JOURNEY OF A MUSLIM TO BE A MOMIN (Part 1)

It’s the story of every muslim, who is looking to achieve big goal after the life, that is JANNAH TUL FIRDOUS and WAJHI’ILAH. The life of dunya is like a set journey, it’s like a game, when you attain one level, another level unlocked for you. But if you stuck in one phase, the other level ll remain a mystery. But unlikely the struggle in the initial phase is more, once your aptitude is built, you’ll have better opportunities to face hardships of next level in skillful manner. I ll discuss first part of this journey related to dunya (world) while in other part insha’Allah ll look with the perspective of consequences of actions in hereafter (akhirah).

The Quran, divine book of muslims, is an ultimate guidance, you should keep it with you all time. It explains what to do and what not to do, to remain on track. Also, it explains what ll come in your way, when you ll be trying to attain a badge or an award.

The journey begins with the dua that may Allah swt be your Helper and ask His aid in every aspect. It shows don’t underestimate the challenges, what is in front of you is surely not easy. So, keep your weapon of dua ready all time. And don’t forget, you are seeking assistance of the Al-Mighty, the Most Powerful. Then there are some don’ts and do’s. If you are looking to score high in the end, you need to struggle hard and don’t miss any award or bonus coming in your way. It’s very challenging, at every corner, you’ll experience distractions that will mislead you from your target. When you’ll start this game, maybe you would be struggling to become a conscious muslim but by the end you ll be a Momin who’ll have titles of Sabir, Tahir, Taw’wab, Muttaqi, Muhsin and list goes on.

However, some of the qualities or titles would already present in you. But for few you would require extra time and inner strength. Each chapter of the Quran ll give you practical and moral tips to ease your struggle. It ll also explain past stories of other participants (nations) who attempted it, some were failures and some were high scorers. Those who didn’t follow the rules have faced the consequences in this dunya but in spite of that, they’ll confront bigger punishments on the day of resurrection. Similarly those who scored high in this dunya, will be honored with many good news.

Let’s see some details of difficulties that’ll come in the way of achieving titles. A muslim should have fear of Allah and hope that his struggle ll have beautiful ending. When there is fear, he’ll be less distracted and can identify traps of his enemy, the Shaitan. One the key to success is be more focused in akhirah. It ll help to score more and more good deeds. Always remember every good deed has its weight and value. Every step should be taken with clear understanding to please Allah swt. It ll insha’Allah make you Muttaqi. On the other hand, when you’ll be tested with trials, like lack of wealth, health, fear of loss, hunger, death of loved ones, abuse of relatives/friends etc, the required behaviour is to uphold patience. If you face all or any difficulty with patience, and don’t complain in front of others, with your actions, words or gestures, glad tidings are there, alhamdulillah you have achieved the Title of the Sabir. Allah swt loves Sabireen and He is always there for them.Being patient is hard work; it does not always come naturally or easily.

Since you have achieved big badges, by maintaining them, you can easily unlock further challenges of the way. But don’t forget, life is series of moments, keep your connection strong with your Lord, the Majesty, Allah swt. We have to equipped ourselves with more potent weapons like gratitude (Shukar), excellence (Ihsan) and forgiveness (Tawba).

Shukar ll keep you humble in the bliss moments and when we realize the blessings of Allah swt, that are surrounding us from all sides. Iman is the one of the biggest blessing, that helps muslim to become momin. It makes him goal oriented and we feel that we are not born without the purpose. Next comes, how to achieve level of excellence. It leads muslim to the level of perfection in islamic faith, the difficult challenge. And just like you cannot tell if someone is a Mumin, you cannot tell if someone is a Muhsin either. And just like it is impossible to be a Mumin without first being a Muslim, likewise it is impossible to be a Muhsin without first being a Mumin. So it goes hand in hand. Level of excellence is attained by doing every act with best of your ability. Ihsan deals with the purification if inner soul (tazkiyah). So we can say, by attaining level of Ihsan, one also become Tahir. And a Tahir requires to be purified himself physically and spiritually from Rijs (impurity/filth). The temptations of the life, ego, show-off, jealousy, discontentment, disobedience increase the rijs of heart and soul. And it distract the believer (momin) from his goals, he lost his awards, good deeds and fill his bucket with that filth.

But as soon your conscious wakeup, re-built your connection with the Oft-Forgiving, Al-Ghafur, Allah swt. To receive His forgiveness, recognize your mistake, and make a promise not to repeat the offense. And do whatever needs to be done to rectify the mistakes and keep asking His forgiveness. It will entitled you as Attaw’wab. Isn’t beautiful, that every single opportunity of good, is leading towards the title? Indeed, Allah is very happy when any of His slaves repents. If he responds to the call of his Lord and repents, he will have a prosperous life in this world and the good rewards in the hereafter. If he however does not repent, Allah will punish him for his sins and He is not unjust with anyone.

Beware that every single title is connected with other, if you lose one most likely you’ll lose other, it is utmost struggle until death hit. There are set guardians over you. As soon the time of life-game is over, the book of deeds will be closed, , and angels of death ll take our soul and they never fail in their duty. [1] When the soul of a believer who is righteous and innocent is removed, it comes out of the body like a drop of water sliding off the tip of the spout of a jug. However the soul of a disobedient person fights back and refuses to leave the body. His soul is removed forcibly and comes out torn and fragmented like a piece of cloth being pulled off a thorny bush. [1] 

Here big phase is completed, next part of journey explains the results depending upon the scores.

May Allah swt bless us to successfully accomplish high scores and titles so that we become worthy of Jannah tul Firdous where we live happily ever after, ameen.  

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[1] Reference (The Hereafter by Anwar Awlaki)

CHAPTER 4 – THREE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Sheikh rahimullah has explained the three fundamental principles in general terms in previous chapters, but now explain one by one in more detail with their evidence from Qur’an and Sunnah and from the signs in Allah’s creation. It is likewise obligatory to base creed and belief upon proofs from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah, from the signs within creation so that it firmly grounded and established in the heart to remove all doubts.

As for creed and belief based on incorrect suspicions, upon doubts, blind following and sayings of people, are short-lived and they are totally open to being refuted.

Shaikh’s saying “So if it said to you” meaning: If you are asked about your LORD, and indeed it will be asked in world and hereafter, so it is essential that you have knowledge of your Lord, the Mighty and Majestic and that you respond with the correct response based upon certainty and clear proof.

These questions are one of the trials of the grave because the grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter. When the son of Adam dies and his soul departs and he is placed in his grave. The two angels who are charged with questioning come to him and ask him what he used to believe in this world, who was his Lord, what was his religion and who was his Prophet.

If he gives a good answer, that is good, but if he does not answer them they inflict a severe and painful beating on him.  If he was one of the righteous, angels with white faces come to him, but if he was one of the evildoers, angels with dark faces come to him. This is the fitnah or tribulation that he suffers.  Ibn Hajar said:

The phrase “from the tribulation of the grave” means the questioning of the two angels.

(Fath al-Baari, 11/177)

And al-Mubaarakfoori said:

“The tribulation of the grave” means confusion when answering the two angels. 

(Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 9/328)

With regard to the questions that the angels will ask in the grave, this is explained clearly in the following hadeeth:

It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We went out with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. We came to the grave and when (the deceased) was placed in the lahd (grave), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sat down and we sat around him as if there were birds on our heads (i.e., quiet and still). In his hand, he had a stick with which he was scratching the ground. Then he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave”, two or three times. Then he said,

“When the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with white faces like the sun, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. They bring with them shrouds from Paradise and perfumes from Paradise. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O good soul, come forth to forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure.’ Then it comes out easily like a drop of water from the mouth of a water skin. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that shroud with that perfume, and there comes from it a fragrance like the finest musk on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the best names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is opened, and (the soul) is welcomed and accompanied to the next heaven by those who are closest to Allah, until they reach the seventh heaven. Then Allah says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyoon in the seventh heaven, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Allah.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They say, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He says, ‘He is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).’ They say, ‘What did you do?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allah and I believed in it.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, ‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ He says, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’

But when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning):

“…. for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle ….”  (Al-A’raaf 7:40) 

He said: “Then Allah says, ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjeen in the lowest earth, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is cast down.”  Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“…. and whoever assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place”  (Al-Hajj 22:31) 

He said: “Then his soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him,

‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676. 

The correct view is that the two angels will only question the deceased in his grave about matters of Tawheed (monotheism) and ‘aqeedah (belief). This is quite clear. [1]

And Allah knows best.

Next: Chapter 4: 1st Principle – WHO IS YOUR LORD (Part1)

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Related Links:

Introduction to Author – Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Al-Usool Ath-Thalatha

SOURCES:

ittibaa.com

Audio in Urdu: Dr. Farhat Hashmi – Al-Usul al-Thalathah

Arabic Text: Download Book-Al-Usul Al-Thalaathah

Explanation of Usool Ath Thalatha by Shaykh Uthaymeen

[1] Excerpted, with some modifications, from: http://islamqa.com/en/

1ST CHAPTER OF BOOK:

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FIRST OBLIGATORY MATTER TO LEARN

PART 2- INTRODUCTION TO NEXT THREE OBLIGATORY MATTERS TO LEARN

2ND CHAPTER OF BOOK:

Introduction

The First Matter (Part -1) , Part-2

The Second Matter (Part -1), Part -2  – Negation of Shirk

Evidence on Second Matter

The Third Matter – Alliance and the Disociation

Evidence on Third Matter

THIRD CHAPTER OF BOOK:

What is Al-Haneefiyah?

Ibadah with Tawheed (Part 1) – (Part 2)

FOURTH CHAPTER

 Introduction to 3 Fundamental Principles

TOLERANCE (RAWADARI)

Tolerance means “to bear“. As a concept, it refers to respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. In Arabic, it is called tasamuh. Words like hilm (forbearance) or ‘afw (forgiveness) or saf-h (overlooking) also convey the meaning of tolerance. In Persian and Urdu, we use the word rawadari which is derived from rawa meaning acceptable or bearable and dashtan meaning “to hold”. Thus, it means to hold something acceptable or bearable [1].

When we walk , to take each step our each foot compete with Friction on earth , ( opposition) pushes it back and then next step can be Taken. Rawadari is keep moving beside all frictions and opposition with being consistent on positive behaviour or good character, having soft corner for others in Heart. Rawadari is adopting patience in response to unfavourable situations. [2]

Islam teaches tolerance at all levels: between family members, between husband and wife, between parent and child, between groups and nations. The Qur’an says,

“O Mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so that you might [affectionately] come to know one another. Surely, the most honoured among you, in the sight of Allah, is the one who is the best in conduct.”

(Surah Al-Hujrat :13)

The best conduct in Islam is to treat human beings with dignity, equality, fraternity and justice. Muslims have been generally very tolerant people. We must emphasize this virtue among us and in the world today.

Islam emphasizes the establishment of equality and justice, both of these values cannot be established without some degree of tolerance. Islam recognized from the very beginning the principle of freedom of belief or freedom of religion. It said very clearly that it is not allowed to have any coercion in the matters of faith and belief. In Surah Ash-Shura, Allah says to the Prophetﷺ,

“If then they turn away, We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey (the Message)” (Ash-Shura: 48)

In another place Allah says,

“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (An-Nahl:125)

Thus tolerance is the need of the hour today as it was yesterday. We must emphasise the need for this virtue among us and in the world. We must foster tolerance through deliberate policies and efforts. Our focus should be multiethnic. We should teach our children respect of each other irrespective of caste, creed, gender, nationality and ethnicity. Tolerance is the cordial knot which binds the family, society and keep the nation intact. Disrespect gives rise to persons like Vibhishan who may change the course of a nation. We should inculcate in our children the quality of tolerance, forbearance, and forgiveness because the family is the first school of citizenship. Society cannot be governed by law alone. Law has a relation with society. It suffers if society is rigid and intolerant.

And a good news and reward for the one who will be tolerant and peaceful in his attitude: [2]

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Compilation of article is done by Admin

[1] Extracted from the article “The concept of tolerance in Islam“

[2] Written by Sr. Khalida Waheed

Other sources:

Spirit of Tolerance in Islam

Hadith Image is designed by Sr. Khalida Waheed

THIRD CHAPTER – IBADAH WITH TAWHEED (Part 2)

 

The Greatest Matter Commanded by Allah is Tawheed:

In this Sheikh Rahimullah explains that the greatest of all Allah has commanded is Tawheed, and it is a serious matter of all, because everything that is commanded by Him comes after wards. Allah orders that He be worshipped Alone without partners, because He Alone is the Creator and Sustainer Who sends His favors and bounties on His creation in all situations and instances. Therefore He deserves to be singled out, without associating anything or anyone from His creation with Him in worship.

The proof is His Saying, the Most High, in Surah An-Nisa ayah 36:

واعبدوا الله ولا تشركوا به شيئا

“Worship Allah alone, making all worship purely for Him, and do not associate anything in worship along with Him.”  

.اور خدا ہی کی عبادت کرو اور اس کے ساتھ کسی چیز کو شریک نہ بناؤ

Because worship will not be correct along with shirk and it will not benefit and will not be considered as worship, unless purely and sincerely done only for Allah, the Almighty.

The Most serious thing which Allah forbade is Shirk:

This is tremendous point of benefit because some people think there are other things which are considered as worst crime and forbidden by Allah like Riba, forcination, corruption of behaviour and manners. However, they do not give importance to the matter of shirk and do not warn against it.

تَعَالَوْاْ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلاَّ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئاً  

Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him

کہہ کہ (لوگو) آؤ میں تمہیں وہ چیزیں پڑھ کر سناؤں جو تمہارے پروردگار نے تم پر حرام کر دی ہیں (ان کی نسبت اس نے اس طرح ارشاد فرمایا ہے) کہ کسی چیز کو خدا کا شریک نہ بنانا

[Surah An’am : 151]

“I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from” meaning, I will inform you about what your Lord has forbidden for you in truth, not guessing or wishful thinking. Rather, it is revelation and an order from Him. There are many other proves in Quran regarding Shirk as a greatest sin and Allah will not forgive that person. Every sin is less than it and and what is obligatory is to begin with what is most important, then what is next in importance.

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Related Links:

Introduction to Author – Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Al-Usool Ath-Thalatha

SOURCES:

ittibaa.com

Audio in Urdu: Dr. Farhat Hashmi – Al-Usul al-Thalathah

Arabic Text: Download Book-Al-Usul Al-Thalaathah

Explanation of Usool Ath Thalatha by Shaykh Uthaymeen

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

1ST CHAPTER OF BOOK:

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FIRST OBLIGATORY MATTER TO LEARN

PART 2- INTRODUCTION TO NEXT THREE OBLIGATORY MATTERS TO LEARN

2ND CHAPTER OF BOOK:

Introduction

The First Matter (Part -1) , Part-2

The Second Matter (Part -1), Part -2  – Negation of Shirk

Evidence on Second Matter

The Third Matter – Alliance and the Disociation

Evidence on Third Matter

THIRD CHAPTER OF BOOK:

What is Al-Haneefiyah?

Ibadah with Tawheed (Part 1) – (Part 2)

FOURTH CHAPTER

 Introduction to 3 Fundamental Principles

HOW TO PREACH DEEN – SURAH NUH

Da‘wah (also transliterated daawa(h); Arabic: دعوة‎ “invitation”) means the proselytizing or preaching of Islam. Da‘wah literally means “issuing a summons” or “making an invitation”, being a gerund of a verb meaning variously “to summon” or “to invite”. A Muslim who practices da‘wah, either as a religious worker or in a volunteer community effort, is called a dā‘ī (داعي, plural du‘āh/du‘āt ).

A dā‘ī is thus a person who invites people to understand Islam through dialogue, not unlike the Islamic equivalent of a missionary inviting people to the faith, prayer and manner of Islamic life. [1]

In Surah Nuh, we see the character of Prophet Nuh alayhi salaam as a da’ee, who faced difficulties in spreading Islam.The Surah begins with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala telling us how Prophet Nuh [Noah]‘alayhi salaam began calling his people to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. His dawah methodology is gem for all. There are some lessons in the ayah 5- 9, that what should be the character of a da’ee and what attributes are required for this task:

Lessons for da’ee:

• Relentlessly pursuing goals
• Patience during this time
• Consistency in efforts
• Using all potential
•  Never giving up
•  Having firm connection with Allah
• Using different techniques according to audience at different times
• Having thick skin to ignore people’s rejection
• Sincerely pray and guide them towards their own forgiveness and salvation.

Points of Action:

• Utilize whatever resources to connect people with Allah.
• Share the beauty of our deen with people of other faiths now when they’re willing to listen the most.
• Not let shaytan sway us from our goal when faced with rejection.
• Combine earnest dua at tahajjud time with dawah efforts.
• Encourage people to repent no matter how big their sins are. Allah’s  forgiveness is huge. [2]
• One who calls towards Allah swt does not get offended by negative reactions and comments of people. [2]

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Written By Sr. Summaiya     [2] Contribution By Sr. Uzma Hussain

Compilation by Admin

 

 

THIRD CHAPTER – AL-HANEEFIYAH (THE STRAIGHT & TRUE RELIGION)

The first treatise was the four matters which are comprised of Surat ul Asr, and the second treatise was the three matters which have preceded and now this is the third treatise starting with the following words,

اِعلم أرشَدَک اللہُ لِطَاعَتِہِ

“Know, may Allah direct you to obedience to Him”, 

Speech concerning Knowledge has preceded, so there is no need to repeat it here. (Its definition and explanation can be read here). 

Ar-Rushd i.e. may Allah direct you to uprightness upon the way of truth. This is a supplication from Sheikh Rahimullah for everyone who reads this treatise for understanding and to act upon it.  Ar-Rush (direction); it means guidance to what is correct, and towards beneficial knowledge and righteous actions. It is the opposite of Al-Ghayy that means misguidance or error. Ar-Rushd is the religion of Islam and Al-Ghayy is the religion of Abu-Jahl.

Taa’ah (obedience) i.e may Allah direct you to His obedience. This is also a tremendous supplication, since if Allah directs to Muslims to obedience than actually the person will be fortunate, and successful in this life and hereafter. It means conformity with what is required by doing what is commanded to be done, and avoiding what is forbidden.

اَنَّ الحنیفِّیةَ ملةَ اِبراھیمَ

“That Al-Haneefiyah (the straight and true religion) the Religious way followed by Ibrahim”

Al-Haneefiyah i.e the religion which is free from shirk, and founded upon purity and sincerity of intention for Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. Al-Hanf in the language means inclination. And Haneed is one who inclined towards the religion of Allah with sincerity and purity, so Haneefiyah is turning away from Shirk towards Tawheed. And Ibrahim A.s was Haneef, a muslim.

Al-Millah i.e. the way which he, Ibraaheem followed in religion. Allah subhana’watallah said in Quran,

إِبْرَهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَـنِتًا لِلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Verily, Ibrahim was (himself) an Ummah, obedient to Allah, a Haneef (monotheist), and he was not one of the idolaters”. (Surah An-Nahl: 120)

These were the characteristics of Ibrahim A.s, due to which he was known as Al-Haneef. And it was commanded to Prophet ﷺ and whole ummah to follow his foot steps by saying this:

أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Then, We have sent the revelation to you: “Follow the religion of Ibrahim (he was a) Haneef, and he was not one of the idolators.”  (Surah An-Nahl: 123)

It is obligatory upon us to be aware what is our duty to be done. This is the way of Prophets to follow the deen with complete submission. The religions way of Ibrahim A.s doesn’t accept any shirk in it. Shirk asghar (Small sins) doesn’t expel one from the boundaries of Islam but greater sins (Gunnah Kabira) like nifaq, Show off (riya kari) does. Everything has its purpose to serve in this universe, like Sun is to provide light and heat, and everything in working under the commandment of the Majesty, Allah. Similarly, a muslim should be aware of what is obligatory upon him, so that he comply with it and does not violate the orders.

اَن تعبدَ اللہَ وحدہُ مُخلِصًا لہُ الدینَ

“Is that you worship Allah alone, making the religion purely and sincerely for Him”

Here two matters are combined, 

• worship Allah alone
• and making worship purely for Him

So, who worship Allah but does not make it purely for Him, then his worship is unacceptable. It can be understand as, if one prays Salah, performs Hajj, pays his Zakah and does voluntary charity, he actually does a great acts of obedience. However, if his actions are empty from the sincere intention, and he does not perform purely for Allah subhana’watalah, that either it is for show off or he mixed his deeds something from shirk, this person will not consider as mukhlis (sincere) and he will not be upon the religious way of Ibrahim A.S. All his actions are wasted.

  ملتِ ابراھیم اُس طریقہ کو کہتے ہیں جو خالص اللہ کیلئے ہو۔ ابراھیمٴ نے یکسو ہو کر اللہ کا راستہ اپنایا۔ یہی انبیاء کا طریقہ رہا ہے۔ ملتِ ابراھیم کسی شریک کو قبول نہیں کرتی۔ شرکِ اصغر ملت سے خارج نہیں کرتا مگر گناہِ کبیرہ ایمان کیلئے خطرہ ہے جسمیں نفاق اور ریا کاری جیسی برائیاں شامل ہیں۔ نوحِ اِنسان کو اپنی تخلیق کا مقصد سمجھنے کی ضرورت ہے، کہ اللہ یے ہمیں صرف روزی کمانے کو پیدا نہیں کیا بلکہ ہمارا مقصدِ حیات اُسکی ذات میں پنہاں ہے۔ یہ بالکل اِسی طرح ہے کاجسطرح سورج کا کام روشنی اور حرارت دینا ہے، اگر وہ اپنا مقصد چھوڑ دے تو دنیا کا نظام بُری طرح متاثر ہو۔ تو اِنسان اگر اللہ کی عبادت کے بجائے صرف دنیا کمانے لگ کائے تو وہ کِسطرح قابلِ قبول ہوگااور وہ ایک بے درخت کی طرح کاٹ دیئے جانے کے قابل ہے۔

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Related Links:

Introduction to Author – Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Al-Usool Ath-Thalatha

SOURCES:

ittibaa.com

Audio in Urdu: Dr. Farhat Hashmi – Al-Usul al-Thalathah

Arabic Text: Download Book-Al-Usul Al-Thalaathah

Explanation of Usool Ath Thalatha by Shaykh Uthaymeen

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

1ST CHAPTER OF BOOK:

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FIRST OBLIGATORY MATTER TO LEARN

PART 2- INTRODUCTION TO NEXT THREE OBLIGATORY MATTERS TO LEARN

2ND CHAPTER OF BOOK:

Introduction

The First Matter (Part -1) , Part-2

The Second Matter (Part -1), Part -2  – Negation of Shirk

Evidence on Second Matter

The Third Matter – Alliance and the Disociation

Evidence on Third Matter

Third Chapter of Book:

What is Al-Haneefiyah?

Ibadah with Tawheed

CHAPTER 2: SECOND MATTER – NEGATION OF SHIRK (PART 1)

This matter is connected with the first matter that is explained earlier about obligation of worshipping of Allah and following the path of Prophet ﷺ. So whoever worships Allah subhana watalah, and also associate anyone else along with Him, then his worship will be futile or null. Because worship can only benefit when it is done with ikhlas and tawheed. As Allah, the Most High said:

ولقد اوحي اليك والى الذين من قبلك لئن اشركت ليحبطن عملك ولتكونن من الخاسرين

And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate [anything] with Allah , your work would surely become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers.”

اور (اے محمدﷺ) تمہاری طرف اور ان (پیغمبروں) کی طرف جو تم سے پہلے ہوچکے ہیں یہی وحی بھیجی گئی ہے۔ کہ اگر تم نے شرک کیا تو تمہارے عمل برباد ہوجائیں گے اور تم زیاں کاروں میں ہوجاؤ گے

 (Surah Zumur: 65 )

If shirk is mixed with the worship, then it will corrupts the whole ibadah. Just like the salah (prayer) is not salah without purification. In many ayaat of Quran, Allah subhana watalah commanded to worship Him alone and not associate anyone along with Him.

 لا اله الا انا فاعبدون

There is no deity except Me, so worship Me – میرے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں تو میری ہی عبادت کرو

(Surah Al-Anbiya:25)

 So whoever worship Allah and obey the messenger, then he may not associate anything in worship with Him, because this is the most evil thing, which displease Him. Those who perform salah, and witness the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, but on other hand, if they supplicate at tombs and call for relief from the dead, then they should know that their worship is nullified and void. They have to abandon the worship of everything else besides Him. It is a serious matter to draw attention towards it, as the act of shirk displease Allah subhana watalah, which is destroying all the good deeds of one.

None should say: ” i take the beloved servants of Allah, the righteous people as intercessors. I do not worship idols and images, as they used to do in the time of ignorance”.  Remember that the Arab Pagans, despite their ignorance and arrogance, completely understood the meaning of Ibaadah (worship). They believed that intercession is a form of worship, and did not deny that calling upon pious people amounted to worshiping them. They would call their idols, ‘Aaliha (plural of Ilah meaning, One, who is worshiped). This is in sharp contrast of the belief of the grave-worshipers of today, who make the engraved as intercessors with Allah, and yet do not consider it to be Shirk!!

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Related Links:

Introduction to Author – Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Al-Usool Ath-Thalatha

SOURCES:

ittibaa.com

Audio in Urdu: Dr. Farhat Hashmi – Al-Usul al-Thalathah

Arabic Text: Download Book-Al-Usul Al-Thalaathah

Explanation of Usool Ath Thalatha by Shaykh Uthaymeen

The Islamic concept of Tawheed

1ST CHAPTER OF BOOK:

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FIRST OBLIGATORY MATTER TO LEARN

PART 2- INTRODUCTION TO NEXT THREE OBLIGATORY MATTERS TO LEARN

2ND CHAPTER OF BOOK:

Introduction

The First Matter (Part -1) , Part-2

The Second Matter (Part -2)  – Negation of Shirk

CHAPTER 2: OBEDIENCE TO THE MESSENGER SALLALLAAHU `ALAIHI WA SALLAM (Part – 2)

So Allah sent the messengers to the creation in order for the proof to be established upon them, and that they should worship Allah in a manner that He loves andis pleased with, as Allah, the Blessed and Most High, says:

“We sent Revelation to you, O Muhammad, just as We sent Revelation to Noah and the Prophets after him; and We sent Revelation to Ibraaheem, Ismaa’eel, Ishaaq, Ya’qoob, the sons of Ya’qoob, ‘Eesaa, Yoonus, Haaroon and Sulaymaan; and We gave the Zaboor to Daawood. And We sent Revelation to messengers about whom We have related to you previously, and to messengers about whom We have not related to you; and Allah spoke directly to Moosaa, messengers as bearers of good tidings and warners, so that the people should have no excuse before Allah after the sending of the messengers. And Allah is always the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

[Soorah an-Nisaa (4): 163-165]

Sheikh Rahimullah’s saying “Rather He sent a Messenger to us”: he is Muhammad sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam, the seal, the last one of the Prophets. He sent him to make clear to us that why we were created and how we are to worship to Allah, the Most High, and forbid from sins and shirk (disbelief). This was his sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam duty and he clearly conveyed the message and fulfilled the trust that was given to him. He clearly mentioned that one who will deviate from the actual path, will be destroyed.

His saying “Whoever obeys him”  meaning in that which he sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam commands, then person can enter paradise. And his saying “Whoever disobeys him”  meaning in that which he sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam forbades, then person will enter the fire.

This is something for which there is a great deal of confirmation in the Quran. Allah, the Almighty has said:

من يطع الرسول فقد اطاع الله 

“He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah” ( Surah An-Nisa: 80)

The Ayaat (verses) in this regard are many.

“And whoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger has achieved the greatest success.”

[Soorah al-Ahzaab (33):71]

This fact is also proven by the saying of the Messenger:

“All of my Ummah will enter Paradise except those who refuse” So it was said: “And who would refuse, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me will enter the Fire.”    

[Reported by Al-Bukharee (Eng. transl. 9/284/no.384)]

And whoever rejects and disobeys him will enter the Fire, is proven by the saying of  Allah, the Most High

“And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses the limits which He has laid down, then Allah will enter him into the Fire in which he will remain forever and receive a humiliating punishment.” [Soorah an-Nisaa (4): 14] 

“And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger has indeed strayed into clear error.”

[Soorah al-Ahzaab (33):36]

“And whoever disobeys and rejects Allah and His Messenger, then he will burn in the Fire of Hell, remaining in it for eternity.”  [Soorah al-Jinn (72):23]

“We sent a Messenger to you, O people, as a witness in favour of you or against you on the Day of Resurrection, just as We sent a Messenger to the Pharaoh. But the Pharaoh denied and rejected the Messenger, so We seized him with a severe punishment. ” [Soorah al-Muzzammil (73): 16]

So whoever obeys him will enter paradise, and whoever disobeys him will enter the Hell-fire, and this is the distinguishing factor between the true believer and disbeliever.

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Related Links:

Introduction to Author – Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Al-Usool Ath-Thalatha

SOURCES:

ittibaa.com

Audio in Urdu: Dr. Farhat Hashmi – Al-Usul al-Thalathah

Arabic Text: Download Book-Al-Usul Al-Thalaathah

1ST CHAPTER OF BOOK:

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FIRST OBLIGATORY MATTER TO LEARN

PART 2- INTRODUCTION TO NEXT THREE OBLIGATORY MATTERS TO LEARN

2ND CHAPTER OF BOOK:

Introduction

The First Matter (Part -1)

LESSONS IN SURAH AL-A’RAF AYAH 175

“And recite to them, [O Muhammad], the news of him to whom we gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators.”

It is well-known that this honorable Ayah was revealed about a man from the Children of Israel in ancient times, according to Ibn Mas`ud and several others among the Salaf. `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said, “He is a man from the city of the tyrants (Jerusalem) whose name was Bal`am and who knew Allah’s Greatest Name.” `Ali bin Abi Talhah also reported that Ibn `Abbas that he said,

“When Prophet Musa and those with him went to the city of the tyrants (Jerusalem), the cousins of Bal`am and his people came to him and said, `Musa is a strong man, and he has many soldiers. If he gains the upper hand over us, we will be destroyed. Therefore, supplicate to Allah that He prevents Musa and those with him from prevailing over us.’ Bal`am said, `If I supplicate to Allah that He turns back Musa and those with him, I will lose in this life and the Hereafter.’ “

So they kept luring and begging him until he was tempted by the trial and went on his donkey towards Mount Husban, which was behind the Israelite military barracks. When he proceeded on the Mount for a while, the donkey sat down and refused to proceed. He got off the donkey and struck it until it stood up again and he rode it. The donkey did the same after a little while, and he struck it again until it stood up… So he proceeded and tried to supplicate against Musa and his people. However, Allah made his tongue mention his people with evil and the Children of Israel with good instead of his people, who protested,

“O Bal`am! What are you doing You are supplicating for them and against us!” He said, “It is against my will. This is a matter that Allah has decided.” He then said to them, as his tongue was made to flicker out of his mouth, “Now I have lost this life and the Hereafter.”

 

Source of Explanation: Tafsir Ibn-e-Kathir                      Graphic Shared By: Sr. Shazia Nawaz

JUZ 13 – POINTS TO PONDER (Part 3)

Surah Ibrahim 1- 52

• [14:1] The Qur’an is an amazing gift from Allah! Do not take it for granted. It takes one out from the darkness of ignorance to Light of eeman and to the path that leads to the Creator’s love and pleasure.
• [14:7] Be grateful. It’s the key to happiness and more of Allah’s blessings. Allah says that if you thank Him, He will will surely increase you in all blessings, what a merciful Lord! Be thankful not just when you receive blessings or for the existing blessings but also when you face problems and unpleasant things because if you reamin patient Allah will increase you [again] in levels in Jannah.
• [14:17] Think about the horrors of the Hellfire; drinking foul and boiling fluids, death coming from everywhere but you will not die. Ask Allah each day to protect you from the Fire.
• [14:22] All shaytan does is invite you to disobedience – all that happens next is your choice of actions…it’s up to you if you respond and follow his whispers.
• [14:24] A good word (Pakeeza Kalima) is like a good tree, that gives or produce Khair (Date tree) – La ilaaha’illAllah, the most pure kalima/ pure words.
• [14:26] An evil Word (Khabees Kalima) is that of an evil tree, it has no stability and importance.
• [14:27] Increase in saying laa ilaaha illAllah randomly as dhikr during the day and try to feel what you are saying as when a person says these beautiful words, believes in them, acts on them and stays away from shirk, his relationship with Allah gets stronger. Allah makes sure that such a person stops fearing the storms sent his way and stays firm in belief in dunya, in the grave and on the Day of Qiyamah.

يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖ وَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّالِمِين

• [14:31] Never let any friendship prevent you from righteous deeds like praying on time [in the masjid for men] and spending your money for your akhirah – like how some say “O come let’s go shopping now, just catch up your prayer later!” Or: “Why would you give that money away (sadaqah), get that new mobile first!” On the Day of Judgement your salah and sadaqah will avail you, your friends won’t be there.
• [14:39] Ibrahim (alayhissalam) was in his old age, when he had Ishaq (alayhissalam) . He was no common man. He was Allah’s prophet and then Allah’s friend. Everyone would expect his dua to be responded to as soon as he makes it the first time…but Allah delayed His response to him. But he kept making dua for years and years without stopping and was hopeful and continued praying…without being depressed and without losing hope. So Allah accepted and responded at His own timing. And then the Prophet was thankful to Him without any complains or grudges with Him, Learn and copy the attitude.
• [14:40] Teach the children how to pray. Take care of their spiritual needs, emotional needs and physical needs. Ibrahim prayed for their spiritual needs first then asked Allah to provide them with love of people (emotional needs) and then lastly he prayed for their food (physical needs). It’s because when a person is busy with fulfilling his spiritual (Prayer/Dhikr/Quran) or emotional needs (busy with close family/close friends), he forget his physical needs (food/other) or it’s the last thing on his mind. Reflect on this awesome reminder. Make the dua of Ibrahim (alayhissallam) from your heart for yourself and your offspring:

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ
“My Lord! make me establish prayer and from my offspring (too), O our Lord, and accept my prayer”.

Always ask Allah to be of those whose dua is accepted and then have yaqeen (be certain) that Allah will accept and answer your supplications.

• [14:41] Consistently make dua for your (believing) parents to be forgiven. Remember dua of Ibrahim (alayhissalam):

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

O our Lord! Forgive me (grant me protection) and my parents and the believers on the day when the reckoning shall come to pass.

And remember when you make dua for others- the angels say Aameen to the same for you.

• [14:42] Whenever you are hurt, upset or wronged by anyone comfort yourself by knowing that your Lord is aware of the wrongdoers and He will deal with them. He is Al Jabbaar – the One who punishes the oppressors and the One who mends the hearts of the believers.

May Allah subhana’watalah guide us to reflect and act on these points, Aameen.

PART 1 – PART 2

English Compilation: Sr. Mariam Anwer (Quest for Paradise)