He said, “Tell me about Eeman.” ) replied, “It is to believe in Allah, … · 2010. 5. 12. · Allah: "And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So did

On the authority of ‘Umar (RA), who said, “One day, while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allaah

(SAW), a man, with very white clothes, very dark hair and who was unknown to us, passed by us and sat

next to the Prophet, leaning his knees on his knees and laying his palms on his (the Prophet’s) thighs…

He said, “Tell me about Eeman.”

He (the Prophet �) replied, “It is to believe in

Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers,

and the Last Day, and to believe in Divine

Destiny (Al-Qadar), both the good and the evil

of it.”

He said, “You have spoken rightly.”

This hadith is commonly referred to as the “Hadith Jibreel.” It enumerates the pillars of iman from which the

scholars have divided belief into six categories- Belief in:

� Allah SWT

� His angels

� His books

� His Messengers

� The Last Day

� Al-Qadar (Divine Destiny)

2

The Rays of Faith: Aqeedah 201 seminar is taught by Sheikh Waleed Basyouni (may Allah reward him). The

focus of this seminar is the belief in Allah’s angels, His books, His Messengers, The Last Day, and Divine

Decree. The following compilation derived from the course consists of proofs from the Qur’an and Sunnah, as

well logical and intellectual arguments, enchanting stories, and enlightening reflections.

Sheikh Waleed enumerated the purposes of The Rays of Faith seminar on the first evening that he stood before

us. During this seminar we gained knowledge regarding how to:

1) Seek to keep your iman high and strong.

2) Soften the heart with iman.

3) Deal with matters of the unseen. We must use authentic sources (Qur’an and Hadith) and we cannot guess about matters of the unseen.

Sheikh Waleed gave us an example: “What kind of car does the Sheikh drive?” We can only guess but as

Allah says [in surah anNajm]:

�� !�"�� #$�%�& �� '�( $�)�� While they have no knowledge thereof. They follow but a guess, and verily, guess is no substitute for

the truth [alQuran 53:28].

Sheikh Waleed mentioned a story about a man who asked a scholar: “Why do we love this donia so much?”

The scholar replied: “It is like a person who invests everything he has, every dime he makes, into his house.

Then he is asked to move. He will become angry and will not want to leave. If all that you are doing is

related to this donia, then who would like to leave a place that he invested everything into in order to move

to a place that he invested nothing in?” This teaches us that we must invest in the Akhirah! We should

learn from the example of the wife of Firaun who requested a home in Jennah, as Allah says [in surah

atTahrim]:

�%� �*�+�,��%�-�� ' �� ( �*�. �/��0 �1�� &�+�2 �3�4�+�� 5 ��6�%7� �'�%�8�&�� &�+�2 �� 9�:�� ;��9��2 �<"��( �=�>��&

�?��@�� 9�:�� A�8��

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Firaun (Pharaoh), when she

said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Firaun (Pharaoh) and

his work, and save me from the people who are Zalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers

in Allah) [alQuran 66:11].

4) Balance the donia and the akhirah (this life and the Hereafter). We must strike a balance between today and tomorrow. We should not be extremely attached to this world,

but we also cannot completely neglect it.

5) Understand that the unseen (Hereafter) is the basis of everything else.

Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq

came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" 'Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you!

What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She

said, "Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite

it with its Suras not in proper order." 'Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read

first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in

3

it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal

and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.'

people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not

commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never give up illegal sexual

intercourse.' While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to

Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour

will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The

Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then 'Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the

man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order) [alBukhari]. Learning about the Hereafter gives you a different view on life and opens your heart to the obedience of

Allah (subhanahu wa taala).

6) Understand the perspectives of the people of the Book.

7) Prove the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad �.

8) Build sincerity in our actions.

9) Understand the minimum requirements necessary to be a Muslim and what is above that.

10) Refute the anti-Ahl ul Sunnah ideologies.

May you benefit from the following notes insha’Allah. Please keep Sheikh Waleed, his family, and Qabeelat

Tayybah in your du’aas. Barak Allahu feekum. ☺

4

Chapter One: Belief in the AngelsChapter One: Belief in the AngelsChapter One: Belief in the AngelsChapter One: Belief in the Angels

What are the Mala’ikah (Angels)?

Linguistic Definition of Mala’ikah: Plural of malak

- Root of the word mala’ikah comes from malik, which means owner.

- Root of the word mala’ikah comes from al-malk, which means taking something with great strength.

- Root of the word mala’ikah comes from al-alooka, which means message (this is according to ibn Hajer).

Technical definition of Mala’ikah: Angels are created from light and carry out Allah’s commands.

A COMMON MISCONCEPTION: Angels are creature of light that have no physical attributes.

�+�B��2 �'�%�� >�8�� C4 ��%�D�. �;�E�F��%�8�� G�&��H �I�.�J�� K ��8�L� �� %�M�� 2 �>��N�� O��(�.�� P��%CQ�� R��-�� S;��H�4

��>�0 TU�� 7GCV R�%�& �'�%� �� U��W��#+ All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator [or the (only) Creator] of the heavens and

the earth, Who made the Angels messenger with wings, - two or three or four. He increases in creation

what He wills. Verily, Allah is able to do all things. [35:1]

‘A’ishah narrates that the Prophet � said, “The Angels were created from light, and the Jinn were created from

a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created of what has been described to you.” [Muslim]

Angels have light but they are not light. - Although angels are created from light, it does not mean that they are light.

- This is comparable to the fact that Allah created humans from clay but we are not clay.

- Angels are benevolent beings created by Allah from light.

Angels have physical attributes. 1. Angels have hands.

Allah says [in surah alAnam]:

��8�� $�%�X�4 �� Y�� $�� Z��C4 �[��0 ��4 �<(�6�V �'\%� R�%�& ]�+�"�2 �'\%� �[N�:�4 �� G�-�� C[�N:CJ�D �[��0 �� U�� '�� C;�E�F_�8�� K��8�� K �+�8� ��2 ��8�� 1�� ]�+�a �)��>��4 � �Cb�D��(��N�9�a �?�� $CE�LCc:�4 � ��H�+�d�4 �$ �* �6�&

�� +�� '\%� R�%�& ��C��C@�a �$�"�CV ��8�( ��)�� +�!�E�"�L�a �'�a��5 ��& �$�"�CV��

And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allâh, or says: "I have received

inspiration," whereas he is not inspired in anything; and who says, "I will reveal the like of what Allâh

has revealed." And if you could but see when the Zâlimûn (wrongdoers and polytheists, etc.) are in the

5

agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your souls! This day

you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against

Allâh other than the truth. And you used to reject His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs,

revelations, etc.) with disrespect!" [alQuran 6:93].

2. Angels write, speak, and prostrate – these are all physical descriptions.

3. Angels have wings.

a) Narrated Abu Ishaq-Ash-Shaibani: I asked Zir bin Hubaish regarding the Statement of

Allah: "And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So did (Allah)

convey The Inspiration to His slave (Gabriel) and then he (Gabriel) Conveyed (that to

Muhammad). On that, Zir said, "Ibn Mas'ud informed us that the Prophet had seen

Gabriel having 600 wings" [Bukhari] Allah says [in surah Faatir]:

�+�B��2 �'�%�� >�8�� C4 ��%�D�. �;�E�F��%�8�� G�&��H �I�.�J�� K ��8�L� ��2 �>��N�� O��(�.�� P��%CQ�� R��-�� S;��H�4�� %�M�� e�>�0 TU�� 7GCV R�%�& �'�%� �� U��W��

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator (or the (only) Creator) of the

heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, - two or three or four. He

increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things [alQuran 35:1].

Angels are NOT divine. They are the creation of Allah (they have a starting point).

Angels are completely devoted to Allah’s worship. Angels have no free will. 1. Angels carry out Allah’s orders on earth and in the heavens.

2. Whatever Allah wants to happen, He makes them happen through the angels carrying out His command

(i.e. stars, planets’ movement, vegetation growth).

Angels are different from one another based on their levels.

Some scholars say that the names of angels have specific meanings. 1. Jibreel: jabr means “aid/support,” eel means “messenger.” � “The one who aids the messengers”

How Do Others View the Angels? The Philosophers’ View: - Deny the existence of angels

- Deny the real existence of God. Their argument: If you open someone’s head, you will find the brain, but

the mind will not be visible. Philosophers equate God to the “mind” of the world- not a physical

existence.

- Ibn Araby and ibn Seena denied the real existence of Allah and therefore also denied the existence of the

angels.

- Philosophers believe that angels are figments of the Prophets’ imaginations.

The Pagan Arab View: - Angels were considered female and sweet.

- Angels were considered Allah’s daughters.

- Allah responds to these absurd claims:

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6

Allah says [in surah alIsraa]: Has then your Lord (O pagans of Makkah) preferred for you sons, and

taken for Himself from among the angels daughters. Verily! You utter an awful saying, indeed

[alQuran 17:40].

��!�� $�)�� K��!�� i�(�+��4 �$�)�"�c�"�D��2 ��>�j�� $�j�� Q��:�� ;�E�F��%�8�� @�%�d �?�4 ��C��C@�� $�)�E�2�� $�)�:�� 4 �'�%� �>��)�:��(�1��E�� $ �A��!�� R�%�& �K��!�� R�c�b�h�4 ��8CE��a �k��V �$CE�� +�V�6�a ��%�2�4 lA�!g� m��b�%�D �$CE�� ?�4

Allah says [in surah asSaaffat]: Now ask them (O Muhammad SAW): "Are there (only) daughters for

your Lord and sons for them?" Or did We create the angels females while they were witnesses? Verily, it

is of their falsehood that they (Quraysh pagans) say: "Allah has begotten off spring or children (i.e.

angels are the daughters of Allah)?" And, verily, they are liars! Has He (then) chosen daughters rather

than sons? What is the matter with you? How do you decide? Will you not then remember? Or is there

for you a plain authority? [alQuran 37:149-156].

The Jewish View: - Jews use the Hebrew word malakh to mean “messenger.”

- Angels are used to carry out God’s will. They carry out things that are below God’s dignity (i.e. natural

disasters).

- During the Prophet Muhammad’s (�) time, Jews expressed animosity towards Jibreel.

Allah says [in surah alBaqarah]:

\%7� n��>�& ��V ��+�2��E�%7� o��>�& �'\%� ��p�2 �[��E�� G��+�!�H�� '�%�D�.�� '�"�E�F_�� ' Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (gabriel) and Mikael (Michael),

then verily, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers [alQuran 2:98].

The Christian View: - The New Testament takes little interest in the hierarchy of angels.

- Christians believe that angels are used for revelation.

- Christians believe in male and female angels but that they do not marry.

- Distinguish between good and bad angels:

o Consider Satan a bad angel who led a battle with the rebellious angels against Allah and his angels.

o Demons that went against God and angels are considered fallen angels.

o The concept of fallen angels is nonexistent in Islam. We believe that Shaytan was a jinn who

disobeyed Allah (some scholars say that he was an angel but the majority opinion is that he was a

jinn). We do not believe that any angels are disbelievers.

- Christians depict angels as humans. They believe that angels have no physical appearance but can

transform their shape.

- Christians depict angels with wings.

- Modern Christians believe that the immortal souls of good people become angels. This idea has no basis

in their scriptures.

The ruling regarding Belief in the Angels: Belief in the Angels is the 2

nd pillar of Eeman. A person is not a believer without this pillar.

We must believe that angels are created by Allah and do not sin and we must believe in the angels Allah

mentions by name.

7

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The messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord. As do the men of Faith. Each

one (of them) believes in Allah, His Angels, His books, and His Apostles. “We make no distinction (they

say) between on and another of His Apostles.” And they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your

forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys.” [2:285]

Why is belief in the Angels the 2nd

pillar of Eeman? - Belief in angels is the pillar of faith that is placed after belief in Allah and before belief in the books.

- Angels are the ones who deliver the message and books to the messengers.

- Jibreel was the link between Allah and His messengers.

Evidence for the Obligation to Believe in the Angels: � Al-Qur’an

�G��+�!�H�� '�%�D�.�� '�"�E�F_�� '\%7� n��>�& ��V ��+�2��E�%7� o��>�& �'\%� ��p�2 �[��E�� Whoever is an enemy of Allah and His Angels and Apostles, to Jibreel and Meeka’eel, then, surely

Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith. [2:98]

� As-Sunnah

The Prophet � said, “Eeman is to believe in Allah, and His Angels, and His Books..).” [Al-Bukharee and

Muslim]

� Ijma’ Ibn Hazm mentioned the consensus on this issue in his book Maratib Al-Ijma’. Ibn Taymiyyah and others

also reported this consensus. Whoever does not believe in this pillar is not a Muslim.

o Maratib Al-Ijma’ is a unique book in Islamic history. It discusses the consensus of issues in

aqeedah.

Belief in the Angels is the 2nd Pillar of Faith

Qur’an

Sunnah

Ijma’

Logic

8

o It mentions three different types of ijma’. For example, when anNawawi refers to a consensus, he

means ijma’ among Shafi’ee scholars only.

o In Maratib Al-Ijma’, ibn Hazm states that there is a consensus among all scholars that belief in

angels is necessary to be a believer.

� Logic Believing in the Qur’an and Messengers necessitates believing in angels. In order to believe in the Qur’an

and Messengers logically necessitates belief in the carriers of the books.

Characteristics of the Angels: � They were created to worship Allah and to carry out His command.

Allah says [in surah alAnbiya]:

��+�"�c�� .��)�� G��%� ��!�L�� They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so)

[alQuran 21:20]

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Allah says [in surah ashShura]: Nearly the heavens might rent asunder from above them (by His

Majesty), and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth,

verily, Allah is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful [alQuran 42:5].

� They commit no sin and have no free will. o The angels do what Allah commands them to do.

o There is no concept of fallen angels (as Christians have claimed) in Islam.

� They have levels or ranks. Allah says [in surah atTakwir]:

A��4 �$�Q #O��b�� Obeyed (by the angels), trustworthy there (in the heavens) [alQuran 81:21].

o This ayah Jibreel is the chief of angels.

l?�C%� �� l?��@�� '��

Allah says [in surah asSaffat]: There is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position)

[alQuran 37:164].

Narrated Rifaa: (who was one of the badr warriors) Gabriel came to the Prophet and said, "How do

you look upon the warriors of badr among yourselves?" The Prophet said, "As the best of the

Muslims." or said a similar statement. On that, Gabriel said, "And so are the angels who participated

in the badr (battle)" [alBukhari].

o This shows that different levels of angels exist.

� They do not have a gender.

9

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Allah says [in surah azZukhruf]: And they make the angels who themselves are slaves to the Most

Beneficent (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they

will be questioned! [alQuran 43:19].

o Allah denies that angels are females and He does not state that they are males, rather He tells us

that we did not witness their creation.

� They have the ability to change form.

�n��D <+�W�( ��)�� G�-�8�"�2 ��Z��. ��)�� %�D�.�J�2 �<(��9�Z �$�)�:��v �� K�6�M�a��2

Allah says [in surat Maryam]: She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her

Our Ruh (angel Jibrael (Gabriel)), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects

[alQuran 19:17].

o Jibreel came in the form of a man to Maryam.

��C%�D�. �KU��H ��8�� x�6�j �G�j�4 �CE�%�)�� :�� C��0 ]�+�W�!��( �$��j �+�(�� A�8��X ��:��V ��)�%�j�4 �� ;��+�@��

Allah says [in surah alAnkaboot]: And when Our Messengers came to Ibrahim (Abraham) with the

glad tidings they said: "Verily, we are going to destroy the people of this (louts (Lots)) town (i.e. the

town of Sodom in Palestine) truly, its people have been Zalimoon (wrong-doers, polytheists and

disobedient to Allah, and have also belied their Messenger lout (Lot))" [alQuran 29:31].

o Angels came in the form of young men to Ibrahim.

Hadeeth Jibreel

“On the authority of ‘Umar (RA), who said, “One day, while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allaah (SAW), a man, with

very white clothes, very dark hair and who was unknown to us, passed by us and sat next to the Prophet, leaning his knees on

his knees and laying his palms on his (the Prophet’s) thighs. He said, …………

Then he (the stranger) left. I waited for some time, then he (the Prophet) said to me, ‘O ‘Umar! Do you know who the questioner was?’ I said, ‘Allaah and his Messenger have more knowledge.’ He said ‘He is Jibreel; he came to teach you your

religion.’” [Bukhari and Muslim, from different narrators] o Jibreel (AWS) came as a Bedouin from the desert mentioned in the opening.

Narrated Abu Uthman, I got the news that Gabriel came to the Prophet while Um Salama was present. Gabriel started talking (to the Prophet and then left. The Prophet said to Um Salama, "(Do you know) who it was?" (or a similar question). She said,

"It was Dihya (a handsome person amongst the companions of the Prophet)." Later on Um Salama said, "By Allah! I thought

he was none but Dihya, till I heard the Prophet talking about Gabriel in his sermon." [Saheeh al-Bukhari: Chapter:

Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions] o Jibreel (AWS) would some times take the shape of Dihya al-Kalbi

- The Prophet Muhammad � saw Jibreel in his original form twice and fainted both times.

10

o Narrated Masruq: I asked Aisha "What about His Statement:-- "Then he (Gabriel)

approached And came closer, And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even)

nearer?" (53.8-9) She replied, "It was Gabriel who used to come to the Prophet in the figure

of a man, but on that occasion, he came in his actual and real figure and (he was so huge)

that he covered the whole horizon" [alBukhari]. � It is very rare to see angels in their true form.

� They never tire of their worship. o Angels constantly worship Allah.

o Angels do not eat or drink.

� Angels are of enormous number.

Narrated Malik bin Sasaa: The Prophet said, "While I was at the House in a state midway between

sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full

of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of

the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zam-zam water and (my heart was) filled with

wisdom and belief. Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was

brought to me and I set out with Gabriel. When I reached the nearest heaven. Gabriel said to the

heaven gate-keeper, 'Open the gate.' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'Gabriel.' The gate-

keeper,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' The gate-keeper said, 'Has he been

called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' Then I

met Adam and greeted him and he said, 'You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to

the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He

said, 'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'He is welcomed.

What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John) who said, 'You are welcomed, O

brother and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said,

'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent

for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel. 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' (The Prophet added:). There I

met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet!' Then we

ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the

previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed O brother and

Prophet.' Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were

exchanged as in previous heavens. there I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed O

brother and a Prophet". Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers

were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are

welcomed O brother and. a Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why

he was weeping, he said, 'O Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in

greater number than my followers.' Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same

questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham

who said, 'You are welcomed o son and a Prophet.' Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e.

Allah's House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where

70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always

a fresh batch comes into it daily).' Then I was shown Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh

heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its

leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent

and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in

Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' Then fifty prayers were enjoined on

me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Fifty prayers have been

11

enjoined on me.' He said, 'I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to

bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your

Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.' I returned and requested Allah (for

reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then

returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to

Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Moses again,

he said, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Allah has made it five only.' He repeated the same advice but I

said that I surrendered (to Allah's Final Order)'" Allah's Apostle was addressed by Allah, "I have

decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good

deed as if it were ten good deeds" [alBukhari].

o This hadith shows the immense number of angels that Allah created- 70,000 angels perform

prayers around Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur everyday and never return.

Ibn Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

"Jahannam will be brought forth on that day with seventy thousand thongs and each thong will have

seventy thousand angels pulling it" [Muslim]. o This hadith shows the immense number of angels created by Allah since each of the 70,000 bridles

holding the Hell Fire are being grasped by 70,000 angels = 4.9 billion angels.

The prophet pbuh said: “I see what you do not see and hear what you do not hear. The heaven makes a

noise like groaning, and it has the right to (or it is no surprise), for there is no space in it the width of

four fingers, but there is an angel there, placing his forehead in sujood (prostration) to Allaah. By

Allaah, if you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much, you would not enjoy your

relationships with women and you would go out in the street praying to Allaah.’" [at-Tirmidhi]

“…the (number of) angels on that night (Lailatul Qadr) on earth is greater than the number of

pebbles” [at-Tayalisee] All of them angels pray for us.

� “The angels are harmed by what harm people” [Ibn Majah]

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "Whoever eats garlic or onion should keep away

from our mosque or should remain in his house." (Jabir bin 'Abdullah, in another narration said,

"Once a big pot containing cooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming

from it, the Prophet asked, 'What is in it?' He was told all the names of the vegetables that were in

it. The Prophet ordered that it should be brought near to some of his companions who were with

him. When the Prophet saw it he disliked to eat it and said, 'Eat. (I don't eat) for I converse with

those whom you don't converse with (i.e. the angels)" [alBukhari].

o This hadith shows that, just as the smell of onions can be unpleasant to humans, the smell of onions

is also unpleasant to angels.

o We should keep ourselves clean and fresh-smelling because even if people aren’t around, angels are.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Prophet said, "If anyone of you stands for prayer, he should not spit in

front of him because in prayer he is speaking in private to Allah and he should not spit on his right

as there is an angel, but he can spit either on his left or under his left foot and bury it (i.e.

expectoration)" [alBukhari]. o Just as you would not spit on a human, do not spit on the angels.

12

o Angels in the earth and sky cry when a scholar dies because they can no longer carry his good

deeds up to Allah every week.

��+�� :��V �� I�.�J�� U��8�L� �$�)��%�& �/�E�( ��8�2�� And the heavens and the earth wept not for them, nor were they given a respite. [44:29]

Tafsir al-Jalalayn: So neither the heaven nor the earth wept for them - in contrast to the [case with] believers, at

the point of whose death weep both their places of prayer on earth and the route by which their deeds ascend the

heaven (and the angels carry their deeds); nor were they reprieved, [nor] were they deferred [until they were

able] to make repentance.

� They love the righteous and pray for them.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The angels keep on asking Allah's forgiveness for

anyone of you, as long as he is at his Mu’salla (praying place) and he does not pass wind (Hadath).

They say, 'O Allah! Forgive him, O Allah! be Merciful to him" [alBukhari].

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The prayer offered in congregation is twenty five times

more superior (in reward) to the prayer offered alone in one's house or in a business center, because

if one performs ablution and does it perfectly, and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole

intention of praying, then for each step which he takes towards the mosque, Allah upgrades him a

degree in reward and (forgives) crosses out one sin till he enters the mosque. When he enters the

mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on

asking for Allah's forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: 'O Allah! Be Merciful to him, O

Allah! Forgive him, as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind

[alBukhari].

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the

mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according

to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one

offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and

then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumua prayer) they

(i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutba" [alBukhari].

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "angels keep on descending from and ascending to the

Heaven in turn, some at night and some by daytime, and all of them assemble together at the time of

the Fajr and 'Asr prayers. Then those who have stayed with you over-night, ascent unto Allah Who

asks them, and He knows the answer better than they, "How have you left My slaves?" They reply, "We have left them praying as we found them praying." If anyone of you says "Amin" (during the

prayer at the end of the recitation of Surat-al-Fatiha), and the angels in Heaven say the same, and

the two sayings coincide, all his past sins will be forgiven" [alBukhari].

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Allah's Apostle used to shroud two martyrs of Uhud in one sheet and

then say, "Which of them knew Quran more?" When one of the two was pointed out, he would put

him first in the grave. Then he said, "I will be a witness for them on the Day of Resurrection." He

ordered them to be buried with their blood (on their bodies). Neither was the funeral prayer offered

for them, nor were they washed. Jabir added, "When my father was martyred, I started weeping

and uncovering his face. The companions of the Prophet stopped me from doing so but the Prophet

13

did not stop me. Then the Prophet said, '(O Jabir.) don't weep over him, for the angels kept on

covering him with their wings till his body was carried away (for burial)" [alBukhari].

Abu Dharr reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: There is no believing

servant who supplicates for his brother behind his back (in his absence) that the angels do not say:

The same be for you too [Muslim].

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: "When Allah

loves a servant, He calls Gabriel and says: 'Verily, I love so and so; you should also love him,' and

then Gabriel begins to love him. Then he makes an announcement in the Heaven saying: 'Allah

loves so and so and you also love him,' and then the inhabitants of the Heaven (the angels) also begin

to love him and then honor is conferred upon him in the earth. And when Allah is angry with any

servant He calls Gabriel and says: 'I am angry with such and such and you also become angry with

him,' and then Gabriel also becomes angry and then makes an announcement amongst the

inhabitants of heaven: 'Verily Allah is angry with so-and so, so you also become angry with him,'

and thus they also become angry with him. Then he becomes the object of wrath on the earth also"

[Muslim].

Umm Salama reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) came to Abu Salama (as

he died). His eyes were fixedly open. He closed them, and then said: “When the soul is taken away

the sight follows it.” Some of the people of his family wept and wailed. So he said: “Do not

supplicate for yourselves anything but good, for angels say" Amen" to what you say.” He then said:

“O Allah, forgive Abu Salama, raise his degree among those who are rightly guided, grant him a

successor in his descendants who remain. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Universe, and make his

grave spacious, and grant him light in it” [Muslim].

Narrated Mu'adh ibn Anas: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: If anyone guards a believer

from a hypocrite, Allah will send an angel who will guard his flesh on the Day of Resurrection from

the fire of Jahannam; but if anyone attacks a Muslim saying something by which he wishes to

disgrace him, he will be restrained by Allah on the bridge over Jahannam till he is acquitted of what

he said [Abu Dawud].

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Who takes the path hoping for knowledge,

Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise. Verily, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of

knowledge out of pleasure of what he is doing. Verily all in the heavens and earth seek forgiveness

for the knowledgeable, even the fish in the water. The excellence of the knowledgeable over the

servant is like the excellence of the moon on the night of the full moon over all the planets. Verily,

the learned are the heirs of the Prophets, the Prophets do not leave dinar or dirham, but they

are inherited in knowledge, and he who takes it takes a great bounty" (Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah

and Ibn Habbaan).

o Seventy thousand angels attended the funeral of Sa’ad ibn Muadh.

o “When a Muslim visits a sick person during the day, 70 thousand angels pray for you until

the night. And when he visits a sick person during the night, 70 thousand angels pray for you

until the day.” [At-Tirmidhi]

o When you visit someone for the sake of Allah.

o When you read ayat alKursi before you sleep, Allah swt assigns an angel to protect you until

you wake up and the shaytaan can’t come close to you.

� They pray against the wrongdoers.

14

Allah says [in surah alBaqarah]:

�& �i��C4 l.��cCV �$�j�� a�� +�c�V ��6�� A� �8�H�4 �y�� ;�E�F_�8�� '\%� C;�� $�)��% Verily, those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers, it is they on whom is the curse

of Allah and of the angels and of mankind, combined [alQuran 2:161].

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: "When Allah

loves a servant, He calls Gabriel and says: 'Verily, I love so and so; you should also love him,'

and then Gabriel begins to love him. Then he makes an announcement in the Heaven saying:

'Allah loves so and so and you also love him,' and then the inhabitants of the Heaven (the angels)

also begin to love him and then honor is conferred upon him in the earth. And when Allah is

angry with any servant He calls Gabriel and says: 'I am angry with such and such and you also

become angry with him,' and then Gabriel also becomes angry and then makes an

announcement amongst the inhabitants of heaven: 'Verily Allah is angry with so-and so, so you

also become angry with him,' and thus they also become angry with him. Then he becomes the

object of wrath on the earth also" [Muslim].

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "Medina is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees

should not be cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and

whoever innovates in it a heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur the curse of

Allah, the angels, and all the people" [alBukhari].

Narrated 'Ali: We have nothing except the Book of Allah and this written paper from the

Prophet (where-in is written:) Medina is a sanctuary from the 'Air Mountain to such and such a

place, and whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits a sin, or gives shelter to such an

innovator in it will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, none of his

compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. And the asylum (of protection)

granted by any Muslim is to be secured (respected) by all the other Muslims; and whoever

betrays a Muslim in this respect incurs the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and

none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted, and whoever (freed

slave) befriends (take as masters) other than his manumitters without their permission incurs

the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good

deeds of worship will be accepted [alBukhari].

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon

him) said: He who takes anyone as his ally without the consent of his previous master, there will

be the curse of Allah and that of His angels upon him, and neither, any obligatory act of his nor

the supererogatory one will be accepted (by Allah) [Muslim].

Abu Huraira reported: Abu'l-Qasim (the kunya of Allah's Messenger, may peace be upon him),

said: He who pointed a weapon towards his brother the angels invoke curse upon him even if he

is his real brother so long as he does not abandon it (the pointing of weapon towards one's

brother Muslim) [Muslim].

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever abuses my Companions, upon

them is the curse of Allah, the angels and all the people" [Sahih At-Tabarani].

� Angels have haya

15

A'isha reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was lying in the bed in my apartment

with his thigh or his shank uncovered that Abu Bakr sought permission to get in. It was given to

him and he conversed in the same very state (the Prophet's thigh or shank uncovered). Then 'Umar

sought permission for getting in and it was given to him and he conversed in that very state. Then

'Uthman sought permission for getting in; Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) sat down

and he set right his clothes. Mubammad (one of the narrators) said: I do not say that it happened on

the same day. He ('Uthman) then entered and conversed and as he went out, A'isha said: Abu Bakr

entered aind you did not stir and did not observe much care (in arranging your clothes), then 'Umar

entered and you did not stir and did not arrange your clothes, then 'Uthman entered and you got up

and set your clothes right, thereupon he said: Should I not show modesty to one whom even the

Angels show modesty [Muslim].

The Wisdom Behind their Creation: � General: All Angels were created to worship Allah and to glorify Him.

��+�"�c�� .��)�� G��%� ��!�L�� They celebrate His Praises night and day, and never do they flag or intermit. [21:20]

��z2��u� �� :��

“And we are verily ranged in ranks (for service).” [37:165]

�8�L� �v��E�a�K �� >�8��( ��!�L�� C;�E�F��%�8�� )�0��2 �� +�b�c�"�� '�%� �� 4 �I�.�J�� 2 ��8�� +�c��"�L�� $�)�(�. ��j��Z�+� �.�Cc�� $

Allah says [in surah ashShura]: Nearly the heavens might rent asunder from above them (by His

Majesty), and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth,

verily, Allah is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful [alQuran 42:5].

� Specific: For example, the archangel Jibreel revealed the Message of Allah to all the Prophets (including

the Zaboor, Tawrah, Injeel, and Qur’an). Other angels include Meeka’eel, who discharges control of

vegetation and rain, and Israfeel who will blow the trumpet on Yawm Al-Qiyaman (the Day of

Ressurection).

o The angel of death takes souls and other angels help in this process as well.

o Nineteen angels guard the Hell Fire.

�+�W�& �;� �L�a ��)��%�&

Allah says [in surah alMudathir]: Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers

of hell) [alQuran 74:30].

o Specific angels are in charge of Paradise (serve the believers).

o Munkar and Nakeer are angels of the grave who question those who have passed away.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "When the

dead person is buried two black-blue angels come to him, one called al-Munkar and the

16

other called an-Nakeer, and they say to him: 'What had you used to say about this man?'

So he says what he used to say: 'Allaah's slave and His Messenger, I bear witness that none

has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and

Messenger.' So they say: 'Verily we knew that you (would) say that.' Then his grave is

widened for him to the extent of seventy cubits by seventy, then it is made light for him,

then it is said: ' Sleep.' So he says: 'I should go to my family and inform them.' So they say:

'Sleep as the newly married sleeps whom no-one awakes except his favourite wife.' Until

Allaah raises him up from that place of sleep. And if he is a hypocrite (munaafiq), he says:

'I heard the people saying something so I said it too, I don't know.' So they say: 'We knew

that you (would) say that.' So it is said to the earth: 'Crush him', so he is crushed until his

cross over and he remains in the state of torture until Allaah raises him up from that

resting place" [At-Tirmidhee from Abu Hurairah].

o Eight angels carry the throne of Allah.

m;��:��8�Q S6�� $�)�0��c�E�(�. �{�+�& CG�8�� )�F��H�.�4 R�%�& �i�%�8��

Allah says [in surah alHaaqqah]: And the angels will be on its sides, and eight angels will,

that Day, bear the throne of your Lord above them [alQuran 69:17].

o Good dreams are from angels (good tidings, guidance from Allah).

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "When the Day of Resurrection approaches,

the dreams of a believer will hardly fail to come true, and a dream of a believer is one of

forty-six parts of prophetism, and whatever belongs to prophetism can never be false."

Muhammad bin Sirin said, "But I say this." He said, "It used to be said, 'There are three

types of dreams: The reflection of one's thoughts and experiences one has during

wakefulness, what is suggested by Satan to frighten the dreamer, or glad tidings from

Allah. So, if someone has a dream which he dislikes, he should not tell it to others, but get

up and offer a prayer." He added, "He (Abu Huraira) hated to see a Ghul (i.e., iron collar

around his neck in a dream) and people liked to see fetters (on their feet in a dream). The

fetters on the feet symbolizes one's constant and firm adherence to religion." And Abu

'Abdullah said, "Ghuls (iron collars) are used only for necks" [alBukhari]. � Three types of dreams:

• Good dreams (ru’ya)- from angels

• Bad dreams (hulum)- from shaytan

• Dreams from the self (hadith an-nafs)- from own thoughts

o There are four angels (one on each side, one in front of you, and one behind you) to protect you.

7@� �� '��( �� lK��! �'\%� �� '\%� �+��4 �� '�:�C��c�� '�c�%�d �� '��>�� +�� R�"�Z #?��@�( �� +�� f�$�)|LCc�:�J�( $�)�� '�� v�+�� }�2 ~U��D #?��@�( �'\%� �v �.�4 �1�� #[ �� '�:��v ��

Allah says [in surah ArRa’d]: For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and

behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allâh. Verily! Allâh 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 Allâh). But when Allâh

wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides

Him no protector [alQuran 13:11].

17

o There is one angel on your right and one on your left who record exactly what you do.

l>�� 0 �[��8�W� ��&�� A�8�� & ��7@�%�"�8�� R�@�%�"�� 1�� Allah says [in surat Qaf]: (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive

(each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the

right and one on the left (to note his or her actions) [alQuran 50:17].

Malik related to me that he heard that A'isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless

him and grant him peace, sent a message to one of her family after the evening prayer,

saying, "Will you not allow the recording angel to rest?" [Muwatta].

� Three types of writing:

• All actions- good, bad and neutral

• Good deeds

• Bad deeds

� Allah gave angels the access to the hearts and minds of people.

• Angels do not write a sin if it was just thought of or intended.

• Angels write a good deed even if it was just thought of or intended.

• If someone does a good deed it is multiplied. If someone does a bad deed, it only

counts as one- subhanAllah! This shows the immense Mercy of Allah!

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If any one of you improve

(follows strictly) his Islamic religion then his good deeds will be rewarded ten

times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be

recorded as it is" [alBukhari].

Abu Huraira reported that Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (may peace

be upon him), said: When it occurs to my bondsman that he should do a good

deed but he actually does not do it, record one good to him, but if he puts it

into practice, I make an entry of ten good acts in his favour. When it occurs

to him to do evil, but he does not commit it, I forgive that. But if he commits

it, I record one evil against his name. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be

upon him) observed. The angels said: That bondsman of Yours intends to

commit evil though His Lord is more Vigilant than he. Upon this He (the

Lord) said: Watch him; if he commits (evil), write it against his name but if

he refrains from doing it, write one good deed or him, for he desisted from

doing it for My sake. The Messenger of Allah said: He who amongst you is

good of faith, all his good acts are multiplied from ten to seven hundred times

(and are recorded in his name) and all the evils that he commits are recorded

as such (i.e. without increase) till he meets Allah [Muslim].

The Effects of Belief in the Angels on the Life of the Muslim � Protects from false beliefs and heresy

o i.e. protects us from the idea of fallen angels.

� Aids the Believers in remaining steadfast in their religion o Knowing that angels are greater, purer, and larger creation than you are and that they submit to Allah

makes you understand that you are not alone and that you, too, should submit to Allah.

18

o Even with all of their strength, the angels submit to Allah so we should as well.

� Helps the Believers to be patient o Know that Allah is capable of all things and that there is wisdom in everything He does.

o Knowing that angels are praying for us encourages us to be steadfast in our religion.

It has been narrated on the authority of 'Umar b. al-Khattab who said: When it was the day on

which the battle of Badr was fought, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) cast a glance

at the infidels, and they were one thousand while his own Companions were three hundred and

nineteen. The Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) turned (his face) towards the Qibla Then he

stretched his hands and began his supplication to his Lord:" O Allah, accomplish for me what Thou

hast promised to me. O Allah, bring about what Thou hast promised to me. O Allah, if this small

band of Muslims is destroyed. Thou will not be worshipped on this earth." He continued his

supplication to his Lord, stretching his hands, facing the Qibla, until his mantle slipped down from

his shoulders. So Abu Bakr came to him, picked up his mantle and put it on his shoulders. Then he

embraced him from behind and said: Prophet of Allah, this prayer of yours to your Lord will suffice

you, and He will fulfill for you what He has promised you. So Allah, the Glorious and Exalted,

revealed (the Qur'anic verse):" When ye appealed to your Lord for help, He responded to your call

(saying): I will help you with one thousand angels coming in succession." So Allah helped him with

angels. Abu Zumail said that the hadith was narrated to him by Ibn 'Abbas who said: While on that

day a Muslim was chasing a disbeliever who was going ahead of him, he heard over him' the

swishing of the whip and the voice of the rider saying: Go ahead, Haizi'm! He glanced at the

polytheist who had (now) fallen down on his back. When he looked at him (carefully he found that)

there was a scar on his nose and his face was torn as if it had been lashed with a whip, and had

turned green with its poison. An Ansari came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)

and related this (event) to him. He said: You have told the truth. This was the help from the third

heaven. The Muslims that day (i. e. the day of the battle of Badr) killed seventy persons and

captured seventy. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to Abu Bakr and 'Umar

(Allah be pleased with them): What is your opinion about these captives? Abu Bakr said: They are

our kith and kin. I think you should release them after getting from them a ransom. This will be a

source of strength to us against the infidels. It is quite possible that Allah may guide them to Islam.

Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: What is your opinion. Ibn Khattab? He

said: Messenger of Allah. I do not hold the same opinion as Abu Bakr. I am of the opinion that you

should hand them over to us so that we may cut off their heads. Hand over 'Aqil to 'Ali that he may

cut off his head, and hand over such and such relative to me that I may but off his head. They are

leaders of the disbelievers and veterans among them. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon

him) approved the opinion of Abu Bakr and did not approve what I said The next day when I came

to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), I found that both he and Abu Bakr were sitting

shedding tears. I said: Messenger of Allah, why are you and your Companion shedding tears? Tell

me the reason. For I will weep at, if not, I will at least pretend to weep in sympathy with you. The

Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I weep for what has happened to your

companions for taking ransom (from the prisoners). I was shown the torture to which they were

subjected. It was brought to me as close as this tree. (He pointed to a tree close to him.) Then God

revealed the verse:" It is not befitting for a prophet that he should take prisoners until the force of

the disbelievers has been crushed..." to the end of the verse:" so eat ye the spoils of war, (it is) lawful

and pure. So Allah made booty lawful for them" [Muslim].

� Allah helped the Muslims in the Battle of Badr by sending angels.

19

� Shows the honor of the Believing Human o Angels lower their wings to the student of knowledge (out of honoring the student of knowledge).

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Who takes the path hoping for knowledge,

Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise. Verily, the angels lower their wings for the

seeker of knowledge out of pleasure of what he is doing. Verily all in the heavens and earth seek

forgiveness for the knowledgeable, even the fish in the water. The excellence of the

knowledgeable over the servant is like the excellence of the moon on the night of the full moon

over all the planets. Verily, the learned are the heirs of the Prophets, the Prophets do not

leave dinar or dirham, but they are inherited in knowledge, and he who takes it takes a great

bounty" (Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah and Ibn Habbaan).

o Angels surround the circles where Muslims gather to learn knowledge of the deen.

Abu Huraira reported: the prophet pbuh said, “…and he who treads the path in search of

knowledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons

who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah

and they learn and teach the Qur'an (among themselves) there would descend upon them the

tranquillity and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah makes

a mention of them in the presence of those near Him…” [Muslim]

� Demonstrates the Greatness of our Lord. o Allah created these incredible creations so this shows His Greatness.

*The Mutazila asked the question: “Which is better: angels or righteous humans?”

- This is a question of no practical benefit.

- Ibn Taymiyyah stated that a righteous human, after entrance into Jennah, is better than angels because he

is pure and reached that level by his choice. But, before entrance into Jennah, angels are better.

How can we understand these two verses in relation to our belief in the Angels?

��+�2��E�� V�� +�!�E�"�D �� R�(�4 ��%�(�� f�� >�9�L�2 �?�v� � ��>�9�D �;�E�F�}�8�%�� %C0 �1��

And when We said to the Angels, “Bow down to Adam,” they bowed down. Not so Iblees, he refused and

was haughty. He was of those who rejected Faith. [2:34]

- The vast majority of scholars say that Iblees was not an angel because Allah clearly states he is a jinn:

Allah says [in surah alKahf]:

- �;�E�F��%�8�%�� %C0 �1�� 9�� V ��%�(�� >�9�L�2 �?�v�� >�9�D �� '�"��.C1�� '�:�C6�M�"�"�2�4 �'�(�. �+��4 ��& ��L�c�2

�[�>�( �A�8��%�� ( o��>�& �$CE�� $�j�� :��v �� U��4

And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblees

(satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him

20

(Iblees) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you?

What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimoon (polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc) [alQuran 18:50].

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Allah says [in surah alAraf]: (Allah) said: "What prevented you (O Iblees) that you did not

prostrate, when I commanded you?" Iblees said: "I am better than him (adam), You created me

from fire, and him You created from clay" [alQuran 7:12].

- Jinn are created from fire as:

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Allah says [in surah alHijr]: And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire

[alQuran 15:27].

- Ibn Taymiyyah said that Iblees was given the shape of an angel as a form of reward because he was a very

righteous jinn so Allah raised His creation to the level of angels. Iblees was with the angels but was not

from them.

- Some scholars consider Iblis to be an angel, but this is a weak opinion.

o In order to account for the above verse in surah alKahf, these scholars say that jinn are a tribe of

angels.

- This teaches us that we must take ALL evidences into account before formulating an opinion.

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They followed what the Shayateen gave out (falsely) in the lifetime of Sulaimaan. Sulaiman did not

disbelieve, but the Shayateen disbelieved, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at Babylon

to the Malakain Haroot and Maroot. But, neither of these taught anyone (such things) without saying:

“We are only for trial; so do not disbelieve.” They learned from them the means to cause separation

between man and his wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s Permission. And they

learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyer of (Magic) would have

no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if

they but knew! [2:102]

- This verse was revealed when the Prophet Muhammad � migrated to Medinah and Jews said that the son

of David (Sulayman) was a magician.

- After Sulayman died, the jinn taught the Jews magic but the Jews said that Sulayman taught magic to the

jinn � this verse disproves this idea.

- Al-Qurtubi translated this verse to mean: “…and it did not come down at Babylon to Malakain Haroot and

Maroot.”

21

- Ibn Hazm said that Malakain means “kings,” not “angels.”

- The majority of scholars agreed that the angels Haroot and Maroot were commanded by Allah to teach

people magic as a test for them

o This was not sinful because the angels were following Allah’s commands.

Extra Information on Angels

- Narrated Abu Talha: I heard Allah's Apostle saying; "angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house

wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal)” [alBukhari].

- Angels will not come near to a person who in a state of sexual impurity.

- Angels will not come near to a person who wears Saffron perfume.

“The angels don’t come near three: the drunk, the one covered with Saffron, and the one who is in a

state of sexual impurity (junub).” [At-Tabaraani].

- These restrictions refer only to angels of mercy who protect you, but the angels who record your deeds

and the angel of death will not leave you no matter where you are.

22

Chapter Two: Belief in the JinnChapter Two: Belief in the JinnChapter Two: Belief in the JinnChapter Two: Belief in the Jinn What are the Jinn?

Linguistic Definition of Jinn

The word Jinn comes from the root �� (jannah) which means concealed, become removed, become

secluded, cannot see, remote, invisible. Jannah (paradise, ��) also comes from the same root.

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Allah says [in Surah alA’raf]: “O you Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner

as he got your parents out of the garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame; for he

and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them, We made the evil ones friends

(only) to those without Faith” (alQur’an 7:27).

It is out of the mercy of Allah that he concealed them from us.

Technical Definition of Jinn

Jinn are accountable beings with free wills that were created from fire, are unseen to humans and were given

special abilities unlike humans.

Allah sent messengers to the Jinn to tell them about Allah and the Last Day, therefore they are accountable for

their actions just like humans are.

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Allah says [in Surah alAn’am]: “"O you assembly of Jinn and men! Came there not unto you apostles

from amongst yourselves, setting forth unto you My Signs, and warning you of the meeting of This Day of

yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived

them. So against themselves will they bear witness that they rejected Faith” (alQur’an 6:130).

Some jinn have names:

� ‘Aamir (�� ) - these are the jinn that can live in houses (among humans).

� Maarid (رد��), Shaytaan (ن��) - these are the disbeliever jinn. Maarid are extreme disbelievers.

� ‘Ifreet (�� ) - these can be believer or disbeliever jinn.

� Arwaah (ارواح) -

23

The Creation of the Jinn

A) Why were the Jinn created?

Jinn were created to worship Allah just like humans were also created to worship Allah.

�� :�p�� 9�� /�@�%�d �� >�!� ��

Allah says [in Surah adhDhaariyaat]: “I have only created Jinn and men, that they may worship Me

alone” (alQur’an 51:56).

B) The Nature of their Creation Jinn were created from the smokeless fire of a scorching wind.

�� CG�!�0 �� x��@�%�d ��9�� ?��8�L� �.��:

Allah says [in Surah alHijr]: “And the Jinn, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind”.

(alQur’an 15:27).

�� #��.�� 9�� %�d�� #.��: Allah says [in Surah arRahmaan]: “And He (Allah) created Jinn from fire free of smoke” (alQur’an

55:15).

� Jinn were created before Mankind.

Jinn were created before the creation of Adam.

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Allah says [in Surah alKahf]: “Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam", all bowed

down except Iblees. He was one of the jinn, and he broke the command of His Lord. Will you then

take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? They are enemies to you! Evil would be the

exchange for the wrong-doers!” (alQur’an 18:50).

� Can humans see Jinn in their original form? Some scholars say that we cannot see the Jinn in their original form. However, Ibn Taymiyyah says that

they can be seen.

Those of the Sahaba who saw Jinn said that they are midgets with horns and lots of hair on their bodies.

But definitely, humans have the most perfect bodies so the Jinn are very jealous.

Shaytan envied Adam and used to come look at him and once he entered into the body of Adam.

One of the major reason for jinn entering into people is because they stay naked in the bathroom, house

etc. for a very long time.

24

How can the Jinn be punished with fire, when they themselves are created from it?

Jinn were created from fire but they are not fire, just like humans were created from mud but they are not

mud

How do others View the Jinn?

� The Pagan Arab View

The pagans believe that there is a God of good and a God of evil. The greatest Jinni is the evil brother of

God and the rest of the Jinn descended from this evil brother.

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Allah says [in Surah asSaafaat]: “And they have invented a blood-relationship between Him (Allah);

and the Jinn but the Jinn know (quite well) that they have indeed to appear before Him (for

judgment)!” (alQur’an 37:158).

Some pagans also believe that the Jinn are the sons of God.

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Allah says [in Surah anAn’am]: “Yet they make the Jinn equals with Allah, though Allah created the

Jinn; and they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him (Allah) sons and daughters. Praise and

glory be to Him! (For He is) above what they attribute to Him!” (alQur’an 6:100).

� The Jewish View

Traditional Jews affirm the creation of the jinn and believe that they were created from fire and air.

However, modern Jews deny the existence of Jinn.

� The Christian View

Christians believe that Satan has an army of demons that assists him to do bad (i.e attack humans). They

believe that these demons (not necessarily Jinn) are the evil souls of fallen angels. They also believe that

Iblees is a fallen angel.

The Ruling regarding Belief in the Jinn Belief in the Jinn is obligatory, Denying their existence is Kufr by the consensus of the scholars.

There is a whole Surah in the Qur’an called Al-Jinn so it is obligatory to believe in them.

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25

Allah says [in Surah alJinn]: “Say, “It has been revealed to me that a company of Jinn listened (to the

Qur’an) and they said, ‘We have surely heard a wonderful recital!’”(alQur’an 72:1).

Ash-Shaytaan:

A) Who is Ash-Shaytaan (Satan)?

� He is Iblees, the Great Taaghoot, and the Enemy of Mankind.

� He is one of the Jinn.

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Allah says [in Surah alKahf]: “When we said to the Angels, “Bow down to Adam,” they bowed down

except Iblees. He was one of the Jinn” (alQur’an 18:50).

� Is Iblees “the father” of all Jinns?

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that Iblees is the father of all Jinn because Allah refers to the other

Jinn as “his (Iblees’) children”.

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Allah says [in Surah alKahf]: “Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam"; they bowed

down except Iblees. He was one of the Jinn, and he broke the command of His Lord. Will you then

take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? They are enemies to you! Evil would be the

exchange for the wrong-doers!” (alQur’an 18:50).

Among Iblees’ children are Muslim and Kafir.

He is our enemy and will never be our advisor.

B) The Wisdom behind the Creation of Ash-Shaytaan � Struggling with Ash-Shaytaan and his allies is a manifestation of completing one’s servitude to

Allah. Struggling with Shaytaan is an act of worship and a manifestation of completing one’s servitude because

we cannot be righteous if there is no evil, nothing to struggle with. Allah loves that we struggle to stay on

the straight path and stay away from Shaytaan.

� Fearing sin

26

Sins can bring about many disasters so when we know this we can realize the evil of sin and fear it. It only

took one sin (not prostrating to Adam) to lead Shaytaan to become the biggest Kafir (disbeliever) so fear

sins and don’t say “it is only one sin”.

� A test

� A manifestation of Allah’s complete power By creating Ash-Shaytaan, Allah shows that He has the ability to do anything that He wishes.

� Appreciating the opposite We will not truly appreciate something until we see it’s opposite; for example, we will not appreciate

good unless we see evil.

� Demonstrating Allah’s Complete Control and Ownership

� Manifestation of Allah’s complete Wisdom

� Praising Allah for suppressing the Shaytaan and showing His patience

What is the Wisdom behind Iblees’ prolonged life?

Allah is very merciful, He let Shaytaan live until the Day of Judgment to:

1.) Reward him for the good deeds that he did before he became a disbeliever so that when he comes on

the Day of Judgment he cannot claim anything from the good that he did before.

2.) Be fair to all humans so that they can get the same tests from Shaytaan (i.e. everyone will be dealing

with the same enemy). As Shaytaan lives longer, the trials become harder because he becomes more

experienced so the reward for ummat Muhammad is more than that for those who came before.

It is difficult to deceive someone in Jannah yet Shaytaan was able to do it. He told Adam and Hawwaa,

that he was a sincere advisor to them and that Allah only forbade them from eating from the tree

because He did not want them to become angels.

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Allah says [in Surah alA’raaf]: “"O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden, and enjoy (its good

things) as you wish but approach not this tree, or you will run into harm and transgression."

Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that

was hidden from them (before). He said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest ye should become

angels or such beings as live forever."

And He swore to them both, that he was their sincere advisor.” (alQur’an 7:19-21).

The angels prostrated to Adam so why would Adam want to be an angel? Well, the angels worship Allah

subhaanahu wa ta'aala all the time. Since Adam is a human, he needs rests and he forgets about

worshipping Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala etc. but Adam loves Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala so much that

he wishes to worship Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala all the time like the angels. Shaytaan was trying to

deceive Adam into thinking that he would become more righteous.

C) Ash-Shaytaan: The enemy of Man

27

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Allah says [in Surah alA’raaf]: “Verily Ash-Shaytaan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He

only invites his adherents that they may become dweller of the Blazing Fire” (alQur’an 35:6).

Scholars say that we should not take ash-Shaytaan as an enemy in public and as a friend in private because

he is always our enemy, in public and in private.

• Shaytaan pokes babies in their ribs when they are born because he has so much animosity for humans. The

only babies protected from the poke of Shaytaan were Prophet ‘Isa and his mother � because

Maryam’s mother (his grandmother) asked Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala to protect Maryam and her

descendents from Shaytaan.

Narrated Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyab that Abu Hurayra said, “I heard RasulAllah �� saying, "There is

none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan pricks it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time

of birth because of the prick of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited [the

verse (3:36)]: "And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan"”

(alBukhari).

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Allah says [in Surah aal ‘Imraan]: “When she was delivered, she said: "O My Lord! I have given

birth to a female child!", and Allah knew best what she brought forth, and the male is not like the

female; "and I have named Her Mary, and I entrust her and her descendants to Your protection from

Shaytaan, the rejected"” (alQur’an 3:36).

• Shaytaan can come to us from anywhere. He can also come to us in our dreams.

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri that RasulAllah �� said, "If anyone of you sees a dream that he likes,

then it is from Allah, and he should thank Allah for it and narrate it to others; but if he sees something

else, i.e., a dream that he dislikes, then it is from Satan, and he should seek refuge with Allah from its

evil, and he should not mention it to anybody, for it will not harm him."

• One place that Shaytaan hurts people the most is at the time of death. RasulAllah � used to ask Allah to

protect him from Shaytaan during the time of death, so we should also do the same. The Shayaateen are

the strongest against humans when they are dying. They can come in the form of relatives telling us that

we do not have to die as Muslims.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, “The presenting of other religions to a person at the time of death does not happen to everyone, but we cannot say that it does not happen to

anyone. Rather some people may not have other religions presented to them, and some do have them

presented to them. All of that is part of the trials of life from which the Messenger commanded us to seek

refuge when praying. At the time of death, the Shaytaan is most keen to tempt the sons of Adam. End quote from al-Ikhtiyaaraat, p. 85.

28

Abu Hurayra reported, “The Messenger of Allah �� said: When any one of you utters tashahhud (in

prayer) he must seek refuge with Allah from four (trials) and should thus say: "O Allah! I seek refuge in

You from the torment of the hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trial of life and death and from

the evil of the trial of Masih ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)" (Muslim).

Some scholars say that our salawaat are not accepted if we do not say this du’aa after the tashahhud.

• RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam said that we should not even leave candles burning in our houses

before we sleep because shaytan might inspire rats etc. to knock it over and burn down our houses.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah, “The Prophet said, "Cover your utensils and tie your water skins, and

close your doors and keep your children close to you at night, as the Jinns spread out at such time and

snatch things away. When you go to bed, put out your lights, for the mischief-doer (i.e. the rat) may drag

away the wick of the candle and burn the dwellers of the house." Ata said, "The devils." (instead of the

Jinns) (alBukhari).

• Shaytaan eats and drinks with us when we eat and drink without saying bismillah first.

Narrated 'Umar bin Abi Salama, “I was a boy under the care of Allah's Apostle and my hand used to go

around the dish while I was eating. So Allah's Apostle said to me, 'O boy! Mention the Name of Allah and

eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearer to you." Since then I have applied those

instructions when eating.” (alBukhari).

• When we sleep Shaytaan ties 3 knots over our heads and he urinates in our ears when we do not wake up

for Fajr.

Narrated Abu Hurayra that RasulAllah �� said, “During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back

of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, 'The night is, long, so keep

on sleeping,' If that person wakes up and celebrates the praises of Allah, then one knot is undone, and

when he performs ablution the second knot is undone, and when he prays, all the knots are undone, and

he gets up in the morning lively and gay, otherwise he gets up dull and gloomy” (alBukhari).

Narrated 'Abdullah, “It was mentioned before the Prophet �� that there was a man who slept the

night till morning (after sunrise). The Prophet �� said, "He is a man in whose ears (or ear) Satan had

urinated"” (alBukhari).

• Sadness and worry can also be from ash-Shaytaan.

Every Human has a Qareen from the Jinns

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Allah says [in Surah azZukhruf]: “If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of (Allah) the Most

Merciful, We appoint for him a Shaytaan, to be an intimate companion to him” (alQur’an 43:36).

29

The Prophet � told ‘Aa’ishah that even he has a Qareen. [Muslim]

'Aa'isha the wife of Allah's Apostle �� reported that one day Allah's Messenger �� came out of her

(apartment) during the night and she felt jealous. Then he came and he saw me (in what agitated state of

mind) I was. He said: 'Aa'isha, what has happened to you? Do you feel jealous? Thereupon she said: How

can it he (that a woman like me) should not feel jealous in regard to a husband like you. Thereupon

Allah's Messenger �� said: It was your devil who had come to you, and she said: Allah's Messenger, is

there along with me a devil? He said: Yes. I said: Is a devil attached to everyone? He said: Yes. I

('Aa'isha) again said: Allah's Messenger, is it with you also? He said: Yes, but my Lord has helped me

against him and as such I am absolutely safe from his mischief. (Muslim)

The more we go astray, the closer Qareen he becomes because the more sins we commit the more power he has

over us. The angels encourage us to do good so it becomes our choice which one we follow (i.e. the qareen or

the angel).

Among the Jinn are the Good and Evil

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Allah says [in Surah alJinn]: “[The jinn who listened to the Qur’an said]: 'There are among us some that

are righteous, and some the contrary. We follow divergent paths'” (alQur’an 72:11).

Can a Shaytaan become a Muslim? � Ibless will never become a Muslim.

Iblees can never become a Muslim but other jinn can.

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Allah says [in Surah alJinn]: “Say: it has been revealed to me that a company of Jinn listened (to

the Qur'an). They said, 'We have really heard a wonderful Recital!

'It gives guidance to the right, and we have believed therein: we shall not join (in worship) any

(gods) with Our Lord.

'And Exalted is the majesty of Our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son.'” (alQur’an 72:1-3).

ρu&rΡ¯$ ΒÏΖ$ #$9øϑß¡ó=Îϑßθβt ρuΒÏΖ¨$ #$9ø)s≈¡ÅÜäθβt ( ùsϑyô &r™ó=nΝz ùs'éρ'9s≈×Í7y Brtp�§ρ÷#( ‘u©x‰Y# ∪⊆⊇∩ Allah says [in Surah alJinn]: “[The jinn who listened to the Qur’an said]: 'Amongst us are some

who are Muslim, and some that are unjust. Now those who are Muslim, they have sought out (the

Path) of right conduct'” (alQur’an 72:14)

30

Abdullah b. Mas'ud said in connection with the verse: “" Those whom they call upon, themselves seek the

means of access to their Lord," that this verse was revealed in connection with a party of Arabs who used

to worship a group amongst the jinn; the jinn embraced Islam but the people kept worshipping them

without being conscious of it. Then this verse was revealed: "Those whom they call upon, themselves seek

the means of access to their Lord"” (Muslim).

However, the majority of the scholars believe that our Qareen can never become Muslim because of ayah

36 in Surah azZukhruf, mentioned above.

� Did the Prophet’s � Qareen become a Muslim?

There is a difference of opinion on whether RasulAllah’s � Qareen became a Muslim. RasulAllah � used the word “Aslam” which can mean his Qareen became a Muslim or another interpretation is “Fa

Aslamu” which can mean, “so I will be protected from him”.

Life of the Jinn

� They eat and drink. This has been reported in several ahadeeth, such as the narration of Ibn ‘Umar

in which he related that the Prophet � said, “Shaytaan eats and drinks with his left hand.”

Ibn 'Umar reported Allah's Messenger �� as saying: “When any one of you intends to eat (meal), he

should eat with his right hand and when he (intends) to drink he should drink with his right hand, for

the Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand” (Muslim).

The Jinn and Marriage

A) Do the Jinn marry and procreate?

Hur al-‘een will be not be touched by jinn.

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Allah says [in Surah arRahmaan]: “In them will be (maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no

man or Jinn before them has touched” (alQur’an 55:56)

The jinn have offsprings.

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Allah says [in Surah alKahf]: “He was one of the Jinn, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will you

then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me?” (alQur’an 18:50).

These two verses indicate that the jinn can marry and procreate.

B) Can Humans and Jinns intermarry?

31

According to Ibn Taymiyyah, it is well known that jinn and humans can intermingle and marry.

According to As-Suyooti, jinn and humans cannot intermarry.

According to scholars such as Imam Malik, Qatada, Al-Hakim, Ishaq ibn Rahawayh human males can

marry female jinn.

According to other scholars, it is impossible for jinn and humans to intermarry because of ayah 21 in Surah

arRoom.

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Allah says [in Surah arRoom]: “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from

among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put Love and Mercy

between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect” (alQur’an 30:21)

The scholars who use this verse say that Allah says that He created mates for us “from [our] own kind or

from among [ourselves]”; therefore, humans can only marry humans and jinn can only marry jinn. However,

according to scholars such as Ishaq ibn Rahawayh, this verse does not logically reject the possibility of jinn

and humans intermarrying although it is not right islamically. So, logically jinn and humans can intermarry

but religiously it is not OK.

“They enjoy the bodies of each other”

Lifespan of the Jinn and their Death

The Prophet � said in his Du’a, “You are the One that never dies, and the humans and the Jinn die.”

Ibn 'Abbas reported that Allah's Messenger �� used to say: “O Allah, it is unto You that I surrender

myself. I affirm my faith in You and repose my trust in You and turn to You in repentance and with

Your help fought my adversaries. O Allah, I seek refuge in You with Your Power, there is no God but

You, lest You lead me astray. You are the ever-living that never dies, while the Jinn and mankind die”

(Muslim).

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Allah says [in Surah arRahmaan]: “All that is on earth will perish” (alQur’an 55:26).

The Jinn die but they have long lives, much longer than humans.

Jinn and Animals

� The Jinn have riding animals

32

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Allah says [in Surah alIsraa’]: He (satan) said: "Do you see this whom You have honored above me! If

You give me respite until the Day of Judgment, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway - all

but a few!"

(Allah) said: "Go Your way; if any of them follow you, Verily Hell will be the reward for you (all) - an

ample reward.

"Lead to destruction those whom you can among them, with your (seductive) voice; make assaults on

them with your cavalry and your infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children, and make

promises to them." but Satan promises them nothing but deceit” (alQur’an 17:62-64).

In these aayaat, Allah is telling Iblees to use his army of horses etc. to mislead those humans whom he can.

The Prophet � said, “…And every dung is feed for your riding animals.” [Muslim]

Dawud reported from 'Amir who said: “I asked 'Alqama if Ibn Mas'ud was present with the Messenger

of Allah �� on the night of the Jinn (the night when the Holy Prophet met them). He (Ibn Mas'ud) said:

No, but we were in the company of the Messenger of Allah �� one night and we missed him. We

searched for him in the valleys and the hills and said: He has either been taken away (by jinn) or has

been secretly killed. He (the narrator) said. We spent the worst night which people could ever spend.

When it was dawn we saw him coming from the side of Hiri'. He (the narrator) reported, we said:

Messenger of Allah, we missed you and searched for you, but we could not find you and we spent the

worst night which people could ever spend. He (The Holy Prophet) said: There came to me an inviter on

behalf of the Jinn and I went along with him and recited to them the Qur'an. He (the narrator) said: He

(The Prophet) then went along with us and showed us their traces and traces of their embers. They (the

Jinn) asked him (the Holy Prophet) about their provision and he said: Every bone on which the name of

Allah is recited is your provision. The time it will fall in your hand it would be covered with flesh, and the

dung of (the camels) is fodder for your animals. The Messenger of Allah �� said: Don't perform istinja

with these (things) for these are the food of your brothers (Jinn)” (Muslim).

The Prophet � said, “Camels were created from Shayateen.” [Sa’eed ibn Mansoor]

Whenever there is something that we cannot understand then we just believe in it and leave it.

The Prophet also said that behind camels are shayateen and that we need to make wudu after we eat the meat of

camels.

Narrated Al-Bara' ibn Azib that, “The Messenger of Allah �� was asked about performing ablution

after eating the flesh of the camel. He replied: Perform ablution, after eating it. He was asked about

performing ablution after eating meat. He replied: Do not perform ablution after eating it. He was asked

about saying prayer in places where the camels lie down. He replied: Do not offer prayer in places where

33

the camels lie down. These are the places of Satan. He was asked about saying prayer in the sheepfolds.

He replied: You may offer prayer in such places; these are the places of blessing” (Abu Dawud).

The Prophet � said, “The black dog is a Shaytaan.” [Muslim]

Abu Dharr reported that, “The Messenger of Allah �� said: When any one of you stands for prayer and

there is a thing before him equal to the back of the saddle that covers him and in case there is not before

him (a thing) equal to the back of the saddle, his prayer would be cut off by (passing of an) ass, woman,

and black Dog. I said: O Abu Dharr, what feature is there in a black dog which distinguishes it from the

red dog and the yellow dog? He said: O, son of my brother, I asked the Messenger of Allah �� as you are

asking me, and he said: The black dog is a devil” (Muslim).

Ibn Taymiyyah said that this hadeeth does not mean that the black dog is literally a Shaytaan. It means that

among dogs are some that are worst than others (in terms of viciousness, wildness, aggressiveness, etc.) like

among the jinn are some who are worst than others. In the time of RasulAllah � the worst dogs were the black

ones but we can’t say that all black dogs are Jinn.

Abilities of the Jinn

� The Jinn have the ability to travel long distances in a short period of time.

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�� >�a�+�� 4 �G�!�0 �'�( �i��a5 ��:�4 �*��"�E�� iC2�+�B �i

Allah says [in Surah anNaml]: “An ‘Ifreet of the Jinn said, 'I will bring it to you before you can rise from

your place. Surely, I am strong and trusty for such work.” Then one who had knowledge of the Book

said, “I will bring it to you within the blink of an eye!'” (alQur’an 27:39-40).

Scholars say that the one who had knowledge of the book was a human and he was able to bring the throne

of the Queen of Sheba in a blink of an eye. Therefore, humans have more power than the Jinn.

� They can travel to the heavens. (This point will be discussed below).

� They can take the shape of anything (humans or animals) except RasulAllah �. (This point will be

discussed below).

The Jinn’s Weaknesses

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34

Allah says [in Surah anNaml]: “Surely, My (faithful) servants; over them you have no power; and your

Lord suffices as (their) guardian” (alQur’an 17:65).

� They fear some believers

Narrated Sad ibn Abi Waqqas, “Once 'Umar asked to see Allah's Apostle in whose company there were

some Quraishi women who were talking to him and asking him for more financial support raising their

voices. When 'Umar asked permission to enter the women got up (quickly) hurrying to screen themselves.

When Allah's Apostle admitted 'Umar, Allah's Apostle was smiling, 'Umar said, "O Allah's Apostle! May

Allah keep you gay always." Allah's Apostle said, "I am astonished at these women who were with me; as

soon as they heard your voice, they hastened to screen themselves." 'Umar said, "O Allah's Apostle! You

have more right to be feared by them." Then he addressed (those women) saying, "O enemies of your

own souls! Do you fear me and not Allah's Apostle?" They replied. "Yes, for you are a fearful and fierce

man as compared with Allah's Apostle." On that Allah's Apostle said (to 'Umar), "By Him in Whose

Hands my life is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours" (alBukhari).

� Their powers are limited

� They cannot get information from the heavens.

When the Qur’an was being revealed, the disbelievers attributed it to the work of the jinn so Allah tells us in

Surah ashShur’araa that the Jinn are banned from hearing the Qur’an in the heavens so it could not have

come from them.

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Allah says [in Surah ashShu’araa]: “Indeed they have been removed far from even (a chance of) hearing

it (the Qur’an)” (alQur’an 26:212)

They used to travel all the way up to the heavens and stand one on top of each other to listen to Allah and

the angels but after RasulAllah � and the final message were sent, they were banned from listening. If they

try to do so now, they are shot down with stars. Therefore if a fortune teller uses a Jinni, the Jinni mixes

every truth that he manages to get from the heavens with 99 lies.

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Allah says [in Surah alJinn]: “[The Jinn said]: 'And we pried into the secrets of heaven but we found

it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.

We used, indeed, to sit there in (hidden) stations, to (steal) a hearing; but any who listen now will find

a flaming fire watching him in ambush'” (alQur’an 72:8-9).

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas, “The Prophet set out with the intention of going to Suq 'Ukaz (market of 'Ukaz)

along with some of his companions. At the same time, a barrier was put between the devils and the news

of heaven. Fire commenced to be thrown at them. The Devils went to their people, who asked them,

"What is wrong with you?" They said, "A barrier has been placed between us and the news of heaven.

35

And fire has been thrown at us." They said, "The thing which has put a barrier between you and the

news of heaven must be something which has happened recently. Go eastward and westward and see

what has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven." Those who went towards Tuhama came

across the Prophet at a place called Nakhla and it was on the way to Suq 'Ukaz and the Prophet was

offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Qur'an they listened to it and said,

"By Allah, this is the thing which has put a barrier between us and the news of heaven." They went to

their people and said, "O our people; verily we have heard a wonderful recital (Qur'an) which shows the

true path; we believed in it and would not ascribe partners to our Lord." Allah revealed the following

verses to his Prophet (Surah 'alJinn'): "Say: It has been revealed to me." And what was revealed to him

was the conversation of the Jinns” (alBukhari).

'Abdullah. Ibn 'Abbas reported, “A person from the Ansar who was amongst the Companions of Allah's

Messenger �� reported to me: As we were sitting during the night with Allah's Messenger ��, a meteor

shot gave a dazzling light. Allah's Messenger �� said: What did you say in the pre-Islamic days when

there was such a shot (of meteor)? They said: Allah and His Messenger know best (the actual position),

but we, however, used to say that that very night a great man had been born and a great man had died,

whereupon Allah's Messenger �� said: (These meteors) are shot neither at the death of anyone nor on

the birth of anyone. Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, issues Command when He decides to do a thing.

Then (the Angels) supporting the Throne sing His glory, then sing the dwellers of heaven who are near to

them until this glory of God reaches them who are in the heaven of this world. Then those who are near

the supporters of the Throne ask these supporters of the Throne: What your Lord has said? And they

accordingly inform them what He says. Then the dwellers of heaven seek information from them until

this information reaches the heaven of the world. In this process of transmission (the jinn snatches) what

he manages to overhear and he carries it to his friends. And when the Angels see the jinn they attack

them with meteors. If they narrate only which they manage to snatch that is correct but they alloy it with

lies and make additions to it” (Muslim).

� Just like humans, the Jinn were also challenged to produce something similar to the Qur’an but they are

unable to do so.

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Allah says [in Surah alIsraa’]: “Say: If the whole of mankind and Jinn were to gather together to

produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other

with help and support.” (alQur’an 17:88)

� The Jinn cannot go beyond the heaven of this earth.

Here again Allah challenges both Jinn and men saying that they will never be able to do anything unless

Allah wills it.

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36

Allah says [in Surah arRahmaan]: “O ye assembly of Jinn and men! If you have the power to

penetrate beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate (them)! You will never be

able to penetrate them without (Our) authority!” (alQur’an 55:33).

� The jinn can take the shape of anything (animals and humans) except RasulAllah �.

Anas � reported that the Prophet � said, “The Shaytaan cannot come in my shape.” [alBukhari]

Narrated Anas, “The Prophet said, "Whoever has seen me in a dream, then no doubt, he has seen me, for

Satan cannot imitate my shape."” (alBukhari).

• Shaytaan came in the form of an old man to tell Quraysh how to kill RasulAllah �.

Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar, the author of Al-Maghazi, reported from 'Abdullah bin Abi

Najih, from Mujahid, from Ibn 'Abbas, "Some of the chiefs of the various tribes of Quraysh gathered in

Dar An-Nadwah (their conference area) and Iblees (Shaytan) met them in the shape of an eminent old

man. When they saw him, they asked, 'Who are you' He said, 'An old man from Najd. I heard that you

are having a meeting, and I wished to attend your meeting. You will benefit from my opinion and advice.'

They said, 'Agreed, come in.' He entered with them. Iblees said, 'You have to think about this man

(Muhammad)! By Allah, he will soon overwhelm you with his matter (religion).' One of them said,

'Imprison him, restrained in chains, until he dies just like the poets before him all died, such as Zuhayr

and An-Nabighah! Verily, he is a poet like they were.' The old man from Najd, the enemy of Allah,

commented, 'By Allah! This is not a good idea. His Lord will release him from his prison to his

companions, who will liberate him from your hands. They will protect him from you and they might

expel you from your land.' They said, 'This old man said the truth. Therefore, seek an opinion other than

this one.' Another one of them said, 'Expel him from your land, so that you are free from his trouble! If

he leaves your land, you will not be bothered by what he does or where he goes, as long as he is not

among you to bring you troubles, he will be with someone else.' The old man from Najd replied, 'By

Allah! This is not a good opinion. Have you forgotten his sweet talk and eloquency, as well as, how his

speech captures the hearts By Allah! This way, he will collect even more followers among Arabs, who will

gather against you and attack you in your own land, expel you and kill your chiefs.' They said, 'He has

said the truth, by Allah! Therefore, seek an opinion other than this one.' Abu Jahl, may Allah curse him,

spoke next, 'By Allah! I have an idea that no one else has suggested yet, and I see no better opinion for you. Choose a strong, socially elevated young man from each tribe, and give each one of them a sharp

sword. Then they would all strike Muhammad at the same time with their swords and kill him. Hence,

his blood would be shed by all tribes. This way, his tribe, Banu Hashim, would realize that they cannot

wage war against all of the Quraysh tribes and would be forced to agree to accept the blood money; we

would have brought comfort to ourselves and stopped him from bothering us.' The old man from Najd

commented, 'By Allah! This man has expressed the best opinion, and I do not support any other opinion.'

They quickly ended their meeting and started preparing for the implementation of this plan.

• Shaytan shouted to the people of Makkah to inform them about the pledge of ‘Aqabah.

We were seventy men and two women. We gathered in the ravine to wait for Muhammad. He came to us

accompanied by his paternal uncle al-Abbas b. Abd al-Muttalib, who at that time still adhered to the

religion of his people, but wished to be present when his nephew was negotiating to see that there was a

firm agreement. When he had sat down, al-Abbas b. Abd al-Muttalib was the first to speak, and said:

"Poeple of the Khazraj (the Arabs used to call the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aws together, by the name

37

of the Khazraj), you know what Muhammad's position is among us. We have protected him against those

of our people who have the same religious views as ourselves. He is held in honor by his own people and is

safe in his country. He is determined to leave them and to join you, so if you think that you can fulfill the

promises which you made in inviting him to come to you and can defend him against his enemies, then

assume the responsibilities which you have taken upon yourselves. But if you think that you will abandon

him and hand him over after he has come to you, then leave him alone now, for he is honored by his

people and is safe in his country." We said to him: "We have heard what you have said. Speak,

Messenger of Allah, and choose what you want for yourself and your Lord." Muhammad spoke, recited

the Qur’an, summoned us to Allah, and made us desirous of Islam. Then he said: "I will enter a contract

of allegiance with you, provided that you protect me as you would with your wives and children." Then

al-Bara b. Marur took his hand and said: "By Him who sent you with the truth, we shall defend you as

we would our womenfolk. Administer the oath of allegience to us, O Messenger of Allah, for we are men

of war and men of coats of mail; we have inherited this from generation to generation." He was

interrupted as he was speaking to Muhammad by Aby al-Haytham b. al-Tayyihan, the confederate of the

Banu Abd al-Ashhal, who said: "O Messenger of Allah, there are ties between us and other people which

we shall have to sever (meaning the Jews). If we do this and Allah gives us victory, will you perhaps

return to your own people and leave us?" Muhammad smiled and then said: "Rather, blood is blood, and

blood shed without retaliation is blood shed without retaliation. You are of me and I am of you. I shall

fight whoever you fight and make peace with whomever you make peace with." Then he said: "Appoint

twelve representatives (naqib) from among you for me, who will see to their people's affairs." They

appointed twelve representatives, nine from the Khazraj and three from the Aws. Muhammad said to the

representatives: "You are to see to your people's affairs; you are a surety for them, as the disciples were

for Jesus, son of Mary, and I am for my people." They agreed to this. When they gathered to take the

oath of allegiance to Muhammad, al-Abbas b. Ubadah said: "People of the Khazraj, do you know what

you are pledging yourselves to in swearing allegiance to this man?" "Yes," they said. He continued: "In

swearing allegiance to him, you are pledging yourselves to wage war against all mankind." If you think

that when your wealth is exhausted by misfortune and your nobles are depleted by death, you will give

him up, then stop now, for by Allah, it is disgrace in this world and the next." But if you think that you

will be faithful to the promises which you made in inviting him, even if your wealth is exhausted and your

nobles killed, then take him, for, by Allah, he is the best thing for you in this world and the next." They

answered: "We shall take him even if it brings the loss of our wealth and the killings of our nobles. What

shall we gain in return for this, O Messenger of Allah, if we are faithful?" He answered: "Paradise."

"Stretch out your hand," they said. He stretched out his hand, and they swore allegiance to him. When

we had all sworn the oath of allegiance to Muhammad, Satan shouted from the top of al-Aqabah in the

most piercing voice I have ever heard: "People of the stations [sacrificial grounds] of Mina, do you want

a blameworthy [a mocking reference to Muhammad] person and the apostates [people who have changed

their religion] with him who have gathered together to wage war on you?" Muhammad said: "What does

the enemy of Allah say? This is the [devil] Azabb of al-Aqabah, the son of the devil Azyab. Listen, Enemy

of Allah. By Allah, I shall deal with you!" Muhammad told them to disperse to their encampments and

al-Abbas b. Ubadah said to them: "By Him who sent you with the truth, if you wish we shall fall upon the

people of Mina with our swords tomorrow." Muhammad replied: "We have not been commanded to do

this; go back to your encampments." We went back to our beds and slept upon them until the morning,

when the chief men of Quraysh came to us in our encampments and said to us: "Men of the Khazraj, we

have heard that you have come to this companion of ours to take him from our midst and to swear an

oath of allegiance to him to wage war against us. By Allah, there is no tribe of the Arabs between whom

and ourselves we should be more unwilling for war to break out than you."(Tabari VI).

38

• A Jinn was in the form of a snake in a companion’s home, the companion killed him and he killed the

companion. When RasulAllah � heard the story, he told the companions how they can check to see if a

snake in their house is a Muslim Jinn or not.

Abu as-Sa'ib, the freed slave of Hisham b. Zuhra, said that he visited Abu Sa'id al-Khudri in his house,

(and he further) said, “I found him saying his prayer, so I sat down waiting for him to finish his prayer

when I heard a stir in the bundles (of wood) lying in a comer of the house. I looked towards it and found

a snake. I jumped up in order to kill it, but he (Abu Sa'id al-Khudri) made a gesture that I should sit

down. So I sat down and as he finished (the prayer) he pointed to a room in the house and said: Do you

see this room? I said: Yes. He said: There was a young man amongst us who had been newly wedded. We

went with Allah's Messenger �� (to participate in the Battle) of Trench when a young man in the midday

used to seek permission from Allah's Messenger �� to return to his family. One day he sought

permission from him and Allah's Messenger �� (after granting him the permission) said to him: Carry

your weapons with you for I fear the tribe of Quraidha (may harm you). The man carried the weapons

and then came back and found his wife standing between the two doors. He bent towards her smitten by

jealousy and made a dash towards her with a spear in order to stab her. She said: Keep your spear away

and enter the house until you see that which has made me come out. He entered and found a big snake

coiled on the bedding. He darted with the spear and pierced it and then went out having fixed it in the

house, but the snake quivered and attacked him and no one knew which of them died first, the snake or

the young man. We came to Allah's Apostle �� and made a mention to him and said: Supplicate to Allah

that that (man) may be brought back to life. Thereupon he said: Ask forgiveness for your companion and

then said: There are in Madeenah Jinn who have accepted Islam, so when you see any one of them,

pronounce a warning to it for three days, and if they appear before you after that, then kill it for that is a

devil.” (Muslim).

Sahabah who kicked black cat who was a jinn.

• Story of Siddeeq Hasan Khan from India.

Siddeeq Hasan Khan killed a snake that was in his home and was taken by Jinn to their court. The Jinn

informed him that he killed a believing Jinni and he is not allowed to hurt a believer. Siddeeq told them

about the hadeeth mentioned above regarding telling a snake to leave 3 times. Siddeeq said that he told

the snake 3 times to leave but it did not so he killed it. The Jinn said that they did not know of this

hadeeth so they would call their Shaykh and ask him if he knows about the hadeeth. Their Shaykh, a very

old man was brought by some Jinn on a chair and was asked if he knew about the hadeeth. The Shaykh

replied that he heard the hadeeth directly from Abu Hurayra. Hence the matter was solved.

• Shaytaan decided to kill RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam who saw them coming from the

mountain but jibreel told RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam to say aoodhu billah and they were all

defeated.

• Saying Bismillah when entering our homes and before eating will prevent the Shaytan from entering and

eating with us. Saying Bismillah when covering your food will prevent the Shaytaan from removing it.

39

Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “When a person

enters his house and mentions the name of Allah at the time of entering it and while eating the food,

Satan says (addressing himself): You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal; but when he

enters without mentioning the name of Allah, the Satan says: You have found a place to spend the night,

and when he does not mention the name of Allah while eating food, he (the Satan) says: You have found a

place to spend the night and evening meal. (Muslim)

Narrated Jabir, “The Prophet �� said, "When night falls, then keep your children close to you, for the

devil spread out then. An hour later you can let them free; and close the gates of your house (at night),

and mention Allah's Name thereupon, and cover your utensils, and mention Allah's Name thereupon,

(and if you don't have something to cover your utensil) you may put across it something (e.g. a piece of

wood etc.)."” (alBukhari).

Just say bismillah, they cannot harm you unless Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala wants to put you through a

test. Saying bismillah will not make your qareen go away, he is with you all the time but he does not live

inside you. Saying bismillah will protect you from those Jinn who want to hurt you.

• Jinn could not possess Shaykh Waleed because of du’aa he used to read.

The friend of Shaykh Waleed was possessed by a Jinni. When the Shaykh tried removing the Jinni from

his friend, he asked the Jinni why he doesn’t possess him (Shaykh Waleed) instead and leave his friend

alone. The Jinni replied that he is protected from possessing Shaykh Waleed because of the du’aa that Shaykh Waleed reads, ““Bismillaahil-lathee laa yadhurru ma’asmihi shayun-fil-‘ardhi wa laa fis-samaa’I wa

huwas Samee’ul-‘Aleem.”

• Jinns assisting magician in dubai.

Shaykh Waleed mentioned the story about a magician in Dubai who used to performing a specific magic

trick with the help of Jinn. He would stab himself with 6 knives and be protected by the Jinn (i.e. the jinn

would stand in front of him so that when he stabbed himself it would only appear as if he was doing so

when in actuality he was inserting the knives into the jinn). A Muslim brother (with thawb, miswak)

came to the show once and when the magician made eye contact with him, he knew instantly that

something was not right. The brother started to recite Ayatul Kursi while the magician was performing

the knife act and immediately the Jinn left so that the magician was stabbed 6 times. While the magician

was in the hospital recovering, he was constantly thinking about ways of hurting this brother. No matter

what he told the Jinn to do, they could not hurt the brother. When he asked them why they could not

hurt the brother they said that he never missed a single prayer. His recitation of Ayatul Kursi was so

powerful that the jinn who were helping the magician perform his magic tricks not only left the building

but they also left Dubai!

Possession A) Can the Jinn possess humans?

40

Ibn Taymiyyah says that entering in the body of humans by Jinn is well established by the scholars of Ahl

al-Sunnah.

Allah says that those who consume ribaa’ are like those who are possessed. In usury we do not control our

lives, it is controlled by the one who gave us the loan.

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Allah says [in Surah alBaqarah]: “Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand like one

whom the evil one by his touch hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like

usury," but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who, after receiving direction from

their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who

repeat (the offence) are companions of the fire: They will abide therein (forever)” (alQur’an 2:275).

If it were impossible to be possessed by Jinn, then this verse would not make any sense.

RasulAllah � says Shaytaan runs through the blood of humans.

Narrated Safiyya bint Huyai, The wife of the Prophet �� said that she went to Allah's Apostle while he

was in I’tikaf (staying in the mosque) during the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. She spoke to

him for an hour (a while) at night and then she got up to return home. The Prophet �� got up to

accompany her, and when they reached the gate of the mosque opposite the dwelling place of Umm

Salama, the wife of the Prophet, two Ansari men passed by, and greeting Allah's Apostle ��, they

quickly went ahead. Allah's Apostle �� said to them, "Do not be in a hurry. She is Safiyya, the daughter

of Huyai." They said, "Subhan Allah! O Allah's Apostle (how dare we suspect you)." That was a great

thing for both of them. The Prophet then said, "Satan runs in the body of Adam's son (i.e. man) as his

blood circulates in it, and I was afraid that he (Satan) might insert an evil thought in your hearts."

(alBukhari).

The Mu’tazila deny the possibility of possession by Jinn because they believe that the element of fire cannot

be inside the element of mud.

Modern philosophers deny the possession by Jinn because they deny Jinn.

Psychologists also do not believe in Jinn possession. They believe that the strange behaviour of people is

due to “abnormal electrical signal in the brain”. But when they are asked what is abnormal, they cannot

answer.

From the experience of those who deal with Jinn possession cases, they say that 95% of those who think

they are possessed are really not. It is very rare for a Jinni to be inside a human’s body because it is harmful

to the Jinni also.

B) Why do the Jinn possess humans?

41

� Magic Magic meant to harm people cannot be done without the help of Jinn. Sometimes magicians tell Jinn to

live in the body of humans and if they leave they will be killed.

There was a girl in Qatar who was proposed to by her cousin but she did not want to marry him. He

said that if she doesn’t marry him he will hurt her. Someone performed magic on her using Jinn so

her whole body was filled with needles. The needles were stacked lying one after the next under her

skin but whenever her cousin entered a room that she was in, the needles would immediately stand

up and she would start bleeding all over her body. She tried everything that she could to get rid of

the needles even visiting doctors and magicians but nothing could cure her. Eventually she went to a

Shaykh who read over her for hours before the Jinn finally left and the needles were removed.

� Animosity and hatred When this is the cause they just hurt you, then they leave after a while.

� Revenge Sahaba who was killed by jinn because he urinated in a place where jinn lived.

Jinn live in unattended places, cemeteries, water, bathroom etc. To protect yourself form being harmed by

them in these places, say Bismillah.

� Adoration or lust A Jinni can possess a person if he likes the body of the person. This usually happens if the person stays

nude for a long period of time. This is the hardest type of possession to cure.

“what will protect jinn from seeing you when you take off your clothes is to say bismillah”

How to remove Jinn - Read Qur’an by yourself or have others read it over you.

- Fast- this is the most beneficial because fasting makes the veins tight and Shaytaan runs through the

veins of humans (see Hadeeth mentioned above).

- Destroy the magic charm.

- Do not seek help from magicians.

Signs of being possessed - Person cannot stand hearing the Qur’an so the person will faint, leave the room, react in a weird way

like shutting off CD with Qur’an etc. This is the best way to tell if someone is possessed by Jinn.

- Person hates to pray.

- Person says weird words sometimes in a different language. Psychologists believe this is due to the

suppressed language of the person.

- Person changes mood quickly.

- Person feels like if ants are crawling over him/her all the time.

- Person has bad dreams.

Can Jinn help the believers? Yes

- Prophet Sulayman � had an army of Jinn whom he had control over and who used to assist him.

42

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Allah says [in Surah alAnbiyaah]: “And of the shayaateen, were some who dived for him (Prophet

Sulayman ��) and did other work besides; and it was We who guarded them” (alQur’an 21:

82).

- The Jinn can help during wars.

- They used to clean the house of Ibn Taymiyyah.

Apart from the Jinn stories mentioned above, here are some other stories that were mentioned in class.

Stories of Jinn possession in time of RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam

An imam was once praying in the masjid and after he recited Surah al-Faatihah, he heard “ameen” loudly

behind him. He knew there was no one in the masjid but he continued praying anyway. When he said the

salaam, he heard dhikr being said as if the whole masjid was filled with people.

Many Jinn used to teach Saheeh Bukhari but any narration through them is unacceptable.

Ash-Sha’bi had a jinn student who used to eat rice. The other students said that they would see the rice being

lifted up then it would disappear.

43

Chapter Three: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Three: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Three: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Three: Belief in Allah’s BooksBooksBooksBooks

The meaning of Belief in the Books Belief in Allah’s Books is a pillar of Eeman. A person is not a believer without their pillar.

��6�� )g��4 �� R�%�& �[�N�: e�6�� *��"�E�� '��D�.�� '\%��( � ��5 � ��5 �+Cc�E�� CG�!�0 �� [�N:�4 �e�6�� *��"�E�� '��D�.�'\%��( �f�}�, �G�, �>�@�2 �+�d� �?�� '�%�D�.�� '�!�"CV�� '�"�E�F�}�� ( <>�

O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad ��), and the Book (the Qur’an)

that He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture that He sent down to those before (him), and

whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he

has strayed far away [4:136]

Belief in the Books entails: � Believing in the previous Books that Allah revealed to His Messengers. Included are those that Allah

has specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, such as:

→ The Scriptures of Ibraheem:

��c�� 6�j �� R��CJ�� k�gu� R�D�� $��j �+�(�� k��h And this is in the former Scriptures, the Scriptures of Ibraheem and Moosa [87:18-19]

→ The Zaboor:

<.��(�� v�� v ��a5�� …And unto Dawood we gave the Zaboor. [17:55]

→ The Tawrah:

��l.��:�� ]<>�j ��)��2 �3 �.��"� ��N:�4 ��: Verily, We did send down the Tawrah [to Moosa]. Therein was guidance and light [5:44]

→ The Injeel:

�G��p�� x��a5�� $��+�� ( R�L�� ( ��c�0�� %�D�+�( $�j�.��Q5 R�%�& ��c�0 �$CQ Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent ‘Eesa son of Maryam, and gave him the

Injeel… [57:27]

44

� There are many other books of an unknown number and unknown names.

�� K��!��( ��H �i�%�!�0 �� mG�D�. �*76CV �>�@�2 �=��(�6�V ��p�2�t��8�� *��"�E�� +�(gN�

Then if they reject you (O Muhammad ��) so were the Messengers rejected before you, who came with

Al-Bayyinat (clear signs, proofs, evidences) and the Scripture and the Book of Enlightenment. [3:184]

� Believing in the Qur’an and that it is the last book Allah revealed.

� Believing in the wahy (revelation.)

�i�� Z��4 ��:�� x�>� �( �� A��!�� #Y��: R�� Z��4 ��8�V �*�C@� �� s��D�� G��&��8�D�� $��j �+�(�� R�� Z��4��

��!�D�� 8��%�D�� .��j�� :�� *�g��4�� R�L��&�� <.��(�� v�� v ��a5��

Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad ��) as We inspired Nooh and the Prophets after him; We

(also) inspired Ibrahim, Isma’il, Ishaque, Ya’qub, and AlAsbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qoob], ‘Eesa,

Ayoob, Yoonus, Haroon, and Sulaiman, and to Dawood We gave the Zaboor. [4:163]

The word used to refer to the revelations sent to some of the Prophets is ‘Kitaab’ which translates into English

as ‘Book’. The meaning however is much deeper than this. The word ب�� which ك ت ب comes from the root آ

means ‘to combine something in one place.’ The reason that a book is called ‘Kitaab’ is because it combines the

thoughts of the writer in one location. The reason that the revelations sent by Allah are called ‘Kitaab’ is

because they are the compilation of the inspirations sent to the Prophet over his period of Prophecy. According

to some of the scholars all the messengers received their ‘Kitaab’ over a period of time, depending on the

situations that they faced, and not all at once. These revelations were transmitted verbally through Angel Jebril.

The only exception to this is the ‘AlwaaH’ or the inscribed Tablets that Allah sent to Musa and his people. In

Ayah 145 of Suratul ‘Araaf Allah tells us about the Tablets:

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And we ordained laws for Him In the tablets In all matters, both commanding and explaining all things,

(and said): "Take and hold these with firmness, and enjoin Thy people to hold fast by the best In the

precepts: soon shall I Show you the homes of the wicked,- (How They lie desolate)." [7:145]

All of the Books are Allah’s Words. This entails that Allah � speaks.

The Books sent to the Prophets are the Words of Allah, who conveyed it to Angel Jebril who then transmitted it

to the Prophets, over the period of their Prophethood. This point is important to note since there are some

groups that have claimed that Allah does not speak and so the Qur’an is a ‘creation’ of Allah. The evil

implications of this are many and as such many of our great scholars have spent their lives trying to fight this

45

belief. The most notable of these scholars is the great Imam, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who was tortured and

imprisoned for his opposition to this deviant belief.

What is our position regarding the Books remaining today (The Tawrah and the Injeel)?

The Tawrah and the Injeel have both been changed a great deal since Allah revealed them to Musa and ‘Isa

respectively. Entire sections were added to the original Books after the Prophets past away. Every such addition

is not considered as part of the Books. Ibn Qudamah has said that it is a majority opinion that even though this

is the case, every sect of Jews and Christians that came after their Prophets is still considered as part of their

religion. This means that the laws applied to Ahlul Kitaab will also apply to them. The proof of this is that in the

time of the Prophet himself there were many different versions of Christianity. The Priests of Najaashi, the

Negus of Abyssinia believed that ‘Isa was the son of Allah, while Najaashi himself believed that ‘Isa was a

Prophet of Allah.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an about the validity of the other Books:

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Do you (faithful believers) covet that they will believe in your religion despite the fact that a party of

them (Jewish Rabbis) used to hear the Word of Allah [the Tawrah], then they used to change it

knowingly after they understood it? [2:75]

��u�&�� 8�D ��C��C@�� '� �, �� & �$�%�E�� C2�+�� v��j ��6�� Among those who are Jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We

hear your word (O Muhammad ��) and disobey,”… [4:46]

�( � ��+7VC1 ��8�� Z � ��L��2 �$�)�0��-�� :�6�d�4 ]�.��u�: ��:�� C��0 ��6�� ' And from those who call themselves Christians, We took their covenant, but they have abandoned a good

part of the Message that was sent to them… [5:14]

There are three opinions regarding our position towards the existing Books:

→ Imam Bukhari holds the belief that the Books are mostly the same since the time of their Prophets. He

claims that the text did not change but it was the meaning that has been lost over the years. The reason

behind this opinion is that once the Prophet �� was approached by a Jew and asked a question. The Prophet

�� said that the answer can be found in the Jew’s own book. The man then brought the Tawrah and placed it

in front of the Prophet. He �� took a pillow from under himself and put the Tawrah on it. He then said ‘I

believe in you and the One Who sent you down’ [Sunan Abu Dawood]

46

Imam Bukhari takes this as proof that the book is still in its correct form or the Prophet who have never

shown that level of respect to it.

Shaykul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah however counters this opinion by saying that there is at least one authentic

copy of each revealed scripture somewhere in this world and the one brought before the Prophet �� was one

of these copies.

→ Imam Ibn Hazm on the opposite side of the spectrum holds the opinion that all the other revealed Books are

completely changed and as such we do not have any of the authentic revelations left.

→ The third and last opinion is that some parts of the texts available today are still the same but there has been

many changes made to them, as revealed to us by Allah in the above ayahs.

Ibn Al-Qayyim specifies five kinds of ‘Tahreef’, or changes, that crept into the Books:

1. Part of the text was lost;

2. Additions were made;

3. Incorrect translation;

4. Meaning was changed or interpreted incorrectly, and;

5. Words and phrases were substituted for others

Allah chose to leave the protection of these books to their own people since it was meant only for a short

time period and for certain people. Allah did not allow all of the text to be lost so that the People of the

Book would have no excuse in recognizing Prophet Muhammad as the last Prophet through the signs given

to them by their Prophets as well as through the message itself. This is also a lesson for this Ummah to

memorize and protect the Qur’an. Allah also wants to show us His special favors on us because if it was not

for the promise of Allah that He will protect this Qur’an our Book would probably be in the same state as

the ones that have passed before us. The fact that Allah has taken it upon Himself to preserve the Qur’an is

something that we should constantly thank Him for. Allah saved this book in a very unique way. He chose

the Qur’an to be revealed in the perfect language of Arabic at a time when the people had very strong

memories and to the Sahaabah who were very righteous and who feared the punishment of Allah. The

Prophet �� also protected the Qur’an for being mixed with his own words by forbidding the persons who

wrote down the Qur’an from writing down his Sunnah and vice versa. The compilation of the Qur’an in the

time of Abu Bakr also had strict conditions that made it impossible for there to be a change in what was

actually revealed to the Prophet ��. These conditions were:

1. Any verse that will be mentioned must be known by all the companions

2. That verse has to be given to the committee in a written form and there must be 2 witnesses that this

person wrote the verse down in front of the Prophet.

There is only one verse that was only witnessed by one person. This Sahaabi had witnessed to a purchase of

the Prophet �� who declared that his witness is equal to that of two. This ayah is ayah 129 of Surat Tawbah.

Jabir ibn ‘Adbullah reported that once ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab took from a Jew a sheet of the Tawrah. He

started reading from it in front of the Prophet �� and the Prophet �� became very upset and said “Do you

have doubts about what I taught you, O son of Al-Khattab? By the One who has my soul in His Hand, I

brought the religion to you clear and pure, and if my brothers Moosa were alive, he would have no chose

but to follow me.” [Ahmad]

47

This incident occurred while the Prophet was still trying to instill the Fundamentals of the Deen into his

Sahaabahs. Even though there are authentic texts in the Tawrah and the Injeel there are also many additions and

subtractions that can confuse a person. The Prophet was trying to teach ‘Umar and the other Sahaabahs that they

do not need to go to religious texts other than the Qur’an to learn their religion. The confusion caused by

reading these texts might be more detrimental than any benefit that it might bring, especially if the person

reading it is not strongly grounded in the beliefs found in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Abu Huraryrah � reported that the Jews used to read the Tawrah in Hebrew and then explain it in the Arabic to

the Muslims. The Prophet �� warned, “Do not believe the People of the Book and do not disbelieve in

them. Just say to them, ‘We believe in Allah and what was revealed to us and what was revealed to you.”

[Al-Bukharee]

There are 3 types of text in these books:

1. Text that Allah or the Prophet acknowledged

2. Text that Allah or the Prophet rejected

3. Text that Allah and the Prophet didn’t mention anything about

In the first two cases, it is clear what our position on these types of texts should be. In the third case the above

Hadith tells us what we should do. We should not reject it nor should we incorporate it as part of Islam.

The Previous Revelations contain the following:

o They called for Tawheed

o Source of guidance to people.

o Gave glad tidings of the coming of the Prophet (SAW)

o Gave the rules

o Made the lawful and unlawful

o Discusses the Day of Judgment.

Laws change from Prophet to Prophet and as such the laws found in the old revelations do not necessarily apply

to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad. All of Our laws come directly from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the

Prophet. It is not allowed for us to derive rulings from the stories of the past. We cannot claim that it is allowed

to prostrate to humans because the family of Yusuf prostrated to him. Everyday laws as well as a few laws

regarding worship have changed from the past Ummah to now. Our law is the final and most perfect law so we

do not need to look for our rulings anywhere other than the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Believing in the Last Book: Al-Qur’an � The Qur’an is Allah’s last revelation and the best of His Speech.

Just as the Surahs are on varying levels (al-FatiHa, ar-RaHmaan), the revelations are on different levels. The

Qur’an is the peak of the revelations sent down by Allah. It has to be known that this is not because of any

deficiency in Allah but because of the level of the people the revelation was being sent to.

� The Qur’an was revealed in the pure Arabic Language to the Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah ��

48

The Qur’an is revealed primarily in the Arabic Language but some words are not Arabic. There are a few

Abyssinian words. One of the reasons for this is that the Arabs had become very familiar with the

Abyssinian language because of the constant trade that was common between the two groups (Example:

kifl). Other non-Arab words are names of people and places that do not change from language to language.

� It has been given different names and descriptions.

In the Arab culture any object or concept that is important to the people will have many different names and

descriptions. The Qur’an, the most important thing in this world also has many names and descriptions.

Some of these names are:

� Al-Qur’an (The Recited)

� Al-Kitab (The Book)

� Al-Furqan (The Criterion)

� Al-Huda (The Guidance)

� Ash Shifaa’ (The Cure)

� Ar-Rahmah (The Mercy)

� Al-Bayyan (The

� Adh-Dhikr (The Remembrance)

� An-Nur (The Light)

� Al-Hayyat (The Life)

� Ar-Ruh

49

These are just a few of the many names of the Qur’an. The reason that we have so many names for this

Book is so that we can reflect on these names and build up our relationship with the Qur’an using them. The

Qur’an is called Al-Hayyat because it is the Book that brings life to us. Just as we are in need of food for our

physical bodies to prosper, we are also in need of guidance (Huda) from the Qur’an for our souls to prosper.

The Prophet said that the least that we can read everyday of the Qur’an is 10 ayahs. If we do not do even

this we will be considered from amongst the Ghaafiloon (heedless).

Believing in the Qur’an entails that we read it and learn as much as we can from it. There are times that each

of us does not feel like reading the Qur’an. Ibn Abbas said that this is natural and we should not read it if we

don’t feel like it. However, this should not happen every day.

One of the good practices that we should implement in our lives is to ask others to recite the Qur’an to us.

The Prophet himself on different occasions asked some of the Sahaabahs to recite to him.

Narrated Abdullah bin Masud: Allah's Apostle said to me, "Recite (of the Qur'an) for me," I said,

"Shall I recite it to you although it had been revealed to you?" He said, "I like to hear (the Qur'an)

from others." So I recited Surat-an-Nisa' till I reached: "How (will it be) then when We bring from

each nation a witness, and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people?" (4.41)

Then he said, "Stop!" And behold, his eyes were overflowing with tears." [Al-Bukhari]

Whenever we are just hanging out at dinner or driving in a car we should try to implement this so that we

can gain blessings as well as learn something from this Book of Guidance. Aboo Moosa al-Ash’aree

radiallaahu ’anhu and said: “Learn the Sunnah and learn Arabic; learn the Qur‘ân in Arabic for it is Arabic.”

What are the Unique qualities of the Qur’an? � The Qur’an covers all the teachings of the previous books:

�'��%�& �<��8��)�� *��"�E�� '��>�� ( ��87� ��0�>�u�� ( �*��"�E�� i�� N:�4��

And We sent down to you (O Muhammad ��) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture

that came before it and Muhayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)…

[5:48]

This book abrogates all the rules of the other Shar’iahs if they contradict it. For example, the Qur’an says that if

you are about to be punished because of your religion –and your Iman is firm– then you do what you are being

forced to do so as to save yourself.

��|��( o��8�b�� '�!�%�0�� x�+�VC4 �� f�� “…except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith…” [16:106]

This was not allowed to the nations before us. The only exception to this rule is that we are not allowed to kill

another soul to save our own selves.

� Allah promised to safeguard it:

��C��2�� '�� :�� +�V76� ��N�: ��: ��:��

50

Verily, it is We who sent down the Dhikr (i.e. The Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from

corruption). [15:9]

This Qur’an will remain until the Day of Judgment. At that time the Qur’an will be wiped from the hearts of

everyone and the pages will be blanked. Until that day the Qur’an will be protected the way it is now. This is a

promise from Allah that we should be grateful to Allah for.

Eeman in the Qur’an has two levels: 1. The First level is a rukn of Eeman and leaving it is Kufr (Nawaqid Al-Eeman). It includes:

� Believing that the Qur’an is the word of Allah,

� Was revealed to Muhammad ��

� It is the last revelation,

� It was delivered to us completely,

� It is protected from addition and subtraction,

� It is a source of legislation, etc.

If someone does not believe in any of these, then that negates this person’s Eeman in the Qur’an.

2. The Second level includes obligations and recommendations. Leaving them is not considered Kufr. It

includes applying all of its rules, reading it, memorizing it, understanding it, etc. There are some obligations and some recommended acts that would benefit us greatly in this life and the

next. For us to increase our Eeman we need to increase in these acts. If we want our level in Jannah to

increase then we need to memorize and implement as much of the Qur’an as possible.

51

Al-Qur’an: the Greatest Miracle

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet said, "Every Prophet was given miracles because of which people

believed, but what I have been given, is Divine Inspiration which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that

my followers will outnumber the followers of the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection." [Bukhari]

Some of the many miracles of this Book are:

� The Language and style of the Qur’an. Just a few words have a very strong impact and meaning. The words

are carefully chosen beyond the capability of humans.

�?C4 R�� Z��4�� 2 �'��@��J�2 �'��%�& �/�c�d �1�p�2 �'�� ,�.�4 ��4 R�D�� i�� x�gv �. ��:�� :�N��a �� 2��M�a �� $�� x�C%�&��H��A�%�D�+�8��

And We inspired the mother of Mûsa (Moses), (saying): "Suckle him [Mûsa (Moses)], but when you fear

for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and

shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." [28:7]

The style of this verse is impeccable; it contains 2 glad tidings, 2 pieces of information, 2 commands for

actions, and 2 of forbiddance!

� The Qur’an Fulfills its Prophecy

o Allah revealed an entire Surah condemning Abu Lahab and his wife, years before they died. If they had only wanted to prove that the Qur’an was not from the Lord of the worlds they could have just accepted Islam verbally. However, that never happened.

o In Suratul Qamar, Allah told the Prophet that he would fight with Quraish and would defeat

them. This verse was revealed when only a few people had accepted Islam and the light of Islam was about to be put out. This prophecy was fulfilled sixteen years later.

�(g>� ��z�� 8�9�� ?�N�)��D�+ Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. [54:45]

� No one has ever been able to come up with anything like it The Qur’an has challenged the disbelievers to produce a surah or even an ayah similar to it. For the past

1400 years no one has been able to produce anything like it.

� Mentions things that could not have been known except by the Lord of the Universe The Qur’an has mentioned many ‘scientific’ facts. However, when looking at the Qur’an we should not look

at it in the light of scientific theories and opinions. This Book is not a book of physics, science or math but a

book of Guidance and as such we need to use it for our own guidance and the guidance of Mankind.

� The effect on the soul: o Jubayr ibn Mut’im said that when he heard the Prophet reciting Surah Tur his heart felt like it was going

to jump out of his chest.

o Ibn Àbbas said, "The Prophet prostrated upon reciting An-Najm and the Muslims, idolaters,

Jinns and mankind who were present prostrated along with him.'' [Bukhari] The Qur’an has a very strong effect on the soul that whilst listening to the Prophet reciting Surah An-

Najm the hearts of the idolater were so attached to the Surah that when the Prophet preformed the

Sajdah at the end of the Surah every single person fell into sajdah behind him.

52

� Freedom from contradiction

� t�-�V ��2�}�"�d �'��2 � ��>�H�� '\%� �+�� >��& �� V �� 5�+C@�� +�(�>�"�� }�2�4 Do they not then consider the Qur'ân carefully? Had it been from other than Allâh, they would surely

have found therein much contradictions. [4:82]

� There is no room for improvement in the Qur’an Every other book can be improved except the Qur’an. This is the perfect word of Allah and there is no

addition or subtraction that can make it better.

� Allah will Protect this Qur’an until just before the Day of Judgment

��C��2�� '�� :�� +�V76� ��N�: ��: ��:�� Verily, it is We who sent down the Dhikr (i.e. The Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from

corruption). [15:9]

This is a promise that Allah took upon Himself that He did not take for any of His other revelations

� Qur’an is easy to memorize Allah tells us in Surah Al-Qamar:

ô‰s)s9 uρ $tΡ÷�œ£o„ tβ# u ö�à) ø9 $# Ì� ø. Ïe%#Ï9 ö≅ yγ sù ÏΒ 9� Ï. £‰•Β ∩⊇∠∪

And we have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember:

then is there any that will receive admonition? [54:17]

53

Chapter Four: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Four: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Four: Belief in Allah’s Chapter Four: Belief in Allah’s MessengersMessengersMessengersMessengers

Believing in the Messengers is a pillar of Eman. A person is not a believer without this pillar.

�'�%�Dg. �� S>�Z�4 ��( �s�+�c�: �f �'�%�D�.�� '�!�"CV�� '�"�E�F_�� '\%��( ��5 qGCV Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, “We make no

distinction between one another of His Messenger.” … [2:285]

In Hadeeth Jibraeel: Narrated Abu Huraira: "One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some

people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, 'What is faith?' Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in

Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Messengers…” (al-Bukhari)

Definitions: Nabiyy (pl. Anbiya’): Prophet

Rasool (pl. Rusul): Messenger

Nabi or Prophet, in Arabic, is one who has received revelation or has been informed of news.

Rasool or Messenger is one who has certain information that he has “to carry or deliver.” In

interfaith dialogue, using the word Prophets does not have the same indicator as the word

Messengers, so it is better to use the latter.

Is Every Nabiyy a Rasool and vice versa?

�D�. �� i�%�!�0 �� %�D�.�4 ��!�: �� #[� Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you … [22:52]

First Opinion: Every Prophet is a Messenger and every Messenger is a Prophet.

�%�D�.�� '�!�"CV�� '�"�E�F_�� '\%��( ��5 qGCV' Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Apostles… [2:285]

The scholars that hold the first opinion say that the terminology of Nabi and Rasool are interchangeable and

Allah intends the same thing in their usage.

Second Opinion: There is a difference between a Nabiyy and a Rasool.

� The Hadeeth of Abu Dharr:

54

The Prophet � was asked about the number of the Prophets and Messengers. He replied that there were

124000 Prophets among whom 315 were Messengers. [Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, At-Tabaranee]

�i�%�!�0 �� %�D�.�4 �� @��4 R��8�a �1�� !�: �� #[��D�. ��C��b��W� R �$CQ C��b��W� ��@�%�� '�%� ��L��2 �'�"��C4 ��2

l$��E�Z l$��%�& �'�%� �� '�a��5 �'�%� �$�E��

Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but; when he did recite the revelation or

narrated or spoke, Shaitân (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allâh abolishes that which Shaitân

(Satan) throws in. Then Allâh establishes His Revelations. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise. [22:52]

� The Linguistic difference

They point to the linguistic difference referred to above.

The Rebuttal by the First opinion

A) Hadeeth of Abu Dharr

They reply by first saying that the hadeeth of 315 messengers is munkar, or has one chain with a weak

narrator with this narration. Also, there are 3 other strong narrators that don’t narrate this “among whom 315

were messengers,” while the one who does narrate this version is Ali bin Yazeed, who according to hadeeth

scholars, is “worth nothing.

B) Verse in Surat Al-Hajj (22:52)

They reply to the verse of surat al-Hajj by saying that it is translated wrong and it is supposed to be

“Messenger and a Prophet,” nor or a Prophet. They say it is describing someone in more than one word as a

girl is described as “tall” and “long.”

C) The Linguistic difference

“Messengers are ordered to deliver message while Prophets weren’t.” The first group replies to this

linguistic argument by saying, “Scholars are inheritors of the Prophets. And the Prophets did not leave

behind Dirham or Dinar, rather they left behind knowledge…” (Abu Dawud) So are you claiming the

Prophets hid knowledge even though anyone who holds knowledge back will be punished on the Day of

Judgment.

“Messengers have a new book and a new message while Prophets follow the old book.” The first group

says: how do you define new book? Most of Isa’s message, after all, was the same as Musa’s with little

changes. Also Allah describes Adam as a Prophet but what old Shari’ah was he following, as he was the

first Prophet. Allah also say in (40:34), “And indeed, Yusuf did come to you…you said, “No messenger will

Allah send after him…” And Prophet Yusuf did not have a new book or a new message from his family

before him.

“Prophet was sent to believers while Messenger was sent to disbelievers.” But there is an authentic hadeeth

that says some Prophet will come on the Day of Judgment and will be a nation by himself so he has no

believers in him, period.

“Miracles are sent to Prophets…” Huh? It seems that they want to make up just about anything to support the

majority opinion. So we learn two lessons from this debate:

55

1) The Student of knowledge does not just accept anything. Majority depends on definition of it.

2) You see the importance of gathering all evidences to an issue.

Why Did Allah Send Messenger?

Humankind is in great need of Messengers. Our main purpose in life is to worship Allah as he tells us this is why he created us. But we can’t even figure

how to live life without our parents so how is it possible that we can figure out something greater, worshipping

God without him sending Messengers? The Messengers come to the people in front of their eyes so that no one

can argue against Allah on the Day of Judgment.

��+�W�!g� �}�Dg. �>� �( m;�9�Z �'\%� R�%�& �y��%�� CE�� }�� .�6�� <8��E�Z <N��N�& �'\%� ��V�� G�Dg+� Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea

against Allah after the Messengers. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. [4:165]

Allah tells us that no punishment will come until we have been sent a Messenger. This appeals to our innate

nature, or Fitrah, because a human being will not accept a consequence without a cause. Thus, excuses of

culture, parents and custom will not be accepted as mentioned in the Qur’an in various places because you will

be exposed to the truth along with the falsehood.

�f��D�. �� !�: R�"�Z �A�(76� �� CV �� And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning). [17:15]

Everyone knows that to be guided to faith in Allah and the book, you need assistance. Humans do not know

how to live the right type of life which is hwy you find different societies with different morals. We can’t find

God without the book which is why its easy to prove God exists, but not that ALLAH exists. You need the book

and faith sent to the Messengers to find out about your majestic Lord.

��Z��4 �i��6�V�� *��"�E�� e�.�>�a �/�CV �� :�+��4 �� <Z��. �i�� U��W�: �� '�( e�>�)�: <.��: �x��%� �H ��E�� C��p�� #$��@�"�Lg� S� �+�h R�� e�>�)�"�� i�:�� :�v��!�&

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad ��) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our

Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith. But We have made it (This Qur’an) a light

wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad ***) are indeed

guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path. [42:52]

We cannot be guided to the straight path but by Allah and this is why you find not one human has been able to

establish justice. Humans bring so much injustice, wars and pain while Allah puts things where they belong.

That’s why innovations in religion are so evil and why shirk is the biggest evil. Allah is the only one who

deserves to be worshipped, negating shirk, and only through the way his Prophet has taught, thus negating

innovations.

56

��L�@��( �y�� ?�C@�� N��8�� *��"�E�� $�)� �� N:�4�� K��!��( ��%�D�. ��%�D�.�4 �>�@�� Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the

Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice … [57:25]

Story: The Sheikh had an argument with a reporter on freedom of speech. The reporter could not understand

why the sheikh had a problem with reviling the Prophet on a freedom of speech banner. So the Sheikh said

along the lines, “If you say anything against homosexuals, you get jailed, but in the middle of Paris, you can say

anything against God and a Prophet and its freedom of speech.” The reporter understood the Sheikh's point.

Allah tells us that he has sent us Messengers and given them a book to help us keep up with justice. Ibn Hazm

said: “Allah will give victory to a secular and just government than to a religious unjust government.”

The Meaning of Belief in the Messengers

�� i�%�!�0 �� %�D�. ��%�D�.�4 �>�@��i��%�& ��u�@�: �$�� $�)�� i��%�& ��u�u�0 �� $�)��

And, Indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad ��); of some of them We have related

to you their story and of some We have not related to you their story … [40:78]

One principle that is known for sure is that to disbelieve in one Prophet is to disbelieve in all. After all, they are

all combining to call you to the same message, in principle, with a few minor changes in certain rules. So

denying one is denying the whole structure before him because you don’t have the whole picture.

��+Cc�E�� 6�� '\%� ��( � �C0�+�c�� 4 ��>��+�� '�%�D�.�� '\%��( #�� !�( �+Cc�E�:�� #�� !�( ��r�: ��C��C@�� '�%�D�.�� >��+��}��!�D �i��1 ��( � �C6�M�"�� 4 �:�>�"�&�4�� @�Z ��+�2��E�� $�j �i��C4��)g� �<( �6�& ��+�2��E�%�� <�

Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make a distinction between Allah

and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in

some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have

prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. [4:150-151]

�A�%�D�+�8�� #Y��: �?��0 �/�(�6�V The people of Nuh belied the Messengers. [26:105]

� Twenty-five Prophet are named in the Qur’an.

The Sheikh mentioned that 25 Prophets have been named in the Qur’an ((3:33), (6:83-86), (10:57), (11:50,

61 and 84), (21:85) and (48:29)).

� There has been debate over whether some are Prophets or not.

57

The vast majority of scholars believed that Luqman was not a Prophet, for he was a slave and Prophets

cannot be slaves. As for Al-Khidr, there is a difference of opinion regarding him.

� All the Prophets and Messengers have no divine attributes.

CG�Dg+� �'�%�!�0 �� /�%�d �>�0 m[��D�. �f�� l>�8�� Muhammad �� is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away

before him… [3:144]

�b� ��C%CV�J�� $�)�:�� A�%�D�+�8�� i�%�!�0 ��%�D�.�4 ��s ��D�J�� 2 ��W�8�� ?�� And We never sent before you (O Muhammad ��) any of the Messengers but verily, the ate food and

walked in the markets… [25:20]

Allah tells us that Muhammad is not from light, as some people say, nor is he an angel. Furthermore, our

Lord informs us that all the messengers before ate food and walked along the people and that Muhammad

(S.A.W) is no different. You can’t be divine if you are needy for something such as food, sleep and drink.

The Messengers also had wives and children and did not come with miracles except by the will of Allah.

This is also a clear refutation of the Christian people who believe Jesus is divine, for Jesus (A.S.) also ate

and drank. And as the Shaikh said, this point is stressed so many times in the Qur’aan so you do not fall in

to shirk.

� Are there Messenger of the Jinn?

��9�� +�W� �� $CE��%�& ��guC@�� $CE�� mG�D�. �$CE�a�J�� $��4 ��:|� �� 6��j �$CE�� U��@�� $CE�:��.�6�� a��5

O you assembly of Jinn and mankind! Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you,

reciting unto you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours? … [6:130]

The Qur’aan and Sunnah do not relate to us much about the Jinn because they do not interact with us, in

general. The above verse seems to prove that there are messengers from among Jinn sent to them.

�� ?�v5 ��( �� 8�2 ��a��5 �$CE��%�& ��guC@�� $CE�� mG�D�. �$CE��a�J�� :�N�� $�j �f�� $�)��%�& l��d �}�2 ��%�h�4�� R�@�a O Children of Adam! If there comes to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting to you, My Verses,

then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [7:35]

Some scholars have used the above verse in Surat al A’raaf to say that there are no messengers from the Jinn

sent to the Jinn. But the verse seems to only talk about the messengers sent the men among the children of

Adam and is not related to the Jinn.

Surat al Jinn points out to us that there are male warners from among Jinn. But another clear verse is one

that the Shaikh did not mention in Surat al-Ahqaf. In verse 29, Allah says: “And (remember) when We sent

towards you (Muhammad) Nafran (three to ten persons) of the jinns, (quietly) listening to the Qur'aan when

they stood in the presence thereof, they said: "Listen in silence!" And when it was finished, they returned to

their people, as warners.” This verse actually would show that the Jinn heard the message from the Prophets

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and then they returned to the Jinn as Messengers, as well. So the first opinion of messengers from jinn as

well as from men, seems to be most correct, and Allah knows best.

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said, “Allah did not send any Messengers from the Bedouins, females, or Jinn.”

As for Al-Hasan al-Basree’s statement that Allah did not send any messengers from the Jinn, then he meant that

Allah did not send any messengers from the Jinn to humans. Why not Bedouins? Because they don’t settle in

one place. There is a call here to encourage civilization.

� All Prophets and Messengers were male.

��8�%� �a �f �$�"�CV �� +�V76� �G�j�4 � �C��J�D��2 �$�)�� Z�g: �f��H�. �f�� i�%�!�0 ��%�D�.�4 �� And We sent not before you (O Muhammad ��) but men to whom We inspired, so ask the people of

Reminder [Scriptures – the Tawrah and the Injeel] if you do not know. [21:7]

��.C1�� <H ��4 �$�)�� %� �H�� i�%�!�0 �� }�D�. ��%�D�.�4 �>�@��; And indeed We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad ��), and made for them wives and

offspring… [13:38]

This issue seems amazingly crystal clear from the above verses that all Prophets and Messengers were male

as Allah mentions only men in the first verse and mentions wives and offspring in the second. But there is

not a consensus on this issue.

Scholars of great knowledge such as Imam Ibn Hazm, Imam Al-Qurtubi and Abu Hasan Al-Ashari

mentioned that Hawwa (Eve), the mother of Musa, and Maryam were Prophets. The reason they mention is

because they say the word “chosen” is used for them as well as the words “revealed to.”

As the Shaikh said best: “Hold your horses!!!” So the sheikh answers the argument of the majority by

saying the same Sura ‘Ale Al-Imran that mentions Maryam as chosen, says in verse 33 that the whole

family of Imran is “chosen.” So are they Prophets? No way!!! As for the “revealed to” argument, then the

Sheikh answered by saying that Allah says in 16:68, the chapter of the Bees, that Allah “revealed” to the

bees. So are they Prophets? No one can ever claim this.

The Sheikh also mentioned an argument of logic that it is insulting to mention someone with a lower title

when they have a higher one. A king will never be called a prince in his court for he has a higher title.

Anyone that calls him that will have their head chopped off. So Maryam is also mentioned as “Siddiqa,” in

another Sura and this would be an insult if she was a Prophet, which she is not referred to as even once in

the Qur’aan.

Also, as for the other 3 women they mention, an authentic hadeeth refutes them. Anas reports that the

Messenger of Allaah (S.A.W) said: 'The best women of mankind are four: Mariam daughter of Ìmraan,

Assiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadija daughter of Khuwailid, and Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah.' [al-Bukhari and Muslim] So the question is what happened to Musa’s mom and Eve? Is Fatima, a

59

non-Prophet, better than two Prophets? The argument falls apart with these evidences and its clear all

Prophets and Messengers were men.

� Muslims must believe that Allah sent ALL His Messengers to call people to worshipping Allah alone

(i.e. Tawheed).

��>�!�&��2 ��:�4 �� '�� '�:�4 �'�� Z��: �� #[��D�. �� i�%�!�0 �� %�D�.�4 �� And We did not send any Messengers before you (O Muhammad ��) but We inspired him (saying): La

ilah illa Anna [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).

[21:25]

This message is so clear from authentic hadeeth to add to the 20 to 30 verses from Qur’aan that the

Prophets, every one of them, were sent to remind mankind to worship Allah alone, in his Lordship and their

worship. This point was actually also made in Aqeedah 101 in depth by Shaikh Yasir Qadhi.

One hadeeth to show the importance of tawheed of the messengers is: It is reported on the authority of Ibn

Àbbas (ra) that Allah's Messenger (S.A.W) said when he sent Muàaz (ra) to Yemen: "You are going to a

people who are from the People of the Book: So the first thing to which you call them should be the

testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah." - And in another narration: "that

they testify to the Oneness of Allah." - "And if they obey you in that, then inform them that Allah has

made compulsory upon them five prayers every day and night. And if they obey you in that, then

inform them that Allah has made incumbent upon them a charity (Zakah) which is to be taken from

the rich among them and given to their poor. And if they obey you in that then be careful not to take

the best of their wealth (as Zakah), and be careful of the supplication of those who have suffered injustice, for there is no obstacle between it and Allah.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

� Muslims must believe that Allah has chosen the Prophets (mustafawn). Istifa’ is not something that

one can earn through effort.

�.��d�J�� c�b�u�8�� 8�� :�>��& �$�)�:�� And there are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best! [38:47]

A few people like Ibn Sina and Al-Farabi believed that you can reach Prophethood through spirituality. This

made these few people non-Muslims. Actually spirituality is over-stressed today as well, in many extreme

sufi as well as moderate sufi movements. This argument is refuted through one verse in the Qur’an above

because if Allah chooses the Prophets specially, then you cannot become one independently.

Allah sent them with miracles in support of their call. � A Prophet may be given more than one miracle.

For example, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was given the moon and its splitting as well as the Qur’aan.

Isa (A.S.), our beloved Prophet, was given the ability to heal the leper and the blind as well as the

miracle of being lifted up towards Allah before his death.

� Miracles match the time and age of the Prophets.

60

This is an amazing point that is so true and it means that the miracles the Prophets came with had

relevance to what the people were interested in. For example, in Isa’s time, there was the amazing

emphasis on medicine and people relied on it too much so Allah gave Isa the power to heal. This was to

show the people to come back to Tawheed, for the medicine doesn’t cure but Allah does. In Musa’s

time, they were in to magic and they produced what looked like live snakes but Musa produced a real

snake that ate theirs. Allah proved to them that he had all power and this made the magicians submit to

Islam.

Imam As-Shafi answered the question of how the Prophet’s miracle related to his time by pointing to

refuting the pagans and their disbelief in resurrection. As-Shafi said: “the trunk of the tree was given life

and it was dead.” He was referring to a tree trunk near which the Prophet used to give khutbahs before

he was moved to a new minbar. As he left, the tree trunk starting sobbing uncontrollably and Rasulullah

went to calm it down and said: “It was weeping for the knowledge that used to be given near it. And if I

had not done what I did, it would have kept crying till the Day of Resurrection.” The Prophet was given

this miracle as a way to bring an object to life that had no life. Then how is it that Allah can not give an

object that had life such as a human, a second life?

The Sheikh said: “It’s not about knowing the truth, but submitting to it.” It’s amazing that the Quraish

denied Islam after seeing the moon split or that Pharoah kept going in the sea after he saw it break open

as a miracle. But it’s not knowing, but submitting and this is actually a problem you find with most

Muslims today who don’t practice Islam.

� What is the difference between miracles of prophets and the supernatural acts of magicians? They are not at the same level. The behavior of the magician proves their lies, as evidenced by Musa’s

story above, for the magicicans submitted to Islam after seeing Musa’s miracle in comparison to their

magic.

� The Miracles (mu’jizat) of the Prophets and the miracles (karamat) of the awliya’ Miracles are broken down in to two categories, depending on who its given to. If a Prophet is given a

miracle, it is a Mu’jizat, as broken down by the Mu’tazila and when a normal human receives a miracle,

it is called a Karamat.

Also when a person of a Prophet’s Ummah is given a miracle, it is credited as a Mu’jizat of the Prophet,

for it occurred in his Ummah.

� Are the Prophets infallible? It seems to be unanimous among the scholars that the Prophets will never make mistakes in relation to the

message of Allah. This is due to the fact that Allah is the protector of his message and has chosen the purest

of men to deliver the purest of messages without error or contradiction.

As far as a minor sin goes, you have examples where the Prophets committed minor sins but they repented

from them and never returned to them. If you look at their sins, they are not even really sins such as the

Prophet rebuking the blind man and Musa killing a man. Musa accidentally killed the man and the Prophet

was speaking to another rich person when the blind man interrupted him with a question.

Consensus: The Prophets never commit Kufr, immoral/indecent acts, or lie. If they commit a minor sin they repent from it.

� Are the Prophets equal or of varying levels?

61

#�� ( R�%�& �$�)�� ( ��%��2 CG�Dg+� �i�%�a Those Messengers! We preferred some to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); other He

raised to degrees (of honor)… [2:253]

Prophet � said, “I am the master of the children of Adam on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]

�%�D�.�� '�!�"CV�� '�"�E�F_�� '\%��( ��5 qGCV�' Each one believes in Allah, His Books, and His Messengers… [2:285]

Prophet � said, “Do not favor between the Prophets of Allah.” [Muslim]

“Do not favor me over the Prophets (and in a narration over Moosa).” [Al-Bukharee and Muslim]

It seems to us that all the Prophets are equal but the narration in Sahih Muslim above, seems to say other

wise. All praises to Allah, we had great scholars to protect this religion and they gave us the true

understanding of these supposedly contradicting evidences.

The scholars say that when discussing this issue of the Prophets, remember the 3 guidelines:

1) You cannot break down the Prophets in to the top 25. Then you start saying I think Musa was number

two because you know he had the Jews to deal with and Isa was resurrected so he had it easy. This is utter

nonsense to think about.

2) You are not allowed to favor one over another in any way that is disrespectful to one. In the Prophet’s

time, he heard a Muslim and a Jew argue. The Jew said, “by the Lord of Musa” and the Muslim said

Mohammed is better than Musa. The Prophet rebuked the Muslim for this statement.

3) Best of all is clearly Muhammad but there must be no specific comparisons between any. The evidence

for this is the intercessions of Rasulullah on the Day of Judgment as well as him being called forth to lead

all the Prophets in prayer in Al-Isra wal-Miraj, a story well known.

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And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O

Muhammad ��), and from Nooh, Ibraheem, Moosa, and ‘Eesa, son of Maryam. We took from

them a strong covenant. [33:7]

Allah does inform us through the Qur’aan in the above verse as well as in sura 45 in the last verse that there

is a category of Prophets called Ulul-Azm, or 5 strong willed Prophets. These are Muhammad, Nuh,

Ibraheem, Isa, and Musa.

� Prophets and Messengers are better than ALL other people.

62

We must believe this last point for it is very relevant to the deviancy that has occurred in this issue. The only

exceptions to this common belief are the Shia who believe their 12 imaams are better than the Prophet and

the extreme Sufis like Ibn sina who believed the philosophers were better than the Prophets.

Exercise: What is the benefit of belief in the Prophets and Messengers?

1) Their tests and trials make our problems seem trivial.

2) They always had Tawheed first.

- They struggled for our Kalimah while we take it for granted today. Today, people are moved more by

political movements like the Shia than ideological movements like the perfect religion of Islam.

3) You always see the nature of the struggle between good and evil.

4) You remain patient if you are neglected and rejected in life.

5) You feel proud of your family.

- Can you believe you are related to Muhammad and Musa? You have an instant eman rush when you

hear this statement. I mean, you feel like buying an eman rush Cd right now. So go order it now!

Special Qualities of the Prophets 1. Al-Wahy - This means the revelation, from Allah.

2. Al-‘Ismah - This is the infallibility in spreading the religion as well as in avoiding sins.

3. Their eyes sleep while their hearts stay awake

4. The Earth cannot dissolve their bodies 5. Their souls are not taken without their consent. We have the narration about Musa and Adam to

remind us their permission is asked by the angel of death before he takes their soul.

6. They see the Angels in their original form.

7. They are buried where they die.

8. They do not pass on any inheritance.

9. They have a special kind of life in their graves. Their souls are in the heavens.

Some individual Prophets may have special qualities which distinguish them from the other Prophets and

Messengers.

Homework: Make a list of the special qualities of Adam, Ibraheem, Moosa, and ‘Eesa with proof.

Warning: Many popular stories regarding the Prophets are not taken from reliable sources

and may even contain incorrect details that contradict Sharee’ah rulings.

Believing in Prophet Muhammad’s �� Prophethood

� Believing that he is Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib Al-Qurashee, who was born in

Makkah and passed away in Madeenah.

His names are descriptions: Jubayr ibn Mut’im said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger � saying, ‘I have various names: I am Muhammad, and I am Ahmad, and I am Al-Mahi

with whom Allah obliterates disbelief, and I am Al-Hashir at whose feet people will be

63

gathered, and I am Al-‘Aqib, and Al-‘Aqib is the one whom there is no prophet after

him.’” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]

No name on the face of the Earth is more popular than his today, after he passed away.

� He was sent to ALL humankind and Jinn.

��8�%� �� y�� +�-�V�4 ��E�� <+��6�:�� <t�W�( �y��%7� �;�2��V �� =��%�D�.�4 ��

And We have not sent you (O Muha ammad ��) except as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner to all

mankind, but most of men know not. [34:28]

This is mentioned in several verses in the Qur’aan that the Prophet is a messenger for all mankind. This is in

sharp contrast to Moses and Jesus, who were each sent for their nations, respectively.

� We believe in the truth of everything he informed us, fulfill his Sunnah by following what he

commanded, and leaving that which he forbade.

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And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His

Messenger (Muhammad ��) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ��) had

spoken the truth.” And it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [33:22]

\%� ��p�2 � ��a ��p2 �[��D�+� �� '\%� � �� B�4 �GC0��+�2��E�� gw�� f �' Say (O Muhammad ��): “Obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ��).” But if they turn away,

then Allah does not like the disbelievers. [3:32]

Abu Bakr (R.A.) said: “I am afraid that if I leave any of the Sunnah, I might be misguided.” As for us, following

the Sunnah is an option we could care less about. Even some of us who claim to have love for the Prophet leave

his acts of Salat ad-Duha and reading certain chapters of the Qur’aan before sleeping. Ibn Al Qayyim added that

the companions never used to differentiate between obligation and extra acts but would do exactly as the

Prophet did, without question.

The Sheikh gave the example of the quitting of alcohol by the Muslims. He said that submission to the Prophet

and to Islaam, in general, is that if you fail, you get right back up. You seem also to find the beauty of the

ideology of Islaam versus the ideology of the philosophers. The philosophers have no one’s example to follow

but mere men like themselves who do not even agree with each other on what’s moral or not. As for us, the

Prophet (S.A.W) was sent as a perfect example in all aspects of life.

64

Ibn Mas’ud said: “I enetered the masgid and heard the Prophet say: “sit down...I had oen foot inside the door…

and I sat right at the door.” The 4 imams of fiqh, Imam Abu Haneefah, Imam as-Shafi ul-Haqq, Imam Maalik

and Imam Hambal all told us to leave their opinions of fiqh when we received authentic words of the Prophet

(S.A.W) against them.

� We love the Prophet ��

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�'��D�.�� '\%� �� $CE�� w�Z�4 ��)�:��,�+�a ��V��L�� "�Z � ��u�(�+�"�2 �'�%��!�D ��2 Sv��)�H��'\%� ��a�J�� R �f �'\%� �� x�+��J�(�A�@�D��c�� ?��@�� e�>�)��

Say: “If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have

gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight … are

dearer to you that Allah, His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until

Allah brings about His Decision (torment).” And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqoon

(the rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [9:24]

Anas reported, “None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his parents, children and

all people.” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]

It is recommended or Mustahab to love the Prophet more than anyone else. This is supported by the hadeeth of

Umar ibn Al-Khattab, where he told the Prophet he loved him more than everyone but himself. The Messenger

(S.A.W) told him he had to be loved more htan everyone including Umar himself. Umar then said he did at that

moment and Rasulullah said, “Now you believe, O ‘Umar.” This is narrated in the Saheehayn, or the two

authentic works of Bukhari and Muslim.

As for obligation, then it is to love him at some level. It is very hard to explain love and many scholars have

tried. When you love someone, you always want to please them and obey them.

� We honor, respect and support him and his Sunnah.

��%��h�4�� 3�+�E�( �x��!�L�a�� x��+70��a�� x��.�N� �a�� '��D�.�� '�%��( ��r�"�� In order that you (O Mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger ��, and that you assist and

honor him ��, and (that you) glorify (Allah’s) praises morning and afternoon. [48:9]

The Sheikh narrated a story of one of the Imaams of our times and his experience with a famous prince. A

prince heard of this Imam and came to his halaaqa and motioned to the Imaam to talk to the prince. The Imaam

was narrating ahadeeth and motioned to the prince to come to him. When they had finished, the Imaam

explained by saying that only out of respect of not stopping the ahadeeth, did he not come to talk to the prince.

Hadeeth would not stop for anyone.

Also, Shaykh Bin baaz (R.A.) took a whole Fatwaa magazine out of publication when he noticed Imam

Maalik’s statement was above the Prophet’s (S.A.W) in one page. Imaam Maalik, one of the 4 great Imaams,

used to dress nicely before he narrated ahadeeth and once did not stop narrating even though a scorpion bit him.

65

We support our Messenger because he used to make du’aa for us after every prayer he made. On the Day of

Judgement, people will be saying, “myself, myself,” while he will be saying, “my Ummah, my Ummah.” We also

support him when people speak against his ahadeeth, Muslim or not, for our love for him is stronger than any

blood ties or relations with the people. Also, we support him by not lying about him and using weak or

fabricated ahadeeth.

� We take him as our role model.

��2 �$CE�� V �>�@�� '�%� ��H�+�� V ��87� m;��L�Z m3��DC4 �'�%� �[��D�. � t�-�V �'�%� �+�V�1�� +�d�� ?�� Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad ��) you have a good example to follow for him who

hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [33:21]

Scholars say every innovation takes away one way of the Prophet (S.A.W). A man once told Ibn Sireen that he

saw himself burying the Prophet (S.A.W) in a dream and asked for its interpretation. Ibn Sireen told him, “You

are burying the Sunnah.” The man realized he was in the company of a group of innovators soon after and left

them.

Sufyan at-Thawri said: “I will not hesitate to do anything from the Sunnah even if its combing hair here or

there.” The actions of the Prophet can be divided in to a bunch of categories:

1) Specific to him (Khusoosiyat An-Nabawiyyah) The examples of this are to fast continuously with out breaking it, marrying 4 women and the night

prayer before Fajr being obligatory on him.

2) Some debatable actions Some examples would be praying 2 rakas after ‘Asr or speaking after ‘Isha. The reason for debatable

actions, and Allah knows best, is that he forbade them in an authentic hadeeth but did them himself at

another time.

3) As a leader or governor He ordered some executions, declared wars and made other decisions. Also, he once took a position on

the battlefield and he was not correct in it. Now these do not become his Sunnah due to the fact he made

them without asking Allah directly in every case.

4) Culture (Aadah) Wearing turbans and shoes were prevalent in his culture among all Arabs. Later, these things became so

rampant amongst Muslims that they found their way in Fiqh books. But there is no way to prove that

culture of his time is a strict Sunnah or Sunnah that we have to follow. One hadeeth people us is:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abu Dawud) This was previously discussed in Light of

Guidance and a student of knowledge may go to those notes for the refutation.

But at the same time, this does not mean we wear tight pants so our body parts show or the sisters wear

flimsy clothing. The objective is to cover any adornments and to apply modesty and you can do this with

a few other clothes besides the Thawb and Jilbab.

5) His normal habits They way he ate, drank and slept do not form his Sunnah. Now this is proven he said, “pray as you have

seen me pray,” and to “eat with the right hand,” but he did not say “sleep as you have seen me sleep.”

You need explicit evidence for normal habits like the above.

66

� He is the seal of the Prophets

��(�4 l>�8�� V �� $�a��d�� '�%� �[��D�. ��E�� $CE��H�. �� S>�Z�4 �� A��!�� <8��%�& TU�� 7GCE�( �'�%� ��V Muhammad �� is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last

(end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything. [33:40]

� We study his life and affairs (Seerah).

� We love his family and companions.

Nullifiers of Belief in Prophet ��

1. Believing that he has lied or that something which he said is not true

�.�� H�+�a �'�%� R�� i�%�!�0 �� mG�D�. �/�(76CV �>�@�2 �=��(76�E��

And if they belie you (O Muhammad ��), so were Messengers belied before you. And to Allah

return all matters (for decision). [35:4]

2. Turning from his guidance and changing his religion

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They (hypocrites) say: “We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger (Muhammad ��), and we

obey,” than a party of them turn away, such are not believers. [24:47]

3. Doubting in him or his religion

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��C0�v��u� �$�j �i��C4 Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt

not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful.

[49:15]

4. Hating him or what he brought

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67

Whether you (O Muhammad ��) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for

them… (and even) if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness… Allah will not forgive them,

because they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ��). And Allah guides not

those people who are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah) Those who stayed away (from

Tabuk Expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allah; they hated to strive and

fight with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah, and they said: “March not forth in

the heat.” Say: “The fire of Hell is more intense in heat”, if only they understand! [9:80-81]

We have to differentiate between particular person and entire concept. You are in trouble, in other words, if you

hate the Prophet for you are supposed to love him. Also you are in trouble if you hate what he has brought

because this nullifies your deeds, as Allah says:

�$�)��8�&�4 ��!�Z�J�2 �'�%� �[�N:�4 �� j�+�V �$�)�:�J�( �i��1

“That is because they hate that which Allâh has sent down (this Qur'ân and Islâmic laws, etc.), so He has

made their deeds fruitless.” (47:9)

5. Criticizing him and mocking him or his Sunnah.

��)g� �<( �6�& �$�)�� >�&�4�� 3�+�d�� :g>� ��2 �'�%� �$�)�� '��D�.�� '�%� ��C1�r�� 6�� <� Verily, those who annoy Allah and His Messenger �� Allah has cursed them in this world, and in

the Hereafter, and has prepared fro them a humiliating torment. [33:57]

We have many Muslims comedians today such as Gandaghee productions who should read this even if

they don’t fit entirely in this category. Joking should not be taken lightly about the Sunnah.

6. Loving his enemies

��D�.�� '�%� �v��Z �� gv �� +�d�� ?�� '�%��( ��r�� <��0 �>�9�a ��' You (O Muhammad ��) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making

friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ��)… [58:22]

7. Enmity towards him and fighting his Sunnah

�*��@� �� >��>�� '�%� ��p�2 �'�%� �s��W�� '��D�.�� '�%� �z0�� $�)�:�J�( �i��1

That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ��). And whosoever opposes

Allah, then verily, Allah is Severe in punishment. [59:4]

Evidence for Prophet Muhammad’s �� Prophethood � The Eternal Miracle: The Qur’an

The Prophet �� said, “Every Prophet was given miracles, and these miracles led people to believe in him.

And what I was given was a revelation which was revealed to me from Allah, so I hope to be the one with

the most followers on the Day of Resurrection.” [Al-Bukharee]

68

More people have converted to Islaam sicne 9/11 because of a translation of the Qur’an than anything else.

People who do nto even understand Araabic have cried after hearing the Qur’aan and cannot explain why.

Scientists have seen its miracles and have been in awe of its truths.

� The Prophet’s message is similar to the message of the Prophets before him.

��>� �� $CE�� O�+�� h�� i�� Z��4 e�6�� <Z��: �'�( R�h�� 8��0�4 ��4 R�L��&�� R�D�� $��j �+�(�� '�(�� >� �'��2 �C0�+�c�"�a

He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nooh, and that

which We inspired in you (O Muhammad ��), and that which We ordained for Ibraheem, Moosa and

‘Eesa saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no

divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion)… [42:13]

�G�Dg+� �� <&�>�( �/�CV �� GC0

Say (O Muhammad ��): “I am not a new thing among the Messengers (of Allah)”… [46:9]

He is not the first messenger as many came before him and his descriptions fit the qualities of a messenger. He

did not even know how to read or write and was not known for poetry. How could he come up with Islaam?

That is why Allah challenged the Quraysh that if a man made this as you claim, make ten verses or even one

verse like the Qur’aan.

� His Sharee’ah

$CEC��&�4 ��8�:�� GC0 �$CQ ]�v �+C2�� R��-�� '�%�� C@�a ��4 S3�>�Z ��( l+��6�: �� j �� S;��H �� $CE�!�Z��u�( �� +�E�c�"�a $CE��>�� #* �6�& �e�>�� (S>

Say (to them O Muhammad ��): “I exhort you on one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah’s sake

in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet ��): there is no

madness in your companion (Muhammad ��), he is only a Warner to you in face of a severe

torment.” [34:46]

As Allah says above, his legislation is not very different from the Prophets before him. The amazing fact is that

he was never exposed to their messages growing up. He also was always truthful with people and so how could

one who never lies about or to the creation lie about the creator?

Just think about his life as the verse directly above commands us. He was known as the truthful, helped the poor

and the needy, and established his kinship. He is now telling you to pray, fast, to not fornicate and not to kill

your children. Jafar ibn Abi Talib said to King Nagashi: “O king, we used to be an ignorant people until Allah

sent his Messenger to us…we used to do vices, the strong used to abuse the weak and he was trustworthy and

Afaaf…” Afaaf means to not be interested in what people had and this is a quality of leaders and preachers. This

is because they call the people to their message and leave other messages. Jafar then continued: “…he told us to

be truthful, to not do shirk and not to bear false testimony.”

You can see that Allah (S.W.A) used his message and characteristics to prove the Prophethood he was blessed

with. A man from another army told Amr ibn al ‘As: “You did not win because you were stronger than us…you

69

won because of your religion.” The Sheikh said: “Liberation of Iraq worked better through the way of religion

than it has through the way of democracy.”

He was a man who would give the clothes off his back to any man who asked or even admired his clothing. He

once had a whole valley of sheep that another man admired. The Prophet asked him if he liked it and the man

said yes. Right away, the Prophet gave it to him. He was a man who walked with his head down, out of humility

to Allah, even when he conquered Mecca.

There are politicians who swing positions today to get the people’s vote and money. He was a politician who

did not once swing his position even if it meant that Muslims were hurt more than the Quraysh. One companion

told him that he had promised the Quraysh when he entered Mecca that he would not fight in his army. Even

though he became Muslim, the Prophet (S.A.W) told him to keep his promise. He was blessed with concise

speech so that he never gave anything more weight than it deserved. He is our noble example, the one we adore

and crave to love more than we do presently and we pray we meet him one day and join him in Paradise,

Ameen.

� Knowledge on some matters of the Unseen despite being illiterate Exercise: Give examples

For example, he told of the prophecies of the future such as the Mahdi and the Day of Resurrection. Also, he

narrated ahadeeth to us which speak of science and astrology, not to mention the deceiving ways of magic

and the fortune-tellers.

� Prophecies of his coming in the previous scriptures

� His Characteristics and manner of living

� His Miracles

Competition: Special Qualities of Prophet Muhammad ��

1) He is the master of the Children of Adam on the Day of Judgement. 2) He has a special level of intercession on the day of Judgment, the Maqaam AlMahmood. 3) He was informed that his sins were forgiven, the previous and the future, during his lifetime. 4) Every prophet has a du'a that is accepted, but he kept his du'a for his Ummah on day of Judgment. 5) He was given an everlasting miracle, whereas the other prophet's miracles were temporal. 6) His Ummah, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is half of the people of Paradise. 7) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was sent to all of Mankind whereas the prophets before him were

sent to thier people in particular. 8) The earth was made for him and for his Ummah. Wherever the salah reaches them they can pray. 9) He was given victory by fear from the distance of an entire month’s journey. 10) Spoils of war were made halal for him. 11) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, reached sidrat Almuntaha. 12) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is the first person to enter Jannah. 13) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was given the fountain of Al-Kauthar. 14) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was given a book protected, unlike the Torah and Injeel. 15) He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was given jawami' alkalim, concise comprehensive speech.

Al-‘Izz ibn Abdul as-Salaam authored a book titled “bidayat as-sool fi tafdheel ar-Rasool” where he mentions

at least 100 qualities of the Prophet (S.A.W).

70

Chapter Five: Belief in AlChapter Five: Belief in AlChapter Five: Belief in AlChapter Five: Belief in Al----QadarQadarQadarQadar

Belief in Al-Qadar is one of the pillars of Eeman. A person is not a believer without this pillar.

Ibn Ùmar (ra) said: "By Him in Whose Hand is the soul of Ibn Ùmar, if anyone possessed gold as much

as the mountain of Uhud and spent it in Allah's cause, Allah would not accept it from him unless he

believed in Allah's Qadar." Then he cited as evidence the words of the Prophet: "Eemaan (faith) is to

believe in (i) Allah , (ii) His angels, (iii) His revealed Books, (iv) His Messengers, (v) the Day of

Resurrection and (vi) Al-Qadr, both the good and bad of it." [Muslim].

Hadith of Jabir: The Prophet �� said, “No slave of Allah will truly believe until he believes in Al Qadar,

its good and bad from Allah, until he knows that what has befallen him was not going to miss him and

that what missed him was not going to befallen him.”[Tirmidhi]

��ـ� ��رإ�� آ�� ء ��Lo! We have created everything by measure. [alQur’an 54:49]

What is Al-Qada’ wal-Qadar?

Technically, al-Qadar occurs before al-Qada’, as al-Qadar encompasses Allah’s Knowledge, Writing, and

Willing of all things before their existence, while al-Qada’ encompasses Allah’s Creation of all things by His

Command and Will. However, “al-Qada’ wal-Qadar” sounds better than al-Qadar wal-Qada’”.

Linguistic definitions Al-Qadar: It is taken from the root word qadara, which means knew, predetermined and planned perfectly.

Al-Qada’(ء�� :(اIt comes form the word qada ( !"), which means judged, ordained, executed perfectly.

Technical Definitions: Al-Qadar: It is Allah’s complete Knowledge, Writing in the Safe Tablet, and Willing of all things before their existence.

Al-Qada: It is Allah’s Creation of all things by His Command and Will.

� The Asha’irah’s defined Al-Qada’ with the definition of Al-Qadar, and vice-versa.

� Some scholars said that there is no difference between the meanings of the two words Al-Qada’ and Al-

Qadar.

� The phrase Al-Qada’ wal-Qadar was not mentioned as such in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and was not used by

the Pious Predecessors. However, it became common in the works of Ahl As-Sunnah later as a means of

categorization, just like “Usool-al-Fiqh” and “Shari’ah”.

71

Should we study Al-Qadar?

The Prophet �� said, “If the (subject of) Qadar is brought up, then withhold (from speaking about it)”

[At-Tabaranee].

• The continuation of this hadith is “…And if my companions are mentioned (ie. evil talk about them,

talk of fitnah between them), then withhold. And if the stars are mentioned (ie. about magic and fortunetelling), then withhold.” Hence:

o One cannot speak about al-Qadar in a manner that will shake his/her belief in it, nor in an

invented way.

o Allah ordered us to believe in al-Qadar, so we must understand it.

The History of Innovation in Al-Qadar � There have always been two extreme groups in relation to their views on Al-Qadar.

Ibn al-‘Arif stated: "The tongue of Ibn Hazm and the sword of Al-Hajjaj were indeed but twin brothers.” After

al-Hajjaj destroyed al-Ka’bah during battle with the Muslims, people began asking: “Was Allah aware that His

House was destroyed in the battle and did He will its destruction?” Discussion of this topic led people to two

extreme ideologies about al-Qadar:

a) Al-Jabriyyah, who went to extremes in affirming Al-Qadar.

Al-Jahm ibn Safwan (128 A.H.) ← Al-Ja’d ibn Dirham ← Bayan ibn Sam’an ← Taloot ← Labeed ibn Al-

A’sam [Jewish; performed magic on The Prophet �; Many Jews have extreme views on affirming al-

Qadar.]

• Believe that we have no choice or free will.

• The first member of creation to speak about al-Qadar in this way was Iblees.

Allah (SWT) says:

�6ل رب0 �"� أ()'2� �*ز'0�� /% . ٱ�*رض و�*()'��ہ% أ#"! �[Iblees] said: My Lord! Because Thou hast sent me astray, I verily shall adorn the path of

error for them [mankind] on the earth, and shall mislead them every one [alQur’an 15:39]

• The view of Al-Jabriyyah is widely supported by al-Ash’aria

b) Al-Qadariyyah, who went to extremes by denying Al-Qadar.

Ghaylan Ad-Dimishqee (105 A.H.) [Christian; student of al-Hassan al-Basri] ← Ma’bad Al-Juhanee (80

A.H.) ← Seesawayh (a.k.a. Sinsawayh Al-Baqqal and Sawsan)

View also spread by Wasil ibn ‘Ata (131 A.H.) and ‘Amr ibn ‘Ubaid (134 A.H.) Bishr ibn Mu’tamir Al-

Koofee, and Shams Ad-Deen Ja’far Al-Bahloolee Az-Zaidee (573 A.H.)

• The Khalifah al-Ma’mun (followed the Mu’tazilah) adopted the ideology of al-Qadariyyah. Al-

Ma’mun became extreme in many of his views, and ultimately allowed the cursing of Abu Bakr

as-Siddiq (ra) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) during Jumuah khutbahs.

• The al-Qadariyyah ideology grew with the evolution of Shi’ism.

• The al-Qadariyyah ideology was spread by ash-Shi’a and al-Mu’tazilah.

72

First Principle: The Pillars of Al-Qadar *Everything happens by these 5 Pillars.

1. AL-‘ILM: ALLAH’S KNOWLEDGE

l$��%�& TU�� 7GCE�( �'\%� �� Verily Allah is the All-Knower of Everything. [alQur’an 8:75]

�2!�")ا أن� ا�� 8� آ� ��/� � ;<*�ا�� ا��Eي AB@ C�� @"�وات و>� ا�*رض ><�/�� '2�=�ل اGء 8�"� Gء 6�'; �I� ط�K6� أ �� وأن� ا

Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh

down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah

surroundeth all things in knowledge [alQur’an 65:12].

�/"�!' �Lإ M6ور �< N�OP �<و ;QB�وUP�V< W��8 ا�L S T '!�"/� إL� ه) و'!�% >� .G ا�B; وا

X��' Lو SYر Lرض وZت ا�"�[ G. M�BK Lو � B\< آ�2ب G. �Lإ And with Him are the keys of the Invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the

land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth,

naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record [alQur’an 6:59]

** Allah’s knowledge is such that Allah knows what happened, is happening, will happen AND whatever did

not happen, had it happened, what its result would have been.

�)ا '� � 2�� ;د\ وEI� Lب �`'�ت ر�� وI�)ن >� ا�"_>� � و�) P;ى إذ وV6)ا 8� ا��ر��. �� ا �/% >�� آ��)ا 'Vb)ن >� B6� و�) رد\وا �!�دوا �"� �/)ا 8�� وإ��/% ��Iذ�)ن

If thou couldst see when they are set before the Fire and say: Oh, would that we might return! Then

would we not deny the revelations of our Lord but we would be of the believers! Nay, but that hath

become clear unto them which before they used to hide. And if they were sent back they would

return unto that which they are forbidden. Lo! They are liars. [alQur’an 6:27-28]

** We cannot compare Allah’s knowledge to our own, as His goes so far beyond that of humans.

2. AL-KITABAH – THE WRITING

lt|L�� '�%� R�%�& �i��1 �� #*��"�V ��2 �i��1 �� I�.�J�� U��8�L� ��2 �� $�%� �� '�%� ��4 �$�%� �a �$��4 Do not know that Allah knows all that is in the Heaven and on earth? Verily, it is all in the Book.

Verily! That is easy for Allah. [alQur’an 22:70]

The Prophet �� explained that “Allah had written the ordained measures (and due proportions) of the

creation, fifty thousand years before the creation of the heavens and the earth and His ‘Arsh was on the

water” [Muslim].

73

3. ALLAH’S MASHEE’AH: THE WILL OF ALLAH

$CV��a5 �� 2 �$CV��C%�!��7� ��E�� 3�>�Z �� ;��C4 �$CE�%� �9�� '\%� U�� If Allah willed He would have made you one nation, but that He may test you in what He has given

you… [alQur’an 5:48]

4. AL-AMR – THE COMMAND

C��CE��2 ��CV �'�� [�C@�� 4 �� v �.�4 �1�� x�+��4 ��8�:�� Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, “Be!” and it is!

[alQur’an 36:82]

5. AL-KHALQ – THE CREATION

7GCV R�%�& ��j�� TU�� 7GCV ��d �'�%� mG��V�� TU�� Verily Allah is the creator of everything… [alQur’an 39:62]

** 2.5 of the pillars of al-Qadar belong only to al-Qadar.

2.5 of the pillars of al-Qadar belong to al-Qada’.

Allah’s Mashee’ah belongs to both.

Second Principle: Allah is the Creator of All Things 1. All creation falls under one of two categories: good (Al-Khayr, Al-Hasanah) and Bad

(Ash-Sharr, As-Sayyi’ah).

� ��:�CE�a ��8��4 �� S3�>��Wg� #��+�( ��2 �$�"�CV �� K��8�� $zEV�.�>�� C@�� m;��L�Z �$�)�!�u�a�� '\%� �>��& �� x�6��j � �C��

�� GCV �GC0 �=�>��& �� x�6��j � �C��C@�� m;��D �$�)�!�u�a ��>�Z ��)�@�c�� v��E�� f �?��@�� Uf�r��)�� 8�2 �'\%� �>��&~��-

Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortress built up strong and high!”

And if some good reaches them, they say, “This is from Allah,” but if some evil befalls them, they say,

“This is from you (O Muhammad ��).” Say: “All things are from Allah,” so what is wrong with these

people that they fail to understand any word? Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever

of evil befalls you, is from yourself. And We have sent you (O Muhammad ��) as a Messenger to

mankind, and Allah is Sufficient as a Witness. [alQur’an 4:78-79]

2. It is undisputable that all good is attributed to Allah. People have differed regarding whether the bad can be attributed to Allah or not. The belief of Ahl As-Sunnah is:

� We cannot generalize a statement affirming or negating that Allah wills bad specifically to exist.

� We cannot attribute evil to Allah; not as a Name, Action or Quality.

� To what is evil attributed in the Qur’an?

74

a. Evil is attributed indirectly to Allah because most evil is directly linked to human action.

� General statements affirm Allah as Creator of ALL things (including bad).

�< %I�� G. اZرض #" !� c%� ا@2)ى إ� ا�O�"�ء .O)�اه�� @AB @"�وات وه) C�� يE��ه) اGء 8� % �I�

He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as

seven heavens. And He is knower of all things. [alQur’an 2:29]

� The act of evil is mentioned in the passive voice.

وأ�� ري أ;e أر'� �"� .G ا�*رض أم أراد �/% ر�\/% ر�اAnd we know not whether harm is boded unto all who are in the earth, or whether their Lord intendeth

guidance for them. [alQur’an 72:10]

� It is mentioned as an act of one of His creations

C�� < ; �< From the evil of that which He created [alQur’an 113:2]

إذا >;Vf'(/. gh � وAnd when I sicken, then He healeth me [al-Qur’an 26:80]

* Ibrahim (as) attributed the illness to himself, and the healing to Allah.

�"OـI � '!"�)ن . ٱ�QB; .*ردت\ أن أB 8ہ� و g��I. M� V�O�آ�ن وراءه% >�E�*' i� آ�� أ>�� ٱ �Bj) M� V@)ا )٧٩;Voـ�� و TY �"/�أن ';ه �� fb. � �<_< Wن أ�)ا�I. %�ـT� )٨٠( وأ>�� ٱ

�/"� ر�\ہ"� � ;ا >�0� زآ)ة وأ6�B' رد�� أن*. �"K)٨١(;ب ر . �'2 " ��ـ" T� وأ>�� ٱ�t�ار .�Iن �2QP وآ�ن M�'�"�ۥ آ�= ��/"� وآ�ن أ�)ه"� uـQ�� .*راد ر�\i أن 'T�B� أ��ه"� و'b2O;#� آ�=ه"� ٱ

i0��ر �0< M"K أ>;ى و>� .!�2� ر�ا ۥ 8;Bu � ��8 AxOP %� )٨٢( ذٲ�P i*و'� >�

As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working on the river, and I wished to mar it, for there was a

king behind them who is taking every ship by force. And as for the lad, his parents were believers and we

feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. And we intended that their Lord should

change him for them for one better in purity and nearer to mercy. And as for the wall, it belonged to two

orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure belonging to them, and their father had been

righteous, and thy Lord intended that they should come to their full strength and should bring forth their

treasure as a mercy from their Lord; and I did it not upon my own command. Such is the interpretation

of that wherewith thou couldst not bear. [alQur’an 18:79-82]

*Al-Khidhr refers to himself when speaking about destroying the boat out of respect to Allah.

� The Qur’an refers to the thing that the evil befell.

75

�"Kر�\/"� � ;ا >�� زآ�ة وأ6;ب ر �"/��B' رد�� أن*. And we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in purity and nearer to

mercy. [alQur’an 18:81]

Logical possibilities for the existence of good and bad in creation: � 100% good

� More good than bad

� Bad and good are equal X

� More bad than good X

� 100% bad X

** There is ijma’ among the scholars of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah that all creation is either 100% good or

more good than bad.

� We cannot limit our view to this dunya when looking at Allah’s creation, but must look at “the big

picture”.

��6�� v��!�& �� GC0 ��:g>� �x�6�j ��2 ��L�Z�4 ��6�%�� $CE�(�. �C@�a ��5 R�2�� 8�:�� m;� �D �� '�%� �I�.�4�� m;��L�Z��+�(��u� #*��L�Z �+��( $�j�+�H�4

Say: O My slaves who believe! Observe your duty to your Lord. For those who do good in

this world there is good, and Allah's earth is spacious. Verily the steadfast will be paid

their wages without limit [alQur’an 39:10].

� Story: There once lived a king who had an advisor who was known to always say “Alhamdulillah”.

One day, the king cut his finger so that the entire upper half was no longer present. Upon seeing the

king’s deformed finger, the advisor proclaimed “Alhamdulillah”, infuriating the king, who

proceeded to sentence his advisor to prison. Upon entrance into his cell, the advisor once again said

“Alhamdulillah”. Thereafter, the king went on a hunting trip, lost track of time, and stumbled upon

land owned by neighboring pagans. The pagans captured him and were about to use the king as a

sacrifice when they caught a glimpse of his deformed finger, proclaimed him cursed, and released

him. The king immediately went to release his advisor from prison and told him of his excursion,

apologizing to his advisor for being angry with him. Out of curiosity, the king asked his advisor

what good he could possible find in having been kept in jail after committing no crime. The advisor

replied simply that, had he not been in jail, he would have been hunting with the king, and would

then have been sacrificed instead!

o The 1st lesson in the Holy Qur’an teaches us to constantly say “Alhamdulillah”:

� "��!�� رب ا �"Q� اPraise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds [alQur’an 1:1].

Why can’t we attribute the creation of evil (calamities and sin) to Allah? � Most evil is directly linked to human action.

� There is no absolute evil.

Which of these

possibilities exist in

Allah’s Creation?

76

Even Shaytan was righteous, then became evil. Ibn Taymiyyah believed that Allah raised Iblees to the

level of Angels as a reward for his righteousness.

**Iblees was with them (Angels), but not of them.

� There is no inherent evil… all evil is adventitious

The Prophet �� said, “Enmity and hatred between people will cease. Scorpions and snakes will not

be poisonous, and even children will play with snakes without being bitten… Wolves will be among

sheep like sheepdogs. The world will fill with religious unity like the cup fills with water. Nobody

but God will be worshipped. Nothing will be left of warfare and conflict” [Sunan Ibn Majah]. There will be no more evil at the end of days because there will only be righteous people present on Earth,

who will commit no sins to merit the presence of evil.

The Prophet �� said, “Then the Earth will become safe so that lions may graze with camels, tigers

with cows, wolves with sheep; and so that children may play with snakes without being harmed”

[Ahmad Ibn Hanbal].

What is the wisdom behind the existence of calamities and sinfulness (in relation to the Creator)?

Benefit of Evil to mankind (in relation to the creation) � Test and Trial

� ��"�c�� $�j�� 5 �C��C@�� 4 �CV�+�"�� 4 �y�� w|L�Z�4 Alif Lam Meem. Do the people think that they will be left alone because the say: “We believe,” and will

not be tested! [alQur’an 29:1-2]

�.�6�� '\%� ��V �� !�M�� N��8�� R�"�Z �'��%�& �$�":�4 �� R�%�& �A��r�8�� w�� R�%�& �$CE� �%�b�� '\%� ��V �� w��b� ��

��E��'\%��( � ��2 U��W�� '�%�Dg. �� !�"�9�� '\%� l$��& l+�H�4 �$CE�%�2 � �C@�"�a�� r�a �� '�%�D�.�� It is not (the purpose) of Allah to leave you in your present state till He shall separate the wicked from

the good. And it is not (the purpose of) Allah to let you know the Unseen. But Allah chooseth of His

messengers whom He will, (to receive knowledge thereof). So believe in Allah and His messengers. If ye

believe and ward off (evil), yours will be a vast reward [alQur’an 3:179].

� TARBIAH and Ta’deeb

��2 �'\%� �$CV�+�u�: �>�@�� $CE�a�+�-�V �$CE�"�!�9�&�4 �1�� #��Z �?�� S3�t�-�V ��B �� /�0��,�� $CE��& ��a �$�%�2��8�( �I�.�� $CE��%�& ��+�(�>g� $�"�� $CQ �/�!�Z�.

Truly Allah has given you victory on may battlefields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you

rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for

you, then you turned back in flight. [alQur’an 9:25]

� Prayer and turning to Allah. It is a call to humanity to repent.

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��+�V�6�� $�)�%� �� K �+�8�-� �� #��@�:�� A��L��( ��&�+�2 �[5 ��:�6�d�4 �>�@�� And indeed We punished the people of Fir’awn (Pharaoh) with years of drought and shortness of

fruits (crops, etc.), that they might remember (take heed). [alQur’an 7:130]

�� H�+�� $�)�%� �� +�!�V�J�� * �6� �� v R�:�v�J�� * �6� �� $�)��@��6�� And verily We make them taste the lower punishment before the greater, that haply they may return.

[alQur’an 32:21]

* This verse is a reminder for us to turn to Allah.

� Contemplation on others’ calamities to learn a lesson from them

�}�-�� '\%� �*�+�,�� <>� �. ��)C0��. ��)��a�J�� ;��8�bg� �;��5 �/�:��V �;��+�0 �'\%� ��)�0 �1�J�2 �'\%� �$� �:�J�( �K�+�c�E�2 S��E�� 7GCV ��

�� u�� :��V ��8�( ��M�� O��9�� y��! Allah put forth a similitude: a township that dwelt secure and well content, its provision coming to it in

abundance from every side, but it disbelieved in Allah's favours, so Allah made it experience the garb of

dearth and fear because of what they used to do. [alQur’an 16:112]

� Hastened punishment

f�� $CE��:��J�( �� f�� '�( �N�9�� ~U��D �G�8� �� *��"�E�� G�j�4 ��:��4 <t�u�: �f�� n�� '\%� ��v �� '�� >�9�� It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture

(Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find

any protector or helper besides Allah. [4:123]

Benefits of calamities for the Muslim � Raising of level and Atonement

� For any good a person was going to do, but calamity prevented him from it, he will still get

rewarded. Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Prophet (SAW) said, “for any trouble, illness, worry, grief hurt, or

sorrow which afflicts a Muslim, even the prick of a thorn, Allah removes in its stead some of his (minor) sins” [Bukhari, Muslim]

Regarding a person in life support: When a person is in a comma state he will receive reward for

every single good deed that he used to do regularly even if he is unable to it now. So when the

questioned was asked to sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen his comment was “why should you stop his reward

(ajr)”. During this status a person only receives rewards and no evil deeds.

Shaykh Uthaymeen said about life support that he doesn’t think you should take it off because we are

told that during sickness you are rewarded for the good deeds you used to do. So during life support

they get reward for 5 times salah, fasting if Ramadan, etc.

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A story of a very active brother: He used to help people and work for the sake of Allah continuously

without taking any break. Then once he got flu in his spine and became paralyzed. He was left in a

wheelchair. A brother came to visit him and found him very relaxed and his comment was that may be

Allah SWT wants him to take a break. So he engaged himself memorizing the Qur’an and within eight

(8) months he finished the whole Qur’an. And after two years he got cured, and was back in his feet

with a normal life again.

� Promise to be recompense with good in Dunya and greatly rewarded in Akhirah Narrated Abu Hurayrah (RA): The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Trials will continue to befall

the believing man and woman, with regard to themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allah with no sin on them.” [Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, classed as saheeh by al-Albaani]

And it was narrated that Jaabir said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “On the Day of

Resurrection, when people who had suffered affliction are given their reward, those who were

healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world.” [at-Tirmidhi]

� Reasons sinfulness is allowed to happen (with respect to the Kafir)

For non-believers it can be a reason to repent.

There is always good even in the tsunami

1. Believers go to Jannah 2. Disbelievers might repent 3. Humanity banded together to aid the victims

Third Principle: Allah’s Will (Mashee’ah) and Wisdom (Hikmah) are the reason behind all of His Actions. Will and Wisdom are based on His Knowledge.

��W�a �� <8��E�Z �<8��%�& ��V �'�%� �� '�%� U��W�� 4 �� But you cannot will, unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise. [76:30]

Everything Allah swt does is based on great wisdom and reason. This is affirmed in the Quran. Wisdom is

always related to knowledge. No one can understand the wisdom behind everything Allah swt does because no

one can encompass His knowledge. You will find that the attribute of knowledge $�%&'ا and the attribute of

wisdom $�()'ا come together in many verses:

�i�(�. �� U��W�: �� SK��H�.�v ��2�+�: �'��0 R�%�& �$��j �+�(�� j��a5 ��"�9�Z �i�%�a��l$��%�& l$��E�Z

And that was Our Proof which We gave Ibrâhim (Abraham) against his people. We raise whom We will

in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. [6:83]

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The innovators said that Allah SWT’s actions are only based on His Will. But we say: It is based on both His

Will and wisdom.

Major sects who deny Allah’s wisdom: ‘Ashayearh and Maturidiyah. One of their scholars said: “I know you are going to ask me that Qur’an is full of the word ‘wisdom’. This is because Allah did not find other words to describe” (wa nawoozu billah). Allah swt has attributed wisdom to Himself directly:

�.C6g�� a ��8�2 m;��( m;�8�E�Z Perfect wisdom (this Qur'ân), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not [54:5]

� The root for Hakeem comes from Haakim and Hikmah, which is ruler and wisdom. Allah swt has Great

Wisdom and is a Great Ruler. So Al-Hakeem means the All-Wise in His ruling.

� Allah swt has blessed righteous people with wisdom. He said about Dawood:

�*��b�M�� G�u�2�� ;�8�E�� x��a5�� '�E�%�� :�v�>�� We made his kingdom strong and gave him Al-Hikmah (Prophethood, etc.) and sound judgement in

speech and decision. [38:20]

� In other verses, Allah swt denies that he does anything without any purpose:

�� H�+�a �� $CE�:�4�� -�!�& �$CV��@�%�d ��8�:�4 �$�"�!|L��2�4 Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be

brought back to Us? [23:115]

� Ultimate Wisdom: Expressing what negates justice

��6�� CG� �9�: �?�4 �?�4 �I�.�J�� 2 ��>|L�c�8��V �K��u� �C%�8�&�� 5 ��V �A�@�"�8�� CG� �9�:�.��9Cc��

Shall We treatthose who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh IslâmicMonotheism) and do righteous good

deeds, as Mufsidûn(those who associate partners in worship with Allâh andcommit crimes) on earth?

Or shall We treat the Muttaqûn(pious), as the Fujjâr (criminals,disbelievers, wicked, etc)? [38:28]

� Use of many different forms of expressions to indicate ‘reason’ or ‘for’.

1. Laam al Taaleel: the letter ‘Laam’ in ‘Arabic means ‘for’ or ‘reason’.

�� /�@�%�d ��9�� :�p�� >�!� ��

And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [51:56]

2. ‘Min Ajl= because of’, used only once in relation to the story mentioned in the previous verses,

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�� G�H�4 �i��1 ��!�"�V R�%�& ��( �G��F �+�D�� '�:�4 �� 0�G�" �<L�c�: �+��( #��c�: ��4 Sv��L�2 ��2 �I�.�� 8�:�J�E�2 �G�"�0 �y�� < ��8�H �� j��Z�4 ��8�:�J�E�2 ��Z�4 �y�� < ��8�H

Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of

murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone

saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [5:32]

3. ‘La’alla’ = it might

��( $�j��:�6�d�4�� H�+�� $�)�%� �� * �6�

“…and We seized them with torment, in order that they might turn [from their polytheism to Allâh's

Religion.” [43:48]

4. ‘Kayy = for’: This term is used so many times in the Qur’an.

��N��a �� )��& �+�@�a ��V �i��C4 R�� =�� H�+�2

“… So We restored you to your mother, that she might cool her eyes and she should not grieve.”

[20:40]

5. Conditional expression (based on His ultimate knowledge)

��,�+� g� $�j�� "�� $�)� �8�D�4 �� $�)� �8�DJ�� <+��d �$�)��2 �'\%� �$�%�& �� Had Allâh known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen, and even if He had

made them listen, they would but have turned away, averse (to the truth). [8:23]

Thus anything happens to us we should be ‘certain’ that Allah made it happen for a reason or there is wisdom

for it to happen. We need to establish this fact in our heart.

Side Note

In *+�'أ.-ل ا, jurists distinguish between $()'ا �% or reason for a ruling, and $()'1)�0 ا or the wisdom behind the

ruling. For instance, if one is traveling, he is allowed to shorten his prayer. The reason for this concession is

traveling, and the wisdom behind it is to cause ease for the traveler. The same goes for fasting.

Ruling: shortening prayer Reason: traveling Wisdom: to generate ease

It is important to note however, that if the wisdom exists, the rule does NOT have to apply. But if the reason

exists, the rule then applies. For example, the wisdom behind hijaab is to protect Muslim sisters. If the sisters

are protected by some other means, the ruling of the obligation of hijaab doesn’t get lifted.

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Fourth Principle: Tawakkul in Allah while Taking the Means At-Tawakkul is an act of worship performed by the heart. It entails putting one’s trust and dependency in Allah while doing an action; knowing that the results are in the Hands of Allah and there is wisdom behind in it. Tawakkul also entails the knowledge that Allah will handle the matter on your behalf. It provides the heart with tranquility and contentment. Al-Akhd bil-Asbaab is striving to achieve the physical means. It is doing what it takes to make things happen and removing the hindrances that prevent them from taking place. Means only work by Allah’s will. They by themselves are not enough. It is possible that they won’t work. Is it

feasible to say that Allah swt will take away your thirst by Tawakkul? No, you have to seek the means.

� Means have actual effects, not imaginary.

Example: You put your trust in Allah that by using a knife, you ISA can cut an apple. The Ash’ariyyah

say that it is Allah who cut the apple, not the knife. The knife was just next to the apple. This is false.

� Means don’t have to be physical. Example: Du’aa’, Qur’an and Ruqya. Istikhaarah is the essence of tawakkul. It doesn’t mean that you have

to see a sign or something. It is asking Allah and putting your trust in Him that if there is good, He will

bless it. And if there is evil, He will remove it.

Metaphor: Power of Attorney: We feel relaxed when we have a good attorney or a good hospital. When we

are doing ‘tawakkul ‘aala Allah’ we feel most relaxed/content as we are depending on Him. We are certain that

Allah SWT is handling the matters in the right way.

Is your heart 100% content what his ء�!" and what he legislates?

When a misfortune happens, what’s your first response?

� Our actions can be: a. By Choice: Like lifting your hand

b. No Choice: Your heart and stomach muscles

� Matter by choice must be based on two Pillars: At-Tawakkul and taking precautions

� Tawakkul is made part of Eeman in Qur’an

��r�8�� G7V��"��%�2 �'\%� R�%�&�� “… And in Allâh (Alone) let believers put their trust.” [3:160]

� Why is there no direct command for Asbab alone? There are no direct verses in the Qur’an regarding asbab alone since it is common sense for the people. As

for ‘tawakkul’ Allah SWT wants us to know that we need to put our trust Him completely.

� Evidences that combine Tawakkul and action:

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"One day Prophet Muhammad (SAW), noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He

asked the Bedouin, 'Why don't you tie down your camel?' The Bedouin answered, 'I put my trust in Allah' The Prophet then said, 'Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah' [at-Tirmidhi]

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: Allah's Apostle said, '(There is) no 'Adwa (contagious disease). nor is there

any bad omen (from birds), nor is there any Hamah, nor is there any bad omen in the month of Safar, and one should run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion '' [Saheeh al-Bukhari,

Chapter on Medicine]

Relevant lessons from this hadeeth:

� “No ‘Adwa”: Here it means o Regarding contagions diseases, what this means is that it does not work alone by itself

o It starts by Allah’s command and only happens by the Will of Allah

o What this means is that Allah is the Cause of these things, and they do not spread by their

own or come from some source other than Allah.

o And it will only transfer if Allah wants it to.

� ‘Run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion’ means some one should avoid exposure to a contagious disease. This is related to taking precautions.

At-Tawaakul: This is just claiming dependency on Allah SWT without taking necessary means. This is not allowed. Example: Crossing a dessert without taking water. Umar (RA) prohibited that someone should do that. Why is Tawakkul one of the greatest acts of worship?

1. Tawakkul demonstrates the lack of human power, thus affirming tawheed arRuboobiyyah.

2. It also demonstrates the completeness of Allah’s power and knowledge, thus affirming tawheed al-

Asmaa’ was-Sifaat.

3. This is manifested in the following hadith:

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, "Shall

I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?'' I said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!''

Thereupon he (PBUH) said, "(Recite) `La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah).'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

4. What Allah wills takes place. What humans will only take place if Allah wills.

Fifth Principle: Free Will � With regards to matter involving free will, believing in Al-Qadar entails that actions emanate from

the combination of two sides. They are from Allah as He is the one who ordained the actions and

created all the necessary means, etc… They are from the human as he/she is the one performing the

action.

Confusion arises from people’s inability to distinguish between these two sides. People might think that Allah swt has ordained an action upon them. However, since Allah SWT’s knowledge is not accessible to us, we don’t know what Allah has written for us.

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Examples: � A young girl who did not wear hijab put an argument to sheikh Waleed. She said “Allah doesn't

want me to wear hijab.” Sheikh asked, “Did He tell you that?” “No, I'm not wearing hijab, so He

doesn't want me to wear it.” The sheikh told her, “Let's go to this store and buy a hijab. If you become

paralyzed or get struck by lightning along the way, then I will know Allah doesn't want you to wear

hijab.”

� We will be held responsible for how we used the faculties Allah swt gave us, for our actions that

we’ve done willingly. The prophet pbuh said: “The pen has been lift from the boy until he

reaches puberty, from the one who is asleep until he regains consciousness, and from the

insane until he regains sanity. [Ahmed]

� All of our actions that involve no choice are attributed to Allah � directly and completely. As for matters

of choice, Allah is the source of our actions but we are the ones performing the actions.

��W�a �� <8��E�Z �<8��%�& ��V �'�%� �� '�%� U��W�� 4 �� But you cannot will, unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise. [76:30]

�A�8�� g*�. �'�%� U��W�� 4 �� W�a �� And you will not, unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of the ‘Alameen (mankind, Jinn and all

that exists). [81:29]

� Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A strong believer is

better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but)

cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose

heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say : If I had not done that, it

would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your "if" opens the (gate) for the Satan. [Muslim]

� Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Allah is more pleased

with the repentance of a servant as he turns towards Him for repentance than this that one amongst

you is upon the camel in a waterless desert and there is upon (that camel) his provision of food and

drink also and it is lost by him, and he having lost all hope (to get tbat) lies down in the shadow and is

disappointed about his camel and there he finds that camel standing before him. He takes hold of his

nose string and then out of boundless joy says: 0 Lord, Thou art my servant and I am Thine Lord. He

commits this mistake out of extreme delight. [Muslim]

Since he didn’t intentionally mean to say “O Lord, Thou art my servant and I am Thine Lord”, he won’t

be held accountable for it.

We can’t claim anything about the future because we don’t know what is written in the preserved tablet.

Other verses regarding free will:

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�3�+�d� �>��+�� $CE�� :g>� �>��+�� $CE�� Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. [3:152]

<.�CE�W�� $�)�� D ��V �i��CJ�2 l��r�� j�� )�� D ��)�� R� �D�� 3�+�d� �v �.�4 �� And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. do righteous

deeds of Allâh's Obedience) while he is a believer, then such are the ones whose striving shall be

appreciated, thanked and rewarded (by Allâh). [17:19]

Sixth Principle: At-Tawfeeq and Al-Khudhlan

�w��:C4 �'�� /�%�V��a �'��%�& �'\%��( �f�� @��2��a �� …and my (Tawfeeq) guidance cannot come except from Allah, in Him I trust and unto Him I repent.

[11:88]

�A�%7V��"�8�� gw�� '\%� �� '\%� R�%�& �G�V��"�2 �/��N�& �1�p�2 �}�2 �'\%� �$CV�+�u�� 1 ��8�2 �$CE��C6�M�� $CE�� w�� $CV�+�u�� e�6�� r�8�� G7V��"��%�2 �'\%� R�%�&�� x�>� �(

…Then when you have taken a decision, put you trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their

trust (in Him). If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you (yakhdhulkum), who is

there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust. [3:159-160]

� Al-Hidayah is guidance

� Al-Khudhlan means to be left to oneself If Allah swt leaves you to yourself, this is because of His justice. And if he helps you out and grants you

Tawfeeq, that is because of His ultimate mercy.

Of the du’aa of the prophet pbuh: “O Allah, do not put them under my care, for I would be too weak

to care for them; do not put them in care of themselves, for they would be incapable of that, and do not put them in the care of men, for they would choose the best things for themselves.” [Abu Dawud]

Without the aid and support of Allah swt, we won’t be able to survive on our own. We have to acknowledge

and show your constant need for the aid of Allah swt. In every prayer you ask Allah swt “Guide us to the

straight path”. Aren’t you guided already? You ask Him to keep you on the straight path. If He leaves you to

yourself a blink of an eye, you won’t be able to survive…

gw�Z�4 ��9�L� �*�. �[��0 ��& ��+�u�a �f�� '�� :��&�>�� 8�� A�%�j��9�� CV�4�� )�� w�h�4 ��j�>��V He said:"O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn

away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and

deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorant." [12:33]

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"Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know

you in adversity. Know that what has passed you by was not going to befall you; and that what has

befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." [Ahmed]

Hidayah can be worldly or religious: � Worldly Guidance:

Related to all of creation, regardless whether they are human or not, Muslim or not. It based on the will

and wisdom of Allah (SWT). Everyone need this worldly guidance.

� Examples:

� Animals, birds migrate for thousands of miles and come back to the same spot.

� Killer Whale digs through the sand of the beach and eat from the isolated pocket of fresh water

containing fish and baby seals.

� Scientists and their discoveries in the fields of medicine and technology. If they fail, that is

Khudhlan.

� Allah swt either creates you with this guidance or you struggle to attain it and Allah swt facilitates it for

you.

� Religious Guidance: a) Hidayat Al-Bayan or Al-Irshad (guidance, education, explanation, information)

�v��8�Q ��4��$�j��>�)�2]�>�)�� R�%�& R�8� �� g!��"�D��2 “And as for Thamûd, We have guided them (showed and made clear to them the Path of Truth, but they

preferred blindness to guidance…” [41:17]

��Z��4 �i��6�V�� <Z��. �i�� *��"�E�� e�.�>�a �/�CV �� :�+��4 �� '�( e�>�)�: <.��: �x��%� �H ��E�� C��p��

�� U��W�: �� :�v��!�&#$��@�"�Lg� S� �+�h R�� e�>�)�"�� i�:��

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad SAW) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our

Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith. But We have made it (this Qur'ân) a light

wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are indeed

guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path. [42:52]

��D ��B �+�h �=�>�j�4 �� !�a��2 �i�a�J�� $�� $�%� �� :U��H �>�0 ��:�� /�(�4 �� "O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow

me. I will guide you to a Straight Path.” [19:43]

Hidayat At-Tawfeeq (favor, assistance, granting success)

�G��g� �� '�� 8�2 �'�%� �>�)�� And whomsoever Allâh guides, for him there will be no misleader. [39:37]

� Anas narrated: “The people of the tribes of Ril, Dhakwan, 'Usiya and Bani Lihyan came to the

Prophet and claimed that they had embraced Islam, and they requested him to support them with

some men to fight their own people. The Prophet supported them with seventy men from the Ansar

whom we used to call Al-Qurra'(i.e. Scholars) who (out of piety) used to cut wood during the day and

86

pray all the night. So, those people took the (seventy) men till they reached a place called Bi'r-Ma'ana

where they betrayed and martyred them. So, the Prophet invoked evil on the tribe of Ril, Dhakwan and Bani Lihyan for one month in the prayer.” [Al-Bukhari]

Even though the prophet pbuh made du’aa against them for 30 days, Allah swt willed that they be

guided and eventually they accepted Islam and died as companions. Allah swt says,

�� +�� i�� 8��X �$�)�:�p�2 �$�)�(�6� �� 4 �$�)��%�& �*��"�� 4 U

Not for you (O Muhammad SAW, but for Allâh) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to

(pardons) them or punishes them; verily, they are the Zâlimûn. [3:128]

� Contrast this with Abu-Talib, the uncle of the prophet pbuh, whom he tried to guide yet he died as a

kafir. Allah swt says,

U��W�� e�>�)�� '�%� ��E�� /�!�!�Z�4 �� e�>�)�a �� i�:�� Verily! You (O Muhammad SAW) guide not whom you like, but Allâh guides whom He wills. [48:56]

Another Opinion/Classification:

1. Worldly Guidance: related to animals, etc

2. Guidance in the Hereafter:

$�j�.��>�h ��2 �� &�N�:�� >�8�� C��0�� .��)�:�� $�)�"��a �� e�+�9�a �G� �� CV �� 6��)�� : �>�j e�6�� '\%�� e�>�"�)�� 4 f�� 4 � ��v��:�� ( ��(�. CG�D�. �KU��H �>�@�� '\%� ��: �>�j ��C%�8� �a �$�"�CV ��8�( ��j��8�"�Q�.�C4 C;��9�� $CE�%�a

And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all,

in the life of this world); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: "All the praises and thanks be to

Allâh, Who has guided us to this, never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allâh had guided

us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth." And it will be cried out to them: "This

is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do." [7:43]

��9�� +�h R�� $�j��>�j��2�$ “…and lead (guide) them on to the way of flaming Fire.” [37:23]

Stories of Tawfeeq:

� A brother in South Africa designated a 40X40 km piece of land as a waqf, so its revenue would go to

sadaqah. The government decided to build a highway in the area and bought a piece of it. The rest was

made into a service area and the proceeds go in support of over 14k students of knowledge… Subhaan

Allah. A sadaqah jaariyyah that Allah swt blessed.

� Every masjid has a copy of Riyaad isSaliheen by An-Nawawi. With the hundreds of books of hadith out

there, Allah swt gave tawfeeq for this particle one to be available almost everywhere.

� During the time of Imam Malik, other people were also writing their own Muwatta’s. Why did his survive

till this day while the others we don’t hear about? Imam Malik said: “Whatever is for Allah stays.”

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� Among the many explanations of sahih alBukhari “FatH ilBari” is the most famous one even though it had

many deficiencies in its publishing. Ash-Shawkaani said about it “there is no migration after al-FatH”

� Ibn Taymiyyah: why does every sect know him and take from his writings? He used to explain the deviant

sect’s theology first then refute it. The shiia used to bring their children to listen to his explanation of their

madhhab because he knew it better than they did. They also used to take them away before he proceeds

with his refutations!

Remember that the main element for Tawfeeq is Ikhlaas. May Allah swt grant us ikhlaas, and barakah.

Believers are always afraid of Khudhlan, they know that they can’t make it on their own…

Definition of Wisdom: the most common definition is putting things were they belong. That does not suffice it

though. Wisdom is putting things were they belong to meet the ultimate goal intended by the action.

Examples of wisdom: � When Mu’aawiyah ibn al-Hakam started to pray with the Prophet (pbuh), a man among the people sneezed

and said, “Al-hamdu Lillaah.” Mu’aawiyah said to him, “Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you).”

The people glared at Mu’aawiyah, denouncing him for speaking. He said: “May my mother be bereft of

me!” then they started to beat their hands on their thighs, indicating to him to be quiet, so he was quiet.

When the prayer was over, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) called him. Mu’aawiyah

said: May my father and mother be sacrificed for him. By Allah, he did not scold me or beat me or rebuke

me. He said: “This prayer should not include anything of people’s talk; rather it is tasbeeh (saying ‘Subhaan

Allah’ – glory be to Allah), takbeer (saying ‘Allahu akbar’ – Allah is Most Great) and reciting Qur’aan.”

[Muslim]

� Anas ibn Maalik reported: Whilst we were in the mosque with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), a Bedouin

came and started to urinate in the mosque. The companions of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Stop,

stop!” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Do not interrupt him;

leave him.” So they left him alone until he had finished urinating, then the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) called

him and said to him: “These mosques are not the place for urinating or for anything filthy, rather they are

for the remembrance of Allah, prayer and reading Qur’aan.” Then he told a man to bring a bucket of water

and he threw it over (the urine). [Al-Bukhari]

� For those 3 who stayed behind during the battle of Tabouk, why did the prophet pbuh forbid the people from

talking to them and forbid them from their wives, while the hypocrites were not punished at all? Boycotting

the hypocrites won’t bring about any benefit.

Lesson: Don’t boycott the sinners/innovators if doing so won’t bring about any benefit. However, don’t

participate in any haraam activities they do. Be wise; try to meet the ultimate goal you are aiming for.

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Seventh Principle: Can Qadar be changed?

� According to these references, it can.

�� $CE�@�%�d �'�%� �� CG�8��a �� <H ��4 �$CE�%� �H �$CQ S;�c�bg: �� $CQ #* �+�a �'�8�%� �( �� a �� R�-:C4 �� +�8� �� #+�8� g�� x�+�8�& �� @��i��1 �� #*��"�V ��2 �� lt|L�� '�%� R�%�&

And Allâh did create you (Adam) from dust, then from Nutfah (male and female discharge semen drops

i.e. Adam's offspring), then He made you pairs (male and female). And no female conceives or gives birth,

or (nor is a part cut off from his life , And no aged man is granted a length of life. but with His Knowledge

]:1135 [.that is easy for Allâh, Surely) MahfûzLauh AlAl(but is in a Book , )s life'another man

�� $CE�� +�c�� :C1�$CV�+�d�r�� $CE�( �'�%� �G�H�4 �� Rn8�Lg� #G�H�4 R�� 8�%� �a �$�"�CV�� +�d�r�� U��H �1�� "He (Allâh) will forgive you of your sins and respite you to an appointed term. Verily, the term of Allâh

when it comes, cannot be delayed, if you but knew." [71:4]

Ibn Kathir said that respite here means delaying their time.

� Anas ibn Maalik (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: “Whoever would like to have

his provision increased or his lifespan extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship.” [Al-Bukhaari]

� “Nothing increases one’s lifespan except righteousness and nothing repels the divine decree except du’aa’, and a man may be deprived of provision by a sin that he commits.” [Ibn Maajah]

� The Prophet (SAW) said, ''Allah then placed between the two eyes of every human a flash of light

showing their Eemaan and showed them all to Adam. Adam was awed by the sight of all these

countless numbers of beings with flashes of light between their eyes so he asked Allah, "0 Lord, who

are they?" Allah told him that they were all of his descendants. Adam then began looking closely at

one whose flash of light amazed him, then he asked who he was and Allah said, "That is a man

called Daawood from the last of the nations among your descendents." Adam then asked how old he

was and when Allah informed him that he was sixty, he said, "0 Lord, increase his age by taking

forty years from my age." But when Adam's life span reached its end and the angel of death came,

he said, "Is there not forty more years of my life still remaining?" The Angel replied, "Did you not

give them to your descendent Daawood?" Adam denied that he had done so and his descendants

denied their promise to Allah. Adam later forgot his covenant to Allah and so did his descendants and they all fell into error." [at-Tirmidhee]

�<��N�& �'�� >�9�: �$�� |L��2 CG�!�0 �� ?�v5 R�� :�>�)�& �>�@�� And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm

will-power (for disobedience). [20:115]

Ibn Habban related that Allah swt gave Adam those 40 years to live up to 1000 and Dawood was given 40

years. So the Qadar of Dawood’s lifespan was changed from 60 to 100.

Another group of scholars argue that it doesn’t change:

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�E� ��2 ��B�+�2 ��*��" We have neglected nothing in the Book [6:38]

R�L�� (�. zG�� #*��"�V ��2 ��(�. �>��& ��)�8�%�& �[��0 [Mûsa] said: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord is neither unaware nor He

forgets," [20:52]

“The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree (al-qadar) it would be the evil eye.” [Muslim]

Abdullah reported that Umm habiba, the wife of Allah's Apostle (pbuh), said: 0 Allah, enable me to

derive benefit from my husband, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and from my father

Abu Sufyan and from my brother Mu'awiya. Allah's Apostle (pbuh) said: You have asked from Allah

about durations of life already set, and the length of days already allotted and the shares of sustenances

which has been fixed. Allah would not do anything earlier before its due time, or He would not delay

anything beyond its due time. And if you were to ask Allah to provide you refuge from the torment of the

HellFire, or from the torment of the grave, it would have good in store for you and better for you also. [Muslim]

Maturidiyah Position: Everything changes. Some of the Hanafi Scholars are Maturidis.

Ash’ariyyah Position: Nothing changes.

Mainstream Position: Ahlus Sunnah: We gather and reconcile between all evidences.

Writing of al-Qadar in two different types books:

1. Al-Lawh Al-Mahfoodh: The Safe Tablet, a.k.a. Umm Al-Kitab: Mother of all Books

�*��"�E�� g?C4 �x�>��&�� /�!�-�� U��W�� '\%� ��8�� Allâh blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). And with Him is the Mother of the

Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz) [13:39]

a. Every single thing is written in this book. Nothing will be changed.

b. Other than this book, the items in other books can be affirmed or erased.

2. The Tablets with the Angels

a. The Taqdeer al'Umari: When the angel comes before a person’s birth and writes his life span,

livelihood, deeds and his status in the Hereafter (wretched or blessed).

b. The Annual Taqdeer, which occurs in the night of decree (lailatul-qadar in the month of Ramadan).

��E�Z #+��4 zGCV �s�+�c�� )��2#$ Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments. [44:4]

Ibn Abbas said that change happen in the last 2 books. He used to supplicate to Allah by saying: “If it is written

that I’m amongst the people of Hell this year, then erase it and make me among the people of Jannah.”

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What is the benefit of this: a. Witnessing the effect of good deeds

b. Things happen based on reasons.

alBadaa’ah ‘ala Allah: The Jews, Mu’tazilah, and Rafiddah say that something new appears to Allah then

based on that He changes His decree. This is totally unbefitting of the All-Knowledgeable.

Eighth Principle: Religion and Predestination do not Contradict

�+�� %�M�� '�� f�4 Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment… [7:54]

Creation (Khalq) is not the same as Command (Amr), Al-Qadar is not equivalent to Ash-Shar’

(Legislation), and Mashee’ah (Will) is not equal to Mahabbah (Love).

Some people see contradictions in the matter of al-Qadar, such as

� Allah commanded people to believe in Him, yet He made some people as ‘kafir’

� Alcohol, pig etc are made ‘haram/forbidden’ whereas these things are created by Him

The scholars of Islam divide these types of people in the following four (4) categories:

Group 1: Al-Mushrikiyyah (pagans): Al-Qadar = Ash-Shar’

� Everything that happens in the world is ordained and loved by Allah.

They said that Musa was mistaken when he claimed that Fir’awn is wrong; as if Fir’awn knew and did

what Allah swt wanted.

This group are like the pagans, Allah swt point them out in the Qur’an:

��h�+�M�� $�j �� #$�%�& �� i��6�( $�)�� $�j��:�>�!�& �� 8�Z�+� U�� C��0�� And they said: "If it had been the Will of the Most Beneficent (Allâh), we should not have

worshipped them (false deities)." They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but

lie! [43:20]

�C@�c:�4 �$�)�� G��0 �1�� +�c�V ��6�� [��0 �'�%� �$CE�0��. ��8�� 6�%�� 5 �'�8� �B�4 �'�%� U��W�� $� �b�:�4��2 �� $�":�4 ��

#A�!g� #[��%�, And when it is said to them: "Spend of that with which Allâh has provided you," those who disbelieve say

to those who believe: "Shall we feed those whom, if Allâh willed, He (Himself) would have fed? You are

only in a plain error." Meaning: Allah loved for them to be poor!!

Group 2: Al-Ibleesiyyah: Al-Qadar is other than Ash-Shar’ and Qadar contradicts the Shar’

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They blame Allah for their own actions and say how can Allah create something and then ask us not to do it.

Ash-Shar’ (legislation) Al-Qadar

Allah says do not fall for lust. He put lust in the heart of people.

He ordered us to lower our gaze. He created beautiful members of opposite sex.

So their attitude is like that of Iblees. Who when was rejected due to his disobedience said:

�$��@�"�L�8�� i�B �+�h �$�)�� >� �0�� "�� 4 ��8�!�2 �[��0 (Iblîs) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on

Your Straight Path. [7:16]

So he blamed Allah swt for his own disobedience. But in reality Allah swt did not force him to commit

disobedience and he had the choice to obey Allah swt.

Group 3: Al-Majoosiyyah: Al-Qadar and Ash-Shar’ are different. If (or when) they contradict,

then we must deny Al-Qadar. They say that Allah only wills that which is good. For any evil that happens, He didn’t will it nor create it nor

know about it. So there has to exist a god of evil that caused it. In this sense they are similar to the fire-

worshippers who believed in the duality of lordship.

Group 4: Ahl As-Sunnah: Al-Qadar and Ash-Shar’ are different, but not everything that Allah

Wills does He love. He allows things to happen that He may not Love, and He may Love things

that He may not allow to happen.

There are 4 possibilities:

1. Something He loves and He wills

You pray fajr today on time

2. Something He loves and doesn’t will

Everyone be muslim

3. Something He doesn’t love and wills

Existence of Shirk

4. Something He doesn’t love and doesn’t will

Me killing you today

Allah’s Will can be Shar’ee (legislative), Deenee (religious: things He loves) or Kawnee, a.k.a.

Qadaree (not related to love or dislike)

� Some acts are willed for the act itself. Other acts are willed for an end (other than itself).

So there are 2 types of Mashee’ah:

1. AlMashee’ah AlKawniyyah (Will related to what He creates). This doesn’t have to do with love.

Examples include the time of sunset, the color of your skin, etc. This category also includes what He has

permitted to existed of that which He doesn’t love, like kufr, etc.

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2. AlMashee’ah AlShar’eeyah (Will related to what He legislates). It is related to what Allah loves and

likes whether it takes place or not. The acts of obedience taking place by Allah’s creation are loved by

Allah and are passed by His universal will. but not everyone is obedient to Allah, so even though Allah

loves for those to take place, it does not necessarily take place.

Refuting people who claim that they are sinning because of Qadar: 1. All our actions take place by our decisions and our own determination.

2. Iblees and the Kuffar used their argument and Allah didn’t accept it from them.

3. Our actions that we chose are our own actions. You can’t say that Allah swt is the one who killed, stole,

etc. Extreme Sufis say Allah does everything and is everything. They claim, and Allah swt is free from

what they say:

و�� ا= إ5 راه8 ;: آ��9 �� ا')%8 وا'�6�7 إ5 إ'�3�

The dog and the pig are our only our ilaah, and Allah is only a monk in a church!

Be He Glorified and Exalted above (all) that they attribute to Him.

If that is the case, then we don’t need Sharee’ah nor courts… They use the following hadith incorrectly:

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to

Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father who disappointed us and turned us out of Paradise.' Then

Adam said to him, 'O Moses! Allah favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He

wrote (the Torah) for you with His Own Hand. Do you blame me for action which Allah had

written in my fate forty years before my creation?' So Adam confuted Moses, Adam confuted

Moses," the Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times. [Al-Bukhari]

How do Ahlus-Sunnah understand this hadith? Musa was not blaming Adam for eating from the tree,

but for leaving Jannah and going down to earth. This is considered a calamity, and we are allowed to use

Qadar as a reason for calamities. For example, if you were given a trust and you lose it because of

negligence, you are held liable. But if a calamity happened and it got lost because of the calamity, you

are not held liable and don’t have to return it.

Allah wrote that he (Adam) will go down to earth. If someone says this is connected to eating from

the tree, here is the response: you are allowed to use Qadar as a reason if you have repented from a sin.

However, you are not allowed to use Qadar to justify an ongoing sin.

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Ninth Principle: Belief in Al-Qadar is part of Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah, Al-Ilahiyyah, and Al-Asma and As-Sifat Ar-Ruboobiyyah: Qadar is based on Allah’s will, command, and creation of all things.

Al-Ilahiyaah (worshipping Allah alone): Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in ArRisaalah AtTadmuriyah that a

believer needs Tawakkul for his actions and Patience to stay persistent and face calamities, both of which are

acts of worship.

Al-Asma and As-Sifat: there are Eight (8) attributes of Allah SWT related to al-Qadar.

1. Knowledge 2. Capability

3. Wisdom 4. His Will

5. Justice 6. Writing

7. Talking 8. Creating

Benefits of Belief in Al-Qadar

1. Peace of mind Knowing that Allah swt is looking after you. As the prophet pbuh said: “…Know that what has passed

you by was not going to befall you; and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by.”

[Ahmed]

2. Your concern is not so much wit the past or future. Your main concern is your present actions.

3. It gives you the will power and determination to go forward in the way of Allah.

4. It teaches you to be modest and humble. Contrast that with the arrogance of Qaroon and what happened to him. On the other hand, the prophet

pbuh told Bilaal who had some dates in store: “Spend (for the sake of Allah), and don’t fear abatement

from the Lord of the Throne.” [AlHaithami]

Ibn alQayyim mentions that the misers live like the poor and are reckoned like the wealthy.

Story: A cheap person went for a swim one day. A big wave came and he was about to drown. One of his

friends came to the rescue and said, “Give me your hand.” The miser retracted his hand and did not give.

His friend then told him, “Take my hand.” He took his hand and was saved!

5. Leads to total dependence upon Allah. You take precautions; do as much as you can and then

depend upon Him.

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Chapter Six: Belief in the Last DayChapter Six: Belief in the Last DayChapter Six: Belief in the Last DayChapter Six: Belief in the Last Day

Belief in the Last Day is one of the Pillars of Eeman. A person is not a Believer without belief

in this Pillar.

�� i�� [�N:C4 ��8�( ��r�� 6�� 0�� $�j �3�+�d��(�� i�%�!�0 �� [�N:C4

And who believe is what has been sent down to you (Muhammad ��) and in [the Books] which were sent

down before you and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. [2:4]

What does Belief in the Day of Judgment Entail? � Belief that there will be another life after this one. There will be a Judgment Day with recompense in

Al-Jannah (Paradise) or An-Nar (Hellfire). The Qur’aan can be divided into three major subtopics: 1/3 about the hereafter, 1/3 about Allah swt and 1/3

consisting of rules/laws. Allah swt has mentioned that believing in Him entails believing in the hereafter.

This is why both, mention of Allah swt and the hereafter, are usually combined. Aisha is reported as saying

that the first revelations that came to the Prophet were concerning the hereafter. This is because firm faith

had to FIRST be established in the hearts of the Muslims, before any rigid rules or laws were sent down by

Allah swt.

Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq

came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" 'Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you!

What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She

said,"Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite

it with its Suras not in proper order." 'Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read

first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in

it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal

and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.'

people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not

commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never giveup illegal sexual

intercourse.' While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to

Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour

will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The

Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then 'Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the

man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order). [Bukhari]

Also many ahadith begin: “Whoever believes in Allah and the hereafter…” It is written as such because on

that Day you shall meet the One you believe in.

Effects of Belief in the Last Day: � Demonstrates the completeness, greatness, and uniqueness of Allah’s Names and Attributes.

95

One of the attributes of Allah swt that is mentioned when learning about the Day of Judgment is His

attribute of Mercy. He, Allah swt, is the All Merciful, Ar-Rahman.

"Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and

sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion,

so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

� Increase in the love for meeting Allah in the hearts of the believers.

� Establishes fear from Allah If we were to live our lives with no goals, we would inevitably come to a point where we would feel

useless. When we place in front of us a goal, we live our lives in an attempt to reach that goal and be

successful in attaining our goal. The greater our goal is, the harder it is to block. So think about Jannah,

an abode that is wider than the Heavens and the Earth and all that is between then. There is nothing that

blocks our goal of Jannah from us. The only way we would be able to block it out is if we ourselves

blocked it from our sight or plainly turned away from it.

� Aids a Muslim in hastening towards good deeds.

“And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to Miskin (poor), the orphan,

and the captive. (Saying): "We feed you seeking Allâh's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor

thanks from you. Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces

look horrible (from extreme dislikeness to it)." [76:8-10]

The people in the above verse in fear of the Day of Judgment hasten to do good deeds (in spite of

how hard it may be for them). The first part of the verse may be understood in two ways:

1. They love to feed people.

2. They give from the best (loving) food.

When there is the option (as there is in the above verse) to combine both opinions into the best

explanation, we should do so. So the ayah should be understood as:

3. They love to give from (loved) food.

� Aids in patience and perseverance in doing good. When we understand that on this Day we will be rewarded for every good deed we bring forth, it will

aid us in performing more good deeds. It is not always easy to continually perform good deeds and

refrain from bad deeds, but when we know that we will be rewarded (or punished) for the deeds we

commit, it aids us in remaining patient and perseverant.

� Aids in patience in abstaining from wrong. If we were to act fearing no accountability for our actions, how easy would it be to continuously sin?

NO. We know that the Day of Accountability is near and for this reason we refrain from sinning. We

fear the Day in which Allah swt will bring us to account for every sin we have committed. This is only a

product of our awareness of the Day of Judgment.

� Aids in patience during times of hardship. An-Nasai (third most authentic hadith book) reported: In the time of the Prophet there was a young kid

who was very active and would even climb up on the shoulders of the Prophet. One day the Prophet did

not see the kid and his father. He was told that the son had died. The Prophet told the father that He can

96

make Dua that Allah revives the son to stay with him until his death or he can be patient and the son will

come on the day of Judgment to take him into Jannah from any of the doors that he wills.

� Establishes asceticism (Zuhd) towards matter of this life. When we read Surah Fatihah in every Salah, it is a reminder of the Day of Judgment. Allah swt says in ayah

”.the Owner of the Day of Judgement…“�ـ%C �-م ٱ'?<�� :3

The only way to live a content and satisfied life is with the hereafter in mind. If the thought of it encompasses

every day of your life, you will not stress over the affairs of the dunya. For example if someone wrongs you,

you forgive him or her. In turn, you await the forgiveness of Allah swt; because it is He who is the Most

Forgiving. The only way to live is to live while thinking about the hereafter.

Prophet (S) said: "Whoever sets this world as his goal, Allah divides his affairs for him. He will place

poverty between his eyes, and nothing will come to him from this world except what Allah has written

for him. Whoever sets the Hereafter as his goal, Allah gathers his affairs for him, gives him richness of

the heart and the world will come to him grudgingly and submissively." [Ibn Majah & Ibn Hibban]

Some Names of the Last Day: In the Arabic language, when things are important they are given many names. For this reason,

the Day of Judgment is given many names in Arabic.

� Yawm Al-Ba’th: Day of Resurrection

� Yawm Al-Qiyamah: Day of Standing

� Yawm Ad-Deen: Day of Recompense

� Yawm Al-Hisab: Day of Judgment

� Yawm An-Nushoor: Day that people come from the Graves

� As-Sakhah: � At-Tamah Al-Kubra: The Great Calamity

� Yawm Al-Hasrah: Day of Regret

� Yawm At-Tanad: The Day people shall Call upon each other

� Al-Qar’iah: The Loud Voice

� Al-Waqi’ah: � Al-Haqah: The Reality

� Yawm Al-Fasl: Day of Solving Disputes

� Yawm Al-Jam’: Day of Gathering

� Yawm Al-Khulood: Day of Infinity

� Yawm Al-Wa’eed: Day when promises shall be fulfilled

� Yawm Al-Khurooj: Day of coming (out from the graves)

� Al-Azifah: The Very Close Day

� Dar Al-Qarar: Abode where people shall settle

� As-Sa’ah: The Hour

Scholars of ‘Aqeedah include the following sub-topics under this subject: � The End of Time (Apocalypse) and its Signs

� Death, the Soul, and Life in the Grave

� Resurrection

� The Day of Judgment

� Paradise and Hellfire

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The Hour � No one knows when the Hour will come.

� أ��ن ��G'ٱ � CH-%ـG��3JK �3Jذآ �� H3� ;�$ أJہ�� C>Oإ' ر

“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour, - when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to

say anything about it. To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof? [79:42-44]

��-��Y�% &�� ,�Z#�� [3�4 ��3/6) 79:45(

“You (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) are only a Warner for those who fear it.” [79:45]

ibn masud: prophet met ibrahim, musa, and isa. he asked ibrahim, musa and they didn’t know. they all then

asked isa and he said: I have no ilm about it. Allah has told me that ad-dajjal emerges…I will be sent down…

� The Hour is near.

�+�8�@�� W: �� C;�&��L� �/�(�+�"�0 o+�8�"�Lg� l+��D �C��C@�� ,�+� �� ;��5 ��+�� “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder (the people of Makkah requested

Prophet Muhammad SAW to show them a miracle, so he showed them the splitting of the moon).And if

they see a sign, they turn away, and say: "This is continuous magic." [54:1-2]

Narrated Sahl bin Sad: I saw Allah's Apostle pointing with his index and middle fingers, saying. "The time of

my Advent and the Hour are like these two fingers." [Bukhari]

This could mean that the difference between the two is like the difference between the middle finger and the

index finger or the difference between the lengths of each.

� The Hour falls on a Friday.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that

day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown and on that day all of creation will swoon. So

send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “O

Messenger of Allah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to

dust?” He said, “Allah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be

upon them.” [Abu Dawood]

In general, the names can be classified into two categories:

1) The Last Day when a person dies; this is a minor Day of Judgment.

2) The Last Day when all of mankind shall be gathered before Allah swt, the Most High.

Some comment about a ‘middle hour’. There is an Hour for each generation, when everyone in the

generation dies. The first generation ended with the beginning of the Khilafah of Ali ibn Talib died. Most

people were tabi ‘een during his Khilafah. The second generation died during ‘Umar ibn Abdul ‘Aziz’s

khilafah.

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Throughout time, people have claimed: “The time we’re living in is the time of the Day of Judgment!”

Nowadays we make the same claim in our conversations. But we have to understand that the way we feel now

(about the approach of the Last Day), people hundreds of years ago felt the same way. Imam Suyuti wrote a

book, "Q'Rا ��Rا STوزة ه�W� � QX('ا" . In it he predicted that the Day of Judgment would occur between 1200-

1500 Hijri. There is no proof for this though. Since this is a part of Aqeedah, they have to provide some proof

from the Prophet.

The Signs of the Day of Judgment

The Signs are classified into Major Signs and Minor Signs What is the difference between major sign and minor signs? Major signs are visible to everyone. They will

be so great that no one can claim they have not witnessed a major sign. Everyone will in some way deal with

the major signs. For example, when Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj come, everyone present will be affected by their

arrival. The minor signs are not as recognizable. The signs will be present but they will not be clear signs. Not

everyone will notice them (as everyone would notice the major signs). For example, one of the signs of the Day

of Judgment is that people will only say salaam to their friends. This is a minor sign, which we see occurring

now. Though it occurs, it is not a distinguishable sign, so not everyone notices it.

The major and minor signs can mix in their occurrence as well. Most people believe that all the minor signs will

occur before the major signs, but this is not true. The minor can occur after the major.

A) The Minor Signs: There are in 3 categories:

1. Signs that appeared and are gone

2. Signs that are continuously happening

3. Signs that will come in the future

List of Signs

1. The disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance (Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, &

Ahmad).

2. Books/writing will be widespread and (religious) knowledge will be low (Ahmad).

3. Adultery and fornication will be prevalent (The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that this has never

happened without new diseases befalling the people, which their ancestors had not known.) (Bukhari,

Muslim, Ibn Majah, & Al-Haythami).

4. When fornication becomes widespread among your leaders (The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that

this will happen when the people stop forbidding evil) (Ibn Majah).

5. Adultery and fornication will be performed in the open.

6. The consumption of intoxicants will be widespread (Bukhari & Muslim).

7. Women will outnumber men. (Bukhari, Muslim, & Ahmad).

8. Killing (Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, & Ahmad).

9. The nations of the earth will gather against the Muslims like hungry people going to sit down at a table

full of food. This will occur when the Muslims are large in number, but "like the foam of the sea.”

10. People will beat others with whips like the tails of oxen (Muslim)

11. The children will be filled with rage (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

12. Children will be foul (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

13. Women will conspire (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

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14. Rain will be acidic or burning (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

15. Children of fornication will become widespread or prevalent (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

16. When a trust becomes a means of making a profit (at-Tirmidhi, Al-Haythami).

17. Gains will be shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor (at-Tirmidhi).

18. Paying zakat becomes a burden and miserliness becomes widespread; charity is given reluctantly (at-

Tirmidhi & Al-Haythami).

19. Miserliness will be thrown into the hearts of people (Bukhari).

20. Episodes of sudden death will become widespread (Ahmad).

21. There will be people who will be brethren in public but enemies in secret (He was asked how that

would come about and replied, "Because they will have ulterior motives in their mutual dealings and at

the same time will fear one another.") (at-Tirmidhi).

22. When a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother; and treats his friend kindly while shunning his

father (at-Tirmidhi).

23. When voices are raised in the masaajid (at-Tirmidhi).

24. People will walk in the marketplace with their thighs exposed.

25. Great distances will be traversed in short spans of time.

26. The people of Iraq will receive no food and no money due to oppression by the Romans (Europeans)

(Muslim).

27. A tribulation will enter everyone’s home (Ahmad).

28. The leader of a people will be the worst of them (at-Tirmidhi).

29. Leaders of people will be oppressors (Al-Haythami).

30. People will treat a man with respect out of fear for some evil he might do (at-Tirmidhi).

31. Men will begin to wear silk (at-Tirmidhi).

32. Female singers and musical instruments will become popular (at-Tirmidhi).

33. When singers become common (Al-Haythami).

34. When the last ones of the Ummah begin to curse the first ones (at-Tirmidhi).

35. People will claim to follow the Qur'an but will reject hadith & sunnah (Abu Dawood).

36. People will believe in the stars (Al-Haythami).

37. People will reject al-Qadr (the Divine Decree of Destiny) (Al-Haythami).

38. Time will pass rapidly (Bukhari, Muslim, & Ahmad).

39. Good deeds will decrease (Bukhari).

40. Smog will appear over cities because of the evil that they are doing.

41. People will be carrying on with their trade, but their will only be a few trustworthy persons.

42. A man will pass by a grave and wish that he was in their place (Bukhari).

43. Earthquakes will increase (Bukhari & Muslim).

44. There will be attempts to make the deserts green.

45. The appearance of false messengers (30 dajjals) (Bukhari).

46. Women will be naked in spite of being dressed, these women will be led astray & will lead others

astray (Muslim).

47. The conquest of Constantinople by the Muslims (Ahmad).

48. The conquest of India by the Muslims, just prior to the return of Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon

both of them) (Ahmad, an-Nisa'i, at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

49. When people begin to compete with others in the construction of taller buildings (Bukhari).

50. There will be a special greeting for the people of distinction (Ahmad).

51. The Euphrates will disclose a treasure (The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that whoever is present

should not take anything from it) (Bukhari & Muslim).

52. Two large groups, adhering to the same religious teaching will fight each other with large numbers of

casualties (Bukhari & Muslim).

53. Wild animals will be able to talk to humans (Ahmad).

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54. A man will leave his home and his thigh or hip will tell him what is happening back home (Ahmad).

55. Years of deceit in which the truthful person will not be believed and the liar will be believed (Ahmad).

56. Bearing false witness will become widespread (Al-Haythami & Ahmad).

57. When men lie with men and women lie with women (Al-Haythami).

58. Trade will become so widespread that a woman will be forced to help her husband in business

(Ahmad).

59. A woman will enter the workforce out of love for this world (Ahmad).

60. Arrogance will increase in the earth (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim).

61. Family ties will be cut (Ahmad).

62. There will be many women of child-bearing age who will no longer give birth.

63. There will be an abundance of food, much of which has no blessing in it.

64. People will refuse when offered food.

65. Men will begin to look like women and women will begin to look like men.

66. Decoration of masaajid

67. Riba will be widespread

68. The people will only remember their ancestors saying the shahada

69. Knowledge taken out of hearts of believers

70. Adaanab al baqr – hitting (imprisoning) religious people

71. A woman will travel without mahram

72. Woman gives birth to her master

73. Destruction of ka’bah

74. Adultery will be common

75. People will enter the masjid and not pray 2 rakats

76. The hilaal will be bigger The Nile will vanish and mountain of gold will appear in it

77. A man from Qahtan will lead people with his stick/bad thing

78. A man from Abyssinia will destroy the ka’bah and steal the gold

79. Khamr will be very popular

80. A plague will appear in medina (already appeared in 18 hijri

81. 2 fights will happen between the Muslims (Mu’awiyah and ‘Ali)

82. Many malls

83. Disappearence of alQuran

B) The Major signs:

On the authority of Hudhayfah Al-Ghifari that he said, “The Prophet found us while we were

talking about the Hour. He asked, ‘What are you discussing?’ We said, ‘We are speaking of the

Hour.’ He said, ‘It will not be established until you have seen before you ten signs: The Smoke, the

Dajjal, The Beast, The Rising of the Sun from its setting place; The Descent of Jesus, Son of Mary;

Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj; three landslides; a landslide in the East, a landslide in the West, and a

landslide in the Arabian peninsula; and the last of those is a fire which will emerge from Yemen,

driving people to their gathering place.’” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Majah]

It is known that all the major signs are mentioned in one hadith. We do not know the exact sequence of the 10

Major signs. We do know that there are certain signs that will come after another. We know that ad-Dajjal will

come before ‘Eesa. The Prophet also said that the sun rising from the West would be the first sign. Ibn Hajir

comments that some of the major signs are related to the sky and the universe and others to humans. For the

universe, the sun rising in the West is the first sign. As related to humans, the first sign is the emergence of the

ad-Dajjal.

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“Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjaal, the beast and (the death) of one of you or the general turmoil.” [Muslim]

�(�. �K��5 �� ( ��a�J�� ?�� i�(�. �K��5 �� ( ��a�J�� 4 �ig(�. ��a�J�� 4 C;�E�F_�8�� $�)��a�J�a ��4 �f�� +C�� G�j ��c�� f �i��+��"�� :�� +��": �GC0 <+��d ��)�:�� 2 �/�!�L�V ��4 CG�!�0 �� /��5 ��CE�a �$�� )�:�� <L�c�:

“Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come,

or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., arising of the sun from the

west)! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he

believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you!

we (too) are waiting." [alAn’am:158]

Key Points in Understanding the Signs of the Hour

1. The Emergence of Ad-Dajjal (The False Messiah) Ad-dajjal is NEVER mentioned in the Qur’aan. Why? He is not mentioned in the Qur’aan because he

does not deserve to be mentioned by Allah swt. Ad-Dajjal will claim ruboobiyyah. He will claim to be

the Creator and the Nourisher. Even Fir’aun, the evilest of men, never claimed ruboobiyyah; he only

claimed uloohiyyah. He did not claim that he created the Egyptians. He only ordered them to bow down

to him. Ad-Dajjal claims that he is the Creator as well.

Allah swt made the fitn of Ad-Dajjal the greatest of His fitn.

The Prophet has said: "With him (ad-Dajjal) will be a paradise and a hell, but his hell (fire) will be

paradise and his paradise will be hell (fire)" [alMuslim]

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said: "No prophet was ever sent but he warned his nation aout the one-

eyed liar; he is one-eyed but your Lord is not one-eyed, and between his eyes it is written 'kaafir'." [Agreed Upon]

Why did the previous messengers warn their people about the Dajjal, if their people would not face him?

They warned their people because Allah swt had not told them when the Dajjal would appear and to

whom he would appear.

It has been reported that before the coming of ad-Dajjal, there will be no rain descending upon the Earth.

It will stop raining. It will first stop raining by less than a half, then less than 2/3, etc. The saying of:

Subhanallah, alhamdulilah and allahu akbar will nourish the mu’mineen in their hunger. Then Ad-

Dajjal will arrive. He will go to a desolate village, impoverished by the lack of rain, and will call on the

clear sky: Fall. And the rain will begin to fall (after a long period of drought). The he will tell the

dry land to: Produce. And vegetation will come forth from the previously dry land. There will be people

that will fight him and the strongest against him is tribe of Tamim. He will not be able to enter four

places: Makkah, Madinah, Masjid alAqsa and Masjid Toor. He will first claim prophecy and then

claim Lordship.

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One should try to migrate to Makkah or Madinah, as he will not be able to enter these two holy cities. Thus one will be protected from his fitna. [Muslim]

There is no city that the Dajjal will not enter, except Makkah and Madinah. There is no mountain

pass within these two cities, which do not have angels surrounding it and guarding it. He will

camp in one of the barren tracts, and Madinah and its inhabitants will be shaken by three earthquakes; whereupon every kaafir and hypocrite in the city will go out to join him." [Agreed

Upon]

When ad-Dajjal attempts to approach Madinah, the closest he will reach is upon the top of a mountain.

From here, all he will be able to see is a white palace. This will be the Masjid of the Prophet.

Ad- Dajjal will make a stop at a place called Markanat, near Taif. On hearing about his arrival

the womenfolk will rush towards him, the men will be forced to tie their mothers, daughters, and sisters fearing they will believe in him and get caught up in fitna. [Ahmad]

Narrated Anas: "Ad-Dajjal will be followed by seventy thousand Jews of Ispahaan, wearing

cloaks." [Muslim]

On hearing about ad-Dajjal a true believer will head towards him. However, on the way he will be

stopped by Dajjal's soldiers and asked where he is intending to go. Replying that he is going to

meet the person who claims that he is Allah, the soldiers doubting him will ask, ''Do you not

believe in our Lord (Dajjal)?'' He will reply there is nothing hidden about our Lord Allah so how

can I take Dajjal as my Lord. Angry at his reply they will decide to kill him. But all of a sudden

one of them will say, ''Hasn't our Lord (Dajjal) prohibited us from killing anyone without his

permission?" Thus they will take him to the Dajjal. On seeing the Dajjal he will shout, "O people

this is the Dajjal the Prophet mentioned and warned the believers of". Dajjal will order to kill

him. He will be placed on his belly and severely beaten. He will be asked, "Do you still not believe

in him?" "No! You are the lying Dajjal" he will reply. The true believer will then be sawn into two

pieces, the Dajjal will walk in between the two pieces and address him, "Stand up." The true

believer will become alive and stand up in one piece. Yet again he will be asked, "Do you now

believe in me?" He will reply, "It has only added to my insight concerning you that you are really

the Dajjal." The believer will then proclaim, "O people he will not be able to do anything to any

man after me." The Dajjal angry at his refusal will grab hold of him and place a knife between his

neck and throat to slaughter him but he will be unsuccessful as Allah will place copper in that

area and the knife will find no way to penetrate. The Dajjal will grab hold of his hands and legs

and throw him into the fire. However, the fire will turn into a pleasant garden for him. This

person will be the greatest martyr in the eyes of Allah and achieve the highest position due to his first death, which was caused by severance of the body in two pieces. [Muslim]

The Prophet said that the Dajjal will come when he is not mentioned in the Khutbah’s anymore.

The fitn of ad-Dajjal is so great that the Prophet would ask Allah swt in every Salah to protect him from the fitn

of ad-Dajjal. With all this power, the Prophet said that on his forehead will be written: ك ف ر[Muslim]. He will

have one functioning eye. The other eye will be blind. It will be hanging and will be small, like he size of a

raisin. Though people know this description of Ad-Dajjal, they will still follow him. This is how great his fitn

will be.

What will protect us from the Ad-Dajjal?

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1) Allah swt will protect us from the fitn of Ad-Dajjal, if we memorize the ten ayaat of Surah alKahf.

"Whoever memorizes the first ten verses of Surah Kahf will be safe from the Dajjal's Fitnah" [Muslim]

2) When we hear of him, we should run away. This will protect us from his fitn. We should not take it

upon ourselves to challenge him; even if we think we are capable. This teaches the believer a lesson.

Anytime we witness a fitnah, we should not challenge it. We should stay far away from it. It is important

we protect ourselves from the harm of the fitnah. "Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far

from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a believer, but on seeing his amazing feats he will become his follower." [Abu Dawud]

The Prophet would pray in every Salah, "Oh Allah protect me from the punishment of the grave and

protect me from adDajjal's fitna." [Bukhari / Muslim] Taawoos is of the opinion that the salah of one

who does not seek refuge in every Salah from the fitnah of adDajjal (as the Prophet would), his Salah is

to be considered incomplete.

There was a Jewish boy named Ibn Sayyid during the Prophet’s time. He was a peculiar infant with one

eye. The Prophet went to investigate him to see whether he was Ad-Dajjal or not. One time, the boy was

sleeping and the Prophet was watching him. The boy’s mother saw this and told her son to wake up

because the Prophet was watching. Then the Messenger said: 'If only she had left him alone, the

matter would have become clear'. [Muslim]

2. The Descent of ‘Eesa ��

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“And he ['Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour

(Day of Resurrection) [i.e. 'Iesa's (Jesus) descent on the earth][] . Therefore have no doubt

concerning it (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And follow Me (Allâh) (i.e. be obedient to Allâh and

do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path (of Islâmic Monotheism,

leading to Allâh and to His Paradise.” [al-Quran 43:61]

When ‘Easa comes, the Muslims will be fighting Ad-Dajjal. He will come down in Damascus during

the time of Fajr.

Jabir reports the Prophet as saying: "A party of my followers will not cease to fight for victory

until the Day of Resurrection. He said, then Isa, son of Maryam, will come down. Their Imaam

(alMahdee) will say, "Come and lead our prayer" He (Isa) will reply, "Some of you are rulers over others on account of divine honor upon these people." [Muslim]

On seeing prophet ‘Eesa, Imaam Mahdi will take a couple of steps backwards so Prophet ‘Eesa can

lead the prayer however Prophet ‘Eesa will place his hands on the Imaam's shoulder and will say,

''Go forward and lead the prayer as the Iqamah was made for you'' thus Imaam Mahdi will lead the prayer. [Ibn-Majah]

He will pray behind Imam Mahdee. It is an honor for the Ummah of Muhammad that ‘Eesa (a

prophet of Allah swt) will pray behind a follower of Muhammad. AdDajjal will attack the Muslims

but when he sees Isa he will run away. Isa will follow him to Baab Lud.

104

Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Prophet spoke about the descent of 'Eesa and his praying with the

believers. Then he said: "When the enemy of Allah sees him, he will melt like salt in water. If

'Eesa were to leave him alone he would melt away completely, but Allah will kill him at his hands, and he will show them the blood on his spear. [al-Muslim]

There, Isa will hit adDajjal with a spear and his blood will spill. [Ibn Majah] The Muslims will

thereafter defeat and wipe out Dajjal's army. The Jews will not be able to hide behind anything on

that day. Every time they try to hide behind a stone, a wall, a tree or animal, Allah will make these

things speak and they will say, ''O servant of Allah there is a Jew hiding behind me. Come kill him.''

Then Isa will break the cross and kill the pig (to prove a point to all those who took him as God).

After the arrival of Isa, there will no longer remain any Christians or Jews. The people will be

divided into either mu’min or kaafir. This is why the jizyah will no longer be collected. There will be

no need for it (for their will be no more kuffar).

Abu Huraira reports the Prophet as saying: "By him whose hands my life is in, surely the son of

Maryam will come down amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pigs, and

abolish the tax. Wealth will be in such abundance that none will care about it and a single prostration in a Prayer will be better than the world and all that is in it." [Bukhari, Muslim]

3. Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj

Isa and his followers will go to the mountains and hide from Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj. They will be

attacked by Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj. ‘Eesa will hide in the caves with the believers. He will make

du’a against them. Then a disease carried by insects shall fall upon Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj. It has

been mentioned that the believers not being able to hear the noise of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj that

morning will say "Will anybody sacrifice his life and see what the situation is?" Volunteering,

a believer will come down the mountain thinking that he will never return. However, to his

surprise he will find that they are all dead and he will shout, "Good news! Your enemy has

died." Prophet ‘Eesa and his companions will come down but will find that the earth is full

with their rotten corpses. He will make du’a to Allah swt to remove the filth. Allah swt will

send birds to rid the Earth of their rotting bodies. (These birds are thought to be the same

ababeel mentioned in Surah Feel.) Then Allah swt will send down the rain to cleanse the Earth. [Muslim]

After this time, there will be great prosperity in the world. There will be no evil. No animals will

harm humans. No humans will harm humans. These will be the best years on earth. ‘Eesa ibn

Maryam will live for seven years. He will then die and be buried as a Muslim.

4. 5. 6. The three great landslides in the east, west and Arabian Peninsula. The earthquake will happen somewhere at this time. However, we do not know where to fit it in the

sequence.

7. Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) When the mu’mineen smell the smoke, they will die. The only people that will remain on earth will

be the kuffar. There will be no one on the earth remaining that shall say: La illaha illAllah. The

smoke will come and take the souls of the believers to the Place of Gathering.

8. The Rising of the Sun from the West

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"Verily Allah extends his hand at night so that the sinners of the day may repent and verily

extends His hand during the day so that the sinners of the night may repent. (He will keep on doing this) as long as the sun does not rise from the west." [Muslim]

9. The Appearance of the Beast

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"And when the word is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out afrom the earth a beast for them to

speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayaat." [27:82]

Dabbah will come somewhere amongst the signs. We do not know of the exact sequence though.

10. The Great Fire The fire will gather people to the place of resurrection.

"At the end of which a fire would burn out from Yemen and would drive people to the place of their assembly." [Muslim]

The prophet said that Madina will be left to the extent that dogs and wolves will urinate in its mimbar and no

one will come and clean it because no one is praying in the masjid.

Shortly after a man from Abyssinia will come and destroy the kabah. This is after Yajuj and Majuj. There will

be no more believers. So in honoring the Kabah, Allah swt will remove the Kabah.

Some Scholars add the appearance of the Al-Mahdee.

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree narrated that the Prophet � said, “And the Mahdee will come out at the end of my

Ummah’s time. Allah will send a lot of rain with him, and the earth will bring out its plants, and wealth

will be passed out in abundance, and cattle will increase and the Ummah will be great. He will live seven or eight years.” [Al-Hakim]

‘Alee � narrates the Prophet � said, “The Mahdee is one of us, Ahl-Bayt.” [Ahmad]

Key Points in Understanding the Signs of the Hour

� The Signs of the Day of Judgment rely completely on authentic sources.

� We must differentiate between direct textual evidence and the understanding of Scholars.

� Do these major signs have a specific order?

� Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet � said, “The signs will come one after the other, like beads

falling from a string.” [At-Tabaranee]

� The signs occur, we should not try to MAKE them occur.

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� The Prophet � taught us the signs to inform us about them. They were not mentioned to establish

rulings.

� Not all the signs are condemnable actions.

� We must understand these signs by their apparent meaning.

� No one can restrict the meaning of a prediction (sign) to a specific incident.

� Many of these signs are unseen matters and we may not understand them fully. We believe in what

has been narrated, even if we don’t know HOW they will happen.

� No rules in Sharee’ah are conditional to the appearance of any signs of the Day of Judgment.

We should also understand that the Signs of the Day of Judgment are not evil in themselves. The fact that there

are tall buildings or many women is not an evil thing. It just means that the Day of Judgment is closer and

closer with each sign. We also can not look for hidden meanings. Gold means gold, not black gold (ie: oil).

Death and Life in Al-Barzakh The Prophet � said, “Often remember the destroyer of pleasures (death).” [At-Tirmidhee]

� Death is a truth in which there is no doubt. AlHasan alBasri said: “I have never seen people as certain about anything as they are about death, but they

nothing they treat as doubtful as death.”

The Prophet said that the average lifespan after his time will be 60-70 years of age. He said few people would

live longer than this.

Statistics Regarding Death

• There are about 150,000 people that die daily globally.

• 30,500 people die everyday because of tobacco

• 7,600 people die daily from AIDS

• 2,000 people die daily from diarrhea

• 3,384 people die daily from Malaria

• According to a survey, Americans fear public speaking the most then secondly, death.

� Death is the first station of the Hereafter.

�� $CQ �K��8�� C;�@�F �1 #��c�: zGCV�� H�+�a � Everyone shall taste death. Then unto Us you shall be returned. [29:57]

� In Islam, death is viewed as an occurrence that happens to the soul. The Philosophers consider

death as an annihilation of the soul and life.

K��8�� %�d e�6�� .�Cc�� N��N� �� j�� %�8�& ��L�Z�4 �$CEg��4 �$CV��C%�!�� 3�� Who has created death and life, that He may test which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-

Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving. [67:2]

107

� Knowledge of the time of death is specific to Allah alone.

�}�H�rg� �<(��"�V � ��1�p�( �f�� K��8�a ��4 #��c�� V �� And no person can ever die except by Allah’s Leave and at an appointed term. [3:145]

�Wg� #��+�( ��2 �$�"�CV �� K��8�� $zEV�.�>�� :�CE�a ��8��4 �� '\%� �>��& �� x�6��j � �C��C@�� m;��L�Z �$�)�!�u�a �� S3�>�� -��>�Z ��)�@�c�� v��E�� f �?��@�� Uf�r��)�� 8�2 �'\%� �>��& �� GCV �GC0 �=�>��& �� x�6��j � �C��C@�� m;��D �$�)�!�u�a

Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!"

And if some good reaches them, they say, "This is from Allâh," but if some evil befalls them, they say,

"This is from you (O Muhammad SAW)." Say: "All things are from Allâh," so what is wrong with these

people that they fail to understand any word? [4:78]

Abu Hurairah � narrated that the Prophet � said, “No one should desire death. If he is a good doer, he can

increase in his good; and if he is a wrongdoer then he may repent.” [Al-Bukharee and Muslim]

You should never ask for death except in the following two scenarios:

1. In the middle of a battle you may ask Allah swt to make you a shaheed

2. When there is a great fitnah and you fear that you will not be able to handle it.

The Prophet � said, “Whoever dies upon something, he will be resurrected upon it.” [Al-Hakim]

Shaykh Waleed mentioned the story of a man who lived in the city of Taif in Suadia Arabia. This old man

would always go to the Haram for Maghrib and Isha. He became sick and was unable to go the masjid. This

made him miserable. He yearned to be close to Masjid alHaram. Though he was very sick and not in the best

condition to travel from Taif to Makkah, he convinced his sons. His sons took him to the masjid for Maghrib

Salah but they had missed the Jam’ah. So the old man took the position as Imam and led the Salah for his sons.

While he was reciting in the first rakat, he began to cry in between his words. They went down into sajdah and

then came back up. He continued to cry in the second rakat and upon the second sajdah, the old man did not lift

his head again. He died in this beautiful state and this is how he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment.

May Allah swt allow us to die in the highest state of Emaan.

Most of the joys and sorrows of this dunya are related to the body, not the soul. In the grave though, the soul

will find joy or suffering. The body and the soul are equal in the joy they feel and the suffering they feel.

Only Allah swt has knowledge of the time of death. Imam Malik saw a dream where he asked the angel of

death: When will I die? The angel of death showed him five fingers. He was anzxious to know what he had

meant…five days, week or years? He went to Ibn Sireen(a well-known interpreter of dreams). Ibn Sireen told

him the five fingers meant that, death is amongst the five things that ONLY Allah swt has knowledge of.

Story of Chinese Woman who came to Oklahoma

Story of Abdus Shahid from Louisiana

108

Al-Khatimah (A Person’s End) “By the One, other than Whom there is no deity worthy of worship, verily one of you performs the

actions of the people of Paradise until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has

been written overtakes him, and so he acts with the actions of the people of Hellfire and thus enters it;

and verily one of you performs the actions of the people of the Hellfire, until there is but an arms length

between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he acts with the actions of the people of Paradise and thus he enters it.” [Al-Bukharee and Muslim]

Husn Al-Khatimah (The Good End) � Causes

a. Al-Istiqamah (Steadfastness) A man who was with Imam Hanbal said: I was with Ahmad ibn Hanbal for twenty years and every day, he

increased in his Emaan.

b. At-Taqwa Levels of Taqwa

a)Belief in the Oneness of Allah swt

b) Completing the Fard and staying away from the major sins.

c) To avoid what isn’t haraam because you are scared you might fall into the haraam.

c. Husn Adh-Dhann billah (Having good expectations of Allah) This is to know that Allah swt will never disappoint you. He is the most Just in all His affairs.

The root word of Allah is alif-laam-haa. What does the root word originally mean? It means complete

love. Because it is Allah swt, the One you love the Most.

d. As-Sidq (Truthfulness)

e. At-Tawbah (Repentance) Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri, te Prophet said, "Amongst the men of Bani Israel there was a man who had

murdered ninety-nine persons. Then he set out asking (whether his repentance could be accepted or not). He

came upon a monk and asked him if his repentance could be accepted. The monk replied in the negative and

so the man killed him. He kept on asking till a man advised to go to such and such village. (So he left for it)

but death overtook him on the way. While dying, he turned his chest towards thatvillage (where he had

hoped his repentance would be accepted), and so the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment

quarrelled amongst themselves regarding him. Allah ordered the village (towards which he was going) to

come closer to him, and ordered the village (whence he had come), to go far away, and then He ordered the

angels to measure the distances between his body and the two villages. So he was found to be one span

closer to the village (he was going to). So he was forgiven." [alBukhari]

f. Remembering death and visiting cemeteries

g. Avoiding the reasons which lead to Soo’ Al-Khatimah (Bad End)

Story: Abu Zur'a ar-Raji, a scholar, was a very serious man and no one would joke with him—even his

students. When he was dying, his students were shy to encourage him to say lā ilāha ilallāh. So they came

up with an indirect plan to help him say it. They started to narrate a hadith concerning the shahādah. But

109

they intentionally made a mistake in the chain of narrators. The shaykh (still very knowledgable at this time)

said, “No, this is wrong.” Then, he began to narrate the hadīth properly. When he reached the words, “lā ilāha ilallāh”, he died (before completing the rest of the hadith). This is how Allah swt aids those who live a

righteous life. He honors them.

Signs of the Good End

� A person dies on the day or night of Friday

� To die in Madinah

� To die while doing a good deed

� To die in a virtuous time such as Ramadan, first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

� Dying as a Shaheed:

a. Fighting in the Path of Allah

b. Fighting to defend yourself and family except when in the time of great fitnah.

c. Drowning

d. Dying while delivering a child (sign of shahadah)

e. Dying while guarding the Muslims

f. Dying during time of Chaos; don’t be the one instigating the killing

� Calling to Sunnah and dying upon it

� Death by any disease via stomach or colon

� Death by plague

� Sweating on the forehead while dying

� Death by wild beast (sign of shahadah)

Soo’ Al-Khatimah (The Bad End) � Causes:

1. Corrupt belief and practicing innovations

�c��4 �&%/��+�U�b��/0 �D ' R*��#�3 �.�- �. J)18:103(

�f��#� ��#H+�)�% �D�<�3�4 ��+�)�% �D�-� ��3N;�� V��)�� X�> �D�<�� =.�g �&%�Z=��)18:104(

"Say (O' Muhammad); 'Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose

efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds.'

[18:103-104]

110

Ibn Qayyim said: Wallahi, I am not afraid of my sins, but that I lose my faith in the Qur’aan and the

Sunnah before my death.

At the time of the Prophet, there was a man who converted back to Christianity after having been a

Muslim. When they would bury the man after his death, his body will always come out the next day.

This is because the Earth did not want him.

2. Hypocrisy (privately behaving contrary to one’s public behavior)

Some people will be an arms length to Jannah, until what was written for them overtakes them and

they will become the inhabitants of the fire.

"Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother's belly for forty days in

the form of seed, then he is a clot of blood for a like period, then a morsel of flesh for a like period,

then there is sent to him the angel who blows the breath of life into him and who is commanded

about four matters: to write down his means of livelihood, his life span, his actions, and whether

happy or unhappy. By Allah, other than Whom there is no god, verily one of you behaves like the

people of Paradise until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been

written over takes him and so he behaves like the people of Hell-fire and thus he enters it; and one

of you behaves like the people of Hell-fire until there is but an arm's length between him and it,

and that which has been written over takes him and so he behaves like the people of Paradise and thus he enters it." [Bukhari/Muslim]

This does not mean that Allah swt suddenly decides that a good person will go to the Hellfire. The case

usually is that the person was a hypocrite in their actions. So at the time of death, they will die a

shameful death. The people from the outside view the person as an inhabitant of Jannah, but Allah swt

knows the truth.

2. Practicing sins and love of sins

3. Love of this Dunya and expecting to live for a long time

4. Unlawful love and attachments The scholars from the past say this is the top reason for soo’ AlKhatimah.

5. Procrastination

� Signs of Soo’ Al-Khatimah

1. End your life doing sins, cursing, or being angry

2. Unable to say the shahadah

3. Dying while cursing Allah and his decree

4. Weird things in the grave

5. Darkness in the face and body and odour

6. Bad burial

7. Face turned away from the Qiblah

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The Prophet � said, “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him; and whoever dislikes to meet

Allah, Allah dislikes to meet him.” [Al-Bukharee]

This is why the believers should ask Allah to make their last deeds their best deeds. How do we want to die? Is

it something that we will be proud of in the Sight of Allah?

Al-Qabr (The Grave)

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily there is a pressing that occurs in the grave, if anyone

could be saved from it, then Sa’d ibn Mu’adh would have been.”

� Fitnah Al-Qabr (The Trial of the Grave): The Questioning of the Angels

The angels will ask three questions:

1. Who is your Lord?

2. Who is your prophet?

3. What is your religion?

But at that moment only the believer will be able to answer. According to the hadeeth narrated by al-Baraa'

ibn 'Aazib, the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "two (very Harsh) angels come to him (and

treat him roughly) and make him sit up. They say to him, 'Who is your Lord? What is your religion?

Who is your prophet?' This is the last trial the believer is subjected. This is what Allah refers to in the

verse: "Allah will keep firm who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world…"[Qur'an

14:27]. So he says, 'My Lord is Allah, my religion is Islam and my prophet is Muhammad (sallallahu

alayhi wa sallam).' Then a voice cries out from heaven, 'My slave has spoken the truth.'" And he said

concering the kaafir or evildoer: "Two (very harsh) angels come to him (and treat him roughly) and

make him sit. They say to him 'Who is your Lord? He says, 'Oh, oh, I don't know.' They say to him,

'What is your religion?' he says, 'Oh, oh, I don't know.' They say, 'What do you say about this man

who was sent among you?' He cannot remember his name, so they tell him, 'Muhammad.' He says,

'Oh, oh, I don't know. (I heard people saying such and such.' They say to him, 'May you never know and may you never say what the people said!') Then a voice calls out. 'My slave is lying.' [Authentic

Hadeeth]

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black and blue

angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you say about

this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger. I bear

witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ They say:

‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then his grave is made spacious for him, seventy cubits by

seventy, and it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: ‘Sleep,’ and he says: ‘May I go back to

my family and tell them?’ They say: ‘Sleep like the bridegroom who will be woken by none but the

dearest of his family to him,’ until Allaah raises him from that resting-place of his.” But if he is a

hypocrite he says: ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something like what they said. I do

not know.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then it is said to the earth: ‘Squeeze him.’

So it squeezes him until his ribs interlock, and he will continue to be tormented therein until Allaah

112

raises him from that resting-place of his.” (This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-

Tirmidhi 1071)

A description of the two angels has been given, two angels black and blue. These two angels refer to

Munkar and Nakir. The “black” could be in reference to the face and the “blue” could be in reference to the

eyes. Or it could also mean that their color is between black and blue.

Is the questioning limited to the believers and to this Ummah?

o Ibn Abdul Barr (sheikh from Al-Andalus, the muslim spain) said the questions are only for the

believers. Suyooti and others have also the opinion that the kaafir will not be questioned. The saheeh

ahadeeth refute this understanding and indicate that this is not limited to the believers and to this

ummah. The questioning is for everyone.

Will the Prophets asked these questions

o Imam Ahmad says yes they will be except “Who is your Prophet?” Others say they won’t be asked.

Will unsound people/babies/shaheed be questioned?

o Some of the scholars said yes because they will be questioned on the day of judgement. Imam

Ahmad (rahimullah) said no the children will not be questioned because they are children. Also, it

has been said that the shaheed will not be questioned in the grave because they have already faced a

greater trial.

When a person dies, then the actual truth will come out, that which his soul followed.

=�� EK�� [*��h�% ��=i�� EK�� j.�C�%� �V��UW� X�>� ��3N;�� V��)�� X�> �[/0�=h�� /1��8��/0 ��#��k �&%�ZI��% �� EK�� .�� %�) 14:27(

Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will

keep on worshipping Allâh Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allâh will cause to go

astray those who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), and Allâh does what He wills.

[14:27]

� Soul OR Soul and Body?

Prophet (SAW) used to seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave. This du'a is made right before

or after the tasleem (saying 'assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah'). The stronger opinion is that it is before the

tasleem since when the companion describe the salah of the prophet, no one reported the du'a after the

tasleem.

�� !"�� # !$ �� %&�� &'�(�� )!�*+,

�-&.��/�� 0'1�� )!�*+,.

O Allah, I take refuge in You

from the punishment of the

grave, from the torment of the

Fire, from the trial of life and

death and from the evil

affliction of the Al-Maseeh

Ad-Dajjal.

113

For the Believer’s, the soul will exit the body smoothly. However, the soul was attached to the body for so

long it will not be easy. Death is hard on the body and the person. People look up as trying to follow the

path of the soul. This soul will smell so nice and the Angels will say that they wish that this soul can go

through their door.

For the disbeliever’s, the soul will exit so hard like if you pull a thorny branch out of a ball of wet wool.

This soul will stink very badly and the Angels will curse this soul. They want this soul to stay so far away

from them.

Are the questions asked to the body or the soul:

o Majority opinion: Asked to the soul as it returned to the body after a ascending and descending from

the heavens.

o Ibn Hazm says: only asked to the soul.

But we know from the saheeh ahadeeth that the person will be made to sit up and asked.

Reward and Punishment in the Grave

� Reward and punishment in the graves is established through texts in the Qur’an and Hadeeth.

� Examples of Reward in the Grave

First they will be exposed to a portion of the hellfire and if they are on of the people of Jannah, they will

than be shown a place in Jannah.

- they also see where they will be on the day of resurrection

- for them, it will be like someone sleeping between Dhuhr and Asr

- light in the grave

- wide grave

- deep and comfortable sleep as the newly wed sleeps in the night

- cool and green

- good actions = good looking person, greeting them

- special clothing in the grave

- 30:44, good deeds like a good bed

- Glad tidings of good things happening to family

- Gate to jannah

- Fragrance of paradise

� Examples of Punishment in the Grave

First they will be shown a place in paradise and it will be said to them “if you were good than this would be

your abode but since you were bad this will be your abode” and they will be shown a place in the hellfire.

- bad smell

- heat

- smoke

- darkness

- beating with a hammer until he turns to dust, then returned as he was

114

- bed of fire

- bad deeds will come as a bad looking person to keep him company

- Hadeeth ibn Bara Al-Hazm

Causes for Punishment in the Grave:

- gossip

- hypocrisy

- not urinating safely

- calling to biddah

- accusing chaste person of adultery

- person who eats orphans money

- Shirk

- Fatwa not according to sunnah

- Kill innocent soul

- Spread corruption in Makkah

- Doesn’t read Quran

- One who doesn’t pray in the night

- Person who doesn’t remember Allah

- Dragging your clothing on the floor out of arrogance

- Killing or torturing animals

- Debt

Some Ayaat that describe the Adhaab in the Grave

/l��Z�� ;�P�4 ��> �1k �� U�d�4 A��+�� m� 8� �m��%� �n�� n�; o ��<�� g��% �,��#��)40:46(

The Fire; they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and on the Day when the Hour will be

established (it will be said to the angels): "Cause Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest

torment!" [40:46]

�f,��p3�4 �E=�� d &*� D�<�� ;/q�% �D��> �f,��3 �� U�d b�> �� J/��o 4 �D/<��R��r�U ��) 71:25(

Because of their sins they were drowned, then were made to enter the Fire, and they found none to help

them instead of Allâh. [71:25]

�� .�h�� 1/23 b�� 1��J &�� sI�X�P �E��/6 �t��% �D�� X��/6 �X�9� 4 �1��J ��4 �f0�Z�� EK�� u��!�>� /&�� D��v�4 �&�� EK�� 12�3�4 � ��/0 ��<�� l��Z�� 2�q� �m�� D '�+ 3�4 ��F/��U�4 �D/<%�;�%�4 �� r��0 A�'�wx�� 5�� 5��o X�> ��=i�� L/6 u��

�+� �E��%k �&�� D�!# �� *y�)�� o �EK�� 8� �D�!# ��/��'�!) 6:93(

And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allâh, or says: "I have received

inspiration," whereas he is not inspired in anything; and who says, "I will reveal the like of what

Allâh has revealed." And if you could but see when the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.)

115

are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your

souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used

to utter against Allâh other than the truth. And you used to reject His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses,

lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) with disrespect!" [6:93]

�D z /&�� D�<�0$Z��#�� D�<��3 �&�)�3 �D�<�� 7 /T�� *#�� d�� A�#%�;�� /.�-�4 �&�� 8�>��#�� /l��{|� �&*� D '��9 �&��SD��i�� Sl��Z�� /6 ��Nd��%) 9:101(

And among the bedouins round about you, some are hypocrites, and so are some among the people of Al-

Madinah, they exaggerate and persist in hypocrisy, you (O Muhammad) know them not, We know them.

We shall punish them twice, and thereafter they shall be brought back to a great (horrible) torment.

[9:101]

� The ahadeeth regarding the reward and punishment of the grave are mutawatirah

Meaning of Mutawatirah:

o 9 or more narrators.

o The narrators have to declare "I saw" or "I heard"

o Tawatir Lafzi: With biggest chain and exactly to the text. Example of hadeeth: "The one who lies…"

o Tawatur Ma'aani: Biggest chain and contains the same meaning. The text might be different, almost the

same but the meaning is the same.

Both Lafzi and Ma'aani have the same status.

� Does the punishment of the grave continue until the Day of Judgment?

According to Ibn Qayyam that there are two types. Certain types will continue until the day of judgment.

For example, for the disbelievers that they will be punished till then. This will continue until they are

resurrected. Second, that certain types of punish will stop for a while. For example, if a person is in debt,

then there will be fire in their grave until the debt is paid off, i.e. If someone pays sadaqah on behalf of the

deceased.

� What can save a person from the punishment in the grave?

- Read Surah Mulk and memorize it

- Tawheed

- Good deeds are a shield from suffering in the grave

o His recitation of the Qur'an will be next to his head in the grave.

o His Taraweeh will wait near the leg.

o His salah will be on the left side.

o His zakah will be on the right side.

o His sadaqat will be from the above.

- Spending the nite in Ribat

- Dieing as shaheed

- Dieing on night or day of Friday

116

� The places of the Souls after Death

��(�. �+��4 �� Y�g+� �GC0 �Y�g+� ��& �i�:�C��J�L��}��%�0 �f�� $�%� �� $�"��a�C4 �� And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the Rooh (the spirit); Say: “The Rooh (the spirit): it is one

of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been

given only a little.” [17:85]

There are many opinions, but the most famous will be mentioned here.

1. Muslims scholars agree that souls will be returned to the body on the Day of Judgement

2. Souls are around grave

3. Souls of believers are outside gate of paradise

4. Souls of believers roam freely on earth, disbelievers are constrained to grave

5. Souls of believers at top of 7th

heaven, disbeliever are with Iblis

6. Souls return to the place before they were placed in their bodies (ibn Hazm) Surah Araf:172

a. Surah 7:11 – we’ve created all of you and have given you shape

7. Souls of martyr are in jannah, the rest are in grave ibn Abdul Barr

8. Souls are at grave for 7 days, Mujaahid ibn Jabr (student of ibn Abbas)

Textual evidence: Quran and Sunnah leads to these conclusions:

1. The Prophets are in the presence of Allah (swt).

a. Prophet said at his death, “I prefer to be with Allah”

b. At Miraj, Prophet saw the other prophets high in the heavens

2. Souls of the Shaheed – inside green birds above the throne of Allah

a.

�� J�G��% �D/<*0�, �;#�� I��9�4 �.�0 �f��4 �EK�� /.�/�� X�> �� ! J �&%�Z=�� &��+�)� �7�) 3:169(

Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allâh as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord,

and they have provision. [3:169]

And prophet (SAW) said, 'Their souls are in the crops of green birds which have lamps hanging

from the throne. They roam in paradise wherever they wish, then they come back to those lamps.'" {Saheeh al-Muslim]

b. In another narration, they are in green birds that frequently fly over the rivers of jannah, over

rivers, and rest on a golden lamp in shade of the throne of Allah (Swt)

c. Souls is CAST into a green bird

3. Souls of the Believers – in birds on the trees of paradise

a. 'Abdur Rahman ibn Ka'b ibn Malik narrated, Prophet (SAW) said: "The soul of the Muslim is a

bird perching in the trees of paradise, until Allah returns it to his body on the Day of Ressurction." [Ahmad, authenticated by Sheikh al-Albanee]

b. Souls is in a SHAPE of a bird

4. Souls of the Sinners

a. Some of these souls will not enter jannah, but will be punished in the grave

b. They did not clean themselves in bathroom and would spread gossip regarding people

117

5. Souls of Believers – stopped at gate of jannah

a. Some will be at the gate of jannah (not undergoing punishment in the grave)

b. Prophet told a man, your family was stopped at the gate of jannah, if you pay his debt he will

enter, if you do not, he will be punished in the grave

6. Souls of the Disbelievers

a. Gathered in a place on this earth and gates of heavens will not be open to them

b. Hadith in Nasa’I – soul will attempt to go to heaven, but will return to the Earth

c. Where in the Earth? Only Allah knows.

Can people hear, see, or be exposed in anyway to the punishment of the grave?

Allah SWT gave prophet (SAW) the ability to hear those who ere being tormented in their graves. Zayed

ibn Thabit (RA) narrated, "Whilst the prophet (SAW) was in the garden of Banu-Najjar, on his mule,

and we were with him, his mule took a different rout and nearly threw him. There were graves there,

six or five or four. He said, 'Who knows whose graves these are?' A man said, 'I do.' He said, 'When

did these people die?' He said, 'They died at the time of shirk.' He said, 'This ummah will be tested in

their graves. Were it not that you might become afraid to bury one another, I would pray to Allah to make you hear what I can hear of the torment of the grave.'" [Saheeh al-Muslim]

The Resurrection

� Muslims must believe that Allah will resurrect all the dead to their judgment. � Al-Qur’an and As-Sunnah are full of affirmations of the Resurrection and refutations

of those that deny it.

1. Directly stating that people will be resurrected.

�� T�;� � �&��9�� ;�� Z�- ��3�;�J�� &�� #�h��0 &�� #��%� ��% �� J) 36:52(

They will say: "Woe to us! Who has raised us up from our place of sleep." (It will be said to

them): "This is what the Most Beneficent (Allâh) had promised, and the Messengers spoke truth!"

[36:52]

2. Observation

�%�;�J }I�X�P $. � �� -� �� X/��)�� L =�/6 ��<�� ;��0 �a�,�b�� X/��)�% �~�� E=�� [��9�, /,��zk ��/6 �� i3��>) 30:50(

Look then at the effects (results) of Allâh's Mercy, how He revives the earth after its death. Verily!

That (Allâh) Who revived the earth after its death shall indeed raise the dead (on the Day of

Resurrection), and He is Able to do all things. [30:50]

3. Affirming the Completeness of Allah’s Power, Knowledge and Wisdom.

118

a. Those who deny the day of resurrection, they do not understand how much knowledge or wisdom

Allah (swt) has.

b. A disbeliever brought a dried bone to the prophet (SAW), he crushed it and blew the dust. Then

asked the prophet (SAW), "O Muhammad, are you claiming that Allah will resurrect this?" Then

Allah SWT revealed verses 78-83 of surah Yaseen. The man who crushed the bones in front of the

prophet, doubted the power of Allah

c. Another picked up the sand with remnants of bones, doubting the power/knowledge of Allah

d. They said, millions of people died, how can Allah remember them all? Maybe people will be

missing

e. Ibn Qayyim said, anytime resurrection is mentioned these three names are mentioned: Power,

Knowledge, Wisdom

� Proof through Al-Qiyas (Analogy)

��_� $� a -ذا هb; ��_H �� *�ـ+%a ��Hـ� أGHb'ٱ أو'$ � *+%a GHو de� ��' بfۥ و ��ل �" %�$ � أو�ل ��ة "l �(��ہ� ٱ'�Tى أjXHه �( ٱ'&iـ$ وه ر��$ m%a >l(O -وه $(' l&� ىT�'ٱ

�$ �<�* n-"?ونHذا أb; را�H !aj'ٱ W�X'ٱ �>�

Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah. Yet behold he (stands forth) as an open

opponent. And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: "Who will give

life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust'' Say: "He will give life to them Who

created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!'' He Who produces for

you fire out of the green tree, when behold you kindle therewith. (alQuran 36:77-80)

Prophet (sws) said, the body will decay except for the tailbone, and from that people will be resurrected, and

people will come out of the grave like plants grow. � The resurrection includes the resurrection of bodies and souls. � Positions of People towards the Resurrections:

1. Those who deny it completely (Pagan Arabs and some of the Greek philosophers)

�>�)�H �'\%��( � ��8�L�0�4�� $�)�:��8��4�'��%�& <>�&�� R�%�( �K��8�� '\%� C�� !�� f ��8�%� �� f �y�� +�-�V�4 ��E�� @�Z And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths that Allah will not raise up him who dies. Yes, (He will

raise them up), a promise (binding) upon Him in truth, but most of mankind know not. [16:38]

2. Those who deny the resurrection of the bodies (The vast majority of the philosophers, the Jews

and Christians)

3. Reincarnation of Souls (Buddhists believe that pure souls reach Nirvana. The Nusairees believe

that pure souls will merge with the stars. Impure souls must return to another human soul until

119

purified. Durzis believe that if the soul is pure, it will return to the body of another Durzi. Some

Jews believe similarly, that if a soul is pure it will be reincarnated in the body of another Jew).

The Blowing of As-Soor

l?��0 $�j �1�p�2 ]�+�dC4 �'��2 ��c�: �$CQ �'�%� U�� I�.�J�� 2 �� K ��8�L� ��2 �� u�2 �.�gu� ��2 ��c�:��+C��

"And the trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon

away, except him whom Allah wills…" [39:68]

� There are two opinions regarding the meaning of As-Soor. a. The vast majority said it is a Trumpet. Due to the statement of the messenger (SAW) explained 'as-

soor' in terms of the words that the 'arabs know. A Bedouin came to the prophet (SAW) and said,

'What is as-soor?' He said, ' As-soor is a horn which is blown into.'"

b. A few said it refers to the bodies of the creation, but this is an incorrect view and was refuted by the

Muslims scholars. Al-Hassan al-Basri and others read 'as-soor' as-suwar, which is the plural of

'soorah' (meaning image, form). But this is an incorrect view and was refuted by the Muslim

scholars.

� Blowing the Trumpet is the role of the Angel Israfeel.

� The Trumpet will be blown three times according to the majority of the scholars.

a. The first is Nafkhat Al-Faza’ (The Blow of Terror). This signals the beginning of the great

changes that will occur to the world. Only the worst of people will witness this.

b. The second is Nafkhat Al-Sa’q (The Blow of Death). This blow causes all creation to die.

c. The third is Nafkhat Al-Qiyam (The Blow of Resurrection). This blow resurrects people from

their graves.

There proofs are verse [27:87], and the verses the verses [39:68], [79:6-7] and [36:49-51] with the word

'ukhra' meaning 'again' instead of 'second' and as such.

� The second opinion held by scholars is that there will be two blows. They consider the Blow of Terror

and the Blow of Death as one.

They use the verses [39:68], [79:6-7] and [36:49-51].

� The Duration between two blows

Abu Hurairah said that it is 40. When he was asked about what 40 is, he didn’t comment because he either

forgot what the Prophet (PBUH) said or the Prophet (PBUH) didn’t say.

The Great Gathering

120

� The Land of the Gathering:

� Will the actual entity of this earth change? Or will its attributes only change?

i. Proofs for a changed entity:

/,��<�8�� ;�9�� EK�� G��0� �5��+�� /a�,{|� ��o �a�,{|� 1�;�� m��%) 14:48(

On the Day when the earth will be changed to another earth and so will be the heavens, and they (all

creatures) will appear before Allâh, the One, the Irresistible. [14:48]

Ibn Mas'ood and others supported this view. They said the earth will be changed to another earth that is

flattened and spread out and on which no sin has ever been committed.

Sahl ibn Sa'd narrated: "I heard the messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'On the Day of Resurrection,

mankind will be gathered on an earth that is reddish white, like a fine loaf of bread (made from

pure fine flour).' Sahl or someone else said, "That land will have no landmarks for anybody (to make use of it). [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

So, there will be no mountain, no shade etc. and the fire will gather the people.

o Proofs for changed features:

This group of scholars says it will be the same earth. Ibn Abbas and others supported this opinion.

They said regarding the verse [14:48] above that some things will be added to it and some will be taken

away, and its mountains, valleys and trees will disappear and it will be spread out like a 'Ukazi' carpet.

They use the verses:

وأ'+� �� ;�ہ� و7n%�� وإذا ٱ'jرض �?�ت

And when the earth is stretched forth, and has cast out all that was in it and became empty, [alQur’an

84:3-4]

Here the word, 'muddat', means

o Leveled

o Stretched to accommodate all of them.

One hadeeth narrates that Palestine will be the place for great gathering.

� Description of the Gathering

Mankind will be gathered barefoot, naked and uncircumcised.

��N3 Sy��U �1��4 ��3�4�;�0 �� /��! '�� $./q*+�� *X�r�� I��+�� /��r�3 �m��%��> ��# � ��3/6 ��#�� f;�� O�;) 21:104(

"…As we began the first creation, We shall repeat it. [it is] a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We

shall do it." [21:104]

121

When 'Aaishah (RA) heard the messenger (SAW) saying: "Mankind will be gathered on the Day od

Resurrection, barefoot, naked and uncircumcised," she said, "O' messenger of Allah, men and women

together, looking at one another?" he said, "O' 'Aa'ishah, it will be too distressing for them to be looking at one another." [Mishkat al-Masaabeeh]

� The Disbelievers

�)ن Sj� إ� آ*��ہ% @;ا8� ٱ�*#�اث >� 'b;#)ن ')م.(' M!fـ;ه% �ـjه�/% أ�;P M�� ذi� ')8�ون آ��)ا ٱ��Eى ٱ� )م ذ

The Day when they will come out of the graves quickly as racing to a goal, with their eyes lowered

in fear and humility, ignominy covering them (all over)! That is the Day which they were

promised! [70:43-44]

They will lower their heads like the animal lowers its head when it comes to be slaughtered. It gives

up knowing their end.

�f��'�0� �f�� D/<�-��F� �� A��8�� m��% �D�-��)�3� �E/3�d &�� I��4 �D�<�� ;/q� &��> �.��C�% &�� ;�!�<�� <�> �EK�� ;�<�% &��f�� D�-��3�d/G �[��U ��=� � �D�#�<�F �D�-��b�� n�� ) 17:97(

And he whom Allâh guides, he is led aright; but he whom He sends astray for such you will find

no Auliyâ' (helpers and protectors, etc.), besides Him, and We shall gather them together on the

Day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, dumb and deaf, their abode will be Hell; whenever it

abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire. [17:97]

Anas asked the Prophet (PBUH) if they will be hung upside down to be drug. The Prophet (PBUH)

said that if Allah can have you walk on your feet, He can also have you walk on your face, because

they refuse to make sujood.

� Will Animals be Resurrected and Gathered?

Ibn Taymiyah said that they will be resurrected. The proof is that the kafir will say I wish to be an

animal so I can be turned to dust so I won’t be sent to hellfire. There is a hadeeth that there justice

between two sheep where one with horns beat on the one without horns.

�5��9 ��9�� L/6�) 81:5(

And when the wild beasts shall be gathered together; [81:5]

�D/<*0�, ��/6 �D z }I�X�P &�� /l��!�'�� X�> ��#��> �� D ' ��h��4 D�� 4 =7/6 �E��9��#�q/0 ��r�% S��w�� 7� /a�,{|� X�> :A�0k�d &�� %��)) 6:38(

122

There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are

communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall

be gathered. [6:38]

� The First to be Resurrected

The Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhi wa sallam)

� The First to be dressed/covered on the Day of Resurrection

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated: Prophet (SAW) said: "The first to be clothed on the day of Resurrection will

be Inraheem al-Khaleel." [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

Prophet Ibrahim (alayhissallaam), because he is the one who fear Allah the most in the Dunya. Therefore,

he deserves the right to feel secure before anyone else. Others say, when he was thrown in the fire, part of

his clothes (two fingers length) was burnt. Others say, he was first to command awra (no strong proof).

When you do not have your clothes on, you have fear, so prisoners are made to be naked to strike fear in

them.

Does this mean we will also get clothes since Ibrahim did?

o Prophet said, “the dead will be raised in the clothes they are buried in”

Imam Bayhaqi stated three opinions:

• 1st – they will stand up from the grave with clothes on, and afterwards it will disappear

• 2nd

– they will come out naked, then they will be dressed (seems more accurate, considering

Ibrahim will be the first clothed)

• 3rd

– clothe hear means good deeds.

��*<�r�> ��0��z�) 74:4(

"And purify your garments" [74:4]

Thawb means something you go back to (like Tauba). Thiyaabaka fatahir also means purify

your deeds. Why are deeds called Thiyab? Because after you die you are going to meet the

deeds again. So here, thiyab could mean the deeds he used to do.

Gibrael said, Oh Muhammad love whomever you wish, but whatever you do you will return to it

� People will Be Gathered in Groups

�fF��>�4 ��b�!�> /,�Np�� X�> �� #�% �m��%) 78:18(

The Day when the Trumpet will be blown, and you shall come forth in crowds. (Surah Naba: 18)

Every nation by itself (muslims, Christians, etc.) The believers and groups within them. The disbelievers

and groups among them.

123

The Prophet (sws), “you will be raised with those whom you love”

� Description of the People in the Gathering o The Arrogant

The messenger of Allah (SAW) said: The arrogant will be gathered like small ants in the form of men

on the Day of Resurrection, overwhelmed by humiliations from all sides." [at-Tirmidhi, hasan

hadeeth]

o The Wealthy Beggar

Ibn mas'ood (RA) narrated: The prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever bags from people when he has the

means of being independent, his begging will appear on the day of Resurrection as scratches on his

face."

o Those who do Al Ghalool (Steal from the War Booty)

�7 �D�-� �[��+�� SQ� �3 j. � �=>�� D z �A��8�� m��% =.�o ��/0 �5�b�% �. ��% &�� =.��% ��4 �X/��#�� i�% ) 3:161(

It is not for any Prophet to take illegally a part of booty (Ghulul), and whosoever deceives his

companions as regards the booty, he shall bring forth on the Day of Resurrection that which he

took (illegally). Then every person shall be paid in full what he has earned, - and they shall not be

dealt with unjustly. [3:161] So, the person will carry it on his back and around his neck, tormented by having to bear its weight and

terrified by its noise, rebuked in the open for his betrayal in front of all creatures.

Rulers, governors stealing from public coffers will have the same fate.

o Those who Perform Wudoo’

Abu Darda (RA) narrated: prophet (SAW) said: The messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "….A man said,

"O messenger of Allah (SAW), how will you recognize my ummah from among the other nations

from Nooh (Noah) to your ummah?" He said, "Their faces and limbs will be shining with traces of wudoo', and no one but they will be like that. ….."[Ahmad, authentic]

o Those who call Adhan

Muwawiyah ibn Abi Sufyaan (RA) narrated: I heard messenger of Allah (SAW) say: "The muadh-dhins

will have the longest necks of all the people on the Day of Resurrection." [Saheeh al-Muslim]

o Those who give Charity

Their charity will be their shade on this day. It will be like a thicker and bigger cloud.

Abu Hurayrah (RA0 narrated: prophet (SAW) said: "There are seven whom (Allah) will shade with his

shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His: …; a man who gives in charity so secretely that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives…" [Agreed upon]

Here left hand don't know what right hand gave' has two meanings:

124

� Done in complete secrecy and that he gave so much.

o Those who Memorize Soorat Al-Baqarah and Ali ‘Imran

These surahs will come as yellow clouds and big bird wings to be a shade for them on this day.

o The one who betrays the Muslim leader

Abu Sa'eed narrated: The messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, for every

betrayer a banner will be raised according to the extent of his betrayal, and no betrayal is greater than that of a ruler." [Saheeh Muslim]

People who will receive the shade of Allah of the Day of Judgment

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates: The messenger of Allah (SAW) said: " There are seven whom (Allah) will

shade with his shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His: the just ruler; the young

man who grows up worshipping his Lord; the man whose heart is attached to the mosque; two men

who love one another for the sake of Allah, meeting and parting for that reason; a man who is

invited (to sin) by a woman of high status and beauty, but he says, 'I fear Allah'; a man who gives in

charity so secretely that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives; and a man who remembers Allah when he is alone, and his eyes fill with tears." [Agreed upon, this version from al-

Bukhari]

More than that are in the shade, some scholars collect 160. Imam Suyooti and Ibn Hajar wrote a book

on this.

Jabir reports that the Prophet said, “Every slave (of Allah) shall be resurrected upon that which he died

upon.” [Muslim]

The Standing: Awaiting Judgment

��C%�8� �a �$�"�CV �� N�9�a �?�� )�(��"�V R�� R�&�>�a S;��C4 zGCV �;��Q��H S;��C4 �GCV ]�+�a��

And you will see each nation humbled to their knees (kneeling), each nation will be called to its Record

(of deeds). This Day you shall be recompensed for what you used to do. [45:28]

Al-Miqdad ibn Al-Aswad reports that he heard the Prophet say, “The sun will get closer to the creations on the

Day of Resurrection until it is only a Meel away. People will perspire according to the level of their deeds.

Some of them will have perspiration covering his ankles, some to his knees. Others to their shoulders, some ill

have it choke them,” and he pointed to his mouth. [Muslim]

�-م �+-م ٱ'_وح وٱ'0%ـJ)� '� 0�%)-ن ��* O��a� ر�ب< ٱ'0�Gـ-ٲت وٱ'jرض و�� O�ہ0� ٱ'�01ـ��r�. �O01ـ� و"�ل .-ا� أذن '* ٱ'��0-ن إ'�� %(� ;�0 ��ء ٱT7�n إ' رO<*ۦ m_ ذ'C ٱ'�-م ٱ'( '��

�O�ـ�

(From) the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and whatsoever is in between them, the Most Beneficent, none can dare to speak with Him (on the Day of Resurrection except after His Leave). The Day that Ar-

Rûh [Jibrael (Gabriel) or another angel] and the angels will stand forth in rows, none shall speak except

125

him whom the Most Beneficent (Allâh) allows, and he will speak what is right. That is without doubt the

True Day, so, whosoever wills, let him seek a place with (or a way to) His Lord (by obeying Him in this

worldly life)! [78:37-39]

� How long will people stand on that day?

50,000 years. In another verse Allah (swt) says,

��N;�� *� :A�#�� ~��b�� *0�, �;#�� f��% =�/6� �O�;�� E=�� ~��Y�% &�� /l��Z��/0 ��3� �/q��!�+�%�) 22:47 (

"They ask you to hasten on the torment! And Allah fails not in His promise. And verily, a day with your

Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon." [22:47]

How to reconcile the different number of years [i.e. 1,000 or 50,000 years]?

• Ibn 'Abbas, Ikrimah said: When the angel go from earth to heaven it is 50,000 years.

• More prominent opinion: The length of the Day of Judgment:

⇒ For kuffar: 50,00 years

⇒ For the belivers: 1,000 years.

• A third opinion: It goes through 50 stages. Each 1,000 years

� What will occur during the Mawqif? 1. Allah will come

�� N0�, I��F�) 89:22

And your Lord comes with the angels in rows (Surah AlFajr: 22)

2. Brining of Jannah and Hellfire

:;��0 ��o ��8�!�� A�#�q�� [� ��G 4�) 50:31(

"And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun, not far off." [50:31]

u��$Z�� E�� 3�4� ��+3/M�� =��Z�!�% :Z�R��% �D�#�<�q/0 :Z�R��% {IX/F�) 89:23(

"And Hell will be brought near that Day…"[89:23]

Narrated Ibn Mas'ood: The prophet (SAW) said: "Hell will be brought forth that day by means of

seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be held by seventy thousand angels." [Saheeh Muslim]

126

The descriptions of Hell in the Qur'an and the ahadeeth will make us understand that it is a creation that

can see, speak, breath and complain. It has an enormous anger and hatred towards the evildoers.

�f��>�G� �ciN�� <�� :;��0 :��'�� &*� D�<��4�, ��L/6) 25:12(

"When it [Hell] sees them from a far place, they will hear its raging and roaring." [25:12]

:;%/2�� &�� .�- 1� 8�� 5�b��!�� /.�- �D�#�<�q�� 1� 8�3 �m��%(50:30)

"On the Day when we will say to Hell: "Are you filled?" It will say: "Are there any more?" [50:30]

3. Intercession to start judgment

The Prophet (PBUH) will be the only one to ask Allah to start the Day of Judgment and to have mercy

on the Prophet’s (PBUH) nation. When the Prophet (PBUH) approaches Allah, He will teach the

Prophet (PBUH) a dua that he never knew before. Allah will tell the Prophet (PBUH) that “Now you can

intercede.”

4. Judgment and placing of Balances and passing out of books

5. Approaching the pool

Intercession � Special intercession of Prophet

� Special intercession of Prophet for those that live in Madeenah and die there.

� Who are the intercessors of the Day of Resurrection? � Allah (The Most Merciful)

� The Prophet

� The Messengers

� The Angels

� The Martyrs

� Children who passed away

� Believers to one another

� The Qur’an

The Judgment � All People Brought Forth (Before Allah)

127

�� J }I�X�P &�� EK�� /l��Z�� &�� #�� #��N� D�!3�4 �.�<�> �f�� D '�� # � ��3/6 ��'�!�� &%�Z=�� I�� NC�� 1��8�> �f��F �EK�� G��0� ��3�� m�4 ��#��/2�F�4 B�#�� I�� D ��#�%�;�<�� EK�� 3��;�- ��S��)�� &�� #�� ) 14:21(

And they all shall appear before Allâh (on the Day of Resurrection) then the weak will say to those who

were arrogant (chiefs): "Verily, we were following you; can you avail us anything from Allâh's

Torment?" They will say: "Had Allâh guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference to us

(now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience, there is no place of refuge for us." [14:21]

� Books given out

This is one of the most difficult parts of the day of judgment, waiting to receive your book either in the right

hand or the left hand.

* ۥ وراء 3wSۦ ;G-ف �? -ا t-را وأ�� أوn آ�ـ

Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, he surely will receive an easy reckoning,

and will return to his family in joy! But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, he will invoke

(his) destruction, and shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste its burning. [84:10-11]

� Asking and Judgment for Deeds that were recorded in their books:

� Will All Creation be judged?

�� 1�b�+�% �=� :Z�R��>��F �� Q3/6 �E/�3�L &) 55:39(

So, on that Day he will not be questioned about his sin, (neither) human nor Jinn. (Surah ArRahman:

39)

�� &�� E��J &�� -�4 �;�J �E=�� =��4 �D��% �D��4 ��;#�� SD�� E�!�� 4 ��3/6 �1��J �� f��F ��h��4� cV�� J �E�#�� N;�P�4 ��- �&�� 8��/��q�� D/</0��3 L &�� 1�b�+�%) 28:78(

He said: "This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.'' Did he not know that

Allah had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in

the amount they had collected But the criminals will not be questioned of their sins. (Surah Al Qasas: 78)

�f#��z �E/0 ��!��%� /l��!�'�� &�� EK�� 1�23�4 �� !�'�% �&%�Z=�� =�/6 �7� �,��#�� =7/6 �D/</3� r�0 X�> �� b�% �� R(�� 4 c?��J D��4 l��Z�� D�<�� D/<�$��2�% �7� �A��8�� m��% �EK�� D�<��$��'�%)2:174(

Verily, those who conceal what Allah has sent down of the Book, and purchase a small gain therewith (of

worldly things), they eat into their bellies nothing but fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of

Resurrection, nor purify them, and theirs will be a painful torment. (Surah Al Baqarah 174)

128

��/6 �.��, 4 �&%�Z=�� &��b�+�#��> �� &��b�+�#�� D/<)7:6(

Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it was sent and verily, We shall question the

Messengers (Surah Al ‘Araf: 6)

The Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one will pass on the day of judgment until he will be

asked about four things: your age, your youth, your health, your wealth.”

The Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “70,000 people will enter Jannah from my Ummah

without being taken hisaab.”

Among the believers they do not need judgment, they go straight to heaven. Among the disbelievers some

don’t need judgment, i.e., Iblis, Qarun, Pharoah. Those in between are questioned. When the human starts

arguing with Allah (swt) during judgment, it will make his matters worse

� Who will be the first to be judged?

Ummat Muhammad will be the first to be judged, we came later but will finish earlier.

First things to be judged are a) Tawheed and b) Salaah (reason #1 to go to hellfire). If the salah is complete

then judgement moves on. If salah is missing, Allah will than see if you have enough voluntary prayers to

substitute. If the salah is not up to par you go to the fire until judgment continues.

� Witnesses at the Judgment? � Body parts

��H+�'�% ��3�� /0 �D�< ��F�,�4 �;�<�� D/<%�;�%�4 ��#��$��'�� D/<�-��>�4 �� D�!�Y�3 �m��) 36:65(

This Day, We shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear

witness to what they used to earn. (It is said that one's left thigh will be the first to bear the witness).

[36:65] [Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol. 22, Page 24]

� The Earth (ground)

��-�,��U�4 �*;�)� :Z�R��%) 99:4(

That Day it will declare its information (about all what happened over it of good or evil). [99:4]

� Prophets and Messengers

�� &��b�+�#�� D/<��/6 �.��, 4 �&%�Z=�� &��b�+�#��>) 7:6(

Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent and verily, We shall

question the Messengers. [7:6]

129

The Balance: Weighing Deeds

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And the weighing on that day (Day of Resurrection) will be the true (weighing). So as for those whose

scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they will be the successful (by entering Paradise). And as for those

whose scale will be light, they are those who will lose their own selves (by entering Hell) because they

denied and rejected Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). [7:8-9]

Believing in the “Balance” is from the beliefs of Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah. Denying it or taking it as a figure of speech (metaphor) is a belief of the innovators, such as

Mu’tazilah, Khawarij and Jahmiyyah.

� What is the wisdom behind weighing deeds?

Having the scale is the most clear form of justice. It shows us the amount of Mercy that Allah has. It shows the knowledge of Allah because it shows that knows all the deeds you did.

� Description of Al-Meezan

Two scales. It has tongue and lips, meaning it can talk.

� What will be weighed?

o Your good deeds and sins. o Records o The person will be weighed. o Good deeds will be weighed in the form of light. o Alhamdulilah will fill up the scale. o There is something that few people do:

� Saying subhanallah 10 times. � Alhamdulilah 10 times. � Allahu Akbar 10 times. � When going to sleep, say subhanallah, alhamdulilah and Allahu akbar.

Whoever helps his brother or sister to fulfill their needs, the Prophet (PBUH) said that Allah will be next

to his balance on the side of his good deeds. If the person’s sins become heavier, then Allah will push the

good deeds.

� Will the Non-Muslims’ deeds be weighed?

130

Ibn Taymiyah says no because they have nothing to claim since they got all their rewards in this dunya.

Also, all their good deeds will like dust.

�> �D�< ��4 �[�r/��)�> �E�w��8�� D/<*0�, �5��%B/0 �� &%�Z=�� R�� 4 �f3�G� �A��8�� m��% �D�<�� D��8�3 ��)18:105(

"They are those who deny the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their

Lord and the Meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain, and on the Day of

Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight. [18:105]

� How will Allah judge people?

� Will there be one scale for all nations, or different ones?

Hasan al-Basri said for each person a scale. Others said, all humanity will share one scale. Others said,

each nation will have one scale. Most correct opinion is each person will have their own scale.

Al-Hawd (The Pool) � Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah believe that Al-Hawd, which Allah will grant the Prophet *** as an

honor to quench the thirst of his nation, is factual. This is in opposition to the people of innovation ,

from the Khawarij and Mu’tazilah, who denied the Hawd.

� Anas ibn Maalik reports that the Prophet said, “I will precede you at the Pool. Whoever comes to it

will drink from it, and whoever drinks from it will never be thirsty again. Some people will come to

me, whom I will recognize and who will recognize me, and then there will be a barrier between me

and them.” [Al-Bukharee and Muslim]

� Abu Hurairah said that the Prophet said, “What is between my house and my minbar (pulpit) is a

garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my minbar is at my Hawd. [Al-Bukharee]

� Jabir narrated that the Prophet said, “Al-Hawd is square (its angels are equal), one side of it

measures the distance of traveling one month. Its cups are like the stars, it smells better than musk, is

whiter than milk. Whoever drinks from it will never become thirsty after it again.” [Ahmad]

� Anas reported that the Prophet once dozed off for a little while. He then raised his head and smiled.

Then he either said to them or they said to him, “What has made you smile?” He said, “A Soorah has

just been revealed to me. Its says, ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, We

have given you the Kawthar (River of Abundance)…’ until the end of the Soorah. Then he said, “Do

you know what Al-Kawthar is?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “It is a

river Allah will give me in Paradise. It will abound in goodness. On the Day of Judgment, my

followers will come to it and find there as many cups for drinking as the number of stars. Some of

them, however, will be taken away. I will say, ‘O Allah, they are from my nation.’ Allah will say, ‘You

do not know what they did after you.’ [Ahmad]

� Do all prophets have a hawd?

131

Only the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhi wa sallam) is given this blessing.

A narration in Tirmidhi says that every prophets will have a pool but Saleh. This is because he has a she-camel and will give milk from this she-camel.And the biggest pool will be given to Prophet (SAW).

� There is only one hadeeth reporting this. This is 'gharib' hadeeth.

� When will the people come to the Hawd?

o Al-Bukhari and Abdul Qader Jilani said that approaching the pool will be after the As-Sirat, the straight path crossing the hellfire.

o Ibn Hajar and others refuted this because the Prophet (PBUH) said that there will be people who approach my pool and the Angels will pull them away. These are the people of innovation, hypocrites, murtaddin (rejecters of faith). It will be said to them, 'Suh'kan suh'ka". Such people cannot cross the As-Sirat, that is why the pool cannot be after as-Sirat.

o Ghazali and Qurtubi said that it is even before the judgment.

The question arises: If people would drink from al-Hawd and they cross as-Sirat, should not they be thirsty?

Ibn Hajar said that after someone drinks from al-Hawd, they will not feel thirsty even if they fall in the

hellfire.

As-Siraat

Linguistically: Clear, straight path.

Technically: It is the bridge placed over the Hellfire, over which the Muslims will pass to enter

Jannah.

The hellfire will be covered in fog. The Hellfire will suck inside it immediately those who are arrogant as

well as those who read the Qur’an, donated and fought for other than Allah – they will be taken from the land

of resurrection and punished immediately for they committed the minor shirk of Riyaa’ (Showing off).

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will be unseen again after this.

Allah will then call out: Anyone who worshipped anything, they will follow it. Pictures will appear of all the

things the people worshipped: the cross, ‘Eesa, the sun, the moon, everything and anything. They will be

leaving, moving in groups, following all their things – and suddenly those things will disappear and the people

will find in front of them the 7 gates of Hellfire open wide, and the angels will grab the people and throw

them inside the Hellfire with their heads first (upside down). This day, the wrong doer would be separated

from the rest of humanity.

Allah says [in Surah alA’raf]:

��+� ��u� �� i�:�� +�d��2 ��)��2 �+�!�E�"�a ��4 �i�� C��CE�� 8�2 ��)�� !�j��2 �[��0 "Down with you, then, from this [state] -for it is not meet for you to show arrogance here! Go forth,

then: verily, among the humiliated shall you be!" (alQur’an 7:13).

132

There will be a group of people who did not go anywhere, because they didn’t follow anything besides Allah.

Then Allah will come to them in a way they can’t recognize Him, and will ask them what they are waiting for.

They will say that they did not worship any of those things, but worshipped Allah instead. Allah will tell

them that He is Allah and they will not believe Him and call Him a liar. He will ask them how they know.

They will respond that there is a sign between them and Allah that they will recognize who is Allah. Allah

will ask them what this sign is. And they will say that Allah will show us His Shin, SubhanAllah. Allah will

then show them the sign and all of the believers will fall down in prostration except the hypocrites, who will

not be able to, because their backs will be straight like plates and won’t be able to bend. Then, the people will

go over the Siraat.

Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah believe that on the Day of Judgement there will be a Siraat drawn over Jahannam. This is in opposition to the position of the Mu’tazilah who deny it.

� The description of As-Siraat:

� Narrated Ayesha that RasulAllah �� said, “Hellfire has a bridge that is thinner than hair and

sharper than a sword with hooks and thorns on it…” ( )

� How People will Cross the Siraat:

� Narrated Abu Sai’d Al Khudri that RasulAllah �� said, “…The believers would then pass over

within the twinkling of an eye, like lightning, like wind, like a bird, like the finest horses and

camels. Some will escape and be safe, some will be lacerated and let go, and some will be pushed into the fire of Hell till the believers will find rescue from the Fire.” (Muslim)

� To cross the siraat, people will be given light in accordance to their deeds. Some would be of the

size of mountains, some, palm trees and some, less than that. Some people’s light would turn on and

off.

� It will be utter darkness because the fire which is below them will be pitch black – that is the fire of

hell. The only thing that will save us on that day, O believer, is our deeds that we do here. How fast

one crosses siraat is dependent upon his good deeds in this world.

� Allah Subhanwat’ala mentions in the Qur’an that everyone will go over the hell fire but only the

muttaqeen will pass and go out. Ibn Abbas used to cry about this ayah because he said Allah

promised the first part and not the second.

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On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women their light running forward before

them and by their right hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow

(Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success! On the Day when the hypocrites men

and women will say to the believers: "Wait for us! Let us get something from your light!" It will be said:

"Go back to your rear! Then seek a light!" So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein.

Inside it will be mercy, and outside it will be torment."

� The first people to cross As-Siraat

133

� Narrated Abu Hurairah, Prophet �� said, “…I (Muhammad) shall be the first amongst the

Apostles to cross it with my followers. Nobody except the Apostles will then be able to speak and they will be saying then, 'O Allah! Save us. O Allah Save us.'” (alBukhari)

Al-Qantarah

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree reports that the prophet �� said, “When the believers cross the Hellfire, they will

be stopped at a small arched bridge (Qantarah) before entering the Paradise and will be given retribution

for injustices between them until they become purified. (Then) they will be permitted to enter Jannah. So,

by the One in whose Hand is my soul, they will know their way to their homes in Jannah, better than they knew their ways to their homes in Dunya.” [Al-Bukharee]

Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said that this is the greatest loser, who will have gotten so far on that Day

because of his deeds, but will lose them right here, when the people he wronged will take all his good deeds,

and when his good deeds are done, he will receive all their bad deeds, and then he will be thrown back into hell.

There will be two arguing for a while, one saying he was wronged and demanding the deeds of his brother,

while the other saying that he needs his own deeds. Allah will then show the one who was wronged a home in

Jannah – like a village of houses made of Gold and Silver and Pearls (Lu’Lu’) and the man will ask whose

home it is. And Allah will say, “it is the home of the one who can pay its price – who can do a good deed

enough to deserve it.” The man will say, “who can do a deed so good as to deserve something like this?” Allah

will respond, “You, if you forgive your brother.” He will respond, “I forgive him.” Allah will then say, “Take

the hand of your brother, and enter both of you into Jannah.”

If Allah Subhanawat’Ala is playing the role of an intercessor in akhirah, then it is our job to reconcile between

people in dunya.

After Qantarah, people will be gathered at Paradise. The gates would be closed. They will wait for Prophet

Muhammad salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam to come and knock on the knocker of the gate of Jannah. He will knock

on it and the angels within will ask “Who is it?” And the Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam will respond, “It is

I, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdillah.” They will respond, “We were commanded to only open the door for you. (That

is why it is said that no one will enter Jannah before this moment). The Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said

that one of the gates of the Jannah is as far as you can see to the east and as far as you can see into the west (the

horizon) and by Allah the people going through them will be going in huge huge crowds, so close to one

another.

Al-A’raf There’s a difference in opinion in regards to whether Al-A’raf is a description of the place or description of the

people.

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134

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And between them will be a barrier screen and on Al-A'râf (a wall with elevated places) will be men

(whose good and evil deeds would be equal in scale), who would recognise all (of the Paradise and Hell

people), by their marks (the dwellers of Paradise by their white faces and the dwellers of Hell by their

black faces), they will call out to the dwellers of Paradise, "Salâmun 'Alaikûm" (peace be on you), and at

that time they (men on Al-A'râf) will not yet have entered it (Paradise), but they will hope to enter (it)

with certainty. And when their eyes will be turned towards the dwellers of the Fire, they will say: "Our

Lord! Place us not with the people who are Dhâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers)."

And the men on Al-A'râf (the wall) will call unto the men whom they would recognize by their marks,

saying: "Of what benefit to you were your great numbers (and hoards of wealth), and your arrogance

against Faith?" Are they those, of whom you swore that Allâh would never show them mercy. (Behold! It

has been said to them): "Enter Paradise, no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve."

Linguistically: What is high; like a wall

Technically: There are different opinions.

1. A high place from where you can see Paradise and Hellfire

2. A wall between Paradise and Hellfire

3. A mountain between Jannah and Hellfire (opinion of Ibn ‘Abbas)

4. It is the Bridge (As-Siraat).

However, there isn’t a proof for any of the above mentioned opinions.

Who are the People of Al-A’raf? There exist 20 to 50 opinions as to who these people are. According to Ibn Kathir, these are people whose good

and bad deeds are equal. Some scholars say these are children produced as a result of wedlock and some say

these are children of the kuffar. Some scholars say it is those whose parents are sinful and they are punished in

hell while the children are waiting for them. However, the latter three opinions are unacceptable. The last one is

rejected as no one can be made responsible for another’s sin. The most famous opinion is of Imam At-Tabari

who states that they are the ones who died shaheed for the sake of Allah, but they went to the jihad without their

parent’s permission, which is why Allah will not let them go into Jannah, since they disobeyed their parents.

However, by the Mercy of Allah Subhanawat’Ala, these people will eventually enter Jannah.

Paradise and Hellfire

REAL – ETERNAL – EXISTS NOW How would you feel when you know Allah has made Jannah thousands of years before He made the earth and

has prepared it for you? Hell fire has been kindling for over a thousand years as well. For its inhabitants itself,

it has been kindling for over three thousand years.

135

One of the proofs that the hellfire was made already and so was the Paradise, is that the Prophet �� saw it

when he went to Al-Mi’raaj. Prophet Muhammad �� saw Jibraeel 'alayhis salaam near Sidratul Muntahaa

which is near or at the top of Paradise.

�8�L� ��)�,�+�& S;��H�� $CE�(�. �� S3�+�c�� R�� &�.��D��A�@�"�8�%�� K�>�&C4 �I�.�� K �� And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are

the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn [3:133]

About paradise, Allah Subhanawat’Ala says [in Surah anNajm]:

53:15(� �ه� � �� ا��وى �� ))53:16 (إذ �� ا�! �رة

“Near unto the garden of promise, with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendor” (alQuran 53:15-16).

It is the consensus of scholars that paradise will last forever.

:d�� 3 &�� E�� # J�G/�� Z�- =�/6)38:54

Allah Subhanawat’Ala says [in Surah Su’ad]: “This, verily, shall be Our provision [for you], with no end to it!”

(alQuran 38:54).

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He says [in Surah Ar-Ra’ad]: “The parable of the paradise promised to those who are conscious of God [is that

of a garden] through which running waters flow: [but, unlike an earthly garden,] its fruits will be everlasting,

and [so will be] its shade. Such will be the destiny of those who remain conscious of God-just as the destiny of

those who deny the truth will be the fire. (alQuran 13:35).

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Furthermore, He says [in Surah alHijr]: “No weariness shall ever touch them in this [state of bliss], and never

shall they have to forgo it.” (alQuran 15:48).

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136

Finally, He mentions [in Surah Hud]: But as for those who [by virtue of their past deeds] will have been blest

with happiness, [they shall live] in paradise, therein to abide as long as the heavens and the earth endure -unless

thy Sustainer wills it otherwise -as a gift unceasing. (alQuran 11:108).

Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah believe that the Jannah will last forever, but there is a difference of

opinion regarding the eternity of the Hellfire.

� ��>� �D ��6�� 4�� I�.�� K ��8�L� �/�� v �� )��2 ��>��d �;��9�� c�2 S1�C6�9�� +�� U��b�& �ig(�. U�� f�� And those who are blessed, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein for all the time that the heavens and

the earth endure, except as your Lord will, a gift without an end.

You enter paradise by Allah’s Mercy. You don’t deserve to stay there forever (your deeds aren’t good enough),

but it’s by His Mercy that you do. Imam Ahmed was asked by someone, “when can I rest?” He replied, “when

your feet are in Jannah.”

Believers are struggling in this dunya until they meet their Rabb, which is when they finally settle in Jannah.

Hellfire: The two opinions are as follows:

Opinion One: Allah will take out the people of Tawheed; they stay a while and then vanish.

� The ones who say hellfire is not eternal use the last part of an ayah [in Surah alAn’am]

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"The fire shall be your abode, therein to abide-unless God wills it otherwise." (alQur’an 6:128).

According to them, if Allah wills, He will put an end to it.

� Another ayah they use as proof is [in Surah Hud]

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“…verily, thy Sustainer is a sovereign doer of whatever He wills.” (alQur’an 11:107).

� It is the opinion of Abu Sai’d Al Khudri, Abu Hurairah and some others that Allah’s Mercy requires that

one day His punishment will end.

Opinion Two: Majority opinion: Hellfire is eternal.

� This group says that wherever Allah said “except whom He Wills,” it’s related to sinners and not the kuffar.

� The second group also says that those who are kuffaar, if they were returned back to earth, would have

committed the same sin so they deserve to be there forever.

� Allah says [in Surah alBaqarah]

137

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“And then those followers shall say: "Would that we had a second chance [in life], so that we could

disown them as they have disowned us!" Thus will God show them their works [in a manner that will

cause them] batter regrets; but they will not come out of the fire.” (alQur’an 2:167)

� Allah says [in Surah alFatir]

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“But as for those who are bent on denying the truth - the fire of hell awaits them: no end shall be put

to their lives so that they could die, nor shall aught of the suffering caused by that [fire] be lightened

for them: thus shall We requite all who are bereft of gratitude.” (alQur’an 35:36)

� Prophet Muhammad �� mentioned that “death will be brought in the shape of a ram and

slaughtered…O people of fire, eternity to you.” [SaheeHain]

� No one will enter Jannah without Allah’s Mercy and Grace.

� No one will enter the Hellfire but by Allah’s Justice

� The gates of Jannah will not be opened to anyone other than the Prophet ��.

� The Prophet’s �� Nation will be the first to enter Jannah. It will make up the majority of the people of

Jannah. � There are many gates of Jannah – Ar-Rayyaan (for the one who fasts a lot), one for the one who

Prays a lot, the middle one is the one who was good to his parents (and is the biggest one), etc. etc.

What if you do not do anything special? The other gates will share and allow you to enter them even

if you are average in the purpose of the gate, except Ar-Rayyaan. This gate is special only for those

who fast much – and no one else will enter it.

� The Prophet �� said: Do you want Jannah? Then fast a lot. There is nothing equal to it.

� Abu Bakr (RA) asked the Prophet �� if there will be anyone who will be allowed to enter

from any of the gates that he wishes. The Prophet �� said yes there will be such a man, and

that man is you. � This shows us that Abu Bakr (RA) aimed for the highest. If it were us, we’d say, Ya Shaykh, we’d

enter from the window, underneath the door, whatever we can get – we look for the easiest way in,

but Abu Bakr (RA) always aspired to the highest.

� The Prophet’s �� nation will be the first to enter Jannah. It will make up the majority of the

people of Jannah. Can you imagine entering before any of the other Prophets, only because you are

part of Ummat Muhammad?

� It is said there are 100 levels in Jannah. Every step one takes toward the masjid, it will raise one a

level in Jannah. Ibn Mas’ood used to take small steps, unless he heard the Iqaamah, he would take

big steps so he could catch the Iqaamah. Each verse one memorizes and recites will get him a level

higher in Jannah. Each step one takes towards Hajj will raise him a level in Jannah – imagine how

far we go from America (yes it’s not step, but imagine the distance!).

138

� The greatest pleasure in Jannah is that of seeing Allah ��.

� Believers will be looking at their Lord. Allah says [in Surah alQiyamah]

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Some faces will on that Day be bright with happiness, looking up to their Sustainer (al Qur’an 22-23)

Seeing Allah (Ar-Ru’yah)

�.��( �I�.�J�� /�0�+��4�� U �>�)gW� �� A��!��( �U��H�� *��"�E�� ,�� )�(�. ��8�%�� $�j�� ( $�)��( ��C0�� And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord (Allâh, when He will come to judge among men) and

the Book will be placed (open) and the Prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward, and it will be

judged between them with truth, and they will not be wronged.

Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah believe that Allah can be seen

R��m3�+�X��: ��)�(�. Looking at their Lord (Allâh)

Abu Hurairah said that the people asked the Prophet �, “Will we see Allah on the Day of Resurrection?” He

replied, “Do you have any difficulty seeing the sky in the middle of a clear day?” They replied, “No,

Messenger of Allah.” He then asked, “Do you have any difficulty seeing the moon in the middle of a clear night.? They said, “No.” He then said, “You will see Him on the Day of Resurruction like that.” [Al-

Bukharee and Muslim]

.n – No one will be pushed while they are going to look at Allah!�رون �

n – There will be no injustice when seeing Allah!�رون �

� Believers won’t need to harm each other to see Allah.

� Seeing Him won’t harm them.

� There need not be a collective group to see Him.

� No one would need to locate Him.

� Everyone who sees Him would be satisfied.

� When they see Him, He will be above them.

Will Non-Muslims see Allah?

� Majority opinion: None of the Non-Muslims (regardless of type) will see Allah.

139

� Second opinion: All Muslims and the hypocrites who pretended to be Muwahihideen will see Allah.

[Ibn Khuzaimah / Abee Ya’la]

� Third opinion: The Kuffar will see Allah, but it will not be a form of reward. [Abu Al-Hasan ibn

Saalim, Abu Sahl At-Tastruee, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Al-Qayyim] � Allah says [in Surah alMutaffifeen]:

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Nay, verily, from [the grace of] their Sustainer shall they on that Day be debarred (alQur’an: 15)

� This opinion is the strongest, because the kuffaar will see Allah but it will not be in good

circumstances. The disbelievers will be in fear at seeing Him. The believers will see Him at this

time as a reassurance but not as a reward. That is why they will ask to see Allah in Jannah.

Will women see Allah? � No one has refuted this opinion as severely as Ibn Taymiyyah has. The hadith that they use as proof is

the saying of Prophet �: “When the believers come back after seeing Allah, their families will tell

them: You have become more beautiful”. So those scholars say that the men will return to their

families. Ibn Taymiyyah says how can they take one small thing and take it to contradict all the

evidence that the believers will see Allah (and believers are men and women). The hadith doesn’t

suggest in any way that the women didn’t come home with the men and then remark about the beauty of

their husbands. It could also be the Hoorul ‘Een who say it. It could be the servants – who are very well

known to be also called family. Ibn Taymiyyah said that this opinion was unacceptable and was a

disgrace for even being an opinion.

The positions of Various Sects Regarding Ru’yah: � Al-Mu’tazilah, Al-Jahmiyyah, Ar-Rafidah, and Al-Khawaarij all deny the possibility of seeing Allah.

� Al-Asha’irah say that He is seen, but He will not be in any direction due to their denial of Allah being

above His creation.

� The word “Jihah” (location/direction) was not mentioned in Qur’an and Sunnah. Rather the evidence

clearly and simply mention that Allah is ABOVE His creation.

Can Allah be seen in the Dunya or in dreams? � No one can claim to have done this. Even on the Day of Judgment, there will not be the completeness of

“seeing” Him. When you see the sun, that doesn’t mean you see the whole thing or understand the

whole thing. The same can be understood for Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

Important Principles in Understanding Texts Related to the Unseen

� All the things that are mentioned will be in the Hereafter, Jannah or Hellfire only share the NAME

with their counterparts in Dunya. They should not be imagined as the same.

� It is difficult to understand some things related to the Unseen because the world of the Unseen is

different than this world. We always see matters of the unseen mentioned alongside Faith.

� We must combine between all evidences.

140

� We must take texts by their apparent meaning. Doing otherwise will lead to the denial of their

existence.

� Importance of going back to the explanations of the Sahabah.

� One cannot insist on a particular ORDER to the specific events of the last day.

� Dwelling on the intricate details of these texts destroys its effect.

He said, “Tell me about Eeman.” ) replied, “It is to believe in Allah, … · 2010. 5. 12. · Allah: "And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So did

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