Pride/Kibr, Ujib/self content, izzat al-Nafs/Self pride, humbleness/Tawad’u
Satan is described as having pride when he disobeyed the order to prostrate to Adam (upon him peace) The Heffer 2:34
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The arrogant and vainglorious will be resurrected like ants, on the Day of Judgment, they will stepped upon.” Tirmidhi – the weight of the people will be linked to their weight says Hakim at-Tirmidhi
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever has a small piece of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.” Bukhari
Kibr/Arrogance is to consider yourself better than someone else. To punish people because of your knowledge is arrogance
Ujub/Self pride is when you know that you are doing something and no one else
The difference between arrogance and Ujub/Self pride is that Arrogance is over people and Ujub is in yourself.
(To feel you are better can be normal if have more knowledge but to act up that is the sin)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described arrogance as, “Pride is to reject the truth and to debase the people.” (Muslim)
Arrogance is by consensus is prohibited
Sins are two kinds
1. Bodily
2. From the heart
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) would make major pilgrimage he would announce him presence so if anyone had a questions they could come to him - this is not pride as people needed his knowledge
Examples of arrogance
1. Someone who likes others to stand for him
2. Reject a poor persons invitation and accept a rich persons
3. He does not support relatives
4. Never thank people
5. Reject the truth
The definition of self respect/ Izzat al-Nafs is do something that causes you to be disrespected. Note knowledge does not obey anything so a student should not put himself into a bad place. This is wajib/necessary.
(it is an act of worship to be arrogant to someone who is arrogant)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “A Muslim does not humiliate themselves.”
It is a sin to be humble to a proud person
Fudail ibn ‘Iyad (may Allah be pleased with him) defined humbleness as, “Humbleness is to lower yourself for the truth and to follow it.”
Humbleness is to see yourself as worse than everyone
Humbleness is necessary
Da’a to humiliate yourself lower than who you are this is prohibited.
Umar Ibn Abdulaziz (may Allah be pleased with him) was the leader of the Muslims during the Ummayyad Dynasty 680-750 (he ruled for about two and a half years). He was trying to find someone in the masjid and he tripped up on someone he said, "Are you a donkey." He said, "No, I am Umar."
Someone who is humble for Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will be raised up
Welcome to Sheikhy Notes, unique website that features, videos, notes given by traditional Muslim scholars. As well my posts/articles on particular subjects. Scroll down for various topics, scholars, links, quotes and monthly archives or use search engine to find posts. Please note that articles are copyright and cannot be copied without express permission. Allah Subhanu wa Ta’ala knows best. Est. 2005, ma sha Allah.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Respecting the teacher
Chapter eighteen
This is something that I need to practice.
Respecting the teacher is one of the manners that a student needs to show; if he is to progress with the blessings of his teachers. When the teacher speaks you should be listening and never interrupt them. If you need to ask them a question then do in the manner we have explained before.
When the teacher enters the room you can stand for them, this is your choice the best teachers will tell you not to do this. You may find some teachers not receptive to accepting presents, do not mind this because they want the reward for their teaching in paradise not now. Most teachers will accept presents but put thought into them and do not give them something that they will not use. Some teachers may not accept presents so be mindful of this.
The best way to sit in front of a teacher is on your knees, if you cannot do this then resting on either leg, if you cannot do this then sitting cross legged but never raise your knees in front of the teacher, this shows disrespect. If you have teaching rooms that have chairs then use them, as the above information is for those who are sitting in the traditional way on the floor.
Sometimes, scholars write complicated things in their books which lead the student to be confused. The student should show respect to the scholar whose book he is reading and make a supplication for him. I have seen many students disrespect the scholar whose book they are reading, do not think that you are going to anywhere by doing this. You will not benefit from the knowledge that you have learnt and incur the wrath of losing knowledge. It is a real wrath of God to loss knowledge because you have disrespected a teacher.
This is something that I need to practice.
Respecting the teacher is one of the manners that a student needs to show; if he is to progress with the blessings of his teachers. When the teacher speaks you should be listening and never interrupt them. If you need to ask them a question then do in the manner we have explained before.
When the teacher enters the room you can stand for them, this is your choice the best teachers will tell you not to do this. You may find some teachers not receptive to accepting presents, do not mind this because they want the reward for their teaching in paradise not now. Most teachers will accept presents but put thought into them and do not give them something that they will not use. Some teachers may not accept presents so be mindful of this.
The best way to sit in front of a teacher is on your knees, if you cannot do this then resting on either leg, if you cannot do this then sitting cross legged but never raise your knees in front of the teacher, this shows disrespect. If you have teaching rooms that have chairs then use them, as the above information is for those who are sitting in the traditional way on the floor.
Sometimes, scholars write complicated things in their books which lead the student to be confused. The student should show respect to the scholar whose book he is reading and make a supplication for him. I have seen many students disrespect the scholar whose book they are reading, do not think that you are going to anywhere by doing this. You will not benefit from the knowledge that you have learnt and incur the wrath of losing knowledge. It is a real wrath of God to loss knowledge because you have disrespected a teacher.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi
Advice on education of young children
http://www.sacredknowledgetrust.co.uk/education%20of%20young%20children-%20sheikh%20m%20yaqoubi.pdf
http://www.sacredknowledgetrust.co.uk/education%20of%20young%20children-%20sheikh%20m%20yaqoubi.pdf
Choice Ramadan Thoughts
Previous years we have spoken about Ramadan and this time I was wondering what to write. Then I started to wonder about time; time is something that we become aware of during Ramadan.
Time is something that we do not think about until we see the month come around again then we wonder where did the time go?
Have we used the time in-between well? If we did then would it come around so fast? Ramadan is time to remind ourselves of the place that we are going to go one day, the grave. The length of these fasts will begin at longest time and then it will slowly ease off. Also note that because of the Lunar cycle we will miss ten days of the longest days and the remainder will be shorter. So despite the length of these fasts the coming fasts will not be so long.
Although, we should not be concerned about the time we have to fast because the longer we fast the more reward will we get, if Allah facilitates. Does anyone have a problem with getting more reward? Difficulty will be replaced with riches; so do not concern yourself and know that even at the longest fast in this climate; it will only be ten days in any one period of fasting.
Time is something that we have to use well because the time in Ramadan is unlike any other time during the year. The reward of this time we will never receive again and this may be our last Ramadan. Who knows if we will see next year’s Ramadan? We may not even live through this year!
Time is something that we have wasted and not realised the blessing that we could have attained in time that is lost.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with) states that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “There are two blessings which many people lose; Health and free time.” (Bukhari 76:421)
Time means so much more in Ramadan; more so that the rest of the year. The blessings in this month are greater than those of the previous months. The jurists remind us that if we miss a day of fasting that we can never make up for the blessings of that day even though we can make the number. Once it is lost, it is gone, gone forever.
Ibn Abu Shayba reports in his al-Musnad from Anas that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was ascending the pulpit. He climbed a step and said, “Amin.” Then he climbed a second and said, “Amin.” Then he climbed a third and said, “Amin.” He reached the top and sat down. A companion asked, “Prophet of Allah, Why did you say Amin three times?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Jibril came to me and said, ‘Disaster befalls the one who knows that both or one of his parents are alive and does not enter Heaven (through serving them). I said, “Amin.” “Disaster befalls the one who exits Ramadan and did not attain forgiveness. I said, “Amin.” Then he said, ‘Disaster befalls the one who hears your name mentioned and does not say, Peace upon you.’ So I said, “Amin.” (`Asqalani al-Matalib al-A`liyya 3/223, Ibn Hibban 2/140 (409), Tabarani 11/67)
Use your time well because you never know this may be your last Ramadan and what a loser that person will be who did not attain from Ramadan the maximum. Time is ticking away!!!
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan. When Gabriel met him, Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan, to revise the Qur'an with him. The Messenger of Allah was more generous than a steady breeze." (Bukhari V4/bk 56/No 754 and Muslim)
This narration made me ponder to why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was more generous in Ramadan that other months. Here are three possible meanings:
1. He was more generous because he is a teacher and he had to teach us.
2. To share in the generosity shown to him by Allah (mighty and exalted).
3. He knew the value of this month and increased his generosity accordingly.
He showed us the way and Ramadan is the time that even people who are religious all year around need to increase their actions. The reference to the breeze is metaphorical in that the generosity of the wind knows no bounds. This is one of the beauties of this narration; just because we pray normally does not mean we are exempt from performing more actions. In fact if a religious person does not perform more actions this month, then this is like a normal month for them and they have lost the special benefits.
Use your time well my friend before you come to a time in which you’ll wish you did.
Ramadan Karim everyone and make dua for this lost soul.
Other posts from previous years
Imam Al-Ghazali section on fasting
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2007/08/imam-ghazali-mysteries-of-fasting.html
Considered Ramadan thoughts
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2008/09/considered-ramadan-thoughts.html
Random Ramadan thoughts
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2007/09/random-ramadan-thoughts.html
(Please click on Ramadan label for other posts on Ramadan.)
Time is something that we do not think about until we see the month come around again then we wonder where did the time go?
Have we used the time in-between well? If we did then would it come around so fast? Ramadan is time to remind ourselves of the place that we are going to go one day, the grave. The length of these fasts will begin at longest time and then it will slowly ease off. Also note that because of the Lunar cycle we will miss ten days of the longest days and the remainder will be shorter. So despite the length of these fasts the coming fasts will not be so long.
Although, we should not be concerned about the time we have to fast because the longer we fast the more reward will we get, if Allah facilitates. Does anyone have a problem with getting more reward? Difficulty will be replaced with riches; so do not concern yourself and know that even at the longest fast in this climate; it will only be ten days in any one period of fasting.
Time is something that we have to use well because the time in Ramadan is unlike any other time during the year. The reward of this time we will never receive again and this may be our last Ramadan. Who knows if we will see next year’s Ramadan? We may not even live through this year!
Time is something that we have wasted and not realised the blessing that we could have attained in time that is lost.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with) states that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “There are two blessings which many people lose; Health and free time.” (Bukhari 76:421)
Time means so much more in Ramadan; more so that the rest of the year. The blessings in this month are greater than those of the previous months. The jurists remind us that if we miss a day of fasting that we can never make up for the blessings of that day even though we can make the number. Once it is lost, it is gone, gone forever.
Ibn Abu Shayba reports in his al-Musnad from Anas that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was ascending the pulpit. He climbed a step and said, “Amin.” Then he climbed a second and said, “Amin.” Then he climbed a third and said, “Amin.” He reached the top and sat down. A companion asked, “Prophet of Allah, Why did you say Amin three times?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Jibril came to me and said, ‘Disaster befalls the one who knows that both or one of his parents are alive and does not enter Heaven (through serving them). I said, “Amin.” “Disaster befalls the one who exits Ramadan and did not attain forgiveness. I said, “Amin.” Then he said, ‘Disaster befalls the one who hears your name mentioned and does not say, Peace upon you.’ So I said, “Amin.” (`Asqalani al-Matalib al-A`liyya 3/223, Ibn Hibban 2/140 (409), Tabarani 11/67)
Use your time well because you never know this may be your last Ramadan and what a loser that person will be who did not attain from Ramadan the maximum. Time is ticking away!!!
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan. When Gabriel met him, Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan, to revise the Qur'an with him. The Messenger of Allah was more generous than a steady breeze." (Bukhari V4/bk 56/No 754 and Muslim)
This narration made me ponder to why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was more generous in Ramadan that other months. Here are three possible meanings:
1. He was more generous because he is a teacher and he had to teach us.
2. To share in the generosity shown to him by Allah (mighty and exalted).
3. He knew the value of this month and increased his generosity accordingly.
He showed us the way and Ramadan is the time that even people who are religious all year around need to increase their actions. The reference to the breeze is metaphorical in that the generosity of the wind knows no bounds. This is one of the beauties of this narration; just because we pray normally does not mean we are exempt from performing more actions. In fact if a religious person does not perform more actions this month, then this is like a normal month for them and they have lost the special benefits.
Use your time well my friend before you come to a time in which you’ll wish you did.
Ramadan Karim everyone and make dua for this lost soul.
Other posts from previous years
Imam Al-Ghazali section on fasting
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2007/08/imam-ghazali-mysteries-of-fasting.html
Considered Ramadan thoughts
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2008/09/considered-ramadan-thoughts.html
Random Ramadan thoughts
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2007/09/random-ramadan-thoughts.html
(Please click on Ramadan label for other posts on Ramadan.)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sheikh Idris Watts
This is a link to an article by Shiekh Idris about the beauty of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
http://www.nasiha.co.uk/getfile-lessons-lesson_file-83
http://www.nasiha.co.uk/getfile-lessons-lesson_file-83
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tawakkul / True Reliance on Allah
"And when someone puts all his trust in Allah, He will be enough for him." (65:3)
"Put all your trust [in Allah], if you are indeed believers." (5:23)
This was something that I did not understand for a few years and suddenly I was given an understanding that made sense.
One day Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah” (At-Tirmidhi).
So what is happening here? Here, the tenants of reliance on God/ Tawakkul are being taught to us.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is teaching us that valid reliance on Allah is about doing as much as you can then relying on Allah for the outcome. Or using the means that you have without being careless. An example of false tawakkul is a person who sits at home saying that his wage will come to him even though he does not work! This is invalid reliance. True reliance is when someone is actually searching for jobs then relies on Allah for the outcome.
To illustrate this even further, ponder the following example: a man walks across one side of a street to another without paying attention to the traffic. Claiming that he is relying on Allah to protect him, this person is mad and could be involved in a serious accident if he is not careful. This is false tawakkul!
True Tawakkul is when someone wants to cross the road; he goes to the pelican crossing then presses the button and waits for the green light. This is valid reliance/tawakkul on Allah. Do you see the difference? The person tries their best to do something and then does not concern himself with the outcome.
True Tawakkul is when someone wants to cross the road; he goes to the pelican crossing then presses the button and waits for the green light. This is valid reliance/tawakkul on Allah.
When you put your clothes out to dry on the washing line, do you leave the clothes without any pegs? Of course you do not because that would be madness! This is the difference again between false tawakkul and True tawakkul. True tawakkul is to put pegs on your clothes so they do not get blown away in the wind.
Do you see the difference? The person tries their best to do something and then does not concern himself with the outcome.
Look at this example in the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) when he was thrown into a fire by Nimrod, one the greatest oppressors of his time, by the means of a catapult because the fire was so large. The angel Jibreal came to him, as he flew through the air, and asked if he had a need. He replied, “Allah is sufficient for me a guiding protector.” At that moment Allah (mighty and majestic) ordered the fire to be cool and safe. The Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) was not harmed by the fire. This is true Tawakul because the great Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) was not concerned with the outcome; he was happy and content with whatever Allah (mighty and majestic) had decreed for him.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani stated in Al-Ghunya li-talibi Tariq Al-Haqq,
“Putting one's trust in the Lord [tawakkul] is actually the first of three stages, namely: (1) the basic sense of trust [tawakkul], then (2) the act of surrender or resignation [taslim], and then (3) the act of delegation [tafwid]. The person who is at the stage of basic trust [al-mutawakkil] is one who feels confident in relying on the promise [wa'd] of his Lord. The person who is at the stage of surrender or resignation [sahib at-taslim] is one who is content to rely on His knowledge ['ilm]. The person who is at the stage of delegation [sahib at-tafwid] is one who is happy to accept His judgment [hukm].”
http://www.al-baz.com/shaikhabdalqadir/Books_and_Text_of_Wisdom/Al-Ghunya_li-Talibi_Tariq_al-H/Al-Ghunya_li-Talibi_Tariq_al-H/al-ghunya_li-talibi_tariq_al-h2.htm
We do what we can but we know that at a certain point that its Allah who completes the matter.
"Put all your trust [in Allah], if you are indeed believers." (5:23)
This was something that I did not understand for a few years and suddenly I was given an understanding that made sense.
One day Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah” (At-Tirmidhi).
So what is happening here? Here, the tenants of reliance on God/ Tawakkul are being taught to us.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is teaching us that valid reliance on Allah is about doing as much as you can then relying on Allah for the outcome. Or using the means that you have without being careless. An example of false tawakkul is a person who sits at home saying that his wage will come to him even though he does not work! This is invalid reliance. True reliance is when someone is actually searching for jobs then relies on Allah for the outcome.
To illustrate this even further, ponder the following example: a man walks across one side of a street to another without paying attention to the traffic. Claiming that he is relying on Allah to protect him, this person is mad and could be involved in a serious accident if he is not careful. This is false tawakkul!
True Tawakkul is when someone wants to cross the road; he goes to the pelican crossing then presses the button and waits for the green light. This is valid reliance/tawakkul on Allah. Do you see the difference? The person tries their best to do something and then does not concern himself with the outcome.
True Tawakkul is when someone wants to cross the road; he goes to the pelican crossing then presses the button and waits for the green light. This is valid reliance/tawakkul on Allah.
When you put your clothes out to dry on the washing line, do you leave the clothes without any pegs? Of course you do not because that would be madness! This is the difference again between false tawakkul and True tawakkul. True tawakkul is to put pegs on your clothes so they do not get blown away in the wind.
Do you see the difference? The person tries their best to do something and then does not concern himself with the outcome.
Look at this example in the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) when he was thrown into a fire by Nimrod, one the greatest oppressors of his time, by the means of a catapult because the fire was so large. The angel Jibreal came to him, as he flew through the air, and asked if he had a need. He replied, “Allah is sufficient for me a guiding protector.” At that moment Allah (mighty and majestic) ordered the fire to be cool and safe. The Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) was not harmed by the fire. This is true Tawakul because the great Prophet Ibrahim (upon him peace) was not concerned with the outcome; he was happy and content with whatever Allah (mighty and majestic) had decreed for him.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani stated in Al-Ghunya li-talibi Tariq Al-Haqq,
“Putting one's trust in the Lord [tawakkul] is actually the first of three stages, namely: (1) the basic sense of trust [tawakkul], then (2) the act of surrender or resignation [taslim], and then (3) the act of delegation [tafwid]. The person who is at the stage of basic trust [al-mutawakkil] is one who feels confident in relying on the promise [wa'd] of his Lord. The person who is at the stage of surrender or resignation [sahib at-taslim] is one who is content to rely on His knowledge ['ilm]. The person who is at the stage of delegation [sahib at-tafwid] is one who is happy to accept His judgment [hukm].”
http://www.al-baz.com/shaikhabdalqadir/Books_and_Text_of_Wisdom/Al-Ghunya_li-Talibi_Tariq_al-H/Al-Ghunya_li-Talibi_Tariq_al-H/al-ghunya_li-talibi_tariq_al-h2.htm
We do what we can but we know that at a certain point that its Allah who completes the matter.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Rights that Muslims have over each other
Part two
Religious aspect
This is a subject that I have been meaning to tackle for some time. We were reading the Quran and fell upon this verse:
“Whoever kills a Muslim, on purpose, will be recompensed with eternal punishment and Allah’s anger and curse is upon him. Prepared for him is a great torment.”
The Women 4:93
That verse should be enough for anyone who want to kill another Muslim to think again and stop doing such a vile act. Killing anyone is unlawful and the person doing such action deserves the punishment of the full weight of the law.
There has been many examples of gang violence which is not just directly outwardly (which is bad enough) but also inwards. Any acts of unjustified violence are not allowed and are unwelcome.
Most of the violence that occurs within the Asian community is affecting itself and is self induced. We have Muslims beating each other up and even worse than that. It can be difficult to differentiate between the people doing the action and the reasons. There can only be one reason for gang violence, ignorance. It is pure and putrid ignorance, in its sickest form. The treatment of women is at times so bad that I cannot explain my disgust. Please click here for treatment of women.
This verse does not need to be explained, just to be understood. A Muslim cannot harm another Muslim, it is as simple as that. And if a Muslim (Allah protect us) kills another then the will receive a painful punishment. Tafsir As-Sharbini states, “The meaning is a long time as there is manifest proof that a sinful Muslim will not be punished forever; he is not mentioned in the verse.” (p. 385)
Are we so far away from our religion that people cannot see that the people have a right not to be harmed? We seem to enjoy segregating ourselves from like members of our own people, then form rivalries against them. Claiming that some areas are better than others then fighting over it. You have “lost the plot” if you think that is justified in any way.
If you have a problem about something then talk it out! Do not fight each other because as far as I am concerned the person who raises his fist first has already lost. Muslims have to be smarter than this and realise that the world’s media is looking at us. Any of our actions could be used against us then twisted to mean something that it is not. We need to be careful, may Allah protect us all.
Some of us may be feeling slighted by another and then retaliate in the most brutal manner. In the most inhuman manner possible. I was shocked to read the description of some of the events but it did not surprise me. We truly live in a time that madness is the norm. Where people listen to the one who screams the loudest not the one who possesses the truth.
As people, as a nation, the Western Muslims must learn to understand the areas and the times that they live in. I cannot exclude myself from this because my silence is enough of a sin and the fact that I have not done anything about it, is enough.
Part One
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Two
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_19.html
Part Three
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Four
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_08.html
Religious aspect
This is a subject that I have been meaning to tackle for some time. We were reading the Quran and fell upon this verse:
“Whoever kills a Muslim, on purpose, will be recompensed with eternal punishment and Allah’s anger and curse is upon him. Prepared for him is a great torment.”
The Women 4:93
That verse should be enough for anyone who want to kill another Muslim to think again and stop doing such a vile act. Killing anyone is unlawful and the person doing such action deserves the punishment of the full weight of the law.
There has been many examples of gang violence which is not just directly outwardly (which is bad enough) but also inwards. Any acts of unjustified violence are not allowed and are unwelcome.
Most of the violence that occurs within the Asian community is affecting itself and is self induced. We have Muslims beating each other up and even worse than that. It can be difficult to differentiate between the people doing the action and the reasons. There can only be one reason for gang violence, ignorance. It is pure and putrid ignorance, in its sickest form. The treatment of women is at times so bad that I cannot explain my disgust. Please click here for treatment of women.
This verse does not need to be explained, just to be understood. A Muslim cannot harm another Muslim, it is as simple as that. And if a Muslim (Allah protect us) kills another then the will receive a painful punishment. Tafsir As-Sharbini states, “The meaning is a long time as there is manifest proof that a sinful Muslim will not be punished forever; he is not mentioned in the verse.” (p. 385)
Are we so far away from our religion that people cannot see that the people have a right not to be harmed? We seem to enjoy segregating ourselves from like members of our own people, then form rivalries against them. Claiming that some areas are better than others then fighting over it. You have “lost the plot” if you think that is justified in any way.
If you have a problem about something then talk it out! Do not fight each other because as far as I am concerned the person who raises his fist first has already lost. Muslims have to be smarter than this and realise that the world’s media is looking at us. Any of our actions could be used against us then twisted to mean something that it is not. We need to be careful, may Allah protect us all.
Some of us may be feeling slighted by another and then retaliate in the most brutal manner. In the most inhuman manner possible. I was shocked to read the description of some of the events but it did not surprise me. We truly live in a time that madness is the norm. Where people listen to the one who screams the loudest not the one who possesses the truth.
As people, as a nation, the Western Muslims must learn to understand the areas and the times that they live in. I cannot exclude myself from this because my silence is enough of a sin and the fact that I have not done anything about it, is enough.
Part One
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Two
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_19.html
Part Three
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Four
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_08.html
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Death and prayer
(This is a something that I wrote on an email in 2004)
The blessed Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described the walk to the mosque as a walk that will purify you, for us it is a walk of mercy, but most of us wish to stay indoors and pray there. We have knowledge but yet do not to use it.
We pray to God (the Almighty) but yet harbour pride and are not fully aware of what is happening inside us. How can we harbour any pride as we stand in front of our Creator and pray to him for mercy.
I saw a dead body wrapped in its shroud and I thought how can we be tough or arrogant when we came from nothing then we will go back to nothing. No matter how much we struggle with this fact, it is true, if only we could realise this fact, maybe, we as a nation, could really understand ourselves. When we pray, do we bow our heads in grief and sadness, for our sins committed and then we prostrate on the floor? Remember that this is your best position and this is the true position of mankind. No pride, no arrogance or anything else; we have submitted to the Lord of all worlds and that is our true state.
This state of prostration is the closest to Allah but we aware of this. Many of us don’t prolong our prostration in private or praying alone, due to the demands of life but what are the demands of Allah? He gave you everything and more yet you ignore this and continue to shorten your prostration, lengthen it, you will feel better inside.
The Muslims life is for the hereafter not for this life, we must use our resources for this, in the world, we are greedily grasping it and because of this we want money, power or position.
Why because we can see its result and so we grab it, what about the greed for the lasting rewards of the hereafter, why aren’t we greedy in that respect. Don't we know that all our endings are the same, a dead body in a shroud; buried in the Earth.
The blessed Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described the walk to the mosque as a walk that will purify you, for us it is a walk of mercy, but most of us wish to stay indoors and pray there. We have knowledge but yet do not to use it.
We pray to God (the Almighty) but yet harbour pride and are not fully aware of what is happening inside us. How can we harbour any pride as we stand in front of our Creator and pray to him for mercy.
I saw a dead body wrapped in its shroud and I thought how can we be tough or arrogant when we came from nothing then we will go back to nothing. No matter how much we struggle with this fact, it is true, if only we could realise this fact, maybe, we as a nation, could really understand ourselves. When we pray, do we bow our heads in grief and sadness, for our sins committed and then we prostrate on the floor? Remember that this is your best position and this is the true position of mankind. No pride, no arrogance or anything else; we have submitted to the Lord of all worlds and that is our true state.
This state of prostration is the closest to Allah but we aware of this. Many of us don’t prolong our prostration in private or praying alone, due to the demands of life but what are the demands of Allah? He gave you everything and more yet you ignore this and continue to shorten your prostration, lengthen it, you will feel better inside.
The Muslims life is for the hereafter not for this life, we must use our resources for this, in the world, we are greedily grasping it and because of this we want money, power or position.
Why because we can see its result and so we grab it, what about the greed for the lasting rewards of the hereafter, why aren’t we greedy in that respect. Don't we know that all our endings are the same, a dead body in a shroud; buried in the Earth.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Rights that Muslims have over each other
Part one
From the social aspect
Recently, in my locality, there has been a spate of gang related violence. This is not limited to one area as other areas suffer from the same type of violence. They include attacks on people in the most brutal and shocking manner. This is something that many people including myself, find hard to understand and comprehend. Especially, when the participants are from the same place. This type of violence needs to driven out of our communities. I am tired of this “gangster” type mentality which breeds arrogance. This arrogance eventually leads to violence which leads to innocent people being harmed.
We do live in times where madness is the rule of thumb and whatever you do to make money is permissible. No matter the manner or the way it is obtained, how foolish.
It does not cease to shock me the lengths that people go to obtain something that will be worthless as soon as it is brought. One of the main problem is that people do not have the tools of education to better themselves nor do they perceive there being any reason to pursue qualifications. What’s the point? I have a job! There is a lot of difference between someone who has no qualifications and has a job and someone with qualifications who has a career.
Muslims must be smarter than this. We must think long term. Our children’s upbringing must be of utmost importance to us. The home is where learning begins. We all know the first language that a child speaks it the language of the mother. Why else is the language called the mother tongue? We need to be interested and focused on our children’s education. We cannot leave the children to the mercy of the education system and pray that they will be alright. We have to be actively involved in giving them the best education and add to it the balance of a religious education.
The problem of violence in our communities is not a new one but it is a brutal one that seems to be getting worse. It could be easy to condemn such people but it would be harder to try to understand their point of view. They have been brought into environments which they reject the English culture and then have an alienation against their own. So they are caught between two worlds, the East and the West, without belonging to either. This causes a tension and this tension can lead to adopting the ways of other “suppressed” peoples.
Muslims are not suppressed in the United Kingdom. Yes, we do face problems because external factors but on the whole we are quite lucky to be here. Chinese Muslims are facing stiff penalties for fasting in the month of Ramadan, All praise is for Allah, we do not have these problems.
The Asian youth is stuck because he does not know which way to turn. He can go to any numbers of ways. Religion seems not to be one of them despite the religious education that is received at schools and elsewhere. So the question now is, how come we have these children for many years but we do not affect them? How come we do not infuse them with love of the religion? Something is going wrong here. Most kids are dying to leave the extra education that they receive during the evenings.
The problem is not in the religion but in the manner that we are teaching it. We must seriously look into the teaching methods that are in place. We cannot relax and cannot afford to close our eyes. We have to bring in English speaking teachers who understand the cultures and can reach the children. Having someone who comes from an Asian village, who has never stepped outside his country until he was put on a plane, is not the answer.
We need to invest in teachers. We need to have homework clubs, football activities, sport activities, help centres, marriage guidance and places we can go to solve our problems. It does not have to be religiously centred but there must be support centres. We must have the door open for everyone. We owe our brothers and sisters that much and maybe more.
Part One
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Two
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_19.html
Part Three
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Four
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_08.html
This is an issue that I have wanted to speak about for some time. Not that I am someone who is giving the rights to his brothers and sisters. No, I have many deficiencies and I hope that from this I can remind myself about their rights and improve my self, myself. There are two aspects that I have identified: the social and religious aspect. (More parts will follow if Allah allows.)
From the social aspect
Recently, in my locality, there has been a spate of gang related violence. This is not limited to one area as other areas suffer from the same type of violence. They include attacks on people in the most brutal and shocking manner. This is something that many people including myself, find hard to understand and comprehend. Especially, when the participants are from the same place. This type of violence needs to driven out of our communities. I am tired of this “gangster” type mentality which breeds arrogance. This arrogance eventually leads to violence which leads to innocent people being harmed.
We do live in times where madness is the rule of thumb and whatever you do to make money is permissible. No matter the manner or the way it is obtained, how foolish.
It does not cease to shock me the lengths that people go to obtain something that will be worthless as soon as it is brought. One of the main problem is that people do not have the tools of education to better themselves nor do they perceive there being any reason to pursue qualifications. What’s the point? I have a job! There is a lot of difference between someone who has no qualifications and has a job and someone with qualifications who has a career.
Muslims must be smarter than this. We must think long term. Our children’s upbringing must be of utmost importance to us. The home is where learning begins. We all know the first language that a child speaks it the language of the mother. Why else is the language called the mother tongue? We need to be interested and focused on our children’s education. We cannot leave the children to the mercy of the education system and pray that they will be alright. We have to be actively involved in giving them the best education and add to it the balance of a religious education.
The problem of violence in our communities is not a new one but it is a brutal one that seems to be getting worse. It could be easy to condemn such people but it would be harder to try to understand their point of view. They have been brought into environments which they reject the English culture and then have an alienation against their own. So they are caught between two worlds, the East and the West, without belonging to either. This causes a tension and this tension can lead to adopting the ways of other “suppressed” peoples.
Muslims are not suppressed in the United Kingdom. Yes, we do face problems because external factors but on the whole we are quite lucky to be here. Chinese Muslims are facing stiff penalties for fasting in the month of Ramadan, All praise is for Allah, we do not have these problems.
The Asian youth is stuck because he does not know which way to turn. He can go to any numbers of ways. Religion seems not to be one of them despite the religious education that is received at schools and elsewhere. So the question now is, how come we have these children for many years but we do not affect them? How come we do not infuse them with love of the religion? Something is going wrong here. Most kids are dying to leave the extra education that they receive during the evenings.
The problem is not in the religion but in the manner that we are teaching it. We must seriously look into the teaching methods that are in place. We cannot relax and cannot afford to close our eyes. We have to bring in English speaking teachers who understand the cultures and can reach the children. Having someone who comes from an Asian village, who has never stepped outside his country until he was put on a plane, is not the answer.
We need to invest in teachers. We need to have homework clubs, football activities, sport activities, help centres, marriage guidance and places we can go to solve our problems. It does not have to be religiously centred but there must be support centres. We must have the door open for everyone. We owe our brothers and sisters that much and maybe more.
Part One
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Two
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_19.html
Part Three
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each.html
Part Four
http://sheikhynotes.blogspot.com/2009/09/rights-that-muslims-have-over-each_08.html
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Empty Rooms
I remember once I was getting a new carpet for a room. Part of the process was to clear everything out of the room.
I took out all the furniture, books and the old carpet in preparation for the new carpet. Then I noticed something very strange whilst walking in the bare room. My footsteps were making a lot of noise.
So I pondered for a moment then thought it cannot be my footsteps because I was wearing the same footwear as before; then I realised why the room was making so much noise; there was nothing in the room!
So remember the reason why things make a lot of noise; is because they are empty, not because they are full and not because of the person passing through.
I took out all the furniture, books and the old carpet in preparation for the new carpet. Then I noticed something very strange whilst walking in the bare room. My footsteps were making a lot of noise.
So I pondered for a moment then thought it cannot be my footsteps because I was wearing the same footwear as before; then I realised why the room was making so much noise; there was nothing in the room!
So remember the reason why things make a lot of noise; is because they are empty, not because they are full and not because of the person passing through.
Similarly some people are like empty rooms they make lots noise but are empty inside. In my experience the more noise someone makes the emptier they are!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Sheikh Atabek Shukurov
Patience, reward, gratitude and acceptance
“Certainly those who observe patience will be given their reward in full without measure.” The troops 39:10
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever is afflicted in his wealth or health and does not complain; then it becomes Allah’s responsibility to reward him.” Tabarani
“Ayyub called out to his Lord, “I have been afflicted with harm and you are the most merciful of the merciful.” The Prophets 21:83
Please note that the Prophet Ayyub (upon him peace) did not complain despite his loss of health, family and wealth
The definition of patience is to withhold yourself in calamities
There are three types of patience/Sabr
1. Restrain yourself in calamities
2. Continue to obey
3. To restrain yourself from sin
Without patience someone will not be able to do much
(We know all the rewards for everything except patience - we do not know the reward of patience except that there is no account for it.)
Jaza’/impatience which is to fail to restrain yourself during tribulations by words or actions
Difficulties are: Expiation (for previous sins), Punishment (remove sins), Raising rank (one of the signs of this is to be comfortable with a problem or worship is easy
Sheikh Abdulqadir Al-Jilani stated about tribulations:
1. If it is punishment then you will not be able to bear it,
2. To be not pleased by it means it was an expiation for minor sins
3. If you are content then it is to increase your rank
Gratitude/Shukr is to be grateful; to know the gifts and accept
The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever is not thankful for a little will not be thankful for plenty.” (Imam Ahmed)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever does not thank the people has not thanked Allah.” Imam Ahmed and Tirmidhi
By thanking a person you are not doing Shirk, you are just thanking the giver
Rida/Acceptance is:
1) accepting inside but not outside,
2) acceptance internally and externally
“Certainly those who observe patience will be given their reward in full without measure.” The troops 39:10
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever is afflicted in his wealth or health and does not complain; then it becomes Allah’s responsibility to reward him.” Tabarani
“Ayyub called out to his Lord, “I have been afflicted with harm and you are the most merciful of the merciful.” The Prophets 21:83
Please note that the Prophet Ayyub (upon him peace) did not complain despite his loss of health, family and wealth
The definition of patience is to withhold yourself in calamities
There are three types of patience/Sabr
1. Restrain yourself in calamities
2. Continue to obey
3. To restrain yourself from sin
Without patience someone will not be able to do much
(We know all the rewards for everything except patience - we do not know the reward of patience except that there is no account for it.)
Jaza’/impatience which is to fail to restrain yourself during tribulations by words or actions
Difficulties are: Expiation (for previous sins), Punishment (remove sins), Raising rank (one of the signs of this is to be comfortable with a problem or worship is easy
Sheikh Abdulqadir Al-Jilani stated about tribulations:
1. If it is punishment then you will not be able to bear it,
2. To be not pleased by it means it was an expiation for minor sins
3. If you are content then it is to increase your rank
Gratitude/Shukr is to be grateful; to know the gifts and accept
The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever is not thankful for a little will not be thankful for plenty.” (Imam Ahmed)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever does not thank the people has not thanked Allah.” Imam Ahmed and Tirmidhi
By thanking a person you are not doing Shirk, you are just thanking the giver
Rida/Acceptance is:
1) accepting inside but not outside,
2) acceptance internally and externally
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Dr. Justin McCarthy
Armenian-Turkish Conflict
This is a link to the doctor answering the Armenian Question
http://homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~dwilson/Armenia/justin.html
This is a link to the doctor answering the Armenian Question
http://homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~dwilson/Armenia/justin.html
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Sheikh Atabek Shukurov
Definition of ordering good and forbidding evil
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” The Family of Imran 3:104
“The best community raised for the benefit of humanity; commanding right and forbidding wrong, and believing in Allah." The family of Imran 3:110
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever of you sees something wrong, let him change it with his hand. If unable to, then let him change it with his tongue. If unable, then with his heart. And that is the weakest degree of faith." (Muslim)
Abu Hanifa (may Allah show him mercy) gave the following explanation of this prophetic narration: 1. The one who should change it with their hand are the leaders or judges/Qadi
2. The tongue – scholars
3. Heart – normal person
Ibn Abbas said, “Leave them if they do not stop.”
The definition of commanding the good is to stop people doing wrong and helping in good deeds
The levels are: Hand, tongue and heart
One cannot hate the person but you can hate the sin
If you can stop someone by using the tongue then you cannot use your hand!
The condition are: intention, Know the proof – Quran and Hadith not ignorance, be patient
Use soft words, be kind and use knowledge
“And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.” Taha 20:44
It is forbidden to use harsh words or expose someones sins
There was one a leader who came to the Khutba/Friday sermon of an Imam. When the imam saw him he became very harsh in his sermon towards the leader. After the prayer the leader called the imam to partake in some food. He then said to the Imam, “We are not as bad as Pharaoh and you are not as good as Musa.” After this the Imam became very soft...
We are forbidden to pry on someone’s sins
“O’ you who believe, abstain from many of the suspicions. Some suspicions are sins. And do not be curious (to find out faults of others), and do not backbite one.” Al-Hujjarat 49.12
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” The Family of Imran 3:104
“The best community raised for the benefit of humanity; commanding right and forbidding wrong, and believing in Allah." The family of Imran 3:110
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever of you sees something wrong, let him change it with his hand. If unable to, then let him change it with his tongue. If unable, then with his heart. And that is the weakest degree of faith." (Muslim)
Abu Hanifa (may Allah show him mercy) gave the following explanation of this prophetic narration: 1. The one who should change it with their hand are the leaders or judges/Qadi
2. The tongue – scholars
3. Heart – normal person
Ibn Abbas said, “Leave them if they do not stop.”
The definition of commanding the good is to stop people doing wrong and helping in good deeds
The levels are: Hand, tongue and heart
One cannot hate the person but you can hate the sin
If you can stop someone by using the tongue then you cannot use your hand!
The condition are: intention, Know the proof – Quran and Hadith not ignorance, be patient
Use soft words, be kind and use knowledge
“And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.” Taha 20:44
It is forbidden to use harsh words or expose someones sins
There was one a leader who came to the Khutba/Friday sermon of an Imam. When the imam saw him he became very harsh in his sermon towards the leader. After the prayer the leader called the imam to partake in some food. He then said to the Imam, “We are not as bad as Pharaoh and you are not as good as Musa.” After this the Imam became very soft...
We are forbidden to pry on someone’s sins
“O’ you who believe, abstain from many of the suspicions. Some suspicions are sins. And do not be curious (to find out faults of others), and do not backbite one.” Al-Hujjarat 49.12
Monday, August 03, 2009
Said Nursi
See the link for works of the scholar
http://www.nur.gen.tr/en.html#leftmenu=Home&maincontent=Home
http://www.nur.gen.tr/en.html#leftmenu=Home&maincontent=Home
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Hypocrisy/Nifaq
The reason why I am writing this is because I recognise this in myself and I need to do something about it.
“The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them.”
(The Women 4:145)
“Give to the hypocrites the tidings, that there is for them, a painful torment.”
(The Women 4:138)
'Abdullah bin 'Amr narrated that The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up. 1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays. 2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. 3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. 4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner." (Bukhari Book 2, Hadith 33)
Abi Waih narrated from Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman said, “The hypocrites of today are worse than those of the lifetime of the Prophet, because in those days they used to do evil deeds secretly but today they do such deeds openly.” (Bukhari Book #88, Hadith #229)
Yahya related to me from Malik that al-Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman said, "We visited Anas ibn Malik after Zhuhr and he stood up and prayed Asr. When he had finished his prayer, we mentioned doing prayers early in their time, or he mentioned it, and he said that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say, “The prayer of the hypocrites, the prayer of the hypocrites, the prayer of the hypocrites is that one of them sits until the sun becomes yellow and is between the horns of satan, or on the horn of satan, and then gets up and rattles off four units, hardly remembering Allah in them at all." (Al-Muwatta Book #15, Hadith #15.10.46)
Roots
The word hypocrisy comes from an Arabic word Nafaqa which means exhaust or spend out. Nafaq means to tunnel an underground passage. (Hans Wehr p.987) Imam Ghazali in the Ihya said that Nifaq came from a word that relates to how a rat looks like it is about to leave from one hole but exits from another. A Munafiq is someone who displays this type of behaviour. In the Mujam Al-Arabi Al-Musir (p.502) it states that a Munafiq is someone who displays faith but hides disbelief or ones outward is different to ones inward.
In English the word can be seperated into two parts: hypo comes from the Greek hupo that means under and hypokrisis which means acting or feigning. It’s like actor who feigns illness to us all; but is perfectly healthy inside, whilst the remainder of us are under his spell.
Faith is defined as belief in the heart with affirmation of the tongue. (with the condition of not doing that causes disbelief) So hypocrisy is the outward present and the inward vacant.
Words
One of the things that really annoys me about listening to the sermons on a Friday, is the warning about the hypocrites. It is repeated every week, every lecture, every time I step into the masjid. Some people think they are able to declare who the hypocrites are and who are not; then they declare openly and sometimes to the face of others. This is not based on anything except opinion and not knowledge. The image that is painted is that some are free from it and everyone else needs to be careful; because anyone unlike them is a hypocrite. When you can walk into any masjid in the country and hear the same message then it is a concern. How can we be sure that we are free from it? If we are not, then how can we feel so comfortable?
Guidance
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: When he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is given a trust he breaches it." (Bukhari)
So if someone has all three qualities then that person is a true hypocrite and if someone has one or two qualities then they have to be aware they have a portion of hypocrisy. Look into yourself and ask yourself these questions; do I have any of these qualities in me? If you lie then tell the truth, if you break promises try to keep them and if someone gives you something then return it.
I have lost count of the amount of items that I have lent out which I never see again, where is the trust? I remember there was one brother who refused to give an item to someone who asked for his friends item because he did not own it and he was looking after it. The person who was asked for it fought the brother. How many of us would do this? Despite being attacked he never gave up the trust that he was given.
Nifaq is a form of disbelief and the notes of lecture on disbelief can be found on here. (see Kufr/disbelief label)
Distribution
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was distributing spoils to the companions. One of the known hypocrites said, “This distribution is not what Allah desired.” He was angered (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) until his face reddened; he said, “Woe betide you, if I am not just then who will be?” he did not follow up his anger by taking recompense for himself; he is far from that (upon him peace and blessings); nor did he add to the advice or admonition. Umar and Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah pleased with them) said, “O’ Messenger of Allah, tell us to smite his neck.” He said, “No, perhaps he prays.” Khalid ibn Walid said, “How many person who prays say with their tongue what is not in their hearts?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I was not ordered to search the hearts of the people nor to split their chests.” (Light of certainty by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khudri p.227 from Al-Bukhari 4351)
This story needs no interpretation; it just needs to be understood.
Ali and the Kharijites
During the caliphate of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) a group appeared who would be known as the first sect of Islam, the Kharijites. From the Arabic word kharaja which means to leave – this group had left the majority and went against the Caliphate. They caused the death of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) then Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). They contributed to the first civil war in Islam. They were outwardly pious they would pray and fast excessively but would go against the leadership of the Companions!
Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was once asked whether the sectarian groups who disagreed with him were disbelievers. “No.” He replied. “They have fled from disbelief.” He was then asked, “So are they hypocrites?” And he replied, “No. Hypocrites remember God little, and these remember Him abundantly.” “So what are they?” he was asked. And he said, “They are people afflicted by a sedition (fitna), so they have become blind and deaf.” (Key to the Garden Imam Haddad p.84)
Look at the mercy of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), these people are not just disagreeing with him but they are people fighting him. And like the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) he does not return evil with evil. When people argue with each other they call each other disbelievers, just for having a different opinion than them! Did Ali?
The Sincerity of Umar
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) found out that Hudhayfa Al-Yaman was informed of the names of twelve hypocrites by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Umar asked Hudhayfa, “I adjure you by Allah! Tell me, am I one of them? Hudhayfa replied, “No, and I will not tell anyone anything further after this.” (Sh. Gibril Haddad Sunna notes p.126 from Tabari in his Tafsir (11:11), Al-Bazzar through trustworthy narrators according to Al-Haythami (3:42), Al-Bayhaqi in Sunan Al-Kubra (8:200))
This is not an ordinary person, this is Umar ibn Al-Khattab! He was present at Badr, Uhud, Trench and other battles, he was there at the treaty of Hudaybiyya, satan would cross the street when he saw him (according to hadith), he was the second greatest ruler of Islam, he gave away half his wealth for the sake of Allah and he is the one who asking if he is one of the mentioned names of the hypocrites! We are not better than Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) so if he was concerned about being hypocrisy then shouldn’t we be more scared!
We will never get to the level of one of his good actions. This is due to his sincerity and his concern for being on the right path. So how could we call other people hypocrites and how can we not be scared that hypocrisy has not affected us?
We should be terrified of being hypocritical; each one of us. Anyone who thinks that they are safe from it then they are either asleep or have not read this piece correctly. We should all be scared but this is being sincere about our religion and if we are not sincere then what are we?
Lets go back to the hadith, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The signs of a hypocrite are three: if he speaks he lies, if he makes promises he breaks them and if he is given a trust he betrays. Even if he fasts, prays and claims, "I am Muslim." Narrated by Muslim.
One of the things that I have witnessed the most Nifaq, this year, is the love towards the family of the Prophet (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings). Most people curse and praise the family within the same sentence. This is nothing but abhorent and this is true Nifaq. If there is something bad that one of the family are doing then advise them but do not curse them or make the sin known to people. This makes the situation worse. Keep quiet for the sake of his grandfather.
Even if you pray and fast do not think that you are alright and there is nothing wrong. Yes you are doing good actions but you need to remove these traits from yourself. There is no sincere Muslim who should not be terrified of hypocrisy as for those who are not scared of hypocrisy then I fear that you have already fallen into it...even the insincere ones should be scared.
“The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them.”
(The Women 4:145)
“Give to the hypocrites the tidings, that there is for them, a painful torment.”
(The Women 4:138)
'Abdullah bin 'Amr narrated that The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up. 1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays. 2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. 3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. 4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner." (Bukhari Book 2, Hadith 33)
Abi Waih narrated from Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman said, “The hypocrites of today are worse than those of the lifetime of the Prophet, because in those days they used to do evil deeds secretly but today they do such deeds openly.” (Bukhari Book #88, Hadith #229)
Yahya related to me from Malik that al-Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman said, "We visited Anas ibn Malik after Zhuhr and he stood up and prayed Asr. When he had finished his prayer, we mentioned doing prayers early in their time, or he mentioned it, and he said that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say, “The prayer of the hypocrites, the prayer of the hypocrites, the prayer of the hypocrites is that one of them sits until the sun becomes yellow and is between the horns of satan, or on the horn of satan, and then gets up and rattles off four units, hardly remembering Allah in them at all." (Al-Muwatta Book #15, Hadith #15.10.46)
Roots
The word hypocrisy comes from an Arabic word Nafaqa which means exhaust or spend out. Nafaq means to tunnel an underground passage. (Hans Wehr p.987) Imam Ghazali in the Ihya said that Nifaq came from a word that relates to how a rat looks like it is about to leave from one hole but exits from another. A Munafiq is someone who displays this type of behaviour. In the Mujam Al-Arabi Al-Musir (p.502) it states that a Munafiq is someone who displays faith but hides disbelief or ones outward is different to ones inward.
In English the word can be seperated into two parts: hypo comes from the Greek hupo that means under and hypokrisis which means acting or feigning. It’s like actor who feigns illness to us all; but is perfectly healthy inside, whilst the remainder of us are under his spell.
Faith is defined as belief in the heart with affirmation of the tongue. (with the condition of not doing that causes disbelief) So hypocrisy is the outward present and the inward vacant.
Words
One of the things that really annoys me about listening to the sermons on a Friday, is the warning about the hypocrites. It is repeated every week, every lecture, every time I step into the masjid. Some people think they are able to declare who the hypocrites are and who are not; then they declare openly and sometimes to the face of others. This is not based on anything except opinion and not knowledge. The image that is painted is that some are free from it and everyone else needs to be careful; because anyone unlike them is a hypocrite. When you can walk into any masjid in the country and hear the same message then it is a concern. How can we be sure that we are free from it? If we are not, then how can we feel so comfortable?
Guidance
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: When he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is given a trust he breaches it." (Bukhari)
So if someone has all three qualities then that person is a true hypocrite and if someone has one or two qualities then they have to be aware they have a portion of hypocrisy. Look into yourself and ask yourself these questions; do I have any of these qualities in me? If you lie then tell the truth, if you break promises try to keep them and if someone gives you something then return it.
I have lost count of the amount of items that I have lent out which I never see again, where is the trust? I remember there was one brother who refused to give an item to someone who asked for his friends item because he did not own it and he was looking after it. The person who was asked for it fought the brother. How many of us would do this? Despite being attacked he never gave up the trust that he was given.
Nifaq is a form of disbelief and the notes of lecture on disbelief can be found on here. (see Kufr/disbelief label)
Distribution
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was distributing spoils to the companions. One of the known hypocrites said, “This distribution is not what Allah desired.” He was angered (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) until his face reddened; he said, “Woe betide you, if I am not just then who will be?” he did not follow up his anger by taking recompense for himself; he is far from that (upon him peace and blessings); nor did he add to the advice or admonition. Umar and Khalid ibn Walid (may Allah pleased with them) said, “O’ Messenger of Allah, tell us to smite his neck.” He said, “No, perhaps he prays.” Khalid ibn Walid said, “How many person who prays say with their tongue what is not in their hearts?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I was not ordered to search the hearts of the people nor to split their chests.” (Light of certainty by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khudri p.227 from Al-Bukhari 4351)
This story needs no interpretation; it just needs to be understood.
Ali and the Kharijites
During the caliphate of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) a group appeared who would be known as the first sect of Islam, the Kharijites. From the Arabic word kharaja which means to leave – this group had left the majority and went against the Caliphate. They caused the death of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) then Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). They contributed to the first civil war in Islam. They were outwardly pious they would pray and fast excessively but would go against the leadership of the Companions!
Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was once asked whether the sectarian groups who disagreed with him were disbelievers. “No.” He replied. “They have fled from disbelief.” He was then asked, “So are they hypocrites?” And he replied, “No. Hypocrites remember God little, and these remember Him abundantly.” “So what are they?” he was asked. And he said, “They are people afflicted by a sedition (fitna), so they have become blind and deaf.” (Key to the Garden Imam Haddad p.84)
Look at the mercy of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), these people are not just disagreeing with him but they are people fighting him. And like the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) he does not return evil with evil. When people argue with each other they call each other disbelievers, just for having a different opinion than them! Did Ali?
The Sincerity of Umar
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) found out that Hudhayfa Al-Yaman was informed of the names of twelve hypocrites by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Umar asked Hudhayfa, “I adjure you by Allah! Tell me, am I one of them? Hudhayfa replied, “No, and I will not tell anyone anything further after this.” (Sh. Gibril Haddad Sunna notes p.126 from Tabari in his Tafsir (11:11), Al-Bazzar through trustworthy narrators according to Al-Haythami (3:42), Al-Bayhaqi in Sunan Al-Kubra (8:200))
This is not an ordinary person, this is Umar ibn Al-Khattab! He was present at Badr, Uhud, Trench and other battles, he was there at the treaty of Hudaybiyya, satan would cross the street when he saw him (according to hadith), he was the second greatest ruler of Islam, he gave away half his wealth for the sake of Allah and he is the one who asking if he is one of the mentioned names of the hypocrites! We are not better than Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) so if he was concerned about being hypocrisy then shouldn’t we be more scared!
We will never get to the level of one of his good actions. This is due to his sincerity and his concern for being on the right path. So how could we call other people hypocrites and how can we not be scared that hypocrisy has not affected us?
We should be terrified of being hypocritical; each one of us. Anyone who thinks that they are safe from it then they are either asleep or have not read this piece correctly. We should all be scared but this is being sincere about our religion and if we are not sincere then what are we?
Lets go back to the hadith, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The signs of a hypocrite are three: if he speaks he lies, if he makes promises he breaks them and if he is given a trust he betrays. Even if he fasts, prays and claims, "I am Muslim." Narrated by Muslim.
One of the things that I have witnessed the most Nifaq, this year, is the love towards the family of the Prophet (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings). Most people curse and praise the family within the same sentence. This is nothing but abhorent and this is true Nifaq. If there is something bad that one of the family are doing then advise them but do not curse them or make the sin known to people. This makes the situation worse. Keep quiet for the sake of his grandfather.
Even if you pray and fast do not think that you are alright and there is nothing wrong. Yes you are doing good actions but you need to remove these traits from yourself. There is no sincere Muslim who should not be terrified of hypocrisy as for those who are not scared of hypocrisy then I fear that you have already fallen into it...even the insincere ones should be scared.
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