Who are the People of Emaan? – Sunday 6th Muharram,1435 (10th November, 2013)

One of the greatest blessings Allah has bestowed upon us is Emaan. Even if the slave has nothing but Emaan, it will be enough for him to save him from the Hell fire.

For if he has Emaan, it will save him from the Hellfire and wash away his sins.

Who are the people of Emaan? Al Emaan is what is established in the heart and proved by the limbs. What is established in your heart about belief in the angels and messengers, manifests through the actions of the tongue and limbs etc.

What is the issue with most of us? We focus on the actions only. What are the conditions that will make us establish Emaan?

The Emaan about the Jinn:  Who are the jinn? They are like us humans. They have families, they eat etc., but one difference is that they are invisible.

The Fruits of Eeman– Sunday 29th Dhul-Hijjah,1434 (3rd November, 2013)

We need to fulfil two conditions when performing any act of worship:

1) Sincerity

2) الإتباع Following the Sunnah of the Prophet

We have to follow the manners of attending the gatherings of knowledge. We will be accounted for the way we sit, listen, ask questions, treat others, etc. These types of gatherings are an act of worship. It is known that the Shaytaan is aware of how beloved the gatherings of knowledge are to Allah. This is why he comes and whispers in each person’s heart, distracting her. Shaytaan is our enemy, trying his best to turn our hearts away. We have to strive hard to repel these whispers from the Shaytaan by seeking refuge with Allah from the Shaytaan, make du’aa asking Allah to help you as He is able to drive away the whispers of the Shaytaan from your heart and make it easy for you to concentrate. If we are seeking the blessing in the knowledge, we have to be sincere and follow the manners of attending the gatherings of knowledge.

In Surah Hujuraat Verse 7:

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ۚ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ

And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones,

It is not by our own effort that we become believers, Allah is the one who endeared faith in our hearts. Allah guides whomever he wills to Eeman, and His will is related to His wisdom and knowledge. He knows who deserves to be granted faith.

There are 3 actions of Allah in this verse:

1) Allah made faith endeared to our hearts.

2) He adorned it in our hearts.

3) He made Kufr, Fusooq, and ‘Isyan hateful to our hearts.

Belief in Allah is the greatest deed and it is the best of deeds. Afdhal ul A’maal, Belief in Allah, means believing in His names, attributes, actions and legislation we get to know all this from the Qur’aan.

Narrated Abu Huraira (RadhiAllaahu ‘Anhu): Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad, Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, “To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s Cause”. [Bukhari]

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RadhiAllaahu ‘Anhu) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) which action is most beloved to Allah? He said: ‘Establishing prayer on time, honouring one’s parents and Jihad in the cause of Allah.'” [An-Nasaai]

Your Salaat is the scale for your eeman. If it is good then it indicates that the eeman is strong in your heart, if it is not then it indicates your Eeman is weak.

The first description Allah described the believers with in Surah Mu’minoon was that they offer the Salaat with humility, concentration and submissiveness. This indicates the importance of eeman. We have to take care of the means of strengthening our Eeman; it is not enough to know that Allah is the creator and the Prophet is the Messenger. The Sahabah took care of increasing their eeman because it is the highest matter in the religion. The Sahabah asked about the deeds pleasing to Allah. They did not ask whether it was Sunnah or obligatory. They wanted to know the most beloved deed regardless if it was obligatory or Sunnah. This was their attitude.

1) It is reported that Mu`adh ibn Jabal (radhiAllaahu ‘anhu) would often say to his companions when they were walking, “Let us sit down and believe for a while.”

2)  It is also narrated that `Abdullah ibn Rawahah (radhiAllaahu ‘anhu), whenever he met one of the sahabah, used to say, “Come, let us believe in our Lord for a while.”

3) Even the rightly-guided khalifah `Umar ibn al-Khattab (radhiAllaahu ‘anhu) used to  say to his companions, “Come on, let us go and increase our faith,”

[Taken from the book of means of increasing and decreasing of Eeman by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaq Al-Badr ]

Fruits of Sincerity – Sunday, 23rd Dec. 2012

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) resembled guidance/knowledge with rain in Surah Ra’d Verse 17:

أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌ بِقَدَرِهَا فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِي النَّارِ ابْتِغَاءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَاعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ ۚ فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاءً ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ

He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allaah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allaah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).

There are wide valleys and narrow valleys. Similarly, when the guidance of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) comes down there are hearts that can receive abundant knowledge and there are hearts that are narrow. As this rain from the sky comes down and brings a plant, hopefully the knowledge we are learning gives fruits. The knowledge we are seeking should have effects. When we are learning, is the knowledge affecting your heart, changing your way of thinking?

If you notice any change in yourself, it means that this knowledge is beneficial. This is a very important impact; you have to notice the change in yourself.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to pray to Allaah to make the Qur’an a spring of our hearts. We want the Qur’an to give the same fruit in our hearts, to increase our faith and come closer to Allaah. Bear in mind that you will not be able to benefit from the knowledge unless you are really seeking that knowledge sincerely for Allaah’s sake. Sincerity is something which is very dear, it is not easy to attain. As you become sincere you will see the effect of sincerity in your life.

Among the fruits of sincerity is that Allaah accepts the deed. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) accepts only the deeds which are sincere.

If you are sincere, Allaah will love you. This is something great, that the Lord of the Alameen loves you. This is special.

Another fruit of sincerity is: The person may attain with his good intention abundant rewards which he may not get through his action.

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) may give reward for the good intention more than the good action.
Abu Musa Al Ashari (Radhia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “When a believing slave becomes sick or travels then it will be written to his account a reward equal to what he used to do when he was healthy or residing in his country”

Shaikh Sa’di (Rahimahullaah) said, “Whoever intends to do righteous deeds and he was keen to do it and took all the means but an obstacle prevented him from accomplishing that action, He will get a reward for that intention though he didn’t do it physically”

Shaikh bin ‘Uthaymeen  (Rahimahullaah) said, “Therefore it is incumbent upon a mindful believer not to waste any time of his life. He should always occupy himself in doing good as long as he is healthy and has free time.” As long as you are enjoying good health and free time occupy yourself in doing good deeds, because if you become sick or travel the angel will be writing in your record the same deed you used to do.

Prophet Muhammed (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “If the person cannot move out of sickness, Allaah will tell the angels to write for His slave the good deeds he used to do when he was healthy, until he becomes healthy or passes away”  The angels will be writing continuously whatever he used to do good deeds.

Have you seen a Lord more generous than Allaah? Even for your intention He will give you abundant rewards.

Jabir bin Abdullah Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

We accompanied the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) in an expedition when he said, “There are some men in Al-Madinah who are with you wherever you march and whichever valley you cross. They have not joined you in person because of their illness.” In another version he said: “They share the reward with you.” [Muslim]

It is narrated by Bukhari from Anas bin Malik (Radhia-Allaahu ‘anhu): We were coming back from the battle of Tabuk with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) when he remarked, “There are people whom we left behind in Al- Madinah who accompanied us in spirit in every pass and valley we crossed. They remained behind for a valid excuse.”

They will get the reward of the mujahideen! This hadith indicates that the one who intends to do the good deed with truthful intention.

There are many people who say they ‘wish’ they could learn. It is not a matter of wishing, you have to be truthful. And Allah knows if you are truthful or not and only then you will get the reward of your intention, even though you didn’t do an action.

Those people left behind wanted to join but they were poor and they couldn’t afford the equipment, thus they have the same reward as their brothers.

Surah Tawbah Verses 120 – 121:

مَا كَانَ لِأَهْلِ الْمَدِينَةِ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُم مِّنَ الْأَعْرَابِ أَن يَتَخَلَّفُوا عَن رَّسُولِ اللَّهِ وَلَا يَرْغَبُوا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ عَن نَّفْسِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يُصِيبُهُمْ ظَمَأٌ وَلَا نَصَبٌ وَلَا مَخْمَصَةٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا يَطَئُونَ مَوْطِئًا يَغِيظُ الْكُفَّارَ وَلَا يَنَالُونَ مِنْ عَدُوٍّ نَّيْلًا إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُم بِهِ عَمَلٌ صَالِحٌ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“It was not becoming of the people of Al-Madinah and the bedouins of the neighbourhood to remain behind Allaah’s Messenger (Muhammad Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), when fighting in Allaah’s Cause, and (it was not becoming of them) to prefer their own lives to his life. That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allaah, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy , but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allaah wastes not the reward of the Muhsinun

وَلَا يُنفِقُونَ نَفَقَةً صَغِيرَةً وَلَا كَبِيرَةً وَلَا يَقْطَعُونَ وَادِيًا إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُمْ لِيَجْزِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Nor do they spend anything (in Allaah’s Cause) – small or great – nor cross a valley, but is written to their credit, that Allaah may recompense them with the best of what they used to do (i.e. Allaah will reward their good deeds according to the reward of their best deeds which they did in the most perfect manner).”

Ex. A person intended to go for Hajj or ‘Umrah and she is truthful in her intention. She booked a ticket and packed and was ready to travel. An obstacle might have stopped her, like her period for example. She should not be upset because she will have the reward.

An-Nawawi  (Rahimahullaah) said, “This hadith indicates the virtue of having an intention in doing good. Whoever intended to participate in a battle or any acts of obedience but an excuse prevented him from participation, he will get the reward. As the more grief he shows that he couldn’t go,  the higher the reward will be for him”

Those who wanted to join were CRYING!! They wanted to go but they didn’t have the means. They will share the reward with those who went.

Sahl bin Hanif said, “Whoever asks Allaah for martyrdom truthfully, Allaah will make him attain the rank of the martyrs even if he dies on his bed”  because he asked Allaah truthfully.

Ibn Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said, “Undoubtedly the reward for one who dies in the cause of Allaah is more than the one who dies on his bed, because the one who dies in the battlefield will have good intention and  nearness to Allaah. The person will have the reward for his intention”

Some may die in the battlefield, but they are tormented on the Day of Judgement  Not everyone who participated will be in the rank of martyrs, because of their intention. Therefore, all matters depend on your intention. Don’t be impressed with someone who is clever we don’t know what is in her heart. Allah knows!

We cannot judge the people and say their intention is not good. This is something serious. No one knows about the intention except Allaah. It is as if you are making yourself a partner with Allaah in knowing the unseen.

We don’t know if they meant to do it but be careful, don’t judge the people with their intention.

Abu Darda (Radhia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Whoever retires to his bed at night with the intention to get up for the night prayer and then he was overcome with sleep and missed the prayer, he will have a reward for his intention and his sleep will be considered as a Sadaqah from Allaah for him.” [Sunan An-Nasa’i, 1787]

This hadith indicates that he will get the complete reward for his intention and being truthful and regretting that he missed the Salaat. This is an important action of the heart. You should feel regret that you missed the night prayer.

Ibnu Abdal Barr said, “This hadith signifies that the person is rewarded for his intention in doing the good even if he didn’t do it as long as he was not detained by worldly occupation”  The excuse should be an acceptable excuse.

Abu Kabshah Al-Anmari narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said,“The world consists of four persons:

1. A slave whom Allaah provides with wealth and knowledge, so he has Taqwa of his Lord with it, nurtures the ties of kinship with it, and he knows that Allaah has a right in it. So this is the most virtuous rank.

2. A slave whom Allaah provides with knowledge, but He does not provide with wealth. So he has a truthful intent, saying, ‘If I had wealth, then I would do the deeds of so-and-so with it.’ He has his intention, so their rewards are the same.

3. A slave whom Allaah provides with wealth, but He does not provide him with knowledge. So he spends his wealth rashly without knowledge, nor having Taqwa of his Lord, nor nurturing the ties of kinship, and he does not know that Allah has a right in it. So this is the most despicable rank.

4. A slave whom Allah does not provide with wealth or knowledge, so he says, ‘If I had wealth, then I would do the deeds of so-and-so (evil) with it.’ He has his intention, so their sin is the same.” [at-Tirmidhi and Hadith reported as Sahih]

  The two last type of people (3 and 4) will be in the same position in sinfulness (wizr) because of his intention. Because he intended evil, he will have a sin in his record.

The matter of intention is very serious. The scholars said regarding this hadith that the knowledgeable person who is rich is in the highest, and the poor knowledgeable person will have the same reward because he was truthful with his statement. While the other two, because of an evil intention were equal in their sin.

Ibn Taymiyah (Rahimahullaah) said, “This equality in reward and sinfulness is according to who said it truthfully.  Allaah knows the strong will of the person and knows the truthfulness of the person.  If he was not held up he will do it”

How do we know if a person is truthful or not?

If he had the first chance to do the action, he would do it. The person who was truthful to spend the money, Allah knows that if the chance came to him he will immediately do it. While the other person, Allaah knows that if he had the first chance to do evil, he would do it.  So, he is of the same level as the person.

Whoever intends to commit a sin and resolves to do it without taking the means, he is like the person in this hadith.

Whoever intends to commit a sin and took the means to attain it, but was detained due to an obstacle, it will be written for him one sin. If he intended, without taking the means, he will get a sin for only his intention. You have to be able to distinguish between these two:

A man who only intended without taking means -> SIN for his intention

A man who intended and took the means but was detained -> A complete Sin

Example: Shaikh bin ‘Uthaymeen (Rahimahullaah) said, “A thief intends to steal from a house. He brought the ladder, and he climbed, entered the apartment and tried to open the safe, but he couldn’t,  A complete sin will be written for him. If he was in his house and said, “I will steal from this persons house,” but didn’t take the means, he will get a sin for his intention”

This applies to the reward as well. If a person intended to do a good deed without taking the means, he will be rewarded for his good intention. But if he tries to take the means and get tickets to go for ‘Umrah and they didn’t give him the visa or he was detained, he will have the complete reward.

Therefore, you should always have a good intention. Have and intention to go for Hajj. Even if you don’t have the means now, you never know, maybe tomorrow you may have it. You need to try your best and have the intention.

You are dealing with Allaah, Al-Ghafoor, Ash-Shakoor (The Oft-Forgiving , The All-Appreciative) who, even for your intention, will reward you!  If you believe in this name you will never even belittle your intention.

Bear in mind, we are responsible for the actions of our hearts. Like our limbs, the hearts do good and commit sins.You will be rewarded for your good actions of the heart like thinking good of Allaah, hoping from Allaah, fearing Allaah, loving Allaah, having Tawakkul, etc.

And you will be punished for the evil actions of your heart like thinking bad of Allaah, envy, pride, showing off, hypocrisy, self-conceit, arrogance, etc.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said,”He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.’‘[Sahih Muslim]

The place of pride is in the heart, therefore we are responsible for the actions of our hearts. Don’t say it is not accountable. Even if you didn’t do it with your limbs, you are responsible for your hearts.

Fruits of Sincerity (Part 4) – Sunday, 18th November 2012

Attending study circles is one of the acts of worship which is most beloved to Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala). The evidence for this is in Surah Mujadilah verse 11:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انشُزُوا فَانشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for prayers, Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause), or for any other good deed], rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.”

In this verse Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) has mentioned that He will elevate those who believed and had knowledge in ranks with Him. Whenever Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) sets a reward for any action or praises the doer you should know that certain action is an act of worship. And every act of worship requires sincerity! We need to have a good intention when we seek knowledge.

Fruits of Sincerity (Part 3) – Sunday,11th November 2012

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) has granted us many chances for increasing in good deeds and reward. We have come out of the month of Ramadan hopefully with high faith, and Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) has granted us the days of Dhul Hijjah. After every season of obedience we have to check our hearts and Eeman; Did it increase or not? Did we come closer to Allah or not?

This applies to everyone, those who went for Hajj and those who stayed behind.

How do I know if I have increased in faith?

1. You have to check yourself during trials. Along with the seasons of obedience come tests. We might have planned a long list of things we would do during these seasons but may have only accomplished half of them. Why? Because many tests had come during these days.

Why did these tests come in these seasons? They come to tell you if you have high faith or weak faith. Check yourself during these trials, how did you behave and what was your attitude? Did you win or lose with Allah?

Fruits of Sincerity (Part 2) – Sunday, 7th October 2012

Al Ikhlaas is the dearest thing in life for a Muslim.

Ibn Hazm (Rahimahullaah) used to say, “As much as I have tried to repel riyaa it grows up in another form”, to express how difficult it is to have sincerity.

And Ibn Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said,“Deeds without sincerity are like a traveller who carries in his water-jug dirt. The carrying of it burdens him and it brings no benefit”

We should always want to have something that will save us from the Hellfire. We should use this as a motivation to practice sincerity.

The scholars have mentioned a few descriptions of the sincere person:

1. The sincere person is the one who doesn’t like the people to know about his deeds even if they were small as the size of an ant. To that extent they don’t like the people to know about their deeds.
2. He is the one who doesn’t care if he has value in the heart of the people or not. As long as his heart is reformed with Allah.
3. The sincere person is the one who the praise and the dispraise of the people is the same for him. It won’t weaken his resolution. Whether the people praise or dispraise him, he continues on his journey having high resolutions.
4. He forgets his good deeds. The Shaytaan will try to make you remember your good deeds, but the sincere person is the one who does not think about his good deeds.
5. The sincere person is the one who waits for the reward from Allah. When? On the Day of Judgement  He will not give in charity and wait for his money to increase, He will wait for his reward on the Day of Judgement.
6. He who’s inward and outward are the same. He doesn’t do something if that which is established in his heart is opposite to it. He will not smile at people and bear hatred to them. He will not do good for them and his heart is seeking to gain praise. There is no contradiction in them.

The Salaf used to say, “Whoever beautifies himself to the people by doing something which is not of his character, He will be dropped from the eyes of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala)”

An example: This is like young girls. When they are home alone with their mother they are lazy. As soon as guests come the girl completely changes and shows them that she is an obedient child, when in fact she is not.

So remember who you are dealing with!  Allah or your mother?  This is a kind of riyaa.

7. The sincere person does not ask for a witness for her deeds except Allah. And if the person continues doing that and practicing sincerity, Allah will grant her wisdom.  She becomes a wise person.  This is not except for the sincere person.

What are the fruits of sincerity?

Fruits of Sincerity (Part 1) – Sunday, 30th September 2012

We will never be able to attain high ranks with Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) unless we are sincere in every action. Ikhlas (sincerity) is the core of our Ibadah.

Ibn Hazm (Rahimahullaah) said, “Just as the body without a soul is dead, Ibadah without sincerity is fruitless”

So don’t get bored hearing the lecturer talk about sincerity all the time for this is not an easy matter to attain. This is a matter of the heart and any deed without sincerity is not accepted.

The Salaf used to struggle hard to attain sincerity in just one action, so what about us? Nowadays temptations are everywhere and we are so distracted with the Dunya that sincerity is more difficult for us.

Sincerity leads a person to success if he fulfills it, and to hellfire if he doesn’t. A person trying to fulfill sincerity will be a winner with Allah. Since this matter will either lead us to paradise or hell we need to take it into consideration and be concerned about it.

Am I sincere? Why am I doing this? Is it for Allah’s sake? What am I hoping? Is this according to the Sunnah?