Shuraym: The Persons Fingertips Now Represents His Acumen

Follow @AhleDhikr

Communication and our mannerism within society have had their roles reversed. Morality and immorality have become unrecognisable from one another. Praiseworthy attributes have become alienated in society. To the extent that the persons fingertips now represents his acumen, as opposed to his tongue that would typically display his actual intelligence. 

Now, society is witnessing an extensive use of social media, where the user expresses himself in seclusion in a manner that he wouldn’t in public. This sense of liberty detaches the writer from any perception of consequence, and can only lead to a greater aftermath of irresponsibility.

Shaykh Sa’ood bin Ibraheem ash-Shuraym in the Khutbah entitled “The Pros and Cons of Social Media”, 7/5/1438 – 3/2/2017.

Nourishment of the Heart

Follow @AhleDhikr

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Knowledge is the food and drink for the heart, and it’s also its medication. So life of ones heart totally depends on it (i.e. knoweldge). If the heart loses knowledge then it will die.

[Miftaah Daar as-Sa’aadah (1/122)]

The Best of Those Will Come After You, Believing in the Book

Follow @AhleDhikr

On the authority of ‘Amr bin Shu’ayb from his father from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] asked:

“Do you know which creation is most complete in Emaan?”

The Companions [may Allaah be Pleased with them all] replied by saying, “The Angels.”

He [Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Why would they not belief when they witness their Lord (i.e. asking who else)?”

The Companions [may Allaah be Pleased with them all] replied by saying, “The Prophets.”

He [Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Why would they not believe in the Revelation when it is directly Revealed upon them (i.e. asking who else)?”

The Companions [may Allaah be Pleased with them all] replied by saying, “Then us (i.e. your Companions).”

He [Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Why would you not believe whilst you witness the Messenger of Allaah (i.e. asking who else)?”

Then the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The best of those who Emaan are those who will come after you, they will have with them the Book (i.e. the Quraan) and they believe in it.”

[Narrated by al-Bayhaqee in Dalaa’il an-Nuboowah (6/538) and classed as Hasan by al-Albaanee in Silsilah (3215)]

The Believer is Mannered and Optimistic

Follow @AhleDhikr

On the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [may Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The believer is courteous and generous whereas the sinner (Faajir) is deceitful and malicious.”

Al-Allaamah Zayd bin Haadee al-Madhkhalee [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

This Hadeeth is proof which deciphers the believer from the sinner. The believer has praiseworthy traits however the sinner has spiteful ones.

From the characteristics of a believer is that he courteous and generous. The word “courteous” (غِر) means he has no inclination towards evil. He doesn’t look for it, not out of ignorance, but his natural make-up is not seek it. He is generous and has lofty manners.

As for the sinner then he is deceitful and malicious. He has blameworthy attributes such as always plotting and being dishonest. They wish to seek corruption and wickedness in the land and have very little good to offer. Their evil is great and reoccurring and their outer-appearance conflicts what they hide within.

So it is upon us all to pay attention to these characteristics and uphold the attributes of the people of al-Emaan; in action and in statement. We are bound to always be just with them because with them there is a goodly life, blessed in the Dunyaa, Barzakh and the Aakhirah.

And be warned against the characteristics of the people of evil and corruption. Be distant away from them with all distance. Be warned against them with the utmost of warnings. Their attributes are the cause of wretchedness in the Dunyaa and the Aakhirah.

The conclusion of the Hadeeth; be with those who are sincere and offer sincerity, love them, thank them for the good they do and give their efforts its due. Help in spreading good (and optimism) and reap great rewards; Allaah Will Ally Himself with you in your Dunya and in your Aakhirah.

[‘Awn al-Ahad as-Samad Sharh Adab al-Mufrad; Baab Ma Dhukar fee al-Makr wa al-Khadaa’ah (2/461)]

Anger Management

Follow @AhleDhikr

On the authority of Mu'aath bin Anas al-Juhanee [may Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

"Whoever controls his anger whilst he is able to act upon it, Allaah will mention his name amongst the best of His creation and he will be given the choice of any of the Hoor al-'Ayn that he pleases."

[Reported by Aboo Dawood (4777), at-Tirmidhi (2021) who classed it as Hasan]

The Prohibition of Signalling in Greeting

Follow @AhleDhikr

It is reported by at-Tirmidhee that the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Those who imitates others from us, are not from us. Do not resemble the Jews or the Christians; the Jews greet one another by signalling with their fingers and the Christians greet one another by signalling with their hands.”

[Sunnan at-Tirmidhee (2695) in the Chapter of the Disliking of Waving or Signaling in Greeting; classed as Hasan by al-Albaanee in Saheeh at-Tirmidhee]

It says in the well-known book ‘Tuhfah al-Awadhee’, in explanation of this Hadeeth:

“Those who imitates others from us…”: meaning, those who are indifferent to us in what we follow.

“…are not from us”: meaning they are not from our religion.

“Do not resemble the Jews or the Christians…”: repetition here shows the emphasis (of the prohibition).

“…the Jews greet one another by signalling with their fingers and the Christians greet one another by signalling with their hands”: meaning, do not resemble them in every aspect (major or minor) of their religion. Especially in these two mentioned here…Perhaps it is because they differed in the way Salaam was given, pronouncing the words of Salaam, from the time of Aadam which transcended throughout his children, from the Prophets and the pious [Peace be upon them all].

Although this Hadeeth has some weakness in it, what has been reported by an-Nasaa’ee with an acceptable from Jaabir [May Allaah be Pleased with him] strengthens it, as mentioned by Ibn Hajar in al-Fath:

“Do not greet (or give Salaam) in the manner that the Jews do. They bow their heads or wave/signal with their hands.” [Sunnan al-Kubraa (9750)]

An-Nawawee mentioned as a benefit: As for the narration of Asmaa’ bin Yazeed which states, “The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] passed by a group of women in his Masjid who were sitting there, so he waved to them in greeting.”

This narration is proof that one may combine waving with uttering the Salaam. This is because Aboo Dawood add to this narration, “and he greeted them with Salaam.” End quote from an-Nawawee. End quote from Tuhfah.

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

It is not permissible to give Salaam by signalling. The Sunnah is to say ‘As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum’ if one greets or responds. As for signalling, then this is not permissible because it resembles the ways of some of the Kuffaar. Additionally, it opposes the Sharee’ah of Allaah.

However, if one was to wave or signal to another Muslims, and the recipient understands that he is being greeted, perhaps because of the distance between the two, then in this case, if one signals or waves whilst uttering the Salaam, then there is no harm in this.

This is because there is evidence that supports this, such as the situation of a person who is praying. The one who busy in praying Salaah may respond by waving or signalling (to the one who greeting them with Salaam). This has been authenticated in the Sunnah of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him].

http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/323

If Someone Sees Something That He Likes, What Should He Say?

Follow @AhleDhikr

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him] was asked:

If someone sees something that he likes, should he say ‘ما شاء الله تبارك الله’ (i.e. That which Allaah has Willed has come to Pass, Blessed by Allaah) or ‘ما شاء الله تبارك الله لا قوة إلا بالله’ (i.e. That which Allaah has Willed has come to Pass, Blessed by Allaah, there is no Power except with Allaah)?

He [May Allaah have Mercy on him] replied:

All Praise are due for Allaah, the Lord of the Creation. May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon our Prophet Muhammad, His Family, His Companions and those who follow them until the Day of Recompense.

If a person sees something that he likes from his wealth, he should say:

ما شاء الله لا قوة إلا بالله

As it has been narrated in the story of the two people who had gardens, one of the owners of the garden told the owner of the other garden:

"It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: 'That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah '. If you see me less than you in wealth, and children.” [Al-Khaf 18:39]

This is in relation to something you own and you like it.

However, if you see something that you like from the wealth of other people then one should say:

بارك الله عليه

‘May Allaah Bless it’ or the likes[1].

However, if you see something that you like from the affairs of the Dunya, then one should say:

لبيك ان العيش عيش الاخرة

I am at Your Service! Verily, the true life is the life of the Aakhira[2].

As the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said.

I am at Your Service, Oh Lord: meaning I have responded to Your Call and Command.

Verily, the true life is the life of the Aakhira: meaning the person reinforces within himself that the life of the Dunya and everything that it has, will cease and there is no real life in it, and that the true life is the life of the Aakhira.

[First Fatwa from Noor ‘ala ad-Darb (Tape 321); http://ar.islamway.net/fatwa/36370]

The Best way of Supplicating for Someone’s Wealth to be Blessed:

Shaykh Maahir bin Dhaafer al-Qahtaanee [May Allaah Preserve him] said:

Barakah means to have an increase or a growth in something

Tabreek: is the supplication one does for another for something to be blessed (i.e. have Barakah in something)

Imaam as-Suyootee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in ad-Debaaj Sharh Saheeh Muslim bin al-Hajjaaj (2/138):

Barakah or a blessing in something is to seek to have something increased in goodness. Others said Barakah refers to something being purified and others said Barakah means to have something affirmed, for example, the camel is firm (Barakat) in the earth.

As for the meaning of the statement of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him], “Have you not blessed it?” meaning, have you not supplicated for the person to be blessed?

And it is not correct to say, ‘Ma Sha Allaah, Tabaarak Allaah’ because this is not what is meant by the wording in the Hadeeth, “Have you not blessed it?” Also, if one says ‘Tabaarak Allaah’ then this is also not correct because the meaning of ‘Tabaarak Allaah’ means to Praise and Magnify Allaah, thus it is a form of remembering Allaah and it is not a supplication, so it has nothing to do with making supplication for the person who we seek to protect from evil eye.

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

If one fears that he will give someone evil eye or something from their possessions then he should supplicate for that person or thing by saying: 

اللهم بارك عليه

“Oh Allaah Bless him in it”

Just as the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] commanded ‘Aamir bin Rabee’ah.

[Zaad al-Ma’aad (4/162-174)]

Haafidh Ibn Hajr [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

If you see something that you like then it is a must that you hasten to make Dua’a for the owner by asking it for it to be blessed, this will protect it.

[Fath al-Baaree (10/205)]

---

[1] The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “If you see something that you like in himself or something his brother may have then supplicate for it to be blessed, because the evil eye is real.” [Reported by Imaam Maalik in his Muwatta’ (2/938); Haakim in Mustadarak (4/240) and classified as Saheeh by al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (556)]

[2] [Narrated by Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee in al-Umm (2/170), attributed to Mujaahid, so the narration is Mursal, however this statement has been acted upon by the people of knowledge, it is permissible to say this if one see something that he likes from the Dunya or if one is afflicted with harm or in times of ease, in order for the person not to forget his true life in the Aakhira: see: Sharh Saheeh Muslim of Imaam an-Nawawee (8/91), Sunan al-Kubraa of Imaam al-Bayhaqee (7/77), at-Taj wa al-Ikleel (5/18) and Sharh al-Mumti of Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen (3/124)]

Your Intellect and Piety is Directly Connected to the Manners you Display

Follow @AhleDhikr

“Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Yoosuf 12:53]

Imaam Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

The whims of the servant always call for him to follow his desires, even if what he desires is that which doesn’t Please Allaah.

‘….except when my Lord bestows His Mercy’ meaning, whoever his Lord wishes from His Creation, so He frees them from following their desires and Helps them in Obedience to Him in what He has Ordered and thus being free from all evils.

[Tafseer at-Tabaree 16/142-143]

“And be moderate in the way you walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the most unpleasing of voices of all voices is the voice (braying) of donkeys.” [Luqman 31:19]

Al-Allaamah Taahir Ibn ‘Aashoor [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

After Luqmaan advices his son on the manners that he should have, he advises his son to beware of having manners that are blameworthy, blameworthy manners in speech and action. So when we walk, we are commanded here to walk with manners, thus when walking we don’t walk with a swagger or with pride, nor do we walk as if we are lost, creeping instead of walking. Therefore, we are commanded here to walk with humility and a purpose.

As for the meaning of voice of donkeys, then this refers to the speech of a person, if he is loud and unmannered in the way he talks, then this is the resemblance given to this characteristic, that of a donkey.

[Adapted from Tahreer wa Tanweer 22/168-169]

It is narrated on the authority of Umm Dardaa [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “There is nothing heavier on the scales than having good manners. So the person who has good manners may reach or exceed to the status of those who pray and fast regularly. ” [Narrated by at-Tirmidhi (2003) and it was classified Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi]

Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

The manners of a person depends on the environment he places himself in. So you can find someone who is intelligent and has the best of manners, but this all changes if he places himself in a different environment, even if that means he befriends animals, he will take on their characteristics and manners. So you can witness that the worst of people in manners and actions are those who are effected by those around them, therefore the environment has an imprints on the way you behave and think.

The opposite is also true, you may find someone who is ignorant and has the worst of manners but if he befriends friends who are upright, and he mixes with them, his manners and deeds are affected in a positive way.

All this shows that the environment you place yourself in has an imprint, those who seek to better themselves are affected by their environment. So pay attention to this point….

[Madaarij as-Saalikeen 2/488]

Salaat al-Istisqaa' or Rain Prayers: A Time to Make Dua'a and Ask for Forgiveness

Follow @AhleDhikr

وَإِذِ اسْتَسْقَى مُوسَى لِقَوْمِهِ

“And (remember) when Musa (Moses) asked for water for his people” [Baqarah 2:60]

Allaah, the Most High, tells them to remember the favours over them, the people of Moosa [Peace be upon him] where given water when they asked and He made it easy for them to access it, he gave them spring mineral water, each tribe having water so that it wouldn’t cause their hearts to be divided, He gave them Manaa and Salwa, and He permitted them to benefit from this all so they are commanded not to be…

“…do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth.”

[Adapted from Tafseer Ibn Katheer 1/278]

Shaykh Saaleh ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him] was asked:

Question: Some people don’t pray Salaat al-Istisqaa’ and they say how can we pray when we have so many sins?

Answer: I seek protection in Allaah from this; this is despairing from the Mercy of Allaah. Ask Allaah to forgive your sins and don’t despair from the Mercy of Allaah. Pray the prayer and seek forgiveness in Allaah.

[After his explanation of the book Zaad al-Ma'aad, 27/3/1433 – 19/2/2012]

Question: What is your advice to the Muslims on Salaat al-Istisqaa’?

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Kareem bin ‘Abdullah al-Khudayr [May Allaah Preserve him] replied:

Salaat al-Istisqaa is a confirmed Sunnah from the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] because he went out and prayed them in two Rak’aat like he would do with the ‘Eid prayers. Some said he didn’t give Khutbah after it, meaning it came into practice after the time of Prophethood. They started to give long Khutbahs after this period, Khutbahs like they would do in Jumu’ah. He didn’t do it like this and it wasn’t like the Khutbah of ‘Eid either, rather the point was to make Dua’a, to praise His Majesty and to engorged you to seek His Forgiveness and Pardon. This would be the cause for relief to come. And there is no doubt that the precautionary measures need to be taken because seeking rain is a type of Dua’a. Rather, it is a Dua’a, you raise your hands and you ask Allaah, begging him. However, it is necessary for us to take the measures for our Dua’a to be accepted and remove all causes of rejection. A lot of people say, ‘I won’t pray Istisqaa because if I pray it, it will be like I am mocking it.’ We say: Oh brother! This is the Sunnah of the Chosen One [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] you are humbled by what is in your hands and what you have done (i.e. your sins). So take the precautionary measures and remove the causes for your Dua’a not to be accepted and you don’t have to do anything else. If we look at the state of the Muslims today, at the times in which the Dua’a will be answered, you find them being negligent and then they say we have not been answered. Some say, ‘I did Dua’a and I haven’t heard anything’. What is upon you is to humble yourself and take the measures for accepted Dua’a.  

[Sharh Al-Fiyyah al-‘Iraaqee Fee Uloom al-Hadeeth by Shaykh Abdul-Kareem bin Abdullah al-Khudayr (May Allaah Preserve him), Tape 46; 4-7 minutes]

Praying Four Rak'aat in the Masjid after Ishaa is from the Guidance of the Salaf

Follow @AhleDhikr

‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said,

“Whoever prays four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa without there being an interruption between the two without a gap between them (i.e. with one Tasleem) then it is as if he has prayed them on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127] 

‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said,

“Whoever prays four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa then it is like he has prayed them on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127]

A‘aishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her] said,

“Four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa has the same reward as praying on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127]

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him],

“Whoever prays four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa before he leaves the Masjid then it is as if he has prayed four Rak’aat on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127]

Ka’b al-Ahbaar [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said,

“Whoever prays four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa, beautifies them in his Rukoo’ and Sujood, then it is as if he has prayed them on Laylat al-Qadr.”

[Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah, an-Nasa’ee, Daraqutnee, Bayhaqee. Shaykh al-Albaanee said that it’s Isnaad has no problems with it. (Silsilah ad-Da’eefah, 5053)]

‘Abdur Rahmaan bin Aswad [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said,

“Whoever prays four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa then it is as if he has prayed the on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127]

‘Umraan bin Khaalid al-Khazaa’ee said,

“I was sitting with ‘Ataa and a man came and said, ‘Oh Abaa Muhammad! Tawoos thinks that whoever prays ‘Ishaa and them prays two Rak’aat, first Rak’ah with Surah Sajdah and the second with Surah Mulk, then it is as if he has stood and prayed them on Laylat al-Qadr.’ ‘Ataa replied, ‘Tawoos has spoken the truth.’ After hearing this, I never left praying them.”

Aboo Na’eem in Hilyah al-Awliyaa (4/6)

Qaasim bin Abee Ayoob said,

“Sa’eed bin Jubayr [May Allaah have Mercy on him] used to pray ‘Ishaa and then four Rak’aat after it.”

[Ta’dtheem Qadr as-Salaah by al-Marwoothee (1/167)]

Mujaahid [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said,

“Four Rak’aat after ‘Ishaa is like praying them on Laylat al-Qadr.”

Narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah in his Musannaf [2/127]

Shaykh Muhammad bin Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

“There are many narrations from the Companions in this regard, narrated by Ibn Abee Shaybah and others from the likes of A’aishah, Ibn Mas’ood, Ka’b, Mujaahid, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Aswad, so this is an established practice. This is because they would not act upon this practice through their own reasoning…”

[Silsilah al-Hadeeth al-Da’eefah (No. 5060)]

The Salaf and their Khushoo in as-Salaah

Follow @AhleDhikr

Compiled by the Institute for Da’wah and Guidance in Ma’thr, Riyadh

All Praises belong to Allaah Alone and May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon the one who which there is no Prophet after,

To begin:

From the things that make the Salaf better than any other generation from this Ummah is that they were from the first of generation, they are pioneers for us to follow and they also gave extreme importance to Salaah. Their level of Khushoo or humility within it was something distinct; they fulfilled the meaning and purpose of Salaah in their inner and outward appearances and actions. Therefore, as-Salaah had a huge impact on their manners and the way they behaved, no, rather it impacted their whole lives. Some of the following is a brief presentation on their attitude to Salaah and their humility within it.

The ways to gain Khushoo in Salaah

It is narrated that Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said about the statement of Allaah, the Most High:

“Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness” [Mu’minoon 23:2]

He said, “If you stand to pray, set your hearts to pray, lower your gaze to the place of Sujood and know! That Allaah is in front of you so don’t turn to your right or your left.”

[Ad-Durr al-Manthoor (6/84)]

The Khushoo of as-Siddeeq [May Allaah be Pleased with him]

Aboo Bakr as-Siddeeq [May Allaah be Pleased with him] used to often cry a lot in his Salaah until it came to a stage that he couldn’t recite any further. When the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] fell ill towards the end of his life, he said, “Make Abaa Bakr the Imaam to lead the people.” Aa’ishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her and her father] said in response, “Abaa Bakr is a soft man, when he recites he can’t control his tears.” [Agree Upon]

Verily, He is al-Farooq [May Allaah be Pleased with him]

This man is called al-Farooq, ‘Umar bin al-Khattab [May Allaah be Pleased with him], when the fire-worshipper, Aboo Lu’lu al-Maajoosee, came to assassinate him, ‘Umar was in Salaah and he was then stabbed and ‘Umar started to bleed. He didn’t realise that he had been stabbed during Salaah until ‘Umar went home and he only realised that he had been stabbed once the darkness of the morning had disappeared. So then he asked the people who were there in front of him, “Did the people pray?” they replied, “Yes.” So ‘Umar replied by saying, “There is no Islaam for the one who leaves as-Salaah.” Then he performed Wudhoo and prayed after wiping the blood off his face.

Khushoo of Ibn Zubayr [May Allaah be Pleased with him]

When ‘Abdullah Ibn Zubayr would stand to prayer, he would stand like a pole in prayer and when he would prostrate he would prostrate as though birds were sitting on his back. It would be like he was a wall or a trunk of a tree, he would not move in his Salaah. [al-Yaaqootah (Pg. 114)]

Khushoo of Muslim bin Yasaar [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

Muslim bin Yasaar [May Allaah have Mercy on him] wouldn’t move around when he would stand in prayer to the extent that once a part of his Masjid collapse and the people in the market became worried and scared, yet Muslim had not moved from his prayer.

Also, when he would enter his home, his family members would quieten down and when he would stand to pray they would then resume talking or laughing. This would happen because they knew that if they talked and joked with him then his heart would become preoccupied with them and he would often say, “My Lord! When will I meet You in a state of You being Pleased with me?” [At-Tabsirah (1/376)]

Their Remembering of the Fire

Aboo ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Asdee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “I said to Sa’eed bin ‘Abdul-‘Azeez, ‘Oh Abaa Muhammad! Why do you display your crying whilst praying?’ And he replied to me by saying, ‘Oh the son of my brother! Why do you ask me about this?’ I replied to him by saying, ‘Oh my uncle! Perhaps Allaah will teach me something.’ And then he said, ‘I have never stood in prayer except that I see the Hell-Fire in front of me.’” [As-Siyaar (8/274)]

The Trickery of the Shaytaan

It is narrated that Haarith bin Qays [May Allaah have Mercy on him] that he said, “When Shaytaan comes to you whilst you are praying then say, ‘You are just an argumentative two-faced person!’ by doing this your Salaat will become longer.” [As-Siyaar 4/132]

Khushoo of ‘Alee ibn al-Hussayn [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

When ‘Alee bin al-Hussayn [May Allaah have Mercy on him] would finish making Wudhoo in order to pray he would become very anxious and worried, he would get chills and sometimes be faced with extreme anguish and when he was asked why this would happen he said, “Woe to you! Do you know Who I am about to face and what I am about to ask Him to save me from?” [Al-Hilyah (3/133)]

Caution!

When ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab [May Allaah be Pleased with him] would see someone bending his neck down to look at his feet during as-Salaah he would hit that person with stones and he would say, “Woe to you! Humility is from your heart! (i.e. it’s not from tranquillity to bend your head in such a way).” [At-Tanbeeh al-Mughtareen (Pg. 16)]

Also, Fudayl bin al-‘Ayyaadh [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “We used to hate looking at a man who appears to be in a state of humility more than the humility that may be in his heart.” [Madaarij as-Saalikeen (1/559)]

Break my leg whilst I’m in Salaah!

When ‘Urwah bin az-Zubayr [May Allaah be Pleased with him] was afflicted with a cancer in his leg, doctors needed to amputate his leg in order for the disease not to spread. They asked if they could give me a form of anaesthetic so that the leg would become numb but he refused and said, “If it is necessary for you to cut my leg off then do it whilst I’m praying because that way I will not feel a thing.” So the doctors amputated him whilst he prayed without hearing from him a peep or feel from him a quiver. [Al-Bidaayah wa al-Nihaayah (9/102)]

The Pious in as-Salaah

Aboo Bakr bin al-‘Ayyaash [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “If I saw Mansoor bin al-Mu’tamar, Rabee’ bin Abee Raashid and ‘Aasim bin Abee al-Najood in Salaah, I would see their beards touch their chests and I would know that they are the pious in as-Salaah.” [Min Akhbaar as-Salaf (Pg. 56)]

Khushoo al-Ma’lee bin Mansoor [May Allaah have Mercy on him] in as-Salaah

One day Al-Ma’lee bin Mansoor was praying and a hornet nest fell on his head and he didn’t move until he finished his prayer. So people look at him and they saw his head had swollen severely due to the brutality of the stings he had received.

Oh you! Between the way you pray and they prayed is like the same distance in the generations between you and them! They knew the way to be successful so they held steadfast to the manners needed to be successful and because of this, they all got what they yearned for.

My brother! Having good manners in your Salah is a sign that you know your Master and if your body exceeding in manners is a sign that your heart is content. Above are some examples of those who were humble, so are you of them or are you from the negligent? [At-Tabsirah (1/376)]

And Allaah Knows Best

Word of Advice on Tarbiyyah by Shaykh Muhammad al-‘Uthaymeen

Follow @AhleDhikr

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

A father may say to his son, ‘If you pray, I will give you a gift.’ Is this correct?

The answer is that it is not correct, because we should not teach our children that rewards are connected to the Dunya when it comes to acts of worship. Worldly lessons should not be taught when it comes to acts of worship. But the matter is easy and there is a broad scope, so there are other ways of teaching them. For example he may say, ‘go and buy some eggs and I will give you one.’ What is important to note is that fathers should not teach their children that there are worldly benefits from doing acts of the religion, this reduces the level of sincerity the child will have in future.

If you are trying to teach your child to do something that is not obligatory and increase in him the zeal to do optional good deeds, then the matter is easier because doing this good deed is not expected from him and its, perhaps, better than him not doing it. But, one should pay attention to it and maybe it would be better for you to give him Tarbiyyah in a better way so he says to his child, ‘Pray Quraan and you will get a great reward and goodness will come from it so that you will benefit’ and the likes.

Likewise, some parents tell their children that they will get a specific reward or prize for doing something good but the children don’t receive it, this is also a problem as it teaches them to lie….

[Taken from Sharh Durrah Yateemeeah, tape 4b, 18-20 mins]

Oh Allaah! Give to the one who gives in abundance and give the one who withhold, destruction!

Follow @AhleDhikr

Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Qaasim, Imaam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawee [May Allaah Preserve him] writes in his book:

Sadaqah removes one away from the effects of sins. The Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Shall I guide you to some goodness? Fasting is a shield and Sadaqah wipes out sins like water wipes out fire.” [Narrated by at-Tirmidhee (614) Imaam al-Albaanee said it is Saheeh in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (5136)]

Sadaqah protects you from treading on an evil path, it repulses trials and tribulations, it protects your wealth, it increases you provision, it makes your heart rejoice, it creates trust in Allaah and a good thought of Him, it purifies your souls and it causes it develop, it causes the Lord of the slave to cover his sins, it increases your lifespan, it protects you from the punishment of the grave, it puts you under shade on a day where there will be no shade except His, it intercedes for you with Allaah, it makes your difficulties in the Dunya and Aakhira easy and it opens the path to all acts of piety, a path that has no disobedience on it.

Sadaqah is a barrier between the slave and the fire and exclusivity and joy is created by it as one will be shaded because of it on the Day of Judgement. Because of Sadaqah, one will be called by it from the doors of Sadaqah in Jannah, as the Prophet May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever is from the people of Sadaqah then he will be called from the doors of Sadaqah.” [Reported by Bukhaaree (3466) and Muslim (1027)]

Sadaqah removes trials and tribulations from the person who has been effected and by it, with the Permission of Allaah, he will find relief.

Imaam Shams ad-Deen Aboo Abdullah Muhammad bin Aboo Bakr Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Sadaqah and good deeds has a strange effect on the trials and tribulations one is afflicted with and the way it repulses evil eye and jealousy. Had it not been for this, just the mere practice of the nations that came before us would have been sufficient. Whenever evil eye, jealousy or any form of evil was afflicted upon a righteous person, they would give Sadaqah and if they were tested by someone who did something to them, they would respond with kindness and assistance and support. This all brought about a great ending as the person who does good and the one who gives in Sadaqah, they are guarded by doing wrong because of this Sadaqah and the good deeds they do. Upon them, Allaah favours them with Jannah, He Protects them and replaces their good with good.

Bidaa’ah al-Fawaaid 2/467

And he [May Allaah have Mercy on him] also said:

Giving in Sadaqah has a strange effect in preventing all types of hardships, even if one was a constant sinner or an oppressor. Even if one was a non-Muslim! Verily, Allaah, the Most High, repulses because of it, all types of tests and tribulations. This is something known by the people, whether they are knowledgeable or not because the people of the earth, all of them are somehow connected to it because they are all tested.

Waabil as-Sayyib Pg. 49

The person who gives in Sadaqah, if he is true and sincere in what he has given, will find his heart made open and broadened.

Imaam Shams ad-Deen Aboo Abdullah Muhammad bin Aboo Bakr Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

If giving this was the only benefit in Sadaqah then it would be sufficient, however the slave who gives benefits massively from it, rather this point of benefit is only just the beginning. Allaah, the Most High, says;

“And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.”

[Hashr 59:9]

Waabil as-Sayyib Pg.51

The stingy one is imprisoned as he is not able to do good deeds. He is prevented from piety. He is prevented from having his heart opened. His heart is constricted. He is a small person and has little to be happy about. He is overcome with worries, stress and sorrow. He is forever unable to fulfill his needs and he doesn’t attain what he yearns for.

Sadaqah in your daily routine, even if it is little, is better than one giving a large amount without it being continuous. Every morning of every day, two angels descend and one of them says, “Oh Allaah! Give to the one who gives in abundance.” and the other says, “Oh Allaah! Give the one who withhold, destruction.”

The Steps to Finding Happiness, Pg. 98-101