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Seven Temporary Pleasures of The Worldly Life Diverts Many People From The Remembrance of Allaah

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Allaah (The Most High) said:

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَاطِيرِ الْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ

‘’Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him.’’ [3:14]

Women: They are the greatest adornment of this worldly life, the most coveted thing and the greatest trial (i.e. the impious women)

Children: They are a source of honour and pride for a man etc

Gold and silver: They are a means of fulfilling one’s desires (i.e. wealth).

Branded beautiful horses: They are a source of might, pride and protection for their owners, and instruments of war, conquests etc

Cattle: They are utilised for riding, food, clothing (i.e. their furs and skins) and other benefits.

Well-tilled land (i.e. Vegetation): A source of nourishment for them and their animals, and also a source of fruits and medication (i.e. through plants).

Allaah (Glorified Be He) stated that all these things are the pleasures of this present worldly life. Then He (The Most High) urged His slaves towards the enjoyment of the Hereafter, saying:

قُلْ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيْرٍ مِّن ذَٰلِكُمْ ۚ لِلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2) there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives) [i.e. they will have no menses, urine, or stool, etc.], And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) slaves”. [3:15]

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[Source: ‘Badaai’u At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ Vol 1 page: 216. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Severe Warning to Those Who Mock and Look Down On Others They Consider to Be of Inferior Lineage

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-aalayhi-wasallam) said:

Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward.(1)

Imaam Nawawi (rahimahullaah) said, ”Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, then it is obligatory upon him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds.”(2)

Ubay bin ka’b (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: Two men (mentioned their) lineages during the lifetime of Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam); one of them said (to the other): ‘’I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan (i.e. mentioning his name and that of his parents, grandparents etc.), so who are you (with) no mother? (i.e. rebuking him). So Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Two men (mentioned their) lineages during the lifetime of Moosaa (alayhis-salaam); one of them said (to the other): “I am Fulaan son of Fulaan, until he counted nine (people from his lineage), so who are you (with) no mother” (i.e. rebuking the other). He (the other person) said: “I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan the son of Islaam.” So Allaah revealed to Moosaa (alayhis-salaam): ‘’Indeed those two who (mentioned their) lineages, as for you ascribed or attributed to nine, (they) are in the hell fire and you are the tenth amongst them. And as for you ascribed or attributed to two, (they) are in paradise and you are the third of them.” (3)


(1) [Saheeh Muslim…part of hadeeth in (The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness)]

(2) [Sharh Saheeh Muslim:  Hadeeth Number 2699; Vol 17, page 18]

(3) [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 5/128 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaani in As-Saheehah 1270]

 

A Brief and Tremendous Admonition Related to Self-Rectification Given By Khaalid Bin Safwaan to Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez

 

Ibraaheem Ibn Adham (rahimahullaah) said: It has reached me that Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez (rahimahullaah) said to Khaalid Ibn Safwaan (rahimahullaah), ”Admonish me and be brief”; so Khaalid said, ‘O Leader of the believers! Indeed there are a people who have been deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (their sins, blameworthy affairs, shortcomings etc) and are put to trial by the good praise (received from the people), so let not the ignorance of others about your (real state of affairs) prevail over what you know about yourself.  May Allaah protect us and you from becoming deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (our real state of affairs), being delayed and negligent in that which Allaah has obligated and inclining towards desires.’  Ibraaheem said, ‘So he (Umar) wept and then said, ”May Allaah protect us and you from following desires.”


[Hilyatul Awliyaa 8/18]

Never Can a Person Please Everyone Because That is An Unattainable Goal, But Fulfil Rights of The People and Refrain From Oppression!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

What is obligatory to know is that neither is it conceivable to the intellect (i.e. the sound, intellect) nor (plausible) in the religion to seek the pleasure of the creation (i.e. mankind) due to two affairs:

Firstly: (Imaam) Ash-Shaafi’ee said: The people are an unattainable goal. Therefore, it is obligated on you to (pursue) the affair that rectifies your affairs (and) adhere to them; abandon its opposite and do not concern (yourself with) it.

Secondly: Indeed, we have been commanded to (seek) the pleasure of Allaah and His Messenger, as Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَحَقُّ أَن يُرْضُوهُ إِن كَانُوا مُؤْمِنِينَ – but it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), if they are believers (9:62)]

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to fear Allaah and not fear anyone except Allaah, as Allaah (The Most High) said: [فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ – so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers (3:175)]

Allaah said:

[فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ -Therefore fear not men but fear Me (5:44)]

Allaah said:

[فَإِيَّايَ فَارْهَبُونِ – Then, fear Me (Allaah) much [and Me (Alone), i.e. be away from all kinds of sins and evil deeds that Allah has forbidden and do all that Allah has ordained and worship none but Allah (16:51)]

Allaah said:

[وَإِيَّايَ فَاتَّقُونِ – and fear Me and Me Alone (2:41)]

It is incumbent upon us to fear Allaah – fear Allaah concerning the (rights) of the people; neither harm them with our hearts (i.e. unjustified hatred, envy etc) nor by way of our limbs (i.e. physical harm). Fulfil their rights with our hearts and limbs, but do not fear them and leave what Allaah and His Messenger commanded. The one who adheres to this path, the (good) end results will be his, just as Aa’isha wrote to Mu’aawiyah, (saying), ‘’To proceed: Indeed, whoever seeks the pleasure of the people at the expense of Allaah’s Pleasure will (earn) Allaah’s displeasure and Allah will cause the people to be displeased with him. And the praise of the people will become blame against him. And whoever seeks Allaah’s Pleasure at the expense of people’s pleasure, will (earn) Allaah’s Pleasure and Allah will cause the people to be pleased with him.”

So the believer’s consideration and intention is nothing else but to (seek) the pleasure of his (or her) Lord and to avoid His displeasure, and the (good) end result will be his (or hers) – ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله


[Majmoo 3/233…Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

The Evil Consequences of Our Actions On This Earth- By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy

Allaah (The Most High) said:

ظَهَرَ ٱلۡفَسَادُ فِى ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعۡضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُواْ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned. [30:41]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

This ayah was revealed regarding the state of affairs of the world- the relationship between it and the events that occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every era, and the manner in which those evil (affairs) necessitates other evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their Lord (The Blessed and Most High) brings about- from those evils and defects (of theirs)- deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres, bodies, physical natures, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness.

Indeed, the grains of wheat and other than them used to be bigger than what they are today, just as the blessing in them was greater. Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) narrated with his chain of transmission that a packet was found in one of the treasury departments of Bani Umayyah in which there was a grain nearly the size of a date. This grain was grown and harvested during an era of justice.

The majority of the illnesses and the general evil affairs are remnants of the punishment afflicted upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the (evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and just decree.  And indeed the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has indicated to this in his statement concerning plagues, that it is a remnant of an affliction or punishment that was sent by Allaah to the Children of Israa’eel.


[Source:Badaa’i-ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page: 313: Vol:2..abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

An Arrogant Person Is Usually Afflicted With Self-Amazement!

Imaam Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah) said:

A sensible person keeps away from arrogance due to the blameworthy traits it carries. One of them is that he (i.e. the person) does not become haughty towards anyone, except after being amazed with himself and sees that to be superiority.


[Rawdatul Uqalaa’ page 60. Abridged]

Among The Benefits of Humility and Contentment– By Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee

Imaam Shafi’ee (rahimahullaah) said:

Humility is from the manners of the noble ones and pride is from the characteristics of the vile ones.  Humility  brings about the people’s love (for a person) and contentment brings about peace of mind.


[Siyar A’laan An-Nubulaa’ 10/99]

Beneficial Intellect; Sincerity and Rectification of the heart- By Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakee

Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakee (rahimahullaah) lived in the generation of Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith (rahimahullaah); Ali Ibn Abdir-Rahmaan (rahimahullaah) said that Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakee (rahimahullaah) said: The most beneficial intellect is (the one) that makes you acknowledge the blessings of Allaah and assists you in being thankful (i.e. by using those blessings to obey Allaah) and to be in opposition to (forbidden) desires.

He (rahimahullaah) was asked about sincerity, so he said: (It is) the performance of righteous deeds, whilst not wishing to be mentioned and exalted due to your deed, and not seeking a reward through your deed from anyone (besides Allaah).  This is sincerity.

He (rahimahullaah) also said: If you are seeking rectification for your heart, then seek aid through that by restraining your tongue (i.e. restrain your tongue from evil speech, falsehood, the affairs that do not concern you etc).


[Source: Seerah As-Salaf As-Saaliheen of Imaam Ismaa’eel Ibn Muhammad Al-Asbahaanee (rahimahullaah); section: Those who followed the Taabi-een in goodness. Maktabah Shaamila]

The Stance of Our Salaf Against Story Tellers!

Abu khaythama narrated to us, (saying): Jareer related to us from Mansoor from Abu Ad-Duhaa from Masrooq, (who) said: Once we were sitting with Abdullaah (Ibn Mas’ood) whilst he was reclining; then a man came to him and said: O Abu Abdir-Rahmaan! Verily there is a story teller at the doors of Kinda claiming that the portent of the Smoke will come along and snatch the breaths of the disbelievers (i.e. take their souls away) and the believers will get something like a cold from it. So Abdullaah said while sitting up and he was angry, ”O people fear Allaah! Whoever amongst you has knowledge of something, then he should speak with what he knows; and whoever does not know, then he should say, ‘Allaah knows best’. That is because it the best of knowledge for one of you to say, ‘Allaah knows best’ with regards to things he has no knowledge of. Indeed, Allaah (The Most High) said to His Prophet (alayhis-salaam): [قُلۡ مَآ أَسۡـَٔلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ مِنۡ أَجۡرٍ۬ وَمَآ أَنَا۟ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَكَلِّفِينَ   -‘ Say (O Muhammad): No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur’aan), not am I one of the Mutakallifun (those who pretend and fabricate things which do not exist)].” [38:86]


Source: Kitaabul Ilm of Abu Khaythama with the checking of Imaam Al Albaanee, page19. Narration number 67]

Don’t Merely Judge The Book By Its Cover- [This One Is Snubbed; He Is of Low Status and Not Missed When Absent; But Look at His Status In The Sight of Allaah!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:

رُبَّ أَشْعَثَ مَدْفُوعٍ بِالأَبْوَابِ لَوْ أَقْسَمَ عَلَى اللَّهِ لأَبَرَّهُ

‘’Many a person with dishevelled hair and covered with dust is turned away from the doors (whereas) were he to swear by Allaah (about something), Allaah will fulfil it’’.

[Sahih Muslim Number 2622]

 

A Short Reminder From This Hadeeth By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him):

status1_1

This person is a close friend among the close friends of Allaah, and was he to swear by Allaah (about something); Allaah will make it happen due to his high status in the sight of Allaah, even though he is driven away from the doors. If he intercedes (for someone), his intercession will not be accepted; if he is absent, he is not missed, but he is a great one in the sight of Allaah. [Ref 1]

A Short Reminder From This Hadeeth By Imaam An-Nawawi (rahimahullaah):

status2_2

This type of person is one whom the people drive away from their doors in humiliation- he has no status in the sight of the people; but he is someone that if he were to swear by Allaah about something, Allaah will make it happen as an honour for him- by answering his request and safeguarding him from sin in relation to his oath. This is due to his great station in the sight of Allaah (The Exalted), even though he is someone despised in the sight of the people. It is said that the meaning of [الْقَسَمِ in this hadeeth is (الدُّعَاءُ – supplication) and (إِبْرَارُهُ   ) means (إِجَابَتُهُ   -the response to the supplication)] [Ref 2]

End of paraphrased quotes


We ask Allaah to include us amongst those who are humble-both inwardly and outwardly-; and include us amongst those who never utilise their status amongst the people to oppress, belittle and mock others. We ask Allaah to include us amongst those who are kind and compassionate towards the likes of the people mentioned in the hadeeth, for indeed whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy. We ask Allaah to grant us truthfulness, firmness upon the authentic Sunnah and distance us from bidah; we ask Allaah to grant us sincerity, humility, good manners, a good end in this worldly life, happiness in our graves and abundant mercy in the afterlife Aameen.


[Ref 1: It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah al-Aadaab’ page 102. Abridged & paraphrased]

[Ref 2:Abridged & paraphrased. Source: Sharh Saheeh Muslim’ Vol 15-16’ page 144’ publisher: Daar Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah’ 1st ed. (1421AH- Year 2000)]

We ask A