***Ali Timimi's - GHURABA SERIES (notes) ***

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Assalamu Alikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuhu

A sister posted this thread ona nother islamic site..and masha Allah it's a great lecture which we should all try to act upon on...insha Allah...hope it comes in good use to all you brothers and sisters ameen!!

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Ghuraba
(Sheikh Salman Al Oudah)
Ali At-Timimi
Part 1​


Based on the important hadith of the beloved prophet(SAW), narrated by Ibn Mas’ud(RA),

“Islam began as something strange. It will return as something strange – Blessed are the strangers.” {Sahih Muslim}



The prophet(SAW) has informed us that the strangers are blessed. In the hadith, the prophet(SAW) refers to the tree ‘Tuba.’ This is a tree in Paradise. Therefore Paradise is for the believers – the strangers. Many books and work has been done on this hadith. This emphasises the importance of it.



What does it mean to be a stranger? There is positive alienation and negative alienation.


Negative alienation – Those who isolate themselves from practise of the Deen, and from goodness. i.e Don’t like going to the masjid, don’t like to be in company of pious people or doing good deeds.

Positive alienation – Those who arepractising the deen and doing righteous deeds are deemed as strange.



This is not like other hadiths, as scholars have set it aside and done lots of work on this because the impact it has on our life. We must contemplate;

Where do we fit in regards to this hadith?

How much does it apply to us?

How can we benefit from it and gain from it?

How much are we following the Sunnah?

To what extent do we implement it to our lives?

How does Islam become the norm for humanity?

Where do we stand with our society of muslims and non-muslims?

Do we isolate or intergrate?

We shouldn’t take this hadith to mean that we need to keep Islam as strange and alienated. Rather we must spread the deen. We must make it above all other ways of lives and religions.



‘Ghareeb’ Means strange, something you don’t feel comfortable with. Ghurabaa is the plural – strangers. So Islam started as something and strange and then will return as something strange. This gives us the history of Islam and the future of Islam. Allah(SWT) tells us the way Islam began through this hadith. Allah(SWT) disliked the Arabs and the non-Arabs, except for a few people of the Book, who practised correctly. Allah(SWT) then sent the prophet(SAW) as a messenger to humanity. The prophet(SAW) came to the world when humanity was despised by Allah(SWT) because they had turned away from the pure worship of Allah(SWT). They had forgotten the purpose of creation. When the prophet(SAW) declared the religion, he tried to reach out to his family first, warning his uncles. Abu Lahab and others reacted in retaliation. Only a few believed at the beginning. The first to believe was Khadija(RA), then the prophet(SAW) good friend Abu Bakr(RA), then Ali(RA) cousin of the prophet(SAW).

After 20 years of da’wah, struggle and jihad the deen became widespread in the Arabian Peninsula as cited in surah Nasr.

Arabs from all over came to give allegiance to the prophet(SAW). He then went to spread the deen to other lands – kings/emperors. Eventually, Islam was established all over earth, entered into Spain, central Asia, China, Europea and continued to spread.

Islam was the norm and not strange at that time. But as the prophet(SAW) has informed us Islam will come back to something strange. During these times we need to be patient. The rewards for the patient are numerous and limitless.

In general, when something is not the norm, we don’t want to follow it. But we shouldn’t turn away from it because it is something strange, rather we should adhere to it. We need to be patient and face the consequences.

The strangers are praiseworthy as they are following the truth. This is a comfort for the believers. The companions (RA) used to ask who are the strangers, as they wanted to be amongst them.

The prophet(SAW) described them as

people who will be righteous amongst people who are wicked.

They are the ones who will flee with their religion till they reach Isaa(AS).

Those who revive the deen – bring it back to the Sunnah.

Will be on the truth amongst falsehood.

However, there is another kind of strangeness which is a blameworthy one. Those who feel strange when around righteous people. Eg, someone who doesn’t like coming to the masjid. They feel uneasy being amongst those who practise their deen. They feel so far away from Allah(SWT) and push themselves further away, to the extent of suicide even. They are not at rest with themselves, they are continually clinically depressed. Suicide is common amongst non-muslims.

3 Circles….Non-Muslims on the outer circle. All muslims are deemd strange by the kuffar. Then the 2nd circle consists of the muslims who maybe of deviant sects. The center circle are strangest as they are the saved sect. They are seen as strange by muslims and non muslims. It is our duty to bring people in to the circle – da’wah to non muslims. Da’wah to astray groups.

We shouldn’t take this hadith to divide us- strangers and non strangers. It should encourage us to invite people to the truth.
 
Part 2
The Saved Sect – Firqatul Naji’ah​



The prophet (SAW) has prophesised that the ummah will divide into a number of groups. When the prophet(SAW) died the ummah was strong and united, however towards the end, groups emerged. This was the truth of the prophecy. We were warned, therefore we should shape our belief according to Qur’an & Sunnah and avoid what we have been warned against. However falling into a group is not the ‘be all n end all’ because people may realise and repent their ways and come back to ahle sunnah.

The prophet(SAW) said

‘The Jews divided upon 71 0r 72 groups. And the Christians divided upon 71 or 72 groups. And my ummah will divide upon 73 groups.’ [Abu Dawud]
This is a confirmed upon hadith, but the number of groups differ.

Who are these 73 groups? This has not been specified, however some traits of them have been mentioned. One trait related was of those who will judge matters according to ones own opinion -make halaal into haraam and vice versa..

Ali (RA) said ‘The most evil of these groups will claim to be from us but they revile Abu Bakr and Umar.’

Some tabi’een have said that the astray groups derive from 4 core sects

1 – Khawaarij

2 – Qadariyyah

3 – Shi’ite

4 – Murji’ah



Ibn Al Jawziyah said there are 6 main groups and added the Jamiyyah and the Jabariyyah. Also there are the Mutazillah, the Mushabiyyah. Regarding these groups the prophet(SAW) did not tell us when these groups will appear or disappear. The sahabas asked the prophet (SAW) who are the saved group rather than pressing on about the deviant groups. They wanted to know how they could be amongst the saved sect. Now, we lose focus and try to learn all about astray groups. We do need to be aware of deviancy but we should not delve into this to such an extent. When studying this in order to refute deviancy, we fall into the danger of falling into it and we may start arguing over insignificant and ambiguous matters. We only need to look at the bigger picture based on evidence to point out the fundamental issues, e.g know that the Qadariyyah deny qadr. The details in between are not for our concern.



Are people from these deviant groups considered to be muslim? The strongest opinion, which Ibn Taymiyyah takes is that they are muslim but are they are astray just as sinners are. They are under the threat of punishment, but they are also subject to Allah’s Mercy due to repentance. Can be looked at in two ways:

Firstly as individuals in authority who lead the people astray i.e Abdullah ibn Saba who is known to be a jew and started the shi’ite movement. Also Jahm ibn Safwan – Jahmiyyah, he was executed as an apostate.

Secondly – As a sect, a group in terms of belief – kufr/bid’ah. The leaders are astray and the people follow blindly.

In general a muslim wants good for people, want them to have a successful end in the Hereafter. We should make excuses and wish one another well. We are not here to make judgement, we cannot remove someone from Islam, must have certainty and clear evidence.



The Saved Group…..Everyone claims to be from the saved sect. The prophet(SAW) showed us the way and we must find out what it is in order to succeed. We must take the characteristics that the prophet(SAW) described and apply them.

The prophet(SAW) said ‘The saved group is the jam’at. Jam’at has two meanings:

1 – To gather upon something. Jam’at refers to the sahabas, the scholars, the ones on the truth.

2 – The jam’ah is the one who majority of muslims who are aligned to a legal imam and gather on the truth. Amongst the sahabas is perfection. All characteristics of a jam’ah are found in them. After them, come people that may have pious ruler but corrupt people i.e Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. Or another instance you may find good people but a wicked ruler. Also ther could be people but no ruler at all.



What distinguishes the sahabas from the rest of humanity?

1.Responded fully to revelation…Through their actions, character and behaviour. Allah(SWT) says ‘it wasn’t for the believing men and women to have a choice in the matter if Allah and His Messenger made a decree.’ {Ahzab:36}They entered fully, they did not dispute. They acted accordingly, unlike some like the khawarij who submitted to some parts and left out other parts of Allah’ Book. The sahabas were specifically chosen for many reasons:

Purity of their hearts. Ibn Masud(RA) said Allah chose them to be of the companions of the prophet(SAW). Their hearts and souls were so pure and it wasn’t because they lived with the prophet(SAW). Abu Talib lived amongst the prophet(SAW) and he did not become muslim.

Many verses of the Qur’an dealt with them directly. Refers to them personally or a group of them. This will only make them feel much stronger as revelation comes down with matters relating to them. Also they didn’t need to worry about hadith being sahih or da’eef, as they were present with the prophet(SAW). This is a great concern now.

2.They submitted fully to revelation….Revelation had an effect on them. They built their whole life upon the words of Allah(SWT) and His Rasool(SAW). They fully knew and understood, therefore they had fear and believed sincerely. They had taqwa. Example of Hanzala thinking he’s a hypocrite. They had such sincerity that they thought they were hypocrites, although they had been promised Jannah. We need to take the sahabas as example and learn the knowledge. True piety can be achieved based upon knowledge, keep away from bid’ah. Piety kept them away from self-righteousness. They did not assume they were always correct and better than the rest.

3.They modelled and moulded their lives to revelation…. They didn’t just practise the Deen individually; their concern was for the whole society. Their personal and public life was moulded by the Qur’an and Sunnah.



The Saved Sect – Ahle Hadith

Ahle Hadith does not necessarily mean those who call themselves that today are from the saved sect, as everyone claims to be from this group. This terminology came out in opposition to Ahle Qalam. The people who are truly from the saved sect are those who have moulded their lives in accordance to the prophet(SAW), in every aspect.

Just as we can’t judge Islam through the actions of the muslims, we can’t assume those who claim to be Ahle sunnah are actually Ahle Sunnah. People now call themselves ‘salafi’ ‘ahle hadith.’ Some boast of narrations of hadith, but actually have little knowledge of the Qur’an. We need to start with Qur’an as that should be our basis. Some are bound by taqleed, follow blindly, whilst others have taqleed of their own. People focus too much on aqeedah and call others ahle bid’ah or make takfeer on them. Much confusion and division amongst muslims. We become negligent on the important matters and advancement of society. Allah(SWT) has blessed us with so much, we must utilise it for good. Such people associate themselves only with the firqatul najiah and look to perfections in themselves and measure others to themselves. We should not associate the saved sect with a certain band of group. But rather we need good understanding of the deen. We should look at ourselves against the standard of the prophet(SAW) and his companions. How much do we comply with the ayahs of the Qur’an and do we hear and obey? Do we look inside ourselves? Do we think we are superior to others? Are we following the salaf? Do we question ourselves? How much have we moulded our life to the shariah? Contemplating and reflecting on ourselves makes us humble. People are at different stages, different levels of imaan. Some have not achieved, some partially achieved and others have fully achieved.



The saved sect are seen to be strangers by both muslims and non muslims. When you’re trying to call to sunnah, they accuse you of falling into bidah. Whoever feels alienated, does not necessarily mean they are of the saved sect as it could be they are deviant, i.e the khawarij. The ghurabaa are those only on the truth.



We must humble ourselves in front of Allah(SWT) and pray for guidance because salvation is only with Allah(SWT). We can only pray and hope we are on the straight path. We should strive to perform good deeds and to lead righteous lives like that of the prophet(SAW), his family and the sahabas. Allah(SWT) guides whom He wills and whomever He chooses to guide none can lead astray and whomever He chooses to misguide, none other can guide.
 
Part 3
Al-Taifatul Mansurah – The Victorious Party​




‘There will always remain a group from this ummah that will be victorious upon on the truth.’

This hadith is sahih and mutawwatir, it has been narrated and authenticated by many. The victorious group are from the saved sect.

This group has five different qualities:

1.They are upon the truth. The term A’la – menas settled and rooted, upon the truth. Allah(SWT) would not have made them victorious if they weren’t upon on the truth. They have correct aqeedah, fiqh, mahaj, behaviour, knowledge, and organisation.

2. They have established the command of Allah(SWT). They are active in da’wah. They enjoin the good and forbid the evil. Allah(SWT) does not destroy people whilst there are people who command the good and forbid the evil. Once that quality disappears Allah(SWT) may destroy them.

3.They engage in jihad, through their tongues and limbs against the disbelievers. If they are not able to fight, then they are in state of preparation to wage jihad and encourage others to do so. They defend the muslims.

4.They revive the religion. This can be carried out by an individual or a group of people. Group activity to save the ummah.

5. They are apparent and out in the open. They are publicly known, as they are upon the truth in their private and public domain.

This hadith is not restricted to any place or time in history or future. The prophet(SAW) has mentioned it in relation to Ash-Shams, however this is referring to the end of times, with the advent of isaa(AS) and the Dajjal. The ummah will gather in Ash-Shams, the victorious group will unite there.

You can find this group amongst the mujahideen, amongst the scholars, amongst those who command good and forbid evil. It’s a very broad band of people, not to just a specific set of people. They are those who conforms his life to the teachings of Islam. Not only do they comply, but they have taken the added responsibility of inviting others to Islam. They are strangers amongst the strangers. The alienation they feel is only when those around them are not practising the deen. But if they are amongst the righteous and it is the norm, then they don’t feel the strangeness. In these times, there are not many practising fully or practising at all as the victorious party are doing, therefore they are alienated. When the enemies are weak, this group are strong. When the enemy is the majority power then this group are strangers.

Hadiths such as the ‘Firqatun naji’ah’ and the ‘Taaifatul Mansurah’ requires action. We cannot remain passive. We need to bring people into the truth. We need to be strong and constant. Should not use it as an excuse to divide us. We shouldn’t think that divisions in the ummah is inevitable and then not attempt to unite. Must persevere and strive to be of the saved sect and bring others to the saved sect/victorious party.

This is an ummah of victory. Muslims have never been ultimately defeated. We have suffered setbacks and defeats but a greater victory always followed. Eg the crusaders slaughtered muslims but even then muslims had victory over them, likewise with the Mongolians. Today we have the mujahideen in Afghanistan. We shouldn’t despair from all the oppression taking place in Palestine, Iraq, Kashmir etc. We need to look at the bigger picture – victory will come. Victory doesn’t just mean defeat of the enemy on the battlefield. It holds a greater meaning for those who are able to keep on the truth despite all the fitnah around and they reject all other kufr ideaologies. This person is the victorious one, Alhamdulillah. This hadith is good news to the believers. We should always have hope, fighting the jews, facing the Dajjal, coming of Isaa(AS). Islam will prevail.
 
Part 4
Relationship Between Groups​



A relationship can be drawn between the saved sect and the victorious group.

Salvation in 3 circles - anything outside it is kufr. Within Islam is the saved sect but the other 72 groups are still considered as muslims. Some individuals may be out of the fold of Islam due to actions or words. In general the group of people are under Allah’s Mery or under threat of Allah’s punishment. Within the saved sect there is another group. They have the qualities of the Saved sect - Responded to revelation fully

-It affects them

-They moulded their lives to it

In addition to these traits they have taken up other responsibilities. They implement Allah(SWT) commands. They do the da’wah, jihad, Al maruf Al munkar, they revive the deen and they are apparent. They overpower their enemy. They are patient and constant. These are very difficult tasks to undertake. This is the core position- the Taifatul Mansurah. Not all the people of the saved sect are of the victorious party. There is a distinction between the two, different levels of strangeness. Allah(SWT) says

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that by his Grace, you became brethren and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His ayat clear to you, that you may be guided.

Let there arise aôut of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining Al-Maruf and forbidding Al_Munkar. And it is they who are successful.”

{Al-Imran: 103-104}



All these people mentioned are in the saved sect because they are in obedience to Allah and in unity. The idea is to welcome people to the truth. Therefore we should not label ourselves or others as this is what causes division. We need to use the salaf as our criteria, not a particular group. Only if we adopt the way of the salaf will we achieve unitythis way.



The sahabas we perfect models of people. They were complete in what they did as they fully submitted. Hudaifah(RA) said ‘people use to ask the prophet(SAW) about the good, but I use to ask about the bad in case it would overcome me.’ From this we can deduce that it’s not wrong to ask about deviancy and evil in order to protect oneself. However we should not make that our main focus and get too caught up in it.



Hudaifah(RA)asked the prophet(SAW) ‘Will there be evil after this good?’ Prophet(SAW)said ‘yes.’ Then Hudaifah(RA) asked ‘Will there be good after this evil? The prophet said ‘Yes, but it will have smoke in it.’ Meaning it won’t be pure goodness. Then the prophet(SAW) talked about people who call to the Hellfire – they will be Arabs. Hudaifah(RA) asked ‘What should I do?’ The prophet(SAW) said to stick to the imam of the muslims and their ja’mah.’ ‘If they have no imam or no ja’mah?’ The prophet(SAW) said leave all the groups.’ The sahabas had an imam and a ja’mat. That’s a complete state. When evil occurs, the worst cas is whne there is no imam or no ja’mat. The in between state is an imam but no Ja’mat; or no imam, but a ja’amat. People tend to jump to the extreme circumstance no imam, no ja’mat. Due to this, they separate themselves, cause for fitnah. However, at present we do have a ja’mat, Alhamdulillah. We have scholars and people calling to the truth, commanding good and forbidding evil. It is our responsibility to take an active role and if we can’t do that then we should support them in their tasks fisabeelillah. We need to prepare ourselves for an imam and be ready for it. We must obey the rulers/imam as that is obedience to Allah(SWT). It is not permitted to revolt against them as long as they are establishing the prayer. During the time of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (Rahimullah), who is considered to be the fifth rightly guided caliph. He was a very pious imam, but the people were not responding to the call of Allah(SWT). They did not want to live truly by Islam. Throughout history, in most cases there has been a solid ja’mat but an evil imam or no imam at all.



The prophet(SAW) said ‘Allah brought to me the two ends of the earth. I saw its most eastern region and the western region. The dominion of the ummah will spread and I was given the two treasures red and white….I aksed my Lord not to destroy this ummah with a draught. My Lord said ‘O Muhammad I will no destroy your ummah with a general draught.’ The prophet(SAW) said I’m afraid of rulers who will lead them astray.’ Then another hadith ‘There will always be a group of my ummah upon the truth.’ These hadith show that indeed Islam spread east and west – not north and south. We’ve been warned that rulers will lead astray. There will be people who associate partners with Allah(SWT). People who will claim to be false prophets. Yet amongst all this strife, there will be a group who will call to the truth. They will undertake great tasks. They will stop muslims from fighting one another. They will stop believers from resembling the disbelievers. They will stop paganism. They will stop false leaders conveying false ideas. These are not easy taks and take great people to undertake them.
 
Part 5
Jihad – fisabeelillah​

Jihad – the linguistic meaning is to exert oneself to his fullest, when exerting himself there is some other force trying to stop him. This is a struggle. The shari’ah meaning is fighting the disbleivers, struggling for the truth, trying to overcome one another. There are different categories of jihad. The three primary means are:

1. Jihad of the body

2. Jihad of the wealth

3. Jihad tongue



The prophet(SAW) told us to wage jihad against the mushrikeen with wealth, body and tongue. But the tongue can be considered as part of the body.

Jihad can be further divided in relation to its target:

Jihad against oneself

Jihad against the shaytan

Jihad against disbelievers
Jihad against tyrants/hypocrites


Ibn Qayim(RAHIMULLAH) identifies 4 characteristics of jihad against oneself:

- Teaching yourself guidance.The truth of La ilaha ilallah. Muhammadur Rasoolullah.
-
- Making a commitment to study the deen, to read Qur’an, pray, fast.
-
- One then has to act upon his knowledge

- Then must call others to the deen. Doing the da’wah, it requires effort.
-

Jihad of sabr. Musy have perseveranc as will be going through struggle.
Once these four states have been achieved, they are honoured to be amongst the Rabbani’een – pious, learned person who knows their Lord well. The mujahid is the one who wages jihad against himself. The muhajir is the one who leaves sins, he moves away from it. A person who can’t restrain his desires will find it hard to sacrifice his life for Allah(SWT).



The legislation of jihad came about in stages.

- First, the believers were asked to keep quiet and to refrain from fighting, as they were the minority and weak. Also it may have given out the wrong message of Islam. It may have turned people away from the deen.

- Then the believers were commanded to fight those who fought them.

- Later they were told by Allah(SWT) to fight those they did not have a treaty with.

- Finally they were asked to wage jihad against everyone.

It is incumbent on every muslim to believe in jihad. It is required to wage jihad against the soul and shaytan. With regards to jihad with the disbelievers it is fardh kifaya – so long as some muslims are engaged in jihad, not fardh on every individual. However it is the responsibility of all muslims. Some aspects of worship are individual based. i.e. Salah, every muslim must pray. Other rulings are general i.e. Janazah, some must wash and shroud the body. The general rule is jihad is fardh kifaya on the muslim community. Evidenc of this can be found in Surah Taubah, ayah 122


‘And it is not for the believers to go out to fight all together. Of every troop of them a party only should go forth, that they may get instructions in religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may be aware of evil.’



The prophet(SAW) advised from every two men, let one man go.


However the occasion may arise when jihad is fardh on every muslim.

* When the imam calls to the people to take up arms, every able muslim male must take up arms, like the expedition of Tabuk. The prophet(SAW) called for everybody to participate. * When the kuffar attack the muslims, then it is obligatory upon every muslim in that area to attack the disbelievers. If they are not able to then the neighbouring people need to help.

* When the believers and disbelievers are engaged in a battle, then if you are present in that situation you must help and defend.



One of the great virtues of jihad is that the one who stays guard over the believers is better than the world and everything in it. The dangers of those who forsake jihad, who never engaged in it or instilled it in him or didn’t even prepare for it he has died on a branch of hypocrisy. Muslims have left jihad in application and in the hearts. Muslims have not engaged in offensive jihad for quite a few centuries. Muslims have not gathered an army against the disbelievers. Jihad has only been defensive or retreat. The fact there has been no offensive jihad for four years, it has become very strange. Instead we adhere to the kuffar system, abide by their laws and conventions, even though they don’t even stick to themselves. Jihad has been lost amongst the muslims. However, jihad is something which will be carried out by a group of people till the Day of Judgement. Islam will gain victory, but depends if we want to be part of it or not. The prophet(SAW) informed us that the forelock of horses is good till the Day of Judgement. Although horses are no longer used, this tells us that we will go back to the use of horses and traditional weaponary.



Jihad and Taifatul Mansurah

When there was khalifah, many used to wage jihad, it was an ongoing activity. The earlier scholar used to keep watch of the borders and use to write books on Islam whilst guarding. Constantly doing ibaadah, virtuous acts to gain rewards.


Defensive Jihad

If the muslim state is weak then must strengthen it through correct teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We need to reform our characters. Bring people back to the pure worship of Allah. To sincerely strive in the path of Allah for their lands and their lives.


Jihad and Ghurabaa

Jihad lifts fitnah and oppression from the muslims. Allah(SWT) says

‘And fight them until there is no more fitnah.’ {Surah Baqarah: 193}

Muslims are being annihilated, children are being killed, women raped and men tortured. As witnessed in the case of Bosnia, the torture only stopped when muslims took up arms against the kuffar. Jihad has this great effect. When religion is only for Allah(SWT) then the muslim is no longer a stranger as everyone is worshipping Allah(SWT).
Jihad unites the muslim, people come together for one purpose to lift up the banner of La ilaha ilallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah.

Jihad exposes the munafiq, as it separates those who are reluctant to fight. Some even side with the disbelievers against the muslims. Jihad wards off this alienation of hypocrites.


Jihad strengthens the believers and purifies them from their sins.
Jihad identifies who is actually on the truth. The diffrenece between the one who actuall partakes in jihad and the one who just talks about it.



A believer cannot reach full tarbiyyah until they have waged jihad in the way of Allah. It raises our status, a complete purification. The prophet(SAW) trained his companions jihad as this was his sunnah. If we look at the seerah, we will see jihad. The taifatul mansurah will not remain isolated in different parts of the world – jihad will unite them.

The best jihad is to speak a word of truth in front of a tyrannical ruler.
 
PART 6
Al Maruf – Al Munkar (commanding good and forbidding evil)​




Maruf – something that is recognisable. Everything the Shariah has commanded is maruf OR anything that is good is maruf.

Al Munkar – something which is not good. Whatever is rejected or prohibited by shariah. That which is haram or makruh.

May not always know the actions of evil. Consequences may be evident later rather than immediate i.e raising children in the haram or not being able to discipline children and result in their undesirable behaviour.Allah (swt) has commanded us through the Quran and the Prophet (sws) has commanded us through the sunnah.


“The believers, male and female, they are mutual allies of one another, they command good and forbid evil, they establish the salat and give the zakat and they obey Allah and His Messenger. Those who call to this, Allah will show Mercy to them, Allah is the Almighty, the Wise.” (Surah Tawbah)



One of the characteristics of the believing men and women is Al Maruf, Al Munkar. Mentioned before the salah on this occasion thus emphasises the importance of this.



“The hypocrites, male and female, they are from one another.”

The believers are mutual allies, a solid relationship.

The munafiqs – command evil and prohibit good whereas believers command good and prevent evil.

A person sees an evil should stop it with his hand. If he can’t, then he should stop it with his tongue and if he can’t then he should hate it with his heart and that is the weakest of faith. If you had the means/power you would stop it. If you don’t command good and forbidding evil, then this society will suffer.

“Will we be destroyed, if there are righteous people amongst us?” “Yes – if evil is prevalent”

(sahih bukhari)

May have pious people, scholars. However in dunya, everyone shall be punished, even if in different ranks because of widespread evil. Every Muslim is required to command good and forbid evil – a general requirement. Must command and forbid in the heart, after that there is no faith. Problem when so much fitna goes on – we start to become immune to it. It doesn’t phase us anymore. May even start to accept it – this heart is dying.

Although Al maruf and al munkar is required on all of us, As long as some from the community are there to represent the wider society then it is ok. E.g. a liquor shop open, not everyone is required to storm into the shop as long as some go forth. This is fard kifayah.

However, sometimes it is an individual responsibility e.g. if there are a group of Muslims who get together taking drugs, committing haram, someone learns of this haram taking place, then it is down to that person to do something about it. Can’t turn a blind eye to it. Also, it is an individual obligation to change if you have an authority to do so and only you have that ability to change, then this is your obligation.


Should the wicked command good and forbid evil?

The scholars have said that the sinful should still command good and forbid evil. Scholar gave example of a group of Muslims who are consuming alcohol – should recommend one another to goodness and give up the alcohol. However we shouldn’t take this to encourage hypocrisy.

There will be a man who will go round the hellfire like a donkey does and the people shall say “Didn’t you use to command us good and forbid us from evil?” and he said ‘Yes, but I didn’t use to do that.’

Islam obligates us to do a specific act or not to do that act. There’s also an obligation to command good and forbid evil. Just because you don’t fulfil one doesn’t mean the other obligation is lifted from you e.g. paying zakat - everyone is required to it, the one who does not give it is sinful but you should tell others to do so.

We will all be responsible for our actions and shall all have to pay for our deeds whether we practised what we preached or not.

Usually the one who does Al Maruf Al Munkar, makes them change themselves. If there is good in their hearts, then they will feel guilty and want to change themselves as well as others for the better. By commanding good and forbidding evil, it is an act of worship. This must meet two requirements like all acts of ibadah:


sincerity to Allah Ta’ala
done according to Sunnah
Knowledge is important when commanding good and forbidding evil. Must know what you are calling to.

Needs gentleness – gentleness beautifies something. When doing Al Maruf and Al Munkar, the aim is not to turn them away. Must treat them with gentleness and hikmah. Sometimes force and strength need to be used but it depends on the situation.

It needs foresight – need to be aware of the consequences of their actions may have – shouldn’t rush into a situation without assessing, use gentleness and hikmah. Otherwise may result in greater evil or have the opposite effect.

Must persevere. Like other acts of worship must have knowledge, gentleness, hikmah, and patience.

One of the major problems is that people know what is haram and what is halal but, those matters, which are in between, the doubtful matters, problems occur. Its easy to command good and forbid evil on those matters which are clear however, its difficult to tackle the in between matters as it takes certain knowledge and fiqh to deal with it.

If a situation is bad but through your authority you can bring good to it then you should persist in that. Must look at it and try to avoid creating a bigger evil. ‘Example of uni Islamic society’

One should try avoid fitna, however people fall into danger of not commanding good and forbidding evil at all because they are afraid of the fitna which may or may not happen.

Yusuf (as) asked the Fir’awn of his time to give him a position of authority – advisor.

From this scholars ibn taymiyyah he deduced that it is permissible to take a position of authority from a non-Muslim or unjust ruler, if he can bring about good. However under this power you cannot propagate this evil.

In the past, it has happened that kings have become Muslims because of their Muslims because of their Muslim advisor they have been greatly influenced by them and their actions. This has brought a great good.

Commanding and forbidding the ruler. The salaf would command and forbidding the rulers. This can be done publicly or privately.

What are the duties of the victorious group in commanding good and forbidding evil?

Evil becomes settled in a society until no one considers it to be evil. Education systems are not based on Islamic ideologies. The economic system is riba based. Social evils – destruction in family in both Muslima and non-Muslim families. Taiful mansurah must take a position to mention these ills – through word of mouth initially – raising awareness – target the youth as they are the ones being corrupted.

The youth don’t have the stability to grow Islamic. They don’t have the education. Need to persevere the Islam within the youth. Youth are very easily influenced.

Must support scholars and da’is’ – should not destroy their position as we wont be left with anyone to take from.

If we can’t stop the evil then we should forsake that evil – boycott it. Must use the means that are permissible in the shari’ah. Doesn’t mean it must be within the sunnah as long as it does not contradict it e.g. using audio lectures. Need practical solutions to command good and forbid evil.
 
PART 7
Importance of patience​


Sabr – patience, perseverance, constancy – remaining constant upon something.

Peoples who’s faith is tested are those that Allah Ta’ala loves. Most tested ones are the Prophets. When considered as ghuraba. Must remain patient in the face of trials. Sabr is encouraged throughout the Qur’an in more than 90 places in the Qur’an.


one has sabr on the decrees of Allah Ta’ala
sabr with what Allah Ta’ala has forbidden – does not fall into haram.
have sabr in what Allah commands. This is the highest degree of sabr.

When something falls upon you, recognise that it is out of your control therefore sabr is only salvation – cant do anything about it – lower form of sabr. Even restraining from evil act does not require that much strength – as disbelievers can abstain from that which is bad for them. One has sabr to get up for fajr. Dealing with hardships of Ramadan. In times of alienation, sabr is required.



Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) fore warned the ummah – those will be days of sabr – ummah will suffer trials – which requires sabr – constancy on the religion. Will be very difficult to hold onto the deen. The natural reaction is to conform to the society – does not want to be alienated. Sahabas were tortured they went through a lot.



Ka’b (radi Allahu ‘anhu) went to Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) to complain of their hardship inflicted by the kuffar – Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) said people before them had suffered – advised them to be patient.



The believers endured much pain to hold onto their faith. Story in surat al Buruj – baby spoke to mother told her to be patient and so she jumped into the fire. Many people when they are tested they fail this test.



“There are some people who worship Allah Ta’ala on the edge, if good comes to him he is relaxed. If harm befalls him he has lost the dunya and akhirah.” - Can’t handle the fitnah.



We must not cower at the slightest pressure. Must stay firm in belief. Such incidents of alienation should increase them in faith. Allah Ta’ala and Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) have said fitna will befall upon us so when disbelievers surround us, it makes us firm and steadfast as it is what has been promised. The nature of faith is that you will be tested with truth and falsehood – whether we become stronger or weaker.



We need sabr upon keeping our faith.

We need sabr upon dawah – needs a lot of patience.

Need sabr for Jihad

Need sabr in giving charity.

Need sabr to face the harm from those against Islam.

Must have sabr against other weak Muslims

Must be patient and help others reach high level – should not be arrogant. Allah (subhanu wa Ta3la) blesses with guidance.

Must be understanding of this.

Need sabr to avoid sin.


Who do we need most sabr against?


In these times – the Muslim rulers. A lot of persecution of Muslims is suffered at the hands of the tyrannical rulers. Must also look at the greater good and evil. People of the past went through a lot of torture by the rulers. Sayid Qutb – he was executed. This requires a lot of sabr. Need sabr against the apostate groups – communists, socialists, nationalists can do a lot of harm. Also dealing with deviant groups. Also against Jews/Christians/Hindus.



Time is part of the cure – we should not be impatient as we know that Allahs victory will come. Although we may not see immediate results, need to strive and wait and see – fruits of it could be seen either in this life or the Hereafer.
 
Part 8
Separation & Intermixing – Al-uzla, Al-khulta


It is Allah(SWT) who has sent His Messengers with guidance and this deen will prevail all. Allah’s(SWT) Law is the only Law. There is no system except that of Islam, we should only rule by the shariah.

When a person is in a situation of alienation, circumstances can become extremely trying that there is no point in mixing with society. But there come situations when it is better to mix as it will bring more benefit. It’s difficult to deal with a situation that has some good and some evil. People are confused as to what to do. Should they separate themselves from the fitnah to save themselves or should they get involved and try to rectify the situation? Do they compromise or not? This is matter of hikmah. Ibn Al-Qayim(RAHIMULLAH) has defined hikmah ‘To know the truth and act according to the truth and to speak and to do what is correct.

Uzla (separation) and Al Khulta (intermixing)



When a Muslim is in a situation of alienation, it can gets so bad that there is no point in mixing with society. But there are situations when it is better to mix, it will bring more benefit.



‘It is He Who has sent His Messenger (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wasallam) with guidance and this Deen will prevail all.’



Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’alas) Law is the only law, no system except that of Islam, should only rule by that. It is difficult to deal with a situation that has some good and some evil. People are confused as to what to do. Should they separate themselves form the fitnah to save themselves or should they get involved and try to rectify the situation? Do they compromise or not? It comes down to Hikmah.



Ibn Al Qayyim (ra) has defined Hikmah as: ‘to know the truth and act according to the truth and to speak and do what is correct. Can only do this with good understanding of the Quran, understanding of fiqh, having deep comprehension of fiqh regarding realities of shari’ah and the realities of imaan.’



Realities of imaan – will be able to judge what to do wit certain people – assessing the situation.

Hikmah does not necessarily mean to be soft and gentle, hikmah may require you to be harsh or strong.

Hikmah – placing things in its proper place and in the proper amounts. It is something Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’ala) blesses a person with – granted Luqman (as) hikmah – discussion with his son.Both separation and intermixing have benefits.



When the Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) was asked: ‘who is the best of believers?’ The Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wasallam) replied: ‘The Muslim is the one who wages Jihad on the path of Allah Ta’ala by himself and his wealth.’

‘Then who?’ ‘A believer who is in the valleys and leaves the people so they are not affected by his evil.’ (Bukhari)



Amongst the best livelihood of a person is a person who holds the bridle of his horse on the path of Allah Ta’ala. Or it is a personwho holds his sheep and is praying and paying his zakat. Giving the right of Allah Ta’ala.



The mujahid is the best person – this person has to intermix.



The Muslim who suffers harm from the people and is patient with this, is better than the person who does not mix with the people and does not endure with patience.

The Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wasallam) praised the person who mixes with the people – praying jama’a, eid janazah. Islam is a religion that revolves around jama’a.



The Quran addresses a ‘group of believers’. Separation is only recommended in certain circumstances.

These circumstances is when society is so evil and there is no hope in changing society.



The role of the taiful mansurah is to be patient and command good and forbid evil.From hadith there is only three times separation is suggested.



1. Fasaad un Zaman – corruption of time.



‘There shall come a time when all the good people will have died and left and only evil people will be the remaining.’ They asked the Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wasallam) ‘How should we be?’ ‘leave that which is evil; do what is correct and be concerned with your private affairs and don’t concern yourself with people.’ (Bukhari)



Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alyhi wasallam) explains that these people will be the weakest in their religion and character. Wicked people – in this instance a person should withdraw and just be concerned with himself.



2. when there is a fitnah – civil strife – Muslims are fighting each other. A person will flee with his religion . A time will come when a person will retire at night as a believer, but will wake up as a disbeliever.



3. Or a person will sell his religion at the price of dunyah.



We should be indifferent to any of these Muslim groups fighting. A person should find a way to perfect himself from this fitnah. Regards to the ruler is corrupt. Whoever approaches the ruler will face a tribulation. A person, who may befriend a ruler, sits with them, mixes with them, may cause them to lose their religion.



However we shouldn’t revolt against them unless we see clear kufr. We should advise them as the best of martyrs is speaking the truth in front of a tyrannical ruler. We need to command good and forbid evil. So the person who is patient is in the face of calamity/harm is better than the one who withdraws. Should engage in society, help others and dawah.



Only withdraw if there is a chance of reconciliation. This is not applicable to these times as to yet – as there are still righteous people amongst us who are practising and applying the deen properly. The fact that people are converting to Islam shows there is still goodness – not appropriate to separate. Although there is alienation, people are still responding to the call. So must still mix amongst the people. Mixing with people and separating are on different ends of the spectrum, therefore there is an in between state.



The body and mind can be separated



You mix with people – sit with them, help them, check over their affairs - but you stay away with your mind – you know what is right and what is wrong – you make yourself immune to it - but still mixing in with them giving dawah. Need to assess the situation – dawah comes with practice – must have knowledge when to say what.



Concealing ones religion:



It is permissible to conceal ones religion when they feel fear from the unbelievers. Should not lie about what is in the heart. Shouldn’t show any support to the disbelievers. Only allowed to conceal your religion if your life is threatened. Allah SWT forbids us from taking the disbelievers as awliyas/protectors.

Can only conceal our religion through tongue and not action. E.g. if a kafir soldier came to a Muslim and asked ‘ are you a Muslim?’ and if they say they are – they would be killed on the spot, it is then permissible to say ‘I am not a Muslim. However if kafir then asked Muslim to do sajood to the cross – not allowed to do that.



Only in the instance when you are under threat of death you can hide your Muslim identity – otherwise it is not permissible in any other circumstances.



Surah ghaafir – people of firawn – hid their belief from firawn.

However to hide your faith is only done under extreme circumstances also it is only a temporary matter. Cannot do it whenever you please. Cannot support other kafir ideologies other than Islam. You can’t do it with Muslims, can only hide from non-Muslims.



It is disliked although it is permissible. It is better to announce your faith. Be defiant to the kuffar.

In general we should intermix with people, give dawah, enjoin good and forbid evil, to wage jihad, give naseehah and help others.

Hoped you enjoyed reading this!!
 
Jazakallah.. sis for the post but i read one part one day another part another and so..
 
º°Salaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh°º

Gr8 post ukhti...masha'Allah..its beneficial.

º°Wasalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh°º
 
jazakallah sis! will save and read inshallah!
Assakam u Alaikum
 

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