The Signs Of Allah’s Love For His Slave?
All Praises be to Allah
Putting light on a serious and weighty matter, which none attain but very few of the righteous slaves of Allah.
The love of Allah is “the status for which the righteous compete and strive… It is the nourishment of hearts and souls… the delight of the eyes… It is the life of which one who is denied it is dead… the light which the one who loses it is in deep darkness… the healing of which the one who is denied is sick… the joy which the one who is deprived of it lives in distress and pain…
It is the spirit of faith and good deeds… by means of which one may draw closer to Allah… which, when it is absent, one is like a body in which there is no soul.”
O Allah, make us among those whom You love.
The love of Allah has signs and causes which are like the key to the door. These causes include the following:
1 Following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Allah says in His Holy Book (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]
2-5 Being humble towards the believers and stern towards the kaafirs, waging jihad for the sake of Allah, and not fearing anyone or anything but Him. Allah has mentioned these qualities in a single verse, in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the way of Allah, and never fear of the blame of the blamers”
[al-Maa’idah 5:54]
In this verse, Allah describes the attributes of those whom He loves, the first of which is: humility and not being arrogant towards the Muslims, and being stern towards the kaafirs, and not humbling or humiliating oneself before them. They (the ones whom Allah loves) strive for the sake of Allah, against the Shaytaan, the kuffaar, the hypocrites, and the evildoers, and they strive against their own selves (jihad al-nafs). They do not fear the blame of any blamer, because so long as they are following the commands of their religion, he will not care about anyone who mocks him or blames him.
6 Doing naafil (supererogatory) acts of worship. Allah says – according to a hadeeth Qudsi – “My slave keeps drawing near to me by means of supererogatory acts of worship until I love Him.” Supererogatory acts of worship include naafil prayers, charity, ‘Umrah, Hajj, and fasting.
8-12 Loving, visiting one another, helping one another (financially), and offering sincere advice to one another for the sake of Allah.
These attributes were mentioned in a single hadeeth in which the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) narrated that his Lord said: “My love is guaranteed for two who love one another for My sake; My love is guaranteed for two who visit one another for My sake; My love is guaranteed for two who help one another (financially) for My sake; My love is guaranteed to two who uphold ties with one another for My sake.”
Narrated by Ahmad, 4/236 and 5/236; al-Tanaasuh by Ibn Hibbaan, 3/338; the two ahaadeeth were classed as Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 3019, 3020, 3021.
What is meant by “two who visit one another for My sake” is that they only visit one another for the sake of Allah, seeking thereby His pleasure for their loving one another for His sake or cooperating in worshipping Him.
From al-Muntaqa Sharh al-Muwatta’, hadeeth 1779.
13 Being tested. Calamities and disasters are a test for a person, and this is a sign that Allah loves him because this is like a medicine: even though it is bitter, but still, you offer the medicine, despite its bitterness, to the one whom you love; and Allah’s is the highest description. According to a Saheeh hadeeth: “The greatest reward comes from the greatest trial. When Allah loves people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it gains the pleasure of Allah, and whoever complains earns His wrath.
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2396; Ibn Maajah, 4031; classed as Saheeh
For calamities to befall the believer is better than punishments being stored up for him in the Hereafter. How can it be otherwise when he is raised in status and his bad deeds are erased thereby? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Allah wills good for His slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and when He wills bad for His slave, He withholds his sins until he comes with them on the Day of Resurrection.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2396; classed as Saheeh
The scholars have explained that the one from whom calamities and trials are withheld is the hypocrite, for Allah withholds [his punishment] in this world, so as to bring him with all his sins on the Day of Resurrection.
O Allah, make us among those whom You love.
If Allah loves you, do not ask about the good that you will attain and the virtue that you will acquire… it is sufficient for you to know that you are beloved of Allah. The great fruits of the love of Allah for His slave are as follows:
1 People will love him and he will be accepted on earth, as it says in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (3209): “When Allah loves a slave, He says to Jibreel, ‘I love so-and-so, so love him,’ so Jibreel loves him and then calls out to the people of heaven, ‘Allah loves so-and-so, so love him,’ and the people of heaven love him, and then acceptance is placed in the Earth for him.”
2 What Allah has mentioned in the hadeeth Qudsi of the great virtues of those whom He loves. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6502.
This hadeeth Qudsi includes a number of benefits of Allah’s love for His slave:
(i) “I am his hearing with which he hears” i.e., he does not listen to anything but that which Allah loves.
(ii) “his seeing with which he sees” i.e., he does not see anything but that which Allah loves.
(iii) “his hand with which he strikes” i.e., he does not do anything with his hand but that which Allah loves.
(iv) “and his foot with which he walks” i.e., he does not go towards anything but that which Allah loves.
(v) “Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him” i.e., his du’a’s are heard and his requests are granted.
(vi) “and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it” i.e., he is protected by Allah from all things…
We ask Allah to help us to please Him.
And Allah knows best.
The Signs of Allah’s Love For A Person
The signs of Allah’s love for a person are as follows :
1. When Allah loves someone he puts them under trials ( the more righteous they are, the harder the trials) in order to purify them.
2. When Allah loves someone, he gives them the “understanding” of the religion of Islam.
3. Whomever Allah loves, he deviates them and their heart from disobedience and sins…
In a Hadith Qudsi (Sacred Hadith), the Prophet (SAWS) met Abu Huraira Radhiallahu anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger Salallahu alaihi wa Salam said that Allah said:
I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of mine
And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him;
and My worshipper keeps on coming closes to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is (obligatory) till I love him, When I love him I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hands with which he grips, and his legs with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he ask My Protection (Refuge), I will Protect him. Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
In a Hadith Qudsi (Sacred Hadith), the Prophet (SAWS) mentioned that Allah (SWT) said, Myself, Mankind and Jinn are in a great serious state. I create them, then they worship other gods that they make for themselves; I bless them with my bounties, then they thank someone else for what I sent them; My Mercy descends to them while their evil deeds ascend to Me; I endear them with my gifts even though I have no need to any of them while they alienate themselves from Me with their sins even though they are desperate for my help. Whoever returns to Me, I accept him no matter how far he is; and whoever turns away from Me, I approach him and call on him. Whoever leaves a sin for my sake, I reward him with many gifts and whoever seeks to please Me, I seek to please him. Whoever acknowledges My Will and Power in whatever he does, I make the iron bend for his sake.
My dear people are those who are with Me. Whoever thanks Me, I grant him more blessings; whoever obeys Me, I raise him and endear him more.
Whoever disobeys Me, I keep the doors of My Mercy open for him; if he returns to Me, I bestow him with My Love since I love those who repent and purify themselves for My Sake. If he does not repent, I still treat him by putting them in hardship to purify him. Whoever favors Me over others, I favor them over others. I reward every single good deed ten times over or seven hundred times over to countless times over.
I count every single bad deed as one unless the person repents and asks for My Forgiveness in which case I forgive even that one. I take into account any little good deed and I forgive even major sins.
My Mercy supersedes My Anger; My Tolerance supersedes My Blame; My Forgiveness supersedes My Punishment as I am more merciful with My slaves than a mother with her child.
From Madarij Al-Salikeen by Ibn-Qayem Al-jawzyia
Insights Into The Story Of Maryam, Mother Of Prophet Isa
The Holy Qur’an is full of insights for those who would like to get a true and comprehensive vision of this life and the Hereafter. The Qur’an offers clues to all the mysteries and ambiguities that human life abounds with. The story of Maryam (Mary) in the Holy Qur’an is told at more than one place. In this article, I would like to shed some light on some of the aspects of this story.
When Maryam was young, Prophet Zakariyya (Zachariah), peace be upon him, found that she had with her the fruits typical of summer in winter and the opposite. When asked about that, she answered, “Every time he entered Al-Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: “O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?” She said, “This is from Allah.” Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.” (Qur’an, 3:37).
In a different context in surah Maryam, Allah says when Mariam is about to deliver her babe Isa (Jesus), “And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.” “So eat and drink and be glad. And if you see any human being, say: “Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'” (Qur’an, 19:25-26)
The question that can be raised here is that when Maryam was young and free of motherly responsibilities, Allah gave her things (fruit) without her exerting any effort. Whereas when she is frail and in throes of childbirth, He orders her to shake the trunk of the date-palm toward her, that it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon her.
The mystery can be resolved because Allah wants Maryam to depend on herself from now on as she will face the wrath of her people while carrying her own new-born baby, although she is not married. She has to face their shock and consternation depending on nobody but Allah, “Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyy (a mighty thing). [Tafsir At-Tabari]” “O sister (i.e. the like) of Harun (Aaron)! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.” (Qur’an, 19:27-28)
Allah, praise be to Him, supported her with another miracle when the baby, Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, talks to the people, “He Isa (Jesus) said: “Verily I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet,” “And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest.” (Qur’an, 19:30-32)
At the end, I believe that one of the moral lessons that we can deduce from the story of Maryam is that as long as Allah is supporting you, never have fear of anybody. In other words, “He who fears God need not fear the world.”