Nowadays people look at the number of their followers. The "social media presence"

This is misguidance. The truth is not known by numbers. I've seen social media accounts with a handful of followers that are very beneficial and I've also seen the opposite. Hundreds of thousands of followers and about as beneficial as a blunt knife.

Let EVERY man know that his dawah is nothing on that of the prophets, yet some of them will come with LESS THAN TEN followers. How many of us would keep up with 'dawah' if only 3 people followed us, after years of preaching?

A reminder to myself and yourselves - followers mean nothing. Tyrants and shayateen have millions of followers. The key is to keep calling to Tawheed and Sunnah with clear knowledge and evidences.

If you ever find yourself thinking "this will be popular" then stop, because what your about to do might just ruin your deeds.

Trying to satisfy desires in this world is like trying to fill water in a colander. Just as the colander will never fill, your desires will never be satisfied.

They are the Majority of the Inhabitants of Jannah

‘Imrān ibn Ḥuṣayn رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه said:
I looked into Jannah and saw the majority of its inhabitants were al-Fuqarā’ (the poor).¹

In another narration it says:

I stood at the door of Jannah and the majority of those who entered
[through] it were al-Masākīn (the needy).²

[2]: They Will be the First to Enter Jannah
Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

The poor Muslims will enter Jannah half a day before the rich [Muslims] and that [half day] is five hundred years.³

¹ Ṣaḥīḥ: Reported by al-Bukhārī in his Ṣaḥīḥ (no. 6449)

²Ṣaḥīḥ: Reported by al-Bukhārī in his Ṣaḥīḥ (no. 6547)

³ Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ: Reported by at-Tirmidhī in his Sunan (no. 2354) and al-Albānī said it is ḥasan

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, there were three among the children of Israel whom Allah Almighty intended to test: a leper, a bald man, and a blind man.

He sent an angel to them and he came to the leper, saying: What would you love most? The leper said: I want a beautiful color and beautiful skin, for people have shunned me. The angel wiped over him and it had gone away, then he was given a beautiful color and beautiful skin. The angel said: Which property would you love most? The man said: Camels. Thus, he was given a pregnant camel. The angel said: May Allah bless you in it.

The angel came to the bald man, saying: What would you love most? The bald man said: Beautiful hair and to be rid of this, for people have shunned me. The angel wiped over him and it had gone away, then he was given beautiful hair. The angel said: Which property would you love most? The man said: Cows. Thus, he was given a pregnant cow. The angel said: May Allah bless you in it.

The angel came to the blind man, saying: What would you love most? The blind man said: For Allah to return my sight so I can see people. The angel wiped over him, then Allah returned his sight. The angel said: Which property would you love most? The man said: Sheep. Thus, he was given a pregnant sheep.

The animals had grown and given birth such that one man had a valley of camels, another had a valley of cows, and another had a valley of sheep. Then, the angel came to the former leper while disguised in the shape and appearance of a leper, saying: I am a poor man, bereft of my livelihood while on a journey, none can take care of my needs today but Allah and then you, so I ask by the One who gave you beautiful color and beautiful skin and a wealth of camels to help me reach my destination! The man said: I have many duties. The angel said to him: It is as if I recognize you, were you not a leper shunned by people, in poverty, but Allah gave this to you? The man said: I have inherited it from my forefathers. The angel said: If you are lying, then may Allah return you to what you were before!

The angel came to the former bald man in a similar appearance, saying the same as he had said to the leper and the man responded the same way. The angel said: If you are lying, then may Allah return you to what you were before!

The angel came to the blind man in a similar form, saying: I am a poor man and wayfarer, bereft of my livelihood while on a journey, none can take care of my needs today but Allah and then you, so I ask by the One who returned your sight and gave you sheep to help me reach my destination! The man said: I was once a blind man and Allah returned my sight, I was poor and He enriched me, so take whatever you wish for, by Allah, I will not dispute you today in whatever you take for Allah’s sake. The angel said: Keep your property, for I was only sent to test you and Allah is pleased with you but angry with your two companions.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari 3464, Sahih Muslim 2964

Ruling On Appointing A Woman As a Ruler,or Leader
⁣
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم⁣
⁣
There is no difference of opinion among the scholars that one of the conditions of becoming an Imaam, Ruler, Leader or anything that is similar to it, is that he should be male , because Allah Azza Wa Jalla says, ⁣
⁣
"Men are the protectors and maintainers⁣ of women, because Allaah has made one⁣ of them (the men) to excel the⁣ other (the women) …” { Qs. An Nisa' ayat 34 } ⁣
⁣
Rasulullah Salallahu'alaihi wa sallam said: ❝No people who appoint a woman in charge of them will ever succeed.❞ { Sahih al Bukhari 4163 }⁣
⁣
Imam ash-Shawkaani Rahimahullahu Ta'ala said: ❝Women are not qualified to rule and it is not permissible to appoint them as rulers.❞ Nayl al-Awtaar 8/305
⁣
Imam Al-Baghawi Rahimahullahu Ta'ala said: ❝“The scholars agreed that women are not fit to be leaders or judges, because the leader needs to go out to organize jihad and take care of the Muslims’ affairs, and the judge needs to go out to judge between people, but women are ‘awrah and it is not right for them to go out. Because of their weakness, women are not able to do many things. Women are imperfect, and the positions of leaders and judge are among the most perfect of positions for which only the most perfect of men are qualified.”❞ Sharh us-Sunnah 10/77

Imam Ash-Shinqeeti Rahimahullahu Ta'ala said: ❝There is no difference of opinion that women cannot become leaders or judges.❞ { Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 1/55
⁣
Wallahu Ta’ala a’lam ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣

How to Assess the State of Your Heart - Imām Ibn al-Qayyim

Imām Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Seek out your heart in three places:

[1] When listening to the Qur’ān,
[2] in the gatherings of [Allāh’s] remembrance [circles of knowledge], and
[3] when [alone] in privacy,

If you do not find it in these places, then ask Allāh to grant you a heart – for verily, you do not have one.”

See Al-Fawā’id [p. 479]

Action plan:

- Read the Qur’ān for at least 20 minutes daily.
- Attend at least one Islamic class per week.
- Engage in the remembrance of Allāh in private.
- Read the following supplications:

يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ

“O Turner of the hearts, affirm my heart upon Your religion.”

اللّٰهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ قَلْبِي وَعَمَلِي

“O Allāh rectify my heart and my action”

اللهُمَّ طَهِّرْ قَلْبِي مِنْ كُلِّ سُوْءٍ

“O Allāh, purify my heart from every evil.”

‎The Messenger of Allāh (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa-’ālihi wa-sallam) said:

He has not thanked Allāh who has not thanked people.
‎
[Ahmad, Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, Isnaad: Saheeh]

-

‎Ibn Mufliḥ (rahimahullah) said:

It means that Allāh doesn't accept gratitude of a slave for favors upon him if he doesn't thank people for the favours (they’ve bestowed upon him).

[al-Ad’aab ash-Sharee’aah, 313]

Imam Ibnul Qayyim said,

“Allah has decreed a matter that cannot be changed or repelled, which is that

(1) whoever loves something other than Allah will suffer at its hands
(2) and that whoever fears other than Allah will be hunted by it
(3) and whoever busies himself with other than Allah will be misfortuned by it
(4) and whoever prefers something over Allah will not be blessed in it
(5) and whoever pleases others at Allah’s expense, Allah will turn them against him.”

(From his book: Al-Waabil As-Sayyib)

If the aim is to buy a house through the bank, this also is of two types:

The role of the bank is to finance the purchase in return for interest, so it pays the price of the house for you, on condition that you will pay it off in installments in return for interest that will be taken from the bank. This is a riba-based loan and is haram.
The bank buys the house for itself first, then sells it to you for a higher price, in installments. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is essential that the contract be free of any stipulation of riba , which is the condition that a penalty be paid in the event of any delay in paying the installments, because stipulating this penalty is riba and is haram.

Prohibition of riba in Islam

It is no secret to you that riba is a major sin , and there are stern warnings concerning it that are not given for other sins; Allah threatens war to the one who commits this sin and He told His Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that there is a curse upon the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it. This is a strong warning against falling into this evil.

Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Every loan in which it is stipulated that something extra must be paid back is haram, with no difference of scholarly opinion. Ibn al-Mundhir said: [the scholars] unanimously agreed that if the lender stipulates that the borrower must pay extra or give him a gift, and he lends him money on that basis, then accepting the extra payment is riba. It was narrated from Ubayy ibn Ka’b, Ibn 'Abbas and Ibn Mas’ud that they forbade every loan that brings benefits, because loans should be given as an act of kindness and an act of worship aimed at bringing one closer to Allah. So if there is a stipulation of extra payment, this diverts the loan from its purpose.” (Al-Mughni, 6/436)

This applies if the aim is to take out a loan from the bank that clearly involves interest.

Signs of a Diseased Heart…

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله:

• One does not feel any hurt or pain when he commits evil deeds and sins.

• One finds both pleasure in committing sins and tranquility after doing them.

• One looks after less important matters and neglects more important and critical ones.

• One dislikes the truth and has difficulty accepting or submitting to it.

• One feels discomfort being in the company of the righteous and feels comfort in the company of the sinful.

• One is susceptible to misconceptions and doubts, and is attracted to debates and arguments about them rather than to reading Qur’an and other such beneficial acts.

• One is not affected by any kind of admonition.

[Ighaatha al-Lahfaa | Vol. 1, P. 548]

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Not Drinking from a Cracked Cup: A Scientific Miracle and Prophetic Medicine

From Abu Sa’eed who said, “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade drinking from the cracked place on a cup …” [Abu Dawud, no. 3722]

Al-Albaani said, “Sahih li ghairihi.” Then he quoted Ibn al-Athir’s explanation of the term, ‘ثُلْمَة – cracked place,’ “I.e., the place where it is broken, and he only forbade it because the mouth of the one drinking cannot grasp [the cup] properly and [thus] the water may spill onto his garments or body. And it has been said: [it was said] because when the cup is washed, the place where it is cracked cannot be cleaned completely.” An-Nihaayah.

I [al-Albaani] say, “And today it is possible to say: [it was said] because it is the place where germs and microbes gather, so it is from Prophetic medicine, and a scientific miracle.

So may Allaah send prayers upon the Prophet, the Unlettered one.”

Saheeh Mawaarid adh-Dhamaan, 2/15.

'BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION'

Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله said

Whoever has a disease in his heart, will take from every speech whatever suits his disease.

Jaamih Al-Masaa'il (7/191)

Shaykh Al Fawzan حفظه الله said

No one uses the difference of opinion amongst the scholars as a justification except for the people of desires who love to follow their whims.

As for the one who fears Allah, he does not use the differences of opinion as an excuse.

Differences of opinions exist amongst the scholars. In fact, there is almost no issue from among the issues of Fiqh, except that there can be found a difference of opinion amongst the scholars in it. This is why Allah has commanded us to refer back to the Book and the Sunnah.

So differences of opinion exist. However, it is not permissible for us to (only) accept the opinion that confirms to our desires and aspirations, whilst rejecting the one that is supported by the evidences just because it contradicts our desires.

This is not permissible.

"Four Essays On The Obligation Of Veiling" p.4

Treating other well.

Imam ibn al-Qayyim said:

"There is nothing more beneficial for the heart than treating people well and wanting good for them. If you do this, you will gain the love and affection of strangers; you will maintain the companionship and love of friends; and your kindness will extinguish the fire of hatred raging in the breast of your enemy..."

He also said:

"The person who treats others kindly and thinks well of them, will find that his intention will remain true, he will feel at ease, his heart will be sound and Allah will protect him from evil and calamity."

~ Madarij al-Salikeen 2/511

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Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying:

‏"‏الأَرْوَاحُ جُنُودٌ مُجَنَّدَةٌ فَمَا تَعَارَفَ مِنْهَا ائْتَلَفَ وَمَا تَنَاكَرَ مِنْهَا اخْتَلَفَ"‏.‏
Souls are like connoscripted soldiers. Those who recognize each other (have afinity/similar qualities) will come together and those amongst them who don't, will differ.

📜 Sahih Muslim 2638a

✒ Be The Key To Goodness 🗝

Prophet Muḥammad Ṣallallāhu-ʿAlaihi Wa Sallam said:

“Indeed, from amongst mankind are those who are KEYS to GOODNESS and LOCKS to EVIL and indeed from amongst mankind are those who are KEYS to EVIL and LOCKS to GOODNESS, so GLAD-TIDINGS to the one in whose hand Allāh has placed the keys to goodness and WOE to the one in whose hand Allāh has placed the keys to evil.”

● [مختصر صحيح الجامع الصغير برقم ٢٢٢٣ ، حسنه الألباني]

What a beautiful thing to post.

It is attributed to al Hasan basri:

[قال الحسن البصري : قرأتُ في تسعين موضعاً من القرآن : أنَّ الله قدَّرَ الأرزاقَ وضمنها لخلقه وقرأتُ في موضعٍ واحدٍ : ﴿الشيطانُ يعدكم الفقر ويأمركم بالفحشاء ﴾ ،فشككنا في قول الصادق في تسعين موضعاً ! وصدَّقنا الكاذبَ في موضعٍ واحد]

al-Hasan al-Basri said: I have found 90 places in the Qur'an where Allah has decreed provisions and guaranteed it for His created beings, and I have found one place that

[الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ]

"The shaytaan promises you poverty and commands you to do immorality" [al-Baqarah ayah 268]

So we doubted what the Truthful One said in 90 place but we believed the liar in this one place.

[القرطبي في قمع الحرص بالزهد والقناعة (93) ط دار الصحابة معلقا بصيغة التمريض عن الحسن البصري]

It may not be authentic upto al Hasan basri but the meaning is true.

Copied.

...maybe some evil in your heart leads you to an evil end.

Being Truthful with Allāh

The shaikh, Dr. Muḥammad ibn Ghālib Al-ʿUmarī, may Allāh protect him, said:

If you’re truthful with your Mawlá [supporter and manager of affairs] in your relationship with Him, first of all, and then your relationship with creation, no words of abuse from someone casting abuse harm you, and no words of praise from someone throwing praise benefit you.

Being truthful with Allāh is a high level.

A person goes up [in levels] to that as his holding on to being truthful [goes up] in [both] speech and deed. Consider the ḥadīth: “A man continues to be truthful and keeps looking to be truthful [again and again] until he’s recorded with Allāh as an ever-truthful one.”¹
¹Narrated by Al-Bukhārī and Muslim (tr.)

Source: twitter.com/m_g_alomari. 16 Jun 22. 05:51 GMT+3.

Translator: Mikail ibn Mahboob Ariff
Date published: June 17th, 2022

https://tasfiyah.com/being-truthful-with-allah/

A simple lesson on how one’s self-delusion can hurt others too:

There are two types of people in the world:

1. Those who unapologetically finish an entire bag of popcorn (or chips) and then discreetly toss it away.

2. Those who eat most of it in one sitting but then about 9/10th of the way through grow a conscience and even deem themselves generous by leaving the kernels (or crushed bits of chips and flakes) for everyone else. They may even go as far as folding up the bag nicely and using a chip clip. So thoughtful!

Although the first group selfishly eats the entire bag, at least they're not delusional enough to believe they're doing anyone a favor by leaving them crumbs. Nor are they cruel enough to eat all the fluffy/crispy pieces and leave the stale, lifeless rocks and jagged ones (ouch! there goes that crown) for everyone else!

The first group actually does you two favors: they spare you the disappointment AND a visit to the dentist's office!

So the next time you open up a bag and start munching away or face a similar dilemma, remember:

Sharing, in *some* scenarios, is NOT caring.

And if that's the case, then don't delude yourself or risk harming others. It's better to be like the first group and NOT the second group.

Tremendous advice from the noble Shaykh Al ‘Allaamah 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Baaz (رحمه الله)

It was said to the Shaykh, “Oh Shaykh, so and so has become misguided”.

The Shaykh replied: “Perhaps his deviation was due to two things:

1. He didn’t ask Allah for Ath-thabaat (Firmness).
2. He didn’t thank Allaah for Al-Istiqaamah (Steadfastness)

So when Allaah chose for you path of guidance, it was not because you are special, nor was it because of your obedience. But rather, it was mercy from Him that enveloped you. He can remove it from you at any time.

Therefore, do not be deceived by your actions nor by your worship. And do not look down upon the one who has deviated from His path. For had it not been due to His mercy, you would have been in his position.

Repeat the recitation of this verse while pondering:

﴿ ولوﻵ أن ثبتناك لقد كدت تركن إليهم شيئا قليلا ﴾

"Had We not made you firm (Oh Muhammed صلى الله عيه وسلم) then you would have inclined towards them slightly.” (Al Qurʾān 17:74)

So upon is to not to think that thabaat (Firmness) upon Al-Istiqaamah (Steadfastness) is due to your own personal achievements. Ponder over His statement (Ta'aalaa) to the best of mankind: “Had We not made you firm (Oh Muhammed صلى الله عيه وسلم).”

So how about you?!

We are greatly mistaken when we disregard and pay no attention to our athkaar (supplications of remembrance). We believe it to be something that is not important and we forget that Allah preserves us with it. And perhaps the decree will change…

Ibnul-Qayyim (رحمه الله) says: “The need of the servant in his supplications by which he seeks refuge [in Allah], is more severe than his need for food, drink and clothes!”

Be consistent in your athkaar (supplications of remembrance), so that you can encompass the meaning: “Preserve Allah, He will preserve you.”

Fortify [yourselves] every morning and evening [with your athkaar (supplications of remembrance)]. For the dunya (life of this world) is horrifying and full of surprises and Allah is the protector of His servants.

Shaykh Abdul ‘Aziz bin Baaz (رحمه الله)

Majmoo al Fatawa (297\4).

AL WAHYAIN CENTRE.
Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Striving to be upon Salafiyyah.