Shaykh ‘Abdul-Baaree ath-Thubaytee~khutbahs

[Arwa]

Honouring the Glorious Qur’aan

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Baaree ath-Thubaytee

12, Rabee‘uth-thaanee 1426 (13, May 2005)



All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and his companions.

Humanity was living in an extreme darkness, beset by deviations and superstitions until Allaah honoured it and revealed to it the Qur’aan so that it could bring it out of the darkness to the light and out of subjection to idols and statues to total submission to the only One Lord and the Judge.

Allaah revealed the Qur’aan as an everlasting miracle. He challenged the man and the Jinn to bring forth the like thereof. All human orators surrendered to its eloquence; the wise among mankind succumbed to its wisdom and the scholars among them were astounded by its mysteries. Evidences of its opponents were disproved while their weakness was exposed. It has to be so because the Qur’aan is the Word of Allaah, the All-Wise, All-Knowledgeable. It is His Unique Word that can never be rivalled or paralleled by any word or expression. It is a succinct word, full of miraculous verses.





The mere mention of it gladdens the hearts of those who remember Allaah. Its verses are easy to memorise for those who memorise them. It is the spring of the hearts and the light of the minds. Allaah made it a light thatt guides to the light. It is the truth that guides to the truth. It is the straight path that leads its followers to the everlasting Paradise. Hearts never get bored with its recitation and it never wears out as a result of frequent reading.

The Qur’aan is the guide for the Muslims; it is the law that guides the lives of the believers. It is the main source of the law of Islaam, the pillar of the religion, the source of wisdom, the sign of the message and the light of the eyes and the visions. There is no way to Allaah except through it and there is no salvation without it. Therefore, let those who seek guidance, light and happiness in this world and the Hereafter take the Qur’aan as their intimate companion at all times by reading it and putting its injunctions into practice in order to attain their goals. Let them endeavour to be among the frontrunners.

Dear brethren! The first generation of the Muslims marched upon the path of the Qur’aan and then became the first community ever evolved for mankind. Then, the Qur’aan was not preserved in written form; it was rather preserved in their hearts, behaviours, manners and deeds. When one of them walked on the land, he walked carrying manners, etiquettes and principles of the Qur’aan with him.

The enemies testified to the greatness of the Qur’aan and to the splendour of its meanings. Al-Waleed ibn al-Mugheerah once came to the Messenger of Allaah and told him: “O Muhammad, read the Qur’aan for me.” The Messenger of read for him Allaah’s saying,

“Indeed, Allaah enjoins justice and good conduct and giving to relatives; and forbids immorality bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”

The Messenger of Allaah hardly finished reciting this verse that this avowed enemy requested him that he recited the verse once again because of the its majestic wordings and sacred meanings. He was seized by the solidity of its construction and was overwhelmed by its strong impact. He soon registered his acknowledgement of the greatness of the Qur’aan by saying: “By Allaah! It has sweetness and it is full of grace. It is leafy in the lower side and full of fruits in the upper side. This is certainly not the word of a human being.”

Allaah tells us of the greatness of the Qur’aan that if it was addressed to the mountains they would humble and come apart from the fear of Allaah. He says,

“Had We sent down this Qur’aan on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allaah.”

(Al-Hashr 59:21)

During one of the Prophet’s battles, a man among the Muhaajireen and a man among the Ansaar stood in guard one night. The Muhaajir brother slept and the Ansaaree was performing prayer. A man from among the enemy came; and when he saw the Ansaaree in prayer he shot him with an arrow, the Ansaaree removed the arrow and continued praying until the enemy shot him three times. He then bowed and prostrated. His Muhaajir companion who had been sleeping then awakened, and the enemy ran away. When he saw blood on his brother he asked him shockingly, “Subhaanallaah! Why didn’t you wake me up when he shot the first arrow?” But his companion answered, “I was reading a soorah and I did not want to interrupt it.”

The greatness of a word is usually measured by the greatness of the one who says it. Then imagine how great the word would be if the one who says it is Allaah, the Exalted, the Omnipotent and the Possessor of the heavens and the earth! Allaah says,

“Thus it is, and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts.”

(Al-Hajj 22:32)

The Qur’aan represents the symbol of Allaah among His servants. It is His Book that will never be affected by falsehood from its front or from its rear.

The Qur’aan is great with Allaah and it is in the Preserved Tablet as Allaah says,

“And Verily, it (this Qur’aan) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), with Us, indeed Exalted, full of Wisdom.”

(Az-Zukhruf 43:4)

Ibn Katheer said, “Allaah explains its nobleness in the midst of the angels so that that those who are in the earth can also honour it and obey its injunctions.”

Fellow Muslims! Venerating Allaah’s Book is a manifestation of venerating Allaah. An-Nawawee said, “The Muslims are unanimous that venerating the glorious Qur’aan is obligatory.”

Qaadee ‘Iyadh said, “Whoever treats the Qur’aan, a copy of it or any of its contents contemptuously has become a disbeliever according to the consensus of the Muslims.”

The Qur’aan is venerated by its perfect recitation, belief in its contents, abiding by its commandments and avoiding its prohibitions, and by honouring it by whatever means Allaah ordains.

Venerating the glorious Qur’aan is not restricted to learning and applying its Tajweed alone; it is not restricted to decorating its printing, hanging it on the walls or reciting it on the dead. Its actual veneration lies in preserving its letters and limitations, glorifying it and following its teachings.

“(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.”

(Saad 38:29)

Venerating the Book of Allaah entails that one should not read it while he is in the state of sexual defilement. This is because the Messenger of Allaah wrote to ‘Amr ibn ‘Azm that, “None but the clean [from impurities] should touch the Qur’aan.” (Maalik)

A manifestation of honouring the Qur’aan is that nothing should be said about it without knowledge. An-Nawawee said, “It is forbidden that commentaries should be made on it without knowledge and nothing should be said concerning its intricate meanings except by qualified scholars. There are many hadeeths in this regard, as there is a consensus of the Muslims regarding this. As for commenting on its meanings by the scholars, there is a consensus that this is permissible and commendable.”

Venerating the Qur’aan entails abstention from commenting on its verses with mere assumptions. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Beware or narrating from me except that which you know. For, whoever intentionally tells a lie against me should choose his place in Hell. And whoever speaks of the Qur’aan with his opinion should choose his place in Hell.” (Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee)

Venerating the Qur’aan entails reciting it with attention and reflecting upon its meanings. The Messenger of Allaah said, “There will appear in this nation a group of people so pious apparently that you will consider your prayers, fasting and good deeds inferior to theirs. But they will recite the Qur’aan, the teachings of which will not go beyond their throats and they will go out of their religion as arrow darts through the game.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

It is a manifestation of honouring the Qur’aan to clean the mouth with cleaning stick and to rinse the mouth before reciting it. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Had it been that I did not want to inconvenience my followers, I would have commanded them to clean their mouths with miswaaq at the time of every prayer.” (Muslim)

Al-Bayhaqee said, “This hadeeth indicates that the Prophet used to do so each time he wanted to pray or recite the Qur’aan.”

It is also a sign of honouring the Qur’aan not to interrupt its recitation for people’s discussions. People’s talks should not be allowed to affect recitation of the Qur’aan.

Al-Bukhaaree reported on the authority of Naafi’ that whenever Ibn ‘Umar recited the Qur’aan, he would not talk until he finished the recitation.

Venerating the Qur’aan necessitates that its knowledge should be taken only from trustworthy scholars.

Muslim reported on the authority of Anas that the Messenger of Allaah told Ubayy, “Allaah commanded me to recite the Qur’aan to you.” Ubayy said, “Did Allaah mentioned my name to you?” The Messenger of Allaah said, “Yes, Allaah mentioned your name to me.” Upon hearing that, Ubayy started weeping.

Honouring the Qur’aan necessitates avoiding argument about it. Muslim reported on the authority of 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar who said: “I went to Allaah's Messenger in the morning and he heard the voice of two persons who had an argumentation with each other about a verse. Allaah's Messenger came to us (and) the (signs) of anger could be seen on his face. He said: Surely, those who were before you were ruined because of their disputation in the Book.”

Venerating the Qur’aan demands that is should not be transported to the land of the enemy. The Messenger of Allaah commanded, “Do not take the Qur’aan on a journey with you, for I am afraid it should fall into the hands of the enemy. Ayyub (one of the narrators in the chain of transmitters) said: The enemy may seize it and may quarrel with you over it.” (Muslim)

An-Nawawee said, “The prohibition of taking the Qur’aan on a journey to the enemy’s land is for the fear that the enemy might lay their hands on it and desecrate it. If there is no such a fear, there is no objection.”

Honouring the Qur’aan requires that one should not use it for material gain. At-Tirmidhee reported on the authority of ‘Imraan ibn Husayn who walked past a story-teller reciting the Qur’aan and then asking for money. ‘Imraan then narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allaah saying, “Let him who recites the Qur’aan ask only Allaah with it. For a group of people will come that will recite the Qur’aan and ask people with it.”

Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim narrated on the authority of ‘Alee who narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said, “During the last days there will appear some young foolish people who will say the best words but their faith will not go beyond their throats (i.e. they will have no faith) and will go out from their religion as an arrow goes out of the game. So, wherever you find them, kill them, for whoever kills them shall have reward on the Day of Resurrection.”

This hadeeth indicates that there will be at your time some people who will perform many acts of worship but only in order to show off while they are, in reality, far from the religion. They are a people affected by the trial so they become blind and deaf.

Reciting the Qur’aan in order to show off is devoid of rewards. It is rather a curse upon whoever does so. The Qur’aan should only be recited out of eemaan and in order to put its teachings into practice. Allaah says,

“Verily, this Qur’aan guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allaah and His Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him)) who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise).”

(Al-Israa 17:9)

Fellow Muslims! Venerating the Qur’aan demands that, newspapers, magazines and books that contain verses of the Qur’aan are properly preserved and disposed of. It is regrettable that some Muslims read these newspapers and books and then throw them in garbage cans; or place them where they could be trampled upon or used as table mats and thrown into waste cans. There is no doubt that this is tantamount to treating the indefatigable Book of Allaah with disrespect.

The Book of Allaah should be raised and not be put on the floor, especially in a dishonoured place. If one puts it on a dishonoured place; that is tantamount to being indifferent to the greatness of the Qur’aan. But if someone is reading the Qur’aan in a mosque or in his house and wants to prostrate, there is nothing wrong if he put it down. That will not be regarded as disrespect to the Qur’aan.

It is a manifestation of honouring the Qur’aan that one should refrain from stretching one’s feet towards it or turning one’s back at it.

One of the greatest rights of this Book upon us is that we should defend it and speak out against anyone who seeks to attack it or mock it. The Muslims were pained by the news of desecration of the Qur’aan. This is a heinous act that hurt and infuriated all Muslims. It also goes against all moral values, as it is capable of igniting the fire of extremism and hatred.

This repulsive act should therefore be properly investigated and the guilty should be given deterrent punishments. In addition to this, the concerned authorities should apologise to the Muslims.

Al-Bukhaaree reported that ‘Umar said, “I heard Hishaam bin Hakeem reciting Soorah al-Furqaan during the lifetime of Allaah's Messenger and I listened to his recitation and noticed that he recited it in several different ways which Allaah's Messenger had not taught me. I was about to jump over him during his prayer, but I controlled my temper, and when he had completed his prayer, I put his upper garment around his neck and seized him by it and said, "Who taught you this Soorah which I heard you reciting?" He replied, "Allaah's Messenger taught it to me." I said, "You have told a lie, for Allaah's Messenger has taught it to me in a different way from yours." So I dragged him to Allah's Messenger and told him, "I heard this person reciting Soorah al-Furqaan in a way which you haven't taught me!" On that Allaah's Messenger said, "Release him, (O 'Umar!) Recite, O Hishaam!" Then he recited in the same way as I heard him reciting. Then Allaah's Messenger said, "It was revealed in this way," and added, "Recite, O 'Umar!" I recited it as he had taught me. Allaah's Messenger then said, "It was revealed in this way. This Qur’aan has been revealed to be recited in seven different ways, so recite of it whichever (way) is easier for you (or read as much of it as may be easy for you).”

[Far7an]

Assalamu 'alaikum

Jazakallah khair for sharing this

“(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.”

(Saad 38:29)

Subhanallah

May Allah increase our love for the quran and give us a better understanding of it.

[Arwa]

wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu

ameen :'(

[Far7an]

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

All Sermons by Shaykh ‘Abdul-Baaree ath-Thubaytee will posted in this thread InshaAllah

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['Abd al-Baari]

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh,

Real Manhood
Shaykh Abdul Baari bin 'Awwad Ath Thubaity
Imaam & Khateeb of Masjid e Nabawi

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah and all his companions.

Allaah says what translates as, "Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allaah." (Al-Ahzaab: 23).

He also says what translates as, "... Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the remembrance of Allaah." (An-Noor: 37).

Crediting someone with manhood sometimes means that the person possesses the characteristics which exemplify this quality, like bravery, being honest, and standing up for the truth. Allaah says what translates as, "And there came a man running from the farthest end of the city. He said, 'O Moosaa (Moses)! Verily the chiefs are taking council together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice." (Al-Qasas: 20).

He also says what translates as, "And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith said, 'Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allaah, and he has come to you with clear signs (proofs) from your Lord?'" (Ghaafir: 28).

Recognising the importance of real manhood in the service of Islaam, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam used to look out for men who could help the cause of his religion and with whom his mission could be enhanced. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam would ask his Lord: ‘O Allaah! Make Islaam strong with the one who is more beloved to You of these two men: Aboo Jahl or Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab.’ The narrator of this Hadeeth commented: ‘And the more beloved to Him was ‘Umar.’ (At-Tirmithi). The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam made this Du’aa looking out for those qualities of manhood that would have a positive impact upon the spread of Islaam.

As a matter of fact, the acceptance of ‘Umar’s , may Allaah be pleased with him, of Islaam was a great event that manifested his manhood as soon as he embraced Islaam. No sooner had he embraced Islaam than the Muslims who were hitherto not bold enough to show their religion started proclaiming it in public. Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, ‘We have remained strong ever since ‘Umar embraced Islaam.’ (Bukhaari).

Dear brothers! ‘Umar’s manhood, may Allaah be pleased with him, was not in his physical strength nor chivalry - for there were those stronger than him among the Quraish - but in his strength of faith and big heart; a quality that won him respect and honour. Other companions of the Prophet migrated to Madeenah secretly, while ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him,- when he was migrating - armed himself with his sword, went to the Ka'bah, made a Tawaaf, prayed behind Maqaam Ibrahiem, and then announced to the Quraish chiefs that he was migrating. He told them, ‘Whoever wants to make his mother bereaved, his children orphans and his wife a widow should follow me after this valley.’ But nobody followed him.

‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him,laid down programs for instilling manhood when he said, ‘Teach your children the art of spear-throwing, swimming, and horse riding, and relate to them what is good of poetry.’

Brothers in faith! Manhood is a quality that is pursued by people of high ambitions and serious thinking men. It is a basic quality that is needed by every man, for when men lose the qualities of manhood they cease to be real men. Manhood is deeply implanted in a person through strong belief, nurtured by sound upbringing and developed by good example.

According to common belief, manhood is only known in its material aspect; for whoever is outwardly handsome, physically strong, and possesses wealth is regarded as a good man. But in the eyes of Islaam, a real man is one who has good and virtuous deeds to his credit, and possesses good manners and conduct.

A man passed by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam one day. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam asked his companions, “What do you think of this man?’ They replied, ‘He deserves to be married to whomsoever he proposes, to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes and to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam remained silent. Then a poor Muslim man passed by and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam asked the companions, “What do you think of this man?” They replied, ‘He deserves not to be married when he proposes, nor to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes nor to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam then said, “This one is as much as the fill of the Earth better than the other” (Bukhaari).

Real men are not judged by the size of their bodies or their outward beauty. ‘Ali, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated, ‘The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam sent Ibn Mas’ood to fetch him something from the top of a tree. When he had climbed the tree, the companions of the Prophet looked at his legs and laughed at their thinness. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Why are you laughing? Verily, Abdullah's leg will be heavier on the scale on the day of resurrection than Mount Uhud” (Ahmad).

Real manhood means being thoughtful, uttering good words, having decency and solidarity. Real manhood entails having a sense of responsibility to defend Tawhied and to give sincere advice for the sake of Allaah. Allaah says what translates as, "And there came a man running from the farthest end of the city. He said, 'O Moosaa (Moses)! Verily the chiefs are taking council together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice." (Al-Qasas: 20).

Manhood means resoluteness in opinion, coming out openly with the truth and displaying wisdom in warning against the rejection of truth. Allaah says what translates as, "And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith said, 'Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allaah, and he has come to you with clear signs (proofs) from your Lord.?’ And if he is a liar, upon him will be the sin of his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that calamity wherewith he threatens you will befall you. Verily, Allah guides not one who is a Musrif (a polytheist, or a murderer who sheds blood without right, or those who commit great sins, oppressor, transgressor), a liar.” (Ghaafir: 28).

Manhood means being avoiding unsuitable behavior and being on one’s guard against the Difficult Day (the Day of Resurrection). Allaah says what translates as, “... Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the remembrance of Allaah (with heart and tongue), nor from performing as-Salaah, nor for giving the Zakaah. They fear a day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection.” (An-Noor: 37).

A real man is sincere in his words, fulfills his promises and remains firm on the right path. Allaah says what translates as, “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant to Allaah. Of them, some have fulfilled their obligations and some of them are still waiting but they have never changed. [i.e. they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allaah] in the least.” (Al-Ahzaab: 23).

The men about whom we are talking are not those who have sunk deep into the abyss of worldly pleasures, those who do not aim for high moral standards and turn away from their Lord.

They are not those of imposing physical stature whose minds are devoid of any sense; for such people are most certainly not real men. The real men whom we are talking about are those whom Allaah describes when He says what translates as, “And the slave of the Most-Beneficent (Allaah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness. And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing. And those who say Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily it’s torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment. Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and a place of dwell. And those who when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).” (Al-Furqaan: 67).

The example of a real man is not that of a youth (or older person) who has no strength of character, and simply follows his peers in whatever they do. When they do good, he follows, and when they do evil, he also does evil, so that they will think he is a man.

But rather a real man is one who frequents the mosque, a man who is called to fornication by a woman of position and beauty, and yet says, ‘I fear Allaah;’ a man who gives alms secretly; two men who love each other for the sake of Allaah; they were brought together by their mutual love for the sake of Allah, and they parted upon the same. The former ‘men’ are detested by Allaah while the latter real men are loved by Him and they will be under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His.

Real Muslim culture enjoins chivalry and righteous deeds. Traditionally, their poetry is inspiring, containing neither unsteadiness nor effeminacies. A stark contrast to what is prevalent nowadays.

What worse calamity can befall mankind than for its men to become effeminate, while its women adopt male mannerisms, revolting against the very nature in which Allaah created them? The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam “cursed the men who behave like women and women who behave like men” (Bukhaari). In a similar narration, he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam ordered: “Cast them out of your homes”.

Fellow Muslims! When the qualities of manhood disappear among men, society falls into crisis; homes are ruined, the nation becomes weak and disgraced, and moral corruption becomes widespread.

Brothers in faith! Allaah says what translates as, “Men are the protectors and the maintainers of women because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other.” (An-Nisaa’: 34).

When speaking about manhood in the present era, one is reminded of the stone-throwing children in Palestine. Physically they are children but in their deeds, they are heroes and men. They rightly deserve to be called men, for they are nurtured by the Qur’aan; they fight in the way of Allaah while others fight with music.

This children’s manhood is the one that rejects oppression and submission to the aggressors. They have no fear of bombs and shells, but rather face it with open hearts in order that Al-Quds may be liberated.

The fathers of these children were arrested in their presence and their homes were demolished under their very noses. Though they possess nothing but stones, they see themselves as great enough to challenge the tanks of their enemies without fear while their mothers back them and encourage them to be martyrs.

The people to which these children belong have long been patient; they have made huge sacrifices, and yet still their blood is continuously spilt on the land which is rightfully theirs, while its children stand firm against the usurping enemy who seized their properties, killed the innocent and breached accords and covenants. These children recorded unequalled heroism and sacrifice that is unyielding to the Jewish aggression.

How can the world of today - that claims to be civilized - fail to stop the aggression? Where are the covenants and pacts that claim to guarantee peace, reduction of crime and standing by the oppressed? Where are the proponents of peace when the elderly and infants are being killed by rockets and bombs and their homes being bulldozed? By the Grace of Allaah, all this blood shall grow and nurture proud souls that will neither succumb nor surrender to disgrace as far as the matter of religion is concerned.

The Muslim nation has promised its Lord that Al-Quds is a part, in fact, the very essence, of its belief and that it shall give it priority over its worldly interests. We shall never be negligent with any part of it and there shall be neither peace nor tranquility without it, for all activities carried out on that land by the Jews are condemned by this Ummah as it condemned the occupation itself.

The Land of Palestine is Islamic and shall remain Islamic at all costs. We should not lose hope in the victory of Allaah, for “Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s mercy except the people who disbelieve.” (Yoosuf: 87).

Let the resistance continue and let the sacrifice continue until the land is given back to its rightful owners.

Muslims’ obligation to Al Quds is in accordance with the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Therefore the matter of that land should be the concern of all Muslims. Only when this city is liberated from these invaders can Muslims be rightly said to have fulfilled their obligation towards Al Quds.

WaAlaykumus Salaam Warahmatullah

[Khayal]

:arabic6:

DEATH
Friday Khutbah
Abdul Baarie Ath-Thubaitie

:salamext:
Summary

1)The fact that death will definitely occur.

2)Death is near.

3)The behavior of people today at the graveyard.

4)The benefits of remembering death.

5)The types of people at the time of death.

6)The good end.

7)Mentioning the good qualities of the dead, and refraining from his shortcomings.

All praise is due to Allaah. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

I enjoin you and myself to fear Allaah, for it is the provision and safety in this world and the Last Day, “the day when neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allaah a clean heart.”
(Ash Shu’araa’: 88-89).
Allaah says, “Everyone shall taste death. And only on the day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the fire and admitted to Paradise he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).”
(Aal-‘Imraan: 175).


Such is the reality of death and what comes after it. Every one of us shall taste it whether poor or rich; healthy or sick, old or young; leader or led and none of us can escape it.
Allaah says, “Whosesoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in a fortress built up strong and high.”
(An-Nisaa: 78).

Death, as manifested in its character and effects is one of the mysteries that dazzles human intelligence because it has to do with the soul.

Allaah says, “And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the spirit. Say: ‘The spirit 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.”
(Al-Israa’: 85).


One of it mysteries is that you see a youth who was full of health and energy suddenly falls dead without warning; thereby making that youthfulness and energy fade away, bringing all his senses to a complete standstill. That youth might even be an erudite scholar, an eloquent author, a skilled physician or brilliant inventor but it is absolutely out of the question that this quality should prevent death from overtaking him when his time is due.

Allaah says, “When their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).”
(Yoonus: 49).

‘Amr Ibn Abdullah used to mount the pulpit and say, “Many a person who has seen the beginning of a day but would not see its end. And many a person who has expected morning but would not live to see it. If only you had known your appointed time and how it comes to pass, you would have detested nursing hope for worldly materials and its deception.”


While man enjoys his good health, playing and merrymaking, moving about in haughtiness, commanding and forbidding, death and illness suddenly attacks him, weakens his body, makes his limbs lifeless and then closes his record.

How near is death! Every day it becomes closer to us and no sooner has the book reached its appointed time that we belong among the dead. Then it becomes clear that life is really like flowers that bloom then afterwards wither or like a lamp that illuminates then afterwards dies down.

Let those who crave for this world and its pleasures ponder over these scattered graves all over the place and realize that the way to pleasures and lustful things, though decorated with beautiful roses inevitably leads to the present condition of those buried in these graves. Happiness is for him whom a messenger of death has opened his eyes to reality before he died, and whoever does not heed to the warning of the Qur’an and death, even if mountains were to thrust one another in front of him, he would not heed.

Dear brothers! What we witness in the cemeteries is a great lesson for us. The carrier of the bier to the cemetery today is taken back there tomorrow (as a dead person) and is left there only with his deeds either good or evil.

It is also very unfortunate that in these days we see some among those who escort the deceased laughing and playing or attending the funeral for showing off. This phenomenon is due to the heedlessness that has hardened people’s hearts and made them forget the Last Day and the frightening conditions of the grave. May Allaah awaken us from this heedlessness!

Brothers in faith! It is expected of him who knows that he will die, be buried, raised up on the day of Resurrection and enters Paradise or Hell to always remember death, prepare for it and reflect on it. He is in fact expected to regard himself among the dead. This is because all that is coming is near and when the angel of death comes neither your wealth nor your people can prevent him from taking your soul.

Where are those who achieved their aims and none were comparable to them in that? They collected but could not eat what they collected; they built mansions but could not live there! We on our part are still swimming in the pool of life as if we are meant to live here forever. Uways Al-Qarnee said, “Remember death when you sleep and always think of it when you are awake.”

Fellow Muslims! It is a fact that this world and its tribulations appear insignificant in the eyes of him who always remembers death, for, he has lofty aims and strong resolutions; he is far from hypocrisy and always yearns for the everlasting bliss in the eternal Paradise.

Dear Brothers, Remembering death does not in any way make one’s life loathsome to him; forcing him to sit in his home and leave all means of sustenance. It is rather meant to deter him from committing sins and soften his hard heart. We remember death in order to have good preparation for it and for all that follows it by doing righteous deeds, obeying Allaah and increasing one’s efforts in all acts of worship.

Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Mahdee said, “If Hammaad bin Salamah is told, ‘You will die tomorrow.’ He will not be able to increase anything in his deed, because his time is full of worship and remembrance of Allaah.

How do we prepare for death? We prepare for death by shunning all abominable things and returning trusts to their rightful owners. We prepare for death by eliminating hatred and enmity from our hearts. We prepare for death by being good to the kith and kin.

Ibn al-Mubaarak said that Saalih Al-Mariy used to say, “If the remembrance of death leaves me for an hour my heart becomes spoilt.”

It is also said that, “Whoever frequently remembers death is honored with three things:
1.Quick repentance,
2.Self-contentedness and
3.Energy in doing acts of worship; and....

Whoever forgets death is punished with three things:
1.delaying repentance,
2.lack of contentedness and
3.laziness in acts of worship.”

When will one who always follows his lustful desires and moves wantonly in his heedlessness remember death? When will one who has no regard for Allaah’s injunctions in Halaal or Haraam remember death? When will one who deserts the Qur’an, prays not Fajr in congregation, usurps people’s property unlawfully, takes usury, and commits fornication, remember death? How can one whose habit is slandering others and backbiting, whose heart is full of rancor and envy remember death?

Fellow Muslims! The Prophets, whenever death came to them were given a chance of choosing between remaining on this world and moving to that noble position. It is beyond doubt that every Prophet would select the everlasting bliss. This happened to Prophet Muhammad, as narrated by Al-Bukhaarie and Muslim on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah that she said, “The Messenger of Allaah (r) used to say while he was healthy, ‘No Prophet died until he saw his place in the Paradise, he was then given the choice between that place and remaining in this world.’ So when he was dying and his head was on my thigh, he fainted for a while then regained his consciousness. He stared at the ceiling, then said, ‘O Allaah! I choose the Highest Companionship.’ I then said, ‘He was not preferring us.’ It was then that I understood statement he used to tell us and it was true. She said, ‘The last word he uttered was: `Oh Allaah, I choose the Highest Companionship.`”

During death and its pain; in the grave and its darkness; and the Day of Resurrection and its horror people fall into two groups. A group shall remain firm; secured from fright and given glad tidings of Paradise while the other group shall suffer disgrace and ignominy.

Allaah says, “Verily, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allaah (alone) and then stood straight, on them the angel will descend (at the time of their death saying,) ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised.’”
(Fussilat: 30).

Angels shall descend upon the believers who are straight in heir religion during death in their graves and when they are resurrected in order to assure them of security and to allay their fears of the horror of the day of judgement. The angels will be telling them, ‘Do not fear about what you are going to meet and do not grieve over what you will be leaving behind of children, family and wealth.’


The angels will also say, ‘We have been your friends in the life of this world and (are so) in the hereafter.’ (Fussilat: 31)
i.e. we will also be your friends in the hereafter, keeping your company in your graves and when the horn is blown, we will also assure you of security on the day of resurrection.

As for the unbelievers, when death comes to them and they start suffering its agonies, they will be subjected to ignominy and disgrace.

Allaah says, “And if you could but see when the wrongdoers 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 Allaah other than the truth. And you used to reject His ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) with disrespect”
(Al-An’aam: 93).


Their sorrow shall increase so much so that they will wish to go back to this world. Allaah say, “Until when death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My Lord send me back.’” (Al-Mu’minoon: 99).


Qataadah said while commenting on this verse, “By Allaah, he would not wish by this statement to go back to his family and wealth nor to collect the good things of this world and satisfy his desires. He would rather wish to go back and do acts of obedience to Allaah. May Allaah bless him who does in this life what the disbelievers would wish to do when he sees the torment of Hell!

Fellow Muslims! How is the need of a dying Muslim to Allaah’s success that his last words may be, “Laa ilaaha illa Allaah”. Mu’aadh bin Jabal narrated that the Prophet said, “Whoever has ‘La ilaha illa Allaah’ as his last words will enter Paradise.”

Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Dictating this word to a dying man is recommended because one who is dying experiences horrors that were unknown to him before, so it is feared that forgetfulness might overtake him since Satan is close to human beings. Moreover, uttering this statement while dying has a great effect in erasing ones misdeeds because it is a testimony of a slave of Allaah who believes in it and knows its meanings; for whose lustful desires are now dead and whose soul has become weak after its might. Then that testimony becomes his last utterance, it purifies him from all his sins because he meets with his Lord with a sincere testimony…”

The righteous predecessors also recommended that a dying person be reminded of his good deeds, so that he can have positive thoughts about his Lord. Jaabir narrated: The Messenger of Allaah said, “None of you should die except in the state of having positive thoughts about Allaah.” (Muslim).

The Sunnah encourages talking about good deeds of a dead person and abstaining from talking about his misdeeds. Al-Bukhaarie reported on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah that she narrated, The Prophet said, “Do not abuse the dead; for they have gone to meet the consequences of their deeds.”’


Al-Bukhaarie reported that Abul-Aswad said, “I came to Madienah while there was an epidemic there. I sat with ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab. Then a funeral procession passed by and people praised its owner. ‘Umar said, “It becomes incumbent.” Then another funeral procession passed by and people also praised its owner, and ‘Umar said, “its incumbent;” then a third procession passed by and people spoke ill of its owner. ‘Umar also commented, “It becomes incumbent.” Then I said, “What is incumbent, O Leader of the Faithful? ‘Umar answered, “I said as the Prophet said, that, “Any dead Muslim whom four persons testify in his favor, Allaah will make him enter Paradise, We said, “And three persons?” He said, “And three persons.” We also said, “And two persons?” He said, “Yes, and two persons.” We did not thereafter ask him of one person.”

It should be added that those whose testimony is regarded are the people of virtue and truthfulness. The testimony of an enemy shall not be considered.

It is also recommendable that the person who washes the dead should conceal whatever defects he may see on him. It is also a right of a Muslim on his fellow Muslims to escort his funeral, pray on him and supplicate for him. Bukhaarie reported that Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, “Whoever attends the funeral of a Muslim faithfully and hoping for the reward of Allaah and stays with him until Salaah is done on him and he is buried, he will go back home with two qeeraats, each is as big as the size of Mount Uhud; and whoever observes Salaah on him and then goes back before he is buried will get one qeeraat.”

As regards debts, the family of the deceased should hasten to pay it because a believer’s soul hangs on his debt until it is paid on his behalf. Debts of Allaah should also be promptly paid for; it more deserves to be paid.

Ibn Mas’ood said, “A Believer has no rest until he meets Allaah.”


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Source.
:wasalamex

['Abd al-Baari]

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JazakiAllah Khayr sis.

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