What is our da’wah, the call to Salafiyyah? The defining features. Part 1

[Audio: Link] Transcribed by: Anas Ubaid

What is our Da’wah? – by Abu Khadeejah

Part 1

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

All Praise is due to Allāh, we praise Him, seek His aid and His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allāh from the evils of our souls and the evils of our actions. Whomsoever Allāh guides there is none to misguide and whomsoever Allāh misguides there is none to guide. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, alone, without any partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) is His servant and Messenger.

To proceed,

The truest speech is the Book of Allāh, and the best way is the way of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). The worst of affairs are the newly invented matters, every newly invented matter is an innovation, every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire. To proceed;

My Brothers and Sisters, BaarakAllāhu Feekum, first and foremost, I’d like to mention the great pleasure it gives me today to be here, at this Masjid-as-Sunnah, here in Bradford, on Saturday, the 23rd of August, of the year 2013, in the month of Shawwaal, in the year 1435, after the Hijrah of Allāh’s Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). And I’d like to also mention, my gratitude towards those Qaa’imeen Mas’ooleen – those who are in charge and responsible for the affairs, at this Maktabah, Maktabat-ul-Baseerah Masjid-as-Sunnah, here in Bradford, in West Yorkshire. I know it has been a few years, since I’ve been here. But, it is extremely pleasing, and I’m impressed with all the efforts that the brothers have put in. You can see, this beautiful Masjid, and the great efforts that the brothers have put in, with regard to the Maktabah, with regard to the Bookstore, and the various other facilities, for the brothers, for the sisters, for the children, the various classrooms, and so on. So, I ask Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى), to place this great effort that the brothers have put in, in their Meezaan – i.e. in their scales of good deeds in Yawm-ul-Qiyaamah. And that, Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) causes it to be a source of benefit for the local community here, and for the Muslims at large.

The topic that the brothers have chosen – of course, in my agreement – and that is, the topic of, ‘What is our Da`wah?’. Because, of the various events that have been taking place, over the last several weeks – especially across the Middle East, and amongst the Arab world, and across the Arab world – whether it be in Palestine, or in Iraq and in Syria – then they felt that, it would be suitable if somehow, I gathered between these two affairs, so that we can talk about the issue of our Da`wah. This is actually something that I put together, to clarify to the Muslims in the west, what it means to be a Salafi. And what it means to follow the Salafiyyah, of course referring to Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم); and his Companions – his disciples (رضي الله عنهم), the Sahaabah; and those who came after them from the earliest generations. What was their Da`wah, and what were they upon? But because this question comes quite frequently, I decided, in comprehensive form, from the works of the Scholars and Ahl-ul-`Ilm – the great `Ulema of our times, and from the early Salaf (earlier generations) – to compile, which ended up eventually, from eighty-nine (89) points, which are eventually compiled. 89 points that actually, in short format, each point maybe a sentence or two sentences, defining and clarifying to every Muslim, and even non-Muslim, what it means to be a Salafi, and what our call is, and what are the distinguishing signs, of that which we are upon.

So, the intent of these Duroos and circles, which I hope, will take place every fortnight, In sha Allāh – is to go through these eighty-nine (89) points, so (that) you understand completely and fully, and (also) the listener – those who listen this lecture, after the lecture has been concluded, in terms of audio, and others who are listening – that they clearly understand, that when we say, ‘this is our Da`wah’, then what are those defining points, and those affairs that distinguish us, from the rest of the calls that are out there – amongst the Muslims in the west;

What is it, that makes you Salafees different?

Why is it that you even call yourselves Salafi?

What are the defining points of Salafiyyah?

So, these are some of the affairs that we will discuss, In sha Allāh.

So, as it mentions, with regards to the first point, and many of these points actually, are in sequence. Meaning, that I have brought these points in the order that I have brought them, so that, when you read them – in general – then, they actually form a sequence, of that which we call to first, and then secondly, and thirdly and so on. Even though it is not an absolute order of importance; but in general, you will see the importance coming through, as the numbers begin from 1, and end at 89.

Point 1: We call first and foremost, to the worship of Allāh alone, without associating partners with Him. This was the starting point of the call of the Messengers. Just as Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has stated (16:36);

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).”

So, this call, to the worship of Allāh alone, is coupled with the negation of the worship of anything besides Him. Point number 2 actually, follows on from this point.

Point 2: We believe that our Religion calls to many essentials. So, we call to the most essential affair, followed by that, which is next in importance – in accordance to the Qur’aanic, and Prophetic texts. Just as Allāh’s Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said to Mu`aadh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه);

“Indeed, you are going to a people, from the people of the Book. So, let the first that you call them to, is that they single out Allaah alone for worship. And if they accept (acknowledge) that from you, then inform them, that Allaah has obligated upon them, the five daily prayers. And if they affirm that, then inform them, that Allaah has obligated upon them, the Zakaat.”

So, these are the first 2 points, from the 89 points of our Da`wah. So, I want to mention here some words, from one of the great Scholars of our time, Shaykh Al-Fawzaan (حفظه الله) – and actually, it is linked into that which is taking place within the Ummah of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), in our times. And that is, that Shaykh Al-Fawzaan (حفظه الله) has a book, called ‘Duroos min al-Qur’aan-il-Kareem’ [Lessons from the Noble Qur’aan]. So, he mentions that a person – and I’m going to paraphrase, and just extract from these writings of Shaykh Al-Fawzaan –  that which is related first and foremost to the first 2 points that we have mentioned, and secondly, with regard to the state of the Ummah today. So, one of the point that he mentions, right at the beginning; he mentions that, many of the people, they ask us, “Why is it that you people, place such a great importance upon the issue of Tawheed (of Worshipping Allāh alone)?”. And, as you can see, I’ve mentioned it in the first point. Because, this is the greatest of all fundamentals. Rather, I would even say to you, without a shadow of a doubt, that it is the point of rectification –  it is the rectifier that is the foundation of all rectification. Rectification (and correction) begins in this point. And Islaah of the Ummah of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), begins with this point of At-Tawheed.

So, when the people look upon the Salafi – because, this is the greatest distinguishing factor of the Salafi. If you want to know, what is the most important distinguishing sign, of the Salafi, of Ahl-us-Sunnati wal-Jamaa`ah, of those who adhere to the Sunnah of Allāh’s Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), and they adhere to the guidance of the Companions of Allāh’s Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) – (then) this is the point. This is the greatest of all distinguishing signs – At-Tawheed. And it is distinguished, because Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has distinguished it, in His Book. And this is why we mentioned (previously) that statement of Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) – “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)’.” (16:36).

This is the call. When you look at the Hadeeth of Jibreel – when Jibreel came to the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), and he came to him, in the form of a human being. And he was wearing exceedingly white garments, and his hair was exceedingly black – as `Umar ibn ul-Khattaab said. And he approached the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). And there were not any signs of travel upon him. And not a single one of us recognized him. And he sat next to the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), with his knees, next to the knees of the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), placing his hands upon the thighs of the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) – how close they were, to each other. And he said to the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), “O Muhammad, inform me regarding Islaam”. And the first thing that the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) responded with was what? The Shahaadatayn. That, Islaam is to testify; (أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله و أنّ محمّدًا عبده و رسول الله) – ‘Ashhadu An laa ilaaha ill-Allāh wa anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa rasooluhu’ – (That) There is no Deity worthy of worship (in truth), except Allāh, and that Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), is His slave, and His Messenger. This is the beginning of Al-Islaam. This is what the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) began with. And then he mentioned, of course, the Salaat, the Zakaat, and the fasting, and the Hajj.

Then he (Jibreel) asked him again. Jibreel in fact said to the Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), “Sadaqt – What you have said, is the truth”. `Umar said, “We were amazed! That he asks him a question, and then he tells him that he has spoken the truth” – meaning, why ask a question, if you already know the answer? And of course, this Hadeeth is a proof, that you may ask a question, even if you already know the answer, so (that) those who are sitting in the company of the teacher, (that they are to) benefit from the answer, even though you yourself may already know the answer.

But then, Jibreel went on to ask the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), “Inform me regarding Eemaan (faith)”. Look how the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) answered again. He said that, “Eemaan is that you believe in Allāh…”. So, he began with Islam, with the Shahaadatayn – to bear witness that nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allāh. When he began in the topic of Eemaan in the same Hadeeth, he began again with Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) – that, you believe in Allāh; and the Angels, and the Books, and the Messengers, and the last day, and in the pre-decree – and its good and its evil; that all of it is from Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى).

Then, he (Jibreel) said again, “Sadaqt – What you have said is the truth”. So, then he (Jibreel) asked him about the third affair. These are the Maraatib of our Islam – of our Religion. These are the levels of our faith, our Religion. He asked him again, the third question, “Inform me regarding Ihsaan” – meaning, inform me regarding the perfection of worship. What is the perfection of worship? Again, the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) referred it back to Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). “It is, that you worship Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى), as if you see Him. Yet, you do not see Him, but indeed He sees you”.

So, you look at the levels of the Religion.

– Firstly, Islaam – the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) began with Tawheed, that you worship Allāh (alone).

– Secondly, when he (Jibreel) asked him about Eemaan, again he began with Tawheed, that you believe in Allāh.

– Thirdly, when he asked him about Ihsaan, again the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said that you worship Allāh, as though you see him, though you see him not, yet he sees you. All of them referring back to what? The affair of Tawheed. So, this is how the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) answered. When the Prophets, they were sent, (then) they were sent with the same message.

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ

“We did not send a Messenger to every nation, except that We commanded him to proclaim, that they should worship Allāh alone, and to abandon the worship of the false deities.”

(Also) When he (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) sent Mu`aadh ibn Jabal to Yemen, saying,

“Indeed, I am sending you to a people from the people of the Book (Ahl-ul-Kitaab) – the Jews and the Christians. So, let the first thing that you call them to, is that they single out Allaah alone with Tawheed – with the worship of Allaah (سبحانه و تعالى) alone”.

All of the Anbiyaa, all of the Rusul – all of the Prophets and the Messengers – they came with this.

So, the people say to us, ‘Why this focus upon Tawheed? Do you not have any concerns for the death of the Muslims and their killing and their slaughter? Do you not care about what is taking place?’. Shaykh Al-Fawzaan wrote this book, the first edition in the year, Allāh knows best, in 1421H, which is 14~15 odd years ago. In those times, he is answering that question – ‘why do you people; you people you proclaim that you are Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah, why do you focus upon the issue of Tawheed?’. Look at his answer. I mean, the whole book is somewhere in the region of 223 pages. Right at the very beginning, he mentions that, (the reason) our focus (is) upon Tawheed, is because, it is the foundation upon which, this Religion – the Millat-ul-Haneefiyyah, this upright monotheistic Religion of Tawheed is built upon. It is built upon this subject matter of Tawheed. Without Tawheed, you have no Religion.

Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmi, from the great `Ulema of our era – (and) he mentions the same thing, in his Muqaddima (Introduction), of the work of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal –  who of course died in the year 241H, over 1200 years ago. When he opens up (begins) the book, he enters into the matter of Tawheed, the `Aqeedah. Because, the title of the book (is) ‘Usool us-Sunnah’ [the foundations of the Sunnah]. The foundations of the Sunnah of course, is the `Aqeedah. He mentions that this focus upon the `Aqeedah, this focus upon the belief and the creed, (then) it is something that the Salaf of this Ummah – the earliest of generations – gave importance to. Because, if a person does not have belief, then he has no Religion. If he has no `Aqeedah, he has no Deen.

That is why the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) would not allow Mu`aadh ibn Jabal to move forward. He did not say, ‘well, if they don’t accept the Tawheed, don’t worry, just tell them about the Salaat’. He said that, if they accept that (the Tawheed) from you – meaning that they agree, Allāh alone is to be worshipped, ‘alone’; to the exclusion of everything else, (that) everything else is rejected in terms of divinity, and worship and `Ibaadah. If they accept that, then ‘only’ then, inform them about the Prayer. Meaning, that the Salaat without Tawheed, is worthless. It is like teaching a Christian, to pray the 5 daily prayers. So, he prayers the 5 daily prayers, but he still believes that `Eesaa ibn Maryam (عليهم السّلام), is the son of God; that, Jesus is the son of God, and that you can worship Jesus. But he said, ‘okay, I accept Muhammad as a Prophet also, but I believe that Jesus is the son of (God)’. Imagine, if a Christian was to say that, but he prays the five (5) daily prayers. Do the five (5) daily prayers benefit him? Is there any benefit in the 5 daily prayers in the presence of the worship of men? `Eesaa ibn Maryam (عليهم السّلام) was a man. (So) In the presence of the worship of a man, how does your prayer benefit you, when in the prayer you are saying, “Only you do we worship O Allāh, and only your assistance, and your aid do we seek (implore)– this is what we are saying to Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى), seventeen (17) times a day, in the prayer. Then, as soon as the prayer finishes, what, we call upon other than Allāh? We have belied the Salaat (if we were to do that). This is a lie upon the prayer. You recite the opening chapter of the Qur’aan – (in it) “Only you do we worship, and only your aid do we seek” – then after the prayer finishes, you seek someone else’s worship? You have lied upon your prayer. This is why the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said to Mu`aadh ibn Jabal, “let the first thing that you call them to, (be) that they establish the Tawheed of Allāh – the worship of Allāh alone”.

So, when the people say to us, ‘Muslims are dying. Muslims are being killed. Muslims are being slaughtered’ – what are you telling us? That we leave Tawheed? Khalaas! (enough), now ignore the Tawheed and focus upon the death of the Muslims? No. We will not do that. Why? Because, the very essence (reason) of why the Muslims are being killed, (and) why the Muslims are in a state of weakness, is because they have become distant from the worship of Allāh. As we will make clear In sha Allāh!

So, he mentions, that when one looks at the Qur’aan, and of course, he has taken this from Ibn-ul-Qayyim (رحمه الله) – the great Scholar, who died in the year 752H, over 700 years ago; and from Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله), who died in the year 728H. He has taken it from their works, and predominantly from ‘Madaarij-us-Saalikeen’, of Imam Ibn-ul-Qayyim (رحمه الله). He mentions that, when one looks at the Qur’aan, from its beginning, to its end, and you analyze every Soorah of the Qur’aan – every Soorah; every chapter of the Qur’aan is analyzed – what will you find? One thing that every single Soorah of the Qur’aan is not free from, is Tawheed. Every Soorah of the Qur’aan discusses it. This Tawheed, as he mentions, that if you look at the Qur’aan, and you analyze and you read through every Soorah, you will find that it deals with the subject matter of Tawheed – clarifying it, forbidding whatever opposed it. Ibn-ul-Qayyim affirmed, all of the Qur’aan is about Tawheed. It contains information, firstly, related to the names and attributes of Allāh. Open up, the opening chapter of the Qur’aan, Soorah Faatihah – (ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ) Alhamdu lillaahi rabbil `Aalameen. (ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ) Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem – the names and attributes of Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى), the most Merciful. That, all praise is due to Allāh, the most Merciful, the bestower of Mercy.

So, the Qur’aan; every single Soorah, then it is not free (from Tawheed). But the thing is, my Brothers and Sisters, like the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, (that) a group of people will come. They will recite the Qur’aan – meaning that, they are looking at it, and they are reading it with their eyes, and the sounds are being made upon their tongues. But it will not, as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, go beyond their collarbones, i.e. it does not sink into their hearts.

This sinking into their hearts, has two manifestations. Because, when the Qur’aan sinks into the heart;

It reaches the heart, it gives the person the ability to ponder and to reflect (will give him understanding).

It increases him in Eemaan.

So, there will come a group of people, as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said. They will recite the Qur’aan, but it will not go beyond their collarbones. The Qur’aan is being recited in our times, by millions of people. But, how many of them, when they recite the Book of Allāh, do they ponder over the Tawheed, this greatest fundamental of all of the fundamentals. How many of them look at the Qur’aan, and they say SubhaanAllāh! Every single Aayah, almost every single Soorah; in fact, every Soorah of the Qur’aan, Tawheed, names of Allāh, attributes of Allāh, calling to the worship of Allāh. As Ibn-ul-Qayyim said, it contains information related to the names and attributes of Allāh. And this is the Tawheed-ul-`Ilmi (Tawheed of Allāh’s knowledge), and it is Tawheed-ur-Ruboobiyyah (knowing Allāh, who Allāh is), the Tawheed Asmaa-was-Sifaat – which is sometimes referred, as the Tawheed-ul-`Ilm-wal-Ma`rifah (Tawheed of knowledge, and the Tawheed of acquaintance).

So, you become acquainted with Allāh, with Allāh’s attributes, with Allāh’s names, with Allāh’s actions. He said, when you read into the Qur’aan, you will find, other verses, that they command you with the worship of Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) alone, without any partners, without any associate, without any parent, and without any children, without any offspring. That Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) is free. He is unique, He is Al-Waahid, Al-Qahhaar. He is Al-Ahad (سبحانه و تعالى). He is Alone, He is Unique, and He is the All-Powerful. This is Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى), when we look at the Qur’aan. So, here now, we have the Tawheed of Allāh, in terms of His names, His attributes, His Lordship; that He has actions that are specific to Him (سبحانه و تعالى) – which we sometimes refer to as Tawheed-ur-Ruboobiyyah – to single out Allāh alone, with His actions. So, we know that He is the Creator, Sustainer, the Provider, the giver of life, the giver of death. He is the one who brings the living out of the dead, and He is the one who brings the dead out of the living – meaning that, those who are living, (then) He is the one who kills them off (gives them death); and that which has died, (then) He is the one who gives it life again. Not a raindrop falls from the sky, except that Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) sends it down – Tawheed-ur-Ruboobiyyah. He is the one who gives life to the dead. This is Tawheed-ur-Ruboobiyyah. And then we have Tawheed-ul-Uloohiyyah, or the Tawheed-ul-`Ibaadah, the Tawheed of singling out Allāh alone as the sole deity worthy of worship, i.e. to single out Allāh alone, with our deeds. So, our deeds of devotion, that they are directed towards Allāh alone. We do not worship except Allāh, we do not go to the graves and ask the dead in their graves for help and assistance. We do not worship Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), as the Christians worship Jesus, the son of Mary. Just as Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) forbids the worship of `Eesaa, Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) also forbids the worship of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم).

The Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said,

“Do not do to me, as the Nasaarah did to `Eesaa ibn Maryam. May the curse of Allāh be upon the Jews and Christians – [Hadeeth in Bukhari and Muslim] – for when a Prophet or a righteous man used to die from amongst them, they used to take his grave as a place of worship.”

They used to worship him! They used to prostrate to him –  to their Prophets, and their righteous! “Don’t do that to me. May the curse of Allāh be upon them”, as the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said.

So, the Qur’aan, if you look through it, you will have this. From the beginning to the end of the Qur’aan. Likewise, the Qur’aan commands with obedience. Obedience to Allāh – this is from the rights of Tawheed. How is it from the rights of Tawheed? (It is) that we do not give obedience – the precedence of obedience to anyone over Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). Just as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said,

“There is no obedience to the creation, in disobedience to the Creator.”

It is from the rights of Tawheed; the one that you worship, has a greater right that He is obeyed, over and above everybody and anybody else. And to keep away from that which Allāh forbids; to keep away from being disobedient to Him, and all of these – from these final matters that I have mentioned – obedience, obeying him, keeping away from that which he has forbidden, (then) these are from the extended rights of Tawheed, and the perfection of Tawheed. The more you obey Allāh, the closer you come to Allāh. And the more that you keep away from that which he has forbidden, the closer you come to Allāh, the stronger your Eemaan becomes. The more you disobey the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), as the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said,

“Whomsoever has obeyed me, has obeyed Allāh!”

And Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions in the Qur’aan – the same thing,

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ

“O you who believe! Obey Allāh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم)), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority” (4:59)

Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions this in the Qur’an,

وَمَآ ءَاتَٮٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَہَٮٰكُمۡ عَنۡهُ فَٱنتَهُواْ‌ۚ

“And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم)) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)” (59:7)

Allāh (جلّ و على) has mentioned this in the Qur’an, as the Haqq of the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم).

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعۡ غَيۡرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصۡلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination.” (4:115)

And at the end, Allāh mentions, that Allāh will roast them in the Hellfire, and what an evil destination!

Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) (also) mentions,

فَلۡيَحۡذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنۡ أَمۡرِهِۦۤ أَن تُصِيبَہُمۡ فِتۡنَةٌ أَوۡ يُصِيبَہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

“And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.” (24:63)

Because these are from the rights of Tawheed. Obeying the Messenger is to obey Allāh – because he (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) spoke from revelation. But that comes in one of the further points that we mention (later on) – obedience to the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). The Qur’an also, if you go through the Aayaat of the Qur’an, the Suwar of the Qur’an, it contains news of that which Allāh has promised to the MuwahhiDeen, i.e. those who worship him alone. That, Allāh has promised them Bliss, success, salvation, in this life, (and) Jannah in the hereafter, protection from the punishment of the grave. What is the first question in the grave? The question is about Tawheed. Mann Rabbuk? That is the first question. Not, who is your Peer, (or) who is your saint?

1. The first question is, who is your Lord? – Mann Rabbuk (مَنْ رَبُّكَ)? Rabbiy-Allāh (رَبِّيَ الله) – (then) that is your answer, (that) My Lord was Allāh.

2. Then you are asked again, Maa Deenuk (مَا دِينُكَ)? – what was your Religion? And what is the Religion? Look what Jibreel asked, when he asked the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), “Inform me about Islaam”. Deeniy-al-Islaam (دِيننِ الْإِسْلَام) – my Religion is Al-Islaam.

3. Man Nabiyyuk (مَنِ الَّبِيُّكَ)? – Who was your Prophet, or who was that man, that was sent amongst you? Then he was Muhammad (نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمّد) (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). I believe in him, and I followed him (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), as an obedience to Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). Because, Allāh commanded me, to follow him and to obey him (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم).

So, the whole of the Qur’an, it contains information; hellfire, that Allāh has prepared for those who oppose the Tawheed; Paradise, that Allāh has prepared for those who worship Allāh alone. Hellfire for those who oppose Tawheed   meaning, those individuals who fall into the worship of other than Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). The Qur’an contains news and information; how Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has allowed the idol worshippers, those Mushrikeen, those who do not have Tawheed   that Allāh has given them respite in this world. Allāh has given them (respite). Look how much Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has given to the Mushrikeen. Whether it be the Jews or the Christians, or the Hindus, or the Sikhs or the Buddhists, and other than them from the various religions of Shirk, and Kufr. Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has given them the keys of the ‘Dunya’; they have wealth, they have power, they have whatever they desire. Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives them air to breathe, yet they don’t worship Him! Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gave them food to eat, yet they don’t worship Him! Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gave them water to drink, yet they don’t worship Him! Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives them clothing and wealth and gives them houses and palaces. Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives them their arms, and their legs, and eyes to see, and ears to hear. Allāh gives them children, and the capacity to love. Allāh gives them all of these blessings –  because, Allāh has given them respite. So, Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions this in the Qur’an, with regards to them. And then Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has mentioned, what he has prepared for them, in the hereafter; and in their graves, of punishment, and hellfire. Because they did not worship Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) alone. So, you had your rewards –  you wanted the World, then you got your World. You wanted the Dunya, and what the Dunya had to offer, so, Allāh gave you the Dunya. But don’t expect now, in the hereafter; the one that gave you all of this World – and Allāh have you water to drink, and eyes to see, and gave you a heart to love, and gave you food to eat, and clothing to wear, and houses to live in, (that) Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gave you all of that in the Dunya, and you took benefit from it – yet, not once did you thank Him! Not once did you make Sajdah to that Lord who gave you all of those things! So, in the hereafter Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has prepared for them hellfire, and punishment – Everlasting!

So, this is the recompense of those who believe – Jannah, Bliss, Happiness, Tranquility. Even in our restricted (limited) time in this world, when a believer is in straightened (difficult) times, (that) even during such a time, his heart is Mutma’in, i.e. he knows that ‘In my heart, I’m tranquil. Because, I know, that my Lord is watching over me. And I know my Lord that I worship morning and evening. And I do not associate partners with him, in worship. Nor do I trust except in him. Nor do I place the love of anything else, above my love for Him. Nor do I fear anything, more than I fear Him. Nor do I hope in anyone, more than I hope in Him. Nor will I prostrate, except that I prostrate to him. Nor will I make Tawaaf, except at His house in Makkah, (that) I will make Tawaaf around for His sake. Nor will I make Sajdah, to any Qiblah, apart from His Qiblah (the Ka`bah)’. This is the Lord that we worship. So, even in our difficult times, we know that this is a test from our Lord. Or a punishment from our Lord, that will expiate our sins, because, this is the way of the Muwahhid (person of Tawheed). This is the Call of the Prophets and the Messengers.

When a person moves away from ‘this’ fundamental, then expect the calamities to befall! For indeed we know, from the Aayah,

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوۡمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ‌

“Verily! Allāh will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah).” (13:11)

This is Qur’aanic. It is not something that I’m quoting from myself. These are the words – (and) the meanings of the words – of Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives you good, and He blesses you with goodness; with life, with limbs; with good health, that goodness that is heaped upon you, morning, noon and evening; and Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) sends you Prophets and Messengers, and He sends you Books, as He sent to this Ummah, and as He sent to the Umam, and the nations before.

Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) sent the Scriptures, or the Tablets – the Suhuf to Ibraheem (Abraham) ((عليه السّلام)); the Zuboor (Psalms) to Dawood (David) ((عليه السّلام)); the Tawraat to Moosaa (Moses) ((عليه السّلام)); the Injeel to `Eesaa (Jesus) ((عليه السّلام)); and the Qur’an to Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) – blessing after blessing after blessing! Prophets and Messengers sent to all of the nations. 315 are Messengers – as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said – and many more Prophets. Some narrations indicate regarding the number of Prophets – 124,000. Prophets, my Brothers and Sisters, blessing after blessing.

And then Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives you establishment on this Earth. And gives you His blessings. (That) Allāh establishes you, because of the fact that you’re upon Eemaan. Just as Allāh has mentioned,

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬ا‌ۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌

“Allāh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.” (24:55)

A tremendous Aayah, my Brothers and Sisters. Relevant, to the situations that the Muslims find themselves in now; in humiliation, in trial and tribulations, and how the enemies have gathered upon the Muslimeen. Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) has mentioned – to translate – that, Allāh has promised for those amongst you, who believe (Eemaan); i.e. A promise from your Lord to those amongst you, who have Eemaan. When Jibreel asked the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), “Inform me, O Muhammad, about Eemaan“, what did the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) say? That Eemaan is what? (It is) that you believe in Allāh, and His Angels, and His Books, and His Messengers, and in the last day, and in the pre-decree – its good and its evil. Began with what? That you believe in Allāh. When the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said in that Hadeeth, that has been collected by Bukhari and Muslim,

“Indeed, Eemaan is of seventy and odd branches (and in another narration, that it is of sixty and odd branches). The highest level of Eemaan is the Kalimah.”

Which Kalimah? We are Muslims, O Ikhwaan! We should know this, as to what the highest level of Eemaan is. (It is) The Kalimah; لاَ إله إلا الله – ‘Laa ilaaha il-Allāh‘. That is what Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said when he spoke about Eemaan. Eemaan is of seventy-odd branches, and the highest level is the Kalimah, ‘Laa ilaaha il-Allāh‘. (A hadeeth, collected by) Bukhari and Muslim. Not something, that I’m bringing from myself. This is Wahyee from Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). “The highest level of Eemaan, is the Kalimah, ‘Laa ilaaha il-Allāh’. And the lowest is to (re)move an obstacle from the path”. And then he (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “Al-Hayaa (shyness & modesty) is from Eemaan”. (These are) the words of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). So, now Allāh is saying, “A promise from your Lord, for those of you, who have Eemaan“. This is Eemaan! Tawheed begins with Tawheed – belief in Allāh, belief in the Angels; belief in the Books, and everything that rotates around that and is involved in that; all of the Books – we believe in them, including the Qur’an, (which is) the final testament. To believe in the Angels;

– Jibreel (عليه السّلام), that he brought down the revelation

– Munkar and Nakeer, who will question you in your graves

– Israfeel, who will blow the horn for Yawm-ul-Qiyaamah

We believe in these Angels (among others), and they are real. Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said that,

“I saw Jibreel in his real form. And I saw that his wings filled the horizon.”

Our belief with regards to the Angels. Our belief with regards to the Books, (that) all of the books; they were the speech of Allāh – not created; All of the Books! All of the revealed books that were revealed to Moosaa and `Eesaa, and Dawood and other than them, from the Prophets and Messengers – those names that we know of, and those names that Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) did not reveal to us (of the names of those books).

Allāh mentions in the Qur’an,

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ

“Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed.” (2:213)

We believe that all of these Books, that were in their original form, (then) they were the actual spoken words of Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى). The Tawraat (Torah), in its original form that came to Moosaa ((عليه السّلام)), it was the speech of Allāh. Then, those people from the Jews, (they) corrupted it, and they changed it with their hands. The Injeel, that was revealed to `Eesaa, were the actual words of Allāh. So, they (Christians) corrupted that.

So, we believe in all of these levels of Eemaan. But here, Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions, a promise from your Lord, for those amongst you, who believe, and they work righteous deed. Righteous deeds. What did we mention, from the rights of Tawheed is what? – That you obey Allāh. That you do not disobey him. When he commands you with something, you do it – as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said,

“Whatever He commands you with, then do it as much as you are able to. And whatever He forbids from you, then stay away from it.”

So, when a person engages in righteous deeds; and a righteous deed, is that which Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) did. If he did not do it, or the Sahaabah (رضي الله عنهم) were not upon it, then it is not righteous – it is something invented. A righteous deed in Islaam is that which is reported in the Qur’an, and in the Sunnah, and upon the Sahaabah (رضي الله عنهم). A promise from your Lord, for those of you, who believe, and they work righteous deeds – that Allāh will establish them in the Earth. That Allāh will give them Khilaafah in the Earth.

This (Khilaafah) is a word now, that is branded about. Caliphate, caliphate, caliphate! But it is not what you think it is, my Brothers and Sisters – or as many people will have you believe that it is. It is not what they have set up, in Iraq and in Syria, under the name Da’esh – as we call them, or ISIS, as they call themselves. This is not the Caliphate that Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) is talking about here. Because what Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) is talking about here is, that Allāh will establish them in the Earth, because of their Eemaan, and their righteous deeds. Not because of their murder, and their killing, and their oppression, and their Dhulm, and their transgression. Changing the name of something does not change its reality! Changing the name, of what they do, and what they are doing now, in places like Syria and Iraq; that oppression and that killing, and that murder, that they are engaged in now; calling it a Khilaafah – does not make it a Khilaaf(ah). No more than a bottle (of water) – if I was to put a label of whiskey upon it, it does not make it whiskey inside. Changing the name of something does not change its reality. If it is wicked and evil, it is wicked and evil. Calling someone wicked and evil, with a nice word, does not make it nice. It doesn’t. BaarakAllāhu Feekum!

Then Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions, “that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them” – (that) Allāh will establish them in the earth, just as Allāh established, those who came before them. Because, the nations before us, were established. Allāh established Banee-Israa’eel; from amongst the righteous and from the believers from amongst them, there were Muslims. So, Allāh gave them establishment upon the Earth. ‘Allāh will establish for them, their religion’. The Religion that Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) is pleased with, for them. So, what gets established, my Brothers and Sisters, for the righteous? What gets established for the people of Eemaan? Look what Allāh gives them. Then Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) mentions – and of course, this is related to what is happening in the Muslim Ummah today.

And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear”. And that is another reality. That now, look at (what) Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) gives to these people. People who have Eemaan; people who have Tawheed; people who believe in Allāh, as Allāh deserves to be believed in. People who have the correct `Aqeedah; they follow the Sunnah, they are upon guidance; they follow the orders of Allāh, and the commands of Allāh; they follow Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). (That) Allāh will give them establishment – a just, truthful, merciful establishment upon the earth. They will be able to worship Allāh without fear. They will not be harmed by their enemy.
And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear” – (that) Allāh will change their condition, from a condition of fear that they used to live (in). The fear that they used to live in, (then) Allāh will replace it, with security.

Then, Allāh mentions two further tremendous points, “(provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me“. Look at the conditions that Allāh sets. Do you want establishment? Do you want justice for the Muslims? Do you want to live in security? You want to live in a society that is merciful and is easy with each other, and they are secure from harm? And that you are not harmed by your enemies? Do you want to live in a society like that? Do you want that establishment from Allāh? You want that just Caliphate, like the Caliphate of Abu Bakr, and `Umar (رضي الله عنهما). Not the Caliphate of these murderers. Because that (of these murderers) is not a Caliphate. They are Mufsidoon fil-Ard. Chopping off the heads and severing the heads, of Muslims, and non-Muslims alike, and advertising them, and holding them up like trophies?! Trophies with the heads of people! And telling us now that this is the Caliphate!

Imam Az-Zuhri (رحمه الله), as has been collected by Al-Bayhaaqi, in ‘As-Sunan Al-Kubra‘ – Imam Az-Zuhri (رحمه الله), who died in the year 124H, and we are in 1435H; (over) 1300 years ago. He is from the Taabi`een, i.e. from the students of the Companions of Allāh’s Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). He is from the teachers of Imam Maalik ibn Anas (d.179H). Imam Az-Zuhri said, that “it was never ever known – in the lifetime of the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), that a severed head of an enemy was ever brought in front of him“. Never known! Who are we following? We are following the earlier generations. This is Imam Az-Zuhri – died in 124H. You would think that someone wrote this today. Because it applies to what is taking place today. “It was never known“, because the Prophets and the Messengers are beyond that, my Brothers and Sisters. He said, “it was never known, in the time of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), that the severed head of an enemy was ever brought to him. Not even at the battle of Badr“. After the battle of Badr, when the Muslims were victorious, never was ahead of an enemy brought to the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). Then he (Imam Az-Zuhri) mentions, in the time of Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) – who was the first Caliph, and it was a just Khilaafah – that the head of the leader of the Christians, was brought to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (رضي الله عنه). And he said, “What is this?!”. And in a further narration mentioned by Al-Khatteeb or Ibn Asaakir, in ‘Tareekh Dimashq‘ (History of Damascus) – he mentions, that the head of the leader of the Christians was brought to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, (and) he said, “What is this?! We are not in need, of this type of conduct. For indeed, these are from the habits of the Disbelievers and the non-`Arab”. This is what we follow. Not the way that these people are behaving (nowadays). This is not the Caliphate! – that they claim that they have established. They’ve established, BaarakAllāhu Feekum, a land of corruption.

Ibn Katheer (رحمه الله), who was from the greatest, and the most prolific commentators of the Qur’aan – from the Mufassireen (explainers of the Qur’aan), who died in the year 774H – he mentioned, in Vol. 10, of ‘Al Bidaaya wan-Nihaaya‘, that “if the Khawaarij (these renegade insurgents) if they were to ever gain strength in the land, whether it be in Iraq, or in Syria, they would not even leave a child, nor an adult whether male or female except that they would kill it (that person)“. Because, they (the Khawaarij) are under the illusion, that these people (children and adults) are so corrupt, that (they) cannot be rectified, except by mass killing. He died in 774H – nearly 800 years ago, and he wrote these words. Who is this a description of, today? It is a description of them (Da’esh, ISIS), BaarakAllāhu Feekum. They don’t focus on Tawheed. They don’t recognize the fact that Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) was sent as a mercy to all of creation. These individuals, have come with corruption, and killing, and murder, and punishment, and beheading. Beheading, that they do in the video, and they publicize those videos, and they hold up (those) heads as trophies! Was this the way of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (رضي الله عنه)? Was this the way of Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم)? This was not from their ways. It is because the Muslims today – if you ponder over the difficulties that they are facing, you can take them all back to the fact that they have become distant from the worship of Allāh; distant from Eemaan; distant from righteous actions. Because, if they were righteous; if they had the correct Eemaan; if they had the correct Tawheed; if they were worshiping Allāh, as Allāh deserves to be worshipped; then Allāh will remove the calamity and insecurity, and the fear that they live in, and Allāh would have replaced it, with security and tranquility! Allāh would have replaced it; just as Allāh said, “Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth”. You don’t establish anything, BaarakAllāhu Feekum. You and I, we don’t establish anything. Allāh established. Allāh has given you a responsibility – be righteous, do righteous deeds, have Eemaan, have Tawheed, worship Allāh alone, don’t associate partners – and then, Allāh has promised you establishment on the Earth.

Ibn Katheer mentions, in his Tafseer of this Aayah (24:55), (that) the Sahaabah (رضي الله عنهم), when they came to the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), (and) they said, “O RasoolAllāh! For how long are we going to live in this state of fear, and go to sleep in a state of fear?! So much so, that when we go to sleep at night, we have to sleep with our swords and our spears, next to our bodies! (out of fear, that the enemies are attacking)“. Look how the Sahaabah were, and this was in Madinah. Never mind what they were undergoing in Makkah, at the hands of those Mushrikeen, who would kill, slaughter, torture, boycott, and put the believers into poverty. When they went to Madinah, then the enemies – they gathered against the Muslims. And they would attack them – (we have examples of) The Battle of Khandak, the Battle of Badr, the Battle of `Uhud. Assassination attempts upon Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). How many times, (assassinations were attempted on) the Messenger Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم)?! – as many of the Scholars have said. In fact, eventually, he (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) (even) died, due to an illness, that he contracted after he was given poisoned meat by a Jewish woman. Throughout the whole of his life, this is what was happening. So, when the believers came to Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) and said that, then, Ibn Katheer says, Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) revealed this verse,

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬ا‌ۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ وَمَن ڪَفَرَ بَعۡدَ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

“Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).” (24:55)

Then, that was established. The Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said,

“The Earth was gathered for me. And I could see its east and its west. And everything that was gathered for me, from the east to the west, (that) this was the possession of my Ummah.”

The future is for Islaam, no doubt! But not at the hands of these Shayaateen, and these Devils. They do not worship Allāh as Allāh deserves to be worshipped. They do not obey Allāh as Allāh deserves to be obeyed. These individuals oppose the Sunnah and oppose guidance. They are in fact, devils in the bodies of men. The Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) – as is narrated from some of the Sahaabah (رضي الله عنهم) – on a day, he came out, and he spoke about a group of people, that “they will recite the Qur’an, and it will not go beyond their collarbones“. And the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, that “they will go in and out of the religion, just like an arrow goes through its target“. And, in a narration, the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “Just like an arrow goes through its game (prey). And when it comes out from the other side, there does not remain upon it, neither any flesh nor any blood (that is how quickly they will go through the Deen)“. The Sahaabah such as `Abdullah ibn `Abbaas, Abu Umamah Al-Baahili, `Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood, and the Sahaabah (رضي الله عنهم) as a consensus, held that these Ahadeeth apply to the Khawaarij – to the very same people that you see now in Iraq and Syria. Very same people. They will appear, as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “in every generation“. And, in a narration, the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) repeated that more than ten times. And he (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “and from the last of them, you will find them in the same contingency (army) as the Dajjal“. The same army. Those people that you see, with beards and Thawbs, and turbans upon their heads; with (marks in) their heads, of prostration upon the ground – they are the forerunners of the Dajjaal. Don’t be deceived. Don’t be fooled into thinking by the outer image that you see from them, that they are worshipping. They are the enemies of this Religion.

And then, when you look at places like Palestine, and you look at how they are suffering at the hands of their enemy, look what Shaykh Al-Fawzaan, and other than him mention, that the enemy never gains power and authority over the Muslims, excepts due to the Muslims becoming distant from the worship of Allāh. Allāh gave victory after victory to the Sahaabah, because of their Eemaan, and because of their Tawheed, and their righteous deeds. So much so, that within 100 years after the death of the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم), the Muslims had entered into Spain. From a camel coming out of Makkah, they were now walking into Spain and Barcelona! Building Masaajid in Spain? Within 100 years! And on the other side, they were knocking on the doors of China. Coming out dusty and dishevelled, still covered in the dust of the desert. These people used to go to war with each other, over some sheep and goat, (and) now they were conquering Europe – why (how)? Because they were righteous, and they were pious. And when the non-Muslims saw them, they (non-Muslims) said, this is what we want. Even the Emperor of Rome; when the Messenger (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) wrote to him – the Hadeeth (found) in Bukhari, in the chapter of ‘How revelation began’ (Volume 1), in the beginning of Bukhari – when the letter reached the Emperor of Rome, Heraclius, and Abu Sufyaan who was a Mushrik at the time, and he (Heraclius) heard the words (that) Abu Sufyaan said to him – and Abu Sufyaan was a pagan at the time, but he would not lie – what did Heraclius say? He said, “What he (Muhammad) calls to, and what you have told me, (then) they are not, except from a Prophet. And I was expecting the Prophet, and I read in our scripture, that a Prophet would come, but I never knew that he would come from you `Arabs. If what you have said is true, then soon, he will be in the very place where I am standing [meaning that this man, and this Religion, will conquer over that, which we (Romans) have]“. And look at the Empire of Rome. He said, “By Allāh! If I could go, I would immediately race to him this Muhammad. And I would not except wash his feet“. This is the effect that Islaam had, in that time. That they would rush to Islaam. Now you look at these Da’esh, these ISIS. When a non-Muslim hears what they are doing, he says (what he would say is) that, ‘The last thing I want, is your Islaam! The last thing I want to hear about is your Islaam. Keep it to yourselves‘. Because they have made Islaam seem like a barbaric Religion with no mercy.

So, when you see what is happening now in Palestine, (then) it is not except due to the Muslims being distant from Allāh. Distant from Tawheed, distant from `Ibaadah. So, Allāh gives them, a taste of punishment. Not only to them, (but even to us – outside of those countries), because we feel the pain that they feel; we feel the humiliation that they feel. Why? Because they are our Brothers and Sisters. But this humiliation will not be removed, as the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “Allāh will send down this humiliation upon you, when, you become disobedient. And Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) will not remove it, up until you return back to your Deen“. What is your Deen? “Inform me about Islaam” – that is what Jibreel said to Muhammad (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم). What is your Religion, except (that) it begins with Tawheed? That is why we mention these two points, as the first two points. The greatest of all of the fundamentals. So, the quicker we return back to our Deen; the quicker we return back to this Tawheed; the quicker we return back to Eemaan; and righteous deeds, and obedience; and not to disobey Allāh; and strive upon the Sunnah; and strive in the worship of Allāh; the quicker we return back – (then) the quicker, all of this humiliation will disappear, just as it disappeared in the time of the Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم).

On a morning, after Fajr, the Messenger of Allāh (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) prayed in his Masjid. And he turned around, and he saw that the Masjid-an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Masjid) was absolutely filled. No room to even move in the Masjid. The Prophet (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) said, “Maybe you have heard, that the gold and the wealth has come from ‘Bahrain’, and from other places“. And he had a big smile on his face – (صلّ الله عليه و سلّم) – (and) they could see his molar teeth. ‘Maybe you have heard, that the treasures have come’. He said, “By Allāh! I do not fear for you poverty. I fear for you, that the riches of the Earth will be opened up for you. And you will be put to trial, just as those before you, were put to trial. And because of that, you will be destroyed“. Wealth came, BaarakAllāhu Feekum, to the Muslims. Wealth came to them. It is how you deal with it, BaarakAllāhu Feekum. How you deal with the problems of the Ummah today. And today, Inshā’Allāh, upon that, we will finish.

وَ الْحَمْدُ ِللهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين. وَ صَلَّ اللهُ عَلَىَ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ, وَعَلَىَ آلِهِ وَ صَحْبِهِ وَ سَلَّم.

وَ جَزَاكُمُ اللهُ خَيْرًا


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2 Comments

  1. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

    Regarding the topic of Qadr, could you please clarify how someone is not compelled to do (certain action) , but it has also been written for them that they will do it, so they will do it no matter what? bārakallāhu feekum.

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