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Dec 26, 2023

The True Meaning of: Loving a Person for the Sake of Allāh 

It has been authentically confirmed on the authority of Anas (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Three characteristics allow one to taste the sweetness of īmān: Allāh and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything. He loves a person for no reason other than Allāh. He hates to apostate from his religion as much as he hates to be cast into the Fire.” Narrated by al-Bukhārī: 21 and Muslim 43 Imām al-Qurṭubī comments: This ḥadīth proves that the type of love one harbours for a believer—which is closely connected to tasting the sweetness of īmān—is only love th…

Dec 26, 2023

Tafsīr Sūrah al-Fātiḥah

(1:3): The Four Fundamental Principles of “You (Alone) we worship”1 Allāh says: إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ “You (Alone) we worship, and you (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).” [Al-Fātiḥah, 1:3] Imām Ibn al-Qayyim comments: “You (Alone) we worship” is built upon four fundamental principles. They are: Actualisation of everything that is beloved and pleasing to Allāh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) whether it be in the form of statements made by the tongue, the heart, or actions of the heart and those of the limbs. This is because “worship” is a comprehen…

Dec 26, 2023

True Believers Are Not Deceived by this Worldly Life 

Allāh—the Most High—said: وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ “And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to various groups of them (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allāh), the splendour of the life of this world that We may test them thereby. But the provision (good reward in the Hereafter) of your Lord is better and more lasting.” (Ṭā-Há, 20:131) Imām ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Nāṣir al-Saʿdī comments: This verse enco…

Dec 26, 2023

Understanding Zuhd (Asceticism) in Islām

[Q]: What is the reality of asceticism in Islām and what are the means by which I may live an ascetic existence which is also far from radical or extremism in this sphere? [A]: The scholars have said that it is to abandon everything that holds no benefit in the hereafter. To the extent that a person abandons all permissible matters that lack benefit in the hereafter. A person is aided in the attainment of asceticism by contemplating this worldly life, that it is as a passing, transient home rather than a place of settlement. Also, that worldly possessions have not remained for a single per…

Dec 23, 2023

The Ruling of Using Items that Have Imagery

The Three Categories of Objects with Imagery The usage of objects that are physically shaped like living things, or consist of their likeness is divided into three types: That which is used for the purpose of glorification and reverence. This is ḥarām regardless of whether the object in question is a shaped statue or a picture. Also, regardless of whether this glorification pertains to ownership or authority that is held by the person depicted, or the figure is glorified in worship, or due to his great knowledge, or being a close family member, or companion. That is, this ruling is inclu…

Dec 23, 2023

The Expiation of Minor Sins by Engagement in Acts of Worship

Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) who said: The Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “The five prayers, one Friday prayer to another, and one Ramaḍān to another, are all means of expiation for what occurs between them, provided the perpetration of major sins are avoided.” Narrated by Muslim.1 Imām ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Nāṣir al-Saʿdī (d. 1391 AH) comments: This ḥadīth proves the magnanimity of Allāh’s blessings and generosity as demonstrated by the favour He has shown these three acts of worship, proving that they occupy an elevated station with Allāh, the fruits of which are …

Dec 23, 2023

The Importance of Straightening the Rows of Ṣalāh and the Deleterious Effects of Not Doing So

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), following the iqāmah, would not say the takbīr except after commanding the people to straighten their rows. He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would command the one who was slightly forward to step back, and command the one who was slightly behind the line to step forward. Until the lines were as straight as the shaft of an arrow—an extremely straight line. Among his statements in this regard which he would say on some occasions: “You must assuredly straighten your rows or Allāh shall cause dissension to occur among your countenances”1, and in another narration: “amon…

Dec 23, 2023

Advice Regarding the Whisperings of Shayṭān

[Q]: All praise be to Allāh, I am a person who performs ṣalāh and nawāfil (supererogatory prayers). Sometimes I feel myself plagued by doubts that my actions are unaccepted. This is the result of the whisperings of Shayṭān—I seek refuge in Allāh from him. What is the cure for this, may Allāh reward you? [A]: There should be no doubt that these thoughts are from Shayṭān. A person who performs what is obligatory upon him should think positively concerning his Lord and strive to have sincerity in his actions and truthfulness in its performance. Let him leave these whisperings that attempt to …

Dec 22, 2023

The Prerequisites of Remembrances and Invocations Used in Ruqyah

[Q]: The various remembrances and invocations represent the weapons of every believer. Are there any prerequisites for the use of these weapons? [A]: Yes, among the greatest of its prerequisites is that one says them while harbouring trust in Allāh, believing in the truthfulness of Him and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Having īmān that Allāh is the Truth and His speech is completely true. Then, a person must say them sincerely for the sake of Allāh, according to the sunnah of His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), possessing true faith that he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has delivered the trut…