Explanation of the statement of 'Umar b. Al-Khattaab radiallaahu ‘anhu:

"Indeed we were the most humiliated and downtrodden of people, so Allaah honoured us with Islaam. So whenever we seek honour in other than what Allaah has honoured us with, then indeed Allaah will humiliate us."

By Shaykh al-Albaanee rahimahullaah

Pray For The Rulers

The Great Imaam Muhammad b. al-Hussain
al-Aajurree (d. 360H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"Indeed what I have mentioned in warning against the Madhaahib (doctrines and ideologies) of the Khawaarij has Balaagh (sufficient and clear proof) for anyone who Allaah, the Most High, protected from the methodologies of the Khawaarij and does not hold their views. So he is patient upon...

Pray For The Rulers

Imaam Muhammad b. Hussain al-Aajurree (d. 360H) rahimahullaah said:

"Indeed what I have mentioned in warning against the Madhaahib (doctrines and ideologies) of the Khawaarij has Balaagh (sufficient and clear proof) for anyone who Allaah, the Most High, protected from the methodologies of the Khawaarij and does not hold their views. So he is patient upon the tyranny of the rulers, and the injustice and oppression from the leaders. He does not rebel against them with his sword and he asks Allaah - the Most High - for the removal of the oppression from himself and from the Muslims. He supplicates for the rectification of the rulers, and performs the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) with them. He fights alongside them every foe of the Muslims, and he prays behind them the Friday prayers (al-Jumu'ah) and the two Eids. And if they command him with an act of obedience, then if he is able then he obeys them, and if he is not able then he excuses himself with them. If they command him with an act of disobedience (sin) then he does not obey them (in that). If Fitnah (strife) occurs between them he stays inside his house, and he restrains his tongue and hand (from it). And he does not enter into and incline towards what they are upon, and he does not aid in the strife (Fitnah). So whosoever is described with this denoscription is upon the Straight Path - by the Will of Allaah."

Reference: Ash-Sharee'ah of Imaam al-Aajurree, Daar al-Watan, 1418H/1997CE print (1/371-372).

Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

Take My Blood Not My Religion

Suwayd b. Ghafalah rahimahullaah said:

'Umar b. al-Khattaab (d. 23H) - radiallaahu 'anhu - said to me:

"Perhaps you will live long after me, so obey the ruler even if he is an Abyssinian slave. And even if he oppresses you, be patient; and if he beats you, remain patient and if he calls you to a matter that is detrimental to your religion then say: I hear and obey (you), take my blood but not my religion...

TAKE MY BLOOD NOT MY RELIGION

Suwayd b. Ghafalah rahimahullaah said:

'Umar b. al-Khattaab (d. 23H) - radiallaahu 'anhu - said to me:

"Perhaps you will live long after me, so obey the ruler even if he is an Abyssinian slave. And even if he oppresses you, be patient; and if he beats you, remain patient and if he calls you to a matter that is detrimental to your religion then say: I hear and obey (you), take my blood but not my religion. And do not split away from the Jamaa'ah (the united body of the Muslims)."

Explanation by Imaam al-Aajurree rahimahullaah:

"So if a person says: 'What is your understanding concerning the statement of 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhu) which he mentioned?' Then it is said to him (i.e. the questioner): "It is possible - and Allaah, the Most High, knows best - for us to say: 'Whoever is put in authority over you whether he is from the Arab or other than them, black or white, or a foreigner then you must obey him in that which there is no disobedience in it to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. Moreover, if he prevents you from your rights, he beats you unjustly (without due right), he violates your honour, and takes your wealth (by force), then that should not make you revolt against him by drawing your sword out to fight him. And do not go out revolting alongside a Khaarijee to fight him, and do not incite others to rebel against him but rather be patient with him.'

And it could also be understood that "if he calls you to a matter which is detrimental to your religion" to mean other than this viewpoint; and it could be taken to mean that he orders you with killing someone who is not deserving of being killed, or to cut a limb off someone who does not deserve that, or to beat someone who it is impermissible to beat, or to forcibly take someone's wealth who it is not right to take his wealth, or to wrong or oppress someone whom it is neither permissible for him nor for you to oppress. So if he says to you: 'If you do not do that which I order you with then I will certainly kill you or severely beat you.' Then say: Take my blood but not my religion.' That is due to the statement of the Prophet (ﷺ): "There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator." And his (ﷺ) statement: "Obedience is only in that which is good."

[Explanation taken from ash-Sharee'ah of al-Aajurree (no.71), checking by Dr ad-Damyajee, Dar al-Watan print].

Reference for narration: Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf (12/544), as-Sunnah of al-Khallaal (1/111), ash-Sharee'ah (no.48) [and it is] Saheeh.

Translation by Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

IT'S A BID'AH

Ibn Katheer (d.774H) rahimahullaah said:

"And as for Ahlus- Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah then they say about every action and statement that is not established and proven to be from the Companions...

IT'S A BID'AH

Ibn Katheer (d.774H) rahimahullaah said:

"And as for Ahlus- Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah then they say about every action and statement that is not established and proven to be from the Companions:
“It is an innovation (Bid’ah).”

For indeed if it was good then they would surely have preceded us in it. That is because they did not leave a single practice from the good (al-Khayr) except that they had hastened to (do) it."

Reference: Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Daar Ma'rifah, 1413H edition, Beirut.

Translation by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

True Knowledge

Ibn Rajab (d.795H) rahimahullaah said:

"Knowledge is not about relating an abundance of narrations nor having plenty of statements. But rather, it is a light that is placed in the heart and by which the slave understands the truth and...

True Knowledge

Ibn Rajab (d.795H) rahimahullaah said:

"Knowledge is not about relating an abundance of narrations nor having plenty of statements. But rather, it is a light that is placed in the heart and by which the slave understands the truth and is able to distinguish between it (the truth) and the falsehood, and he articulates that with concise statements that achieve their Maqaasid (intents and purposes)."

Reference: Bayaan Fadl 'ilm as-Salaf 'Alaa al-Khalaf by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (p.58), Checking by al-'Ajamee.

Translation by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

Guard Your Religion From Argumentation

'Umar b. 'Abdul-'Azeez (d. 101H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"Whoever makes his religion...

Guard Your Religion From Argumentation

'Umar b. 'Abdul-'Azeez (d. 101H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"Whoever makes his religion Ghardan (an object or target) for disputation, will often change."


Reference: Ibn Sa’d (5/371), ad-Daarimee (no.304), Ta’weel Mukhtalif al-Hadeeth (no.78) ‘Ataa print, no.(44) al-Mutanabi print, As-Samt wa Aadab al-Lisaan (no.161, no.674), ash-Sharee’ah (no.66, no.62), al-Ibaanah (no.566, no.568, no.569, no.577, no. 578, no.580), al-Laalikaa’ee (no.216), al-Hilyah (9/218), Jaami’ Bayaanil-‘Ilm (no.412).

Translation by: Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

Sa’eed b. Jubayr (d. 94H) - rahimahullaah - said:

“That my son accompanies a rebellious sinner, a Shaatir (crafty rascal) who is a Sunni is more beloved to me...

A Sunni Sinner Is Better Than An Innovator

Sa’eed b. Jubayr (d. 94H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"That my son accompanies a rebellious sinner, a Shaatir (crafty rascal) who is a Sunni is more beloved to me than he accompanies a devout worshipper who is an innovator.”

Reference: Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanah as-Sughraa (p.138, no.89), checking by Dr. Ridaa Na'saan, First Edition, 2003.


Translation by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

From The Greatest Causes Of The Deen Becoming Manifest & Uppermost Is The Rise Of Adversaries & Opponents To It

Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) rahimahullaah said:

"Among the greatest ways and means that the faith and the religion is made manifest and uppermost, and the reality of the message of the Messengers is clarified and elucidated is through the emergence and rise of opponents against them from the people of clear falsehood..."

From The Greatest Causes Of The Deen Becoming Manifest & Uppermost Is The Rise Of Adversaries & Opponents To It

Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) rahimahullaah said:

"Among the greatest ways and means that the faith and the religion is made manifest and uppermost, and the reality of the message of the Messengers is clarified and elucidated is through the emergence and rise of opponents against them from the people of clear falsehood and outright lying.

As Allaah, the Most High mentions:
 
"And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it; so leave them alone with their fabrications. (And this is in order) that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline to such (deceit), and that they may remain pleased with it, and that they may commit what they are committing (all kinds of sins and evil deeds). [Say (O Muhammad (ﷺ)] "Shall I seek a judge other than Allaah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (the Qur’aan), explained in detail." Those unto whom We (previously) gave the Scripture know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." [Surah al-An'aam: 112-115]

And He, the Most High mentions:
 
"And (remember) the Day when the Dhaalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist) will bite at his hands (in regret), he will say: "Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a Khaleel (an intimate friend)! He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur’aan) after it had come to me. And Shaytaan (Satan) is to man ever a deserter in the hour of need."  And the Messenger [Muhammad (ﷺ)] will say: "O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur’aan (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and teachings). Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimoon (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper." [Surah Al-Furqaan: 27-31].

And that is because when the truth is rejected  and opposed by way of doubts then Allaah, the Most High, establishes for it - that which will cause the truth to triumph and cause falsehood to be vanquished - from the clear Aayaat (proofs, signs, Quranic verses); through which (i.e. the Aayaat) He manifests the clear evidences for the truth and its decisive proofs and (He clarifies) the corruption of what is used to oppose and contradict it by way of futile arguments.

So when Polytheists (al-Mushrikoon from Makkah) belied and disbelieved in the Qur'aan, and they endeavoured to render it false and futile in every way possible - whilst it challenged them to bring something like it, then (it challenged them) to bring one tenth of its like and then to bring one single Surah (chapter). This is what proved to the intelligent people the weakness and incapability of the Polytheists in having any opposition to it; despite them striving hard and having all the strong means (at their disposal).

And if they had followed the Qur'aan - without opposing it and (without) persistently trying to prove it to be false and futile - then their inability to oppose it (i.e. the Qur'aan) would not have become apparent and manifest through/with which the decisive proof is accomplished and completed.

And likewise (is the case) when the sorcerers opposed Moosa ('alayhis-salaam), Allaah, the Most High, rendered futile what they came with (from magic and falsehood). That was how Allaah, the Blessed and the Most High, clarified the truthfulness of what Moosa ('alayhis-Salaam) came with (from the clear signs)."

Reference: Al-Jawaab as-Saheeh Li-Mann Baddala Deen al-Maseeh of Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah, (1/85-86), Daar al-'Aasimah print, 2nd Edition, 1999.

Translation by Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

The Advice Of The Great Illustrious Taabi'ee Yunus B. 'Ubayd To His Son

The Advice Of The Great Illustrious Taabi'ee Yunus b. Ubayd To His Son

Yunus b. ‘Ubayd (d. 139H) - rahimahullaah - said to his son:

“I forbid you from fornication, stealing and drinking alcohol; but if you were to meet Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, with these (i.e. major sins) is more beloved to me than you meeting Him with the view of ‘Amr b. ‘Ubayd and his associates.”

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Translator's Side Note: Amr b. Ubayd (perished in 144H), he was an innovator, one of the figureheads of the Mu'tazilah of his time.

Reference: Musnad of Ibnul-Ja'd (no.1330), ad-Du'afaa of al-'Uqaylee (3/285), al-Ibaanah (no.464), Hilyatul-Awliyaa (3/21), Siyar A'laamun-Nubalaa (6/294), at-Tahdheeb (11/390).

Translation by Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

I'd Rather A Lute Player Be My Neighbour Than An Innovator

Ahmad b. Sinaan al-Waasitee (b. 170H - d. 256H) - rahimahullaah - said:

“That a Tunboor (lute)* player lives next door (to me) is more beloved to me than a person of innovation..."

I'd Rather A Lute Player Be My Neighbour Than An Innovator

Ahmad b. Sinaan al-Waasitee (b. 170H - d. 256H) - rahimahullaah - said:

“That a Tunboor (lute)* player lives next door to me is more beloved to me than a person of innovation; because I can forbid the Tunboor player and break the Tunboor. However, the innovator corrupts the people, the neighbours and the youth."

Reference: Al-Ibaanah 'An Sharee'atil-Firqah an-Naajiyah wa Majaanabah al-Firaq al-Mathmoomah; well known as al-Ibaanah al-Kubraa of Imaam Ibn Battah, checking by Ridaa b. Na'saan Mu'tee, (no.473), Daar ar-Raayah print, (1988 CE/1409H) First Edition.

Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

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*Translator’s Side Note: A Tunboor is one of the musical instruments, it has a long neck and six strings." (Mu'jam ar-Raa'd, p.526). Tunboor is a stringed musical instrument of the lute family. [Refer to Encyclopaedia Britannica.].

 

The Reverence That The Imaams Of The Sunnah Had For Listening To Hadeeth

The Great Ilustrious Taabi'ee (successor) 'Ataa b. Abee Rabaah (d. 114H) rahimahullaah said:

"Indeed when a man would narrate a Hadeeth to me, I would listen attentively to it as if I had never heard it before. When in fact, I had heard it (the Hadeeth) before he was even born...

The Reverence That The Imaams Of The Sunnah Had For Listening To Hadeeth

The Great Ilustrious Taabi'ee (successor) 'Ataa b. Abee Rabaah (d. 114H) rahimahullaah said:

"Indeed when a man would narrate a Hadeeth to me, I would listen attentively to it as if I had never heard it before. When in fact, I had heard it (the Hadeeth) before he was even born. And I would make it seem to him that I had only just heard it from him."

In another narration: "Whilst I was more knowledgeable of it than him, but I would make it seem to him that I had never heard of it before."

Reference: Tahdheeb al-Kamaal (13/53), Siyar Aalaam an-Nubalaa (5/86), Tareekh ad-Damishq, Daar al-Fikr print, 1415H/1996CE, (40/401), Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah , Daar al-Fikr print, 1407H/1986CE, (9/306).

Translation by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.

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In Tareekh ad-Damishq (40/401) there is another narration: Mu'aadh b. Sa'eed rahimahullaah said:

"We were with 'Ataa b. Abee Rabaah (d.114H) and a man from the people narrated a Hadeeth, so another man objected to him in his Hadeeth. So 'Ataa (rahimahullah) said: "Subhanallaah! What kind of manners are these? What kind of traits are these? Indeed when I hear a Hadeeth from a person that I am more knowledgeable of it than him, I would make it seem to him as though I do not know it any better than him."