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Thursday, November 29, 2018

Riyadh as-Saaleheen: Fulfilling Commands, Innovations & Whoever Starts a Tradition - Following the Sunnah (Pt.9)


Lesson 9
-Fulfilling Commands
-Being wary of misguidance
-Leaving a legacy for yourself

THE OBLIGATION OF FULFILLING ALLAH’S COMMANDS, WHAT IS SAID ABOUT LEAVING IT AND ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVIL.
The more the Sunnah, the more he Eman and Tawhid. The lesser, then lesser. 
Ibn al-Uthaymin

فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا
4:65
إِنَّمَا كَانَ قَوْلَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذَا دُعُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ أَن يَقُولُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
24:51
Both these Surah’s have a context of Nifaaq, we learn that believing in Islam involves certain conditions:
-Faith
-Legislation
-Acceptance
-Submission
168 - Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
When it was revealed to Messenger of Allah (): "To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your own selves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it," the Companions of Messenger of Allah () felt it hard and severe and they came to Messenger of Allah () and sat down on their knees and said: "O Messenger of Allah, we were assigned some duties which were within our power to perform, such as Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting), Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah), Sadaqah (charity). Then this (the above mentioned) Verse was revealed to you and it is beyond our power to live up to it." Messenger of Allah () said, "Do you want to say what the people of two Books (Jews and Christians) said before you: 'We hear and disobey?' You should rather say: 'We hear and we obey, we seek forgiveness, our Rubb and unto You is the return."' And they said: "We hear and we obey, (we seek) Your forgiveness, our Rubb! And unto You is the return." When the people recited it and it smoothly flowed on their tongues, then Allah revealed immediately afterwards: "The Messenger (Muhammad ()) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Rubb, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), 'We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers' - and they say, 'We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Rubb, and to You is the return (of all)". When they did that, Allah abrogated this (Ayah) and Allah the Great revealed: "Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned." (The Prophet () said): "Yes. 'Our Rubb! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians)". (The Prophet () said): "Yes. 'Our Rubb! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear". (The Prophet () said): "Yes. 'Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people".

He (the Prophet (
)) said: "Yes".

QUESTION: what connection is there between the ending of al-Fatiha, al-Baqarah and al-Imran?


-Al-Baqarah ends in response to the end of al-Fatiha.
-In it is a promise of support and victory IF we meet the above conditions otherwise, we will resemble ignorance or arrogance.
-Allah wants ease for us; concealment, pardon and Mercy
-Allah wants us to believe so that we are equipped with fulfilling our covenant
Without those conditions…
THE PROHIBITION AGAINST INNOVATING AND INVENTING NEW PRACTICES
Staying away from innovation is half of the religion
Ibn Rajab

فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلاَّ الضَّلالُ
10:32
مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِي الْكِتَابِ مِن شَيْءٍ
6:38
فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ
4:59
وَأَنَّ هَذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
6:153
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
3:31
169 - 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
Messenger of Allah () said, "If anyone introduces in our matter something which does not belong to it, will be rejected".

The narration in Muslim says: "If anybody introduces a practice which is not authenticated by me, it is to be rejected".

QUESTION: What is an innovation?
  
An innovation is anything introduced into the Shariah as an act of worship.
Ash-Shatibi

Therefore, innovations has three parts:
1_ worship
2_ introduced into the Sharia
3_No basis for it; no text and no Salaf

170 - Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Whenever the Messenger of Allah () delivered a Khutbah, his eyes would become red, his tone loud and he showed anger as if he were warning us against an army. He () would say, "The enemy is about to attack you in the morning and the enemy is advancing against you in the evening". He would further say, "I am sent with the final Hour like these two fingers of mine." Messenger of Allah () held up his index finger and the middle finger together to illustrate. He used to add: "To proceed, the best speech is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (), the worst practice is the introduction of new practices in Islam and every Bid'ah is a misguidance". He would also say, "I am, in respect of rights, nearer to every believer than his own self. He who leaves an estate, it belongs to his heirs, and he who leaves a debt, it is my responsibility to pay it off." [Muslim].

Same Hadith as reported by 'Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) has already been recorded in the previous chapter regarding safeguarding the Sunnah of the Prophet ().

-All innovations are major sins, some could be Kufr and Shirk.

How do innovations arise?
-Ignorance
-Desires
-Partisanship 
-Doubts

There are levels of innovation, even if all of them are major sins. However, not all the types are the same. Not all Ahl al-Bidah are the same, just as not all Taqlid and Bidah from Ahl al-Kitab is the same.
Majmu of Ibn Taymiyyah 4/201


Why are innovations so dangerous? 

-Lack of following Islam: Tawhid and Sunnah
-Indirectly choosing to create his own way
-Not being content with the final message
-Indirectly claiming that the Prophet either 1) didn’t tell us OR 2) he didn’t know!
-It creates disunity and no conformity
-It gives rise to hypocrisy
-It justifies a way to fulfil doubts and desires 
-Once it starts, there is no end and no repentance

WHOEVER STARTS A GOOD OR BAD -TRADITION

-Our grandfather father left a legacy.
-He gave us Tarbiyyah.
-Some of our fathers and uncles rejected it and started their own Tarbiyyah; leaving two paths and two traditions.



وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
25:74

Everyone has pairs; either complete each other or destroy one another

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ
33:24
Adam was an Imam and he wanted his progeny to be filled with Imams.
BUT how can we assure ourselves and be a guide for those after us?
-Eman
-Subr
-Yaqeen

171 – Jarir bin 'Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
We were with Messenger of Allah () shortly after dawn when there came to him some people clad in woollen rags, or covered with sleeveless blankets; and with swords hanging down from their necks. Most of them rather, all of them, belonged to the Mudar tribe. The face of the Prophet () changed when he saw them starving. Then he went into his house and came out; then he commanded Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) to proclaim Adhan (call to prayers). So he proclaimed Adhan and recited Iqamah and the Prophet () led the Salat. Then he delivered a Khutbah saying, "O mankind! Be dutiful to your Rubb, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allah through Whom you demand your (natural) rights, and do not sever the relations of kinship. Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you." (4:1) He also recited the Ayah which is in the end of Surat Al-Hashr: "O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every one look what he has sent forth for the tomorrow". (59:18). Thereafter, every man gave in charity Dinar, Dirham, clothes, measure-fulls of wheat and measure-fulls of dates till he said: "(Give in charity) be it half a date". Then a man of the Ansar came with a bag which was difficult for him to hold in his hand. Thereafter, the people came successively (with charity) till I saw two heaps of food and clothes. I noticed that the face of Messenger of Allah () was glowing like that of the bright moon or glittering gold. Then he () said, "Whosoever introduces a good practice in Islam, there is for him its reward and the reward of those who act upon it after him without anything being diminished from their rewards. And whosoever introduces an evil practice in Islam, will shoulder its sin and the sins of all those who will act upon it, without diminishing in any way their burden"

172- Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet () said, "The first son of Adam* takes a share of the guilt of every one who murders another wrongfully because he was the initiator of committing murder".

-Example of how the Companions understood this and all these chapters.
-The companions hastened to do good deeds.
-They had Ikhlas to Allah and his creation.
-Proof that some Sunnah’s will die out and not be known/realised.
-Proof of permissibility of reviving new deeds BUT must have a textual precedence.

Therefore, the emphasis of the Shariah is to help people...


And Allah Knows best

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Chapter: Obligation of believing that the message of our Prophet Muhammad

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed:

There has never been a Prophet amongst the prophets who was not bestowed with a sign amongst the signs which were bestowed (on the earlier prophets). Human beings believed in it and verily I have been conferred upon revelation (the Holy Qur'an) which Allah revealed to me. I hope that I will have the greatest following on the Day of Resurrection.

Explanation
-the greatest miracle given to the prophet is the Quran and its with this people believe him and through this he will have the biggest Ummah on the day of judgement 
Some said that the Quran being a miracle means it's powerful in itself and it's not sent in order to challenge with anything else, such as miracles sent to Moosaa to challenge Sihr
Others said it means that each prophet was given a miracle suitable for his nation, and the miracle of the Quran is ongoing until the last day 
-it's a miracle in the knowledge it contains, knowledge of the unseen,  about events that occurred and yet to occur, unable to produce anything like it, and it's then most eloquent of speech
-TN: Nawawi refuted the idea of the Ashari's who say we have no Takleef to created the Quran, an idea of Akbar, rather he affirms that the Quran is a miracle in and of itself.
-the prophet said he hopes that the Ummah will be the greatest, saying this when the believers were just a few
-the prophet came to abrogate all other religions
-whoever hasn't heard of the message of Islam is excused
-the Jews and christians are mentioned specially because they have books and if they have books and knowledge then those less than them then the obligation for those below them is even more emphasised
Sharh Sahih Muslim, 2/207-210

Monday, November 26, 2018

Wiping Over Normal Socks (cotton, wool etc.)

It says in Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (Summarised from 39/282-283):
Issue: Wiping Over Normal Socks (cotton, wool etc.)

The majority of the scholars are of the view that wiping over normal socks is permitted in two cases:

a)   That the socks cover your foot properly up to the ankles and that they are like shoes in their use (i.e. one walks in them).
b)   That the skin cannot be seen from above them and that the water doesn’t seep through them (i.e. that they are thick enough).

Imaam Ahmad and Aboo Haneefah (i.e. they differed slightly to the majority above) were of the view that wiping over normal socks is permissible on two conditions:

a)   No part of the foot can be seen.
b)   One is able to walk in them.

The Hanbalees didn’t have the place the condition that socks must be like shoes in their use. The evidence for this is the Hadeeth of Mughayrah bin Shu’bah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said, “Verily the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] wiped over his shoes and socks.”

This Hadeeth is proof that shoes and socks are two different things. They also deducted from this that wiping over normal socks was the practice of the Companions [May Allaah be Pleased with them] and none of them differed, thus there being Ijmaa (i.e. a consensus which means that is becomes binding legislative proof) on the issue.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Riyadh as-Saaleheen: Being Balanced in Worship, Preserving Worship and Following the Sunnah (Pt.8)


LESSON 8
How to preserve one’s actions
Have them accepted and blessed
Warning against creating a new way which has never been seen before


BEING BALANCED IN ACTS OF WORSHIP
طه، مَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَى
(20:1-2)
-It’s easy for some but difficult for most; those who turn away
“Verily Allah has His own people among mankind.” They said: O Messenger of Allah, who are they? He said: “They are the people of the Qur’an, Allah’s own people and those who are closest to Him.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The people of the Quran are not those who merely memorise it; they are those who recite, understand, memorise, ponder, and act upon it.
Ibn al-Qayyim
يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ
(2:185)
This comes in the context of Rukhsah; there is a negation and affirmation which gives a reason for a very important principle in Islam.
Ibn Ashur


142 – The Prophet () came in when a woman was sitting beside me. He asked me, "Who is she?" I said: "She is the one whose performance of Salat (prayer) has become the talk of the town." Addressing her, he () said, "(What is this!) You are required to take upon yourselves only what you can carry out easily. By Allah, Allah does not withhold His Mercy and forgiveness of you until you neglect and give up (good works). Allah likes the deeds best which a worshipper can carry out constantly".
-Is it better to have consistent quality rather than a block of enthusiasm?
143 - Three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet () to inquire about the worship of the Prophet (). When they were informed, they considered their worship insignificant and said: "Where are we in comparison with the Prophet () while Allah has forgiven his past sins and future sins". One of them said: "As for me, I shall offer Salat all night long." Another said: "I shall observe Saum (fasting) continuously and shall not break it". Another said: "I shall abstain from women and shall never marry". The Prophet () came to them and said, "Are you the people who said such and such things? By Allah, I fear Allah more than you do, and I am most obedient and dutiful among you to Him, but still I observe fast and break it; perform Salat and sleep at night and take wives. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah does not belong to me".
144 - "Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of the Faith." He repeated this three times.
145 – “"The religion (of Islam) is easy, and whoever makes the religion a rigour, it will overpower him. So, follow a middle course (in worship); if you can't do this, do something near to it and give glad tidings and seek help (of Allah) at morn and at dusk and some part of night".”
The one who does not let his mount rest will not reach his destination and he will become like one who is cut off, because his mount is no longer able to continue, so he is close to doom. Had he been kind to his mount and taken it easy during his journey, his mount would have been able to travel the distance with him and get him to his destination.
Fath al-Baari by Ibn Rajab (1/136-139). 
146 - The Prophet () came into the mosque and noticed a rope stretched between two poles. He enquired, "What is this rope for?" He was told: "This is Zainab's rope. When during her voluntary prayer, she begins to feel tired, she grasps it for support". The Prophet () said, "Untie it. You should perform prayers so long as you feel active. When you feel tired, you should go to sleep".
Ibn al-Muneer said: This hadeeth is one of the signs of Prophethood. We have seen and the people before us saw that everyone who goes to extremes in religious matters will be cut off and doomed. 
It does not mean that we should not seek to be more perfect in worship, for that is something praiseworthy. Rather what is forbidden is the kind of extremism that leads to getting bored with it, or going to such extremes in doing voluntary acts that one ends up forsaking that which is better.
Fath al-Baari by Ibn Hajar (1/94). 
147 – "When one of you feels drowsy during prayer, let him lie down till drowsiness goes away from him, because when one of you performs prayers while feeling sleepy, he does not know whether he seeks forgiveness or abuses himself".
148 - Jabir bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I used to perform prayer with the Prophet () and his Salat was of a moderate length and his Khutbah too was moderate in length.

149 - The Prophet () made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abud-Darda'. Salman paid a visit to Abud-Darda' and found Umm Darda' (his wife) dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied: "Your brother Abud-Darda' is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world. In the meantime Abud-Darda' came in and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abud-Darda' to eat (with him) but Abud-Darda' said: "I am fasting." Salman said: "I am not going to eat unless you eat." So, Abud-Darda' ate (with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abud-Darda' got up (to offer the night prayer) but Salman asked him to sleep and Abud-Darda' slept. After some time Abud-Darda' again got up but Salman asked him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman asked him to get up and both of them offered (Tahajjud) prayer. Then Salman told Abud-Darda': "You owe a duty to your Rubb, you owe a duty to your body; you owe a duty to your family; so you should give to every one his due. Abud-Darda' came to the Prophet () and reported the whole story. Prophet () said, "Salman is right".
150 – 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Prophet () was informed that I said that I would perform prayers the whole night and observe fasting every day as long as I live. Messenger of Allah () said, "Is it you who said this?" I said to him, "O Messenger of Allah! I ransom you with my parents, it is I who said that." Messenger of Allah () said, "You will not be able to do that. Observe fast and break it; sleep and get up for prayer, and observe fast for three days during the month; for every good is multiplied ten times and that will be equal to fasting the whole year." I said, "O Messenger of Allah! I can do more than that." He said, "Observe fast one day and leave off the next two days." I said, "O Messenger of Allah! I have strength to do more than that." Messenger of Allah () said, "Observe fast every other day, and that is the fasting of Dawud () and that is the most moderate fasting".

151 – Hanzalah Al-Usayyidi (May Allah be pleased with him) who was one of the scribes of Messenger of Allah (), reported:
I met Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) he said: "How are you O Hanzalah?" I said, "Hanzalah has become a hypocrite". He said, "Far removed is Allah from every imperfection, what are you saying?" I said, "When we are in the company of Messenger of Allah () and he reminds us of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our very eyes, and when we are away from Messenger of Allah (), we attend to our wives, our children, our business, most of these things (pertaining to life hereafter) slip out of our minds." Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "By Allah, I also experience the same thing". So Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) and I went to Messenger of Allah () and I said to him, "O Messenger of Allah (), Hanzalah has turned hypocrite." Thereupon Messenger of Allah () said, "What has happened to you?" I said, "O Messenger of Allah, when we are in your company, and are reminded of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our own eyes, but when we go away from you and attend to our wives, children and business, much of these things go out of our minds." Thereupon Messenger of Allah () said, "By Him in Whose Hand is my life if your state of mind remains the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in remembrance (of Allah), the angels will shake hands with you in your beds and in your roads; but Hanzalah, time should be devoted (to the worldly affairs) and time should be devoted (to prayer)". He (the Prophet ()) said this thrice.

152 - Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
While the Prophet () was delivering Khutbah (religious talk), he noticed a man who was standing, so he asked about him and was told that he was Abu Israel who had taken a vow to remain standing and not sit, or go into the shade, or speak while observing fasting. Thereupon Messenger of Allah () said, "Tell him to speak, to go into the shade, to sit and to complete his fast".

Benefits:
-It is not prescribed nor is it required for a person to obey Allaah by doing acts of worship that cause him hardship
-Conditions that are set in Islam that go against Shariah are null and void and not to be carried out. Conditions which add hardship to acts of worship are null. The Prophet denied the conditions that were extra and Batil for the man who swore to fast and stand in the heat (Itisam 2/169)
SUMMARY:
Al-‘Allaamah ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sa’di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 
-How great this hadeeth is and how concise and good is its beneficial advice and comprehensive principles: “Religion is easy”
-If a person has the pillars of Eman internally, the external is easily acceptable and act upon.
-He will find in the religion perfect morals and deeds; all that work in his best interests in both worlds.
-He will see himself accountable because all of it is sound – sound mind creates a sound nature.
-Offering the pillars of Islam in congregation is wisdom because doing things collectively is easier.
-The five prayers come at the appropriate times.
-One of the pillars is only Wajib if he has the Nisaab and had it for a year; to purify wealth and hearts, to ward off calamities from them and their wealth, to cleanse them of their sins, to offer comfort to the needy and to bring about harmony in society. But despite that it is a very small amount when compared with what Allaah has given them of wealth and provision. 
-As for fasting, it is obligatory for one month of the year; to remove his desires and Allah compensates them for that by His grace and kindness.
-With regard to Hajj, Allaah has only enjoined it on the one who is able to do it, and only once in a lifetime. There are many religious and worldly benefits in it, more than can be counted.
But the one who overburdens himself and is not content…will be overwhelmed and in the end he will be unable to continue and will stop doing it…and will find himself going backwards. 
He enjoined avoiding extremism and trying to be near perfection, and encouraged people to be hopeful and not to yield to despair.                        
Avoiding extremism means saying and doing the right thing, and following a wise path; it means saying and doing the right thing in all senses.
Thus it is known that a number of principles may be derived from this great hadeeth: 
1.     Islam is easy in general
2.     Hardship opens the door to relief
3.     If I tell you to do something, do as much of it as you can.
4.     It encourages those who strive hard and gives them glad tidings of goodness and reward that stem from their actions.
5.     Comprehensive advice on how to reach Allaah, advice which may be sufficient on its own and no other advice could take its place.  
May the blessings and peace of Allaah be upon the one who was given the power and benefit of concise speech. End quote. 
Bahjat Quloob al-Abraar wa Qurrat ‘Ayn al-Akhyaar fi Sharh Jawaami’ al-Akhbaar (p. 77-80). 
Islamqa/124611

PRESERVING ONE’S GOOD DEEDS
أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ
(57:16)
وَقَفَّيْنَا بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الإِنجِيلَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ رَأْفَةً وَرَحْمَةً وَرَهْبَانِيَّةً ابْتَدَعُوهَا مَا كَتَبْنَاهَا عَلَيْهِمْ إِلاَّ ابْتِغَاء رِضْوَانِ اللَّهِ فَمَا رَعَوْهَا حَقَّ رِعَايَتِهَا
(57:27)
وَلاَ تَكُونُواْ كَالَّتِي نَقَضَتْ غَزْلَهَا مِن بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ
(16:92)
وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ
(15:99)
153- "Should anyone fall asleep at night and fail to recite his portion of the Qur'an, or a part of it, if he recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Zuhr prayer, it will be recorded for him as though he had recited it during the night".
154- 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
Messenger of Allah () said to me, "O Abdullah! Do not be like so-and-so. He used to get up at night for optional prayer but abandoned it later."

155- When Messenger of Allah () missed the optional night Salat (Tahajjud) due to pain or any other reason, he would perform twelve Rak'ah during the day time.
How would you give advice to others to follow the correct Manhaj?...

COMMAND TO PRESERVE THE SUNNAH

QUESTION: What is the Sunnah?
What is meant by Sunnah is his way - his worship, his manners, his dealings; everything he said, everything he did and approved of.
-Ibn al-Uthaymin

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا
(59: 7)
وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَى
إِنْ هُوَ إِلاَّ وَحْيٌ يُوحَى
(53:3-4)
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
(3:31)
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا
(33:21)
فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا
(4:65)
فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
(24:63)
وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
(42:52)
وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلَى فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ لَطِيفًا خَبِيرًا
(33:34)
Accepting the Sunnah Wholeheartedly:

156 - "Do not ask me unnecessarily about the details of the things which I do not mention to you. Verily, the people before you were doomed because they were used to putting many questions to their Prophets and had differences about their Prophets. Refrain from what I forbid you and do what I command you to the best of your ability and capacity".
157- 'Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
One day Messenger of Allah () delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts were full of tears. A man said: "O Prophet of Allah, this is as if it were a parting advice. So advise us". He () said, "I admonish you to fear Allah, to listen and obey even if an Abyssinian slave is appointed as your leader. Because whosoever among you shall live after me, will see much discord. So hold fast to my Sunnah and the examples of the Rightly- Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold to it fast. Beware of new things (in Deen) because every Bid'ah is a misguidance".

Follow the Sunnah preserves the path to Jannah:
158- "Everyone of my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who refuse". He was asked: "Who will refuse?" He () said, "Whoever obeys me, shall enter Jannah, and whosoever disobeys me, refuses to (enter Jannah)".

Arrogance in Against Accepting the Sunnah:
159- Salamah bin Al-Akwa' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
My father said that a person ate in the presence of Messenger of Allah () with his left hand. He () said, "Eat with your right hand". He said, "I cannot do that." Thereupon he (the Prophet) said, "May you never do that." It was pride that prevented him from doing it. And he could not raise it (the right hand) up to his mouth afterwards.

160- "Straighten your rows (during Salat) or Allah would create dissension amongst you".

The sunnah saves life and property – one MUST LEARN it to benefit from it:
161- A house in Al- Madinah caught fire at night and the roof and walls fell down upon the occupants. When this was reported to Messenger of Allah () he said, "Fire is your enemy; so put it out before you go to bed".

The sunnah builds Eman and economy:
162- "The similitude of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like a rain which has fallen on some ground. A fertile part of earth has absorbed water and brought forth much grass and herbs. Another part, which is solid, held the water and Allah benefits men thereby, who drank and gave others to drink, and used it for irrigation. But some of it has fallen on a portion of sandy land which neither retains the water nor produces herbage. Such is the likeness of the man who understands the religion of Allah and who gets benefit of what Allah has sent me with; he learns and teaches others. It is also the likeness of the man who neither raises his head on that account (meaning he does not benefit from what the Prophet () was sent with) nor accepts Allah's Guidance with which I am sent".
163- "My parable and that of yours is like a man who kindled a fire. When it has illuminated all around him, the moths and grasshoppers began to fall therein. He tried to push them away, but they overcame him and jumped into it. I am catching hold of your waists ties (to save you) from fire, but you slip away from my hands".
The sunnah is medicine:
164- Messenger of Allah () commanded the licking of fingers (after eating) and the cleaning of the dish, saying: "You do not know in what portion the Blessing (of Allah) lies".
The sunnah creates unity and security:
165- Messenger of Allah () said, "On the Day of Resurrection you will be assembled barefooted, naked and uncircumcised". He then recited: "As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it," and continued: "The first to be clothed on the Day of Resurrection will be (Prophet) Ibrahim. Then some of my Companions will be taken to the left, (i.e., towards Hell-fire) and when I will say, 'They belong to my Ummah, O my Rubb!' It would be said: 'You do not know what they invented after you had left them.' I shall then say as the righteous slave [i.e., 'Isa (Jesus ()] said: 'And I was a witness over them while I was amongst them, when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them and You are a Witness to all things. If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily, You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.' I shall be told: 'They continued to turn on their heels since you parted from them".

The sunnah makes people responsible and not cultural:
166- 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah () prohibited flicking pebbles by the index finger and the thumb (الخذف); and he said, "It does not kill a game animal nor does it inflict wound on the enemy, but breaks the tooth and gorges the eye".


The sunnah liberates, gives intellect and most of – it gives him a path to Allah:

167- 'Abis bin Rabi'ah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I saw 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) kissing the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) and saying: "I know that you are just a stone and that you can neither do any harm nor give benefit. Had I not seen Messenger of Allah () kissing you, I would not have kissed you".

Conditions for Calling to the Sunnah:
1)      Ikhlas
2)    Knowledge
3)     Knows the state of the people
4)    Knows the opinions they follow
5)     What they are following is ACTUALLY a confliction
6)    Ability to call and challenge
7)     It doesn't lead to greater harm; e.g. insulting deities and religious holidays
QUESTION: When does a person leave Ahl Sunnah?

ANSWER:
When they leave the Manhaj OR knowingly the Ijmaa of the Salaf OR adopt an Usl from the Usool of the people of innovation (this could also be a matter of Furoo).
An innovation by which a person is counted as being from the people of desires is that which is when he opposes the Book and the Sunnah, such as the innovation of the Khwarij, Rawafid, al-Qadriyyah and the Murji’ah.
-Ibn Taymiyyah
-The people of desires often refers to the Imaam who act upon their Shubhaat (thus not necessarily all followers of innovation).

-However, this DOES include the layman who vehemently clings onto an opposing view because of his partisanship.

-The general layman who doesn’t know that he’s following an innovator may not be sinful, BUT is not from Ahl as-Sunnah.
-ash-Shatibi

And Allah Knows best