ibtilaa إبتلاء

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimullaah) said,

“If Allaah puts a person under certain tests and trials and the person recognizes that he must resort to Allaah alone seeking His help, then this is a good sign for him; the trials turn to purification and mercy.

If on the other hand, he rejects, complains, and turns away from Allaah and seeks help from human beings like himself, then this is a bad sign for him; the trials turn to punishment and misery for him.”

(Tareequl-Hijratayn, ftn. 103, p. 259)

We see there are differences of opinion when it comes to the Hijab. Mainly two opinions, one that it is not obligatory to cover the face and hands, and another, the authentic one, is that it is obligatory upon every woman to cover their faces.

But one day, regardless of how much argument one engages in, or even if some don't even adhere to hijab due to ignorance and many other reasons, may Allah guide us all and forgive us. One day every Muslim sister has to cover herself head to toe. Not a part of her body will be shown. Even if she did not wear the niqab, even if she did not wear hijab at all.

That day will be the day she dies, the day she will be shrouded. White long cloth will be wrapped around her. No body structure, no way will able to identify who she is just by looking.

Fearing death when it arrives is not really the time you should change your life because you will not have any life left to change. You will not be given any chance or option of different "opinions". The way you always lead your deen upon "different opinions", so much unacceptability, so much skepticism when it comes to the Deen of Allah. But you never once question the things you learn when you are studying Medicine. When we get sick, we do not counter-argue with the doctor; we trust him as if he speaks the revelation of Allah.

Life is hard for everyone; we have to ask ourselves what really is valuable for us. Tawheed is the only way of success. Tawheed is what we need in our day-to-day life. Unless we establish Tawheed, there is no hope for Muslims, true submission is when you have Tawheed in your heart. This is why we are so skeptical, we are so picky when it comes to Deen.

Everyone is a sinner; sin is to repent. We need to repent, but it won't be possible when you don't know who Allah is, you cannot keep up with your repentance, and keep repenting, unless you have Tawheed in your heart .

The Reasons for Humiliation

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: ‘When you enter into ‘Īnah* transactions, take the hold of the tails of cattle, and are content with farming, and you forsake Jihād, Allāh will cause humiliation to prevail over you and will not withdraw it until you return to your religion.’”

Source: English Translation of Sunan Abū Dāwūd Volume 4 (Darussalam), The Book of Employment, Chapter 54. Regarding the Prohibition of al-‘Īnah, p. 123 [Grade: Ṣaḥīḥ (authentic) according to al-Albānī]

*An ‘Īnah transaction is to sell something for a price to be paid at a later date, then the seller buys it back for a lower price; this is a trick used to circumvent the prohibition on lending with interest. The buyer of the commodity simply sells it back to the original seller for cash while still owing the higher amount that is paid in installments. This is a backdoor to Ribā (usury).

He who gave himself to the world, the world will give him only a piece of land to be BURIED 😢

Surrender, give yourself to Allah and in reward & mercy, Allah will give paradise as wide as the heaven and earth!!

🌿Al-Imam Ibnul Qayyim said:
There is nothing that destroy righteous actions more than self-amazement and self admiration.
[Al-Fawaaid V1P152 | Translated by Abu Anwar an-Naijiriyy]

Yahyá bn Mu'ādh said:
"Beware of self-amazement. For indeed, self-amazement destroys those who possess it. And indeed, self-amazement consumes the good deeds as the fire consumes firewood."
[Shu'ab Al-Imãn By Al-Bayhaqi | Translated by
Rpubs Editorial]

▫️Beware of Being Self-amazed

Yahyā bin Mu'ādh رحمه الله stated:

"The one who is (rightfully) envied from amongst the people is:

•The one who leaves off (chasing) the life of this world before it leaves him.

•The one who builds his grave before he enters into it.

•The one who pleases his Lord before he meets Him."

[Az-Zuhd Al-Kabīr of Al-Bayhaqī #488]

قال ﻳﺤﻴﻰ ﺑﻦ ﻣﻌﺎﺫ - رحمه الله - :

"اﻟﻤﻐﺒﻮﻁ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻨﺎﺱ : ﻣَﻦ ﺗﺮﻙ اﻟﺪﻧﻴﺎ ﻗﺒﻞﺃﻥ ﺗﺘﺮﻛﻪ، ﻭﺑﻨﻰ ﻗﺒﺮﻩ ﻗﺒﻞ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺪﺧﻠﻪ، وﺃﺭﺿﻰ ﺭﺑﻪ ﻗﺒﻞ ﺃﻥ يلقاه ".

[الزهـد الكبير للبيهقي (٤٨٨)]

The Qur'an, Surah Al-Anaam, Verse 116:

وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗯𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗲.

Therefore, strive to educate yourselves with knowledge of the truth, and refrain from the erroneous methodology of sectarian taqleed which encourages ignorance and intellectual abandonment. Hold firm upon the truth, even if you are alone in doing so.

Shab-e-barat : Specifying the day of the 15th of Sha’baan by fasting or reciting the Qur’aan or performing naafilah prayers

Question:

We see some people specifying the 15th of Sha’baan with particular supplications and reciting the Qur.aan and performing naafilah prayers. So what is the correct position concerning this, and may Allaah reward you with good?

Response:

That which is correct is that fasting the 15th of Sha’baan or specifying it with reciting (the Qur.aan) or making (particular) supplications has no basis. So the day of the 15th of Sha’baan is like any other 15th day of other months. So from that which is known is that it has been legislated for a person to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th of every month, however, Sha’baan is characterised unlike the other months in that (except for Ramadhaan) the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) used to fast more in Sha’baan than any other month . So he used to either fast all of Sha’baan or just a little. Therefore, as long as it does not cause difficulty for a person, it is befitting to increase in fasting during Sha’baan in adherence to the example of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 612
Fataawa Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen – Volume 1, Page 190

Standing the night of the 15th of Sha’baan in prayer and fasting during it’s day

Question: Is standing the night of the 15th of Sha’baan in prayer and fasting during it’s day legislated?

Response: Nothing firm and reliable has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) that he stood in prayer in the night and fasted during the day of the 15th of Sha’baan. So the night of the 15th of Sha’baan is like any other night, and if someone is a regular worshipper during other nights, then he may stand the night in prayer on this night without assuming anything special (because of it being the night of the 15th of Sha’baan). This is because specifying a time for any act of worship requires a authentic proof, so if there is no authentic proof then the act is regarded as an innovation and all innovations are misguidance. Likewsie, regarding specifically fasting during the 15th day of Sha’baan, then no (authentic) proof has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) to indicate the legislation of fasting on that particular day.

As for that which is mentioned from the ahaadeeth regarding this subject, then all of it is weak as the people of knowledge have indicated. However, whoever has the habit of fasting the 13th, 14th and 15th (of every month), then he can continue and fast during Sha’baan as he fasts during the other months, without assuming anything special about the 15th of Sha’baan. Also, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to increase in fasting during this month (Sha’baan), however, he did not particularise the 15th day, rather proceeded as per norm.

Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa asla lahu – Page 614
Noorun alad-Darb Fataawa Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fowzaan – Volume 1, Page 87

Giving sadaqah specifically on the night of 15th of Sha’baan

Question:

When my father was alive, he entrusted me to give sadaqah (charity) according to my means on the 15th of Sha’baan every year, and likewise I have been doing this ever since. However, some people have admonished me for doing so saying it is not permissible. So is giving sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan permissible according to the willment of my father or not? Kindly advise us and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response:

To specify the giving of sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan every year is an innovation, and despite your father having entrusted you with that, it is not permissible. It is befitting you give this sadaqah without specifying the night of the 15th of Sha’baan, rather do so every year and in whichever month, but without particularising any one month (on a consistent basis).

However, it is permissible to do so in the month of Ramadhaan (for the evidence which indicates so).

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa

al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 611
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No. 9760

Source: https://abdurrahman.org/2009/08/03/bidah-alert-for-15th-of-shaban/

A blessing indeed we all wait for the entire year. May this mercy reunite the ummah and forgive them. Aameen

Before people of knowledge used to open 100’s of book before giving any fatwa.

Now we search it into Google and take the first option we see and give fatwa.

The 500 years it will take wealthy Muslims to enter Jannah might be due to the severe financial accounting Allaah Azawajal will put them through where they have to account for every penny gained and every penny spent more so than your average poor Muslim.

Also, let us remember that having less wealth means an easier Judgment Day for us In Shaa Allah.

Mahmud ibn Labid (may Allaah Azawajal be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, salalahu alayhi wasaalam, said:

“Two things are hated by the son of Adam. He hates death, although it is better for the believer than tribulation, and he hates to have little wealth, although it means his reckoning will be easier.”

[Source: Musnad Aḥmad 23625]

This Hadith has opened up my eyes because Alhamdulilah I have an entrepreneurial mindset and business is a passion of mine. However, I also want an easier reckoning on the Day of Judgement.

So I need to think of a way I can become financially independent (I don’t want to work for a wage anymore) without actually owning any assets that can classify me as ‘wealthy’ while still being a ‘businessman’ and using the wealth/profits from my businesses for philanthropic purposes allowing me and my family to live comfortably (meaning having the basics like shelter, food, clothing and have some disposable income for some ‘luxuries’ like travel breaks) and have enough left to leave as inheritance for my children and their children in Shaa Allah.

I never want to die with a penny to my name just like how my master and Prophet salalahu alayhi wasaalam died without owning any assets or wealth of any kind even one dinar was too much for the Prophet salalahu alayhi wasaalam to carry to the next world…

*Don't compare your winter to their spring*
🌹
This life has its seasons. Each in their own time. You have no idea what people are up against. There is no one alive that isn't being tested.
🌹
Don't try to fulfil your needs in the displeasure of Allah. There will never be blessing in what comes from haram. Ever. Even if you get what you wanted through improper means, the very thing you fought to get will be the source of your suffering. Is it worth it?
🌹
Don't use your season of strength to step on others and hurt them. It may look like you have the upper hand now, but the dua of the oppressed will catch up to your health, wealth, children and life in the time you can neither afford it or avoid it.
🌹
How many in the past have reached the height of worldly wealth and power unlawfully by preying on the weak and defenceless only to lose it trying to save themselves, buy back good health or fight an incurable calamity?
🌹
Ask Allah for afiyah, do right by others, mind your own business and stay in your lane.

The prophet (SAW) said,

The lifespan of my ummah is between 60-70 years,

At 50 years, if we're fortunate, we should retire from this world and look forward for our return to Allah,

May Allah grant the souls of the departed peace Aameen

When you see someone older than you, say: he has preceded me in Iman and righteous actions so he is better than me; and when you see someone younger than you, say: I have preceded him in sinning and disobedience so he is better than me. And when you see your brothers honouring and revering you, say this is a virtue they have attained, and when you see them falling short (in their treatment of you) say: this is [because of] a sin I committed.

[Ibn Al-Jawzl, Sifatu Al-Safwah, article 505 | Bakr b. 'Abdillah Al-Muzani]

♻️LEVELS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE HEREAFTER♻️

Take a look through this list to see which level you will fall into in the hereafter.Take the time to comprehend them. Know for sure that there will come a day when every person will be held to account for all that he did in this world.Know for sure that all that you do, concealed or revealed,will come back to haunt you on the Day of Judgement.

LEVEL1⃣The Messengers,'Those firmest in resolve’.ie Nuh, Ibraheem,Musa,Eesa, Muhammad May Allah grant them peace.

LEVEL2⃣Those besides them from the messengers(Rusul).

LEVEL3⃣The Prophets(al-Anbiyaa)those not sent as messengers.

LEVEL4⃣The truest & sincerest followers of the Messengers (as-Siddeeqoon)–the inheritors of the Messengers,those who established what the Messengers had been sent with, in their knowledge,actions & in calling to Allah.

LEVEL5⃣The just Imaams & Rulers.

LEVEL6⃣Those who strove & fought in Allah’s cause with their wealth & their persons.

LEVEL7⃣Those who preferred others over themselves, treated the people with goodness&performed charitable acts.

LEVEL8⃣Those for whom Allah opened a door to performance of good which was restricted to themselves, such as Prayer,Charity,Fasting,Hajj & so on.

LEVEL9⃣The level of the people of salvation,& they were those who carried out Allah’s obligations & avoided that which He prohibited.

LEVEL🔟The level of a people who wronged themselves & committed major sins forbidden by Allah;however Allah granted them sinsere repentance before death.So they died upon sincere repentance,so Allah accepted their repentance.

LEVEL1⃣1⃣The level of a people who combined righteous deeds & evil deeds,meeting Allah whilst persisting upon their sins & not repentant.However their good deeds outweighed their evil deeds:the balance of the good deed they did being heavier. So they are also saved & successful.

LEVEL1⃣2⃣A people whose good & evil deeds were equal, &they are the companions of the Heights (al-A’raaf)–which is a place between the Paradise & the Fire, & they will EVENTUALLY enter paradise.

LEVEL1⃣3⃣The level of those who were afflicted & put to trial – we ask Allah for well being & security,& they were Muslims whose scales were light , their evil deeds outweighed their good deeds.There are established ahadith concerning them showing that they will enter the Fire & will be in it in accordance with their deeds,&then they will come out of it through the intercession of those who intercede and the Mercy of the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

LEVEL1⃣4⃣A people who had no acts of obedience or disobedience, nor Unbelief, nor true Faith (Eemaan), & they are of different types:from them are those who the true call did not reach; & from them is the insane person who did not possess intellect; & from them is the deaf person who never heard anything; & from them are the children of the Mushriks who died before being able to correctly discern anything.So the Scholars differ concerning them, having eight positions. The most correct of these is that they will be tested on the Day of Resurrection,& a Messenger will be sent to them there, whoever obeys him will enter Paradise, &whoever disobeys him will enter the Fire,because Allah does not punish anyone until the Proof is established upon him & he then turns away from it &obstinately refuses it, just as He, the Most High said:”And We do not punish until We send a Messenger” (Israa,17:15).

LEVEL1⃣5⃣The level of the Hypocrites(al-Munaafiqoon)who outwardly displayed Islam but inwardly concealed Unbelief (Kufr), &they are in the lowest depth of the Fire.

LEVEL1⃣6⃣The heads of Unbelief (Kufr), its leaders& its callers.

LEVEL1⃣7⃣The level of those Unbelievers who were blind-followers & ignorant ones,& the Ummah are agreed that they are Unbelievers.

LEVEL1⃣8⃣The level of the Jinn,& they were bound with duties – liable to reward or punishment in accordance with their deeds.
Taken from ‘The abridgement of the Levels of the People in the Hereafter’ By The great Scholar,The Imaam Ibnul-Qayyi
m Al-Jawziyyah (Died 752AH)

Sheikh Salih Al Utahymeen رحمه الله was asked:

We have made a custom for ourselves every year, that on the 15th of Shaban we distribute food to our neighbours as charity so is this act considered an Innovation?

He رحنه الله said, "Yes, this act is an Innovation: because it was not present in the time of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. Everything that the servant does to seek nearness to Allah, that was not present in the time of the Prophet ﷺ, then indeed it is an Innovation due to the saying of the Prophet ﷺ, "Upon you is my Sunnah, and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Caliphs after me...and beware of newly invented matters."

Even if a person was to say, "I do not intend by it seeking nearness to Allah, but it is just a custom we practice."

We say, specitying a custom on a given day, that you repeat every year, then it is taken as Eid, and it is known that there's no Eid except for what is legislated in the Shari'ah, such as Eid al-Fitr and also Eid al-Adha, similarly Friday which is considered the Eid of the week.
As for the 15th of Shaban, nothing has been established from the Shariah that it is a Eid, where charity or gifts are distributed to neighbours, all of which fall under taking it as a Eid."

[Fatawa Narala ad Darb tape no. 222]

When Abdullah ibn al Mubarak رحمه الله was asked about the descent of Allah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan, he said to the one who asked him: "O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He, descends every night!"

[l'tiqaad Ahl al Sunnah, no. 92]

A False belief that on 15th Sha'baan Allah descends on this night specifically & whoever prays on this night Allah forgives them.

But this happens every night at Tahajjud time this is why we are encouraged to pray Tahajjud. How Merciful our Rabb is that every night He grants us an opportunity to forgive us and grant our duas. Please learn your deen from authentic Sunnah don't follow your family or friends blindly.