Islamic Ethics (Rules of Engagement)

QabeelatTayybah
Presents:
ProfessionalNotes
RulesofEngagement:
IslamicCodeofEthics
ShaykhMuhammadibnFaqih
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QabeelatTayybah
RulesofEngagmentNotes
Introduction
Blessings of seeking knowledge
AbuHurayrat
narrated:RasulAllahrsaid,"Whosoeverrelievesfromabelieversomegrief
pertainingtothisworld,Allah willrelievefromhimsomegriefpertainingtotheHereafter.Whosoever
alleviatesthedifficultiesofaneedypersonwhocannotpayhisdebt,Allahwillalleviatehisdifficultiesin
boththisworldandtheHereafter.WhosoeverconcealsthefaultsofaMuslim,Allahwillconcealhisfaults
inthisworldandtheHereafter.Allahwillaidaservant(ofHis)solongastheservantaidshisbrother.
Whosoeverfollowsapathtoseekknowledgetherein,AllahwillmakeeasyforhimapathtoParadise.No
peoplegathertogetherinoneofthehousesofAllah,recitingtheBookofAllahandstudyingitamong
themselves,exceptthattranquilitydescendsuponthem,mercycoversthem,theangelssurroundthem,and
AllahmakesmentionofthemamongstthosewhoareinHispresence.Whosoeverissloweddownbyhis
deedswillnotbehastenedforwardbyhislineage"(Muslim).
Thishadeethmentionsfourthingsthathappentothepersonwhoisseekingknowledgeofhis/herdeen.
1.) Sakina(tranquilityandserenity)descendsupontheperson.Soifwedonotfeeltranquilityandserenity
thenwearenotconnected.
2.) Rahma(mercy)coverstheperson.WehaveanoverwhelmingfeelingofImaamduetotheRahmaof
Allah
.
3.) Theangelssurroundtheperson.Certainangelsweremadeonlytolookforthoseseekingknowledge.
AbuHuraira
narrated:RasulAllah
said,"Allahhassomeangelswholookforthosewhocelebrate
thePraisesofAllahontheroadsandpaths.AndwhentheyfindsomepeoplecelebratingthePraisesof
Allah,theycalleachother,saying,'Cometotheobjectofyourpursuit.'"He
radded,"Thentheangels
encirclethemwiththeirwingsuptotheskyoftheworld."He
added,"Afterthosepeoplecelebratedthe
PraisesofAllah,andtheangelsgoback,theirLordasksthem(thoseangels)thoughHeknowsbetterthan
them'WhatdoMyslavessay?'Theangelsreply,'Theysay:SubhanAllah,AllahuAkbar,andAlhamdu
lillah,Allahthensays'DidtheyseeMe?'Theangelsreply,'No!ByAllah,theydidn'tseeYou.'
Allahsays,'HowitwouldhavebeeniftheysawMe?'Theangelsreply,'IftheysawYou,theywouldworship
YoumoredevoutlyandcelebrateYourGlorymoredeeply,anddeclareYourfreedomfromanyresemblance
toanythingmoreoften.'Allahsays(totheangels),'WhatdotheyaskMefor?'Theangelsreply,'Theyask
YouforParadise.'Allahsays(totheangels),'Didtheyseeit?'Theangelssay,'No!ByAllah,OLord!They
didnotseeit.'Allahsays,Howitwouldhavebeeniftheysawit?'Theangelssay,'Iftheysawit,theywould
havegreatercovetousnessforitandwouldseekitwithgreaterzealandwouldhavegreaterdesireforit.'
QabeelatTayybah
Allahsays,'Fromwhatdotheyseekrefuge?'Theangelsreply,'Theyseekrefugefromthe(Hell)Fire.'Allah
says,'Didtheyseeit?'Theangelssay,'NoByAllah,OLord!Theydidnotseeit.'Allahsays,'Howitwould
havebeeniftheysawit?'Theangelssay,'Iftheysawittheywouldfleefromitwiththeextremefleeingand
wouldhaveextremefearfromit.'ThenAllahsays,'ImakeyouwitnessesthatIhaveforgiventhem.'Allah's
Apostleadded,"Oneoftheangelswouldsay,'Therewassoandsoamongstthem,andhewasnotoneof
them,buthehadjustcomeforsomeneed.'Allahwouldsay,'Thesearethosepeoplewhosecompanionswill
notbereducedtomisery.'(alBukhari).
Imentionsthepersonsnameinagatheringbetterthantheonethathe/sheisin.Ibleesjobis
tothrowusofftrack.HetoldAllah I,thatAllah I
willnotfindus(humans)worthyofthehonor
giventous.So,Allah I
appreciatesandisproudofthosewhowanttobecomebetterbyseeking
knowledge.Allah I
mentioningournametothoseinHisI
presenceisanhonorandthe
4.) Allah
companionswantedtohavethishonor.
AnasibnMaalik
narrated:RasulAllah
saidtoUbayyibnKa'b
:Ihavebeencommandedto
recitetoyoutheSurah(alBayyinah)whichopenswiththesewords(LamYakunilladhiynaKafaruu). He
t said:HasHe(AllahI ) mentionedtoyoumyname?He(RasulAllah) rsaid:Yes.

Thereuponhe (Ubayy) t
shedtearsofjoy(Muslim).
(Ubayy)
Students Expectations from this Class

Improvetheircharacter(akhlaaq).
Learnwhattheydonotknowaboutakhlaaq.
Achieve/comeupwithaplan/systemofcheckandbalancestohelpthemconfronttheirweaknessesand
shortcomings.
Aidtheminbuildingmentalchecks.
Learnhowtohandledifficultpeople.
Learnhowtobecomemorewelcomingandapproachable.
Learnhowtobetterdealwith2and6yearolds.
Learnabouttheexampleof RasulAllahs
rakhlaaqtobecomebetter.
Becomethebestofthebelievers.
Somestudentshadnoexpectationsandsomesaidthatwecannottellpeopletobecomebetterormake
thembetterintwoweekends.
Some ways of benefitting from this Class

3
QabeelatTayybah
Haveanopenmindandapositivemindset.
Havepositiveexpectationsthatyouwilllearnandchangetobecomeabetterperson.
Thisclassisaboutconceptsandmakingconnectionsbetweenhowwearerightnowandwhatwe
alreadyknowthus,wewontnecessarilylearnnewthingsbutwewilllearnhowtoapplythethingswe
alreadyknowandthiscancauseachangeinadoubleweekendseminarforexample,
JubairbinMut'im
t narrated:IheardtheProphetrrecitingSuratatTurintheMaghribprayer,and
whenhereachedtheVerse:'Weretheycreatedbynothing,Orweretheythemselvesthecreators,Ordidthey
createtheHeavensandtheEarth?Nay,buttheyhavenofirmbelief,OrdotheyownthetreasuresofYour
Lord?Orhavetheybeengiventheauthoritytodoastheylike...'(52.3537)myheartwasabouttofly(whenI
realizedthisfirmargument)(alBukhari).
JubairbinMut'im
t narrated:IheardtheProphetrrecitingSurahatTurinMaghribprayer,and
thatwasatatimewhenbeliefwasfirstplantedinmyheart(alBukhari).
If you find something you need and that can benefit you in this class, then you should make sincere
intentionandcommittotakingit.
Youwilllearnwhatyoushouldbedoingandwhatyoushouldbeavoidingthus,intheprocessyouwill
have to confront yourselves your shortcomings and your weaknesses and you will have to make the
intentionthatyouwillchange.
You will learn how to live your lives according to the Islamic code of Ethics so this class will be a
Hujjah(prooffororagainstyou).
At the end of the class, you will learn how to change and become better and you will come out
improved,changed,approachable,accessibleetc.
However,italldependsonhowmuchinteractionthereis.Thosewhothinktheydonotneedthisclassor
arehappy withthewaytheyareanddonotneedreminders,theyaretheoneswhoneedthisclassthe
mostbecausetheyarethelosers.
Thisclassisnotabouttheoriesitisaboutpracticalsolutions/concepts.StephenCovey,authorofThe
SevenHabitsofHighlyEffectivePeople,saysthathabitsarebornwhenthreethingscometogether:
Knowledge
Skill
Desire
Desireisthemostcritical,themostimportant.Ifthereisnodesiretoadopt/adapttosomething,itwill
nothappen.Ifthereisnodesiretoimproveourakhlaaq,itwillbecomeworst,regardlessoftheamount
ofknowledgeand skillthatwepossess.Desirecomesoutof motivationordesperation.Motivationor
desperationgivespeoplethedesiretochangeorimprove.Thisclassshouldinspireandmotivateusto
havethedesiretoimproveourakhlaaq.
QabeelatTayybah
Importance of the Topic of Akhlaaq to Our Scholars

"Verilyone'sexternalmanneristhemarkofone'sinnermanner,andthemovementsoftheproductive
membersofthebodyaretheresultsofpassingthoughts.Moreover,actionsaretheresultofcharacter,
and fine breeding is the distillate of knowledge. Indeed, actions are rooted and originate in the
innermost thoughts of the heart. [Verily] the innermost lights of the heart shine upon one's
externalbehavior,adorningandembellishingit,andsubstitutegoodqualitiesfordislikedandevilones.
Furthermore he whose heart is not humbled, his external members are not humbled and he whose
chestisnotthenicheofthedivinelights,theredoesnotspreadoverhisexternalfeaturesthebeauty
ofthepropheticmanner." AbuHamidAlGhazali
ThissayingofAlGhazaliwasalsorepeatedbyIbnJawziandIbnQudamah.
ScholarsplacethetopicofAkhlaaqunderthesciencesofAqeedahbecauseourakhlaaqisapart/reflectionof
ourcreed/beliefsystem.Akhlaaqisamanifestationofouraqeedah.Itisouraqeedahinpractice.Peopleare
generallyafraidofreligiouspeoplebecausereligiouspeopleclaimtohavethecorrectaqeedahbuttheirkhuluq
(behaviors)donotreflecttheiraqeedah.HyrumSmithsaysinhisbook10NaturalLawsofSuccessfulTime
andLifeManagementthatourmanner/patternofbehaviorisareflectionofwhoweareareflectionofwhat
wetrulybelievein.
Bothourreactionsandactionscount.Acombinationofourreactionsandactionsshowwhowetrulyare.Our
actionstellmoreaboutourspiritualstatethanourwordsasthefollowingahaadeethindicate.
AbuShuraih
t narrated:TheProphetrsaid,"ByAllah,hedoesnotbelieve!ByAllah,hedoesnot
believe!ByAllah,hedoesnotbelieve!"Itwassaid,"Whoisthat,OAllah'sApostle?"He
personwhoseneighbordoesnotfeelsafefromhisevil"(Muslim).
rsaid,"That
AbdullahbinSalaam,thechiefRabbiinMadina,lookedatthefaceofRasulAllahwhenhearrivedin
Madinahandexclaimed,ThemomentIlookedathisface,Iknewitwasnotthefaceofaliar!
(alBukhari).
Whatisintheheartreflectsitself.Ouraqeedahisnotaboutfeelingsonly.Weneedtoshowwhatisinour
heartsbyouractionsasImaamGhazalisaid,andhewhosechestisnotthenicheofthedivinelights,
theredoesnotspreadoverhisexternalfeaturesthebeautyofthepropheticmanner.
"HavinggoodcharacterisacharacteristicofTaqwa.Taqwacannotbecompletewithoutit...Many
peoplethinkthat Taqwaimpliedfulfillingthe"rightsofAllah"withoutfulfillingtherightsof
humans...."IbnRajab
QabeelatTayybah
ItellsuscontinuallyintheQuranto,HaveTaqwaofAllahandHaveTaqwaofadaywhenyou
willreturntoAllah I
(i.e.deathortheDayofJudgement)forexampleinthisayah:
Allah
Allahsays[inSurahAalImraan]:
tbqJ=B NFRr&ur w) qsC wur m?$s)? ,ym !$# (#q)?$# (#qYtB#u t%!$# $pkr't
OYouwhobelieve!FearAllhasHeshouldbefeared,anddienotexceptina stateofIslm(as
Muslims)(alQuran3:102).
Icontinually commands us in the Quran to

have taqwa. Is Allah Iasking us to protect ourselves from Him I, from death or from the Day of
Taqwa linguistically means to guard,to shield oneself. Allah
Judgment?IsAllahaskingustoprotectourselvesfromsomethingthatweareincapableofprotectingourselves
from?
No.
I.So,Allah Iisaskingustopreserveourselves,safeguardourselves
fromHisI
Wrath.Wehavealreadybeenwarned,sowedonothaveanyexcuseinfrontofAllahI
onthe
MercyorWrathcomesfromAllah
DayofJudgment.
Some people think that taqwa is all aboutour relationship with Allah
I, our ibaaadah and it is not about
perfectingourakhlaaq.ThesepeopleseparatetheconceptofTaqwafromhowtheytreatothers.Forexample,
some people do not eat haraam (i.e. pig etc) however, they backbite. People dont see any problem in
consuminghumanfleshyettheyhaveaproblemwithconsumingpig.Peopleconsiderbackbitingtobeatrivial
sinbutitisprobablyworsethaneatingpigbecause,eatingpigoutofaweaknessisaviolationoftherightof
Isothereisstillachancetobeforgiven.However,backbitingisaviolationoftherightsofothersand
Allah I
willnotforgivethatuntilweaskforgivenessofthepersonwhoserightsweviolated.
Allah
Donotsaythattaqwa ispreventing you fromeatingpig, butthattaqwais notstopping you from consuming

human flesh. Many people who are born in Muslim families agree that hating and disliking pig is a
psychologicalandsocialissue.Muslimshateanddespiseeventhenamepig,butconvertssaythatpighasa
goodtaste.Soavoidingpigcouldbeduetoonesupbringing,environmentetc.andnotonlytotaqwa.However,
if one intentionally stops consuming human flesh (i.e. stops backbiting) then that is an indication of ones
taqwa.
6
QabeelatTayybah
"A man who seeks virtues is like the angels whereas a man who seeks vices resemblesSatan.
Manhastwosidestohisnaturehehasthecapacity forsinandalsoforrighteousnesswithGod"
IbnHazm
Ibn Hazm would have been the most suitable shaykh for America. He was a fundamentalist, a rationalist, an
intellectual,whoadheredtoprinciples.
Weall have bothtendencies, i.e.tofollowtheangelicpathandpursuevirtueortofollowthesatanicpathby
beingproudofhowweareandnotwantingtochange.Shaytaan(Iblees)hadacharacterflawhewasproud
andhethoughthewasthebest.ThischaracterflawcausedhimtodisobeyAllahandtoberuinedforeternity.
Adamandtheangelshadtheoppositecharacterofhumbleness.ThiscausedthemtobeobedienttoAllahandit
savedthem fromthewrathandpunishmentofAllah.
Twotypesofpeopledonotlearn:
Theshyand
Thearrogantones.
These people are ashamed or critical of themselves and do not want to embarrass or expose themselves for
example,theythinkthatattendinganakhlaaqclassmeansthattheydonothaveakhlaaq.
QabeelatTayybah
StrandedInaCave
The prophet I told his companions of
Three men amongst those who came before

Set out until night came and they reached a cave
A rock fell down from the mountain and blocked the entrance
They thought: saved by the virtue of righteous deed
The rock slipped aside and they got out walking freely!
Allah
revealedthisstorytoRasulAllah
andtoldhimtotellhiscompanions.Itisanactualstoryandnot
ametaphor.Itwascollectedbymanyscholars.
Ibn'Umar
narrated:RasulAllah
said,"Whilethreepersonsweretraveling,theywereovertaken
byrainandtheytookshelterinacaveinamountain.Abigrockfellfromthemountainoverthemouthof
thecaveandblockedit.
These three men were travelling for a purpose. Scholars say thatthree was the leastof them and that
three isthe minimum fora jamaaah.This is for ourownsafety,toreducetemptations etc.soneither
mennorwomenshouldtravelalone.
Somewherealongtheirjourney,nightfallorraincausedthemtolookforshelter.
Whileinthecave,rocksstartedtotumbleandoneboulderlandedonthemouthofthecaveandblocked
it.
Ifwecloseoureyesandthinkaboutbeinginthecave,differentthoughtscometoourminddarkness,
fear,needtofindawayout,needtoregroupandgetclosertotheothers,isolation,fearofslowdeath,
regret(oftravelling),cold,animal,hopelessness,needtoblameothersetc.Intheend,whenthereisno
hope,thenweturntoAllah
forhope.However,Allah
isalwaysthereforusinanysituation.
WhenweareconnectedtoAllah,manyofthesethoughtwouldnotappear,wewillbelevelheadedand
wewouldknowhowtoapproachthesituation.
WeshouldneverthinkthatcrisesanddifficultiesareapunishmentfromAllah
I.Maybetheyarea
IandanopportunitytoreturntoHim.MaybeAllahIwantsustolearnsomething,
ormaybeHe I
wantstomakeusstronger,makeusrealizeourstrengths,ourpotentials.MaybeAllah
Iwantstoshowusthatwearecapabletogettingoutofthesituation.MaybeAllahIhasaplanfor
testfromAllah
us.
QabeelatTayybah
Theysaidtoeachother,'Thinkofsuchgood(righteous)deedswhichyoudidforAllah'ssakeonly,and
invokeAllahbygivingreferencetothosedeedssothatAllahmayrelieveyoufromyourdifficulty.
Thethreepeoplesaidtoeachotherthatnothingwillsavethemfromtheirsituationunlesstheyprayto
Allah
throughtheirmostrighteousdeeds.
They did not argue with each other nor did they disagree but they immediately implemented the
suggestion.
Oneofthemsaid,'OAllah! Ihadmyparents whowereveryoldand Ihad smallchildrenforwhose
sakeIusedtoworkasashepherd.WhenIreturnedtothematnightandmilked(thesheep),Iusedto
startbygivingthemilktomyparentsfirstbeforegivingtomychildren.AndonedayIwentfarawayin
search of a grazing place (for my sheep), and didn't return home till late at night and found that my
parentshadslept.Imilked(mylivestock)asusualandbroughtthemilkvesselandstoodattheirheads,
andIdislikedtowakethemupfromtheirsleep,andIalsodislikedtogivethemilktomychildrenbefore
my parents thoughmy children were crying (from hunger) atmyfeet. So this state ofmine and theirs
continuedtillthedaydawned.(OAllah!)IfyouconsideredthatIhaddonethatonlyforseekingYour
pleasure,thenpleaselettherebeanopeningthroughwhichwecanseethesky.'SoAllahmadeforthem
anopeningthroughwhichtheycouldseethesky.
Pictureyourselfinthatcave.Canyourecallamomentwhenyoudidsomethingsimilarforyourparents?
Ourreligiondoesnotrequireustogotosuchlengths,butitisareflectionofourattitudeandgratitude
I.ThosewhodoTahajjudonadailybasisdonotmissiteventhoughtheyhavethat
option.TheydonotwanttobreaktheirhabitbecauseoftheirgratitudetoAllahI,theirconnectionto
Allah I
andtheirsincerity(i.e.whattheyaredoingisbeingdoneonlyforthesakeofAllahI).
towardsAllah
Thenthesecondpersonsaid,'OAllah!IhadashecousinwhomIlovedasmuchasapassionateman
lovesawoman.ItriedtoseduceherbutsherefusedtillIpaidheronehundredDinars.SoIworkedhard
tillIcollectedonehundredDinarsand wentto herwiththatbutwhen I satbetweenherlegs(tohave
sexualintercoursewithher),shesaid,'OAllah'sslave!BeafraidofAllah!Donotdeflowermeexcept
legally (by marriage contract). So I left her O Allah! If you considered that I had done that only for
seekingYourpleasurethenpleaselettherockmovealittletohavea(wider)opening.'So,Allahshifted
therocktomaketheopeningwiderforthem.
Zinaaisamajorsin,acrime,filth.
Andthelast(third)personsaid'OAllah!IemployedalaborerforwagesequaltoaFaraq(a certain
measureofrice),andwhenhehadfinishedhisjob,hedemandedhiswages,butwhenIpresentedhisdue
tohim,hegaveitupandrefusedtotakeit.ThenIkeptonsowingthatriceforhim(severaltimes)tillI
managedtobuy,withthepriceoftheyield,somecowsandtheirshepherd.Lateronthelaborercameto
meandsaid.'(OAllah'sslave!)BeafraidofAllah,anddonotbeunjusttomeandgivememydue.'I
said(tohim).'Goandtakethosecowsandtheirshepherd.'Sohetookthemandwentaway.OAllah!If
QabeelatTayybah
YouconsideredthatIhaddonethatforseekingYourpleasure,thenpleaseremovetheremainingpartof
therock.'Andso,Allahreleasedthem(fromtheirdifficulty)."
Whydidwestarttheclasswiththestoriesinthishadeeth?Whatistherelevanceofthishadeethtoaclassof
Akhlaaq?
v Partofakhlaaqissincerity.
v These three stories are a reflection of how people took care of the rights of others and Allah
rewardedthemforit.
v ThesestoriesshowthatAllah
IwillbeonoursideifwedosomethingforAllah I.
v Allthreestoriesrepresentethicaldilemmas.Manyethical issuesare involved in it.Forexample, what

forcedthatwomantogoandsellherbodyformoney?Itwasduetopovertyanddesperation.Wehave
desperateandpoorpeopleinthiscountry,yetwewonderwhywearenotgettingmoreblessings.Social
injustices,wrongingothers,exploitation,doingunethicalthings,violatingsimplerulesofjusticearethe
reasonsforourcurrentsituationintheworld.Allah
Idoesnotpunishapeopleasawholeaslongas
theydonotcommitsinsopenly.However,whensinsbecomepublic,whenpeopledonotcareanymore,
Allah
Ipunishesthewholenation.
v These stories also indicate that we should never judge sinners because we do not know their
circumstances.
AbuHurayra
tnarrated:RasulAllahrsaid,"Amansaidthathewouldgivesomethingincharity.He
wentoutwithhisobjectofcharityandunknowinglygaveittoathief.Nextmorningthepeoplesaidthathe
hadgivenhisobjectofcharitytoathief.(Onhearingthat)hesaid,"OAllah!Allthepraisesareforyou.I
willgivealmsagain."Andsoheagainwentoutwithhisalmsand(unknowingly)gaveittoaprostitute.Next
morningthepeoplesaidthathehadgivenhisalmstoaprostitutelastnight.Themansaid,"OAllah!Allthe
praisesareforyou.(Igavemyalms)toaprostitute.Iwillgivealmsagain."Sohewentoutwithhisalms
againand(unknowingly)gaveittoarichperson.(Thepeople)nextmorningsaidthathehadgivenhisalms
to a wealthy person. He said, "O Allah! All the praises are for you. (I had given alms) to a thief, to a
prostituteandtoawealthyman."Thensomeonecameandsaidtohim,"Thealmswhichyou gavetothe
thief,mightmakehimabstainfromstealing,andthatgiventotheprostitutemightmakeherabstainfrom
illegalsexualintercourse,andthatgiventothewealthymanmightmakehimtakealessonfromitandspend
hiswealthwhichAllahhasgivenhim,inAllah'scause"(alBukhari).
10
QabeelatTayybah
TheCommonFactor
Ikhlaas()
ThecommonfactorinallthreestorieswasIkhlaas(sincerity)sosomescholarsmentionthishadeethunderthe
categoryofIkhlaas.Ikhlaasistherootofallgoodmanners.
Thesepeoplewereobviouslyrighteouspeoplebecause:
TheyturnedtoAllah
IfirstsotheyhadaconnectionwiththeirLord.
Theyhadgooddeedstorememberanduseintheirduaa.
Theygotstuckinasituationtobetestedanditbroughtoutthebestinthem.
WhydidtheyhavetoverbalizetheirdeedseventhoughAllah
Iknewtheirdeedsandtheirintentions?Allah
Ilovestoheartheprayersofhisservants.HeIwantsustotellHimhowwefeelandwhatwewant.The
SahaabasusedtoaskAllah Iforthesmallestthings.Doingthisisamanifestationofourhumilityandthere
isnothingthatAllah Ilovesandrewardsmorethanhumility.And,thereisnothingthatAllah Idespises
andpunishesmorethanarrogance.
However,thishadeethwastoteachalessontofuturegenerationsandtoconveythedeedsofthosethreepeople
tous.ThethingsthatmattertouswillmattertoAllah
I.
Case 1
Parents versus Children
In this case, the man stood the whole night holding a cup of milk for his parents even though his
childrenwerehungryandwantedthemilk.Noonewouldstandthewholenightjusttoshowofforto
11
QabeelatTayybah
punishhischildrenortoteasehiswife.Inaddition,ithappenedatnight,sonoonewouldhavefound
outaboutthisdeedexceptAllah
Iandhisfamily.
EveryonecanrelatetothisCase because weall haveparents.EverytimeShaykh Muhammadreadsa

story, statement or Hadeeth about parents, he feels terrible about his behavior towards parents (even
though he treats his parents well). Shaykh Muhammads father died in 2006, a year after he started
teachingthisclass.Hewoulddoanythinghecouldtogetbackhisfatherfor60secondsjustsohecould
askhisfatherifhewaspleasedwithhim.Wehavetowatchourbehaviorwithourparents.Ifweknew
death was upon them, we would go out of our way to make sure our parents were pleased with
everything that we do. One of the most difficult tests is to see life being stripped away knowing that
thereisnothingthatwecoulddotosavethatlife.Wehavetomakesureourparentsarepleasedwithus
beforetheydie.
SomeofusbehaveasifourparentsarethebiggestFitnahinourlives.ButAllah
Iistheonewho
choseourparentsforussoifwehaveaproblemwithourparentsthenwehaveaproblemwithAllah
I.
Allahsays[inSurahLuqmaan]:
yJ9$# n<) y7y9uq9ur < 6$# br& tB%t m=|ur 9`dur 4n?t $Zdur mB& mFn=uHxq my9uq/ z`|SM}$# $uZurur
AndWehaveenjoinedonman(tobedutifulandgood)tohisparents.Hismotherborehiminweakness
andhardshipuponweaknessandhardship,andhisweaningistwoyearsandgivethankstoMeandto
yourparents,untoMeisthefinaldestination(alQuran31:14).
Iis telling us in the above ayah that we should be thankful to Allah Iand to our parents
becauseHe I
madeourparentsthedirectcauseofourexistence.Ifwearenotthankfultoourparents
Allah
wewillnotbethankfultoanyone.Themaninthisfirstcasewasabletofindthestrengthtostandthe
wholenightbecausehewasindebtedtohisparentsandbecauseofhispassionandsincerecommitment
tohishabit.This habitwas notjustaroutinerather, itwasibaadahasacredcommitmentwhich he
could notbreak.Eventhecriesof hungerof his childrendid notmake him breakthis habitofservice
thathehadforhisparents.Areourparentspleasedwithus?
12
QabeelatTayybah
Akhlaaqisallabouthowwetreatothers.Wehavetobegratefultoourparents,relativesandthosewho
workforus(thisHadeethpresentsallthreecases).Howwerelatetoothershastodowithourakhlaaq
andourrelationshipwithAllah
I.Ourakhlaaqisareflectionofouraqeedah/creed,soweneedto
showouraqeedahthroughouractions,insteadofsayingouraqeedah.Ourpatternofbehaviorwithour
parents is a reflection of our true akhlaaq. The closer the person is to us, the best they deserve to be
treated.Letuschangeourattitudeandactionstowardsourparentsandspouse.Letusgivethematerial
welearnfullaccesstoourheart.
Somepeoplesay,Youjustdontunderstandhowdifficultmyparentsarebutwhenwelearnthe
rightsofourparents,wewillseethatthereisnothingthatourparentscoulddotodeservedisrespect,
poor treatmentetc.Nomatterourreasons,wecannotcounterabusewithmoreabuse.Whatwesayand
doiswhatcounts.Ourparentsmistreatingusisnotgroundsforus tomistreatthem.ShaykhMuhammad
getsdisgustedbypeoplewhodisrespecttheirparents.
Case 2
The Desperate Cousin
At the point where the man in this Case was, he could have said, Let me finish this and seek
IisTheMostForgivingsoletthem
finishwhattheyaredoing.However,themanstoppedwhenhewasremindedofAllah I.Therefore,
themanlefthiscousinsolelyforthesakeofAllah I.
forgivenesslater.ShaytaancouldhavetemptedthemthatAllah
Allah
Ihastoldushowgoodandbaddeedswillberecorded.
IbnAbbasnarrated:RasulAllah
andtheevildeeds."Thenhe
rrelatedfromhisLordI:"VerilyAllahhasrecordedthegooddeeds
rclarifiedthat:"Whosoeverintendstodoagooddeedbutdoesnotdoit,
AllahrecordsitwithHimselfasacompletegooddeedbutifheintendsitanddoesit,Allahrecordsitwith
Himselfastengooddeeds,uptosevenhundredtimes,ormorethanthat.Butifheintendstodoanevildeed
anddoesnotdoit,AllahrecordsitwithHimselfasacompletegooddeedbutifheintendsitanddoesit,
Allahrecordsitdownasonesingleevildeed"(alBukhariandMuslim).
ThisCaseteachesusnottojudgeothers.Thiswomanwasinasituationwhereshewasreadytosellher
bodyyetsherememberedAllah
Iandremindedtheotherpersonaswell.
13
QabeelatTayybah
Peopledonotendupdoingbadthingsrightaway.Badthingshappenthroughasequenceofeventsset
up by shaytaan, so we can interrupt this sequence and be distracted him from committing the sin.
Shaytaandoesnotconvinceustodoamajorsinrightawayrather,hedoesitgradually.
Case 3
Unpaid Wages
The man in this case had no reason to invest a strangers money. He could have put the money in a
donation boxorsaved itand notinvested it.Orhecould havekept itforhimselfsince money is very
temptingandwebecomeattachedtoit.
Somescholars believethattheworkerinthiscasegotupsetandleft.So,theethicalthingwould have
beentojustsavethemoneyfortheworkerhowever,theemployerwentaboveandbeyondthat.
Weneedtobefairandjustwhendealingwithothers.But,itisbettertobekindandgracefulandthese
havenolimits.Thatishowweshouldbeevenifthepersondoesnotdeserveit.Itisnotabouttheother
personrather,itisaboutwhatwearecapableofdoing,howmuchwecanendure.Allah
Itreatsus
Itreated us the way we deserved to be treated, then we would have been

destroyed by now.We shouldpraytoAllah Itotreatuswith mercyandkindnessratherthan with
with kindness. If Allah
justice.Islamtellsustogoabovethebareminimumandexcelinwhatwedo.
IsTawassul (intercession,seekingthemeanstogetclosertoAllah
Allah
I)allowedinIslam?
ItellusintheQuranthatweshouldseekthemeansofcomingclosertoHim I.
I
So,Allah
wantsustocomeclosertohimthroughtawassul.But,onlyfourtypesoftawassulareallowed
andweshouldpursuethem. Anythingoutsidethesetypesoftawassul is notapartofIslam(i.e.theycontain
someformofshirk).
We can do tawassul by the Names and Attributes of Allah
I. We can ask Allah Ithrough His
BeautifulNamesandAttributes.
14
QabeelatTayybah
Allah
Isays[inSurahalAraaf]:
(#qR%x. $tB tbrtfy 4 myJr& crs= t%!$# (#rsur ( $pk5 nq$$s 4o_t:$# !$oF{$# !ur
tbq=yJt
And(all)theMost beautifulnamesbelongtoAllh,socallonHimbythem, andleavethecompanyof
thosewhobelieordeny(orutterimpiousspeechagainst) hisNames.Theywillberequitedforwhatthey
usedtodo (alQuran7:180).
AbuHurairanarrated:RasulAllah
said,AllahhasninetynineNames, i.e.,onehundredminusone,
andwhoeverbelievesintheirmeaningsandactsaccordingly,willenterParadiseandAllahisWitr(one)
andloves'theWitr'(i.e.,oddnumbers)(alBukhari).
Thereisanotherhadeethinwhich ninetyninenamesofAllah
Iarementioned.However,
scholarssaythattheportionofthehadeethcontainingtheninetyninenamesisweakbecause
oneofthenarratorsofthehadeethaddedthatportiontothehadeeth.IbnHazmconcluded
thatonly67outofthe99namesmentionedareauthenticandsuitableforAllah
I.Mostof
thescholarsalsobelievethatsomeofthe99namesarenotsuitableforAllah.Weneed
evidencesfromtheQuranandSunnahbeforewecansaythatanameistheNameofAllah
I.Forexample,AsSaboorisoneofthenamesmentionedinthelistof99names
however,thereisnotasingleverseintheQurannorasingleHadeethinwhichAllah
callsHimselfAsSaboor.AnotherexampleisthenameAsSattarwhichmeanswall.Thisis
I.ButthereisanauthentichadeethinwhichRasulAllah r
saysthatAllah I
isAsSitteer(TheConcealer).IfweareusingtheNamesofAllah I
in
notasuitablenameforAllah
ourduaathentheymustbeauthentic.
WeshoulduseAllahs
InameappropriatelyandweshouldalsoaskAllah Ifor
somethingappropriate.Forexample,whenaskingAllah(SWT)forforgivenessweshould
say,OhAllah
IyouareAfooandyoulovetopardon,sopardonme.Whileinvoking
15
QabeelatTayybah
Imercy,itwouldnotmakesensetosay,OhAllah IyouarealAdheemand
alJabbarsoforgiveme.Itisalsonotappropriatetosay,OhAllah I
youaretheMost
Allahs
Mercifulsodestroythem.Whenaskingforforgiveness,weshouldusethenames,alAfoo
andalGhafurandwhenaskingforsustenance(risq),weshouldusethenamearRazzaaq.
WeshouldalsonotcalloutAllahs
Iname,forexample,YaaAllah,YaaAllah,Yaa
Allah,withoutaskingforanything.
We can do tawassul through our righteous deeds. However, we need to make sure that the deed was
righteousandsincere.
SomepeopleareinthehabitofgivingtheirrewardforfinishingtheQurantothedeceased
risalreadyrewardedforeveryonewhoacceptsIslamand
foreverygoodthatwedo.Her
wasthegreatestnimahforus.Soinsteadofgivingaway
ortotheirparents.RasulAllah
our reward, we should pray for our parents by virtue of our good deeds (e.g. our khatam)
becausewedonotknowifwewererewardednordoweknowifwehaveenoughgooddeeds
tobegivingawaysomeofthem.
Thebestthingwecandoforourparentsismakeduaa.Ourparentsbiggestinvestmentwas
ussoweshouldaskAllahtoforgivethemandtohavemercyonthem.Wecanalsoperform
Hajj and give sadaqah on their behalf. If both of them dies without performing Hajj, we
should makeHajj forthemstartingwithourmother first,afterwehaveperformedHajj for
ourselves.
Jannahisnotanexchangeforourgooddeeds. Itisarewardthatcomesoutofthemercyof
Ianswersyourduaathroughyourrighteousdeeds,thenthatisasign
thatyourrighteousdeedwasmostlikelyrewardedbyAllah I.Donottakeanygooddeed
Allah. SoifAllah
youdoforgranted.
Thethirdtypeoftawassulisaskingrighteouspeopletomakeduaaforus.However,theconditionfor
thistypeoftawassulisthattherighteouspersonmustbealive.Evidenceforthistypeoftawassulcomes
fromRasulAllah
randhisSahabas.Theyusedtoaskeachothertorememberthemintheirduaa.
16
QabeelatTayybah
ThefourthtypeoftawassulistoaskAllah
orourweakness.Allah
Ibyourdemeanororconditionforexample,ourpoverty
I respondstothecallofthedesperate.
All other types of tawassul are questionable. What about saying, For the sake of RasulAllah
r,
rstatusisknowntoAllah Iandtousand it
benefitsonly him.RasulAllahs rstatuscanonly benefitus if it is bythepermissionof Allah I.
Wemustbeauthorizedusers. RasulAllahs rstatuswillonlybenefitusintheHereafterwhenhe r
willusehisstatustointercedeonourbehalfbythepermissionofAllah I.
forgive meoracceptthis from me?RasulAllah
SomescholarssaythatourloveforRasulAllah
due to my love for RasulAllah
RasulAllah
rmightworkso,wecansay,OhAllah,givemethis
r. Scholars say that this might be acceptable because our love for
risibaadah.
Q & A
Q. Thewritingdownofadeedasevilforonewhomadetheintentionandcarrieditoutisequalto1baddeed.
HowaboutifoneperformsanevilactwithintheHaramorinMakkah,istheevildeedwrittendownasmulti
fold?
A. Doingbaddeedsintheharam,inthesacredmonths,inthestateofIhraam,ontheDayofArafah
etc.increasestheintensityofthedeedbutnotinthesensethatitiswrittendownasmultipliedor
multifold. The closer tothe Kabah we commit the deed, the worse it becomes and inside the
Kabahistheworst.Ananalogywouldbethatacrimewhileonprobation(arepeatoffender)is
much more serious than a crime committed for the first time. If you abuse someone, it is
haraam.Abusingsomeoneclosetoyou(i.e.wife)isworseandabusingyourparentsiseventhe
worst.
Q.Ifachildis/wasraisedinanabusivehousehold,canthechildreciprocatethatabuse?
A. Nomatteryourreasonsareoryourfeelingsofresentmenttowardsyourparents,youcannot
reciprocateabusewithabusebyusinganymeans.
Thoseparentswhowerenotrighteouswhentheywerealive,aremostdeservingofourgood
deedsforthem.
NonMuslimparentsdeservethesamerightsasMuslimparents.
17
QabeelatTayybah
Q.Howaboutevilthoughtsoranevileye. Arewenotheldaccountableforthat?
A. Wearenotheldaccountable fornegativeorevil thoughtsaslongastheyare notverbalizedor
carriedout.Ifyouhaveevilthoughts,hasad(envy),etc.,youarenotresponsibleunlessyouact
themout.Suchthoughtsarevices.Thesevicesareactionsoftheheart.Inevitably,youmayact
onsuchfeelingsanditmaysurface.RasulAllah
informedusthatsuchevilscausedthose
before you to be destroyed because of their carrying it out. Change your evil thoughts and
replace them with something more positive ones because having bad thoughts and negative
feelingsfrequentlyisasignofaproblemwithyou.
Exercise:
Recalltworecentethicaldilemmasyouwentthroughandthechoicesyouhadtomake.
Ethical Dilemmas:
We are, at one time or another, placed in situations where we have to make a choice. The choice we make
usuallydependsonourbeliefsandvaluesystems.Forexample,apersonfindsthathehasanextraitemthatthe
cashierdidnotringupinhisgrocerybag.Shouldhedrivebacktothegrocerystoreandwaste5dollarsofgas
toinformthestore?ShouldhecallthestoreandinquireabouttheitemorshouldhesayHey,itisnotmyfault
and therefore I will keep the merchandise? Another example is thatof a person on a respirator/life support
system.Shouldthepersonsfamilyremovethetubeknowingthatthepersonschancesofsurvivalwithoutthe
machineareslimorshouldthefamilykeepthepersononlifesupportfortherestofhislife?Caringforailing
parentsisalsoanotherexample.Shouldwefightwithourspousesinordertocareforourparentsathomeor
shouldweplacetheminanursinghome?
Ifwearedoingsomethingthatwearenotateasewithandwedonotwantotherstoknowabout,thenwhatwe
aredoing isquestionable.RasulAllah
rsaidsin isthatwhichcausesdiscomfortandwehate forpeopleto
knowaboutit.
AnNawwasbinSamaannarrated:RasulAllah
rsaid,"Righteousnessisgoodcharacter,andsinisthat
whichwaversinyourheartandwhichyoudonotwantpeopleto knowabout" (Muslim).
18
QabeelatTayybah
WaabishahibnMabadnarrated
t :IcametotheMessengerofAllahrandhesaid,Youhavecome
r said,Consultyourheart.Righteousness
toaskaboutrighteousnessandsinfulness?Isaid,Yes.He
isthatwhichmakesthesoulfeeltranquilandtheheartfeeltranquil.Andsinisthatwhichmakesthesoul
waverandthebreastuneasy,evenifthepeoplehavegivenyou[their]verdictonitand[continue]togiveyou
[their]verdict(MusnadAhmad,adDaarimi).
Inthe1990s,politicaland/orsocialissueswereemphasizedinFridayKhutbahsandAkhlaaqwasleftout.
rtaughthisCompanionseverythingincludingaadaab.Theywerenotallchildrenandsomewere
asoldas60yearsofage.RasulAllah r
usedtostraightenthelinesoftheCompanionsinsalaah,andtheydid
RasulAllah
notobjecttohimdoingso. Theydidnothaveany arrogance. They wereverywelldisciplinedandhumble.

Pride/arroganceispreventingusfromlearningpropermannersandaadaab.Today,ifwetrytostraightenaline
forsalaah,itbecomesafitnah.Weneedtogetridofthisarrogancethatispreventingusfrombecomingbetter
people.
Ethical Dilemmas Facing Us Today

1. PoliticsThereisnothingethicalaboutpolitics.
2. Collateraldamage/CasualtiesInnocentpeoplecaughtinmilitaryoperations.Underwhatconditionis
thisallowed?VideosonYouTube showmasaajidbeingdestroyedbylaserguidedmissles.InIslam,
thesethingsareallrejected.RasulAllah
rsawthebodyofawomanafterawarandhegotupset.
PlacesofworshipsuchasChurches,MonasteriesandSynagoguesarenottobetouchedthey aretobe
protectedandnotdestroyed.
3. ComingtotermswithparentsParentswishforus topursueaparticulareducationalpathor tomarry
someoneoftheirchoicefromaparticularlocalityorcountry.
4. GenderRelationsandtheconceptofdating.
5. RunningforleadershipTheideathatthoserunningforleadershippositionsboastthattheyarethe
best.Howarrogantisthis?Butiftheydonotsayit,thentheyarenotconfidentenough.Theybasheach
otherthentheyhug.
6. Dealingwithrelativesouruncles,cousins,aunts
19
QabeelatTayybah
7. DrugsandYouth Theabuseofdrugstodayanditseasyavailability toouryouthsonthestreetsandin

schools.
8. EconomyThemoralcrisesweareseeingandthecurrentdilemmaswearefacedwithinaninterest
(Ribaa)basedsystem. Nomatterhowmucheffortismadetopatch upthissystemofRibaa,the
problemwillnotgoaway.Suchasystemissomethinginherentinthesocietyweliveinanditisagainst
thewayshowntousbyAllah
IandHisMessengerr.
9. SocialInjusticeThisisnowjustifiedandmayevenbelegalized.ThegreatestcrimeoftheMuslim
communityisthatwedonottalkaboutthisinjustice.Wearesilentunlessithitsacertainwelltodo
segmentofthecommunityoritrelatestoahighprofilecase(i.e.popularpeople).
10. GenderOrientation HomosexualscomparethemselvestoaminoritylikeAfricanAmericans.Thisis
veryinsultingsinceAfricanAmericanshaveemancipatedthemselvesfromslaveryandhavefoughtfor
centuriesfortheircivilrightsinthiscountry.HomosexualityhasnothingtodowithwhatAfrican
Americanshavefoughtforoverthecenturies.Ifwelookattheleadersofthehomosexualmovement,
wewillfindacommonalityamongtheminthatsomethinghappenedtoeveryoneofthemintheir
childhood. Atonepointinthiscountry,homosexuality waslookeddownuponandunheardof.A
changeinattitudeoccurredfromtheClintoneraonward.Now,itisacceptableandunfortunately,itis
affectingtheMuslimperception.Muslimsnowthinkthatitissomethingthatwearebornwith.People
arenotbornwithhomosexualtendenciesitisanaddiction.
Allah
Isays[inSurahanNaml]:
And(remember)Lut!Whenhesaidtohispeople:"Doyoucommitimmoralsinswhileyousee''."Do
youpracticeyourlustsonmeninsteadofwomen.Nay,butyouareapeoplewhobehavesenselessly''(
AnNaml:5455).
Ifonehastherighttoadvocateandmakesomethingpublic,thenthereshouldbenoprohibitionfor
another tobeagainstit.Everyoneshouldhavethefreedomofspeechtobeabletospeakupagainst
somethingthatisdisgustingandunnatural.AsMuslims,wehavetherighttoobjecttoit,condemnitand
speakourminds.Indeed,itisaprogressivedisease.Therewillbeapointwheretheywantustobelike
themortheywillfightus.TheappendixcontainsanarticlewrittenbyDr.JafarSheikIdrisonthis
deviation.
11. ComedyTheentireentertainmentindustryitselfisanethicaldilemma.
12. AbortionIsitreallyawomansrighttochosewhatshewantstodowithherbaby?Ourreligionisso
richandithasprinciples(usool).Thingsarenotleftuptohowwefeel.
20
QabeelatTayybah
13. CultureversusIslam
14. CapitalPunishment/JusticeSystem/Deathpenalty Thereareclearlyflawsinthejusticesystemin
thiscountry.Tothinkthat12Jurorscandecidethefateofapersonisscary.NowwithDNAevidence,
reversalofjudgmentsmademorethan17yearsagooninnocentpeoplearebeingtalkedaboutinthe
media.
TherewasaMuslimbrotherwhomaintainedhisinnocenceuntilhisdeath.Peopletoldhimto
maketawbahbuthesaidhewouldnotadmittobeingakiller,becausehewasnot.Beforehe
wasputtodeathheprayed,recitedalFaatiHah,andrecitedtheShahadahwhilepointingwith
hisindexfinger.SubhanAllah,whenbrothersmadeGhuslonhisbodyafterhisdeath,they
saidhisfacewasshiningwithnoor.
15. RecycleornottorecycleShouldwejustignoreglobalwarmingandtakenopartinpreservingthis
earth forfuturegenerations?
Thus,thesubjectofEthicsisveryrelevanttoalloftheabovementionedpoints.Wearenotjusttalkingabout
HalaalandHaraamhere.Weshouldalwaysaskourselves,Isitethicalforustoleavewithoutwipingthesink
afterperformingWudu?Isitethicalforustojaywalk?Isitethicalforustoleaveamesswhoisgoingto
takecareofourmess?
21
QabeelatTayybah
BasicRightsandObligations
Your Lord Has a right over You
Your Family
(

)
Yourself (SOUL & BODY)
Akhlaaqdealswith:
Whatisthemostappropriatethingtodo
Whatisthemostimportantthingtodo
Whatisrightandwhatiswrong
Whatshouldwedoandwhatshouldwenotdo
Whatweoughttodo
Whatisthemostbeneficialthingtodo
AbuJuhaifa
tnarrated:TheProphetrestablishedabondofbrotherhoodbetweenSalmanandAbu
adDarda'.SalmanpaidavisittoAbuadDardaandfoundUmmadDarda'dressedinshabbyclothesand
asked her why she was in that state." She replied, "Your brother, Abu adDarda' is not interested in the
luxuriesofthisworld."InthemeantimeAbuadDarda'cameandpreparedamealforhim(Salman),and
saidtohim,"(Please)eatforIamfasting."Salmansaid,"Iamnotgoingtoeat,unlessyoueat."SoAbuad
Darda'ate.Whenitwasnight,AbuadDarda'gotup(forthenightprayer).Salmansaid(tohim),"Sleep,"
andheslept.AgainAbuadDarda'gotup(fortheprayer),andSalmansaid(tohim),"Sleep."Whenitwas
thelastpartofthenight,Salmansaidtohim,"Getupnow(fortheprayer)."Sobothofthemofferedtheir
prayersandSalmansaidtoAbuadDarda',"YourLordhasarightoveryouandyoursoulhasarightover
youandyourfamilyhasarightoveryousoyoushouldgivetherightsofallthosewhohavearightonyou.
LateronAbuAdDarda'visitedtheProphet
randmentionedthattohim.TheProphetr,said,"Salman
hasspokenthetruth."(alBukhari).
22
QabeelatTayybah
Selfmanagementbooksalwaystalkaboutourneedsandaboutbalancingdifferentaspectsofourlives.When
wearedeprivedorwhenwehaveanimbalanceinlife,wewillnotbehappy.Allah
thatmustbefulfilled.
Icreateduswithneeds
Fouraspectsoflifehavetobefulfilled,maintainedandbalanced.Anytimethereisanimbalanceandwearenot
happy,oneaspectwillaffecttheothers.Thesefouraspectsare:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Spiritual
Social
Mental/Psychological
Physical(Financial)
Eachaspectcanhavedifferentcategoriesforexample,emotional,financial,educationaletc.Ashuman
beingswehaveneeds,andthoseneedsmustbefulfilledandsatisfiedinabalancedway.Animbalance
occurswhenweneglectoneareaforanextendedperiodoftimeandthiscausesadisturbanceinoneor
moreareas.Ifwearedeprivedinanyoftheseareas,wefeelthreatenedandthiscausesustobehaveina
certainway.Ifthereisapermanentimbalance,wecannotfunctionproperly.Wegetangry,anxiousetc.
whenwefeelwearenotincontrol.
Somepeopleeatandsleeplessduringexamtimeinordertohavemoretimetostudyfortheir
exams.Butwhenthistimeisover,theyresumetheirnormalactivities.Animbalanceoccurs
ifone aspect is neglected foranextendedperiod oftime sothatotheraspectsareaffected.
Akhlaaqisallaboutknowingourprioritiesandaboutdoingwhatisthemostimportantthing
todoatthatmomentinordertofulfillthatparticularaspectand findarelief.So,ifweeat
andsleeplessduringexamtime,wewillbedoingwhatisthemostimportantthingtodoat
thattimeandwewouldnotbeneglectingtheotheraspectsofourlivesaslongaswegoback
toournormalactivitiesafterourexamsareover.
Thespiritualaspectisthemostimportantbecauseitinfluencesalltheotheraspectshowever,weshould
notneglecttheotheraspectsandweshouldnotforgetourobligations(asAbuadDarda
tdidinthe
above hadeeth).Mostpeopletendtothinkthatthephysicalaspectisthe most importantsotheirNew

Yearsresolutionwouldbetoremoveatattooortoloseweightetc.
Onemightask,howisthatRasulAllah
randhiscompanionswouldspendthewholenight
in prayer and would sometimes go for days without food. We have to remember that
RasulAllah
randtheSahaabasliveswerefilledwithstrugglesthattheydidnotaskforso
theywentthroughalotofsacrifices.Forexample,AbuHurayra
tbecameamuslimvery
23
QabeelatTayybah
rlife, so Abu Hurayra tdedicated those few years that he had

with RasulAllah rto learning from RasulAllah r, but Abu Hurayra tdid not
maintainthislifestylefortherestofhislife.RasulAllah rwasanexception.He rsaid,
late in RasulAllahs
My Lord keeps providing me with food and drink, and he discouraged us from fasting
rdid(i.e.formanydaysinarow)wasavirtue,he
would have encouraged it. RasulAllah ralso prohibited the silent treatment and he r
everyday.IffastingthewayRasulAllah
saidthatweshouldnotstoptalkingforeachotherformorethanthreedays.
24
QabeelatTayybah
Iwassenttoperfectnoblecharacteristics.
(Innamaa)meansonly.So, RasulAllah rissayingthathewassentonly toperfectnoble

(righteous)characteristics.ThistellsushowimportanttheissueofAkhlaaqis.
Allah
Isays[inSurahalBaqarah]:

OurLord!SendamongstthemaMessengeroftheirown,whoshallreciteuntothemYourversesand
instructthemintheBook(thisQur'an),andpurifythem.Verily,YouaretheMighty,theWise
(alQuran2:129).
ThisistheduaaofProphetIbrahimtowhichRasulAllah
withthefollowingayah.
Allah
rwastheanswer.AllahIanswersthisduaa
Isays[inSurahalJumuah]:
He
itisWhosentamongtheunletteredonesaMessengerfromamongthemselves,recitingtothem
HisAyat,purifyingthem,andteachingthemtheBookandtheHikmah.Andverily,theyhadbeenbefore
inmanifesterror(alQuran62:2).
25
QabeelatTayybah
Allah
IanswersProphetIbrahimsduaawiththisayahfromSurahalJumuahhowever,AllahIchanged
theorderofthingsthatProphetIbrahimaskedforinhisduaa.
In Prophet Ibrahims duaa, he asked for: A Messenger > (who) Recites Ayats > (and) Teaches them the
Book>(and)Purifiesthem
Allahs
IResponse: AMessenger>(who)Recites Ayats>(and)Purifiesthem >(and)Teachesthemthe
Book
WhydidAllah
Ichangetheorder?Itisbecauseourheartshavetobesuitable(beaniche)beforetheycan
receivetheQuranandSunnah.Weneedtolearnthepropermannersandakhlaaqinordertobenefitfromthe
QuranandSunnah.
IcondemnedthosewhocarriedtheTawrahbutdidnotimplementitorhavethe
mannersrelatedtothatmessage.AllahI
saystheirexampleislikethatofadonkey.
Allah
Allah
Isays[inSurahalJumuah]:

ThelikenessofthosewhowereentrustedwiththeTawrah,butdidnotcarryit,isasthelikenessofa
donkeywhichcarrieshugeburdensofbooks.HowbadistheexampleofpeoplewhodenytheAyatof
Allah.AndAllahdoesnotguidethepeoplewhoarewrongdoers(alQuran62:5).
OurchildrenneedtobeexposedtotheQuranfrompregnancy.Thenweneedtoteachthemgoodmanners.
Thenweneedtoexpectgoodthingsfromthem.
Tofurtheremphasizetheimportanceofakhlaaq,RasulAllah
rsaidinahadeethrelatedbyAbuDawood:
::
AbuUmamahAlBahilinarrated:RasulAllah
said,IguaranteeahouseinaJannahforonewhogives
uparguing,evenifheisintherightandIguaranteeahomeinthemiddleofJannahforonewhoabandons
26
QabeelatTayybah
lyingevenforthesakeoffunandIguaranteeahouseinthehighestpartofJannahforonewhohasgood
manners(AbuDawood).
(Rabadee)referstotheoutskirtsofJannah.
(WasaTi)refersthemiddleofJannah.
(Aalee)referstothehighestpartofJannahtheapex.
rguarantees a house on the outskirts of Jannah for the one who gives up
arguingevenifheisright.RasulAllah risnottellingusnottoarguewhenwearewrong
RasulAllah
rather, he is telling us not to argue even if we are right. Life is not a big debate, there is
nothingwrongwithtryingtoteachordiscus,buttheminutethediscussionbecomesadebate
oranargument(i.e.itjustgoesbackandforthwithoutgoinganywhere)thenweshouldjust
stop/pullout.Ifwearewrongweshouldnotevenopenourmouths.Weengageinarguments
onlywhenweseethatwearenotincontrol.
RasulAllah
rguaranteesahouseinthemiddleofJannahfortheonewhodoesnotlieeven
ifheisjoking.Weshouldnotfallintothetrapofsaying,IamnotlyingIamjustkidding.
Evenifwearejoking,weshouldnotlie.RefertoShaykhMuhammadAlShareefslectureI
amnotlying,Iamonlyjokingintheappendixformoreonthistopic.
RasulAllah
rguarantees a house in the highest part of Jannah for the one who had
beautiful characteristics. The first two issues above deal with akhlaaq but this part tells us
aboutthevalueofpersonalkhuluq.RasulAllah
ristellingusnottosettleforanyplacein
Jannahrather,weshouldaim forthehighest.Oneofthewaystogettothehighestpartof
Jannahisthroughhusnulkhuluq.
ThemissionofShaytaanistogobacktoJannahjustlikeus.
AndOnthedayofJudgement,Shaytaanwillsay:
Allah
Isays[inSurahIbrahim]:
27
QabeelatTayybah
AndShaytanwillsaywhenthematterhasbeendecided:"Verily,Allahpromisedyouapromiseof
truth.AndItoopromisedyou,butIbetrayedyou.IhadnoauthorityoveryouexceptthatIcalledyou,
andyourespondedtome.Soblamemenot,butblameyourselves.Icannothelpyou,norcanyouhelp
me.Idenyyourformeractinassociatingme(Shaytan)asapartnerwithAllah(byobeyingmeinthelife
oftheworld).Verily,thereisapainfultormentforthewrongdoers''(alQuran14:22).
IsentRasulAllah rwiththemissionofperfectingnoblecharacteristicsatatimewhen
humanityneededitthemost. SomevicesofArabiaatthetimeRasulAllah r
wassentwere:
Allah
Infanticide
Allah
Isays[inSurahalIsraa]:
Andkillnotyourchildrenforfearofpoverty.Weshallprovideforthemaswellasforyou.Surely,the
killingofthemisagreatsin(alQuran17:31).
Allah
Isays[inSurahalAnaam]:
Killnotyourchildrenbecauseofpoverty,Weshallprovidesustenanceforyouandforthem(alQuran
6:151).
Somepeoplethinkthattheylovetheirchildrenandfearforthemsotheykillthem.Thereisa
reasonwhyAllah
Isays,forthemaswellasforyouinSurahalIsraaandforyou
andfortheminSurahalAnaam(i.eAllahreversestheorderofyouandtheminthetwo
verses).Inthefirstcase,theparentsareafraidofbecomingimpoverishedwhileinthesecond
case,theparentsarealreadypoor. Thisalsoaddressestheissueofabortion.
28
QabeelatTayybah
TheQurancondemnedsomesins,suchasdrinkingalcohol,gradually.But,afterTawhid,some
social issues relating to morality were established from the beginning. Social issues such as
infanticidewereimmediatelyprohibited.
Allah
Isays[inSurahatTakweer]:
Andwhenthefemaleinfant(AlMaw'udah)buriedaliveisquestioned:For whatsinwasshekilled
(alQuran81:89).
UmaribnKhattabburiedhisdaughteralive.Hehaddustfallonhisbeardwhilehewasdiggingher
grave,andhisdaughtercleanedhisbeardnotknowingthatshewouldbekilledshortlythereafter.
Sexualdevianceswerewidespreadforexample,ifamanwantedageneticallyviableand
strongchild,hewouldliterallyhireamanofstrongstatureandhavehimsleepwithhiswife
tohaveastrongchildthathecancallhisown.
AbuseandexploitationofSlaves.BilaalandmanyotherslavesacceptedIslambecauseit
appealedtotheirhearts.Contrarytotheclaimthattheirconversionwasarevolutionor
becausetheyhadnothingtolose,theslaveshadeverythingtoloseandrisk.Bilaalwould
say,AhaduAhad,AhaduAhad,AhaduAhad,whenhewasbeingtortured. Whenhewas
askedhowheborethepunishment,hestatedthatthesufferingwasdiminishedbythe
sweetnessofEemaanthathelpedhimtoleratethepain.
WasRasulAllah
rthefirstonetotalkaboutmorality?
ThehistoryofethicalthinkingdidnotbeginwithIslambutitbeganwithProphetAdamwho
facedthedilemmaofwhetherheshouldeatornoteatfromthetree(i.e.toobeyAllahs
Command or succumb to Satans whispering). Also, Adam did not know about lying, but
ShaytaansworebyAllah
IsohowcouldAdamnotbelieveShaytaan.
ProphetNuhcondemnedtheimmoralpracticesofhispeople.
29
QabeelatTayybah
rwasthefinalchapterinconveyingtheultimateprinciplesandvaluesofIslam
tohisummah.Thus,he rwasnotthefirstonetospeakaboutgoodcharacter,hewasthe
RasulAllah
ultimate.
HistoryofEthicalThinking
Questions Raised
1.) What is the Good Life
(Happy and Satisfied, Greeks and Romans)
2.) How can one have a relationship with God?
(Judeo-Christian)
3.) How should one treat his/her fellow man?
(Contemporary Western Cultures)
Themainquestioninphilosophyis,Whatisthepurposeoflife?Theanswertothiswilldetermineeverything
else.Mostpeopleanswerbysaying,tohaveagoodlife! Sophilosophersthen ask,Sowhatisagoodlife?
TheanswerthatisusuallygivenisHappinessandSatisfaction.SowhatisHappiness?
Thenthenextquestionaskedis,HowcanonehavearelationshipwithGod?Theanswergiventothis
questionisusuallyfromtheJudeoChristianperspective.
Then,thequestion,Howshouldonetreathis/herfellowman?isasked.ContemporaryWesternCultureshave
threeanswerstothisquestionandtheywillbediscussedinthenextsection.
Westernethicsclassesteach
1.) Therearenoabsolutevalueseverythingisrelative
2.) Ifweknowwhatanotherpersonsethicalsystemis,wewillknowthepersonsnextmove.
Ethicsareabout3things:
Definitionof goodandbad
30
QabeelatTayybah
RightandWrong
Dutieswhatweoughttobedoing
HistoryofEthicalThinking
Contemporary
a)VirtueEthics:Itemphasizesthevirtuesormoralcharacter.CharitableorBenevolent
ThisisoneoftheprominentviewsinLifeManagement.
Virtueethicssaythatvirtueistherewardofitself.Beingcharitableorbenevolentis
rewardingsoweneedtobegoodandvirtuousjustforthesakeofdoingitandalso
becausethatiswhowearethewayweare.
b)Dutiesorrule(Deontology)Dountoothersasyouwouldbedoneby
TheGoldenRuleisDountoothersasyouwouldbedoneby.Treatothersasyouwould
liketobetreated.Thisisaverypopularview.
DeontologistssayVirtueEthicsisnotrealisticsinceitdefiestheGoldenRule.The
GoldenRuleisallthatmatters.
c) ConsequencesofActions(consequentialiasm).
Maximizewellbeing.
Thosewhobelieveinconsequentialiasmsaythattheabovetwoviewsarenotrealistic.
Wehavetodogoodbecauseoftheconsequences.Begoodtoothersbecausewewould
wantthemtodosomethingforuslater.Forexample,inthewinterof1996,therewasa
manwhowasgoingaroundpullingpeopleoutofditcheswheneveritsnowedandwhen
hewasaskedwhyhewasdoingit,hesaiditwasbecausehewouldlikeforsomeoneto
helphimifhewasinthesamesituationoneday.
TheconclusionfromthesethreeviewsofEthicsisthattherecanbe:
AppliedEthics
TheoreticalEthics
So,everyfieldshouldhaveitsownethicsforexample,themedicalfieldwouldhaveits
ownsetofethics.Butwhatshouldyoudoifsomethingisethicalinyourfieldbutitis
notethicalaccordingtoyourbeliefs?
31
QabeelatTayybah
Thencamepersonalityethicstomaximizebenefits.
PersonalityEthics:Thisdependsuponthatwhichisnotreal.Forexample,whatyoushoulddo
toclosethatdeal?Oneofthemostobviousanswerswouldbetomakecustomersfeelmore
comfortable.Itisnotallaboutphysicalappearance,personality smilingalot,etc.Weshould
notgetcaughtupwithshallowwordsratherweshouldsaywhatwemean andmeanwhatwe
say.Somepeoplesweartoupholdthelawbutintheend,itisallaboutnailingpeopleand
winningetc.Sopeoplestartedtomistrustothersandtheystoppedbelievinginwhattheydo.
Withoutanincentiveforpromotionsandaraiseorabonus,theywillnotdoagoodjobatwork.
Itbecameallabouttricksandtrickerytogetwhatyouwanteveninpersonalrelationships.The
fakesmileindicatesthatonearenottrustworthy whichisoneofthemajorproblemsinour
societytoday.Arealsmilecaneasilybedistinguishedfromafakeone.Whensomebodygivesa
genuinesmile,youwillnoticethatalltheirmusclesaremoving.Inaddition,onewillbeableto
tellfromtheeyesthattheyaresmilingthatsmilecomesfromtheheartandthatiswhatwill
countasSadaqah(i.e.thatistheonewewillberewardedfor).Atthistimeandage,everyone
tellsyouwhatyouwanttohear.Personalityethicsisallaboutpublicappearance,skillsand
techniquessmoothcoexistencewithothers.Itfocusesontheissueofattitude,behavior,skills,
andtechniques.Allthesethingslubricatetheactionsofhuman.
Sopersonalityethicsfailedtomakepeoplemoreethical.Nowthereischaracterethics.
CharacterEthics:Presently,everyoneisturningbacktocharacterethicswhich dependson
courage,fidelity,simplicity,humility,justice,patience,modesty,theGoldenRuleetc.Currently,
manyspecialseminarsandworkshopsarebeingconductedtogoovercharacterethics,tofocus
onusandourvaluesandbeliefs.Attheseseminars,theyareevenurgingpeopletogiveSadaqah
(i.e.10%oftheirwealth).Accordingtothem,ithelpsonemaintainhowonefeelaboutoneself.
CharacterEthicsisakhlaaq.
Whyarewediscussingthehistoryofethicsandviewsonethicsinaclassonakhlaaq.
Itisbeneficialtoknowwhereothersarecomingfrom(i.e.tolearntheir
ethics).
WewillcomerealizethatwealreadyhaveallthisintheQuranandSunnah.
TheShaykhmentionedthatwhenhehearsthesethingsatworkshops,he
smiles.Why?BecausewhattheysayhasalreadybeenstatedinHadeeththat
iswhatRasulAllah etaughtus.Wewillalsocometorealizethatwecannot
beethicalwithoutfirsthavingtheproperbeliefsystem.TheJewsandthe
Christiansdonotknowanybettersotheythinktheyhavethebest.But,
withoutbelievinginAllah Iandfollowingtheproperaqeedah(belief
system),wecannothaveorlookatthecompletepicture.
ItstrengthensourImaanandshowsthatIslamhastheanswerstoall our
questions.
AllahIsays[inSurahalQasas]:
32
QabeelatTayybah
ThenbringabookfromAllah,whichisabetterguidethanthesetwo(theTaurat(Torah)
andtheQuran),thatImayfollowit,ifyouaretruthful(alQuran28:49).
Aremanners(Akhlaaq)andvalues,objectiveorsubjective?
Akhlaaqisobjective.Itispartoftheuniverse,partofourfitrah.
Itsapplicationissubjective,forexamplehonestycanbegoodorbad.How
canhonestybebad?Inadditiontohonesty,oneshouldalsohaveanother
virtueofwisdomorbeingsmart.Havingwisdomwillpreventonefrom
statingeverythingthatcomestoonesmind.
Soifakhlaaqisobjective,whoplaceditthere?Contemporaryanswersare
o Man
o Itisembeddedinnature.
TheydonotwanttosaythatAllahplacedittherethatAllahmadeitapartof
ourinnateself(fitrah).Allah IsaysthatHeI placedthelawsofphysics.
Likewise,ethicalprincipleswerealsosetbyAllah I.Allah Iistheone
whoplaceditinournaturetolovejusticeetc.
ThereisnothingwrongwithexpectinggoodrewardfromAllah Iforourgooddeeds.
Sothesethreecontemporarytheoriesdonotcontradicteachother.Thedangercomes
whenwestartfeelingbadaboutdoingsomethinggood.Itisourgoodthoughtsabout
Allah IthatmakesusbelieveandexpectrewardsfromAllah I.RasulAllahtoldus
abouttherewardformostthingssoweshouldexpectit,lookforitandloveit.Weshould
tellShaytaan,Yes,Ifeelgoodanditsallgood.WeshouldnotallowShaytaantomess
withourminds.AllahtoldusaboutJannahandJahannam.Theyaretheabsolutetruth.
AbuSa'id
narrated: TheProphetMuhammadesaid,"Amongstthepeople
precedingyourage,therewasamanwhomAllahhadgivenalotofmoney.Whilehewasin
hisdeathbed,hecalledhissonsandsaid,'WhattypeoffatherhaveIbeentoyou?They
replied,'Youhavebeenagoodfather.'Hesaid,'Ihaveneverdoneasinglegooddeedso
whenIdie,burnme,crushmybody,andscattertheresultingashesonawindyday.'Hissons
didaccordingly,butAllahgatheredhisparticlesandasked(him),'Whatmadeyoudoso?'
Hereplied,"Fearofyou.'SoAllahbestowedHisMercyuponhim(i.e.forgavehim)
(alBukhari).
Amancommittedasin,andthensaid,O myLord,forgivemysin,soAllah said,My
slavehassinned,thenherealizedthathehasaLordwhocanforgivesinsandcanpunish
himforit.Thenthemanrepeatedthesin,thensaid,OmyLord,forgivemysin.Allah
said,Myslavehassinned,thenherealizedthathehasaLordwhocanforgivesinsand
canpunishhimforit.Themanrepeatedthesin(thethirdtime),thenhesaid,Omy
33
QabeelatTayybah
Lord,forgivemysin,andAllahsaid,Myslavehassinned,thenherealizedthathehasa
Lordwhocanforgivesinsandcanpunishhimforit.Dowhatyouwish,forIhave
forgivenyou (Muslim).
HanzalaUsayyidi,whowasamongstthescribesofAllah'sMessengerereported,Imet
AbuBakr.Hesaid:Whoareyou?Isaid:Hanzalahasturnedtobeahypocrite.He (Abu
Bakr)said:HallowedbeAllah,whatareyousaying?ThereuponIsaid:Isaythatwhenwe
areinthecompanyofAllah'sMessengereweponderoverHellFireandParadiseasif
weareseeingthemwithourveryeyesandwhenweareawayfromAllah'sMessengere
weattendtoourwives,ourchildren,ourbusinessmostofthesethings(pertainingto
Afterlife)slipoutofourminds.AbuBakrsaid:ByAllah,Ialsoexperiencethesame.SoI
andAbuBakrwenttoAllah'sMessengereandsaidtohim:Allah'sMessengere,
Hanzalahasturnedtobeahypocrite.ThereuponAllah'sMessengeresaid:Whathas
happenedtoyou?Isaid:Allah'sMessenger,whenweareinyourcompany,weare
remindedofHellFireandParadiseasifweareseeingthemwithourowneyes,but
wheneverwegoawayfromyouandattendtoourwives,childrenandbusiness,muchof
thesethingsgooutofourminds.ThereuponAllah'sMessengeresaid:ByHimin
WhoseHandsismylife,ifyourstateofmindremainsthesameasitisinmypresenceand
youarealwaysbusyinremembrance(ofAllah),theAngelswillshakehandswithyouin
yourbedsandinyourpathsbut,Hanzala,timeshouldbedevoted(totheworldlyaffairs)
andtime (shouldbedevotedtoprayerandmeditation).He(theHolyProphetMuhammad
e)saidthisthrice(Muslim).
SoRasulAllahissayingthatifwemaintainedourimaan,wewouldbeableto
interactwiththeangels.However,imaanfluctuates.Akhlaaqisrealistic.
IfgoingtoJannahwasnotimportant,whywouldAllahmentionitand
purchasethebelieverslifeforit.Allah Ihaspurchasedsoulsandwealth
fromHisservantsinexchangeforJannah.Whatanexcellentbargainthisis
ourmoneyandsouls,forJannahinreturn.Weshouldnottakeitforgranted,
HellfireorParadise,ratherweshouldalwaysstruggleforit,thatswhat
Akhlaaqisallabout Struggle.
Whyarethethreetheoriesnotcontradictory?
Wecanlikedifferentaspectsofathing(forexamplewecanlikethecolorof
grapes,itstexture,itstasteetc.)andthisdoesnotcontradictanypartofthat
thing.
Similarlywecanthankapersonbecausewearereallygrateful,becauseitis
whoweare,becausewebelieveAllahwillrewardusforit,becauseitisapart
ofourbeliefsystemetc.RasulAllah esaidthathewhoisnotthankfulto
peopleisnotthankfultoAllah I.Wedogooddeeds,seekingthereward
34
QabeelatTayybah
fromAllah Iandfulfillingourobligationsso,thereisnocontradictionin
this.
IsthereAbsoluteRightorWrong?
TheremustbeabsoluterightsorwrongsotherwiseontheDayofJudgment
everyonewouldberight
Wemightbeforcedtodosomethingduetothecircumstancesandatthat
momentthatwasthebestchoiceavailable.Cantherebeasituationwith
multiplechoicesandallofthegiven optionsarethecorrectchoices?No.
ImamMaaliksaideveryonesstatementcouldberejectedoracceptedexcept
forhimwhoisinthisgrave,pointingatthegraveofRasulAllah ewhose
everysayingisaccepted.
Ifascholarhassaidsomething,weshouldnottakeitwithoutfirstexamining
itandlookingatitinthelightofQuranandSunnah.Also,wedontknowif
thescholaractuallysaidthething.
35
QabeelatTayybah
FactorsthatContributetothe
DownfallofNationsand
Civilizations
Whatwerethemaincausesofthedownfallofanationoracivilization?Thefactorsthatcaused
othercivilizationsdownfallwerealsothecauseforthedownfallofIslamiccivilizations.Thisis
anaturallawofAllah Ieverythingthatrisesmustfall.Nothingismightierinpowerand
eternalexceptforAllah I.ThepeopleofAdhadthesameclaimastheUnitedStatesnow,
Whoismorepowerfulthanwe?AndAllahsresponsewas,Didnttheysee,theyweregiven
thesethings(theirpower,might,skills,intellectetc)byAllah.
FourfactorscontributetothedownfallofNationsandCivilizations.Theseare:
1.Invasionsbyenemy(i.e.whensomeonecomesandtakesover)
2.Civilwars
3.Revolutionsandpoliticaldivisions
4.Naturaldisastersordiseases
What do you think is the root cause of these

factors?
Allah Idoesnotpunishapeoplefortheirpersonalsins,aslongasthesesinsremain
privateandaslongasthepeoplefeelguiltyforcommittingthesin.Howeverwhen
thepeoplestarttocommitthosesinspubliclywithoutanyremorseandthosesins
becomeacceptedbyothersandnobodybotherstoforbidtheevil,thenthatiswhen
divinesinterventiontakesplace.
AllahsIpunishmentisbroughtaboutwhenmoralsdeclineandjusticeis
compromised.Sotherootcauseforthefactorslistedaboveisthedeclineinmorals
andjustice.
36
QabeelatTayybah
IbnTaymiyyahsaidthatAllah Imaymakeadisbelievingnationsuccessfulaslong
astheyupholdjusticeandAllah IwilldestroyaMuslimnationiftheycompromise
justice.
Weshouldbethefirsttoaddressandraiseourvoiceforjustice.Weshould
speakupwhensomeoneismistreatedorabused.Speakingupagainstinjustice
showsthatwearestillalivespiritually.And,aslongaswearedoing
somethingagainsttheviolationofethicalrightsetc,wearefine.Butweall
havetobeactive.
Thetransformationbeginswithonesself.Thelastthingweneedareactivists
whoarefightingforjustice,yettherearepeopleintheirownbackyardwho
arebeggingforjusticefromthem,i.e.theirfamilies,spouses,children,etc.
Forexample,ShaykhMuhammadmentionedthestory:
o AbrotherwaswatchingtelevisionandsawanIsraelisoldierbeatinga
Muslimwoman.Thebrotherbegantocrybecausehefeltsohelpless.
Hiswifesawhimcryingandjustlookedathimindisbeliefbecausehe
(herhusband)wouldbeatherinthesamemannerwhichwouldcause
hertohaveablackeyeforweeks.
Inordertobringachange,weneedtostartwithourselves,improveourown
characters.Wewouldnotbeabletosolvetheentireworldsproblems,butwe
shouldstartwithourselvesandthatwillbeourcontributiontotheUmmah,
i.e.bygivingthemagoodperson.
Doesthismeanthatwewillnotforbidevilorpromotegooduntilweare
perfect?No.Infactwearetostopthewrongandevilwhenthechancearises,
weshouldnotjustignoreitbecausewearenotperfectrather,wemustraise
ourvoicesagainsttheseinjustices.
Wearenottalkingaboutasuddentransformationrather,thereshouldbea
gradualtransformation.Partofthistransformationistorecognizegoodand
encourageitandrecognizetheevilandrejectit.Intheprocess,wewill
becomebetterpeople.Thebesttowaytolearnistoteach.Anythingyoutake
fromthisclass,goandteachittoothers.Whenyouteach,youareobligatedto
practice.DonotsaythatIamnotgoingtoenjoinanygoodorforbidanyevil
untilIamaperfectperson.
AnArabpoetsaid,
o Thewellbeingandprosperityofnationsandcivilizationsalldepend
ontheircommitmenttowardsAkhlaaq.Iftheirfoundationisbuilt
upontheseprinciplesandvalues,thenmaybetheirnationmight
prosper.
Thatishowthesuccessofanynationisjudged.
37
QabeelatTayybah
TheUnitedStateswasbuiltonthecommitmenttoakhlaaq.Thepeopleof
UnitedStatesareveryhardworking.Thereissomeloveandhumilitywith
creditbeinggiventoAllah I.Eventheirdollarbillhas,InGodweTrust.
Theprosperityofaleaderoranationisaccordingtoitsakhlaaq.Without
akhlaaq,leadersandnationswilldecline,perish,andwillbewipedaway.
Prosperityisnotsomethingtobetakenforgranted.Itissomethingthatshould
beearned.Ifnationsandleadersloseorcompromisetheirakhlaaq,theywill
losetheirprosperitytheywillbelost.Manynationsbeforeuswerevictorious
forthousandsofyearsandnowwestillseetheirremainsfromtheirdeclineor
theirpunishmentfromAllah.
AllahIsays[inSuraharRum]:
Say:"Travelinthelandandseewhatwastheendofthosebefore(you)! Mostofthem
wereidolaters.''
(alQuran30:42).
Allah Itellsustogoandtravelinthelandandcontemplatewhathappened
tothosewhocamebeforeus.Theirpunishmentisalessonforallofus.
Islamcomeswithanamazingmoralsystem,thecompletesystemofakhlaaqthrough
theSunnahofRasulAllah e,thelivesof theSahabasandtheexampleoftheSalafs
whoimplementedthatSunnahintheirdailylives.TheSahabasdidtheirbestto
maintainthishighqualityofakhlaaqhowever,aftertheKhulufaa,theIslamicmoral
systemstartedtodeclinebutitisalwaysfollowedbyagroupthatrevivesitovertime.
HowisitthatIslamhasprovidedthissystemandyetwehavefailedtodeliver
it?Wehavetoquestionourselvesandask,DoestheSunnahofRasulAllah
e,IslamandtheQuranreachdeepintoourhearts?
WhentheSahabaswerechanged,theywerechangedfrominsideoutbecause
theQuranaffectsthesoulandtheheart.StephenCoveysaysthatwehaveto
changefrominsideoutthattheproblemisfromwithin.Thechangeofthe
Sahabaswasagradualprocess.Itwasadifficultprocessandittooktheir
lifetime,buttheirheartscertainlychanged.Ifwecleanseoursheartthenwe
automaticallypurifyoursoul.
RasulAllahsaid:Beware!Thereisapieceoffleshinthebodyifitbecomesgood
(reformed)thewholebodybecomesgoodbutifitgetsspoiltthewholebodygetsspoiltandthat
istheheart.(AlBukhari)
38
QabeelatTayybah
Thatwhichisinourheartsreflectsthroughouractionsandspeech.
RasulAllah esetanexampleforus.
Thescholarssaidthatinorderforustohavegoodakhlaaq,wemustgothrough5
steps:
1. Trainingprocess: Islamprovidesthisthroughtazkiyyah,tarbiyyah,
exercisingetc.TheSalaahisonethingthatcanhelpwiththis.
2. Rolemodel:Weallneedanexampletofollow.Thereisasaying,Ifyou
wanttosucceed,lookforthosewhoaresuccessfulandfollowthem.If
cannotwakeupforFajrandyouseethisunclewhoisalwaysthereopening
theMasjideveryday,thesmartthingtodowouldbetogoandinterviewhim
andaskhimhowheisabletocometothemasjideverydayforFajr.Youwill
seethathehasaprocedurethathefollows.Ifyoucopythatprocedure,you
willalsosucceed.Someofhisanswersmightincludethefactthathedoesnt
eatheavy,hesleepsearly,hedoesntwatchtelevision,etc.InakhlaaqAllah
IhassentusRasulAllah easthebestmodel.Allah Isaid,Indeedin

themessenger,youhavethebestexample.RasulAllah ewasaleader,a
teacher,ahusband,abrother,acousinandanImaamandheereceivedan
A+inalltheseroles.Whoeveryouareinspiredby,thatpersonshouldbe
worthit,andthepersonshouldnotdisappointyou.Itisalwaysbettertohave
arolemodelwhohaspassedawayupongood.Iftherolemodelisalive,then
somefitnahcouldcometothepersonandcauseyoutobedisappointed.
Becauseofthis,scholarshavesaidWhoeverisgoingtofollowsomeone,let
himfollowsomeonewhohaspassedaway.LetRasulAllah ebeourrole
model.Somepeoplehaveastrongerconnectionwithsuperheroesthanwith
theProphetsandtheSahabas.Sometimesweevenforgetthatsuperheroesare
notreal.Butrealsuperheroesexistedatonetime.Wearecompletely
negligentoftheirlivesandthestatusthattheyheld.Examplesofsuchsuper
heroeswouldbeAbuBakr,Umar,Ali,Uthman,KhalidibnWaleedyetc.
TheSahabaswerenotinfalliblepeople.Theywerehumans,whomade
mistakes.Theyhadupsanddownsbuttheyknewhowtodealwithitthey
knewhowtoriseupandmoveforward.Therewerealsosuperwomensuchas
thedaughtersandthewivesofRasulAllahandthosewhofollowedthem.
3. Companionship:Wearesocialspeciessoweneedasocial/supportsystem.
WhydoyouthinkhijrawasmadeimportantandwhydoyouthinkRasulAllah
epairedtheSahabahs,themuhaajiroonwiththeansaarsafterhijrah?We
havetohavemorethanonegoodcompanion.Weshouldhavearighteous
spousenotsomeonewhoacceptsusforwhoweare,orwhodiscouragesus
butrathersomeonewhobringsoutthebestinusandencouragesusinthebest
39
QabeelatTayybah
way.Ifwearewiththosewhoareintellectual,wewillbemotivatedtobelike
them.Companionshipisimportant.
InanauthenticHadith,RasulAllahe said:Apersonislikelytofollowthefaithofhis
friend,solookwhomyoubefriend(AbuDawood&Tirmidhee).
Thereisasaying,TellmewhoyourcompanionsareItellyouwhoyouare.
Wefeedoffeachothersenthusiasmandmotivations.Wehavetopickour
friendscarefully.Wecanbemotivatedandinspiredtodogoodbybeingwith
righteousfriends.Wefeedoffofeachothersenergylevel.Weneedtopick
ourfriendscarefullybecauseadaywillcomewhentheywillbecomeour
enemiesiftherelationshipisnotbasedonTaqwaforexample,ifsomeone
backbitesthenchancesarehe/shewillbackbitehis/herownfriendsalso.On
theDayofJudgment,ourfriendswillbecomeourenemies.
AllahIsays[inSurahalFurqaan]:
-

-

And(remember)theDaywhenthewrongdoerwillbiteathishands,hewillsay:"Oh!
WouldthatIhadtakenapathwiththeMessenger.'' "Ah!Woetome!WouldthatIhad
nevertakensoandsoasanintimatefriend!''"HeindeedledmeastrayfromtheReminder
afterithadcometome.AndShaytanistomaneveradeserter.''(alQuran25:2729)
Thethingtonoteintheseayahsisthatnosanepersoneverbitesonhis/her
hands,butthefactthatadultsatthattimewillbebitingonbothoftheirhands
indicatesthelevelofregretandseverityofthesituationtheywillbein.
AnotherthingthatweshouldkeepinmindisthatontheDayofJudgment,the
wrongdoerwillsay,HeledmeastrayfromthereminderAFTERithadcome
tome,whichindicatesthatthesearenotnecessarilydisbelieverswhoare
regrettingtheiractionsrather,theyareMuslimswhowentastray.
4. Environment:Ourenvironmentaffectsusagreatdealitcanmotivateusto
dogoodoritcanleadustowardsevil.Ifweareinagoodgatheringthat
inspiresusthenthatcanincreaseourAkhlaaq.
5. Du'aa:DonotunderestimatethepowerofDuaa.Thereisabeautifulseries
byShaykhYasirQadhicalledDuaa:WeaponoftheBelieverthatishighly
recommendedbyShaykhMuhammad.RasulAllaheusedtobegAllah I
tobeinspiredwiththebestakhlaaq,sowetooshouldbegAllah Itogiveus
goodakhlaaq.
40
QabeelatTayybah
RasulAllah easanexamplewasthebestrolemodelintermsofhismanners.
InthetimeofRasulAllah etheArabswerenotthemostcivilizedpeople
theywereemotional,skepticaletc.andtheycouldhaveeasilykilled.But
RasulAllahsecharacterwassoextraordinarythatwhentheygottoknow
him,theylovedhim eandwerewillingtogiveuptheirlivesforhim e.He
eearnedeveryonesrespectevenofthosewhowerehisardentenemies.He
washonoredandrespected.AnastsaidthatthedayRasulAllah earrived
inMadeenah,everycornerlitup.Whenhediedeverycornerwasindarkness.
TheSahabahssaidtheywerelikecattlethathadlosttheirshepherdonadark
rainynight.Umartcouldnotstandup.Bilal trefusedtogiveAdhaan.
Therewassomethingmissingandlifewasnotthesameasbeforeforthem.
TheSahabasclaimedthattheywerenotthesamepeopleanymore.Onemight
questionhowRasulAllah eaccomplishedthisandwonsomanyheartsto
thislevel?AmancametoassassinateRasulAllah ebutwhenRasulAllah e
puthishandontheman,themansaidthatRasulAllah ebecamethemost
belovedpersontohim.WhatwasitthatforcedtheSahabastosay,Letitbe
mychest,notyoursOh,RasulAllah eorMynecknotyours,RasulAllah
e?Whatmadethemlikethat?Whatwasitthatmadethemtakearrowsfor
him?SadibnRabiwasdyinginabattlebuthewasstillabletosay,Tell
yourpeoplethattheyhavenoexcuseinfrontofAllah IifRasulAllah eis
hurt.Therewasalsoawomanwhosesonsandhusbandwerekilledinabattle
butshewasonlyconcernedaboutRasulAllah e.
Anastreported:RasulAllahewasthebestofallthepeopleinbehavior(alBukhariand
Muslim).
AnastknewwhathewastalkingaboutheservedRasulAllah efor10
years.Hehadmorerightandcapabilitytosaythis,thananyoneelse.His
motherbroughthimtoservetheRasulAllah easachild.Heknew
41
QabeelatTayybah
RasulAllah easafather,ateacher,anImam,aspokesperson.Ifheusedthe
wordbestthenhemeantthebest,itisnotthesamebestastowhatwestate
today,inexaggeration.
ThiswaswhyAnastthoughtRasulAllahwasthebest:
Anastreported:IneverfeltanypieceofvelvetorsilksofterthanthepalmoftheProphet
Muhammad enordidIsmellanyfragrancemorepleasantthanthesmellofMessengerof
Allahe.IservedhimfortenyearsandheneversaidUfftome.Heneversaidwhydidyou
dothatforsomethingIhaddone,nordidheeversaywhydidyounotdosuchandsuchfor
somethingIhadnotdone(alBukhariandMuslim).
o RasulAllahsenaturalodorwasamazingheewasveryconscious
abouthishygiene.
o RasulAllahsehandsweresofterthananypieceofvelvetBrothers
thereisnothingwrongwithusinglotion!
o Anasywas10yearsoldwhenhewasbroughttoserveRasulAllah
e.Doyouthinkheneverdidanythingwrong?YetRasulAllahnever
saidUfftohim.
RasulAllah ewasfullofMercyandforgivenessinthewaythathedealt
withhisenemiesregardlessofwhattheydidtohim e.Forgivenessis
somethingthatShaykhMuhammadcanrelateto.Peoplewhoholdgrudgesin
theirheartanddonotforgiveothersarenotuncommon.Butwouldntthey
liketobeforgivenifhadtheywrongedsomeone?IfwewantAllah Ito
forgiveusthenweshouldforgiveothers.Thatlevelofsensitivityisnot
healthy.RasulAllah ewasverysensitivebuthewasforgiving.
AnasyreportedanotherHadeeththatRasulAllahetoldhimtodosomething,buthesaid,
No,soRasulAllah esmiledandlefthim.ThenAnas ywentouttodoit,butduetohis
lackofenthusiasmincarryingoutthattask,hewasdistractedandstayedwatchingkidsat
play.Afterawhile,RasulAllah ecame,grabbed Anasfrombehind andsaid: OhUnays,did
youdoit? Anassaid,No,butIwillgettoitrightnow.(Muslim)
42
QabeelatTayybah
o RasulAllahesmiledandleftAnastwhowaschallenginghis
authority,soweshoulddothesametochildrenwhenthey
challengeourauthority.Donotgivethemanyattention.
o TocorrectAnasy,RasulAllah edidnotyellnordidheever
makestatementslike,Whydidyoudosuch,Didntyouknow
anybetter,ThatisHarametc.
o Parentspickingoneverylittlethingachilddoesisnotnecessarily
thebest.Itisannoying.RasulAllahewasnotannoying.
StephenCoveysaidhowcouldheexpecthissontocutthegrassifhe
(Stephen)neversettheexampleofcuttinggrass.
43
QabeelatTayybah
WhatisEthicsAnyway?
Ethics,Akhlaaq&Adaab
Ethics:
Referstoprinciplesthatdefinebehaviorasright,goodandproper.Suchprinciplesdonotalways
dictateasinglemoralcourseofaction,butprovideameansofevaluatinganddecidingamong
competingoptions.
Akhlaaq
AkhlaaqisthepluralofKhuluqanditcomesfromtherootword
tocreate,tomake,ortofashion.
(khalaqa)whichmeans
Khalq(
)meanstheouterimage,creationand
makingofonesoutside.
(khalaqa)meansthe
)meanstheinnerimageofthesoul,anaturaldispositionofthe
characterof apersonand (khuluqa)meansthemakingofonesinside.
Khuluq(
WhenRasulAllahewouldlook athisfaceinamirrororsuchreflection,hewouldmake
theduaa Oh AllahIyouhavebeautifiedmykhalq(outerimage),sobeautifymykhuluq
(manners)aswell.
ItisAllahsIresponsibilitytobeautifyourkhalq.Itisourresponsibilityto
beautifyourkhuluq,tocorrectandimproveourmanners.Whatmakesuswho
weareisnotourouterappearance,butourmannersandinnerstatesdetermine
whoweare.
Peoplethinkthatittheirphysicalappearancethatwillmakethemhappy.We
shouldtakecareofourphysicalappearancebutweshouldnotbeobsessed
aboutit.
EventhoughKhuluqreferstoournaturaldisposition,characteretc,itcanbegotteninthree
ways:
1. Natural:ItisgivenbyAllahaspartofourfitra.Certainpeoplearebornwithcertain
khuluqforexamplesocial,mildtemperedetc.
44
QabeelatTayybah
2. Training:Khuluqcanbeacquiredthroughconsciouseffort,trainingandthrougha
disciplineprocess,.
3. Habit:Habitsweadoptfromtraining,ourworkenvironmentetc.leadstocertainkhuluq.
OncewhenProphetMuhammadearrived,everyonerushedtoseehim,butonemantookhis
time,gotreadyandcamelater.ProphetMuhammadetoldhimthatindeedhehastwo
qualitiesthatAllah IandHisMessengerMuhammadelovesandtheyareforbearanceand
deliberation.ThemanaskedwhetherthesetwoqualitieswereacquiredorwhetherAllah I
blessedhimwiththem?ProphetMuhammadetoldthemanthat AllahIgrantedthemtohim.
ThemanthankedAllah I forgivinghimqualitiesthatHeandProphetMuhammad
(Muslim,AbuDawood).
elove
IfAkhlaaqweregivenorpeoplewerebornwithit,therewillbenopointtosendthe
Prophetsu,etc.ButKhuluqcanbecomeanaturaldisposition withtraining,
discipline,dedicationanddetermination.RasulAllah
esaidthatpatiencecouldbe
acquiredandifwewanttodevelop,weneedtostrugglewithitandAllah Iwill
giveittous.Somepeoplecanacquireahabituntilitbecomesliketheywereborn
withit.
Aadaab
AadaabisthepluralofAdab.AdabisdifferentfromKhuluq.Aadaabmeanstheproperwayof
doingsomething,normofconduct.
ExamplesofAadaab:
Thewayyoudealwithyourteacher.
Youreatinghabits.
Yourmannerofgivingadvices.
Thewayyoutreatyourparents.
ExamplesofAkhlaaq:
Patience
Cheerfulness
Truthfulness
Optimism
Humbleness
AkhlaaqisthefoundationofAadaab.
RelationshipbetweenAdaabandAkhlaaq
HumblenessisaformofKhuluqthatcomesintheformofAdaab.Akhlaaqisthepreferred
foundationofAdaab.AKhuluqismuchmoreAuthentic.KhuluqshouldproduceAdaab.Adaab
45
QabeelatTayybah
isalsoanindicationofKhuluqbuttheKhuluqisthefoundationofAdab.Eatingwithrighthand
isAdaab.ProphetMuhammadesawmanwhowaseatingwithalefthandandaskshimtoeat
withhisrighthand.ThemansaidIcannot.ProphetMuhammadesaidmayyounot.Instantly
hisrighthandwasparalyzed.ProphetMuhammadesaidbyAllah I,theonlythingthat
preventedhimfromlisteningtomewashisarrogance.ProphetMuhammadeexplainedto
Sahabasthatthemanscharacterwasthecauseofwhathewassufferingrightnow.Theonewho
isarrogantwillnotlearnanythingorbeabletochangeandtheywillnotbeabletokeepa
relationship.On theDayofJudgmentAllah Iwillcrushthosewhoarearrogant.Indeed,
Jannahisforthosewhoarehumble.
HowimportantisittopursueGoodKhuluqandAdaab?
TheIslamicmoralsystemcomesfromdivineanditispracticalandrewarding.Thereisexcess
rewardinit.
ProphetMuhammad
said,Iguaranteeahouseinthesurroundings[suburbs]ofParadise
foramanwhoavoidsquarrellingevenifhewereintheright,ahouseinthemiddleof
Paradiseforamanwhoavoidslyingevenifhewerejoking,and ahouseintheupperpartof
Paradiseforamanwhomadehischaractergood.[AbuDawood,41/4782]
AnNawasbinSaman treported:
IaskedtheMessengerofAllahe aboutvirtueandsin,andhesaid,Virtueisnoble
behavior,andsinisthatwhichcreatesdoubtandyoudonotlikepeopletoknowaboutit.
(Muslim)
IfyouareabouttosomethingtodoandyouthinkitisnotHarambutyourheartisin
denial.Inaddition,itissomethingthatyouwouldnotdoinfrontofothersthenthatisa
clearindicationofthefactthattheactisHaram.Ifitcausesdiscomfortandbothersyou,
asyoudoit,thenitisasinsostayawayfromit.
IbnalQayyimsayswhendoingasin,asequenceofeventstakeplace.Youhavetohave
controloverthemsothatyoumaybeabletofightthesin.HesaysKhatra(short
thoughts)isofanevilthought.Youhavetofightevilthoughtsbecauseifyoudonotdo
soitwillleadtobecomeanidea.Then,itwillevolve.Sohesayswhenitturnsintoan
ideafightitagaindonotallowittogofartherbecauseifyoudonotstopit,itwill
becomeafantasyofyours.Whenanideabecomesafantasy,thenwagewaragainstit.If
youfailtodosoitwillevolveintoaplanandyouwillstarttosetupintentions,looking
foropportunitiestoexecuteit.Stillfightitorchangeyoursettinganddonotletitgoany
further.Whenifitbecomesalust,aburningdesirethenthatisit.ThisishowShaytan
luresyou.IfitbecomesFilthenmakerepentance,regretitanddonotletithappen
again.Donotevergothroughitagainanddonotletithappenagain.Counteritwith
oppositeandchangeyourenvironment,doanything.Ifyouletithappensagainitwill
becomeahabitanditwillbecomeverydifficultforyoutochangeit.Itwill becomean
addiction.Youdonotknowwhatthisdevastationwillleadyoutoyoumightendup
losingeverything,yourmoney,yourfamily,etc.
46
QabeelatTayybah
Youarenotheldaccountableforthoughtsyouhave,butonceitbecomesaNiyyahthen
youwillbeheldaccountable.Ex:ifIgetthechanceandgetawaywithit,Iwillknock
thispersondown,etc.
ProphetMuhammad esaidamanwhodoesnothavemoneyandseesapersonwhohas
moneyandspendsitrecklessly.Andtheonewhodoesnthavemoneywishesifhehadthe
sameamountofmoneyandwoulddothesameastherichpersonandspenditrecklessly.
ThenProphetMuhammad esaidthatbothwouldbeequalinpunishment. (ibnMajah,
alBaihaqi)
Whoevergoesaboutdoingsomethingandthendoesntdoitwhiletheopportunity
lasts,isdifferentthentheonewhowishestodosomethingbad.
Ex:SomeonewhoisgoingtodosomethingHaram,andthenchangestheNiyyahand
doesntdoitthenthatsinbecomesagooddeed.
TheHadeethinwhichProphetMuhammadesaidthatwhoevermemorizestheninety
ninenamesofAllah IwouldenterParadiseisauthentic,butthepartoftheHadithin
whichitstatestheactualninetyninenamesofAllah I
isweak.
ProphetMuhammadesaidthatBirrisAkhlaaq.
Righteousnessisnotthatyouturnyourfacestowardtheeastorthewest,but[true]
righteousnessis[in]onewhobelievesinAllah,theLastDay,theangels,theBook,andthe
prophets uandgiveswealth,inspiteofloveforit,torelatives,orphans,theneedy,the
traveler,thosewhoask[forhelp],andforfreeingslaves[andwho]establishesprayerandgives
zakh[thosewho]fulfilltheirpromisewhentheypromiseand[thosewho]arepatientin
povertyandhardshipandduringbattle.Thosearetheoneswhohavebeentrue,anditisthose
whoaretherighteous.(alBaqarah:177)
BirrleadstoJannahandHusnulAkhlaaqleadsyoutoJannah.
ProphetMuhammadewasaskedwhatcausesamantoenterJannahhesaysFearofAllah I
andGoodmanners.Therearetwothingsthathypocritedoesnothavethemtogether.Ifoneof
themlacksitmeansthatpersonisahypocriteandhavehighrisksoffallingintohypocrisy.They
aretheonewhohaveknowledgeandproperAkhlaaq.Thecombinationiswhatsavesyoufrom
hypocrisy.(AtTirmidhi)
47
QabeelatTayybah
ProphetMuhammadesaidtoAbuDardathatthereisnothingthatwillbeheavieronthescale
ofapersonontheDayofJudgmentthangoodmanners.Allah Ilovesthosewhohavegood
mannersandhatesthosewhoarerudeandmean.(AtTirmidhi)
InitforyouisasignofgoodImaan.
ThemostbelovedtomeandtheclosesttomeontheDayofResurrectionwillbethoseofyou
whohavethebestAkhlaaq.AndthemosthatefultomeandthefurthestfrommeontheDay
ofResurrectionwillbetheprattlersandboastersandalmutafayhiqun.TheSahabahsaid,
OMessengerofAllahe,weunderstandwhotheprattlersandboastersare,butwhoareal
mutafayhiqun?Heesaid,Theproudandarrogant.(ReportedbyTirmidhi,4/249,in
Abwabalbirr,70)
GoodAkhlaaqensuresthatpersonisclosetotheProphetMuhammade ontheDayof
JudgmentandinJannah.ThebetterapersonsAkhlaaqis,thecloserhewillbetotheProphet
Muhammade ontheDayofJudgmentandalsoinJannah.TheProphetMuhammadesaidin
aboveHadeeth:
ThemostbelovedtomeandtheclosesttomeontheDayofResurrectionwillbethoseofyou
whohavethebestAkhlaaq
SoifyouwishtobeclosetotheProphetMuhammadeandenjoyhiscompanyonYawmal
QiyaamahandinJannah,thenoneofthewaysofachievingthatisthroughgoodAkhlaaq.These
arethepeoplethatwillhavethe,closestseatstoProphetMuhammade.
Andtheoppositeisalsotrue.TheProphetMuhammadesaid:
Andthepeoplewhoarethemosthatedbymeandtheoneswhoarethefurthestfrommein
theHereafterarethosewhohavetheworstAkhlaaq.
ThepeoplewiththeworstAkhlaaqwillbethefarthestawayfromtheProphetMuhammade.
Andhedescribedthembysaying:
Athartaoon,almutabayhaqun,almutashaddaqoon.
Allofthesethreewordshavethesamecharacteristicsinthattheyarevulgar,crude,andcoarse
intheirmanneroftalking.Theyarearrogantandlookdownuponpeople.Theyhavebad
Akhlaaqandtheyshowittootherpeople.Thesetypesofpeoplewillbetheworstandthemost
hatedbyAllah IandtheProphetMuhammade,andwillbethefurthestfromhimonthe
DayofJudgment.
WhyBeEthical?
Reasonstobeethicalmeaning,whatisinitforyou?
48
QabeelatTayybah
Peoplehavelotsofreasonsforbeingethical:
Thereisinnerbenefit.Virtueisitsownreward.ComeswhenyouareclosetoAllah I.
ThatiswhypeoplewhohavegoodAkhlaaqsleeppeacefully.Peoplethathavegood
AkhlaaqenterJannah,asProphetMuhammadespokeofamanofJannah,whowill
appearandanAnsaricomesin.Thenextday,ProphetMuhammaderepeatsthesame
thingandthesamemanappearsforthesecondtime,andthesameincidenttakesplace
thenextdayforthethirdtime.AbdullahibnUmartgotjealousandwantedtoknow
whatsthereason,confirminghisParadise,whileheisstillalive?SoAbdullahibnUmar
tmadeupastorythathegotintoaquarrelwithhisfatherandvowednottogoback,so
canIlivewithyouforthreedays?Hesaidyes,didntsaywhydidyoufightwithyou
father,etc.Forthreedayshesawnothing,nonightprayer,notfasting,etc.Sofinally
AbdullahibnUmarttoldhimthatIlied,hetoldthewholestoryandaskedisthere
anythingelseyourhiding?Themanrepliedno,andwhenibnUmartisabouttoleave,
themanstopshimandsaidthereisonethingIdoeverynight,beforeIgotosleep,I
highlightalltheeventsoftheday,andforgivethosewhomighthavewrongedme.
AbdullahibnUmartsaidthatisit!(ThereasonthatledtohisguaranteedParadise).
Thereispersonaladvantage.Itisprudenttobeethical.Itsgoodbusiness
o Youareloved,helpedandyoumakemoremoney.Thisisnotgood,youshould
beethicalonlyforthesakeofAllahI.
Thereisapproval thatleadstoselfesteem,theadmirationoflovedonesandtherespect
ofpeers.
o Somepeopledogooddeedsinordertogainapprovalbyothers
Thereisreligion.GoodbehaviorcanpleaseorhelpserveaDeity.Peopledoittoplease
Allah I.
Thereishabit.Ethicalactionscanfitinwithupbringingortraining.
o Certainupbringingortrainingcancausethehabitssoifanethicalbehaviorfits
theirhabitthentheyadoptit.
Whybeethical,whatareyourreasons?
Yourintentionismostimportantbecausethataffectsyouraction.Ifits
doneforagoodcause,thenitsproperAkhlaaq.Ifitsdoneforabad
cause,thenitswrongAkhlaaq.
Fourdifferentlevelsoflove:
1. Lovingwhattheperson offersyou,whatthatofferdoesforyou.Itcouldbe
anything,beauty,pleasure,etc.
2. Lovingwhatthelovedonelovesaboutyou.Forexampleyoulikesomeone
becausetheythinkyournice,funny,etc.Soyoulikethembecausetheylikeyou
thisisnotbetterthanthefirstlevel.Itsselfishyoulovethelovedonebecauseof
yourself.
49
QabeelatTayybah
3. Lovingthatopportunitythatlovedonesgiveyou.Itsamotherlytypeoflove,
lovingwhatyoudoforthem.Lovegoesintwowaystheonlyproblemwiththis
loveisthatitmightend,thuspeoplemustmovetothefourthlevel.
4. LoveofAllah I,lovingHimandlovingeverythingforHissake.Evenwhen
youlovethatpersonforAllah IssakethatlovecomesfromAllah I.
Expressyourlovetoyourbeloved,filch.IfsomeonetellsyouILove
YouFillah.Whatdoyousay?ILoveyoutoo?No,theyloveyoufor
Allah Inotforyoutolovethemonly.Soyousay,
ahabbakal-lathee'ahbabtaneelahu.
MayHeforWhosesakeyouloveme,loveyou
Youneverexpectanythingfromthepeopleyouexpectallthatyouwant
fromAllah I,theneverending.
Loveandtobelovedisinthenatureofhumans.Youwillnotexperience
appreciationorsweetnessofImaanuntilyoulovesomeoneforthesakeof
Allah I.
How do We
(a) DealwithAllah I
a. ServitudeandGratitude
(b)Treatoneanother
a. FairnessandKindness
(c) Relatetoourselves
a. ConsciousnessandDiscipline
Dealing with Allah I

BeconscientiousaboutAllahIwhereveryoumaybeTheProphetMuhammade
Taqwaismuchmorecomprehensivethanfear.Fearisjustoneaspect.Thebaseofour
relationshipwithAllah IisTaqwa.
AnatheistwhodoesnothaveanyrespectforAllahI,notrecognizingwhatAllah I
hascreated.Theonewhocreatedus,thisworldandyettheyhavenorespectforthat
being.ThusProphetMuhammadesaid:
50
QabeelatTayybah
Ifyouhave nohaya,thendoasyouwish.(alBukhari)
AbuHurairahreportedthat,ProphetMuhammadesaid:"Hewhodoesnotthankpeople,
doesnotthankAllahI."(Ahmad,Tirmidhi)
OurRelationshiptoAllahI:
1. Ubodiyaah(servitude)toAllah IstandsonLove,Fear,andHopeinAllah Iandfor
Allah I.Youcannothaveanyonewithouttheother.SothefirstpartisAllah I.Can
onetrulybeethicalwithouthavingAllah Iintheequation?
OnceAbdullahibnUmarywentouttothedesertwithagroupofhisfriendandthey
passedbyayoungshepherdandtheywereeatingsotheyinvitedtheyoungshepherdto
eatwiththem.HesaidIamfasting,sotheytoldhimonsuchahotday?HesaidyesandI
dosoforadaythatismuchharderthanthis.Umary,impressedbythisyoungshepherd
wantedtotesthimandaskedhimtoselloneofthesheepstousandtakethemoneytoget
somefoodtobreakyourfastorforsomethingelse.Theyoungboysaidtheyarenotmy
sheeps,theybelongtomymaster.ThenUmarysaidtellhimthatawolfateitor
something.Theyoungshepherdgotsoangryandturnedaroundandsaidwhatabout
Allah I,ifIcantrickmymaster,thenwhereisAllah I.Hewascryingashewalked
away.SoUmary wentbacktohistowninMadinaandaskedforhismasterand
boughthimandhissheep.Thenfreedhimandgavehimthesheepasagift.
o ibnUmarywoulddothisoften,toanyslavelookingforseekingknowledgeor
such.Someoneoncesaidyouwillbebrokelikethis,beingdeceivedbysome
slaves.Hereplied,ifIamdeceivedforAllah Issake,andthenletmebe
deceived.
1. Ibadah:NowthatwebelieveinAllah I andweacceptthefactthatweoweHim
Tawheed.ThereisnothingmoreinsultinganddisrespectfultoAllah IthanShirk.
ThosewhoknowAllah IisthereandHEcreatedyou,yettheythankandworship
someoneelse,arebeingverydisrespectful.ProphetMuhammadesaidtotheSahabas
whoaskedwhatistheworsesin?Heanswered,thatitsassociatingpartnerswithAllah
I.Shirkistoabandondutiesinasneakyfashion.IfAllah Itestsyou,itcouldbe
becauseHewantstobringthebestoutofyou.YourperceptionofAllah Ishouldbe
positivebutonlyifnegativethoughtscometoyourmindthanchancesarethatyour
51
QabeelatTayybah
relationshipwithAllah Iisnotauthentic.ItmightbesometimesthatAllah Iwants

youtorealize.SomepeopleareconditionalintheirrelationshipwithAllah I
when
theyaretouchedwithharmthefirstrelationthatbreaksiswithAllah I.Allah I
makesyougothroughtroubletobringthebestoutofyou.Whenintroublepeopleturnto
thepeopletheyarecloseto,butthebestthingtodowouldbetocallonAllah I.Allah
IHewantsthebelieverstocalluponHimfirstandmostandonlyHim.
2. WorshipAllah IasifyouseehimeventhoughyouseeHimnot.Murakabameansthat
ineverystepofthewayyouaskyourself,whichoneismorepleasingtoAllah I.
Havingthisconsciouspresentinyouractionsandsayings.WouldthisdoingangerAllah
Iornot?Observationofyourself!Murakabaistheinspectionzone.Ineveryactionand
everystatement,intentioncomesfirst.IntentionhastobeaffectedbytheMurakaba.
Whatisbehindit?ProphetMuhammadeneverusedtogetangrybutwhenAllah Is
lawswereviolatedthanhewouldgetangryforthesakeofAllah I.Subjugationof
passion,thisrequiresathoughtprocess.
3. SeekingaidorhelpfromAllah I.Ifyouwanttotreatmewellaskmeforhelp.When
youseekhelpfromAllah IHelovesitandifyoudonotseekhelpfromAllah Ithen
thatisfrombadmanners.Youshouldalwaysbeginanactionwiththesaying(Bismillah
)inthenameofAllah IandhavingTawakkulinAllah I.Itkeepsyouincheck.You
willnotaskAllah Ishelpindoingsomethingevil.Ifyoudo,thenthatisKufr.Ifyou
askAllah IforhelpitmeansyouaredependentuponAllah I.InIslamitisnota
virtuetoexhaustandhurtyourself.Youdonotcauseharmtoyourself.Beatingyourself
ismadness. WearepleasedwithAllah Iwhetheryoubearhardshipornot.
4. LoveofAllah I,weneedtheloveofAllah IandHeisdeservingofourlove.Prophet
MuhammadesaidwhoeverhasthesethreequalitieswilltastethesweetnessofImaan.
OneofthosequalitiesistoloveAllah IandProphetMuhammadewantedthatlove
morethananythingelseinlife.Askyourself,doyouloveAllahI?Yes.Doyouwant
Hislove?ProphetMuhammad ewouldmakeDuaaOÀllah IIaskforYour
loveSoaskAllah ItofillyourheartwithHISlove,forAllah ItoLoveyou,and
thatHecreatedloveinyourheartforthosewholoveAllah I.Ourhearts,andemotions
areveryprecious,nobodydeservesthembutAllahI.Theone,whocreatedit,functions
itandcanenditallinanysecond,deservesthatmorethananyoneelse.Therearethose
52
QabeelatTayybah
whosay,IloveAllah I,buttheydonothaveenoughKhushoo,howeveritsokayto
nothaveKhushooasittakespracticestrivingandstruggle.Whatsimportantisthatyou
keepstrugglingsincethatislovedbyAllah I.Whenpeopleareinlove,itstorture,but
loveofAllah Iisnottorture,itspeaceful.
DoyouloveAllah I?
Doesitmakeyoustayupatnight?
Doyouwakeupinthemiddleofthenightforit?
DoyoureadHislettertoyou,doyoutreasureit,memorizeitasyoudo
towardsothers?
IfyoudonothavegoodconnectionwithAllah I thenyouwillnotfeelthatloveforAllah I.
LoveofAllah Imakesyoufeelgood,beingthankfultoAllah I
5. ContentmentwiththewillofAllah I,acceptingtheQadrofAllah I.
DonotinsultyourLorddontkeepcomplaining.WhateverAllah Ichoosesfor
youloveit,acceptit,andbesatisfiedoverthingsyoudonthavecontrol.
UmaribnZubayrt lostoneofhisfoursonsandhewasaskedhowdoyoufeel?
HesaidtoAllah I
belongswhatHegivesandtoAllah IbelongswhatHe
takes.WethankAllah IforwhatHegivesandwethankAllah IforwhatHe

takes.Alhamdulillah,Allah Igavemefoursonsandtookonlyone,sparingme
three.Shorttimeafter,oneofhisfeethadtobecutoffyethisreplywasstill
Alhumdulillah,Istillhavethreeofthefourlimbsleft.
Onceamancameandwastoldthatyourfatherpassedaway.TheotherrepliesI
know.Themaninquireshow?TheotherrepliesthatAllah Itoldmein the
Quranthateverysoulmusttastedeath.
Allah Iwilltestyouwithpoverty,hungerandfear.Youwillhavelosesinthis
life,
-

-

andgivegladtidingstothepatient.Whowhenafflictedwithcalamitysay:Truly!To
AllahwebelongandtoHimweshallreturn.TheyarethoseonwhomaretheSalaawat
(whoareblessedandwillbeforgiven)fromtheirLord,andtheyarethosewhoreceiveHis
Mercy,anditistheywhoaretheguidedones.(AlBaqara:155157)
Somepeopleareverymaterialisticandcanonlybesatisfiedwhengood
happenstothemdontbelikethat,thisislackofAdab.
53
QabeelatTayybah
6Thankfulness:Yournotonlyhappy,butyourgrateful,AlhamdulillahThankingAllah I
regardless.
NaratedByAlMughira: TheProphetusedtostand(intheprayer)orpraytillbothhisfeet
orlegsswelled.Hewasaskedwhy(heofferedsuchanunbearableprayer)andhesaid,
"shouldInotbeathankfulslave."BukhariVolume002,Book021,HadithNumber230.
ShouldweonlypraytoAllah Ioutoffearandhope?WhataboutGratitude
turntoAllah I,thankingHim.
ThosethatwerepromisedParadise,ofthemUthman,Umar,AbuBakrt.
Atthetimeofdeath,UmaribnalKhattab twasleadingtheMuslimsin
prayerinMadina.Hedidntdoanythingafterbeingstabbed.
nd
WhenamanwalkedinsayingwhatblessingsaKhalifah(2 leaderofthe
Muslims),ParadiseandMartyrdom.YetUmart
wanttobesafe.
said,bequiet,Ijust
IbnUmart wouldputdownhisheadinthesoil,forAllah Itohave

somemercyonme.
Humility,dontexaggerateyourrighteousdeeds.Umartthoughtofhis
deedsasinsignificantandhejustwishedtobesafe.
Wheredowestand?FewRakahsforQiyaamulLailandthatwegethope
toachieveParadise!?!
AlwaysknowthatAllah Ihasagoodplanforyouevenifitsa
formofpunishment,whatcanyoudoaboutit?Sufferalittlenow,
andenjoyeternalblissinParadise.
7TawaqulinAllah IdontputyourtrustonanyoneexceptforAllah I

AndputyourtrustintheEverLivingOneWhodiesnot,andglorifyHispraises,andsufficient
isHeastheAllKnowerofthe sinsofHisservants(AlFurqan:58)
WhoeverreliesonAllah I,Allah Iissufficient.Hewouldprovideforus,asHe

providesforthebirds.
Youdontsitandwaitforyourprovision,ratheryouaretoworkhard,aimhighandyou
leavetheresultswithAllah I.Thebirdsflyoutusingtheirwingstoseekprovision,
theydontwaitinthenestforAllah Itoprovideforthem.
Tawaqulistobeperformedinapropermanner,todoyourbestfirstthenputyourtrustin
Allah I.Otherwiseyouarenotongoodmanners.
54
QabeelatTayybah
SomepeopleturntoTawaqullate.Ex:Medicaltreatment,youtakeadvantageindoing
yourpart.WhatevermeansAllah Igaveyou,youembarkuponthembutyourtrustis
inAllah I,notthedoctororthemedicine.Whenninemonthsofchemo,anddoctors
andMolwiSahibs,andMedicineallhasfailedandnothingworks,thenyouturnto
Allah I,toDuaatohelpthemout.Thenthisisnotappropriate.
DontonlyturntoAllah I,whenyouhavetriedeverythingelse.Ifyouresincere,with
yourtruston Allah Ithenitwillwork,butifyourejusttryingitoutthenitwont
work.
PartoftheAdabofTawaqulistosayInshaAllah,itisameansofcommitment,dontuse
itasanexcuse.DontplaywiththenameofAllah Iasajoke.
WhenyoustateInshaAllah,itmeansyouwillputforthcommitment,togoanddothat
andthis,etc.
55
QabeelatTayybah
Ethics&Worship
Salaah
Allahordersustopray.ThenatureofsalaahpromotesAkhlaaq andpreventsfromevil:

RecitewhathasbeenrevealedtoyouoftheBook,andperformtheSalah.Verily,the
SalahpreventsfromAlFahsha'(immoralsins)andAlMunkar(evildeeds)
[Ankabut29:45]
When Salaahnolongeraffectsus,itmeansthatthequalityofour Salaatisnolongerthere.To
improveour Akhlaq,wemustimproveourSalaah.ThereisevidenceintheQuran,tellingus
thatSalaahwillhelpimproveour Akhlaq:

Verily,manwascreatedveryimpatientIrritablewheneviltoucheshimAndniggardly
whengoodtoucheshim.ExceptthosewhoaredevotedtoSalaat.Thosewhoremainconstant
intheirSalaatandthoseinwhosewealththereisarecognizedright.Forthebeggarwho
asks,andfortheunluckywhohaslosthispropertyandwealth.Andthosewhobelievein
theDayofRecompense.AndthosewhofearthetormentoftheirLord.Verily,thetorment
oftheirLordisthatbeforewhichnonecanfeelsecure.Andthosewhoguardtheir
chastity [AlMaarij70:1928]
Theayahistellingusthatindeedmanwascreatedimpatientbynature,andpanicswhenevil
toucheshim,andheholdsbackwhengoodtoucheshim(becomingmiserly).Theexceptionof
aretheMusaleen theirqualitiesare:
Whopray,notwhenevertheywant
Remainconstantintheirprayer
Givefromtheirwealth
ThosewhobelieveintheLastDay&FearAllah
Guardtheirchastity
WhatdoesSalaah giveus?:
Humility
56
QabeelatTayybah
Punctuality
Discipline
Organization
Taqwah GodConsciousness
PatiencepatienceismentionedwithSalaah
Khushoo
Thankfulness/Gratitude
Tranquility
"
"
BetweenamanandbetweenshirkandkufrthereistheabandonmentofPrayer
[Muslim]
ShirkistoassociateothersinworshipwithAllah.Weneedtofreeouractionsfromany
elementsof shirk.Getridofit! Itruinseverythingandincludingyouractions.Allahcanforgive
anysinexceptHedoesnotforgiveshirk.MeetAllahwithapureandsoundheart.
AmongstoneoftheadabinriddingourselffromshirkisthatwedonotsayIfitwasntforyou
Ifyoumustincludeapersonsnameinastatement,mentionAllahfirstandthenthe
personsname.So,sayIfitwasntforAllahandthenyou
Shukristheoppositeof Shirk.
OurSalaahlacksquality.Howdoweimproveourqualityof Salah?
1. PrayingasclosetotheSunnahaspossible.KnowinghowRasoolullah(e)prayed.He
said:Prayasyouseemepray.
Peoplebecomebusy,observingthepeopleprayingaroundthemsayinghisback
isnotstraightinrukoo,orhepointshisfingerthewrongway.
2. Acquirewhatmakesyoursalaahcountwith Khushoo.Khusooisalifelongstruggle
andreflectsyourattitude.Rasoolullah taughthiscompanions.Approach Salaahwith
properform.Makewuduproperly.GototheMasjidontime.Takingallofthese
precautionssetsthemood. Trytoprayin Jamaah(congregation)becauseyourfeelingof
prayingin Jamaahisnot thesameaswhenprayingalone.
OneoftheCompanionsoftheMessengerofAllah(e),usedtobecome
extremelynervousbeforeheprayed.Somuchso,thatpeoplecouldseethis
nervousnessinhisface.Andwhenpeopleaskedhimwhyhebecamesonervous,
hesaid,DoyourememberWhoIhavetoface?
Iftheheartishumble,thelimbswillbehumble(inSalaat),saidtheMessengerof
Allah(e).
57
QabeelatTayybah
3. ThinkaboutwhatyouaresayingLearnArabic!AllahchoseArabictobethelanguage
1
oftheQuran .Whenyougotothecourtbeforethejudge,youwatcheverymove,and
watchwhatyousayinfrontofhim.HowaboutwhenyoustandbeforeAllah(I)?
Khushooliterallymeanshumility,thatcomesoutoffearandrealiziationofyour
helplessness.Whenqualityof Salaahreachesthatlevel,youwillfeelitseffect.Also,
strivetodoQiyamulLayl (thenightprayer).
RaisingYourHandsshowsthatyouaresurrenderingtoAllah(I)
FoldingHandsandLookingDown isasignofrespect
WedonotlookupwhencallingtoAllah(I).Welookdown youareexercisingAdab
andhumilitywithAllah.
WedonotbendourbacksforanyoneexcepttoandforAllah(I).
WedonotprostrateforanyoneexcepttoandforAllah(I).Thosewhowerenot
humbleenoughtoprostrateinthislife,inthehereaftertheywillwanttoyettheywillnot
beableto. AllahwilltakeonesabilitytoprostrateawayontheDayofJudgmentby
makingthebackstiff.YouareclosesttoAllahinSujood Thestrongestdemonstration
ofoneshumility.
Salaahwillaffectyouandmakeyoubetter.PrayinJamaaheitherintheMasjidorwithyour
familyathome.YouwillhaveabetterrelationshipwithyourfamilyasAllahbringsthehearts
together. Thefamilythatpraystogetherstaystogether.
ListentotheKhutbahWhenwillweunderstand?byMuhammadAlShareef.
58
QabeelatTayybah
Ethics&Worship
Sawm

ThemonthofRamadaninwhichwasrevealedtheQur'an,aguidanceformankindand
clearproofsfortheguidanceandthecriterion(betweenrightandwrong).Sowhoeverof
yousights(thecrescentonthefirstnightof)themonth(ofRamadan,i.e.,ispresentathis
home),hemustobserveSawm(fasting)thatmonth,andwhoeverisilloronajourney,the
samenumberofdayswhichonedidnotobserveSawm(fasting)mustbemadeupfrom
otherdays.Allahintendsforyouease,andHedoesnotwanttomakethingsdifficultfor
you.(Hewantsthatyou)mustcompletethesamenumber(ofdays),andthatyoumust
magnifyAllah(i.e.,tosayTakbeerAllahuAkbar:AllahistheMostGreat)forhaving
guidedyou sothatyoumaybegratefultoHim. [Baqarah2:185]
Sawm Tocontrol/restrainyourself.
ThreeLevelsofFasting:
1. Abstainingfromfoodanddrink
2. Whenyourlimbsabstainor fastfromsinning,thisbecomesahigherlevel(i.e.dontlook
atwhatisprohibited,dontlistentowhatisprohibited,etc.)
3. Thehighestleveliswhenyouheartfastsfromtheharaam.Youwillnolongerlikethe
haraamyouareabstainingfrom,youwill hateit,andyoudonteverwanttogobackto
doinganevildeedandyoucannoteven thinkofdoinganevildeed.
RamadanfastingshouldaffectyourAkhlaaq. Ifsomeonefastsanditdoesnotaffecttheirhearts
thentheconnectionismissing.
Rasoolullah (e)askedaboutawomanwhofasts,offersqiyamullayl,etc.,yettalksillabout
herneighbors.HesaidthatsheisintheHellFire.
Rasoolullah(e)askedWhoistheonethatisbankrupt?TheCompanionsansweredTheone
whoisbankruptisonewhohasnomoney andnobelongings.Rasoolullah (e)said,Itisnot
that,butonewhocomeswithstockpilesofgooddeedsbutalsohasmanyviolationsandthegood
deedsaretakenawaybythosetheybackbittenandharmedandareforsomeoneelse.That
personisthensenttotheHellfire.
59
QabeelatTayybah
SmokingstopsinRamadanandthenresumesafterwards.Fastingempowersus.Whenitstarts,
youarecapableofthingsyoudidntdobefore:
MealswithfamilyONtime
SociealtiesgetSTRONG
OfferQiyamulLayl
ReadQuran
Why?Ourmindsetchanges.Wedecidetodothemaswitchgoeson.ItisaHujjah,awitness
againstus.WhycantwecontinuethisafterRamadan?Ifyoucanfastandavoidtemporary
haraaminRamadan,thenwhycantweavoidthepermanentharaam afterRamadan?
RasoolAllah (e)says,emphasizingthemoraldimension:
" "
Whoeverdoesnotgiveuplyingspeechandactinguponit,Allahisnotinneedofhisleaving
hisfoodanddrink [alBukhari]
WehavethewillpowertoovercomeourdeficienciesandshortcomingsbeyondRamadan.Do
voluntaryfasting3daysoutofthemonthorMondaysandThursdays.DonotbeaRamadan
Muslim. TheRabbofRamadanistheRabbofShabaanandalltheothermonths.
Inahadeeth,somesayShaytanislockedupduringRamadan.TheMajorityofDevilsare
lockedup. RasoolAllah (e)explainedbynotingthatitisNOTthattheyhavenoeffecton
peoplebutthattheydonothavethesameeffecttheydidonpeoplebeforeRamadan. Forthe
believers,theireemaanincreasesandtheydontgetastemptedasbefore.ItisagiftfromAllah
(I)duringRamadan.Wedonthavetostruggleasmuch.Afterwards,youhavetostruggle
more.ThirtydaysoftrainingandselfdisciplineshouldbeenoughtocounterShayateenforthe
remainderoftheyear.AccordingtoShaykhUthaymeen,SomeMuslimsgetworseduring
Ramadan.Separationbetweenlifeandreligionhasaffectedus(Secularism).Oneneedsto
realizethattheentirelifebelongstoAllah.BeUboodiyyahallthetime,NOTparttime.When
Salaahisover,dodhikr,getupandgoaboutyourlife.Beafamilymanathome,notacouch
potato.Whenitistimetosleep,sleep!Whenitistimetogetuptopray,pray!Gotowork
whenitistimetodoso.Allah(I)says:

AndWehavemadethedayforlivelihood[AnNaba78:11]
60
QabeelatTayybah
Ethics&Worship
Zakat
ThemeaningofthetermZakat:
Itmeansto1)purifypurification 2) toincreaseor togrow
Andifyouexaminethisibaadah,itdoesboth:purifies&grows.Zakaat isanactof
ibaadah.Infact,itisbothofthesemeanings.Itisforboththegiver(believer)andthegiven
(thewealth).Itpurifiesthegiver takesEemanandrequiresgenerosity.Thosewhoaremiserly,
cannotdoit(giveawaymoney),becausetheythinkthismoneybelongstothem. Moneydoes
notbelongtoyou,youjusthavetomanageitproperly.InIslam,ifyoudonotmanageyour
moneyproperlythegovernmentcansendsomeoneelsetomanageitforyou.Evenyourbodyis
NOTyours.Theminuteyoudie,apersonbythenameofMuhammadisnowreferredtoas
thebodyandNOTbythepersonsname.TheImamsaysBringthebodyhereforJanaazah.
GobeyondzakahandgiveSadaqah.Yourwealth itwillgrow.
Rasoolullah (e)sworebyfourthingsandoneofthemwasthatthewealthofabelieverwill
notdiminishbecauseofSadaqah.Thatwillallowyourwealthtogrow.Themoneyyoukeep,
saveandhordeislikeapoison.Thebadpartsofaplant(thebadleaves/roots)needtobe
trimmedforthatwillallowtheplanttogrow.AllahsaysinAlQuranAlKarim:

TakeSadaqahfromtheirwealthinordertopurifythemandsanctifythemwithit
[atTaubah 9:103]
Therewasacouplewhocouldnothavechildren,andsotheygavesadaqahforanorphan,
andthenayearlater,theyhadachild,andeveryyeartheygaveinsadaqahtoadoptanorphan,
theyhadmorechildren,fromtheblessingsofAllah(I).Ifyouhaveawish,giveSadaqahand
trustAllah.SadaqahisNOTjustdollars$$,butitisalsogivingofyourtalent,volunteeringyour
time,tomakeadifferenceinsomeoneslife.Dontstopanythinggoodyoudo.Keepgivingin
Charity.
61
QabeelatTayybah
Ethics&Worship
Hajj

thenheshouldnothavesexualrelations(withhiswife),norcommitsin,nordispute
unjustlyduringtheHajj [alBaqarah2:197]
HajjisaboutAkhlaaqeitheritdefinesyouorrefinesyou.Itmakesyoudiscoverwhoyou
areethicallyandmorally.YourrealAkhlaaqwillcomeout,ontheDayofArafah,Jamrah,etc.
ItisaCrashCourseTest.YoushouldhavepsychologicalandmentalpreparationforHajj.
Youheartestimoniesofwhatthepeoplebecame.BecomeabornagainMuslimbygoingto
Hajj.TheCondition:aboveayah2:197,dealswithmorals.Youfindyourselfthatyoumayfall
victimtoyourpatience.Thus,Hajjeitherdefinesyouorrefinesyou.Thefirstglanceatthe
Kabahisalifechangingexperience.HajjchangedMalcolmXandmadehimamanthatneeded
tobeeliminatedwhichheearnedfromgoingtoHajj.
Hajjislikeapeacerallywhereinthereisnoharmingofanimals,insects,treesandother
people.Itsymbolizesadisplayofequality,brotherhood,sisterhoodandatimetoexercise
patienceandhumility.Youobserveallactsofworshiptogether,sameplace,sametimeand
sameday.
AmanatHajjwaschizzlingaverylargerockforJamaraah,andhisstoneswerethesizeof
fists.Theshkaykhwastryingtotellhimthatthesunnahwastothrowsmallpebbles.Whenthe
shaykhshowedasmallpieceofrocktohim,themansaidyouwanttotickleSatan? He
thoughthisrocksweretherealdealandbelievedby throwingbigrockshewouldgetridof
shaytanforever.Throwingrocksissymbolic.TherewasanotherwomaninJamaraah,throwing
rocksandcursingShaytanforherdivorceandfortheproblemsinherlife.Then,abrothertried
tocalmherdown,andtellhersheshouldnotbecursingintheharam,andshesaidtothebrother,
Why,areyourelatedtohim(Shaytan)?Anothertime,amanenteredthepoolatJamaraahand
begantobeatthepillarwithastick.Peopleneedtounderstandthattheseactsareofthespiritual
nature,notthephysicalnature.(E.g.Kissingtheblackstonedoesnotgiveyouhealth,etc.) These
areallactsofibaadahandshouldbedoneproperly,accordingtothesunnah.
AlotofpeopleblametheirproblemsonSatan,fortheirbadchoicestheymakeinlife.Yet
wehavetheayahintheQuran,
62
QabeelatTayybah

AndShaytanwillsaywhenthematterhasbeendecided:"Verily,Allahpromisedyoua
promiseoftruth.AndItoopromisedyou,butIbetrayedyou.Ihadnoauthorityoveryou
exceptthatIcalledyou,andyourespondedtome.Soblamemenot,butblameyourselves.
Icannothelpyou,norcanyouhelpme.Idenyyourformeractinassociatingme(Shaytan)
asapartnerwithAllah(byobeyingmeinthelifeoftheworld).Verily,thereisapainful
tormentforthewrongdoers.''[Ibrahim14:22]
Hajjisanotheropportunitytodevelopour Akhlaaq.ThehighestlevelofIbaadahisour
Duaa.
SideNote:Sponsoranorphan.AbigcrisistodayamongMuslimsisthatwehavetocareforour
descendants.Someonewillgrowupwithtawhidintheirlife.Ibrahimmadeduaforhisown
children:

OmyLord!MakemeonewhoperformsSalah,and(also)frommyoffspring,our
Lord!Andacceptmyinvocation.OurLord!Forgivemeandmyparents,and(all)
thebelieversontheDaywhenthereckoningwillbeestablished[Ibrahim14:4041]
RasoolAllah (e)said,Meandapersonwhotakescareofanorphanarelikethisand
heputhistwofingerstogether.
Whenyoumaketawaf,itisapowerfulmeansof khushoo:Humbleyourselfwhenyou
approachtheKabah. Putyourhandsdownandgowiththeflowaspeopleusuallyhavetheir
handsupandaretensethewholetime.
DuaaistheessenceofIbaadah.Itdemonstratescertain Akhlaaq/etiquetteswithAllah.
o Inhajj:waitingisanactof ibaadah.(OntheDayofJudgmentpeoplewillstand
for50,000years).Peopleshouldstandandwaitinsteadofpassinginfrontof
someonemakingsalat.
o Tawaff:somepeopledontgettheeffectoutofit.TRYtohavekhushoo.Dont
needtohavehandsup.Donttrytocutanyoneofforbeinarush.Havekhushoo,
andhumbleyourself.Youdonthaveanywheretogo,yourehereforibaadah.
o Waitandbepatient.Andyourduaashouldbeaveryintimateandpowerful
experience
63
QabeelatTayybah
ThemeanstoacquireAdaabandAkhlaaq: RasoolAllah (e)wouldpraytoprotecthim

fromcertainvices:anxiety,depression,cowardliness,stinginess,etc.Protect[me]fromworstof
characteristicsfornooneguidestogoodcharacteristicsbutYou.
2
Duaa :
1. Sincerity
2. Tawbah:Torefrainfromsins(i.e.consumingHaraam).Shaykhreferredtoahadithofone
makingDuatoAllahbutitisNOTaccepted:
FactorsThatPreventDuaFromBeingAnswered:
AbuHurayrahnarratedthattheProphet(e)mentionedatravelleronalongjourney,
whoisdishevelledanddusty,andwhostretchesforthhishandstothesky,sayingOmy
Lord!OmyLord! whilehisfoodisunlawful,hisdrinkisunlawful,hisclothingis
unlawful,and heisnourishedunlawfullyhowcanhebeanswered?[Ahmed,Muslim,
alTirmidhi]
3. FineetiquettesofDuaa:
a. StateofWuDoo
b. FaceQiblah
c. Palmsupwithhandsraised
d. StartbyinvokingandpraisingAllahandsendingpeaceandblessingon RasoolAllah
(e).If thisisabsent,thereisamissinglink.
e. Avoid,taaddeein duaa(toexaggerate). Toexaggerate Itisokaytomakeduaafor
somethingspecific,butdonotmakeittoospecificortoodetailed.Forexample,toask
forabeautiful,pleasantrighteouswifethisisokay.Buttowantsomeonewhohas
everything:specificeyecolor,heightweight,ethnicity,etc.,thisisnotpermissible.
OnceaSahaabi heardhissonmakeaduaasaying,AwhitepalaceinJannahon
therightside. HetoldhissontoaskforthehighestplaceinJannahandtobesaved
fromtheHellFire,andthatsit,tonotbesospecific.Seekrefugefrompunishmentofthe
grave.Buttoadd andfromthedark,insects,tightness,etc.,thereisnoneedforthis
detail.TheProphetsneverspecifiedthetypeofpunishmenttobeputuponapeople,
insteadtheymadeduaafortheirguidance(i.e.incidenceofProphetMuhammad(e)
andhisplightwiththepeopleofTaif whenofferedtohavethetowndestroyedbythe
AngeloftheMountains,Rasoolullah (e)declinedsayingthatperhapsfromtheir
childrenwillbethosewhowillbeguided.).
SideNote:IndeedAllah(swt)producedfromamongtheenemiesofIslam,offspringwhowere
guidedtoHisDeen(azzawajaal).From AbuJahl comesIkrimah,from Umayyah comes
Safwan,from WalidcomesKhalidIbnWalid.
FormoreinformationonDuaaread DuaatheWeaponofaBelieverbyShaykhYasirQadhi
64
QabeelatTayybah
Remember,RasoolAllah (e)wassentasaMercytomankind.Donotcurseorinvoke
AllahsWrathoninnocentpeople:yourchildrenandfamily,etc.[Rememberthereisnobarrier
betweenAllahandtheduaaofanoppressedperson.SobecarefulonwhoyouinvokeAllahs
curseupon,andbecarefulofdealingunjustlywithpeople,astheymayinvokeAllahscurse
uponyou].
f. HaveYaqeen(certainty)Allahwillrespondtoyou. EitherHewill:
a. Grantyouwhatyouaskedfor
b. Preventsomethingbadorreplacewhatisneeded
c. SaveitforAkhirah.
DonotsayIprayedandIprayedandnothinghappened.Perhapsmaybewhatyouareasking
forisnotgoodforyou.AlwayshavepositivethoughtsaboutAllah.LeaveituptoAllah (I)to
choosewhatisbestforyou.
SideNote:Asakhateeb,doNOTraiseyourhandsbutraiseyourindexfingerofrighthand.
ItisalackofAdabNOTtopraytoAllahandHeordersustocalluponHim.Boththese
pointsaresummarizedinthefollowingverse:

AndyourLordsaid:"CalluponMe,Iwillansweryou.Verily,thosewhoscornMy
worshiptheywillsurelyenterHellinhumiliation! [Ghaafir40:60]
IfyouaredeservingofHisreward,youwillgetit.Withrespecttotheetiquettes,times,places
andpositionsinwhich duaawillbeacceptedinclude:
o Lastportionofthenight
o AttendingJumuah(duringJumuah,itisnotof theproperadaab foryouorforthekhateeb
toraisetheirhandsin duaa)
o BetweenAdhaanandIqaamah
o Sujood
o Whenitrains
o Whenemotional
o Traveling
o BeforeFajr
o Oppressed/Wronged
o Parentforachildandviceversa
o MakeduaainsomeonesabsenceAllahsendsAngelsthatsayandtoyouthesame.
Evildeedsthatdonotviolatetherightsofothersarenotasheavyonthescalesasthosethatdo.
65
QabeelatTayybah
TherewasamaninMeccamakingduaainUrdu,andtheShaykhdidnotunderstand
whathewassaying,butitseemedlikesuchapowerfulandheartfeltduaa thattheshaykh
joinedintheduaa.Whenhewasdone,heaskedhisfriendwhospokeUrdu,whatthemanhad
said,hesaid:Allah,IdonthavetheeloquencetoaskofYou,andIdontknowwhatisgoodfor
me,butYoudo,sopleaseteachmehowtoaskofYou,andinspiremetoaskofYou.
66
QabeelatTayybah
TreatingOthers
Fairness&Kindness
" "
Andbehavetowardspeoplewithagoodbehavior.
[atTirmidhi]
Commentaryonhadith:
o AnNasisinthedefiniteformandreferstoeveryoneeverybody
o Husunreferstogoodconductandthetermisintheindefinite form.ThetermHusun
includesthatwhichis:beautifulproperappropriatesoundgoodbehaviorgoodconduct
ShaykhFaqihsFormulaofbasicAkhlaaqindealingwithothers: I.C.E.
Integritybasisofanymuamalahotherwiseonelackstrustandhonesty
CompassionLoveforotherswhatyouloveforyourself
Enduranceyoumightnotbeappreciatedandmayevenbeharassed.Thus,youneedpatience
(Sabr).
Undergoodconduct,youhavetwolevelsoftreatment:
1. TobeFairwithothersbottomlinebelowwhichyoucango.Thisincludes:terrorists,
dictators,criminals,thoseyoudontlike,murtid,kaafir
2. Kindnessthereisnolimittheskyisthelimit.
IbnQayyimsTheoryqualitiesofALLgoodmanners:
1. Khushoo
2. UluwalHimmahaspiration(nobility)thiscausespeopletoacquireordemonstratenoble
characteristicssuchashonestyandcommitment
Oneoftheseisthedrivingforceandtheotheriscontrol.Youhavetohaveabalanceof
BOTH.
Allofthequalitieslistedbelowarebaseduponyourbeliefsystem:
1. Selfdiscipline
2. RoleModel
3. SupportSystem/Companionship
4. GoodEnvironment
5. Duaa
TreatingOthersFairnessandKindnesswithrespecttothosewhoare:
67
QabeelatTayybah
Related:ParentsChildren SpouseSiblingsOthers(Seesessions#3andonwardbelow)
NonRelated:FriendsGuestsNeighborsEldersSpecialCases
Maketheintentiontodothistothebestofyourability. AmanmadeaduaatoAllah,O
Allah,Ihad2parents[SeeCase1:StoryoftheCave]Hestoodupallnightwithabowlof
milk.Hedidnotbreakthehabit,thatvirtueofrespectof thatactcamefromwithinhimself.
Somearemorepassionatetothatvideogamethanrespondingtotheirmotherscall.
Myth:Youcannotsave/killtime! Timeissomethingyoucannotcontrol.Youcannotmanage
timetoslowitdownorspeeditup.AllahswearsbyTimeanditisHewhoisincontrolofthat
Time:

Bythetime [Asr103:1]
SelfManagementiswhatonecandowithinthat24hourtimeperiodforeachindividual.Itis
uptoyoutomanageyouraffairsduringthattime.WhensomeonesaysIdonthavetime,they
arejustbeingpolite.WhattheyareimplyingisthatIdratherhavethattimetodosomething
else.
TimeManagementreferstoprioritizingwhatyoudowiththattime.
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QabeelatTayybah
Rights&Treatment:
Parents

AndyourLordhasdecreedthatyouworshipnonebutHim.Andthatyoubedutifultoyourparents.Ifoneofthem
orbothofthemattainoldageinyourlife,saynottothemawordofdisrespect,norshoutatthembutaddressthem
intermsofhonor.Andloweruntothemthewingofsubmissionandhumilitythroughmercy,andsay:MyLord!
BestowonthemYourMercy,astheydidbringmeupwhenIwassmall
[AlIsraa17:2324]
Intheseverseswehavebeencommandedto:
Honorourparents
Bekindtothemandshowhumilitybeforethem.
o ThiscommandisbracketedwiththecommandtoworshiptheonetrueAllah.
Ourspiritualadvancementistestedbyourbehaviortowardsourparents.Wecannotexpect
AllahsforgivenessifwedisrespectthepeoplethatAllah (subhanahuwataaala)chose,to
raiseus.
Wearesocommittedtosomanythingsindunya,thatwebecomedelayedinansweringthe
callofourparents.
o IfweareprayingSunnah,andourphonerings,andwerecognizeitasbeingacall
fromourmother,wemustanswerit.
Wemustrealizethatwecannotsavetimeorkilltime. Dontourparentsdeserveour
time,ourefforts,andourenergy?Howmuchdotheydeserveofus?Noticethelofty
statusAllahplacesourparentsin:
'Abdullahb.Mas'udreported:Isaid:MessengerofAllah (e),whichofthedeeds(takes
one)nearertoParadise?He(theHolyProphet e)replied:Prayeratitspropertime.Isaid:
Whatnext,MessengerofAllah?Hereplied:Kindnesstotheparents.Isaid:Whatnext?
Hereplied:JihadinthecauseofAllah.
[AlBukhari&Muslim]
69
QabeelatTayybah
In Their Lifetime
Obedience:
a. Amongourdutiestoourparents,wemustbeobedienttothem.
b. Iftheytellyoutodosomethinggood,itisdoublyimperativethatyouobeybecause
youwouldbeobeyingAllah Iandyourparents.
c. Allah IcommandsobediencetoparentsdirectlyafterworshipofHimalone,
thereforeshowinghowimportantitis.
Itisnarratedontheauthorityof'AbdurRahmanb.AbuBakrthathisfathersaid:Wewerein
thecompanyoftheMessengerofAllah (e)thatheobserved:ShouldInotinformyouabout
themostgrievousofthegravesins?(TheHolyProphet)repeateditthreetimes,andthensaid:
AssociatinganyonewithAllah,disobediencetoparents,falsetestimonyorfalseutterance.The
HolyProphet (e)wasreclining,thenhesatup,andherepeateditsomanytimesthatwe
wishedthatheshouldbecomesilent. [Muslim]
Respect & Honor:

a. Allahchoseyourparentstobethedirectcauseofyourexistence,sosomeonewhois
notgratefultothedirectcauseoftheirexistencecannotbegratefultotheCreator.
b. Allahchoseourparentsforus,soifyouhaveanissuewiththem,thenyouhavea
problemwiththedecreeanddecisionofAllah.
AndWehaveenjoinedonman(tobedutifulandgood)tohisparents.Hismotherbore
himinweaknessandhardshipuponweaknessandhardship,andhisweaningisintwo
yearsgivethankstoMeandtoyourparents,untoMeisthefinaldestination.Butifthey
(both)strivewithyoutomakeyoujoininworshipwithMeothersthatofwhichyouhave
noknowledge,thenobeythemnot,butbehavewiththemintheworldkindly,andfollow
thepathofhimwhoturnstoMeinrepentanceandinobedience.ThentoMewillbeyour
return,andIshalltellyouwhatyouusedtodo[Luqman31:1415].
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QabeelatTayybah
Theseayaatshowthatevenifourparentsarecommittingtheworstsinpossible
(associatingpartnerswithAllah),wearesimplytoldtonotobeythemandwearestillrequiredto
treatthemkindly.TheseayaatalsoshowtheloftystatusparentsareplacedintheEyesofAllah
sinceHecommandsustogivethankstoMeandtoyourparents.
Kind Treatment:
a. TheayahinSuratLuqman(Verse24),above,showsthatyoushouldatleastshow
yourparentskindnessbecausetheyraisedyoufromwhenyouwereyoung.
b. Alwayshumbleyourselfbeforeyourparents.
Duaa:
a. Alwayshavethebestinterestsofyourparentsatheart
OntheauthorityofAbuHuraira(t),whosaid:IusedtocallmymothertoIslamwhenshe
wasstillapolytheist.Oneday,whileIwascallinghershementionedsomethingabout the
Prophet(e) Idetested.SoIwenttoseetheProphet(e) whilecryingandtoldhim:Iusedto
callmymothertoIslamandshewouldrefuse.Icalledhertodayandshementioned
somethingaboutyouthatIdetested.PleaseinvoketheblessingsandguidanceofAllahonher.
ThentheProphet (e)said:OGreatAllah guidethemotherofAbuHuraira(t).SoIleft
fullofhopebecauseoftheProphet'ssupplicationformymother.WhenIreachedhomeI
foundthatthedoorwaspartiallyclosed.Mymotherheardmy footstepsandsaid:Staystill
AbuHuraira,thenIheardthewaterrunningheaddedmymotherperformedbodyablution,
putonherclothsandhurriedlyopenedthedoorwithoutherheadcoverandsaid:"Nonehas
therighttobeworshippedbutAllahandMuhammad,PeaceandBlessingsbeUponHim,is
theMessengerofAllah".IwentbacktotheProphet(e) cryingofjoyandtoldhim:Iam
bringingyougoodnewsAllahansweredyourprayersandguidedthemotherofAbuHuraira.
TheProphet (e) praisedandglorifiedAllahandsaid:thisisgood.Isaid:OhMessengerof
Allah,praytoAllahtomakemeandmy motherbelovedbyAllah'sbelievingslavesandmake
uslovethem.TheProphet (e)said:OhAllah,makethislittleslaveofYoursandhismother
(meaningAbuHurairaandhismother)becomebelovedbyyourbelievingslavesandmakethe
believerslovethem. Eversince,therewasnotabelieverwhoheardofme,evenwithoutseeing
me,thatdidnotloveme. [Muslim]
71
QabeelatTayybah
Care for Them:

a. Wemustcareforourparentsphysically,financially,andemotionally.
Narrated'Abdullahbin'Amr(t):Allah'sApostle(e)said."Itisoneofthegreatestsins
thatamanshouldcursehisparents."Itwasasked(bythepeople),"OAllah'sApostle!How
doesamancursehisparents?"TheProphet (e)said,"'Themanabusesthefatherof
anothermanandthelatterabusesthefatheroftheformerandabuseshismother"[Al
Bukhari].
Wemustrealizethatparentsaresacredandtheymustbetreatedassuch.
Itisimpermissibletomistreat:
o anyonesparents
o aninnocentperson
o ortogiveanyoneareasontoinsultyourparents
Itisarightofyourparentsnottoexposethemtosuchinsults.Itisa
signof Jahiliyaahtoinsultparents.
AdisagreementoccurredbetweenAbuDharr(t)andBilal (t).AbuDharrsaidtoBilal,
Yousonofablackwoman.TheMessengerofAllah(e) wasextremelyupsetbyAbu
Dharrscomment,soherebukedhimbysaying,Thatistoomuch,AbuDharr.Hewhohasa
whitemotherhasnoadvantagewhichmakeshimbetterthanthesonofablackmother.This
rebukehadaprofoundeffectonAbuDharr,whothenputhisheadonthegroundswearing
thathewouldnotraiseituntilBilalhadputhisfootoverit[ibnMubarak].
AbuHuraira(t)reportedthatapersoncametoAllah'sMessenger(e)andsaid,Who
amongthepeopleismostdeservingofafinetreatmentfrommyhand?Hesaid,Your
mother.Themanagainasked,Thenwho?Hesaid,Againitisyourmother.Theman
asked,Thenwho?OurProphet(e) thensaid,Again,itisyourmother.Themanagain
asked,Thenwho?Thereuponhereplied,Thenitisyourfather[Muslim].
Whogetstheworstofourtreatment?Ourmothersbecauseweknowthatshewillalwaysbe
there.Wetakeadvantageoftheheartsofourmothers.Wearesuchungratefulbeingstotreat
suchasourceofmercyandcompassioninsuchaway.
AbuHuraira(t)reportedthatJuraijwasonewhowasdevotedto(prayer)inthetemple.His
mothercametohim.HumaidsaidthatAbuRafi'demonstratedbeforeuslikethe
demonstrationmadebyAbuHurairatowhomAllah'sMessenger(maypeacebeuponhim)
72
QabeelatTayybah
haddemonstratedashismothercalledhimplacingherpalmsupontheeyebrowsandlifting
herheadforcallinghimandsaid:Juraij,itisyourmother,sotalktoher.Shefoundhimat
thattimeabsorbedinprayer,sohesaid(tohimself):OLord,mymother(iscalling me)
(whereasIamabsorbed)inmyprayer.Heoptedforprayer.She(hismother)wentback,then
cameagainforthesecondtimeandsaid:OJuraij,itisyourmother(callingyou),sotalkto
me.Hesaid:OAllah.thereismymotheralsoandmyprayer,and heoptedforprayer.She
said:OAllah,thisJuraijismyson.Ipraytotalktohimbutherefusestotalktome.OAllah,
don'tbringdeathtohimunlesshehasseentheprostitutes,andhadsheinvokedthecurse
uponhim(fromtheheartofherheart)hewouldhavebeeninvolvedinsometurmoil.There
wasashepherdlivingnearbyhistemple(thetemplewhereJuraijwasengagedinprayer).It
sohappenedthatawomanofthatvillagecamethereandthatshepherdcommittedfornication
withherandshebecamepregnantandgavebirthtoachild.Itwassaidtoher:Whosechildis
this?Shesaid:Heisthechildofonewhoislivinginthistemple.Sotherecamepersonswith
hatchetsandspades.TheycalledJuraij.Hewasabsorbedinprayerandhedidnottalk to
themandtheywereabouttodemolishthattemplethathesawthemandthencametothem
andtheysaid:Askher(thiswoman)whatshesays.Hesmiledandthentouchedtheheadof
thechildandsaid:Whoisyourfather?He(thechild)said:Myfatheristheshepherdofthe
sheep,andwhentheyheardthis,theysaid:Wearepreparedtorebuildwithgoldandsilver
whatwehavedemolishedfromyourtemple.Hesaid:No,rebuilditwithclayasithadbeen
before.Hethenwentup(tohisroomandabsorbedhimselfinprayer).[Muslim]
o Allthisoccurredbecauseofthecurseofhismother!Thelastpersonyouwanttomess
withisyourmom!
o ThereasonwhyJuraijdidnotrespondtohismotherwasbecausehewaspraying,not
chatting,watchingamovie,orplayingvideogamesbutbecauseofprayer!Whatlousy
reasonswehaveforourdisobedienceandlackofcaringforourparents.
OnecompanionoftheProphet(sallallaahualayheewasalaam)didnoteatwithhismother
becausehefearedthathewouldtakeapieceoffoodthatsheliked.
Once,whentheProphet (e)wastalkingtohiscompanionsamancameandaddressedhim,
"OMessengerofAllah!Ayoungmanisbreathinghislast.Peopleareaskinghimtorecite
Shahadahbutheisunabletodoso."TheProphet(e) asked,"Didthismanoffersalah
(duringhislife)?"Theanswerwasyes.Thenheaccompaniedthemantothehouseofthe
dyingyoungmanalongwithotherspresentatthetime.Themanwasattheendofhislife's
journey.TheMessengerofAllahadvisedhimtooffertheShahadah.The manrepliedthathe
wasunabletodosoasthewordswouldnotcomeoutofhismouth.Hethencalledforthe
motherofthedyingmanwhomhehaddisobeyedpersistently.Whenhisagedmother
approachedthescene,theProphetasked,'Respectedlady,isheyourson?"Sherepliedyes.
Hethenaskedheraquestion,"Orespectedlady,ifwethreatentothrowyoursonintoa
ragingfire,wouldyourecommendhimtobeforgiven?"Theladyrepliedthatshewould
definitelydosoatthattime.TheProphet(e) thensaidtoher,"Ifso,declare,makingAllah
andmeyourwitnesses,thatyouarenowpleasedwithhim."Theoldwomanreadilydeclared,
"OAllah,youandyourMessengerbemywitnessthatIampleasedwiththisbelovedsonof
mine."Justafterthat,theProphet (e)turnedtothedyingmanandaskedhimtorecite,
73
QabeelatTayybah
"ThereisnogodbutAllah,HeistheOneandhasnopartnersandIwitnessthatMuhammad
isHisServantandMessenger."Bythevirtueoftheforgivenessofhismother,hefoundthe
wordsflowingoutofhismouthandherecitedtheShahadah.Seeingthis,theProphet(e)
praisedAlmightyAllahandthankedHimsaying,"ThankstoAlmightyAllahthatHesaved
thismanfromthefearfulfireofHellthroughme."[atTabaraniandAhmad].
Everyoneinsociety,theCaliphs,Rulersandtheordinarypeoplerecognizedand
acknowledgedthescholarshipofImamAbuHanifah(rahimahullah)exceptforhisownmother.
Onceadropofbloodfellonhismothersclothesandsheaskedhersonwhatsheshoulddo,
ImamAbuHanifahgavehismotheraFatwabutsherefusedtoacceptit.Shewasadamantthat
AbuZura(astoryteller)shouldgiveheraFatwa.SoImamAbuHanifah,tookhismothertothe
MosquewhereAbuZurawastellingstories.WhenAbuZurasawImamAbuHanifah
approaching,hequietedeveryonedownandshowedhimtherespectthatwasworthyofhim.
ImamAbuHanifahaskedAbuZuratogivehismotheraFatwa,AbuZuratoldhimthathedid
notknowtheanswertohismothersproblem,soImamAbuHanifahwhisperedtheanswerinhis
earandtoldhimtotellhismother.SoAbuZuratoldImamAbuHanifahsmothertheanswerto
herproblem.ImamAbuHanifahsmotherlatertoldImamAbuHanifahyourFatwawascorrect,
becauseithasbeenconfirmedbyAbuZura.
JaabiribnAbdAllaah (t),whosaidthatamansaid,OMessengerofAllah,Ihavewealth
andchildren,andmyfatherwantstotakeallmywealth[tospenditonhisownneeds]and
leavenothing.TheProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllahbeuponhim)said:Youandyour
wealthbelongtoyourfather[ibnMajah].
Narrated'Abdullahbin'Amr(t):AmancametotheProphetaskinghispermissiontotake
partinJihad.TheProphetaskedhim,"Areyourparentsalive?"Herepliedintheaffirmative.
TheProphetsaidtohim,"Thenexertyourselfintheirservice"[AlBukhari].
Ourjihadisourparents wemustcareforthem.
SheikhMuhammadtoldusanamazingpoemaboutthemercywithintheheartsofmothers.It
canbelooselytranslatedas:
74
QabeelatTayybah
Promisedamanofold
alad,dinarsandgold
Forapricelikenoother
theveryheartofhismother
Forglitterhedidnotstagger
tooktohismotheralongdagger
Pulledoutherheartwithhishandsbare
foreverlastingriches,asmallfare
Heartinhand,herushedinhaste
notamomenthewishedtowaste
Hefell,andoutrolledfromhishand
theheartofhismotherintothesand
Outcalledtheheart'Osonofmine'
'Ihopesurelyyouarefine'
Feargrippedthelad
'WhathaveIdone?'hesaid
Hisselfheintendedtopunishforthevice
'Omyson'calledtheheart:'killmenottwice'
Wearesoungratefulwegiveourparentssolittle.Weneverchooseourparentsovera
worldlysacrifice.Whenseekingapotentialspouse,nooneisworthruiningyourrelationship
withyourparents.
Therewasamanwhousedtoheatupwaterforhisfathersohecouldmakewudoowhenhe
wokeuptopray.Hewouldthewateruptothefireallnight,andoncethetorchwastakenaway,
hewouldholdthewaterneartohisbodysohisfathercouldwakeuptoprayandhavewarm
watertomakewudoowith.
HanbalaibnNumal:ThiscompanionwasayoungmanandRasulullah(e)said,Iheardhis
recitationinJannah(thiswasnarratedbyAisharadiAllahuanha).Hewasthemostrighteous
ofpeopletohismother.HewasshotinhisthroatandthenthemothercametotheProphet(e)
andaskedifhewasinJannahorJahannam,and Rasulullah(e)saidhewasinJannatul
Firdous.IheardhisrecitationinJannahbecauseofhisbirr.Hewassorighteouswithhis
mother,thatifhismotheraskedhimtodosomething,hewouldneveraskhertorepeatherself,
becausehedidntwanttofrustrateher.Ifhedidnthearher,hewouldwaituntilsheexitedthe
room,andaskedhissiblingswhatshehadsaid.
Makesureyourparentsarepleasedwithyounow.Donttakethemforgranted.
Itisanobligationofahusbandandwifetosupportoneanotherinfulfilling
obligationsanddutiestotheirparents.Whatkindofarolemodelwillaman/woman
whodoesnotrespecttheirparents,beforyourchildren?
Childrenwilltreatyouthesamewayyoumadeyourhusband/wifetreathis/her
mother/father.
75
QabeelatTayybah
Mothermostdeservesamansobedience.Husbandmostdeservesawomans
obedience(ifsheisnotmarried,herobedienceisfirsttohermother,thentoher
father).
After their Death

OfferJanaazah,makeduaa(iftheyareMuslim)
AskAllah (U)toforgivethem(iftheyareMuslim)
Fulfilltheirwishes/pledges/promises(aslongastheyarehalaal)
ThisincludesfulfillingtheirdebtsanddoingHajjforthemiftheydidnotdoit.
Honortheirfriends
Visittheirfriends,callthem,checkin,andcareforthem
Keeptieswithrelativeswhoyouarerelatedtothroughyourparentsbecauseyour
parentsconnectyoutothosepeople.
76
QabeelatTayybah
Rights&treatmentofchildren

Andkillnotyourchildrenforfearofpoverty.Weprovideforthemandforyou,Surely,
thekillingofthemisagreatsin. (AlIsra17/31)
KillingoutoffearoranxietyisprohibitedinIslam.Abortionisaformofkillingaswell.
Childrencomewiththeirrizqandareactuallyablessingonthefamily.
WhyisitthatintheQuranwedontfindmuchaboutchildren?Itsbecauseitsanatural
dispositiontotakecareofchildren.Whendorightsofchildrenbegin?
1. Withtheparentsthemselves.Somakearolemodelofyourself,acquireknowledgeand
workonyourself.
2. Whenyoulookforaspouseyoushouldkeepinmindtheinterestof youroffspring.Many
couplesgetalongfineuntiltheyhavechildrenbecausewhattheydontrealizeisthat
theirpersonalitiesmightbecomplementarywhentheygetmarriedbutafterhaving
children,theycantdecideonhowtoraisethem.
3. Followingcertainadaabwhilebeingintimateandlaterwhenpregnancytakesplace.
4. Whenthechildisborn,givinghim/heragoodname.Nameofthepersonaffectsinmany
ways:emotionallyandpsychologically.InIslam,ifanamedoesnthaveagood
connotation,itshouldbechanged.Forexample,whenAli (t)hadhisfirstborn
5. Treatment:Nourishmentofallkind,physically,emotionallyandmentally isaHaqq
childrenhavefromtheirparents.
a. Betweentheageof7andpuberty,parentshavetoteachtheirchildrenknowledge
ofthedeen,basicsofaqeedahandprinciplesoftheirbeliefs.
i. Whentheyslackbytheageoften,theyshouldbetoldthatthemost
importantIbaadahisSalaah.
6. Teachingthemproperakhlaaq.Treatthemwithfairnessandjustice.Discriminating
amongstyourchildrenisharaam,i.e.havingfavorites.
a. Amanhadagiftforoneofhischildrenandhiswifetoldhimtoasktheprophet
(e)andifhedeemsitpermissiblethenhecangiveittooneofhiskids.
Howevertheprophetsaidwhenyougivegiftsyouhavetogiveequallyto
children(nomatterraceorgender)inoneslifetime.
7. Aqeeqah:Slaughtering2sheepforaboyand1foragirl.
8. Duaaforthem.
Ishavingamalebetterthanhavingafemale?
1. Allah(I)saysintheQuran:
77
QabeelatTayybah
Allah(I) createdoutofhim,maleandfemale.(alQiyamah75:39)
HabitsofJahaliyyah revivedwhenpeopletakepreferencetoboysorgetmadthattheyhave
agirl.Allah(I)mentionsevenintheQuran,Allahbroughtoutofhim,amaleorfemale.
Allahbringsoutofamale,themaleorfemale.(SoAllahwilledmentodeterminesexof
child,notwomen)
2. WefindintheHadeeth:
(:

)
ChildrenareagiftfromAllah (atTirmithi)
Theyareyourinvestments.TheQuranmakesissueofhavingchildren,notburdensome.
Allahgivesgiftofmaleorfemaleorboth,orsomeyouareinfertile.ThisisagiftfromAllah
(I),thisisnotsomethingthatyouearn.ThisisfromtheWillofAllah (I),notfrom
anythingthatwecontrol.
TheProphet(e)said:"Whenapersondies,allhisdeedscometoanendexceptthree:
sadaqahjaariyah(ongoingcharity,e.g.awaqforendowment),beneficialknowledge
(whichhehasleftbehind),orarighteouschildwhowillprayforhim."(Reportedbyal
Tirmidhi,no1376)
3. Youdontknowwhothebetteroneis.
Youmaylikesomethingthatsnotgoodforyou,andyoumaydislikesomethingthats
goodforyouAllahknowsbutyoudonotknow(alBaqarah2:216)
AmanoncecametoUmarandcomplainedabouthisson.Umarsaidtotheson,howdoyoudo
this?meaningwhyisyourfathercomplaining?Thesonaskedwhataremyrights? Umar
replied,togiveyouagoodnameandtoraiseyouonIslam.Thesonsaid,Iwantyoutoknow
hemarriedaslavefireworshipperandgavemeanamethatmeansbuganddidntteachme
Islam.
78
QabeelatTayybah
Rights&treatmentofsiblingsand
relatives

Omankind!BedutifultoyourLord,Whocreatedyoufromasingleperson(Adam),and
fromhim(Adam)Hecreatedhiswife[Hawwa],andfromthembothHecreatedmanymen
andwomenandfearAllahthroughWhomyoudemandyourmutual(rights),and(donot
cuttherelationsof)thewombs(kinship).Surely,AllahSWTisEveranAllWatcherover
you(AnNisaa4:1)
, , )):
((
IntheHadithQudsi.NarratedAbuHuraira:TheProphetsaid,"Allahcreatedthecreations,
andwhenHefinishedfromHiscreations,ArRahmi.e.,wombsaid,"(OAllah)atthisplaceI
seekrefugewithYoufromallthosewhoseverme(i.e.severthetiesofKithandkin).Allah
said,'Yes,won'tyoubepleasedthatIwillkeepgoodrelationswiththeonewhowillkeepgood
relationswithyou,andIwillsevertherelationwiththeonewhowillsevertherelationswith
you.'Itsaid,'Yes,OmyLord.'Allahsaid,'Thenthatisforyou'"Allah'sApostleadded.
"Read(intheQur'an)ifyouwish,theStatementofAllah:'Wouldyouthen,ifyouweregiven
theauthority,domischiefinthelandandseveryourtiesofkinship?'(47.22)(Bukhari,
Volume8,Book73,Number16)

ThosewhobreakAllahsCovenantafterratifyingit,andseverwhatAllahhasorderedto
bejoined(asregardsAllahsreligionofIslamicMonotheism,andtopracticeitslegallaws
ontheearthandalsoasregardskeepinggoodrelationswithkithandkin),anddomischief
onearth,itistheywhoarethelosers(AlBaqarah2:27)
Allahcondemnsthosewhocutoffrelationshipsandpraisesthosewhodontcutoff
relationship.Youwonthaveahealthysocialbondifyourfamilyisnotstrongandbonded.
ThosewhocutoffthatwhichAllahcommandedtobejoined,theyarementionedtogetherinthe
Quranwiththosewhospreaddestructionintheland.Manydestructivepeopledidnothavea
stablechildhood.
Apersonwhoabandonsorseversrelationships(siblings,cousins,etc)shallnotenter
Jannah(Bukhari)
79
QabeelatTayybah
NarratedAbuHurairah, thatRasool Allahsaid,Whoeverdesiresmoreprovisioninhislife,

shouldjointieswithbloodrelationsorkinship. (Bukhari)
Amancametotheprophetandsaid,IhaverelativeswhomIamtryingveryhardtokeep
relationswithItreatthemwithkindnessandgentleness.Hereplied,ifitisasyousay,thenit
isasifyouarefeedingthemhotashesandyouwillbewithasupporteragainstthemfromAllah
untilyoukeepdoingso.WhatcountsintheeyesofAllahisyouconnectwiththosewhodont
evencallyou.
RightofrelativesgivenbyAllah (I):
1. Kindtreatmentanddemonstratingcompassiontotheoneswhoareyoungerand
respectingtheeldersevenifthesiblingis1or2yearsolder.PartofrespectingAllahisto
showrespecttothoseolderthanyou.Oneofthemostpainfulthingsiswhentheyounger
siblingjoinsthesameschoolastheelderone,andthelattermakesfunoftheformer.
2. Offeringyourhelporaidiftheyneedit.Givingthem naseeha(adviceonmattersofdeen
ordunya)whethertheyaskforitornot.Givingthememotionalormonetarysupport.
3. Keepingcontactwiththem.Thisvariesanddependsonfamilies.Whateversystemyou
have,keepintouchwiththem.
4. Beingpatientwiththemanddoduaaforthem.Iftheyarebadtoyou,begoodtothem
andatthesametime,doduaaforthem.Dontcounterattack.
5. Itispeoplesakhlaaqandvalueofthedeenthatdeterminestheirstatusintheeyesof
Allah.InheritanceandfinancialissueshavetoberesolvedaccordingtotheShariah
becausetheycausealotofissues.Everyonehastoreceivetheirduesharehenceitshould
bedividedandsettledassoonaspossible,accordingtotheShariah.Womenbeing
deprivedoftheirHaqqhastostop.Yourmoneydoesntbelongtoyouafteryourdeath.
Soifyoudontdivideittherightway,thenthatiswhatyourlastactionwillbe,thats
whatyourkhatmahwillbeon.
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QabeelatTayybah
Spousalrightsandtreatment

AndamongHisSignsarethis,thatHecreatedforyouwivesfromamongyourselves,that
youmayfindreposeinthem,andHehasputbetweenyouaffectionandmercy.Verily,in
thatareindeedsignsforapeoplewhoreflect(SuratArRum30:21)
AllahmadeAdamandthenfromhimHemadeEve.Andforeverymalethatcameinto
existence,therewasafemale.ThislawofAllahisneverbroken.Evenin thecaseofIsa,there
wasaRooH.Alackofunderstandingintheareaofspousalrightscanleadstoallkindsof
problems.GenerationsofMuslimshavehadwrongideasandmisconceptionsbecausetheywere
theproductofanearliergenerationofmenandwomenwhosetbadexamples.
Allah (I)considersthecreationofahusbandandwifetobeoneofHisgreatestsignsandof
HisUniquequalities.
Hecreatedustofindmatesamongstourselves
ItsanamazingsignthatAllahplacesbetweenthesetwostrangerspassion,love,mercy
andcompassion.
Peoplesaytheydontrememberhowtheirliveswerewithouttheirspouse.
Realityisthatmostpeoplearemiserableandhavebadrelationships.Becauseofthatthey
blamemarriageasbeingevil.WeshouldntjokeaboutitsinceitsthereflectionofAllah
andHisGreatness.Thebondofmarriageishighlyemphasized.
Oncethehusbandgivesagift,hehasnorighttoforceherto takeitortakeitbackfrom
him.
TheProphetsaid:Howdoesanyoneofyoubeathiswifeashebeatsthestallioncamel
andthenhemayembrace(sleepwithher?) (alBukhari).
Marriageisamutualagreementanditsan Aqd.Thebasisof Huqooqissummarizedin
theayah:

Andthedivorcedwomenshallundergo,withoutremarrying,awaitingperiodofthree
monthlycourses:foritisnotlawfulforthemtoconcealwhatGodmayhavecreatedin
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QabeelatTayybah
theirwombs,iftheybelieveinGodandtheLastDay.Andduringthisperiodtheir
husbandsarefullyentitledtotakethemback,iftheydesirereconciliationbut,in
accordancewithjustice,therightsofthewives[withregardtotheirhusbands]are
equaltothe[husbands']rightswithregardtothem,althoughmenhaveprecedence
overthem[inthisrespect].AndGodisalmighty,wise. (SurahBaqarah,2/228)
Inreferencetothedegreeofresponsibility,menareadegreeabovethem.Ifamandoesnttake
careofthatresponsibility,theylosethatdegreeandwomenarenotobligatedtoobeythem
anymore.
Theprophetsaid,"Verilyyouhaverightsoveryourwivesandyourwiveshaverightsover
you."(AbuDawwod)
:
AbuDawudhasnarratedthatheaskedtheholy ProphetofAllah (e),Whataretherightsofour

wivesoverus?TheHolyProphetsaid:whenyoutakefood,feedheralsoandwhenyouwear
clothes,provideheralsowithclothestowear.Donotbeatherontheface,norcurseher.Donot
partwithherbutherbutonlywithinthe(boundsofthe)house.
Amaleisnotnecessarilyaman.Reproducingmakesthemamale,keepinmind,animals
reproduceaswell.
MutualRights:
1. Sincerityloyaltyhumilityfidelity.
a. Thishastobepresentfromthebeginning.Everyoneslookingforsomeonegood,
thenwhataboutyoupreservingyourselfifyouwantsomeonewhohaspreserved
herself.Marriagecantstartondeceit. Shaykh IbnUthaymeensaidamanwho
marriessomeonefortheintentionofdivorcingher,thatmarriageisnotvalid.
2. Mutualtrust:Shouldntdoanythingthatwouldcausetheothertolosetrust.Thelevelof
trusthastobepresentfromthebeginning.Peoplegetmarriedbringingissuesintotheir
relationship.Somepeopleevendemandtrust.Demandingitworksinabusinessbutnota
marriage.Onceyouvemadeyourchoiceinmarryingsomeone,thenyoudowhateveris
inyourmeanstoearnthetrustofthatperson.
a. Dontonlypickyourrightsbutalsowhatyourobligationsare.Beconcernedwith
whatAllahisgoingtoholdyouaccountablefor.Ifwefocusonourobligations
only,thenwewouldntbeasconcernedwithwhatourrightsare.
b. Donotseekaspouse,seekAllah.SeeksomeonewhoisseekingAllah.Allah
bringsthemtogetherinthemostbeautifulwaybecausetheywerebothseeking
Allah.
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QabeelatTayybah
3. Loveandmercy.Passionandcompassion.Sometimespassionmightfadeawaybut
mercycomesandsavesit.Ifyouarepassionateaboutsomeone,bydefaultyouwould
havecompassionforthemaswell.
4. GeneralgoodtreatmentasmentionedintheQuran:

OYOUwhohaveattainedtofaith!Itisnotlawfulforyouto[tryto]become
heirstoyourwives[byholdingontothem]againsttheirwillandneithershall
youkeepthemunderconstraintwithaviewtotakingawayanythingofwhat
youmayhavegiventhem,unlessitbethattheyhavebecomeguilty,inan
obviousmanner,ofimmoralconduct.Andconsortwithyourwivesinagoodly
mannerforifyoudislikethem,itmaywellbethatyoudislikesomethingwhich
Godmightyetmakeasourceofabundantgood.(SurahAnNisa4/19)

Andhowcouldyoutakeitawayafteryouhavegivenyourselvestooneanother,
andshehasreceivedamostsolemnpledgefromyou?(SurahAnNisa,4/21)
5. Offereachonetheirduerights.
a. Rightsofawoman:
i. Tobetreatedwithrespectandhonor
ii. Womenneedthreethings,3Asaffection,attentionandappreciation.
Men thenneedtoofferthis.Womenneedtofeelsecureandsafe,
emotionallyandphysically.Amanaskedtheprophetwhattherightsof
wiveswereontheirhusbands.Theprophetrepliedbysaying,thatyou
feedherwhenyoufeedyourself,clotheherwhenyouclotheyourself,do
notstriketheface,donotshameheranddonotboycottorabandonher
exceptinthehouse.Additionally,themanshouldbeeasygoing.
Accordingtotheshaykh,justchillwitheachother.Courtesyis
ibaadah.Aman,asanactofcourtesy,removedabranchfromtheroad
andAllahgrantedhimjannah.Theakhlaaqshouldalwaysbethereand
shouldbelearnedfromthelifeoftheprophet.Nowadaysifawifeasksa
husbandifhelovesher,thehusbandsreplythathedoesntknowwhy
hesevenlivingwithherisanexampleofbadakhlaaq.Allahsaystonot
putfrugalitybetweenyourselvesanddontbeuptightwitheachother.(If
heorsheatethelastchocolateinthebox,beforgiving).Menneedtoget
intouchwiththeirsoftsideandtheiractionsshouldbehonestand
genuine.IbnJawzistatesthatifamanhasanissuedoingwhattheprophet
haddone,itisarrogant(i.e.inregardstohouseholdchores).Fromthe
exampleofthesunnahwelearnthattheprophetmadeeveryonefeel
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QabeelatTayybah
specialandeveryonethoughttheywerehisfavorite.Andsooneofthe
companionsaskedhimwhowasthemostbelovedtohim,hereplied,
Ayesha,andthenfromthemen,hesaid,Abooha(herfather).Even
themanhelovedthemostwasconnectedtoher.Relationshipsrequire
attentionandalackofcommitmentanddeficiencyinfulfillingeachothers
rightscanresultinthedestructionofmarriage.Iftheprophetopenly
proclaimedhisloveforAyeshainpublic,imaginewhathesaidtoherin
private.
iii. Itsforthewomantoletthemanpursueherintherightfashionwhile
protectingherHayaa.Anythingthatstartsonthewrongpathistainted
fromthebeginning.Ifsomeonedoesnthonoryouintherightfashion,and
approachyoutherightway,thenhedoesnotdeserveyou.Ifhetriesto
contactyouunIslamically,honoryourself,youarepreciousandAllah
wantstoprotectyou.Understandingofthedeenisveryimportantbecause
hewilltreatyouaccordingly.
b. Rightsofaman
i. Thatdegreeofresponsibilityentitleshimobedienceheistheheadofthe
household,hencesheshouldbesupportiveofhim.Allah (I)says,

Iftheyobeyyou,thenseeknotagainstthemanymeansof
annoyance.
(anNisaa4:34)
ii. Shemustprotecthishonorandpreservehisdignity.
iii. Shemustnotoverburdenhimforwhathecantofferher.Thehusband
shouldknowhimselfandshouldknowwhathecanorcannotoffer.He
shouldseekAllahandbegenuineandsincereinthatpursuit.Whatisyour
niyyahingettingmarried?Dependingonthepurpose,yourpursuitofit
andconductwillfollow.Ifbasedintaqwa,thenyoulltakethis
relationshiptoahigherlevel.Purpose/visionforrelationshipshouldbe
veryclear.
iv. FollowPropheticadvice.
Womenpursuedfor4things:Beauty,wealth,status&Deen.Wintheone
thathastheDeen,becausethatstheonethatmatters.Itdoesntmeanthat
theothersdontmatter,butDeeniswhatmattersthemost.Waleed
BasyounisaidputDeenatthetopofthelist,butletDeenbethelastthing
youfindoutabouther.Startwiththeleastimportantthing,andthencheck
offfromthere.IfyoustartwithDeenfirst,thenyouhaveanethical
dilemma,becauseDeenistherebutothercharacteristics,likebeautyarent.
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QabeelatTayybah
Norelationshipisworthyofyougivingupanexistingrelationship.Noonehastheright
toimposeontheirfamily,someonetheydontapproveof.Ifyoucantconvincefamilybefore
marriage,chancesareyoucantconvincethemaftermarriage.Marriagehastostartrightandend
right.Itssomethingfortherestofyourlife.Ifawomanisforcedintoamarriage,thatmarriage
isnotvalid.Bothsideshavetoagree.TrustAllah (I),Heknowswhatisbetterforyou.Ibn
Jawzeesaid:Ifsomeonethinkstheyaremeanttobewithsomeone(itisthispersonandnoone
else),thatisinterferencewithQadar,anditisaseriousoffense.Additionally,oneshouldnt
shareabadpastwithsomeonethatisbetweenyouandAllah.Youshouldntvolunteer
informationandthepersonshouldntaskeither.
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QabeelatTayybah
MuslimsandNonMuslims
Fairness&Kindness
Beforewecancommunicatewithothers,weshouldbeabletoreachwithin.MalcolmX
Etiquettes with Muslims

1) GreetingthemwithSalaam:
IfyoucomeacrossaMuslim,thensayAsSalaamuAlaykum.Ifyoumeetorcomeacross
aMuslim,thengreethim,withpeace.(Muslim) Inanotherhadeeth,Thebestamongyou
arethosewhofeedothersandrespondtothesalaam.[Ahmad,alHaakim]
Andwhenyourespond,theadaabistorespondwithwhatisequalorsomethingthatisbetter.

Butwhenyouaregreetedwithagreeting[ofpeace],answerwithanevenbetter
greeting,or[atleast]withthelikethereof.Verily,Godkeepscountindeed ofallthings
(SurahAnNisa4/86)
InRiyadh asSaliHeen,thereisentirechapteraboutthesalaam.Onecantbeselectiveabout
whoonegivessalaamto.Theyoungershouldgreettheolder,thecommonpersongreetsthe
knowledgeable,theoneenteringgreetstheoneenteredupon,theindividualgreetsthegroup.If
youdontrespondtoaSalaam,youhaveviolatedarightofaMuslim.Andwhenyourecognize
aMuslimanddontrespond,thenyouhaveshockedtheangels.
AlBara'(t)reported:TheMessengerofAllah(e)said,"TwoMuslimswillnotmeetand
shakehandswithouthavingtheirsinsforgiven(byAllah)beforetheydepart.'' [AbuDawud].
Itsanopportunitytoearndeedsandforyoursinstobewipedaway.Inanotherhadeeththe
prophethasstated,
. , :
Iftwomuslimsmeet,beginwiththesalambeforestartingtotalk,andwhoeverbegins
speakingwithoutstartingwiththesalam,don't answer(asSilsilahasSahiha,AlAlbani)
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QabeelatTayybah
Whoeverstartsaconversationwithoutsayingsalaam,dontrespondbecausetheybring
shaytaanwiththem.Whenabrothergreetsabrother,heshouldmakedirecteyecontactand
shakehandsfirmlywhichisthesunnahoftheprophet.Iftheprophetencounteredasister,he
wouldwaveinsteadoflooking,toletthemknowhissalaamwasdirectedtothem.
2) WhenaMuslimsneezes,youshouldsayYarhamakullahwhichmeansMayAllahsmercybe
onyou.
3) WhenaMuslimsgetssick,youvisitthem.Learntheduaatobesaidtoasickperson.Dont
discouragethemorbringthembadnews.Insteadgotheretomakethemfeelbetter
4) WhenaMuslimdies,youshouldattendhisfuneralandmakeduaaforhim.Andifthereis
anythingthatneedstobetakencareof,thenyoushouldtakecareofit.
5) WhenaMusliminvitedyou,youshouldrespondtotheirinvitation.Manyscholarslimitthis
tothewalimainvitation.Ifyouhaveapreviouscommitment,thenyouarentobligatedtogo.
ifyoufearitssomethingharaam,thatgivesoneareasontonotgoaswell.
6) Givingthepersonsincereadvice.Iftheyaskforit,thengiveittothem,andiftheydontask
forit,thengiveitanyway(withwisdom).Inahadeeththeprophetstated, AdDeen
AnNaseeha(Muslim) (Deenisnaseeha)
7) Loveandcareforthemasyouloveforyourself.
Inahadeeth,theprophetstated, "Donotbeenviousofoneanotherdonotartificiallyinflate
pricesagainstoneanotherdonothateoneanotherdonotshunoneanotheranddonot
undercutoneanotherinbusinesstransactionsandbeasfellowbrothersandservantsof
Allah.AMuslimisthebrotherofaMuslim.Heneitheroppresseshimnorhumiliateshimnor
looksdownuponhim.Pietyishere andhepointedtohischestthreetimes.Itisevilenough
foraMuslimtoholdhisbrotherMuslimincontempt.AllthingsofaMuslimareinviolablefor
anotherMuslim:hisblood,hispropertyandhishonor."(Muslim)
Theexampleofthebelieversislikeonebody:onepartgetsaffected,thentheentirebodyis
affected.Ifyoulookatpeoplethroughtheeyesofabeliever,peopleareidentifiedasbelievers
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QabeelatTayybah
andnonbelievers.Youshouldhonorthebeliefsthatbroughtyoutogether.Ifyoulookata
Muslimandyoudespisethem,thenyoudespiseyourself.
8) Supporthim/herunconditionallywhethertheyareoppressedoraretheoppressor(byhelping
themtoNOToppress).
9) Themostimportantoneistoholdbackyourharm,whetheritbeverbal,physicalormental
abuseofanotherMuslim,itsnotallowed.DonotabuseanotherMuslim.Ifyoucannotoffer
something,theleastyoucandoisofferNOThurtingtheotherperson.Neitherbackbitinga
Muslim,norgossipingaboutthemnorenvyingthemisincludedinholdingbackyourharm
fromthem.Therewasamanbeingwhippedfordrinking,andRasoolAllaah(e)saiddont
cursehim,becauseeventhoughheisbeingpunished,helovedAllahandHisMessenger
(e).Therewasawomanwhocommittedzinna,whowaspregnant.RasoolAllah(e)told
hertogivebirthandthencomeback.Shecamebackwiththebabyinherhand,andasked
Rasool Allah(e)topunishher,hetoldhertocomebackafterheisabletoeat,after2years,
shecamebackwiththebabyandRasoolAllah(e) toldhertogivethebabytosomeone
whocanraisehim,andthenshewasexecuted.ASahabi whocursedherandRasoolAllah
(e)saiddontcurseher,becausehertawbah,ifwasdividedamongst70householdsin
Medina,wouldhavebeensufficientforthem.Oncetheprophet toldtheSahabahtheyhad
alreadyhadtheirmeatfromtheday,andtheSahabahaskedhimaboutthis,becausethey
hadnteaten,andRasool(e)said,Iseetheremnantsofhisflesh(ofthepersonyouwere
backbiting)betweenyourteeth.
10) YoushouldbeabletoforgiveyourbrotherinIslam.WouldntyouwantAllahtoforgive
you?Ifyouarenotcapableofofferingforgiveness,thenyouwillnotbeforgivenbyAllah.
20
21
23
22
24
AndwereitnotforGodsfavouruponyouandHisgrace,andthatGodis
compassionate,adispenserofgrace...! OYouwhohaveattainedtofaith!Follownot
Satansfootsteps:forhewhofollowsSatansfootsteps[willfindthat],behold,he
enjoinsbutdeedsofabominationandallthatrunscountertoreason.Andwereit
notforGodsfavouruponyouandHisgrace,notoneofyouwouldeverhave
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QabeelatTayybah
remainedpure.For[thusitis:]GodwhocauseswhomeverHewillstogrowin
purity:forGodisallhearing,allknowing.Hence,[eveniftheyhavebeenwronged
byslander,]letnotthoseofyouwhohavebeengracedwithGodsfavourandease
oflifeeverbecomeremissinhelping[theerringonesamong]theirnearofkin,and
theneedy,andthosewhohaveforsakenthedomainofevilforthesakeofGod,but
letthempardonandforbear.[For,]doyounotdesirethatGodshouldforgiveyou
yoursins,seeingthatGodismuchforgiving,adispenserofgrace?[But,]verily,
thosewho[falsely,andwithoutrepentance,]accusechastewomenwhomayhave
beenunthinkinglycarelessbuthaveremainedtruetotheirfaith,shallberejected
[fromGodsgrace]inthisworldaswellasinthelifetocome:andawesome
sufferingawaitsthem.ontheDaywhentheirowntonguesandhandsandfeetwill
bearwitnessagainstthemby[recalling]allthattheydid! (SurahAnNoor24:2024)
Forsomewhohavewrongedothersinthisdunya,Hewillintercedeontheirbehalf.Therewill
be two who arguing for a while, one saying he was wronged and demanding the deeds of his
brother,whiletheothersayingthatheneedshisowndeeds.Allahwillthenshowtheonewho
waswrongeda home in Jannah likea villageof houses madeof GoldandSilver andPearls
(LuLu)andthemanwillaskwhosehomeitis.AndAllahwillsay,itisthehomeoftheone
whocanpayitspricewhocandoagooddeedenoughtodeserveit.Themanwillsay,who
can do a deed so good as to deserve something like this? Allah will respond, You, if you
forgiveyourbrother.Hewillrespond,Iforgivehim.Allahwillthensay,Takethehandof
yourbrother,andenterbothofyouintoJannah.
Thecloseryouareinfriendship,themorerightsthepersonhasonyou.Additionally,thecloser
inproximityyouare,themorerightsthatpersonhasonyou.
Muslimsneedtobeprotectiveofeachotherandcareforoneanotherprotectoneanotherfrom
ourselves,anddontbeafitnahforthekuffar,letaloneanotherMuslimdontbesourceof
distractionforanotherMuslim.Brothersshouldbeprotectiveofsistersandviceversa,andone
shouldnotbeasourceoffitnahfortheother.Thereshouldbegheerahpresentinourheartsfor
eachother.ItsatypeofjealousythatmakesyouprotectivebeprotectiveofyourMuslimsister
ofhowyouwouldprotectyourownsister. Inahadeeththeprophetmentioned,therearetwo
typesofpeoplehiddendeepinthehellfire.Theydontenter Jannahanddontsmellitthose
whoworkfortyrants/abusivepeople/workforanoppressivegovernmentandbecomeatoolin
oppressing,andthosewomenwhoarecovered,yetareuncovered.Theydressprovocativelyand
goastrayandleadothersastraybycausingfitnah.Thesetwotypesofpeoplewillneitherenter
Jannah,norsmellit.
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QabeelatTayybah
Ettiquettes with Non-Muslims

AnyonewhoisnotaMuslimisclassifiedasaKafir.Thisisthedefinitionof astateofmindofa
person.Kafirisnottobetranslatedasaninfidel.Mostofthekuffar,dontbelieve
unintentionally(truthforthemhasnotbeenuncovered)arenottruekuffar.Ourobligationisto
uncoverthetruthfromthem.Atruekafirisonetowhomtruthcomesandherejectsit.
InSurahAnNisa,Allah (I) talksaboutthosewhobelievesomepartofthebookanddisbelieve
otherparts.Onewhodoesthisisakafirinthetruesense.

Webelievewehavethetruthandifyoudontbelieveso,thenyouarenotaMuslim.The
ReligionbeforeAllahisIslam(submissiontoHisWill):NordidthePeopleoftheBook
dissenttherefromexceptthroughenvyofeachother,afterknowledgehadcometothem.
ButifanydenytheSignsofAllah,Allahisswiftincallingtoaccount. (SurahAlImran,
3/19)
Ifanyonedesiresareligionother thanIslam(submissiontoAllah),neverwillitbe
acceptedofhimandintheHereafterHewillbeintheranksofthosewhohavelost(All
spiritualgood)
(SurahAlImran,3/85)
AsaMuslimitsnotuptoyoutodecidewhogoestohellornot.Allahdecidesontheday
ofjudgment.Butdowebelievewehavethetruth?Yes!Youbetterbelievewhatyouhaveisthe
truth.Basedontheabovequotedayaat,youdontpickandchoose,ifyoudecidetofollowit,you
followthroughwithitthewholeway.
Muslimshavetobefairandkindtoeveryone.Goodcharacterandrespectarea
fundamentalrightandweofferittoall.ThemercyofAllah (I)isgeneraltoeveryone.The
messageofIslamisauniversalone.Themercyofthemessengerisforthewholeuniverse.That
initselfshouldbethebasisofourspiritrahmaandcompassiontotakepeopleoutofdarkness
intothelight.Ourroleshouldbeofonethatwasdescribedbytheprophet.HesaidAllahdidnot
sendhimassomeonewhocursespeople,insteadHesenthimasamercy.Ourmissionshouldbe
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QabeelatTayybah
thesameasthe19yearoldSahabisstatement,Wedontimpose,wefacilitate.Weshould
recognizepeopleareofdifferentlevels.When someoneacceptsIslam,theywillbethebestif
theyacquireknowledge.Rememberyouwerelikethatbefore,andrememberthatthatpersoncan
acceptIslamandbecomebetterthanyou.Dontallowyoutohatethekafir,buthatethekufrin
them.Youdonthatetheperson,youhatewhattheybelieve.
HadithinSahihMuslimThehourwillbeestablishedandtheromanswillbethemajority.
Theyhave5goodqualitiesaboutthem.
1. Quicktorecoverfromacalamityoradisaster
2. Quicktoretaliatewhentheyarewronged
3. Donotallowtheirleaderstoabusethemorwrongthemforlong
4. Whentheygothroughhardshiptheydonotpanic
5. Theyarethebesttotheweakandtotheunfortunate
:
.
ThishadeethwasduringAmrbinal3asstime,alongtimeaftertheprophetdied
1) GoodCharacter&RespectforFundamentalRights
AllahIsays[insurahalMumtahina]:
(#q)?ur Odry9s? br& N.t ìB /.q_ Os9ur d9$# N.q=Gs) Ns9 t%!$# `t !$# /38ygYt w
O2q_tzr&ur d9$# N.q=tGs% t%!$# `t !$# N39pk]t $yJR) t)J9$# =t !$# b) 4 Nks9)
tbqJ=9$# Nd s9'r's Nl;uqtFt `tBur 4 Ndq9uqs? br& N3_#tz) #n?t (#rygsur N.t ìB
Allahdoesnotforbidyoutodealjustlyandkindlywiththosewhofoughtnotagainstyou
onaccountofreligionanddidnotdriveyououtofyourhomes.Verily,Allahlovesthose
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QabeelatTayybah
whodealwithequity.Itisonlyasregardsthosewhofoughtagainstyouonaccountof
religion,andhavedrivenyououtofyourhomes,andhelpedtodriveyouout,thatAllah
forbidsyoutobefriendthem.Andwhosoeverwillbefriendthem,thensucharethe
Zalimoon(wrongdoersthosewhodisobeyAllah)[alQuraan60:89].
Goodcharacterandrespectareafundamentalrightsoweofferittoall.
Allahprovidesgeneral RaHmatoeveryonesoallhumanbeingshaveequal
opportunityduringthistestingperiod.
Weshouldmovearoundthelandinthespiritofcompassion
2) UniversalityoftheIslamicMessage
AllahIsays[insurahalAnbiya]:
Jn=y=j9 ZptHqy w) oY=yr& !$tBur
AndWehavesentyou(OMuhammadSAW)notbutasamercyfortheAlameen
(mankind,jinnsandallthatexists)[alQuraan21:107].
OurmissionistofacilitatepeoplestransitionsfromotherwaysoflifetoIslam.
Wemustrecognizethatpeopleareofdifferentqualitiesandlevels.Weshould
neverlookdoneonapersonhe/shemaybecomeMuslim,bebetterthanyou,and
then giveyoudawah.
3) Fulfillourpromiseswiththem
4) Kindtreatmenttoonewhodoesnotshowhostility
AllahIsays[insurahalMaaidah]:
wr& #n?t BQqs% b$toYx N6ZtBft wur ( )9$$/ u!#ypk- ! Bqs% (#qRq. (#qYtB#u %!$# $pkr't
cq=yJs? $yJ/ 76yz !$# c) 4 !$# (#q)?$#ur ( 3uq)-G=9 >t%r& uqd (#q9$# 4 (#q9s?
andletnottheenmityandhatredofothersmakeyouavoidjustice.Bejust:thatis
nearertopiety[alQuraan5:8].
Donothateakaafir(theperson),buthatethekufrintheirbeliefs.Youmustupholdjustice.
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QabeelatTayybah
Omaribn alKhattab tgavetheJewstheirduesfromKhaybartherebymaintainingjustice.

Allahestablishedtheheavensandearthonjusticeorelsewewouldhavebeenwipedoutforall
ofoursins.
MustauridalQurashitreported:IheardAllah'sMessengerrassaying:The LastHour
wouldcome(when)theRomanswouldformamajorityamongstpeople.'Amrt saidtohim
(MustauridQurashit):Seewhatyouaresaying?Hesaid:IsaywhatIheardfromAllah's
Messenger.Thereuponhesaid:Ifyousaythat,itisafactfortheyhavefourqualities.
i. Theyhavethepatiencetoundergoatrial
ii. andimmediatelyrestorethemselvestosanityaftertroubleandattack
againafterflight.
iii. They(havethequality)ofbeinggoodtothedestituteandtheorphans,
totheweak
iv. and,thegoodqualityinthemisthattheyputresistanceagainstthe
oppressionofkings[Muslim].
5) Thecloserthepersonistoyouthemorerightstheyhave(i.e.,relatives,neighbor,etc)
6) Dawah
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QabeelatTayybah
Dawah
InteractionGuidelines
AllahIsays[insurahalNahl]:
On=r& uqd y7-/u b) 4 `|mr& }d L9$$/ Og9y_ur ( puZ|pt:$# psqyJ9$#ur pyJ3t:$$/ y7n/u @6y 4n<) $#
ttGgJ9$$/ On=r& uqdur ( &#6y `t @| `yJ/
CalluntothewayofthyLordwithwisdomandfairexhortation,andreasonwiththemin
thebetterway.Lo!YourLordisBestAwareofhimwhostraysfromHisway,andHeis
BestAwareofthosewhogoaright[alQuraan16:125].
1) WecanjoinforceswithnonMuslimstosolvesocialproblems,buttherearesomeissuesthat
areoursandweshoulddealwiththemonourown.
Becarefulduringinterfaithactivities:Peoplemustbestraightforwardabouttheirbeliefs.
Wemayhavecommonground,butwehavetobehonestaboutourdifferences.
2) Propermanners
WithregardstoayaatintheQuraanaboutfightingthemushrikeenandnottakingkufaar
asfriends:theseversesspeakofspecificsituationsandpeople.Wecannotgeneralize
withtheseversesandtheymustbeconsideredin theirparticularcontext.
Abuseofusorothersshouldnotbepromoted.
Thereisnovirtueincursingothers(evenFiraunorShaytan)sofocusonsomethingmore
positiveandconstructive(i.e.dhikr,duaa).
Itispermissibletowarnsomeoneagainstaperson(i.e.inmarriagesituation).Thisisnot
consideredgheeba(backbiting).
Theworstofpeopleishewhopeoplehonoroutoffearofhismischiefandevil(theyfear
gettingonhisbadsidebecauseofwhathemightdoinretaliation).
3) Protectyourselfandothersagainsttransgression.
Insultingsomeoneelsesreligionisimpermissible.Youwillgivethemtheopportunityto
insultAllah IandHisMessengerr.
Donottransgress
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QabeelatTayybah
Objecttosomethingintheproperfashioninaresponsibleway.
Neverinitiatehostilitytheendsdonotjustifythemeans.
DonottransgressorbetrayAllah Idoesnotlikepeoplewhobetrayandinitiate
fitnah.
Donotoverreact.
IfaMuslimwantsamachineguninordertokillanimals,thisisimpermissible.So,ifthisisnot
allowed,howcanyoujustifythemurderofinnocenthumanbeings?
Peopledonoteatpork,buttheyhavenoqualmsabouteatingtheflesh oftheirMuslimbrothers
andsistersbybackbitingaboutthem.
Nafi'treportedfrom'AbdullahtthatAllah'sMessengerrsaid:Awomanwas
punishedbecauseshehadkeptacattieduntilitdied,and(asapunishmentofthisoffence)
shewasthrownintotheHell.Shehadnotprovideditwithfood,ordrink,andhadnotfreed
hersothatshecouldeattheinsectsoftheearth[Muslim].
ActsofcourtesyareaformofworshiptoAllah.Weoffersuchactseventoanimals.Wecannot
huntanimalsunlessitisforthepurposeofconsumption.
TheProphet rwaspassingbyafarminMedinahwhenhecameacrossacamel.Thecamel
approachedtheProphetrasifitwastellinghimsomething.TheProphetr askedaboutthe
ownerofthecamelandcalleduponhimandtoldhim,Yourcameliscomplainingthatyou
overburdenhimwithwork,andgivehimtoolittletoeat[NarratedbyAbuDawud,AlHakim,
ImamAhmad,andothers].
Prophetrwarnsusnottofrightenanimals.Whilehewaswithhiscompanionshefounda
birdmakingagrievingsound.TheProphetr immediatelysaid:Whohasfrightenedthis
birdbytakingitsoffspring?Thenhecommanded:Returnbackheroffspring.
Bekindtodogs.Itispermissibletopetthem.
4) Wecannotjudgeothers.
WecannotsaythatanyoneisinParadiseortheHellfireunlessithasbeenestablishedby
adaleelintheQuraanorhadiths.
OncetheProphetr wasseatedatsomeplaceinMadinah,alongwithhiscompanionst.
Duringthistimeafuneralprocessionpassedby.Onseeingthis,theProphetrstoodup.One
ofhiscompanionsremarkedthatthefuneralwasthatofaJew.TheProphetrreplied,Was
henotahumanbeing?[alBukhari].
95
QabeelatTayybah
Thedeathofakaafirshouldbealessonforusandshouldsaddenusbecausehe/shedidnotdie
asaMuslim.WedonotrejoiceaboutthepainordeathofnonMuslims.
96
QabeelatTayybah
RelatingtoSelf
Determination&Moderation
Initiative
Control
Encouragement
Thereisacertainadaabnecessarywhendealingwiththeself.
IbnalQayyim tsaidthattwoqualitiesareneededwhenrelatingtotheself:
Khushoo(Humility)andAspiration
IbnalQayyim tsaidthatfourqualitiesareneededwhenrelatingtoothers:
v. Adl(Justice)
vi. Aiffah
vii. Sabr(Patience)
viii. Courage/Truthfulness(duringtimesofadversity,courageshowsthrough
truthfulness)
Necessaryqualitiesfordealingwiththeself:
Determination/Aspiration
Moderation/Humility
TakingInitiative(musttakethefirststep)/SelfControl/Empowerment&Motivation
Thereisnothinglikehavingapositivemindset:
Ifyouthinkyoucantdoit,youwont.
TIP:Writedownyourexcusesaboutwhyyoucantdosomething.
97
QabeelatTayybah
Apositivemindsetisablessing(nimah)fromAllah Iandanegativemindsetprevents
youfromreachingyourfullpotential.
1. Positivitykeepsyourspiritupandkeepsyoufighting,whilenegativityruinsyour
relationshipswithothers.
2. ItalldependsonyourrelationshipwithAllahandyourperceptionofthesituation.
3. Ifyouviewanillnessasameanstowardspurification,itwillbebiithnillahifnot,it
willbehowyouviewit.
4. Therewasamanwhogotlockedinafreezerandhadtoremainthereallnightsince
everyonehadgonehome.Hehadanegativemindsetandsaidhewasgoingtofreeze
todeath,andinscribedhislastwordsontothefloor.Andinthemorningtheyfound
himblue,andtheparamedicstookhimandfoundallthecharacteristicsofsomeone
hadfrozentodeath,buttheywereallpuzzled. Thefreezerhadnotbeenonitwas
roomtemperature(50+degrees)buthisnegativethinkingresultedinthephysical
manifestationoffreezingtodeath.
5. Ifyoudontexpectmuchfromyourself,youwontgainanything.
6. Donotblameothers,blameyourself.
98
QabeelatTayybah
AsSidq
The Mother of All Qualities
Meanings:
Honesty
Loyalty
Fidelity
Trustworthiness
Truthfulness
Integrity
AsSidq(Honesty): Reflectiveofreality,howthingsare.
Theoppositeistodistort,change,alter/hideanythingofreality.
Havinghonestyaboutyourselfandinyourexpression.
Actingupontruth.
SincerityisaformofSidqIfyouaretruthful,youwillbesincere.
ThreetypesofSidq:
1.TruthfulnessoftheHeart(SidqalQalb)
Thisissincerity(ikhlaas)
2.TruthfulnessoftheTongue(SidqalLisaan)
Beinghonest.
Sayingwhatyoumeanandmeaningwhatyousay.
Saywhatisinyourheart.
3.TruthfulnessinActions(SidqalAml)
Youractionsarereflectiveofyourbeliefs:thisistheessenceofakhlaaq.
NarratedAnast:MyuncleAnasbinAnNadr twasabsentfromtheBattleof
Badr.Hesaid,"OAllah'sApostle!Iwasabsentfromthefirstbattleyoufoughtagainst
thepagans.(ByAllah)ifAllahgivesmeachancetofightthepagans,nodoubt.Allah
willseehow(bravely)Iwillfight."OnthedayofUhudwhentheMuslimsturnedtheir
99
QabeelatTayybah
backsandfled,hesaid,"OAllah!IapologizetoYouforwhatthese(i.e.his
companions)havedone,andIdenouncewhatthese(i.e.thepagans)havedone."Then
headvancedandSadbinMuadhmethim.Hesaid"OSadbinMuadh!BytheLordof
AnNadr,Paradise!Iamsmellingitsaromacomingfrombefore(themountainof)
Uhud,"LateronSadsaid,"OAllah'sApostle!Icannotachieveordowhathe(i.e.
AnasbinAnNadr)did.Wefoundmorethaneightywoundsbyswordsandarrowson
hisbody.Wefoundhimdeadandhisbodywasmutilatedsobadlythatnoneexcepthis
sistercouldrecognizehimbyhisfingers."WeusedtothinkthatthefollowingVerse
wasrevealedconcerninghimandothermen ofhissort:"Amongthebelieversaremen
whohavebeentruetotheircovenantwithAllah..."(33.23)HissisterArRubbaya'
brokeafronttoothofawomanandAllah'sApostleorderedforretaliation.Onthat
Anas(binAnNadr)said,"OAllah'sApostle!ByHimWhohassentyouwiththetruth,
mysister'stoothshallnotbebroken."ThentheopponentsofAnas'ssisteracceptedthe
compensationandgaveuptheclaimofretaliation.SoAllah'sApostlesaid,"Thereare
somepeopleamongstAllah'sslaveswhoseoathsarefulfilledbyAllahwhentheytake
them"[alBukhari].
AllahIsays[insurahatTawbah]:
%9$# ytB (#qRq.ur !$# (#q)?$# (#qZtB#u %!$# $pkr't

Oyouwhobelieve!BeafraidofAllah,andbewiththosewhoaretrue(inwordsand
deeds)[alQuraan9:119].
TruthfulnessissomethingAllah Idemandsofthebelievers.
AMuminis,bydefault,someonetruthfulsincehe/sheacceptsthetruth.Whichmeanswehave
togiveupitsoppositewhichislying.Naturally,gainingagoodqualityeliminatesabadone.
AllahIsays[insurahalZumar]:
#s"9 !$# n<) !$tRq/hs)9 w) Nd6tR $tB u!$u9rr& mRr B (#rsB$# %!$#ur 4 9$s:$# è$!$# ! wr&
$2 >x. uqd `tB gt w !$# b) 3 cq=tGs m Nd $tB OgoYt/ N3ts !$# b)
Truly,Allahguidesnothimwhoisaliar,andadisbeliever[alQuraan39:3].
100
QabeelatTayybah
Kufrandlyingarementionedtogetherbecausetheyareofeachother.
Whenadoptingthequalitiesofhonesty,youmustabandonallliesandyoumustbe
truthfulinyourpromises(evenbeingpunctual).
AbdullahtnarratedthattheProphetrsaid:Sticktothetruth.Truthfulnessleadstoal
Birr(righteousness)andalBirrleadstoparadise.Andamankeepsontellingthetruthuntil
hebecomesatruthfulperson.Avoidfalsehood.FalsehoodleadstoalFujur(wickednessand
evildoing)andalFujurleadstotheHellfire,andamankeepsontellingliesuntilheis
writtenasaliarbeforeAllah[alBukhari].
AllahIsays[insurahalBaqarah]:
zFy$# Qqu9$#ur !$$/ z`tB#u `tB 99$# `3s9ur >yJ9$#ur -yJ9$# @t6% N3ydq_r (#q9uq? br& 99$# }9 *
t3|yJ9$#ur 4yJtGu9$#ur 4n1)9$# rs mm6m 4n?t tA$yJ9$# tA#uur z`h;Z9$#ur =tG39$#ur px6n=yJ9$#ur
#s) Ndgy/ cqqJ9$#ur no4q29$# tA#uur no4qn=9$# uQ$s%r&ur U$s%h9$# ur t,#!$9$#ur @69$# t$#ur
Nd y7s9'r&ur ( (#q%y| t%!$# y7s9'r& 3 't79$# tnur !#9$#ur !$y't79$# t99$#ur ( (#rygt
tbq)-GJ9$#
ItisnotalBirr(piety,righteousness,andeachandeveryactofobediencetoAllah,etc.)
thatyouturnyourfacestowardseastand(or)west(inprayers)butalBirris(thequality
of)theonewhobelievesinAllah,theLastDay,theAngels,theBook,theProphetsand
giveshiswealth,inspiteofloveforit,tothekinsfolk,totheorphans,andtoAlMasaakin
(thepoor),andtothewayfarer,andtothosewhoask,andtosetslavesfree,performsAs
Salat(IqamatasSalat),andgivestheZakat,andwhofulfilltheircovenantwhenthey
makeit,andwhoareAsSabirin(thepatientones,etc.)inextremepovertyandailment
(disease)andatthetimeoffighting(duringthebattles).Sucharethepeopleofthetruth
andtheyareAlMuttaqoon[alQuraan2:177].
asSidq(truthfulness)leadstoalBirr(righteousness)whichleadstoJennah(Paradise)
SidqBirr Jennah
Hypocrisy
101
QabeelatTayybah
NarratedAbuHurairat:TheProphetrsaid,"Thesignsofahypocriteare
three:
i. Wheneverhespeaks,hetellsalie.
ii. Wheneverhepromises,healwaysbreaksit(hispromise).
iii. Ifyoutrusthim,heprovestobedishonest[alBukhari].
AllahIsays[insurahatTawbah]:
!$Jn=s ts=9$# z`B `tRq3uZs9ur `s%oYs9 &#s `B $oY9s?#u s9 !$# yygt `B Nk]Bur *
Qqt 4n<) Nk5q=% $]%$xR Nkz:s)r's cqB Ndr (#q9uqs?ur m/ (#q=r2 &#s ìB Og9s?#u
cq/3t (#qR$2 $yJ/ur nrtur $tB !$# (#qn=zr& !$yJ/ mtRqs)=t
AndofthemaresomewhomadeacovenantwithAllah(saying):"IfHebestowedonusof
HisBounty,wewillverily,giveSadaqah(ZakatandvoluntarycharityinAllahsCause)
andwillbecertainlyamongthosewhoarerighteous."ThenwhenHegavethemofHis
Bounty,theybecameniggardly(refusedtopaytheSadaqah(Zakatorvoluntarycharity)),
andturnedaway,averse.SoHepunishedthembyputtinghypocrisyintotheirheartstill
theDaywhereontheyshallmeetHim,becausetheybrokethat(covenantwithAllah)which
theyhadpromisedHimandbecausetheyusedtotelllies[alQuraan9:7577].
ExcusesPeopleHaveForLying:
1.Donotwanttohurtanotherperson.
2.Tobeaccepted/fitin.
obtainabenefit:acceptance,prestige,position(i.elyingonaresume).
3.Protectoneself/avoidtrouble.
4.Laziness/dontwanttocarryoutresponsibilities.
5.Fearofbeingexposed.
6.Harmsomeoneelse.
7.Badhabit.
8.Entertainment(jokes)
TheProphet rsaid, Woetotheonewhotalkstomakethepeoplelaughandtellslies,
woetohim,woetohim[atTirmidhi].
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QabeelatTayybah
TheProphet rsaid,IguaranteeapalaceinthemiddleofJannahtotheonewho
doesntlieintellingjokes.
Certainliesaregreaterthan others:
AliibnAbiTaalibtwhosaid:TheMessengerofAllahr saidtome:Donotlieabout
me(orfalselyattributeanythingtome)forwhoeverliesaboutmewillenterHell[alBukhari,
Muslim&atTirmidhi].
Liespeopleoverlook:
1. Someonewholiesdesiringattention.
Amotherwascallingherchildbyenticinghimthatshewillgivehim
something,theProphetwassittingthereandhewarnedherthatifshewouldn't
giveittohim,thenshewouldbealiar.
2. Spreadinganythingonehears.
TheProphetsaiditissufficientforamantobeconsideredaliarifhetalksabout
everythinghehears.
CNNCommunityNewsNetwork
3. Whenonetellsajokethatisalie.
Liesthatpeopledonotconsiderlies:
1. Exaggeration:'Icalledyouamilliontimeswhenheactuallycalledonlyonceor
twice.Itisalieaccordingtomostscholars.
2. Whensomeonedesiressomethingbutsaysonedoesnotdesire.Aishahadsome
womenatherhouse.TheProphetofferedfoodtoherandthewomen.They
declinedoutofshynesseventhoughtheywantedtoeat.TheProphetexclaimed,
"Hungryandliars!Don'tcombinelying withbeinghungry."
3. Whenonesayshedidsomethingandthensays,"Allahasmywitness,"whenhe
actuallydidnotdowhatheclaimed.
4. Whenoneattributeshislineagetosomeoneotherthanhisbiologicalfather
LiesThatArePermissible
1.Lyingtooneswife
a. Inhalaalmatterstoavoidconfrontation(i.e.ateatmothershousebutpretendedthat
youdidnt)
b. Exaggerationsinstatementsthatcomplimentyourspouse.
2.Duringtimesofwar.
a. Ifcaughtbytheenemy,donotrevealsecrets.
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QabeelatTayybah
b. ProphetIbrahimsaidthatSarahwashissister(shewashissisterinIslamsothis
wasntreallyalie).
3.Helpingpeopleinreconciliation.
a. Tryingtohelptwopeoplerectifyandmendtheirbrokenties.
b. Hidesomethingyouknowabouttheotherpersonhopingitwillbringsome
reconciliation.
FinalNotesonasSidq
Behonestandbestraightforward.
Lyingtoobtainsomethingisharaam(lyingaboutyourage,yourincome,etc.)is
unethical:youcannotattainsomethingthatyourenotqualifiedtoobtainbylying.
AbidebythelawaslongasitdoesnotviolateIslamiclaw.
Usingmetaphorsisokaysolongaspeopledontleavewiththeimpressionthatyoure
lyingtothem.
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QabeelatTayybah
AsSabr
Meanings:
Patience
Tolerance
Steadfastness
Perseverance
Contentment
AsSabrisaqualitythatisessentialtohave.Thelinguisticmeaningsaboveandothersare
givenforthiswordincludingpositivethinking,courage,innerstrength,calmness,keepingitcool
andcomposure.Italsomeanstorestrainortoholdbackinitslinguisticmeaning.

onlythosewhoarepatientshallreceivetheirrewardsinfull,withoutreckoning.
(AzZumar39/10)
SoAllahmentionsthatHewillrewardthepeoplewhohavepatiencewithoutalimitor
reckoning.TheyhadpatiencebeforeandsowhenAllahgivesthem,theywillbepatientwith
whattheyreceiveandnotaskforanymore.TheywerecontentwithAllahandHeiscontentwith
them.Whoknowsyourlevelofpain?WevaryinourwaystocopeandtolerateandonlyAllah
knowsourtruestruggle.
There are 4 aspects of patience:

Patienceinaffliction,whichistheactofpreventingtheselffrombecomingdiscontented
andimpatient
Patienceingoodfortune,whichistobinditfasttogratitude,without oversteppingthe
limitsorbecomingproudandselfimportantbecauseofthegoodfortune
Patienceinobediencebysafeguardingitandbecomingconstantinit
Patience(inrefraining)fromactsofdisobediencebywithholdingoneselffromthem.
IbnalQayyimsays,patienceisin3ways: patienceinobedience,patienceinnotperforming
disobedienceandpatienceinaffliction.AsweseefromIbnalQayyimsstatement,sabrisan
allinclusiveconceptthatgovernseverysingleoneofouractionsandfashionsitinawaythatis
mostpleasingtoAllah.Itisstoppingourselvesfromactinginwaysthatmaycomenaturallyin
certainsituations,especiallyindifficultmoments,butisdispleasingtoAllah.
Inreality,youcanevensaytherearetwotruecategoriesofpatience.Oneispatiencein
observingAllahscommandments.Soprayingyourprayersontimeandall5ofthemrequires
patienceandstayingawayfromfornicationrequirespatience.Youincludeobedienceand
disobedienceinthiscategory.ThesecondcategoryispatienceinthedivinedecreeofAllah:
fortunesandafflictions.Whensomebadthingshappentoyou,youjusthavetoacceptthem.
Whengoodthingshappen,youshowappreciationandthankfulness.Andforallofthesetypesof
patience,youwillhavetheangelscometoyouandAllahwillgiveyouJannah:
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QabeelatTayybah

...anditskeeperswillsayuntothem,Peacebeuponyou!Wellhaveyoudone:enter,then,
this[paradise],hereintoabide! (AzZumar39/73)

AndtheirRecompenseshallbeParadise,andsilkengarments,becausetheywere
patient.
(alInsaan75/12).
AndtheProphet(r)gaveusadviceofpatienceinnumerousahadeeth.
andhewhoremainspatient,Allahwillbestowpatienceuponhim(alBukhari)
UmmSalamah(t)said:IheardtheMessengerofAllah(r)say:
ThereisnoMuslimwhoisstrickenwithacalamityandsayswhatAllahhasenjoined
VerilytoAllahwebelonganduntoHimisourreturn.OAllah,rewardmeformyaffliction
andcompensatemewithsomethingbetter butAllahwillcompensatehimwithsomething
better(Muslim).
Suhayb(t)said:TheMessengerofAllah(r)said:
Howwonderfulistheaffairofthebeliever,forhisaffairsareallgood,andthisappliestono
onebutthebeliever.Ifsomethinggoodhappenstohim,heisthankfulforitandthatisgood
forhim.Ifsomethingbadhappenstohim,hebearsitwithpatienceandthatisgoodforhim
(Muslim).
Thefirstwaytoseekpatienceisinyourprayer.ReflectonNuh(u)andhisstory.He
spent950yearsingivingthemessageofIslamtothepeople.Herepeatedthesamestatements
dayandnightallaroundtheclock.Hetriedeverymethod,publicandprivate.Wealwayswant
the10minuteShahadahandwedo950secondsat themost.Wethinkthatifwedoajoband
dontgetaplaque,wehavebeenwronged.
TheProphetcomplimentedtheonewhointeractswithpeopleandfacesharmfromthem
overtheonewhodoesnotinteractwithpeople.Thisisduetohispatiencewhenhefacesevil
fromthepeople.LackofpatienceiswhatdestroysrelationshipsandleadstoWheredoyou
thinkyouregoing?Whatweneedinrelationshipswitheachotherismoreconnectionandmore
patience.
Verily,manwascreatedimpatientbyAllah,asHetellsusinSuratalMaarijandthena
fewverseslaterAllahsays,exceptforthosewhopray.Prayercalmsyoudownandgivesyou
patience.ThispatiencewillbeneededontheDayofJudgmentwhenyoustandinthehotnessof
thesunandwaitforAllah tojudge.Rememberwhatyouareherefor.Somepeoplereach
Muzdalifahandbecausetheydonthavepatience,theylosetheirHajj.Patienceissomethingthat
doesnotcomebutatthefirstmomentofpainorhardship.TheProphet(r)said:
"Verily,thepatienceisatthefirststrokeofacalamity (Bukhari).
106
QabeelatTayybah
AlGhaDab:FireFighters
CuresforAnger
Angerisanaturalemotionalreactionwheretherearephysiologicalchanges:increasedheart
rate,tensionandincreasedbloodpressure.Tohavethisqualityfrequentlyisnothealthyandso
thosewhogetangryoftenneedtoreallygethelp.Studiesfoundthatallothertechniquesfor
anger,intermsofexpressingyourselfinalternateways(punchingapillow),donothelpyouand
makeyoumoreviolent.Whenyoukeeppunchingabaganddonotseebloodorhearscreams,it
meansitisnotworking.Moresuccessfultechniquesarethosethatrelaxyou.Theessenceof
angeristhatyoulosecontrolofyourself.
1) Onehastobestronginternallyandshouldnotbeweak.Heshouldbuildhimselfup
islamically.
:

"
"
TheProphetsaid:Thestrongoneisnottheonewhoisphysicallypowerfulbutindeed,the
onewhocontrolshimselfwhenangry. (alBukhari)
Angerisnotwhatyouarelookingfortoshowtoyouropponent.Controllingangerhas
becomesomethingthatwedonotlookatasstrength.Strengthandcontrolisnotjustexpressing
yourselfthewayyoufeellikebutcontrollingyourself.
2) SayingIseekrefugeinAllahfromthecursedshaytan.
TheProphet(r)sawtwomenarguingandtheywerecursingeachother.Hesaid:
Iknowastatement,iftheyweretosayit,itwouldcalmthemdown. Herecited:I
seekrefugeinAllahfromtheaccursedShaytan. (alBukhari)
Oyouwhobelieve!Persevereinpatienceandconstancyvieinsuchperseverance
strengtheneachotherandfearAllah,thatyoumayprosper.(AleImraan3/200)
YouseekrefugeinAllahbecauseyouarevulnerable,foolishandapreyforShaytan.Anger
isastateinwhichhehasbettercontroloveryou.YoushouldseekrefugeinAllahandsayit
whenyoumeanitwithhumility.
3) Makingwudoo.
107
QabeelatTayybah
Justlikewaterextinguishesfire,wudoomakesapersoncalmwhenheisangry.Thisapplies
bothinternallyandexternally.Whenapersonbecomemad,heturnsredandbecomeshot,so
wudoocoolshim.Internally,wudoo helpsthepersoncalm down,asthewateris
extinguishingthedevil.Wudoo alsohelpsthepersongettingangrytaketheirmindoffthings
forafewminuteshence,makinghimcalmdown. ThereisaHadeethwheretheProphet(r)
said:Ifyoubecomeangry,makewuDoo.
4) Stayquiet.
TheProphet(r)said:Ifanyoneofyoubecomesangry,thenlethimstayquiet.
[Ahmad]
5) Changeonesphysicalsettings
Ifanyofyouaremadandstanding,thensitdown.Ifyouresitting,youshouldlay
down.
[AbuDawud]
Peopleusuallygetexcitedandshowitbystandingup.Sinceitisapositionthatexcitesyou,
relaxationistochangethatposition.Somepeoplesolvetheangerbyrunningawayfromthe
problemsanditdoesnthelp.
6) RememberanceofAllah
Allah(I)saysintheQuran:

Withoutadding,SopleaseAllah.AndcallyourLordtomindwhenyouforget,andsay,
IhopethatmyLordwillguidemeevercloser(even)thanthistotherightroad.(alKahf
18/24)
AccordingtoIkrima,forgettinginthisayahactuallymeansintimesofanger.
OnceMuawiyahhadhisservantgirldropfoodonhimbyaccidentandhebecameangry.
Sheremindedhimof(AleImraan3/134):Thosewhosuppresstheirangerandforgive
peopleandAllahlovesgooddoers.Sheremindedhimnottobeangryandalsoremindedhim
thatAllahlovesthosewhodogood.Sohelosthisangryandhedidgoodbyfreeingherfrom
slavery.
7) Remembertherewardforsomeonewhosuppresseshis/heranger.
8) Befriendthosethatarebetterthanyouinthisregard.
9) Leavethesettingoneisinwhenhebecomesangry.
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QabeelatTayybah
10) Knowtheeffectsofangerononeshealth.
Ifyouwanttochannelyouranger,askyourselftwoquestions:
1) Howwasitcaused?2)Howdidyouexpressit?
109
QabeelatTayybah
AlAdl
Meanings:
Justice
Equality
Fairness
Trust
Balanced
Whenitissaidadlila(,)thenitmeansheresortedtoandwhenyousayadlan
(,)thenitmeanshewentawayfromsomething.Linguistically,itmeanstodeliveryour
obligationandreceiveyourright,accordingtoIbnHazm.Youdeliverfirstandthenyoucan
take.Ithasmanysynonymslikeequality,fairness,trusted,balanced,unbiased,deliberationand
moderation.
Therearetwotypesofjustice:EqualityandEquity.Applicationofjusticeisrequired
withonesselfandtheothers.Theresjusticewiththosebelowyou(youngersiblings),those
aboveyou(boss,instructor)andpeopleequaltoyou(friends,siblings).Withrespecttothose
underyou,youshouldnotoverburdenthemandexpectthebestfromthem.Forthoseaboveyou,
youstayawayfromdisempoweringthemandtreatingthemunfairly.Forthoseequaltoyou,you
shouldhavemercyonthem,notbearroganttowardsthemandavoidharmingtheminanyway.
Islamcametosetlimitsandequalityforallofthem.
InSuratalHujuraat,AllahtellsusthatinHiseyes,everyoneisequalandnooneisbetter
thananyoneelseexceptbytheirGodconciousness.TheProphet(r)upheldjusticewitharich
womanwhowastryingtobesavedfromthelawbecauseofhernobility,bysayingthat,if
Fatimastole,Iwouldcutoffherhand.Wouldwedothesametoourlovedones?InSuratan
Nahl,Allahcommandsustobejust,evenifitmeansmakingatestimonyagainstourselves.The
Prophet(r)promisedstationsoflightontheDayofJudgmentforthosewhoupholdjustice.We
knowthatamancanbejustfor70yearsandbeunjustinhiswillandendupinhellfire,as
RasoolAllah(r)toldus.
AllahtellsusinSuratanNisatoobeyAllah,hisMessengerandthoseinauthority
amongstus.Unfortunately,weonlythinkofjusticetodaywhenitcomestogovernmentsand
rulers.TumraibnUbairastoleanarmorandbetrayedIslamandhewasprovenguiltybyaJew.
TheProphetsweresent,alongwiththebooks,toestablishjusticeamongstthepeople.Shaykhal
IslamIbnTaymiyyahsaid:AllahmayallowanonMuslimnationtobesuccessfuldueto
upholdingjustice...
110
QabeelatTayybah
On Oppression
ItsOPPOSITE:Dhulm
Thebestwaytounderstandaconceptistounderstanditsopposite.Whenyouwantto
knowhowdarkitis,thenlookatthelight.Thesameway,totrulyunderstandjusticerequiresus
tounderstandoppression.
AbuDhar(t)narratedthattheProphet(r)saidamongwhathenarratedfromAllah,
theMostHigh,thathehassaid:
Omyslaves,IhavemadeoppressionunlawfulformyselfandIhavemadeitunlawful
amongyou,sodonotoppressoneanother. (Muslim)
SoifAllahforbadeitforhimself,heforbadeitforusaswell.
IbnUmar(t)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(r)said:
OppressionwillturnintodarknessontheDayofResurrection.(alBukhariandMuslim)
Itwillbehardenough tocrossthebridgeontheDayofJudgmentasitwillbethinner
thanaswordbutimaginedarknessonitaswell.Weshouldbeafraidbecausethesupplicationof
theoppressedhasnoveilfrombeingacceptedbyAllah.Allah,onthatday,willestablishjustice
evenamongsttheanimals.TherewasastorytheShaykhtoldusaboutIbnJawziandhiskilling
ofants.IbnJawziregrettedthissomuchthathefeltitwouldgoagainsthimasoppression.
Jabir(t.)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(r)said:
Bewareofoppression,foroppressionwillturnintoexcessivedarknessontheDayof
Resurrectionandbewareofniggardliness,forniggardlinessdestroyedyourpredecessors.
(Muslim)
111
QabeelatTayybah
AdhDhulm
ThetermAdhDhulm,inArabic,meansoppression.
TheIslamicdefinitionofthewordismanifold.
Dhulmmeanstonotputsomethinginitsrightplace.Ithastypes.
Theyinclude:
a) Transgressingtheboundariesononeself.
b) Transgressingtheboundariesof others.
c) Claimingthatwhichdoesnotbelongtooneself.
d) Denyingotherstheirrights.
Bewareofniggardliness.
Niggardlinessistakingthatwhichdoesnotbelongtooneself.Thisreferstomaterialorphysical
objects.Consequently,niggardlinessisasubcategoryofoppression.Thisactwasareasonforthe
nationsbeforeustobedestroyed.
Therearemanyahadeethillustratingtheseriousnessandprohibitionagainstoppressingothers.
Youcanoppressyourselfwhenyoudontuseatoolforwhatitwascreatedfor.Allahsaysin
suratatTalaqthattheyhavewrongedtheirsouls.Youcanviolateothersboundaries,claim
thingsthatdontbelongtoyouanddenyothersrights.Bewareofniggardliness,andBukhlhas
aconnectionwithjusticebecausethepersonholdsbackwhatbelongstoothers.Zakat,for
example,isthepoorsrighttoyourmoney.Somepeopleovereat,othersstarveandothersdont
workouttheirbodies.Yourbodyhasarightonyou.
Soyoucan transgressyourownboundariesbynotusingthetalentsyouhaveforgood.We
spendourtimeknowingthenamesofallthefootballteamsanddonotknowthenamesofmore
importantpeople.Anexampleoftransgressingtheboundariesofothersiswhenyoudenyyour
husbandoryourwifetheirrights.Somepeopledothisbytwistingthereligioustextstotheirown
liking.Somewilltakeonehandslengthofthatwhichdoesnotbelongtothemanditwillcomein
theformofasnaketobitethemontheDayofJudgment.Otherstakeawaytherightsofcats,
dogsandeventheirneighbors.PeopleoppressedSaadibnAbiWaqqas(t)andhemadeduaa
againstthemandtheysufferedfortherestoftheirlives.Wehaveseensomepeopleoppress
othersinthemosquesandsoontheyarekickedout.
TheProphet(r)said:
Therewasonceawomanwhooppressedacat,andbecauseofthat,shewasmadetoenter
hellfire.Conversely,therewasaprostitutewhowasverythirsty.Shesawawellanddescended
inordertofetchherselfsomewater.Onherwayup,shenoticedathirstydog.Soshetookoff
hershoeandfilleditupwithwatertogivetothedog,soasnottooppressit.Becauseofher
kindness,Allahgrantedherparadise.
(alBukhari)
112
QabeelatTayybah
TheProphet(r)relatedtherewasawomanwhowasverypiousandaworshipper,butshe
oppressedherneighbors.Shewasdoomedtohellbecauseofheroppressivebehaviorand
actions.
DuaaoftheOppressed:
Allahpromisestoanswertheduaaofanoppressedperson.TheProphet(r)said:
Beafraidofthecurseofanoppressedpersonasthereisnoscreenbetweenhisinvocation
andAllah. (alBukhari)
Types of Oppression
I. Oppressingoneself:
Apersonoppresseshimselfwhen:
a) Hecommitsshirk.
Allahsays:

Shirkisthebiggestofalloppressions.[Luqman31/13]
Shirkisconsideredoppressionfortworeasons.First,becauseapersonwhoassociateswith
Allahisdoomedtohell.Secondly,oneofthedefinitionsofshirkisplacingsomethingwhere
itdoesntbelong.Whenapersoncommitsshirk,heisessentiallyplacingtheworshipof
Allahwhereitdoesntbelong.WorshipisknownonlytoAllah,andnoother.
b) Hecommitssins.
AllahsaysintheQuran:

andWhoevertransgressestheboundariesofAllah,hehasoppressedhimself.
[atTalaaq65/1]
II. Oppressingothers:
a) Thisincludesintermsofwealth,honororphysicalbeing.Whenonestealsfromanother,
forexample,hehasoppressedthatperson.
b) ShaykhalIslamIbnTaymiyyahsaid:Allahwillpreserveajustcountryevenifit
disbelieving,andwilldoomacountrythatisoppressiveevenifitisMuslim.
The Ways to Eliminate Oppression:

Therearemanythingsonecandoinordertoeliminateoppression:
1. Ordainingthegoodandforbiddingtheevil.
113
QabeelatTayybah
InaHadeeth:
Givevictorytoyourbrotherwhetherheistheoppressedortheoppressor.The
Sahabahasked,OAllahsapostle,itisallrighttohelphimifheisoppressed,buthow
shouldwehelphimifheisanoppressor?TheProphetsaid,Bypreventinghimfrom
oppressingothers.(AlBukhari)
2. Notsidingwiththeoppressor.
Evenifitisyourcloserelativeorbestfriend.
3. Abandoningonewhooppresses.
4. TurningtoAllah andmakingduaaforhishelp.
Interventioncomeswhenourpartisfulfilled.Sowhenwedontwanttobehurt,we
shouldfulfillourpart.WhenMusa(u.)tookBaniIsraeelawayfromFirawn,then
Allahsenthimhishelp.WhenNuh(u.)gaveDawah,thenAllahshelpcame.
IfyousupportAllah,hewillsupportyouandmakefirmyourfeet.
[Muhammad47/7]
114
QabeelatTayybah
ArRahmah
Weliveinaworldthatismerciless.WhatisRahmah?
Compassion
Gentleness
Tenderness
Love
ProphetEesawasNOT:
Arrogant
Harsh
Unpleasant
ItismentionedintheQuranthatEesaisspeakingtohispeople:
$|)x #Y$7y_ _=ygs Ns9ur At$!uq/ #Ct/ur

Allahsays:"AnddutifultoMymother,andmadeMenotarrogant,unblest.
[alQuran:19:32]
ProphetsweresentasanactofMercyfromAllah,especiallyMuhammadr.
N6n=t ym OGYt $tB mn=t t N6Rr& ìB ^qu N2u!%y` s)s9

Om $ru ZBsJ9$$/
Verily,therehascomeuntoYouaMessenger(Muhammad)fromamongstyourselves
(i.e.whomYouknowwell).itgrievesHimthatYoushouldreceiveanyinjuryor
difficulty.He(Muhammad)isanxiousoverYou(toberightlyguided,torepentto
Allh,andbegHimtoPardonandforgiveYoursins,InorderthatYoumayenter
ParadiseandbesavedfromthepunishmentoftheHellfire),forthebelievers(Heis)
fullofpity,kind,andMerciful.[alQuran:10:128]
Rahmaisanessentialqualityofabelieverthatshouldalwaysbepartofhischaracter.
115
QabeelatTayybah
WhenMuhammadrssonIbrahimdiedandhebegancrying,hewasaskedwhy[hewas
crying]?Hereplied:AllahhasputMercyandCompassionintheheartsofhisservants!
Remember,thishasnothingtodowithbeingreligious!ItisinthenatureofIslamitself,of
arRahmah.
TheMessengerofAllahrsaid:Thereligioniseasyandwhosoeverwilldealwith
religionharshly,itwilldefeathim.Sobestraight,followthemiddlecourse,givegood
newsandmakeuseofthemorning,theeveningorpartofthenight(inprayerand
rememberingAllah).[alBukhari]
ThosewhoareharshwithinIslam,itwilldefeatthem!Donotthinkextremisminthissense
ispraiseworthyorofbenefittothedeen.Theoppositeof arRahmahisharshnessand
hatred.
IslamisaDeenofRahmah! Allahdidnotburdenuswithmorethanwecanfollow.Look
attheJewishfaithandtheirSabbath(oncethesunsetsonThursdayuntilthesunsetofFriday
oneisNOTallowedtodoanything).ComparethistotheJumuahofMuslims,Allahsays
respondto thecall(ofFridayprayer)andattendtheSalaah,thenspreadoverthelandand
seekHissustenance:
b) N39 yz N39s 4 yt79$# (#rsur !$# . 4n<) (#qy$$s pyJf9$# Qqt `B o4qn==9 qR #s) (#qZtB#u t%!$# $pkr't
/3=y9 #ZWx. !$# (#r.$#ur !$# @s `B (#qtG/$#ur F{$# (#rtFR$$s o4qn=9$# Mu% #s*s tbqJn=s? OGY.
tbqs=?
OYouwhobelieve(Muslims)!whenthecallisproclaimedfortheSalt(prayer)onthe
DayofFriday(Jumu'ahprayer),cometotheremembranceofAllh[Jumu'ahreligious
talk(Khutbah)andSalt(prayer)]andleaveoffbusiness(andEveryotherthing),thatis
betterforYouifYoudidbutknow!Thenwhenthe(Jumu'ah)Salt(prayer)isfinished,
Youmaydispersethroughtheland,andseektheBountyofAllh(byworking,etc.),and
RememberAllhmuch,thatYoumaybesuccessful.[alQuran:62:910]
TheRahmahIslamhasgiventoMuslimsincludeseventheconcessions,suchasthosewhile
traveling:
Wipeoveryoursocks
Shortenyourprayers
Combineprayers
116
QabeelatTayybah
# 9$# ytB b*s
SoVerily,withthehardship,thereisrelief[alQuran:94:5]
Showaffectiontochildren.Oncetheleaderofatribeclaimedpickinguponeschildrenand
kissingthemwasnotmanly.TheProphetrrepliedtothisstatement:WhatcanIdofora
manwhomAllahhasdeprivedhimofHisMercy?
Muhammadrinsajdahhadsmallchildrenclimbuponhisback.Muhammadr
prolongedhissujoodforthesakeofthesechildrenspleasure.Heexplainedafterwardsthat
hedidnotwanttospoilthechildrensfunfortheythoughthewasacamel.Whenachildlost
abird,he reventhengavehiscondolences.
Muhammadrsaid,Allahwillnotbemercifultothosewhoarenotmercifulto
mankind.[alBukhari]
TheMessengerofAllah rsaid:Thereligioniseasyandwhosoeverwilldealwith
religionharshly,itwilldefeathim.Sobestraight,followthemiddlecourse,givegood
newsandmakeuseofthemorning,theeveningorpartofthenight(inprayerand
rememberingAllah).[alBukhari]
TheMessengerofAllah rsaid:Thebestofyouarethosewhoarebesttotheirfamilies,
andIamthebestofyoutomyfamily.[SahihatTirmidhi]
`dq=s? wur ( $\dx. u!$|iY9$# (#qOs? br& N3s9 @ts w (#qYtB#u z`%!$# $ygr't
OYouwhobelieve!Youareforbiddentoinheritwomenagainsttheirwill,andYou
shouldnottreatthemwithharshness..[alQuran:4:19]
Itissadthatsomemenshowharshnessandextrememasculinityinfrontoftheirwomen.A
malecannottakeafemalesearningsagainstherwill.
ItissaidthatacertainmancomplainedtotheProphetraboutthehardnessofhisown
heart,andtheProphetr replied,Stroketheheadofanorphan,andgivehimsomethingto
eat.ThesamecomplaintwasoncemadetoAbuDawud,whosaid,Visitthesick,goto
funerals,andvisittombs.
117
QabeelatTayybah
IbnUmar t narratedthattheProphetr said:Awomanenteredthe(Hell)Fire

becauseofacatwhichshehadtied,neithergivingitfoodorsettingitfreetoeatfromthe
verminoftheearth.[alBukhari]
Narratedby'Aishat:TheJewsusedtogreettheProphetr bysaying,"AsSamu
'Alaika(i.e.,deathbeuponyou),soIunderstoodwhattheysaid,andIsaidtothem,"As
Samu'alaikumwalla'na(i.e.DeathandAllah'sCursebeuponyou)."TheProphetr
said,"Begentleandcalm,O'Aisha,asAllahlikesgentlenessinallaffairs."Isaid,"O
Allah'sProphet!Didn'tyouhearwhattheysaid?"Hesaid,"Didn'tyouhearme
answeringthembackbysaying,'Alaikum(i.e.,thesamebeuponyou)?"[alBukhari]
Muhammad rsaid:Showgentleness,forifgentlenessisfoundin anything,itbeautifies
itandwhenitistakenoutfromanythingitdamagesit.[AbuDawood]
Muhammadrcalmedherdownandexplainedthattendernessandgentlenesswhenadded
tosomething,adornsit.Iftakenaway,ittakesawaythecharm.Ifyoucanestablisha
changeviapeacefulmeans,thenyoucannotdosowithviolentmeans.
NaratedByAbuHurairaht:IheardAllah'sApostle saying,AllahdividedMercy
intoonehundredpartsandHekeptitsninetyninepartswithHimandsentdownitsone
partontheearth,andbecauseofthat,itsonesinglepart,HiscreationsareMercifulto
eachother,sothateventhemareliftsupitshoofsawayfromitsbabyanimal,lestitshould
trampleonit."[alBukhari]
UmaribnAlKhattab tsaid:SomecaptiveswerebroughttotheMessengerofAllah
andtherewasawomanamongthemwhosebreastswerefullofmilk.Suddenly,this
womansawaninfantinthemidstofthecaptives.Shetookholdofit,broughtitintoher
bosom,andstartednursingit.TheProphetthentoldtheCompanions,"Doyouthinkthat
thiswomanwouldthrowherchildinthefire?"Wesaid,"No,ByAllahshewouldnot,if
sheisablenotto."Hethensaid,"AllahtheExaltedismoremercifulwithHisslavethan
thiswomanwithherchild."(alBukhari)
118
QabeelatTayybah
AlHaya
WhatisalHaya? Itisoftentranslatedasmodesty.SomeothermeaningsofHayamay
include:
Bashfulness
Shyness
Decency
Shamefulness
Reservedness
Humility
Nobility
Howimportantisit?
ItisanessentialtraitanditisactuallythecompanionofEman.
Whattypeofcorrelationistherewiththislastpoint?
IfonehasHaya,thenonehasEman.HayaisanindicationofapersonsEman.Theture
essenceofHayaiswhatisdemonstratedwithAllah.
Itistendencyofthesoultorefrainfromvices
Itinspiresonetoavoidvicesandstayawayfromevilpractices
Bysomescholarsitisreferedtoasasenseofdecency
ItisoneofthequalitiesofAllah
WearetalkingaboutHayawithahamzaattheendoftheword.Donotconfusethiswiththe
wordHayaat thisreferstoliving.Thereisahugedifferencebetweenthetwo.Although
therearedifferencesbetweenthetwowords,thereisstillarelationshipbetweenthetwo.The
wordhaya'isderivedfromtheword"alhayah",whichmeanslife,asifthepersonwhohasno
haya'(modesty)islikeonewhoisdead.
TherearetwotypesofHaya:
1. Natural Whatmostpeoplehaveandwhytheygetirritatedby(i.e.nudity evenyoung
childrenhateit,unlesstheirfitrahisadulterated).
2. AcquiredAtypethatbasicallyonegetswithlearning(i.e.finemanners)
BoundariesofHayaiswhattheShariahhasoutlined
Muhammad rsaid:"EveryreligionhasadistinctmoralcallandthemoralcallofIslamis
haya."[alBayhaqi]
119
QabeelatTayybah
NaratedByAbuHurairat:TheProphetrsaid,"Faith(Belief)consistsofmorethansixty
branches(i.e.parts).AndHaya(Thisterm"Haya"coversalargenumberofconceptswhich
aretobetakentogetheramongstthemareselfrespect,modesty,bashfulness,andscruple,
etc.)isapartoffaith."[alBukhari]
AbuMasudUqbahibnAamralAnsaarialBadi t narratedthattheMessengerofAllah
r said,Fromthewordsofthepreviousprophetsthatpeoplestillfindare:Ifyoufeelno
shame,thendoasyouwish.[alBukhari]
LackofHayacanresultinallkindsofstrangeplacesandevilvices
IbnMasudtnarratedthattheMessengerofAllahrsaid:Atruebelieverisnotinvolved
intaunting,orfrequentlycursing(others)orinindecencyorabusing.(AtTirmidhi)
ThisiswhathappenswhenapersonislackingHaya.Theyusebadlanguage.Imaginethis
beingwritteninyourrecords.Allahhearsit.Thus,onewithHayarefrainsfromdoingsucha
thing.
AbuSaidAlKhudritnarratedthattheMessengerofAllahr said,Amanmustnotlook
atamansprivatepartsnormustawomanlookatawomansprivatepartsneithershould
twomenlienakedunderonecover,norshouldtwowomenlienakedunderthesamecover.
(Muslim).
NudityandPornographyviolatesandKILLSHaya.MayAllahhelpuslowerourgazesand
protectourprivateparts:
tbqoYt $yJ/ 77yz !$# b) 3 Nlm; 4s1r& y79s 4 Ogy_r (#qxtsur Md|/r& `B (#qt ZBsJ=j9 @%
Tellthebelievingmentolowertheirgaze(fromlookingatforbiddenthings),andprotect
theirprivateparts(fromillegalsexualacts,etc.).thatispurerforthem.Verily,Allhis
AllAwareofwhattheydo.[alQuran:24:30]
AbuMasudUqbahibnAamralAnsaarialBadritnarratedthattheMessengerofAllah
rsaid,Fromthewordsofthepreviousprophetsthatpeoplestillfindare:Ifyoufeelno
shame,thendoasyouwish.[alBukhari]
1. Allahsays:
120
QabeelatTayybah
t =tG3s9 mR)ur ( Ndu!%y` $Js9 .e%!$$/ (#rxx. t%!$# b)
Verily,thosewhodisbelievedIntheReminder(i.e.theQur'n)whenitcametothem
(shallreceivethepunishment).andVerily,itisanhonourablerespectedBook(because
itisAllh'sspeech,andHehasprotecteditfromcorruption,etc.).[alQuran40:41]
Apersonwillgazeorseeascenethatisinappropriate. Hayacandiesecondaryto
desensitization.Ittakesplaceonadailybasis,evensittinginfrontofyourcomputercan
havethiseffectwithallthecommercialsandpopupsonesees.Therefore,tokeepitalive,
rememberthatAllahisalwayswatching.ThefearofAllahisthebestwaytosafegaurdyour
Haya.
2. Eventhoughimmodestyiscommoninthispartoftheworldwherewelive,rejectthat
whichbringsshametoyourheart.
3. SeekforgivenessfromAllah
Muhammadrtalksaboutwhatpeopledoaftercommittingasin publicizingsins.Included
arethosewhomAllahconcealstheirsinsatnightbutthepersonrevealsitintheday:
TheProphet rsaid,AllofmyNationareapttobeforgivenexceptforthosewhocommit
sinsopenly.Includedamongthosewhocommitsinsopenlyiswhereapersonperformsadeed
duringthenightandalthoughAllahhadconcealedthatsin,inthemorninghesayOsoand
so,lastnightIdidsuchandsuch.HespentthenightbeingconcealedbyAllahandinthe
morningheuncoveredAllahsconcealmentfromhimself.[alBukhari]
Braggingaboutsins,behaviors,etc.,damagesHayaandcausesonetoloseHayaalltogether.
UmaribnalKhattaab tsaid:Ifapersonhaslittlehayaa,hewillhavelittlewaraa(fearof
AllahandfeelingofHispresence,cautioning),Andtheonewhohaslittlewaraa,hisheart
hasdied.[alMuqaddam]
Waraa=referstoavoidinganythingsuspiciousordoubtful
HayaandEmanarecompanionsaccordingtoMuhammad(peacebeuponhim):
TheProphet rsaid:HayaandImaanaretwocompanionsthatgotogether.Ifoneofthem
islifted,theotherisalsolifted.[alHaakim]
TheProphet rsaid:AlHayais[anessential]partofImaan.[alMuslim]
TheMessengerofAllahrsaid:HayaispartofImaanandImaanisinparadise.Lewdness
ispartofhardnessofheartandhardnessofheartisinthefire.[atTirmidhi]
121
QabeelatTayybah
HowdoesoneacquireHaya?
Usethe5steps
1. TrainingProcess(Purification)processof Tarbiyah&Tazkiyah:seekingilm
(knowledge)
2. RoleModel havingamentor(i.e.localImam)someonetogoto,learngoodfromand
avoidbad
3. Companionship tobeinthecompanyofthoseknowntobebashful,whopossess
Haya
4. Environment tobeinanenvironmentthatpromotesHayamaintaining/preserving
Hayaisveryimportant.EveninouralMaghribevents,oneshouldpreserveHayaas
muchaspossible.Avoidunnecessaryinteractionwiththeoppositesex. TheQuran
says:
( #oTh9$# (#q/t)s?
Wx6y u!$yur Zptss tb%x. mR)
Andcomenotneartotheunlawfulsexualintercourse.Verily,itisaFhishah[i.e.
anythingthattransgressesitslimits(agreatsin)],andanevilWay(thatleadsonetoHell
unlessAllhforgivesHim).[alQuran17:32]
Studiesshowhowunnecessaryinteractionsandviolationof Adaableadtopeopledeveloping
emotionalattachmentsandextramaritalrelationships:
(1)Avoidunnecessarybodilycontactandemails
rd
(2)AvoidbeingaloneinaroomforShaytanisthe3 person
(3)Besensitivetonotbeingaloneinanelevator
rd
(4)Ifyouneedtointeract,havea3 personpresentorsendacc:oftheemailto
someoneelse.
(5)Avoidlatenightconversations
5. Dua. NeverunderestimatethepowerofaskingAllah.Thisvirtuecanbeattainedby
askingAllahforitandstivingtohavethisvirtueforthesakeofAllah.Duaistheweapon
ofthebelieverandthebelievershouldtaketheutmostadvantageofit.
Question:Privatepartsinthesecondhadithonpage47ofthecoursebook,doesitapplyto
husbandandwife?
122
QabeelatTayybah
Thereisadebateonthisissueamongthescholars.TherehastobeHayaespecially
beforetheirownchildren.AccordingtoShaykhUthaymeen,thestrongeropinionisthat
husbandandwifecanseeoneanother:
Bq=tB x NkX*s Nk]yJr& Ms3n=tB $tB rr& Ng_urr& #n?t w) tbqym Ng_r9 Nd t%!$#ur
AndthosewhoGuardtheirchastity(i.e.privateparts,fromillegalsexual acts).
Exceptfromtheirwivesor(thecaptivesandslaves)thattheirRighthandspossess,
forthen,theyarefreefromblame.[alQuran23:56]
Thereisnolimitforhusbandtoseewifeorviceversa.Avoidlookingatsomeonenot
relatedtoyouwith astare.Guardyourmodestywithyourhearts!
123
QabeelatTayybah
A tT a w a D u
Meanings:
Humbleness
Humility
Meekness
Humility
Modesty
Lowliness
Wheredoesitcomefrom?
Itcomesfrom:wadhadayn toputdownlowerreducetoputinaproperplace.
Thereisadifferencebetweenhumilityandhumiliation.Thesetwotermsarenotthesame.
Islampromoteshumility.
Itisthecureandawayoutofitsopposite:arrogancethemostdestructiveviceandrootof all
evil.Arrogancecomprisesof:
Vanity
Pride
LeadcauseofPrideandKibr
ThemosthatedviceisPride.Anyonewiththesmallestparticleofprideinonesheartwillnot
enterParadise:
IbnMasud(t) narratedthattheProphet(e)said:Whoeverhasanatomofprideinhis
heartwillnotenterParadise.Thenoneofhiscompanionsasked,Whatdoyousayabout
someonewholikestodressinfineclothes?andheanswered,Allahisbeautifulandlikes
thatwhichisbeautiful.Arroganceistodenyrealityandtoconsiderothersbeneathoneself.
(Muslim)
ThebestwayofaddressingTawaaduisbylookingatitsopposite.TheSahaabahaskedRasool
(e)regardingKibranditsrelationshiptoonewhodresseswithfineclothes(abovehadeeth).
Hisresponsewas:Allahisbeautifulandlikesthosewhobeautifythemselves. When wetalk
aboutkibr,Rasool(e)defineskibr(arrogance)as:
(1)Todenyreality rejecttruthandwellestablishedfacts.
(2)ToconsiderothersbeneathoneselftolookdownuponothersYouthinkthatyourrace
andcultureissuperiortoothers.Toputothersbelowyou.
124
QabeelatTayybah
ThesetwoqualitiesreflectalackofTawaadu.
ReportedbySawban(t),he(e)said,Abelieverwhodiesfreeofdebt,treacheryand
arroganceentersParadise.(AtTirmidhi)
Humility requiresalotofcourage, strengthandselfconfidence.Peoplewithhumilityaremuch
strongerthanthosewhodisplaytheirstrengthinanarrogantway.Thefollowinghadeethbelow
showshowtheSahaabahunderstoodthelessonwellregardinghumilityandhumbleness:
Abdullahibn Salam(t)wasseeninthemarketplacewithaheavyloadofwoodonhisback.
Someonesaidtohim,Whatmakesyoudothis?Allah(I )hasfreedyoufromdoingsuch
chores.IbnSalamanswered,Iwishedtoridmyselfofallsignsofpridewiththisas Iheard
theMessengerofAllah(e)say,Theonewhohasprideinhisheartevenaslittleasa
mustardseedwillnotenterparadise.(AtTabaarani)
Herearesymptomsyouneedtomonitor:
Thewayyoucarryyourself(i.e.walk,talk).Avoidthosewaysthatborderonarrogance.
Thewayyoulikeotherstoperceiveyou.
Yourbehavior.
AbuHurayrah(t)narratedthattheMessengerofAllah(e)said:Therearethreekinds
ofpeopleAllahMostHighwillnotaddressnorwillHeforgiveontheLastDayofJudgment.
Theyaretheadulterers,lyingrulers[i.e.governor,president],andarrogantpoor. (Muslim)
Withrespecttolyingrulers,thisisespecially ifitleadstoproblemsforthepeopletheyare
responsiblefor.Apoorneedypersonwhoactsarrogantlyreflectsaserioustypeofarrogance
forsuchpeoplearenotdeceivedbyanything.
AbuHurayrahnarratedthatRasool(e )saidthatAllahstated[HadithQudsi]:Prideismy
cloak(garment)andHonorismyuppergarment(Ridaa)andmyIzarismylowergarment.
ItisonlyAllahwhohastherightandultimatepridebecauseonlyHeisperfect.Whoeverelse
showsthis,IwillcasthimintheHellfire. (AbuDawud)
Loweringonesgarmentbelowonesankleisasignofarrogance.Remember,thepeopleof
Jannaharethosewhoarehumble.
Inanotherhadeeth,Rasool(e)talkedaboutamanwhowaswalkingwitharroganceandwas
punishedbyAllahbybeingmadetosinkintheearthuntiltheDayofJudgment.
Onelastthought: Onecannotbeproudorseekcreditforthatwhichtheyhavenothingtodo
with:
Family
125
QabeelatTayybah
Beauty
Wealth
Status
Race
Itcausesonetohaveprejudiceforothers.Allahgavethosethingstoustoappreciateandnotbe
arrogantasaresultofthosequalities.PeopleofJannahwillhaveprideoncetheyenterJannah.
Nooneshouldbeproudoftheirlooksastheyhadnothingtodowithit. Whateverwetakeasthe
basisofourpridecanbetakenawayfromusandmakeuslikethosewelookdownupon.
rd
UmaribnKhattab (t),whenhebecameakhalifah,spoketohimselfinthe3 personabout
beingashepherdandsoforth.Hedegradedhimself.Thefollowinghadeethstateswhy:
DuringhisKhalifah,UmaribnKhattab(t )wasmarchinguponDamascuswithhisarmy.
AbuUbaydahibnalJarrah(t) waswithhim.Theycameuponasmalllake.Umar(t)
descendedfromhiscamel,tookoffhisshoes,tiedthemtogether,andhungthemonhis
shoulder.Hetookthehalterofhiscamelandtogethertheyenteredthewater.Seeingthisin
frontofthearmy,AbuUbaydah(t )said,OhtheCommanderofthebelievers,howcan
youbesohumbleinfrontofallyourmen?Umaranswered,Woetoyou,AbuUbaydah!
Ifonlyanyoneelseotherthanyouthoughtthisway!Thoughtslikethiswillcausethe
downfalloftheMuslims.Dontyousee,wewereindeedaverylowlypeople.Allahraisedus
tohonorandgreatnessthroughIslam.IfweforgetwhoweareandwishotherthanIslam,
whichelevatedus,theOnewhoraisedus,surelywilldebaseus.
Both HayaandTawaaDucanturnintoanegativetrait(i.e.Hayainseekingknowledgeitis
awrongapplicationtypeofHaya tobeashamedtoaskbecauseyouaretooshy.)
Themostimportantpeopletowhomyoushouldshowhumilitywithisyourparents.Whoisan
arrogantperson?

IshallturnawayfromMyAyatthosewhobehavearrogantlyontheearth,withoutaright,
and(even)iftheyseealltheAyat,theywillnotbelieveinthem.Andiftheyseethewayof
righteousness,theywillnotadoptitastheway,butiftheyseethewayoferror,theywill
adoptthatway,thatisbecausetheyhaverejectedOurAyatandwereheedlessofthem.)
[alAraf7:146]

ButthosewhorejectOurAyatandtreatthemwitharrogance,theyarethedwellersofthe
Fire,theywillabidethereinforever [AleImraan3:10]
126
QabeelatTayybah
ItsapartofarrogancewhereamanrejectsanactionthattheProphet(e)usedtodohimself
IbnalJawzee
TawaDuistheoppositeof Kibr.
RecommendedbooksbyShaykhFaqihinclude:
InPursuitofVirtueIbnHazmalAndalusi
GoodAkhlaaqUnknown
MannersoftheMuslim Unknown
PurificationoftheHeartby HumzaYusuf.
PurificationoftheSoul byJamaludDeenAzZarabozo
127
QabeelatTayybah
ChangingHabits
AndAcquiringGoodQualities
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
DailyActivitiesToHelpChangeHabits
Ishouldchange,butIvetriedandfailed.Doesthissoundfamiliar?Belowisastrategyand
focusondailyactivitiestohelpyouchangeandeliminatebadhabits.
ItTakes21DaysToBreakABadHabit
Tobeginwith,chooseoneunhealthyhabityouwishtoeliminateorchange.Or,choosea
healthyhabityouwanttoadoptaspartofyourbehavior.
Helpful Suggestions
21-Day Program
Habitisattheintersectionof3things.
Yourtargetdatehasarrived.Itisthefirstdayofyour21daycycle.Herearesomehelpful
suggestionsforhabitchange:
1. GoalsandobjectivesGoalmustbeveryspecific:
S Smart
MMeasurable
AAchievable
RRealistic
TTimeoriented
Includeniyyahinallofthisobjective/goal
2.
3.
4.
5.
Reasonsforchangingoreliminatingyourhabit
Substituteroutines
Selftalk
Helpersforsupportestablishasupportsystem.Youwillneedtwotypesofpeople:
Onethatmotivates/inspiresyou:yourwife
Onethatpressures/teasesyou
128
QabeelatTayybah
6. Defensemechanismsyouwillbechallenged.Protectyourplan.Motivationisgoingto
decline.
SustainingMotivation
Knowthatyouarecapableofachievingyourgoal.
Thefollowingaresomesuggestionstofolloweachdayinordertosustainmotivationand
determination:
1. Reviewyourlistforquittingorchanging
2. Creatementalpicturesofyourselfashavingalreadysucceededwithyourhabitchange.
Think:Howsmylifegoingtobeinthefuture?Howmuchmorefulfilling?
3. Makeaffirmations,postiveselfstatementsaboutyourhabitchange.Forexample,Iam
filledwithsomuchhealthandvitalitynowthatIexercisefourtimesaweek.
4. Rewardyourself.Makeupalistofselfrewards.Rewardyourselfverbally.Say:IfIcan
stayontrackfortendays,Illtreatmyselftothisorthat.
5. Remembertotakeonedayatatime.Ifyoudobackslide,dontlabelyourselfashaving
failed.Getoutyourlistorreasonsforquittingorchangingandbeginagain.Ifyoufail,
donotsay:Imafailure.Thisisntgonnawork.WhowasIkidding?STARTAGAIN
fromthebeginningnowyoullbefurthermotivatedtosucceed,inshaÀllah.
Overcoming Challenges
Fatigue,boredom,depression,stresscanallmakeitdifficulttostickwithyourprogram.
Havingarelapseisntasimportantashowyoudealwiththerelapse.
Ifyouaresodevastatedbyfailurethatyoucallyourgoodintentionsintoquestion,that
willmakehabitchangeharderforyou.
Ifyouallowforanoccasionalrelapseandtreatitasnothingmorethanaslightmisstep
thatteachesyousomething,thenyoureontherighttrack.
NOTE:Nopain,Nogain.Obstaclesarethingsweseewhenwegetoureyesoffthetarget.
Alwaysaimhigh.LookatByronSmithauthorofHighlySuccessfulPeople.
129
QabeelatTayybah
Change
Nothing is Permanent,except Change
130
QabeelatTayybah
Appendix A
Articles
Mentioned by the
Shaykh
131
QabeelatTayybah
QuranicIlluminationonthePhenomenonofSexualDeviance
ManarAsSabeelIssue11,p.4DhulQi'dah1413H. May1993
Dr.JaafarSheikhIdris
TherallythatwasheldinWashingtonD.C.indefenseofsexualdevianceraisedanargument
amongpeoplewithregardstothenatureofthisphenomenonanditssignificance.Ihave
thereforethoughtitpropertopresenttheQur'aanicanswerstotheMuslimreadertosomeofthe
questions,uncertainties,andclaimswhichthedemonstratorsraisedregardingthisphenomenon.
1.Theperpetratorsofthisshamelessnesssaythatwhattheyareseekingisanewthingthatwas
notknownindifferentsocietiesinthepast,becauseitwasdisapprovedof.Theyclaimthatsuch
disapprovalisnotrightforsocieties(likeWesternsociety)thathavemadegreatstridesin
progresstowarddemocraticfreedomandthecareforhumanrights.Butweknowfromthebook
ofourLordthatitisnotanewthingastheyclaimallthattheyareseekingtodaywassoughtfor
andcarriedoutbythepeopleofLot,asweshallshow.TheQur'aanteachesusthatresemblances
inpersonalconditionsresultinresemblancesinwordsanddeedsnationsresembleeachother
despitethedifferenceintime.
"Sosaidthepeoplebeforethemwordsofsimilarimport.Theirheartsarealike."{AlBaqarah,
118
2.Theyclaimthattheirdeviantinclinationissomethingtheywerebornwithintheirgenetics
andnature justassomepeoplewerebornwithaninclinationtotheothersex,theywereborn
withaninclinationtotheirown.ButtheQur'aandeniesthiswhenittellsusthatthepeopleof
Lotwerethefirsttostartthisshamelessness.
"Soyoucommitlewdnesssuchasnopeopleincreationevercommittedbeforeyou?Foryou
practiceyourlustson meninpreferencetowomen:youareindeedapeopletransgressing
beyondbounds." {AlAraf,8081
Weretheirstatementanaturalone,someearlierpeoplewouldhavebeenbornwithit,some
humanindividualsatleast.Ifitwereanaturalthing,whywouldAllahhavecondemnedthe
practiceofit?Andevenifthebasisofitwereanaturalinclination,theycouldnotpossiblyclaim
thatpracticingitopenlyisanaturalstateofaffairs.Becausetheheterosexualinclinationisa
naturalstate.Practicingsexualactivityopenly,evenwithonesspouse,isnotanaturalaffair.
3.Justasthesedeviantstodaywanttocomeoutofthestageofconcealmentintothestageof
openness,sodidthepeopleofLot:"Indeedyouapproachmen,andobstructtheroad[i.e.
commithighwayrobberyandactsofaggressionagainsttravelers]?Andpracticewickedness
[even]inyourcouncils?"{AlAnkabut,29
Whatthepeopleofthisinclinationareseekingisnottobecompelledbysocietytoconceal
themselves,despitetheiropenlyswervingawayfromthestraightway.Likewise,theyseektoget
whatotherpeopleinthesocietyhave,suchastherightofmarriage,respect,andemploymentin
132
QabeelatTayybah
allsectorsofthestate,whethermilitary,political,educational,anddiplomatic.
Why,theysay,areyouintrudingintowhatIdoinmybedroom?Whatisthedifferenceifa
persondoesthiswithsomeoneofthesametype,whethermanorwoman,orwiththeothertype?
Itismerelyahereditaryaffliction.
However,thefactisthattheyarenotsimplyseekingtodowhattheydoprivately,intheir
bedrooms.For,iftheydoitprivately,amatterneedsnopermissionfromcontemporaryWestern
societies.Itisnotcountedasacrimewhenitisconsentedtobybothparties.Whattheyare
seekingnowisreallytherighttoproclaimopenlythattheyareofthistype,andthatsocietydoes
notopposetheirpublicbehaviorwhichindicatesthattheyareonthisdeviation,justasitdoesnot
opposebehaviorthatshowsonetobe"straight."
Isay"straight"inquotationmarksbecausethepublicizingofsomesexualacts,evenbetween
menandwomen,evenbetweenmarriedpeople,isnotcustomaryforstraightpeople,thoughit
hasbecomecustomaryinWesternsocieties.
Theopenpracticeofvicesisworsethanconcealingthem,becauseitoffendsstraightpeopleand
temptstheweakonesamongthemtocommitwhatthesedeviantsaredoingopenly.
4.ButthestateofthepeopleofLot asourLordhastoldthestory showsthateventhisopen
publicizingisnottheendofthepathitisonlythefirststagefollowedby whennooneexists
topreventthem thestageofsupremacy.
Whenthedeviantsarepredominantinthesociety,therighteouspeoplebecomeconstrained
becausetheyhavetosharethedwellingspaceinthesametown."Andhispeoplegaveno
answerbutthis:Drivethemoutofthiscity:theseareindeedmenwhowanttobecleanand
pure!"{AlAraf,82
5.Yettheygofurtherthanthis:theywillhelpeachothertoforcerighteouspeopletocommit
theseviceswiththem,iftheyareable.Thus,AllahsMessengerLot(peacebeuponhim)was
worried,whentheangelsintheformofhandsomefacedmencametohim.Heknewwhatwould
happentothemwiththosepeople,whothoughttheguestswerereallymen.Sotherecameabout
whathehaddreaded,thepeoplecamerushingandpanting.Lotproposedmarryinghisdaughters
tothem(whetherthatmeansdaughtersofhisownfleshandbloodorjustthedaughtersofhis
people).Buttheydidnotrestrainthemselvesandtheyhumiliatedhimwithhisguests:
"WhenourMessengerscametoLot,hewasgrievedonaccountandfelthimselfpowerlessto
protectthem.Hesaid:Thisisadistressfulday.Andhispeoplecamerushingtowardhim,
andtheyhadbeenlonginthehabitofpracticingabominations.Hesaid:Omypeople!Here
aremydaughters:theyarepureforyouifyoumarry!NowfearAllah,anddonotdisgraceme
concerningmyguests!Istherenotamongyouasinglerightmindedman?"
Buttheybrazenlyansweredhim:"Theysaid:Welldoyouknowwehavenoneedofyour
daughters:indeedyouknowquitewellwhatwewant!Hesaid:WouldthatIhadpowerto
suppressyouorthatIcouldbetakemyselftosomepowerfulsupport." {Hud,7780
133
QabeelatTayybah
6.Theperpetrators ofthissexualdeviationtodaywantthelawtorespectrelationsbetweentwo
ofthemwiththestatusofmarriage,andgrantthemalltherightsthatmarriedpeoplehave.
However,whatwerecognizefromthecaseofthepeopleofLotisthatthisviceisof an
absolutelylicentiousnature,withnocommitmenttoasinglepartner,orevenalimitednumberof
partners.Whenthisbehaviortakescontrolofoneofthemhecannotrecognizeanyboundaryin
hisactions.Whenhehearsthattowhichhisdesiresincitehim,asortofmadnessbefallshim,
andhethrowshimselfblindlyintocommittingsinwithanyone,whetherhelikesthepersonor
not.ConsiderthewordsofAllah,theMostHigh,describingtheirconditionastheyconfrontthe
guestsofLot(peacebeupon him).
"Andhispeoplecamerushingtowardhim,andtheyhadbeenlonginthehabitofpracticing
abominations."
Inthedictionary"TahdibLisanalArab"theexactdefinitionoftheoriginalArabicword:al
haraandalihradoesnotmeanonlyrushing.Itshowsalsotheintensityofdriveandrapidityof
runningthatgoesoverthelimit.Itmeansthatthemenhurriedandtrembledwithhasteand
anxietyorangerorexcitement...almuhra(thepersonwhorushes)meansmad,insane.Itisa
vicethatbyitsnatureisexcessiveandgoesoverthelimit:
"Foryoupracticeyourlustsonmeninpreferencetowomen:youareindeedapeople
transgressingbeyondallbounds."
7.Anditisavicelinkedcontrarytowhatmostpeoplethinkwithviolenceandaggression
againstothers,anaggressionwhichgoesbeyondsexualaggression.ThepeopleofLotwho
practicedthisviceintheircouncilswerealsohighwaymen(robbers):"Doyouindeedapproach
men,andobstructtheroad? Andpracticewickednesseveninyourcouncils?"
8.Anotherthingthestraightpersonfindsoddistheconfederationandcooperationbetweenthe
maleandfemaledeviants.Obviouslyonewouldexpectthatonewoulddisliketheother,aslong
asthereisthedifferencebetweenthemwitheachsideincliningtotheirownkind,andwanting
nothingtodowiththeother.However,thestoryofthepeopleofLotremindsusthatsomeofthe
womenwereimpressedbythisdeviationamongthemen,andtheylikedit.OnesuchwasLots
wife,thesinnerwhomAllahdestroyedwithherpeoplewhilehesavedLotandothermembersof
hisfamily.
134
QabeelatTayybah
I'mNotLyingI'mOnlyJokingByMuhammadAlshareef
AftertheconquestofMakkah,duringwhichtheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamhadtaken
overMakkahandthepeoplehadbecomeMuslim,Caesar,orQaisar,realizedthepowerofthe
MuslimsandhedecidedthathewouldhavetobringanendtotheseMuslims.Andsohe
preparedalargearmy,ByzantineandsomeArabtribesfromthenorth,andtheypreparedto
extinguishtheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandhiscompanions.
WhennewsofthisgreatarmythatwaspreparingtoattackthemcametotheProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamandtosomeofthecompanions,fearstartedtocomeintotheMuslimshearts.
TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamdecidedthattheymustgoandfightthesepeoplein
Tabuq.
Normally,wheneverhewouldgooutwithanarmyforabattle,theProphetsalAllaahualayhi
wasallamwouldtellthearmytogoinonedirectionandthenduringthejourneytheywould
changedirectionssonoonewouldknowexactlywheretheyweregoing.Butbecauseofthe
severityofthisbattleitwassuchalongdistanceandtheywereleavinginthesummertimein
whichtheheatcankillpeopletheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamtoldallofthemwhere
theyweregoing,sothattheycouldpreparetheproperprovisions.
So,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamtoldthemthattheyweregoingtoTabuq.Allthe
companions,allthepeoplethatdidnthaveanexcusesuchassicknessorbeinghypocrites,allof
themacceptedfromtheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandtheypreparedforthisbattle.
InshaAllahta'aala,wewanttospendsometimewithoneofthosepeoplewhomissedthebattle,
andthatisKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhu.
KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuinfactnarratestheentirestoryinSahihBukhariandSahih
Muslim.KaabIbnMaliksaysonthatday,whenpeoplewentout,thatbyAllah,[hed]never
hadmorewealththanthedaythepeoplewentoutforTabuq.Andhesaid,ByAllah,Ive
neverhadmorewealth,morestrength,andIveneverbeeninabetterpositiontogooutfora
battlethanthatday.But,youwillseetheevilofprocrastination.
WhentheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandthecompanionswerepreparingforthe
battle,KaabIbnMalikwouldsay,Iwillgoandprepare.Butthedaywouldcometoanend
andhehadntpreparedanything.Andthen,thenextdaywouldcomeandhewouldsay,Iwill
goandprepare,andthedaywouldpassandhehadntpreparedanything.Untilthepeoplehad
goneoutandhesaid,Illcatchupwiththem,andtheyleftanddayspassedandhesaid,Ill
catchup,Illcatchup.Untilfinally,newscamethattheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam
wasonhiswaybackandthebattlehadhappenedandthathehadcomeback.
Ka'abIbnMalikwouldgooutandhewouldseethehypocritesthepeoplewhodidntwantto
jointhecompanions,thepeoplewhowouldsay tothecompanions,Whyareyougoingoutin
thisbattle?Itissohotoutside.ThesewerethepeopleAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalarefuted
saying:
135
QabeelatTayybah
Say,TheheatofHellfireismoresevere(AtTauba9/81).
Ka'abIbnMaliksaidhewouldbecomeverydistressedbecausehewouldonlyseehypocrites
everyoneknewthemashypocritesandherealizedthathewasintheirlawn.
SotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamcameback,andhewouldreturnhomefroma
journeyduringthedayandthefirstplacetheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamwouldcome
towasthemasjid.SowelearnherealsotheSunnahofRasulAllahsalAllaahualayhiwasallam
thatwhenapersonreturnsfromajourney,heshouldstartwithamasjidgotothemasjidand
praytworakaat.
TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamwenttothemasjidandprayedhistworakaat.Atthis
time,allthosepeoplewhohadntgoneoutforthebattlecametotheProphetsalAllaahualayhi
wasallamandstartedexplainingandgivingexcuseswhichwereinfactliesforthereason
whytheydidnotgooutforbattle.Andtheywereknownashypocrites.
So,oneaftertheother,theywouldcometotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandthey
wouldgiveanexcusetohimsaying,Iwasdoingthis,orIwasdoingthat,orIwasntable.
TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamwouldaskforgivenessforthemandletthemgo.
Then,KaabIbnMalikcame.Hesaysthathewasveryeloquentinspeechandwhenhecameto
theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamthatday,hetoldhimthathehadpreparedliesand
excusesthathewasgoingtosay,sohecouldavoidtheProphetsanger.But,assoonashesaw
theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam,hecanceledallthoseliesthathewasgoingtosayand
hesaid,Today,nothingwillsavemebuttellingthetruth.
So,hewenttotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandhesaid,Wallahi,Ivebeengiven
eloquentspeechandifIsatinfrontofanybodyelse,IcouldhaveliedtothemandIcouldve
gottenawayfromtheiranger.ButyaRasulAllah,Imaypleaseyoutodayandyoumaynotbe
angrywithmetoday,butifIlietoyoutoday,perhapstomorrowAllahmaymakeyouangryat
me.Andhesaid,ButifItellyouthetruthtoday,hopingforthemercyofAllahsubhaanahuwa
ta'aala,perhapstomorrowAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalawillbepleasedwithme.
AndsohesaysthatwhenhecametotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam,theProphetsal
AllaahualayhiwasallamsmiledathimandKaabIbn Maliksaid,Thesmileofsomeonewhois
angry.
AndwhenKaabIbnMaliksaidthis,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamreplied,Asfor
thisperson,hehastoldthetruth.
TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamknewthateveryonewhohadcometohimhadliedto
him.Buthesaid,Asforthisperson,hehastoldthetruth.AndhetoldKaabIbnMaliktogo
backuntilAllahsubhaanahuwata'aaladecideshisaffair.
WhenKaabIbnMalikleftthemasjid,somepeoplefromBaniSaleemcametohim andstarted
sayingtohim,Whydidyousaythattohim?Youcouldvesaidthis,oryoucouldvesaidthat.
136
QabeelatTayybah
DidntyouseethattheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamwasaskingforgivenessforthem
andforgivingthemandlettingthemgo?
Theysaid,Youputyourselfinthisposition,andbecausetheykeptinsistingonhim,KaabIbn
Maliksaid,IwishIcouldvegonebackandliedtotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamI
wishthatIcouldvecontradictedmyselfandgonebackandmadeupanexcuse.
Then,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuaskedthem,Isthereanyoneelseinmysituation?
TheysaidYes.ThereweretwocompanionswhohaddonethesamethingthatKaabIbn
MalikradiAllahuanhuhaddone.AndwhenKaabIbnMalikfoundout thatthosetwopeople
hadbeenfromthePeopleofBadr,hekeptfirmwiththetruththathehadsaid.
Afterthat,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamcommandedallthepeoplenottotalkto
KaabIbnMalikandhistwocompanions,nottodealwiththem,andtoboycottthem.
Thetwocompanions,theywouldremainathomeandKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuwould
gotothemasjid.Hewouldsay,TheearththatIknewsowell,itwasnotlikethatanymore.
Andthetimeshadchanged,thewaypeopleweretreatinghimhadchanged.Hesaidthathe
wouldgotothemasjidandnobodywouldsayassalamualaykumtohim.Andhewouldtry
goingtotheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamandsay,AssalamualaykumyaRasulAllah,
andhewouldlookandtrytoseeiftheProphets,salAllaahualayhiwasallam,lipswouldmove
inreplytohissalaambuthecouldnottell.Andhewouldsaythathewouldenterthemasjidand
hewouldlookattheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallambuttheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwa
sallamwouldnotlookathim.Butthen,whenhewouldaverthisgaze,theProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamwouldturntohimandlookbutwhenhewouldlookback,theProphetsal
Allaahualayhiwasallamwouldturnawayagain.
DuringthebattleofTabuq,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallaminfactinquiredabout
KaabIbnMalik.OneofthecompanionshadsaidthatnothingleftKaabIbnMalikexceptthat
hewassohappywithhisclothes,andhappywithhiswealth.MuadhradiAllahuanhureplied
backandsaid,Whatanevilthingwhatyousaid,andheturnedtotheProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamandhesaid,YaRasulAllah,weonlyknowgoodaboutKaab.
Infact,inthesharhofthishadith,ImamNawawirahimahullahsaysthatwelearnfromthis
examplethatwhensomeonebackbitesonaMuslimbrotherinfrontofyou,itisnotenoughto
remainsilentyoushouldhitbackandtellthepersonthatheiswrongandthatisnotwhata
Muslimshouldsay.WeshoulddoasMuadhradiAllahuanhudid,asherepliedbacktothe
companion.
KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhulikewesaid,wouldgotothemasjidandtrytofindoutifthe
ProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamwouldreplytohim.Andhekeptenteringintodeeper
sadnessandAllahsubhaanahuwata'aaladescribesthesadnessthatheandhistwocompanions
werein.Hesays,subhaanahuwata'aala:
untilwhentheearthcloseddownandconstricteduponthem(AtTauba9/118).
137
QabeelatTayybah
Noticethatyoullseepeoplewhohavethebiggestcastlesintheworld,butnomatterhow
expansivetheirpropertyis,becausetheyturnawayfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala,Allah
subhaanahuwata'aalaconstrictstheirlivelihood.
Theysaythatdanka,inoneofitsliteralsense,islikehavingasinus,orhavingastuffednose.
Becausewhenapersonturnshisback,itisasifheisconstrictingandstuffinghimself,andhe
cannotenjoytheworldlymaterialsthathehas.
Sohere,becauseofthemnotgoingtothebattle,Allahsubhaanahuwata'aaladescribesthe
situationthattheywerein eventhoughtheyhadtheexpansiveearthinfrontofthem,it
constrictedbeforetheirveryeyes.
Ontheotherhand,someonemayhavetheearthconstrictinginfrontofthem,theymaybepoor
andtheymaybelivinginahut,buttheyhaveanexpansiveheart.Theyhaveanexpansiveheart
becausetheybelieveinAllahandHisMessenger.So,theirheartexpandsouttowheretheyare
contentwithwhattheyhaveandtheyarelivingasiftheywereinJannah,contentwithwhat
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasgiventhem.
Thus,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuwasgoingaroundinthissadnessandhewenttothe
gardenofAbuQutadaradiAllahuanhu,whowashiscousinandoneofthemostbelovedpeople
toKaabIbnMalik.Hegotuponthefenceandhesaid,AssalamualaykumAbuQutada,and
AbuQutadadidnotreply.Hekeptsayingagainandagain,Assalamualaykum,assalamu
alaykum,andAbuQutadaradiAllahuanhuwouldnotreplytohim.
Andthenhesaid,Ohmycousin!DoyounotknowthatIloveAllahandHisMessenger?Do
younotknow,andhaveyounotlearned,andhaveyounotseenfrommyexamplethatIdo
indeedloveAllahandHisMessenger?
KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuthenremainedsilentandAbuQutadaradi Allahuanhusaid,
Allahualim.
HesaidAllahknowsbestifyoureallyloveAllahandHisMessenger.AndKaabIbnMalik,
whenheheardthis,hewentoffthefenceandhestartedcrying.Onthefortiethday andthe
boycottlastedforfiftydaystheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamcommandedthatthey
separatefromtheirwives.
Beforethis,theKingofGhasaanfromtheRomanshadsentalettertoKaabIbnMalik.Kaab
IbnMalikwasinthemarketplacewhenhesawamancome,atraveler,andtheneveryonewas
pointingatKaab.ThattravelercametoKaabwiththeletterfromKingGhasaan.Thekingsays
intheletter,Thenewshasreachedusthatyourcompanion(RasulAllahsalAllaahualayhiwa
sallam),hasturnedawayfromyou.Cometous.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aaladidnotmakethis
earthasaconstrictionandadiscomfortforyou.Cometousandwewillgiveyoucomfort.We
willgiveyouhonor.
WhenKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhureadthisletterhesaid,ByAllah,thisisanothertest
138
QabeelatTayybah
fromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.Andthenhemadeacircleandapitoffire,andthenhetook
thatletterandhethrewitinthefire.
So,nowonthefortiethday,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamhadsentoutthemessage
thatthosethreepeopleshouldseparatefromtheirwives.AndKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhu
immediatelysaid,ShallIdivorcemywife,orshouldIjustseparatefromher?
Andtheysaid,No,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaidseparatefromher.
Oneoftheothertwocompanionswasoldinage,andsohiswifecametotheProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamandsheaskedtheMessengerofAllahsalAllaahualayhiwasallamfor
permissiontoremainwithherhusbandandservehimbecausehewastoopoortohavehisown
maidortohavehisownservant.TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamgrantedher
permission.Hesaid,salAllaahualayhiwasallam,Butdonotallowhimtocomenearyou.
Andthenshesaid,ByAllah,hehasnotstoppedcryingsincethedaythisbegan.ByAllah,he
hasnodesireforanythingofwhichyouarespeakingof.
ThatshowsyouthatthesepeoplewereyearningforthemercyofAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala
andyearningforthetaubaofAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala,untilthefiftiethdaycame.
Infact,KaabIbnMaliksrelativestoldhimtogototheMessengerofAllahsalAllaahualayhi
wasallamandaskthathiswifeservehimlikehegrantedpermissionfortheothercompanion.
AndKaabIbnMaliksaid,ByAllah,IamyoungerthanthatmanandIammorecapable,andI
amafraidofwhattheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallammaysayifIasksuchathing.He
said,ByAllah,Iamnotgoingtoaskforthat thathiswiferemainwithhim.
Soonthefiftiethday,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuwasprayingFajrononeoftheroofs
andashecompletedhisFajrprayer,aridercamerunningandhewascallingout.Hesaid,Glad
tidingsKaabIbnMalik!ForverilyAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasforgivenyou.Allah
subhaanahuwata'aalahasforgivenyou.KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuimmediatelydid
sajdahforAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalaandforthetaubaofAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.
Veryoften,IrememberShaykhUthaymeenrahimahullahwouldsaythis,thatinthetimeof
Hajj,whenpeoplecommitmistakesinHajj,theeasiestthingforapersonis,ifheistoldthathe
hastoaskforforgivenessfromAllahandthereisnomaterialpenalty.Insuchacase,theperson
wouldsay,Oh!Onlyaskforforgiveness?OK,thatisnoproblem.Butyouwillseethewaythe
companionsaskedforforgivenessfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalaandhowtheyyearnedand
spenttheirtimehopingforthereward,themercy,andtheforgivenessofAllahsubhaanahuwa
ta'aala.
WhenKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuheardthatAllahhadforgivenhim,hedidsajdahto
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aala.Andthen,immediatelywhenhecompletedhissajdah,hetookoff
hisclothesandhegaveitassadaqahtothatmanwhohadcomewiththegoodnews.
WhenhewalkedintoMadinah,andthisisallfromhishappiness,thepeoplecametohimand
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QabeelatTayybah
theycongratulatedhimfortheforgivenessofAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.Indeed,itis
somethingthatapersonshouldbecongratulatedfor.Nothingfromthematerialworldisequalto
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalaforgivingyou.
Whenheenteredthemasjid,fromtheMuhaajireen,onlyoneperson,TalharadiAllahuanhu,
stoodupandshookthehandofKaabIbnMalik.Andhesaid,ByAllah,Iwillneverforgetthe
deedthatTalharadiAllahuanhuhaddonethathehadstoodupandhuggedhimandgavehim
gladtidings.
Then,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaid,Havethegladtidingsofthebestdayof
yourlifesincethedayyourmothergavebirthtoyou.
So,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhusmiledandsaid,YaRasulAllah!Isthisforgivenessfrom
youorisitfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala?
Andhesaid,Rather,itisfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.
Then,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhu,andrememberhewaspoor,hesaid,Andfrommy
tauba,IwillgiveallmywealthassadaqahtoAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.EverythingIhave,
becauseofmyhappinessthatAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasforgivenme,Iamgoingtogive
everythingtoAllah,everythingforthesakeofAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.
AndtheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaid,No,ratherkeepsomeofitwithyou.
AndthenKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhusaid,andinfactthisisthemainpointhere,hesaid,
FrommytaubaandthefactthatAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasforgivenme,fromthisday
forwardIwillnevertellalie.Iwillneversayaliefromthisdayforward.
Infact,intheendofthenarration,KaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuexplainedthatAllah
subhaanahuwata'aalahadsavedhimbecauseofthetruththathehadtoldinthebeginning.And
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasnevertestedsomebody,withthetruthandtellingthetruth,more
thanhetestedKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhu.
AsforthosepeoplewholiedtotheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallam,Allahsubhaanahuwa
ta'aalarevealedversesaboutthem.InSurahAlMunaafiqeenandinothersurahs,Allah
subhaanahuwata'aalasays:
Verily,theyareimpure,theyarefilthy,thosepeoplethathaveliedtotheProphetsalAllahu
alayhiwasallam,andtheirendisHellfireasarewardandacompensationforwhattheyusedto
do.
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalasaysintheseversesthattheykeepswearingtoyouandtellingyou,
toleave[them]alone.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalasays,Leavethemalone,fortheyare
impureandthattheyaregoingtoHellfire,andthatAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalahatesthem.
So,KaabIbnMaliksaid,ThosewerethepeoplewhohadliedtotheProphetsalAllahualayhi
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QabeelatTayybah
wasallam.Asforthosepeoplewhotoldthetruth,KaabIbnMalikandhistwocompanions,
Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalarevealed:
AllahhasalreadyforgiventheProphetandtheAnsarandtheMuhaajireen...(AtTauba9/117)
AndHecontinuesandin thenextverseAllahsubhaanahuwataaalasays:
AndAllah(subhaanahuwata'aala)hasforgiventhosethreewhodidntmakeittothebattle[of
Tabuq](AtTauba9/118)
So,Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalarevealedintheQuranthatHehasforgivenKaab IbnMalik
radiAllahuanhuandAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalacommandsKaabIbnMalikandeveryone
else:
Oyouwhobelieve,fearAllah,andbewiththosewhoaretruthful(AtTauba9/119).
PARTII
Dearbrothersandsisters,thisstoryofKaabIbnMalikanditsastoryfromtheSeerah isa
storythatweshouldallfrequentlygooverbecauseyouwillseethatineveryparagraphthereare
lessonsfortheMuslimstolearn.FromthewayKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuacted,tothe
thingsthathefellinto,we,asfollowersofthesecompanionsandfollowersofthepersonthat
theywerefollowing,RasulAllahsalAllaahualayhiwasallam,canlearnmuchaboutwhatwe
shouldabstainfrom.
LyingLyingisamajorsin.Andinfact,itsoneofthebiggestmajorsinsthatapersoncando
becauseofallthethingsthatitleadsto.And,incertaincases,scholarshavesaidthatlying,when
itdealswiththeProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam(makinghalaalharamandharamhalaal),
mayactuallyleadtokufr.ImamAnNawawirahimahullahsaysinKitaabAlAdhkaar,theproofs
fromtheQuranandSunnahareclearandapparentthatlyingisoneoftheugliestsinsthata
personcando.Andhesays,sufficientisadeterrentfromlyingthattheProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamsaid:
Thesignofthehypocritearethreethings[oneofwhichis]ifhespeaks,hewilllie
So,thefactthatlyingisthesignofamunaafiq,shouldbesufficientasadeterrentforabeliever,
amumin,someonewhobelievesinAllahandHisMessenger.Ifonespeaksandheisthinking
thatheisgoingtolie,heshouldrememberthatthisisasignofhishypocrisyinthedeen.
Inanotherhadith,AbdullahIbnMasudradiAllahuanhureportsthattheProphetsalAllaahu
alayhiwasallamsaid:
Thisthing(sidq truthfulness)leadstopiety.
IfyouwanttoknowaboutagoodMuslim,andhowtobecomeagoodMuslim,theProphetsal
Allaahualayhiwasallamsaid,beingtruthfulwillleadyoutobeagoodMuslim,willleadyouto
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QabeelatTayybah
piety.AndthatpietyleadstoParadise,andweallwanttogotoParadise.TheProphetsal
AllaahualayhiwasallamisshowingustheroadtothatParadiseandthatisthroughtruthfulness.
Tocontinuethehadith,
A[truthful]person,orman,orwoman,willcontinuetotellthetruthandkeeptryingtoavoid
lyingandkeeptryingtobringoutthetruthinallcases,untilheiswrittenwithAllahsubhaanahu
wata'aalaassomeonewhoalwaystellsthetruth.
Thisistheendthatweallwant,thatAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalawillsaythat,Suchandsuch,
thisperson,isatruthteller.
FromthesepeoplethatweknowwasAbuBakrradiAllahuanhuAsSiddeeq.Becausehe
alwaystoldthetruthagainandagainandagain,theProphetsalAllaahualayhi wasallamsaid
thatheisthetruthfulone,theonewhoacceptsthetruth,theonewhoalwaysknowstruth,the
onewhosewholeexistenceissurroundedaroundthetruth.
Andthen,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaid:
Andverily,lying,ittakesapersontodisobedienceandtransgressionofAllahsubhaanahuwa
ta'aala.TransgressionanddisobediencewillleadthepersontoHellfireandaperson,manor
woman,willcontinuetotryandlie,keeptryingtolie,trytoavoidsituationsbylying,untilhe
willbewritten,orshewillbewritten,asaliartoAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.
PARTIII
Therearesomepointsonhowapersoncanmoveforward,tryingtoseekoutthetruthandtrying
tobetruthfulinallwalksofoneslife.
Firstly,weshouldrememberthatlyingisasignofapersonshypocrisyinIslam.Lyingdoesnt
justhappenwithwordslyingcanhappenwithanactionorevenagesture.Apersoncanwritea
letter,canpretendtobesomeoneelseonthecomputerorinlettersandthatsanexampleofalie.
Apersonmayspeaktootherpeopleandlie.Whenapersonisgoingtodothis,heorshe
rememberortheseverityofthelyingaswellasImamAnNawawisconclusion,rahimahullah,
thatitisasignofamunaafiqthisisasign ofthepersonshypocrisyinIslam.
Secondly,weshouldstrengthenouremanintheFinalDay.Weshouldstrengthenitbecause
whenapersonlies,hehasaweaknessofeman heorshedoesntreallybelieveintheDayof
Judgment,foronthatday,iftheyhadtoldthetruth,theirtruthwillsavethem.Allahsubhaanahu
wata'aalasays:
Thisisthedaywhentheir(thetruthtellers)truthwillbenefitthem.
Thisistheday,ontheDayofJudgment,whenallthosetruthsandallthegoodthingsthatthey
usedtosaywillbenefitthem.
AnincidenttookplaceduringthekhilaafahofHishamIbnAbdulMalikthathadtodowiththe
142
QabeelatTayybah
verseintheQuranspeakingabouttheaccusationagainstAisha.Itwasaknownhypocritewho
hadstartedthataccusationbutHishamIbnAbdulMalikwasoftheopinionthatAliradiAllahu
anhuwastheonewhostartedtheaccusation.Sohewouldbringscholarstohiscourtandask
them,Whoisthispersonwhostartedthisaccusation?andthepersonorthatscholarwouldsay,
AbdullahIbnUbayIbnSalul.Andthen,theKhalifahwouldsay,Rather,itsAli.Andthen
theperson,thatscholar,wouldsuccumbtotheKhalifahandhewouldsaythattheAmeeral
MumineenorKhalifahknowsbetterofwhathessaying.ThatisuntiltheKhalifahbrought
ImamAdDhuhrirahimahullahtohiscourt.Andhere,wewillseethepowerofthescholars.
HebroughtImamAdDhuhriandheaskedhim,Whoisthisonewhostartedthese
accusations?andhereplied,AbdullahIbnUbayIbnSalul.
Then,theKhalifahsaid,Youvelied,itwasAli.
Atfactthathewouldbeaccusedoflying,ImamAdDhuhribecameenragedandsaid,Ilie?I
wouldlie,youfatherlessman?Andthatwouldbesimilar,asyouknowintheEnglishlanguage.
totheswear.Hesaid,Ilie,howdareyoucallmealiar!Hesaidandnoticeherethecharacter
ofourscholarshesaid,Ifapersoncallsoutfromtheheavensandcallsouttoeverybodythat
lyingishalaal,Iwouldneverlie.Hesaidevenifitwerehalaal,hewouldneverlie.Andnow
imagine,heknowsitsharamandheknowstheseverityoflying,andhemakesthestatement
thatevenifitwashalaal,hewouldneverlieinhislife.Andso,brothersandsisters,weshould
payattentiontowhatImamAdDhuhriissaying.
WhentheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsawawomancallingherson,tellinghimthatshe
hadsomethinginherhandforhim,he,theProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam,askedher,Do
youhavesomethinginyourhand?Wereyougoingtogivehimsomething?
Shesaid,Yes,Iwasgoingtogivehimadate.
AndthentheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaid,Ifyouweretonotgivehimanything,it
wouldhavebeenwrittenasalie.
So,eventothatsmallestpointwithyourchildren,eventopretendwiththemandtojokewith
them,thosethingsarewrittenaslies.Andpeopleveryoftentelljokesandsay,Imjustjoking.
Imnotlying,Imjustjoking.No,youarelyingandnothingmakeslyinghalaal.Ifyoure
jokingthatdoesntmakeithalaal.
TheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallamsaid:
Woetohim,thepersonthatliestomakepeoplelaugh.
Thepersonwhomakesajokejusttomakepeoplelaughisinfactrightinthemidstofthehadith
andrightinthemidstoftheprohibition.Andso,dearbrothersandsisters,wehavetoabstain
fromthatandnolyingshouldtakeplace.
AndoneoftheworstliesapersoncantellisagainsttheProphetsalAllaahualayhiwasallam.
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QabeelatTayybah
VeryoftenyouwillseeweakhadithandfabricatedhadithagainsttheProphetsalAllahualayhi
wasallamandasonepersononcesaid,ImnotlyingagainsttheProphetsalAllahualayhiwa
sallam,Imlyingforhim.SubhanAllah,toanybodywholiesagainsttheProphetsalAllahu
alayhiwasallam,theProphetdoesntneedustocompletethedeenforhim.Allahsubhaanahu
wata'aalasays:
thisdayIvecompletedyourreligion(AlMaidah5/3)
TheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallamdoesntneedyouandmetomakeuphadithforhimhe
completedthedeensalAllahualayhiwasallam.TheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallamsaid:
Whoeverliesonme,(onpurpose,heknowsheslyinghesmakingupthesehadithagainstthe
ProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallam)lethimenterHellfireandchooseanywherehewishestobe
init.
TheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallamissayingtothatperson,youregoingtoHellfiresojust
pickwhereyouwanttobeintheHellfireforlyingagainsttheProphetsalAllahualayhiwa
sallam.Andtheresnodistinctionbetweenlyingfororlyingagainsttheresnosuchthing.Any
lieagainsttheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallamisalie.
Sofirstly,weshouldrememberthatlyingisasignofapersonshypocrisyinIslam.Secondly,
weshouldstrengthenouremanin theFinalDay.Andthirdly,weshouldremembertheblessed
endoftellingthetruth.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalalovesthepersonwhotellsthetruthand
whoselifewasjustsurroundedwithtruth.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalawritesthatpersonasa
siddeeqandasbeinginthehighestlevelofJannah,withtheprophetsandthosewhousedtotell
thetruthandacceptedthetruth.Andthepersonwhotellsthetruth,Allahsubhaanahuwata'aala
willblessthemintheirlivelihoodanditwillleadthemtoJannah.TheProphetsalAllahualayhi
wasallamsaid:
Thetwopartiesofatransactionhavetheright(toannulthecontract)aslongastheydonot
separate(fromeachother).So,iftheyweretruthful(tooneanother),andhonestinexplaining
(thedefectsofanitem),thentheywillbeblessedintheirtransaction.But,iftheylied,andhid
(thedefectsofanitem),thentheblessingsoftheirtransactionaredestroyed(Muslim)!
Andsoapersonshouldntthink,ImgoingtosellthisandImgoingtohidetheseproblemsin
theproduct.No,showthattheresaproblemintheproductandyouwillseethatAllah
subhaanahuwata'aalawillblessyouinthatsale.Andnevershouldapersontryhidingthings.
Forexample,iftheyresellinganewcar,theyllputanewpaintjobtocoverthedefects.Butno,
thepersonshouldpointoutwhenhesselling,thatthisisthecar,thesearethegoodthingsand
thesearethebadthings,andwiththattruthfulness,Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalawillblessthem
intheirsale.
Weshouldmakedua,forverilythistruthfulnessisfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalaandall
goodisfromAllahsubhaanahuwata'aala.SoyoushouldaskAllahsubhaanahuwata'aalato
blessyouandtograntyouthisblessingandthismercyofalwaystellingthetruth.Astheduain
SunanAlBayhaqireads:
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QabeelatTayybah
OhAllah,cleanmyheartfromhypocrisyandmyactionsfromshowingofftootherpeopleand
purifymytonguefromlying.
Andinconclusion,weshouldalwaysbewiththosepeoplewhotell thetruthanddistance
ourselvesformthosepeoplewhodecidetospendtheirlivesinliesandbackbitingwejustwant
todistanceourselvesfromthemandbewiththosepeoplewhoretellingthetruth.Bewiththose
people,likeKaabIbnMalikradiAllahuanhuandthepeoplewhofollowtheexampleofKaab
IbnMalikradiAllahuanhutilltheFinalDay.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalacommandedhimand
HecommandedusandHecommandedallthebelieverstilltheFinalDay:
Oyouwhobelieve,allyoupeoplewhoclaimtobebelievers,fearAllahandbewiththosewho
aretruthtellers,andbewiththetruthfulones.
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QabeelatTayybah
Appendix B
Vices/Virtues
Group Project
These are the group projects of virutes or vices that
everyone who attended the class was suppose to work on.
These were collected by the students and sent to shaykh
Muhammad but they were not fully confirmed or said
anything against it. These are not Sh. Muhammads
Words.
*These were not edited or touched since they are the students work.*
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QabeelatTayybah
*~*Virtues*~*
As- Sidq- Truthfulness
v Group 1
TheHolyQuranteachesustomaintaingoodmannersanddecorumitshowsustherightwayto
behaveandleadagoodlife.TheProphetMuhammad(s)wasalivingexampleofthevirtuesof
theHolyQuran.OneofthesequalitiesisSidq.Hewasknownbyall,MuslimsandnonMuslims
alike,asAlSadiq.Thisisavirtuethatwemustallstrivefor.
I.WhatisSidq?Howisitacquired?
SidqcomesfromtheArabicrootwordSadaqa/Yasduqu,whichmeanstospeakthetruth,tobe
sincere.Sidqmeanstruthfulness,toshowsincerity.ThefaithfulbelieversofAllah(swt)are
thosewhoendeavortobehonest.
Beingtruthfulisaqualitythatweallhave,butfear,greed,andothersuchvicesmakeusstray
fromthisvirtue.Yes,sometimestheconsequencesoftellingthetrutharenotwhatwewould
hopefor,butthealternative,lying,willsendusastray.
Honestyisnotjustspokenitisthroughdeeds throughactionswetakeanddonottake.
Whetheritisenticingsomeonetodosomethingwitharewardthatyoudontintendtoprovide,
orspreadingoflies/gossip,whenyouareexaggerating/justkidding,orevenswearbyAllah,
becareful,bemindfulthatAllah(swt)isAllHearing,AllSeeing.Towrongyourfellow
people,MuslimsandnonMuslimsalike,istowrongAllah(swt).
II.EvidencefromtheQuranandSunnah
NarratedbyHudhaifa,AllahsApostlesaid:HonestydescendedfromtheHeavensandsettled
intherootsoftheheartsofmen(faithfulbelievers),andthentheQuranwasrevealedandthe
peoplereadtheQuran,(andlearntfromit)andalsolearntitfromtheSunnah(SahihBukhari,
Book92Hadith208and381).
OntheDayofJudgment,wewillbearwitnessonthegreatrewardAllah(swt)willgrantusfor
tryingtoemulatethisvirtue:
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QabeelatTayybah
NarratedAbdullah,theProphet(s)said:Truthfulnessleadstorighteousness,and
righteousnessleadsto
lace>Paradise
lace>.Andamankeepsontellingthetruthuntil
hebecomesatruthfulperson.FalsehoodleadstoAlFajur(i.e.:wickedness,evil doing),andAl
Fajur(wickedness)leadstothe(Hell)Fire,andamanmaykeepontellingliestillheiswritten
beforeAllah,aliar.(SahihBukhari,Book73,Hadith116).
Allahwillsay:Thisisadayonwhichthetruthfulwillprofitfromtheirtruth:theirsare
gardens,withriversflowingbeneath, theireternalHome:Allahwellpleasedwiththem,and
theywithAllah.Thatisthegreatsalvation,(thefulfillmentofalldesires).(AlMaeda,Chapter
5,Verse119)
III.ImplicationofSidqtoSocietyanditsRelevancetoModernTimes
Withtruthfulnessasafoundation,oneisabletopurifyandfulfilltherequisitesof
enlightenmentAlltheperfectionsaregroundedintruth,clarifiedbylettinggo,intensifiedby
peace,andpurifiedbywisdom.(ATreatiseontheParamis,Dhammapai)
LivingasMuslimsinthisdayandage,truthandhonestyaretestedonadailybasis.Oneofthe
mostimportantfactorswhenestablishinganykindofrelationshipiswhetherornottrustcanbe
developed.Trustisthefoundationofanygoodrelationship.WeasMuslimsshouldexudethis
quality.
Theissueisthatdishonestyisseeninsomanyplacesitishardtodefineexactlywhenandwhere
theyareoccurring.Acurrentexampleofthisispoliticsingeneralandthepoliticalelections
specifically.Thecommonopinionamongthecitizenshonestyandourleadersarenot
synonymous.Unfortunately,theproblemishardlyevercorrected.Itissimplylaugheduponand
consideredajoke.Lyingtoobtainthings,money,healthcare,andothermaterialpossessions,is
acommonproblem.Onewalksoutthedoorandseessomeonestealinganotherislyingabout
theirageathirdistryingtogetaidfromthegovernmenteventhoughitisnotneeded.Thishas
beentocommonapractice.
However,honestyisstillnotararevirtue.Itcanbefoundinlargeandsmallwaysfromtelling
thetruthonthestand(inacourtroom)toreturningexcesschangetothecashierwhentheyhave
madeamistake.Oyewhobelieve!FearAllahandbewiththosewhoaretrue(inwordand
deed)(9:119).TheProphet(s)showedusthiswitheveryactionheperformed.Hefollowedthe
pathofhonestyinhisdealingswithothers.Dealnotunjustly,andyoushallnotbedealtwith
unjustly(AlQuran2:279).
Today,ifbusinessesareusingintegritytestsandothermethodsofassessinghonestyareused
inpreemploymentscreening,asmostemployerstrytomaintainhonestyandminimize
counterproductivebehavioramongtheiremployees.
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QabeelatTayybah
IV.LackofSidqinSociety Causesandhowtoimprove
Theconceptofhonestyisrelevanttomoderntimes.Howshouldwerespondtothewaveof
scandalsatEnronandWorldComthathavehitcorporateAmerica?CongressionalDemocrats
promisetoaddnewfederalfraudprovisionstoabillthatmaybeconsideredasearlyasthefirst
weekofFebruary.InaspeechonWallStreetonFebruary6,2008,PresidentBushendorsed
proposingadoublingofprisontermsformailandwirefraudandabroadernotionofobstruction
ofjusticeaswellasbeefedupoversightbytheSecuritiesandExchangeCommission.The
pushfornewcriminallawsisunderstandableasameanstoenforcehonestyinthecorporate
world.
Thewaytochangesocietyislittlebylittle.Ifeveryonemakesanefforttotrytotellthetruth,to
trytobealittlemorehonestwithourdealings,societywillbeimprovedgreatly.Honestyand
trustneedstobebuilt.Onlythroughourownactionscanweaffectthoseofothers.
Honestyisthecornerstoneofallsuccess,withoutwhichconfidenceandabilitytoperformshall
ceasetoexist(MaryKayAsh,founderofMaryKayCosmetics).Livinginacountrythatis
consideredameltingpotofreligionandculture,weasMuslimsarealsocontributingmembersto
societyweshouldstrivetomakeourcontributionsthatofhonestyandtruth.Allahwilljudgeus
onourownactionsandnotthatofothers.ADuathattheProphet(s)usedtoalwaysmakeDua:
OhAllah,Iaskyouatruthfultongue(toalwaysspeakthetruth).
v Group 2
ItisanArabicword thatcomesfrom thethreelettersroot ,,SADAQA,which
meanstospeaktruth,andtobesincere.
However,in theArabicdictionarythewordSidqmeanstruth,truthfulness,sincerity,
efficiency etc.
Thereareover100wordsthathavebeenderivedfromthesamerootifwetakealookatsome
ofthosewords,itmightbehelpfultocomprehendthemeaningof AsSidq.
Siddeeqstrictlyveracious,honestsomeonewhoneverlies.Therefore,thefirstcaliphof
Islam,AbuBakar(R)receivedthebestoftitles:AsSiddeeqbyProphetMuhammadPeacebe
uponhim.
Sadaaqitsreferto(Bridal)dower,marriagecontract,bythisbondorcontractonemanand
onewomanbecomeHalaalforeachother.Itisaveryconfidentialandstrongbondanddoesnot
breakeasily.
Misdaaqconfirmation,Notarizationwhenanydocumentisbeennotarizedpeoplehardly
deniesit.Anditbecomesaliableandconfidentialdocument.
Someonewhohasthecharacteristicof Sidq takesextremeprecautioninensuringthatalltheir
dealingsarehonestandtrutful.
149
QabeelatTayybah
Therefore,whenoneachievestheCharacteristicof Sidq,s/hebecomeswellknowforher/his
truthfulness.Nomatterwhats/hewillnotlie.Becauseofthispeoplewillhaveconfidencethat
whatevercomesoutoftheirmouthsorshowsintheiractionsisnothingbutthetruth.
InArabicthereisasayingTruthbringsvictory,andfalsebringsdefeat,andfailure.
SidqintheQuran
Allah
willsay:"Thisisadayonwhichthetruthful willprofitfromtheirtruth:theirsaregardens,with
riversflowingbeneath, theireternalHome:Allahwellpleasedwiththem,andtheywithAllah.
Thatisthegreatsalvation,(thefulfilmentofalldesires).(AlMaidah 119)
AllwhoobeyAllahandtheapostleareinthecompanyofthoseonwhomistheGraceofAllah,
oftheprophets(whoteach),thesincere(loversofTruth),thewitnesses(whotestify),andthe
Righteous(whodogood):Ah!whatabeautifulfellowship!(AnNisa69)
AndtheWordofyourLordhasbeenfulfilledintruthandinjustice.NonecanchangeHis
Words.AndHeistheAllHearer,theAllKnower.(AlAnaam 115)
150
QabeelatTayybah
We
settledtheChildrenofIsraelinabeautifuldwellingplace,andprovidedforthemsustenanceof
thebest:itwasafterknowledgehadbeengrantedtothem,thattheyfellintoschisms.Verily
Allahwilljudgebetweenthemastotheschismsamongstthem,ontheDayofJudgment.(Yunus
93)
Say:"OmyLord!LetmyentrybebytheGateofTruthandHonour,andlikewisemyexitbythe
GateofTruthandHonour andgrantmefromThyPresenceanauthoritytoaid(me)."(AlIsra
80)
Then,whentheycame(back)into(Joseph's)presencetheysaid:"Oexaltedone!distresshas
seizedusandourfamily:wehave(now)broughtbutscantycapital:sopayusfullmeasure,and
treatitascharitytous:forAllahdoesrewardthecharitable."(Yusuf 88)
AndWebestowedofOurMercyonthem,andWegrantedthemloftyhonouronthetongueof
truth.(Al Maryam 50)
151
QabeelatTayybah
"Grant
mehonourablementiononthetongueoftruthamongthelatest(generations)(AshShuraa84)
That((Allah))mayquestionthe(custodians)ofTruthconcerningtheTruththey(werecharged
with):AndHehaspreparedfortheUnbelieversagrievousPenalty.(AlAhzab8)
ThatAllahmayrewardthemenofTruthfortheirTruth,andpunishtheHypocritesifthatbeHis
Will,orturntotheminMercy:forAllahisOftForgiving,MostMerciful.(AlAhzab 24)
Then,whodoesmorewrongthanonewhoutterslieagainstAllah,anddeniestheTruth whenit
comestohimistherenotinHellanabodeforblasphemers(disbelievers)?(AzZumar32)
AndhewhobringstheTruthandhewhoconfirms(andsupports)itsucharethemenwhodo
right. (AzZumar
152
QabeelatTayybah
33)
For
thosewhogiveinCharity,menandwomen,andloantoAllahaBeautifulLoan,itshallbe
increasedmanifold(totheircredit),andtheyshallhave(besides)aliberalreward.(AlHadid
18)
AndthosewhobelieveinAllahandHisapostlestheyaretheSincere(loversofTruth),andthe
witnesses(whotestify),intheeyesoftheirLord:TheyshallhavetheirRewardandtheirLight.
ButthosewhorejectAllahanddenyOurSigns,theyaretheCompanionsofHellFire.(Al
Hadid19)
AHADITH:
(SAHIHALBUKHARI)
Narrated'Abdullah
TheProphetsaid,"Truthfulnessleadstorighteousness,andrighteousnessleadstoParadise.
Andamankeepsontellingthetruthuntilhebecomesatruthfulperson.Falsehoodleadsto
AlFajur(i.e.wickedness,evildoing),andAlFajur(wickedness)leadstothe(Hell)Fire,and
amanmaykeepontellingliestillheiswrittenbeforeAllah,aliar." (Book #73,Hadith #116
)
NarratedAbuMusa
ThattheProphetsaid,"ThegoodiswhatAllahgaveuslateron(afterUhud),andthereward
oftruthfulnessiswhatAllahgaveusaftertheday(ofthebattle)ofBadr." (Book #59,Hadith
#323)
(SAHIHMUSLIM)
153
QabeelatTayybah
'Abdullahb.Mas'udreportedthatMuhammad(maypeacebeuponhim)said:ShouldIinform
youthatslandering,thatisinfactatalecarryingwhichcreatesdissensionamongstpeople,(and)
he(further)said:Thepersontellsthetruthuntilheisrecordedas truthful,andlietellsalieuntil
lieisrecordedasaliar. (Book #032,Hadith#6306)
'AbdullahreportedAllah'sMessenger(maypeacebeuponhim)assaying:Truthleadsoneto
ParadiseandvirtueleadsonetoParadiseandthepersontellsthetruthuntilheisrecordedas
truthful,andlieleadstoobscenityandobscenityleadstoHell,andthepersontellsalieuntilhe
isrecordedasaliar. (Book #032,Hadith #6307)
'Abdullahb.Mas'udreportedAllah'sMessenger(maypeacebeuponhim)assaying:Tellingof
truthisavirtueandvirtueleadstoParadiseandtheservantwhoendeavourstotellthetruthis
recordedastruthful,andlieisobscenityandobscenityleadstoHellFire,andtheservantwho
endeavourstotellalieisrecordedasaliar.IbnAbuShaibareportedthisfromAllah'sApostle
(maypeacebeuponhim). (Book #032,Hadith#6308)
(TIRMIDHI)
NarratedAbuDharr:Allah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)said,"Hehasbeensuccessfulwhose
heartAllahhasmadesinceretowardsfaith,whoseheartHehasmadefreefromunbelief,his
tongue truthful,hissoulcalm,hisnaturestraight,whoseearHehasmadeattentiveandhiseye
observant.Theearisafunnelandtheeyeisarepositoryforwhattheheartlearns.Heis
successfulwhoseheartismaderetentive."
AhmadandBayhaqi,is
Shu'abalIman,transmittedit.
NarratedAbdullahibnAmr:WhenAllah'sMessengerwasaskedwhowasmostexcellent,he
replied,"Everyonewhoseheartisclearofpollution(makhmumalqalb)andwhosetongueis
truthful."Onbeingtoldbyhishearersthattheyunderstood"whosetongueistruthful,"butnot
makhmumalqalbhereplied,"Theonewhoispure,theonewhoispure,withnosin,iniquity,
deceit,orenvy."
IbnMajahandBayhaqi,inShu'abalIman,transmittedit.
NarratedShaddadibnAws:Allah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)usedtoreciteinhisprayer
(thissupplication):ÒAllah,Ibegof Your steadfastnessin(righteous)affairsandfirm
determination(toadheretothepath)ofrighteousnessIbegof You tomakemegratefulfor
Your favourandtheexcellenceoftheworshipof YouIbegof Youasoundheartanda truthful
tongue,andIbegof You thegoodwhich Youknowest,Iseekrefugein Youfromtheevilthat
Youknowest,andIseekpardonof You forwhatYouknowest.'
TransmittedbyNasa'iandAhmadtransmittedsomethingsimilar.
NarratedAbuSa'idalKhudriAbdullahibnUmar:Allah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)said,
"Thetruthful andtrustymerchantisassociatedwiththeprophets,theupright,andthemartyrs."
Tirmidhi,DarimiandDaraqutnitransmittedit,andIbnMajahtransmitteditontheauthorityof
IbnUmar.Tirmidhisaidthisisagharibtradition.
154
QabeelatTayybah
(MALIKMUWATTA)
MalikrelatedtomethatheheardthatAbdullahibnMasudusedtosay,"Youmusttellthetruth.
truthfulnessleadstorightaction.RightactionleadstotheGarden.Bewareoflying.Lyingleads
tocorruption,andcorruptionleadstotheFire.Don'tyouseethatitissaid,'Hespeaksthetruth
andactsrightly,'and,'Heliesandiscorrupt.'" (Book #56,Hadith #56.7.16)
MalikrelatedtomethatheheardthatsomeonesaidtoLuqman,"Whathasbroughtyoutowhat
wesee?"meaninghishighrank.Luqmansaid,"truthful speech,fulfillingthetrust,andleaving
whatdoesnotconcernme." (Book #56,Hadith #56.7.17)
WordsofWisdomfromIslamicand
WesternScholars
#MuhammadibnIshaqibnYasar(85150AH)[2]
TheApostleofGodinformedthepeopleofwhattheyknewwastruth(haqq)andsothey
recognizedatoncehistruthfulness(sidq).
[3]
#JamaladDeenZarabozo
Ifwewantthegreatrewardof makingda'wahandwesincerelywanttohelpbringpeopletothe
pathofIslaam,wehavetohavethischaracteristicofsidqortruthfulnessinourdeeds.
[4]
#Sh.'AbdurRahmaanibnNaasirAsSa'di
Sidq(truthfulness)ispurelybeneficiallyingistheopposite(i.e.purelyevil).
[5]
#ShaykhalIslamibnTaymiyyah
Thiswholereligionrevolvesaroundknowingthetruthandactingbyit,andactionmustbe
accompaniedbypatience.
[6]
#Sh.Salmaanal'Awdah
Ifyouareinasituationthatwouldcauseyou tolie,avoiddoingso,andrememberthewordsof
AbuSufyaanbeforeHeracleswhenhewasaskedabouttheMessengerofAllah(SAAS).
[7]
#LiuIMing,aQuanzhenDaoistinChina
155
QabeelatTayybah
AccordingtoLiu,thesetinthecenteroftheLoShusignifiesthatkindness,justice,
courtesy,andwisdomareallrootedintruthfulness,whilethesurroundingsetsrepresent
usingtruthfulnesstooperatekindness,justice,courtesy,andwisdom.
[8]
#BenAdams
Bypracticingtruthfulness,apersonbettershimself,hislifeismadeuprightandduetoit,heis
elevatedtopraiseworthyheightsandraisedinranksinthesightofGodaswellasthepeople.
[9]
#MahatmaGandhi
DevotiontothisTruthisthesolejustificationforourexistence.Allouractivitiesshouldbe
centeredinTruth.Truthshouldbetheverybreathofourlife.
PracticalApplication
Theinitialunderstandingthatmanyofusespousewhendiscussinghowwecanpracticallyapply
theteachingsofsidqinoureverydaylivesisbyverballytellingthetruth.However,wemust
recognizethatsidqisnotasonedimensionalaswemayunderstandittobe.Thereismuchmore
topracticallyapplyingsidqthantellingthetruth.Sidqcanbemanifestedinthreeareasofour
humanactivities
1) Aqwal(spokenwords)
2) Afal(ouracts)
3) Ahwaal(statethatcharacterizesourinnerselves)
TopracticallyapplySidqalaqwalwemusttellthetruth.Theimportanceofthistypeofsidqis
emphasizedinmanyahadith:
Whatelsebesidestheharvestofpeoplestonguedragthem ontheirfacesintothefireof
hell?
Oneoftheworstliesisliesaboutthesunnah.(3) NarratedSalama:IheardtheProphet
saying,"Whoever(intentionally)ascribestomewhatIhavenotsaidthen(surely)lethim
occupyhisseatin hellfire." (Book #3,Hadith#109).
Anotherhadith,donotlie,eveninjest
Whatwelearnfromtheseahadithistheimportanceofsidqandseverityofpunishmentofthose
whodonotpracticesidq.
SidqAlAfalisadifferentdimensionofSidqwhereweembodythekhulooqofSidqinouracts
anddeeds.Forinstance,whenpracticingtheactofattendingprayerincongregation,amI
truthfullydoingthisforAllah(SWT)oristhereanelementofriyainmyafal?Whenattending
156
QabeelatTayybah
ahalaqa,amIbeingtruthfulinmyintentiontolearnandinmyintentiontodoitforAllahoram
Idoingitwithanotherintent?
SidqAlAhwaalisSidqinseekingofAllah(SWT).ThisistheessenceofallSidqofother
akhlaaqsuchastawwaqul,sabr,etc.ScholarssuchasShaikh MokhtarMaghraoui teachthatan
abdcannotreachthistypeofSidqiftheylackSidqinthemorebasictypesofSidqsuchasSidq
AlAqwalandSidqAlAfal.
ResultsoflackofSidq
SidqisanintegralpartofourDeenandIbadah.LackofSidqinanindividualisanindicationof
apersonslowselfesteemandlackofrespectforothers.IflackofSidqinpermittedtoflourish
inasocietywithoutanyaccountability,itcanleadtoexploitation,manipulation,corruptionand
mistrustamongmembersofthesociety.InourdailyliveswewitnessthecrucialroleSidqplays.
LackofSidqi.e.lyingoftenleadstovariousproblemsinoursocietysuchasmarriage
breakdown,familyandfriendshipdiscords,jobsbeinglost,scandals,criminalprosecutionetc.
Theimportanceoftellingthetruthcannotandshouldnotbetakenlightly.Lyingisbothasinand
acrime.WhenindividualexhibitahighdisregardforSidq,theypaydearly.Forexample,the
successfulprosecutionofMarthaStewartforlyingandtheresignationof PresidentRichard
NixonaretwogoodexamplesthathighlighttheheavypriceindividualspayforlackofSidq.
Thus,itisessentialforeverysocietytofosterhighregardfortellingthetruth.
157
QabeelatTayybah
Al- Adl Justice

v Group 1
Definitionof AlAdl:
TherearemanydefinitionsofAlAdl.Adlisjustice,fairness,moderation,balance,equalityand
straightpath.AccordingtotheWebsterdictionaryAdlisjusticeaccordingtothenaturallawor
rightspecifically:freedomfrombiasorfavoritism.
Adlistoactrighteouslyandfairlywithoneandwithallthesurroundings.Adlistheprincipleof
moralrighteous,equity.OnewhodoesnothaveAdlisdhalem,andisdefinedasbeingtyranny,
repressionandcruelty.
AdlintheholyQuran:
ItisintheholyQuranthatjusticeandequityaremostclearlyelucidated.Weareinformedinthe
Quranthatthebasisofallexistenceisjusticeandequity.Likewise,AllahtellsusintheQuran
thatthequalitiesofinjusticearenotfoundinthecreator,AllahandthatHejudgesHisservants
onlythroughtheseprinciplesofjustice.
Allah(Himself)isawitnessthatthereisnogodbutHim,andtheangelsandthemanof
learningalsoarewitness,maintainhiscreationinjusticethereisnogodbutHim,the Almighty,
158
QabeelatTayybah
thewiseAlImran:18
Justiceisalsotakenintoaccountbyregardstothejudge:
..Andletonewhoisjust,judgeamongstyou Maidah95
AllahAzawaJalplacedthemessengersandprophetsforhumanitytoteachusjustice:to
implement.
ODawud!Verily!Wehaveplacedyouasasuccessoronearth,sojudgeyoubetweenmenin
truth(andjustice)andfollownotdesireyourdesireforitwillmisleadyoufromthepathof
Allah(shall)haveaseveretormentbecausetheyforgotthedayofreckoning
Itisafundamentalrighttobejusttoothers
Allahdoesnotprohibityoufrombeingkindandjusttothosewhohavenotfoughtyouon
accountofreligion,norexpelledyoufromyourhomes.Allahlovesthosewhoarejust.Hujurat
49:89
159
QabeelatTayybah
Andletnottheenmityandhatredofothersmakeyouavoidjustice.Bejust:thatisheavierto
piety.Maidah:5:8
Adlinhadeeth:
SahihBukhari,book49,volume3,#870NarratedbyAbuhuraira,theprophet(Pbuh)said,
thereissudaqatobegivenforeveryjointofthehumanbodyandforeverydayonwhichthesun
risesthereisarewardofasadaqah(i.echaritablegift)fortheonewhoestablishesjustice
amongpeople
SahihBukhari,book53,volume4,#378NarratedbyAbdullahontheday(ofthebattle)of
thehunainAllahsapostlefavoredsomepeopleinthedistributionofthebooty(totheexclusion
ofothers)hegaveAl AqrabinHabisonehundredcamelsandhegaveuyainethesame
amount,andhealsogavetosomeoftheeminentArabs,givingthemperformanceinthisregard.
Thenapersoncameandsaid,ByAllah,inThisdistributionjusticehasnotbeenobserved,nor
hasAllahspleasurebeenaimedat.Isaid(tohim),ByAllah,Iwillinformtheprophet(ofwhat
youhavesaid),Iwentandinformedhim,andhesaid,ifAllahandHisApostledidnotact
justly,whoelsewouldactjustly.,MayAllahbemercifultoMoses,forhewasharmedmymore
thanthis,yethekeptPatient.
Sahihmuslim,book5,#2204,chapter16:sadaqahincludesalltypesofActsHammamb.
Munabbihreportedthatthisisoutof(thosehadeeth)whichAbuHurrairanarratedtousfrom
muhammedthemessengerofAllah.Andhewhilemakingamentionofahadeethreportedfrom
Allahsmessenger.Saidthis:Saddaqahisdueoneveryjointofapersoneverydaythesunrises.
Administratingofjusticeandwithtwomenisalsosaddaqah.Andassistingamantorideupon
hisbeast,orhelpinghimloudhisluggageuponit,issaddaqahandagoodwordisasaddaqah,
andeverystepthatyoutaketowardprayerisasaddaqah,andremovingofharmfulthingsfrom
thepathwayissaddaqah.
LackofAdl:
ThelackofAdlmaycausedisruptioninthisdunya.Ifthereisnojusticethencurruptionwill
occur.Itispartofourinnatefitrahtotelluswhatisjustandwhatisnot.Thereshouldbeneither
toomuchnortoolittleofjustice.When dealingwiththoseyoungerthanyou,donottryto
empoweroroverburdenthem.Intimesofjahiliyah,whenthegirlinfantswereburiedalive.
Beingunfairinrulingandjudgmentincourt,isinjust.Misusingonesbodyandovertiring
oneself.Andwhen dealingwiththoseaboveyou,therightjusticeisfullfillingyourdutiesto
them.PartofAdlisrecognizingeachpersons'meritwhichisdeterminedbyrighteousnesswhich
consistsofImanandAmal.EveryoneisequalintheeyesofAllahandtheonlythingthatwould
makeyoubetterisyourlevelofTakwah.Whenjusticeischanges,peacewillbelacking.And
subhanallah,thatiswhatisoccurringinourbelovedffice:smarttags"/>Iraqandmanymore
160
QabeelatTayybah
places.
Allahisthemostjust,themostforgiving,theAlmighty,muslimbrothersandsisters,weshould
allbejusttooneanother,weshouldimplementwhatwelearninoureverydaylife.Lifeis
nothingifthereisnomeaningtoit,Allahsubhanahuwataallahgaveusthatmeaning,embrace
itsistersandbrothersforthesakeofAllah.Everyoneshouldunderstandourpurposeofourlives,
wemuststrengthenourbonsbetweenourselves,butmostimportantlywithAllah.Eachperson
souldstartbybeingjusttotheirselves,subhanallah,Allahdoesnoitwantustosuffer,whydo
wehavetoabusewhatisnotours,OurbodiesareamanafromAllah.Everyoneshouldtreat
themselveswellandfindthestrongconnectionbetweenthemandAllah.Weshouldallbeone
handonheartandthenourMuslimnationwillriseandtherayahofIslamwillshineoncemore
inshallah.
v Group 2
ThereisonewordthatcapturestheessenceofallIslamiclawsandteachingsonewordthat
describesthedominantcomponentthatgroundsallIslamicvalues.ThatwordisAdlorJustice.
Adl orjusticeisanessentialpartofAkhlaaq.Justicecreatespeaceandharmonybetweenpeople
andalsoservesasaprequsiteforgoodmanners.
TheHolyQur'ansays:"WesentaforetimeourmessengerswithclearSignsandsent
downwiththemtheBookandtheBalance,thatmenmaystandforthinJustice."
[AlHadeed57:25].
ThesolepurposeofsendingtheprophetswastoestablishJusticeintheworldandend
injusticeandneitherlovenorhatecanbeallowedtocompromisejustice.
.
I.TheProphet(PBUH)towardjustice:
IntheexampleoftheProphet(saw),wehavethepinnacleexampleofAdl.Inahadith
narratedby AbuSaidAlKhudri:WhilewewerewithAllah'sApostlewhowas
distributing(i.e.someproperty),therecameDhulKhuwaisira,amanfromthetribe
ofBaniTamimandsaid,"OAllah'sApostle!DoJustice."TheProphetsaid,"Woe
toyou!WhocoulddojusticeifIdidnot?IwouldbeadesperateloserifIdidnotdo
justice..." (Muslim).
Further,theprophet(saw)explainedtousbyexamplehowimportanceitisdojusticeevenit
isagainstlovedones.
Awomanbelongingtoaprestigiousfamilywasarrestedfortheft.Thecasewas
broughttotheProphet,anditwasrecommendedthatshemightbesparedthe
punishmentoftheft.TheProphetreplied:"Thenationsthatlivedbeforeyouwere
destroyedbyGodbecausetheypunishedthecommonmanfortheiroffensesandlet
theirdignitariesgounpunishedfortheircrimesIswearbyHimWhoholdsmylife
161
QabeelatTayybah
inHishandthatevenifFatima,thedaughterofMuhammad,hadcommittedthis
crime,Iwouldhaveamputatedherhand." He(saw)madeitclearhowitwasto
establishjusticewithnonmuslimsaswell.
II.Companionstowardjustice:
Duringthecalipateof Ali(RU),helosthisvaluablecoatofarmorintheBattleofSiffin.
HefoundthatitwasinpossessionofaChristian.Heaskedforthearmorbackbutthe
Christianrefused.AlifiledasuitatthecourtsoftheQadiofKufa.Whenaskedto
producewitnesses,Alicouldonlyproduce2witnesses,andthejudgementwasruled
againstAli.TheadministrationofJusticeinjudgingagainsttheKhalifaimpressedthe
Christian(whowasthewrongdoer)tosuchadegreethathereturnedthearmor,admitted
hisguilt,andacceptedIslam.ThisChristianwaslatermartyredintheBattleof
Nahrawan.
DuringtheCaliphateofUmar(RU),awomanbroughtaclaimagainsttheCaliph'Umar.
When'Umarappearedontrialbeforethejudge,thejudgestoodupasasignofrespect
towardhim.'Umarreprimandedhim,saying,"Thisisthefirstactofinjusticeyoudidto
thiswoman!".
III.NonMuslimoutlooktowardsjustice:
Manynonmuslimswerealsoabletounderstandtheimportanceofjusticeandthelackofit.
Inpresenttimesitisknownthatyougetasmuchjusticeasyoucanafford,implyingthat
justiceisbasedonmoneyratherthanprincipalandethics.
AlbertEinsteinsaidAcademicchairsaremany,butwiseandnobleteachersarefew
lectureroomsarenumerousandlarge,butthenumberofyoungpeoplewho
genuinelythirstaftertruthandjusticeissmall.
ThisyearstatisticssuggestthatthereTHREETIMESGREATERchanceofyoubeing
involvedinaLAWSUITthanof youbeingadmittedtothehospital. Inaddition,herein
America,realitycourtroomshowsarebecomingmoreandmorepopular,showslike
JudgeJudy,judgemillslane,JudgeMathisandsoforth.Thisisaclearindicationthatthe
justiceisbecomingamajorconcern.
IV.WhyisjusticesoimportantinIslam?
ThecorebeliefofIslamicideologyisunityof,andtheonenessofAllah,(SWT)thisunity
isreflectedinharmonyandbalance.Injusticedestroysharmonyandupsetsbalance
resultingindisorder..
Doingjustactscanimproveyourakhlaq,andthosewiththebestakhlaqaretheclosest
totheprophetontheDayofJudgment.
Moreoverinjusticefracturesthebrotherhoodandsisterhoodofthebelieverswhichisan
essentialelementinanIslamicsociety.
Theonewhohassuffersinjusticemuststruggletoeliminatefeelingsofangerand
resentment.Thus,byupholdingjustice,notonlydoespeacecometothesocietybut
moreimportantly,peacecomestothesoul,makingtheclosenesstoAllah(SWT)more
attainable.
162
QabeelatTayybah
V.Howtoimprovethelackjustice?
TherearemanystepsthatareneededforMuslimstoimplementjusticeinallaspects.
Onemustactjustandbecomejust,andinordertodothat,onemustdojustacts.(Reform
startswithself)
Educate!Weasparents,teachers,brothersandsistersshouldtrytodoourpartby
learningandeducatingothersabouttherulingandunderstandingofIslamaccordingto
theQuranandsunnah.
ThethirdstepistouseMasajids,schools,homesasacentertospreadjustice,starting
withourhomes.AhomewhereIslamisameansofjusticeisthehomethatisideal
becauseitfollowstherulessetbyAllah.
AfterourhomesweshouldeducateimplementjusticeaccordingtoIslamwhereverwe
can.ItisnarratedbyMuslim Whoeveramongyouseesanevilaction,lethimchange
itwithhishand(bytakingaction)ifhecannot,thenwithhistongue(byspeaking
out)andifhecannotthenwithhisheart(byhatingitandfeelingthatitiswrong),
butthatistheweakestoffaith.
Conclusion
BringingjusticeaccordingtoIslamwouldhelpimproveourselvesandimprovethestatethatwe
allarein.Allahisourcreator,andourjudgeandindeedheisthebestofjudges,letusdoour
parttofollowhislaws,surelyheknowswhatisbestforus.
TheQuransays:"Oyewhobelieve!Standoutfirmlyforjustice,aswitnessesto
Allah,evenasagainstyourselves,oryourparents,oryourkin,andwhetheritbe
(against)richorpoor:forAllahcanbestprotectboth.Follownotthe lusts(ofyour
hearts),lestyeswerve,andifyedistort(justice)ordeclinetodojustice,verilyAllah
iswellacquaintedwithallthatyedo."[AnNisa4:35]
163
QabeelatTayybah
Ar-Rahmah- Compassion
v Group 1
Definition
Rahmahcomesfromtherootword raahaameem whichisalsotherootwordfor
motherswomb.
Allah(swt)Himselfatteststothis.AbdurRahmanibnAwfsaidheheardthemessengerofAllah
(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)say,AllahtheExaltedsaid,IamArRahman.Icreatedthe
Raham(womb)andderivedanameforitfromMyname.Hencewhoeverkeepsit,Iwillkeep
tiestohim,andwhoeverseversit,Iwillsevertieswithhim.(GradedSahihbyTirmidhi)
ThewordinEnglishwouldcloselydefinedas,mercy,compassion,kindness,gentleness.
EvidencesintheQuranandSunnah MercyofAllah
AbuHurairareportedAllahsMessenger(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)assaying,Thereare
onehundred(partsof)mercyforAllahandHehassentdownoutoftheseonepartofmercy
uponthejinnandhumanbeingsandtheinsectsanditisbecauseofthis(onepart)thattheylove
oneanother,showkindnesstooneanotherandeventhebeasttreatsitsyoungonewithaffection,
andAllahhasreservedninetyninepartsofmercywithwhichHewouldtreatHisservantsonthe
DayofResurrection."(SahihMuslim)
NarratedAbuHuraira,IheardAllah'sApostlesaying,BeforeAllahcreatedthecreations,He
wroteaBook(whereinHehaswritten):MyMercyhasprecededmyAnger."andthat(Book)is
writtenwithHimovertheThrone.(SahihBukhari)
AllahsaysintheQuran,"Onthatday,ifthepenaltyisavertedfromany,itisduetoAllah's
mercyAndthatwouldbe(Salvation),theobviousfulfillmentofalldesire(SurahAlAnaam:
16)
AllahsaysintheQuranButthosewhosefaceswillbe(litwith)white,theywillbein(thelight
of)Allah'smercy:thereintodwell(forever).(SurahAliImran:107)
AcquiringthisVirtue
TheProphet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)said,"Compassionisnottakenawayexceptfromthe
onewhoisdoomed."(SahihBukhari)
164
QabeelatTayybah
Step1:BesincerewithyourselfandcommittedtoacquiringthisvirtueofRahmah.
Step2:MakeDua
MakeDuaforAllahtobemercifultoyou.
OnnosouldoesAllahplaceaburdengreaterthanitcanbear.Itgetseverygoodthatitearns,
anditsufferseveryillthatitearns.(Pray"OurLord!Condemnusnotifweforgetorfallinto
errorourLord!LaynotonusaburdenLikethatwhichYoulayonthosebeforeusOurLord!
Laynotonusaburdengreaterthanwehavestrengthtobear.Blotoutoursins,andgrantus
forgiveness.Havemercyonus.ThouartourProtectorHelpusagainstthosewhostandagainst
faith."
MakeDuathatAllahhavemercyonyouandthathehelpyouinyourendeavorinacquiringthis
virtue.
Step3:AcquiretheCharacteristicsofthoseWhomAllahwillhavemercyupon.
Thisayahgivesus6characteristics:
TheBelievers,menandwomen,(1)areprotectorsoneofanother:(2)theyenjoinwhatisjust,
and(3)forbidwhatisevil,(4)theyobserveregularprayers,(5)practiceregularcharity,and(6)
obeyAllahandHisMessenger.OnthemwillAllahpourHismercy:forAllahisExaltedin
power,Wise.(SurahAtTawbah:71)
Step4:ShowingMercytoOthers
TheProphet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Thosewhoaremercifulhavemercyshownto
thembytheAllMercifulOne(ArRahm).
TheProphet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)said,"Showmercytothosewhoareonearth,then
HeWhoisinheavenwillshowmercyuntoyou."(AbuDawud,Tirmidhi).
TheProphet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)said,"Youwillnotbelieveuntilyouhave
compassiontowardsoneanother."Theysaid,"OhMessengerofAllah,allofusare
compassionate."Hesaid,"Itisnotthecompassionofanyofyoutowardshisfriend,butitis
compassiontowardsallpeopleandcompassiontowardsthecommonfolk."(ReportedbyAt
Tabarani)
ShowingMercytoParents
And,outofkindness,lowertothemthewingofhumility,andsay:"MyLord!bestowonthem
YourMercyevenastheycherishedmeinchildhood."(SurahIsra:17)
165
QabeelatTayybah
ShowingMercytoChildren
TheProphet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)said,"Icommencedtheprayer,andIintendedto
makeitlong,butIheardachildcrying,soIcutmyprayershortbecauseofthedistressIknew
hismotherwouldbefeeling."(BukhariandMuslim)
ShowingMercytoAnimals
TheProphetreachedsuchheightsofmercythatonce,whenheandhisCompanionsstoppedin
someplace,abirdappearedabovehishead,asif shewereseekinghishelpandcomplainingto
himofthewrongdoingofamanwhohadtakenheregg.Hesaid,"Whichofyouhasdistressed
herbytakingheregg?"Amansaid,"OhMessengerofAllah,Ihavetakenit."TheProphetsaid,
"Putitback,outofmercytoher."(SahihBukhari)
IbnUmar(RadiyAllahuAnh)narratedthattheprophet(sallaAllahualayhiwasallam)saidA
womanenteredtheFirebecauseofacatwhichshehadties,neithergivingitfoodnorsettingit
freetoeatfromtheverminoftheearth.(Bukhari)
AndinotherNarrationsthesuggestionsofsofteningyourhearttoacquirethisvirtueare,
strokingtheheadofanorphanandgivinghimsomethingtoeat,visitingthesick,attendingthe
janazah,visitingthegraves.
v Group 2
1.DefinitionofArRahmah(synonyms:mercy,compassion)
LiteralDefinition:
o Rahmahisderivedfromtherootrhm,whichmeansawomb(e.g.amothers
womb)
MerriamWebstersOnlineDictionary:
o Compassionsympatheticconsciousnessofothers'distresstogetherwithadesire
toalleviateit
o Mercycompassionorforbearanceshownespeciallytoanoffenderortoone
subjecttoone'spower
2.ApplicationofArRahmahfromAllahtowardsHisCreation
Firstly,twonamesofAllah(Subhanahuwataala)areArRahmaanArRaheem(Most
Gracious,MostMerciful)[SurahAlFatihah1:3]
IbnAlQayyim(rahimahullah)writesthatthewordRahmandenotesthatattributeof
AllahwhichexistsalongwithHisSelf,andRaheemdenotesthattheattributeisrelatedto
thatSelfwhichhasbeentherecipientof Rahmah.
SheikhulIslamibnTaymiyyah(rahimahullah)writesthatArRahmanarguesforthe
attributeoftheSelfofAllahandArRaheemforHisactiveattribute.
166
QabeelatTayybah
Allah(Subhanahuwataala)says,YourLordhaswrittenMercyforHimself[SurahAl
Anam6:54]
Allah(Subhanahuwataala)says,OurRubb(Lord)!Youcomprehendallthingsin
mercyandknowledge[SurahGhafir40:7]SheikhibnTaymiyyahexplainsthatthe
realsentencewillbelikethis:YourMercyandYourKnowledgearepredominantover
everything.ThemercyofthesacredAllahiscommontoeveryoneintheworldbehea
believer,orunbeliever,apiousmanorawickedman.
Allahsays,MyMercyembracesallthings.That(Mercy)Ishallordainforthosewhoare
theMuttaqun,andgiveZakat,andthosewhobelieveinOurAyat[SurahAlAraf
7:156]
Allahsays,YourLordhaswrittenMercyforHimself[SurahAlAnam6:54]
ItistransmittedfromAbuHurairahintheSahihain:WhenAllahcreatedtheuniverse,
HewroteabookwhichHekeepswithHimontheThronethatHisMercytakes
precedenceonHisWrath.
AndHeisMostMercifultothebelievers.[SurahAlAhzab33:43]
HeisOftForgiving,theMostMerciful.[SurahYunus10:107]
ButAllahistheBesttoguard,andHeistheMostMercifulofthosewhoshowmercy.
[SurahYusuf12:64]
ItisnarratedfromAbuHurayrahthattheProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeupon
him)said:Allaahhasonehundredpartsofmercy,ofwhichHesentdownonebetween
thejinn,mankind,theanimalsandtheinsects,bymeansofwhichtheyarecompassionate
andmercifultooneanother,andbymeansofwhichwildanimalsarekindtotheir
offspring.AndAllaahhaskeptbackninetyninepartsofmercywithwhichtobemerciful
tohisslavesontheDayofResurrection.[SahihMuslim,alTawbah#6908]
InanothernarrationtheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said:"Allahhasdivided
mercyintoonehundredparts,andHeretainedwithHimninetynineparts,andsentdown
toearthonepart.Throughthisonepartcreaturesdealwithoneanotherwithcompassion,
somuchsothatananimalliftsitshoofoveritsyounglestitshouldhurtit."(AlBukhari)
Inthishadeeth,theProphetsalallahualayhiwassallum,clearlytellsusthatthemercyof
Allahisfargreaterthanthemercyofamotherforherchild.ItwasnarratedthatUmar
ibnalKhattaabsaid:SomeprisonerswerebroughttotheMessengerofAllaah(peace
andblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim),andtherewasawomanamongtheprisonerswho
wassearching(forherchild).Whenshefoundherchildsheembracedhimandputhimto
herbreast.TheMessengerofAllaah(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)saidto
us,Doyouthinkthatthiswomanwouldthrowherchildinthefire?Wesaid,No,by
Allaah,notifsheisablenotto.TheMessengerofAllaah(peaceandblessingsofAllaah
beuponhim)said,AllaahismoremercifultoHisslavesthanthiswomanistoher
child.[Agreedupon.AlBukhaari,5653Muslim,6912]
OneaspectofthemercyofAllaahtoHisslavesisthatHesenttheMessengersand
revealedtheBooksandlawstoorganizetheirlivesaccordingtothewaysofwisdom,far
removedfromhardshipanddifficulty.Allaahsays(interpretationofthemeaning):And
Wehavesentyou(OMuhammad)notbutasamercyfortheAalameen(mankind,jinn
andallthatexists)[SurahalAnbiya21:107]
ThemercyofAllaahiswhatwilladmitHisbelievingslavestoParadiseontheDayof
Resurrection.NoonewilleverenterParadisebecauseofhisdeedsalone,astheProphet
(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)said:Noonesdeedswilleveradmithimto
167
QabeelatTayybah
Paradise.Theysaid,Notevenyou,OMessengerofAllaah?Hesaid,No,noteven
me,unlessAllaahshowermewithHisMercy.Sotrytobeneartoperfection.Andnoone
shouldwishfordeathheiseitherdoinggoodsohewilldomoreofthat,orheisdoing
wrongsohemayrepent.[NarratedbyalBukhaari,5349Muslim,7042]
SothebelievermustremaininastatehopingfortheMercyofAllaah.AsAllahsays:
Declare(OMuhammad)untoMyslaves,thattruly,IamtheOftForgiving,theMost
Merciful.[alHijr15:49]
HadeethevidenceforAllaahsmercyandcompassiontohisservants:TheProphet
(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said,Allahorderedtheappointedangelsoveryouthatthe
goodandthebaddeedsbewritten,andHethenshowedhowtowrite.Ifsomeoneintends
todoagooddeedandhedoesnotdoit,thenAllahwillwriteforhimafullgooddeed,
andifheintendstodoagooddeedandactuallydidit,thenAllahwillwriteforhimits
rewardequalfrom10to700timestomanymoretimes.AndIfsomeoneintendstodoa
baddeedandhedoesnotdoit,thenAllahwillwriteforhimafullgooddeed(inhis
account)withHim,andifheintendstodoabaddeedandactuallydidit,thenAllahwill
writeforhimonebaddeed.[AlBukhari]
Allah,theAlmighty,says,'Whosoeverdoesagooddeed,willhaveareward10timeslike
itandIaddmore,andwhosoeverdoesanevil,willhavethepunishmentlikeitorIwill
forgivehim,andwhosoeverapproachesMebyonespan,Iwillapproachhimbyone
cubit,andwhosoeverapproachesMebyonecubit,Iapproachhimbyonefathom,and
whosoevercomestoMewalking,Igotohimrunning,andwhosoevermeetsMewithan
earthloadofsinswithoutassociatinganythingwithMe,Imeethimwithforgivenesslike
that.'[Muslim]
Ohumankind!TherehascometoyouagoodadvicefromyourLordandahealingfor
that(disease)whichisinyourbreastsaguidanceandamercyforthebelievers.
[Yunus10:57]
AndWehavesentyounot(OMuhammad),butasamercyforall.[AlAnbiyaa'
21:107]
ExampleoftheMercyofAllah(Subhanahuwataala)whenAllah(Subhanahuwa
taala)mademanthekhalifahonearth,Hedidnotleavehimwithoutguidance,butrather
Hesentmanymessengerstoguidehimtothestraightpath,especiallythecomprehensive
andcompleteIslamiclegislation,thatwouldkeephimawayfromhardshipandmisery
andtheevidencefor thisisthesayingofAllah(Subhanahuwataala):AndverilyWe
havesentamongsteverynationamessenger(saying),WorshipAllah(Alone)andavoid
allfalsedeities.ThenofthemweresomewhomAllahguidedandofthemweresome
uponwhomthestrayingwasjustified.[SurahanNahl16:36]
AnexampleofAllahs(Subhanahuwataala)Mercyisthatevenwhenwefightand
resistcommittingsin,andregretfullycommitasin,He(subhanahuwataala)makesit
easyforthebelievertoremitthatsinasAllah says"Verily,thegooddeedsremovethe
evildeeds."[SuratHud11:114]
AbuHurairah(radhiallahuanhu)relatesthatAllah'sMessenger(sallallahualaihi
wasallam)said:"Indeed,beforeAllahcreatedthecreation,HedecreedforHimself,
'IndeedMyMercy prevailsoverMyAnger.[SaheehalBukhareeandSaheehMuslim
(17/68)]
ImamMuslimreportedthattheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said:"WhenAllah
createdtheheavensandtheearth,hecreatedonehundredmercieseachonecancover
168
QabeelatTayybah
whatisbetweentheearthandtheheaven.Heallocatedtotheearthonlyone,withwhich
themotheriscompassionatewithherchildthebeastandthebirdarecompassionatewith
theirbabies.WhentheDayofJudgmentcomes,AllahwillcompleteHismercy."
[Muslim]
TheMercyofAllah(Subhanahuwataala)manifestsitselfinHissubjectingallthatisin
thisuniverseformansuse.Allah(Subhanahuwataala)says:"Andhassubjectedtoyou
allthatisintheheavensandallthatisintheearthitisallasafavorandkindnessfrom
Him."[SurahAlJathiyah45:13]
"AndWesenddownfromtheQur'anthatwhichisahealinganda
mercytothosewhobelieve..."[SurahAlIsra17:82]
Allahs(Subhanahuwataala)says:"Exceptthosewhorepentandbelieve,anddo
righteousdeeds,forthose,Allahwillchangetheirsinsintogooddeeds,andAllahisEver
OftForgiving,MostMerciful."[SurahAlFurqan25:70]
Allah(Subhanahuwataala)says:Say:OMyslaveswhohavetransgressedagainst
themselves(bycommittingevildeedsandsins)!DespairnotoftheMercyofAllah,
verilyAllahforgivesallsins.Truly,HeisOftForgiving,MostMerciful.[Surahaz
Zumar39:53]
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)mentionedtousthatAllah(subhanahuwa
taala)forgaveasinningman,andafornicatingwomanfortheirmercyandkindnesswith
athirstydog,sotheygaveitwatertodrink.ImamBukhariandMuslimreportboth
stories.
AnotherexampleoftheMercyofAllah:ItisrecordedinthetwoSaheeh,theHadeethof
AbuSaid(radhiallahuanhu)fromtheMessengerofAllah(sallallahualaihiwasallam)
aboutthemanwhokilledninetyninepeople.Lateron,heregretteditandaskeda
worshipperamongthechildrenofIsraelwhetherhecouldrepent.Hetoldhimno,sohe
killedhim,thuscompletingonehundred.Thenheaskedoneoftheirscholarswhetherhe
couldrepent.Thescholarsaid:'Whatisstoppingyoufromrepenting?'Thenheaskedhim
togotoatownwhereAllahwasworshiped.Hesetoutforthetown,butdeathcameto
himwhilehewasontheway.TheAngelsofMercyandtheAngelsofPunishment
disputedoverhim,soAllahcommandedthemtomeasurethedistancebetweenthetwo
townswhicheverhewasclosertowastheonetowhichhebelonged.Theyfoundthathe
wasclosertothetownhewasheadingfor,sotheAngelsofMercytookhim.Itwassaid
thatwhenhewasdying,hemovedhimself(towardsthetown),andAllahcommandedthe
goodtowntomoveclosertohimandtheothertowntomoveaway.[SeeFathalBaree
(6:591)]
NumerousAhaadeethandQur'aanicversesgivehopetothesinfulbelieverintheMercy
ofAllahforforgivenessofhissins,forAllahisfullofforgiveness,pardonandcovering
mistakesofpeople,inspiteofthepeoplespersistenceupontransgression:Andnever
giveuphopeofAllah'sMercy.Certainly,noonedespairsofAllah'sMercy,exceptthe
peoplewhodisbelieve.[SurahYusuf12:87]
ThemercyofAllah(Subhanahuwataala)isHimcreatingmankindbetterthanother
creatures.Allah(Subhanahuwataala)says"AndindeedWehavehonouredtheChildren
ofAdam,andWehavecarriedthemonlandandsea,andhaveprovidedthemwithAt
Tayyibat,andhavepreferredthemabovemanyofthosewhomWehavecreatedwitha
markedpreferment."[SurahAlIsra17:70]
169
QabeelatTayybah
AllahssignArRahmah:AndamongHisSignsisthatHecreatedforyouwivesfrom
amongyourselves,thatyoumayfindreposeinthem,andHehasputbetweenyou
affectionandmercy.Verily,inthatareindeedsignsforapeoplewhoreflect.[SurahAr
Rum30:21]
ImaamAhmadBinHanbal[Rahimahullah]Said:AllahshowersHisMercyuponthe
worshipperwhoapproachesprayerinastateofhumilityandmeeknesstowardsAllah,in
fearandsupplicatingHimwithdesire(forHisPleasure),andinhope(ofHisMercy),
makingSalahtohisRabb,hismostimportantconsideration,dedicatinghiswhispered
utterancestoHimandhisbackstraightinhisqiyamandhisrukuàndhissujud,poring
outhisheartandhisfeelingsandstrugglingtoperfecthisactsof worship,forheknows
notwhetherhewillperformanotherprayerafterit,orwhetherhewillbeovertaken(by
death)beforehecanperformSalahagain.
Allahsays:AndhaditnotbeenforthegraceofAllahandhismercyuponyou,notone
ofyouwouldhaveeverbeenrighteousandpure(ofsins).ButAllahpurifieswhomHe
wills(byguidingthemtothetrueIslam)andAllahistheAllHearing,theAllKnowing.
[SurahAnNur24:21]
AsShawkaanisaid:"IbnJareerandIbnMundhirandIbnAbiHaatimhaveallcollected
ontheauthorityofIbnAbbaasthathesaidconcerning:Andhaditnotbeenforthegrace
ofAllahandhismercyuponyou,notoneofyouwouldhaveeverbeenrighteousand
pure(ofsins)'Noonefromthecreationwouldhavebeenguidedtoany good'.Which
meanshaditnotbeenforAllah'sgraceandHismercynotasingleonefromamongstyou
wouldhavepurifiedhimselffromit'sfilthevenifhespenthisentirelifetrying."
BytheMercyofAllah,HemadeDuaaformofworship.AndwhenMy servantsask
you(OMuhammad)concerningMe,thenanswerthem,Iamindeednear.Irespondtothe
invocationsofthesupplicantwhenhecallsonMe.SoletthemobeyMeandbelievein
Me,sothattheymaybeledaright.[SurahalBaqarah2:186]
NarratedbyAbuHurairahwhosaidthattheMessengerofAllah(Salallahualayhi
wassallam)said,IfthebelieverknowswhatAllah(subhanahuwataala)hadintermsof
punishment,nobodywouldhopefortheJunnahlikewise,ifthedisbelieverknowswhat
Allah(subhanahuwataala)hasintermsofmercythennobodywouldhavegivenupin
theMercyofAllah(subhanahuwataala).[Muslim]
3.ApplicationofArRahmahfromthebelievertowardsAllahsCreation
AndalsoitisauthenticfromtheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)whosaid:A
womanwenttotheHellfireduetoacat.Shetrappeditinsideanddidnotfeeditnordid
sheletitouttofinditssustenanceupontheearth.[ReportedbyMusliminKitaabAs
Salaam(#2242)]
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said,"Ifadisbelieverknowsofallthemercy
whichisinthehandofAllah,hewouldnotlosehopeofenteringParadise"[Bukhari
andMuslim]
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said:"Themercifulpeoplewillhavemercy
bestoweduponthembyAllah(Subhanahuwataala).Bemercifulwiththoseonearth,so
Hewhointheheaven(Allah)willhavemercyonyou."[AbuDawud,AtTirmithi]
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said:"Allahwillnothavemercyontheone
whodoesnothavemercyon people."[Bukhari,Muslim,andAtTirmithi]
170
QabeelatTayybah
Narratedby'AbdullahbinUmar:Allah'sApostle(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said,"A
MuslimisabrotherofanotherMuslim,soheshouldnotoppresshim,norshouldhehand
himovertoanoppressor.Whoeverfulfilledtheneedsofhisbrother,Allahwillfulfillhis
needswhoeverbroughthis(Muslim)brotheroutofadiscomfort,Allahwillbringhim
outofthediscomfortsoftheDayofResurrection,andwhoeverscreenedaMuslim,Allah
willscreenhimontheDay ofResurrection."[SahihBukhari]
Weshouldhavemercytotheanimalwhenweslaughterit,andweshouldnottortureit.
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said,"Andifyouslaughter,slaughterwell.
Leteachoneofyousharpenhisbladeandlethimsparesufferingtotheanimalhe
slaughters."[Muslim]
AndyourLordhasdecreedthatyouworshipnonebutHim.Andthatyoubedutifulto
yourparents.Ifoneofthemorbothofthemattainoldageinyourlife,
saynottothemawordofdisrespect,norshoutatthembutaddressthemintermsof
honour.Andlowertothemthewingofsubmissionandhumilitythroughmercy,andsay:
"MyLord!BestowonthemYourMercyastheydidbringmeupwhenIwasyoung."
YourLordknowsbestwhatisinyourinnerselves.Ifyouarerighteous,then,verily,He
isEverMostForgivingtothosewhoturntoHim
againandagaininobedience,andinrepentance.[AlIsraa17:2325]
AmancametotheProphetsalallahualaihiwasalaamandhequestioned:OMessenger
ofAllaahwhodeservesmygoodcompanionshipmore?He(salallahualaihiwasalaam)
said:Yourmother.Thepersonagainquestioned,thenwho?He(salallahualaihiwa
salaam)saidYourmother.Hethenquestionedagain.HesaidYourmother.Thenhe
questionedandtheProphetsallallaahualaihiwasallamrepliedThenyourfatherand
thenthosewhoarecloserandthenthosewhoarecloser.[ReportedbyMusliminkitaab
alBirrwasSilahwalAdaab(#2548),alBukhaareeinKitaabalAdaab(#5626)]
AndWehaveenjoinedonman(tobedutifulandgood)tohisparents.Hismotherbore
himinweaknessandhardshipuponweaknessandhardship,andhisweaningisintwo
yearsgivethankstoMeandtoyourparents[Luqman31:14]
TheProphet,sallallahualayhiwasallam,said:Noneofyoutrulybelievesuntilheloves
forhisbrotherwhathelovesforhimself.[alBukhaariandothers]
ItisHeWhosendsdownmanifestAyt(proofs,evidences,verses,lessons,signs,
revelations,etc.)toHisslave(Muhammad,sallallahualayhiwassallam)thatHemay
bringyououtfromdarknessintolight.Andverily,Allhistoyoufullofkindness,Most
Merciful.[AlHadeed57:9]
Allhdoesnotforbidyoutodealjustlyandkindlywiththosewhofoughtnotagainst
youonaccountofreligionnordroveyououtofyourhomes...[AlMumtahanah60:8]
ArRahmahtowardseachother:TheProphetsallallaahu'alayhiwasallamalsosaid:"The
exampleoftheBelieverintheirmutualloveandmercyisliketheexampleofabody,if
onepartofthebodyfeelspain,thenallthebodysuffersinsleeplessnessandfever.
[RelatedbyalBukhaaree(no.6011)andMuslim(no.2586)fromanNu'maanibnBasheer
radiallaahuanhu]
ThebelieversmakingDuaforeachotherisanexampleofArRahmah:Allah says:And
those(Muslims)thatcomeafterthemsay,OOurLord!Forgiveusandourbrethrenwho
precededusinFaith,anddonotputinourheartsanyhatredtothosewhohavebelieved.
OurLord!Youareindeedfullofkindness,MostMerciful![SurahalHashr59:10]
171
QabeelatTayybah
TheProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)toldusthat"amansawadog
bitingthedustbecauseofthirst,sohetookhisshoeandstartedtoscoopwaterupwithit
untilthedogsthirstwasquenched.Allaahappreciatedhisgooddeedandgrantedhim
entrytoParadiseforit."[ReportedbyalBukhaari,no.174]
Accordingtoanotherreport,theProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)
said:"Whilstamanwaswalkinghebecameverythirsty,sohewentdowntoawelland
drankfromit.Whenhecameout,hesawadogpantingandbitingthesoilbecauseof
thirst.Themansaid,HeissufferingthesameasIsuffered,sohefilledhisshoe(with
water),cameoutandletthedogdrinkuntilhisthirstwasquenched.Allaahappreciated
hisgooddeedandforgavehimbecauseofit."Thepeopleasked,"OMessengerof
Allaah,willweberewardedforhowwetreatanimals?"Hesaid,"Ineverylivingthing
thereisareward."[ReportedbyalBukhaari,Fath,no.2363]
4.InappropriateapplicationofArRahmahbythebeliever
However,itisimportanttocorrectlyunderstandtheconceptofhopeintheMercyof
Allah,forsomewhoaremistakeninthisissuerelycompletelyuponthehopethatAllah
willforgivetheirsinswithoutevenintendingtorefrainfromevildeeds.Hopeinthe
MercyofAllahshouldbeaccompaniedbyregretandremorseoftheheartuponthesins
committed,sincerity,hasteninginrepentanceandavoidingsinsasisclearlymanifest
fromthefollowingversesoftheQur'aan.Allahsays:Andwhosoeverdoesevilor
wrongshimselfbutafterwardsseeksAllah'sforgiveness,hewillfindAllahOft
Forgiving,MostMerciful.[SurahanNisa4:110]
AllahisMercifultowardstheonewhoissincereinhisrepentance,fulfillingthe
conditionsofrepentance.YahyaaIbnMuaadhcapturesthemisconceptiononemayhave
regardingAllahsRahmah.Hesays:"Inmyview,theworstkindofselfdelusionisto
greatlysin,yethopeforforgivenesswithoutfeelinganyregretandtohopetodrawclose
toAllah theMostHigh withoutobediencetoHimandtoawaitthefruitsofParadise,
byplantingtheseedsforHellFireandtoseektheabodeoftheobedientones,bydoing
actsofdisobedienceandtoexpectareward,withoutdoinganyworthyactionandto
hopeinAllah theMightyandMajesticafteroversteppingthebounds.""Youhopefor
salvationbutdonottreaditspath.Ashipneversailsupondryland."[RelatedbyIbn
HibbaaninRawdatul'Uqalaa(p.284),fromthepoetryofAbul'Atiyyah]
ShaykhMuhammadibnSaalihalUthaymeen(mayAllaahhavemercyonhim)said:
AllaahhasenjoinedfastinguponeveryMuslimwhoisaccountable,abletodoitandnot
travelling.Asforyoungchildrenwhohavenotyetreachedtheageofpuberty,fastingis
notobligatoryforthem,becausetheProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)
said:Thepenhasbeenliftedfromthreeandhementionedyoungchildrenuntilthey
reachpuberty.Butthechildsguardianmusttellhimtofastifhereachesanagewherehe
isabletodoso,becausethatcomesundertheheadingoftraininghimtoimplementthe
pillarsofIslam.Weseesomepeopleleavingtheirchildrenaloneandnottellingthemto
prayorfast,butthisiswrong,andhe(theparent)will beresponsibleforthatbefore
Allaah.Theysaythattheydonotmaketheirchildrenfastoutofkindnessand
compassiontowardsthem,butinfacttheonewhoistrulykindandcompassionate
towardshischildistheonewhotrainshimtoacquiregoodcharacteristicsandtodo
172
QabeelatTayybah
righteousdeeds,nottheonewhorefrainsfromdiscipliningandtraininghimina
beneficialmanner.Endquote.[MajmooFataawaalShaykhIbnUthaymeen,19/19,20]
SomuslimsmayinappropriatelyapplytheconceptofArRahmahtowardsdisbelievers
bybecomingtheirfriends,companions,andtakingthemasprotectors.Rather,they
shoulddislikeadisbelieverintheirheartfordisobeyingandrejectingAllahsubhanahu
wataala,yetmaintaintheirrightsashumanbeingssuchasbeingkind,gentle,andjust
withthem.SoourhateforthemisforthesakeofAllah,andourkindandjusttreatment
forthemisforthesakeofAllah.SoourRahmahtowardsdisbelieversislimitedtothe
accordanceoftheShariah.Allahsays,Youwillnotfindanypeoplewhobelievein
AllahandtheLastDay,makingfriendshipwithandlovingthosewhoopposeAllahand
HisMessengereveniftheyaretheirfathersortheirsonsortheirkindred"[Surahal
Mujadlilah58:22]
5.BewareofactingupontheoppositeofArRahmah(e.g.harshnessandhatred)
TheProphet,sallallahualayhiwasallam,saidwhoeverdoesnothavemercyuponthe
peopleAllaahwillnothavemercyuponhimoronhim.[ReportedbyMusliminKitaab
alFadhaail(#2319)]
OntheauthorityofAbeeDharralGhifaaree,radiyallaahuanhu,theProphet(Sallallahu
alayhiwasallam)saidinahadeeththatisQudsi:OMyservants!Ihaveforbidden
oppressionforMyself,andIhavemadeitforbiddenamongstyou,sodonotoppressone
another.
Oyouwhobelieve!StandoutfirmlyforAllhasjustwitnessesandletnottheenmity
andhatredofothersmakeyouavoidjustice.Bejust:thatisnearertopiety[Al
Maaidah5:8]
TheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)saidAllaahwillpunishthosewhoharm the
peopleinthisworld.[ReportedbyMusliminKitaabalBirrwasSilahwalAdaab
(#2613)]
Theprophet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)clarifiedtousthatsnatchingmercyfromthe
heartofapersonisevidenceofhisunkindness.ImamAbuDawudandAtTirmidhi
reportedthattheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)said:"Allahdoesnotsnatchmercy
exceptfromtheunkindperson"[AbuDawudandAtTirmidhi]
Ibn'UmarradiyAllahuanhunarratedthattheProphetsalAllahualayhiwasallamsaid:"A
womanentered the(Hell)Firebecauseofacatwhichshehadtied,neithergivingitfood
norsettingitfreetoeatfromtheverminofhteearth."[AlBukhari]
Allahsays:"Oyouwhobelieve!Youareforbiddentoinheritwomenagainsttheirwill,
andyoushouldnottreatthemwithharshness,..."[AnNisaa4:19]
AndtheProphet(Sallallahualayhiwasallam)sawadonkeythatwasbrandedonitsface
andhesaidMayAllaahcursetheonewhobrandedthisdonkey.[ReportedbyMuslim
inKitaabalLibaas(#2117)]
173
QabeelatTayybah
Al-Haya- Modesty
v Group 1
Definition
IslamicTranslation:
ThewordHaya'[Modesty]isderivedfromtheword"Hayat",whichmeanslife,
asifthepersonwhohasnoHaya'islikeadeadperson.Hayaisanaturalfeeling
thatbringsuspainaccompaniedwithembarrassmentattheveryideaof
committingawrongorsomeunworthyorindecentconduct.
Hayaisanattributewhichpushesthebelievertoavoidanythingdistastefulor
abominable.Itkeepshim/herfrombeingneglectfulingivingeveryonewhatisdue
uponthem,andifforanyreasonhe/sheisnotabletokeepupwithhis/her
commitmentthentheywillfeelextremelybadandashamedaboutthis.
o AnNawawisaid,ThescholarssaidthattherealityofHayaisthecharacter,
whichencouragestheabandonmentofdespicableactionsandpreventsagainst
negligenceconcerningtherightsofthepeoplewhopossesrightsoverothers.
o AbooAlQaasimAlJunaydradiallahuanhusaid,Hayaistherecognizing
Allahsfavors,meaningHisblessingsandtherecognizingofonesown
negligenceinlightofthembothispromptedbyaconditioncalledshyness.
EnglishTranslation:
Modesty:Nottobesplendidinappearancenotvainorboastfulrathershy
orhavingorshowingtherespectorbehaviorasasymbolofdecencyandpurity.
(OxfordLearnersAdvancedDictionary).
174
QabeelatTayybah
EvidencefromQuranandSunnah
Quran:
Allahswtsaid"OProphet,tellyourwivesanddaughtersandthebelieving
womenthattheyshouldcasttheiroutergarmentsovertheirbodies(when
abroad)sothattheyshouldbeknownandnotmolested"(Quran33:59).
WewerealsoorderedbyAllahto,"Loweryourgaze",whichisadescription
ofthewayweshouldactinpublicandprivate,especiallyifitisamixedsetting.
Hadeeth:
Prophet(saw)said:HayaandImaanaretwocompanionsgotogether.Ifoneof
themislifted,theotherisalsolifted.(AlHakim).
Prophet(saw)said,AlHayaisapartofImaan(Muslim).
OntheauthorityofIbnUmar:TheProphet(sas)cameuponamanwhowas
criticizinghisbrotherforhaya,saying:'Youaresomodest(orsoshy)'asifhe
meanttosaythatthishasharmedhim.TheProphet(sas)saidtohim:'Leavehim,
forhayaisfromfaith.(AlBukhari).
TheProphet(sas)said:"BemodestbeforeAllahasisbefittingHim."Theysaid:
WeAREmodestbeforeAllah,alhamdulillahi."TheProphet(sas)said:"That'snot
whatImean.TheonewhoismodestbeforeAllahasisbefittingHim,lethimguard
hisheadfromwhatitcontainsandhisstomachfromwhatittakesinandlethim
rememberdeathanddestruction.Andwhoeverdesiresthehereafter,leavesthe
ornamentsofthislifeandwhoeverdoesallthathasbecomemodestbeforeAllahas
175
QabeelatTayybah
isbefittingHim."(AtTirmidhi).
WordsofWisdomfromOtherSources(WesternPerspective)
Bible:
TheBiblesaysGod"covered"AdamandEve(Ge.3:21).Thisisagood
patternformodesty.
Authors:
Modestyistomerit,whatshadeistofiguresinapictureitgivesitstrength
andmakesitstandout.(JeandelaBruyere)
Modestyistheconscienceofthebody.(Author:HonoreDeBalzac)
ApplicationoftheQuality(Modesty)
v TheThreeTypesofHaya
ThehighestlevelofHayaisHayabetweenAllahandhisservant.Whena
personisshyfromAllah,hefastsandpraysandasksAllahforhelp,Allahfeels
shytoreturnhisservantunansweredafterwhatheshowedofHayaandhegives
himwhatheneeds.
ThesecondtypeofHayaisHayabetweenpeople.Amongthedisappearing
signsofHayainwomentodayarethedisgracefuldisplayingofwomenalmosthalf
naked,andnotcoveringtheiradornmentandmodesty,bywearingperfumeand
therebyshowingnoshameinmixingfreelywithmen,shakinghandsinaproudand
undignifiedmanner.
176
QabeelatTayybah
AthirdtypeofHayaiswithinoneself,whichincludesobeyAllahinthe
presenceofpeopleortheirabsence.Hayapreventsapersonfromdoingsomething
wrong.
v TheValueofHaya
Fromloweringourgazetoloweringourvoice,everywhereIslamteachesus
Hayawhichisimportanttokeepasocietydecent,cleanandcivilized.
PracticingHayaamongMuslimsdecreasesthecrimeandincreasestheTaqwa
(fearofAllahswt.)inMuslimsheartwhichcleansasocietyasthefilterpurifies
water.
WithoutHayaaMuslimcannotfulfillhisimaan.So.ToincreasetheImaanfirst
andforemostpracticeistopracticeHayawhichwillensureusthepathtoJannah.
RelevanceofThistoOurModernTime
v TheLackofHaya
Manyoftheproblemsthatoccurbetweenmenandwomen,includingsexual
harassmentanddaterape,stemfromwomen'slossofmodestyandmen'slossof
respectforwomen'smodesty.
Itwasoncelookedonasmanlytobefaithfultoonewomanforlife,andtobe
protectivetowardallwomen.Sadly,thisisnolongerthecase,evenamongmany
mentowhommodestwomenmightotherwiselookaskindredspirits.
177
QabeelatTayybah
v TheNeedforHaya
Restoringmodestywouldenhancemale/femalerelationsbyremindingmen
andwomenthatthehumanbodyispreciousandshouldbereveredandrespected.
Whenwecoverupwhatisexternalorsuperficialwhatweallsharein
commonwesendamessagethatwhatismostimportantareoursingularhearts
andminds.Thisseparatesusfromtheanimals.
Ifwewanttoreconstructamoremodest,humanesociety,wehavetostart
withourselves.
v Group 2
Hayaisaveryexpansiveterm.Ingeneral,thetermisdefinedandusedinthecontextofshyness.
Itisatermoftenusedtodescribethedesiretoconcealonesselffrompubliceyesortokeep
certainthingsprivate.Manypeoplethinkofhijaabandtheawrahingeneralwhenthinkingof
thetermhaya.But,infact,thisisaterminArabicthatcanbedefinedasanumberofthings,
someof thembeingselfrespect,modesty,bashfulness,honor,etc.Allahclearlytellsusthatwe
aretotakecareofconcealingourselvesandtohavedecency,becauseHesaid,Ochildrenof
Adam!Wehavebestowedraimentuponyoutocoveryourselves(screenyourprivateparts,etc)
andasanadornment.Buttheraimentofrighteousness,thatisbetter.(Araaf:26).Hayacanbeof
twokindsgoodandbad.Thegoodhayaconsists,alongwiththeabovementioned,ofthekindof
bashfulnesswhencommittingacrimeorwhengoingagainstacommandofAllahorHis
Messenger,sallAllahualayhiwasallam.Thebadkindofhayaconsistsofbeingshyorbashful
todothatwhichisprescribedforyouinIslam,somethingwhichAllahandHisMessenger
orderedtodo.Thisbadtypeofhayacanalsobewhenanimportantandpertinentquestionis
neededtobeasked,yetduetotheshynessofanindividual,thereisahindrancetoaskingthe
question.
Hayaisavitalcomponentofonesemaan,asmentionedinthenarrationofAbuHurayrah,who
said,TheProphet,sallAllahuAlayhiwasallam,said,Faithconsistsofmorethansixty
branches,andHayaisapartoffaith,(AlBukhari).Wealsoknowanothernarrationregarding
thiswheretheProphet,sallAllahualayhiwasallam,said,Hayaandemaanaretwo
componentsthatgotogether.Ifoneofthemislifted,theotherisalsolifted,(AlHaakim).And
thereisyetanothernarrationthatthatMessengerofAllah,sallAllahualayhiwasallam,said,
Hayaispartofemaanandemaanisinparadise,(Ahmad,atTirmidhi,HadithHasan).The
applicationofhayacanbeshowninvariousways,oneofwhichisthehijaab.Thisisasignof
modestyandbashfulnessbecauseclearlytheMuslimwomanisnotanobjectofthemasses,and
herphysicaladornmentsaresomethingkeptforthehomewithherhusband.Allahtellsusin
178
QabeelatTayybah
surahAhzaabayah59,OProphet!Tellyourwivesandyourdaughtersandthewomenofthe
believerstodrawtheircloaks(veils)allovertheirbodies(i.e.screenthemselvescompletely
excepttheeyesoroneeyetoseetheway).Thatwillbebetter,thattheyshouldbeknown(asfree
respectablewomen)soasnottobeannoyed.AndAllhisEverOftForgiving,MostMerciful.
Thisayahtellsusthatforawomantoconcealherphysicalbeautywillbringaboutrespectforthe
woman,sosheisnotlookedatasasexualobject.Thehijaabalsobringsinademeanor,suchas
keepingdistancefromnonmahrammenandnotbeingcasualorfrankwiththem.Allahtellsus
insurahAhzaab,ayah32,OwivesoftheProphet!Youarenotlikeanyotherwomen.Ifyou
keepyourduty(toAllh),thenbenotsoftinspeech,lestheinwhoseheartisadisease(of
hypocrisy,orevildesireforadultery,etc.)shouldbemovedwithdesire,butspeakinan
honourablemanner.Thisayahshowsusthattherearealsotimeswherethedemeanorofone
withhayacallsfordoingthingssuchashavingafirmtoneofvoicesoasnottomakeanyfitnah
inthebeautyofonesvoice.Thisapplicationofhayacausesonetogainrespectasanindividual
anddevelopsthereluctancetofallintolewdness.Thisexampleappliestoallcasesinwhichthe
awrahistoberespected.
Therearealsoinstancesinwhichthereneedstobehayabetweenthoseofthesamegender.In
todaysculture,thereisalotofwhatiscalled,kissingandtelling.Whatthismeansisthat
peoplewillexposetheprivatetimestheysharewiththeirspousesinordertoshowoffor
entertain.Itisclearthatthistypeofspeechisacompletelackofanyshynessatall.Inour
schoolsanduniversities,asidefromfreemixingandlewdnessevenamongtheMuslims,the
problemofloudnessandrebellionisverycommon.Manytimes,therehavebeeninstanceswhere
studentscausetroublejustforthesakeoffun,andtheyalsoyellandscream.Someonewithhaya
wouldtrytokeeppeaceandnotcreatescenes,especiallywhencausingdeliberatetrouble,which
isverycommontoday.Therelevanceofthissubjecttodayiswithoutdoubtapparent.Thereisno
doubtthatthesocietyisengulfedinthislewdness,andweseeitfromeverybillboardtoevery
TVcommercial.Thevalueofhayaisnotonitswayout.Itleftandclosedthedoorbehindita
longtimeago.Ithascometoapointthatifhayawerebroughtup inagathering,conversations
wouldstopbecauseeverysingletopicthatisnormallydiscussedwouldgodirectlyagainstwhat
hayastandsfor.
Also,manyhavebecomedesensitizedtotheeffectsoflewdness.Forexample,manypeople,
especiallywomen,believethatthewomenofthissocietyareliberatedthroughtheirabilityto
physicallydisplaythemselves.Thewomenofbusinessfeelliberatedthattheattireyouwearata
jobinterviewisthesoledeterminantofyourbeinghired.Ifonewithanyslightbitof
understandingweretothink,theywouldseethatthemodestythathayainIslamoffersistheonly
drivingforceforapersontojudgeawomanbasedonwhathermindbringsforth,notwhether
sheisasightforsoreeyes.Butinthissociety,withtheamazingeditingfeaturesofour
technology,itiseasytoputoutheimagethatthebeautyandoutlandishnessofapersoncanget
themfame,fortune,andaboveall,happiness.Thisisthesoledrivingforceforthelewdness
movement.Ontopofthis,theentertainmentbusinessisalsoutilized.Peopleturnto
entertainmenttobeablehaveagetaway.Butwhenthingssuchaslewdnessandlackofhonoror
selfrespectarepresentedinsuchanentertainingway,thisbecomesnothingbutbaitforthe
masses.Furthermore,whenthisattractionisestablished,itisalsoportrayedasamajorbenefitto
apersonslifeandisalsoshowntobeveryeasilyattainable,soapersongoesfromgettingaway
throughfantasy,toaskingthemselveswhytheyarentlivingthelifeofadesperatehousewife.
179
QabeelatTayybah
Intheroaring1920sintheUnitedStates,forinstance,asuddensurgeoflewdnessandlackof
decencyspreadthroughthesociety.Thisbecameacatalystforfurthermovementsofrightsto
befreeandwithoutbounds.Oncethisbecamecommon,thesenseofresistancediminished,and
thismadeiteasytomovetothenextlevelofopenness,andsoon.Thisarewhatseemtobethe
majorreasonsandcausesforsuchashamelesssocietytodevelop.Andthisistheprocessfor
everynationthatfellintosuchevil.Oncepeoplebecomedesensitizedandusedtoacertainstyle,
thenextlevelofindecencyiseasiertoattain.
TheeffectsofsuchsocietiesdevelopingaremadecleartousbyourProphet,sallAllahualayhi
wasallam,whenhesaid,Allofmynationareapttobeforgivenexceptforthosewhocommit
sinsopenly.Includedamongthosewhocommitsinsopenlyiswhereapersonperformsadeed
duringthenightandalthoughAllahhadconcealedthatsin,inthemorninghesays,Osoandso,
lastnightIdidsuchandsuch.HespentthenightbeingconcealedbyAllahandinthemorning
heuncoveredAllahsconcealmentfromhimself,(AlBukhari).Wealsoseethisinanother
hadithwheretheProphet,sallAllahualayhiwasallam,said,"Anywomanwhotakesoffher
clothesinotherthanherhusband'shouse(toshowoffforunlawfulpurposes),hasbrokenAllah's
shielduponher."ThesetwoahadithshowusthatAllahwishestoconcealus,butifweloseall
hayatothepointthatweuncoverourownselves,thenwestripourselvesfromtheforgivenessof
Allah.Anothercauseandalsoaneffectoflossofhayaislossofgheerah.Gheerahisthe
instinctivefeelinginamantoprotectthedignityofhissisters,daughters,wives,andMuslim
womeningeneral.Thefreemixingdestroysgheerah,andofteniscausedbythosewhoare
lackinggheerahtobeginwith.Thisopensthedoorforevenmorelewdness,suchasbeingfree
withthetongue,which,aswementioned,asanotherresultoflossofhaya.Lossofhayaalso
leadstothelackofrespecttowardsMuslims.ThedemeanorofaMuslimisguidedbyhaya,and
thisallowsaMuslimtobedecentinhisspeech,inthewayhespeakstoothers,andhisdesireto
keepsuchamodestenvironment.Bylosingthisstandard,theMuslimsnotonlylosethe
protectionandconcealmentofAllah,buttheparamountmorallevelofIslamistarnishedinthe
eyesofthepeople,therebysettingnoexampleforhowadecentcommunityistofunction.
180
QabeelatTayybah
Tawaadu'- Humility/Humbleness
v
Group 1
1Definition(linguistic+meaning)ofTawaadu
Tawaadu'(modestyandhumility)istheoppositeofarrogance,pride,andhaughtiness.
Humblenessmeansunassuming,unpretentious,andinsignificant.
Humilityisthedefiningcharacteristicofanunpretentiousandmodestperson,someone
whodoesnotthinkthathe/sheisbetterormoreimportantthanothers.
2EvidencesofTawaadu'
a)FromalQur'an:
"BeforetheeWesentmessengerstomanynations,andWeafflictedthenationswith
sufferingandadversity,thattheycallAllahinhumility.Whenthesufferingreachedthem
fromUs,whythendidtheynotcallAllahinhumility?Onthecontrary,theirhearts
becamehardened,andSatanmadetheirsinfulactsseemalluringtothem."(AlAnaam
6:4243)
"Successfulindeedarethebelievers,thosewhohumblethemselvesintheirprayers."(Al
Muminoon23:12).
"Hasnotthetimearrivedforthebelieversthattheirheartsinallhumilityshouldengage
intheremembranceofAllahandoftheTruthwhichhasbeenrevealedtothem."(Al
Hadid57:16)
The(faithful)slavesoftheBeneficentarethosewhowalkupontheearthmodestly,and
whenthefoolishonesaddressthemanswer:Peace(AlFurqanV.63)
b)FromasSunnah:
TheProphet(SAW)said,ShallIinformyouaboutthepeopleofParadise?They
compriseeveryobscureunimportanthumbleperson,andifhetakesAllahsOaththathe
willdothatthing,Allahwillfulfillhisoath(bydoingthat).ShallIinformyouaboutthe
peopleoftheFire?Theycompriseeverycruel,violent,proudandconceitedperson.
NarratedbyHarithaBinWahb,inSahihAlBukhari
TheProphetMuhammad(SAW)said(God)hasrevealedtomethatyoushouldadopt
humilitysothatnooneoppressesanother.RiyadhusSalaheen,Hadith1589.
181
QabeelatTayybah
"Andtheonewhoshowshumility,Godelevateshimintheestimation(ofthepeople)and
elevateshisdegreesinthehereafter"(Muslim).
IbnMas'udrelatesthattheProphet(saw)said,"Whoeverhasanatomofprideinhisheart
willnotenterParadise
AlNawawisaid:TheProphet(peaceandblessingsofAllaahbeuponhim)said:Andno
onehumbleshimselfbeforeAllaahbutAllaahwillraisehim(instatus).
c)FromtheSahaabah+MuslimScholars:
FudaylIbnIyaad(d.187AH)(Rahimullah) oncesaid:Tawaada(humility/humbleness)
istohumbleyourselftothetruthirrespectiveofwhereitcomesfrom.Itistoseeno
worthinyourself.Ifoneseesitinhimself,thereisnotawaada.
ShaykhIbraheemAshShaybanee(Rahimullah)usedtosay:
HonorisinHumbleness.DignityisinTaqwa.FreedomisinContentment
d)Secularwordsofwisdom:
Humilityistomakearightestimateofone'sself.CharlesSpurgeon
Nonearesoemptyasthosewhoarefullofthemselves.BenjaminWhichcote
Ifyouareawareofyourhumility,thenyouarearrogant. IbnAtaillah
"Wecomenearesttothegreatwhenwearegreatinhumility."RabindranathTagore
3Implications/ApplicationsofTawaadu'
Ifthepeopleofacommunityweretoexhibitthetreasuredqualityofhumility,itwould
bringaboutsomeextremechanges:peoplewouldthinkofothersbeforethemselvesthey
wouldneverbequicktoblameothers,andwouldinfacttrytoseeiftheywereinany
wayatfault.Societyasawholewouldbecomeselfless.
Religiouslyspeaking,thosewhoarehumblearetheoneswhorememberthatitisinfact
AllahWhodeservesallpraise.Theyunderstandthatwhilemanmaydoalittlegoodhere
orthere,itwouldnotbewereitnotforAllahsmercy,Hisprovisions,Hisblessingsand
Hiscompassionforus.
Forthesereasons,apersonwithhumilitycanneveracceptcreditforworkdonewellnor
couldheorsheeverputhimorherselfbeforeothers.
4TheapplicationofTawaadu'inmoderntimes
182
QabeelatTayybah
Humilityorbeinghumblemeansonescharacterisfullofmodesty,obedience,and
respect.
Everyaspectinourlivesshouldbefreefromarroganceandpride.Thosewhoselfishlygo
throughlifewiththeattitudeofbeingonsomeimaginaryelevatedbenchhavesurely
fallenfornothingbutShaytanswhispering.
WeshouldbeginbyhumblingourselvestothecommandsofAllah(swt).Wemustlisten
andobeyhisrulesandforbidthatwhichhasbeenprohibited.
Weshouldwalkanddressinahumblingmanner.Thosewhoembodypridearethose
whoemulateShaytan.
Humilitytowardsthoseoflesserinstatus.
o Wemustunderstandthatitisnotinourhandstodecidewhoisbetterthan
anyone.Forallweknowthepoorestindividual,whenitcomestowealth,maybe
thehighestinrankwithAllah(swt).
Humilitytowardsfamilymembers
o Wheninteractingwithoneswife,husband,parents,orchildren,wemust
encourageourselvestobehumbleandserveourfamily.Emulatingthebestof
models,ProphetMuhammad(peacebeuponhim)andhischaracteristhebest
wayofdoingso.
5ResultsofalackofTawaadu'/Howalackofhumilitycanbeimproved:
VIEWyourselfasthelowestandmostinferiorofall.
REMEMBER andREFLECTatalltimestheGreatnessofAlmightyAllah(through
Salaat,recitationofQuran,Dhikr)
REMEMBER thatAllahSWTloathespridebutloveshumilityandsubmissiveness.
REMEMBER thatifwearearrogantandproudinthislife,Allahwillputusinourplace
andteachushumilityinthenextlifewithahumiliatingpunishment.
HUMILITYDURINGPRAYERS
o WeshouldbeconsciousofthefactthatwearestandingbeforeAllah(SWT).
o WeshouldknowthePowerandtheMightofAllahandofhowinsignificantwe
areinfrontofHim,aswellasaboutHisMercyandCompassiononus,andall
HisCreation.
183
QabeelatTayybah
Group 2
Tawadu,cantsimplybedefinedassomethingconcreteandputintosimpletermsforpeople
identifyeasily,ratheritisacomprehensivetermthatencompassesmanyattributesofan
individualscharacter.Humilitythebelovedcharacteristic,itsademeanor thatonecarrieswith
themselves,whichliesinthedepthsoftheheart.Itisacharacteristicthatthatattractspeoples
attentionanditsmostoftenseeninthepiouspeople.Tawaduiscalmness,tranquility,balance,
itsasmileandabeautifulfacewhichshowsitsheartsbeliefinAllahwiththeinteraction
betweenotherpeople.Itistheantithesisoftheevilinteractionsbetweenthepeoplewhichstem
fromtherootofarroganceandpride.
Thepersonwholacksthischaracteristic,Tawadudoesnottrulyhavefeelings,ratherthisperson
isclosertodepression,despairandunhappiness.Thisisacharacteristicoftheheartthathas
knowledgeofAllahofhisAssmawasSiffat.Thepersontrulyunderstandshispositionbefore
AllahandisweakandhumblebeforeAllahalwaysbeggingforAllahsmercy.Thisindividual
knowsAllahsgloryandmajesty,withgivesAllahhisrightbysinglinghimoutinworshipwith
nopartners,andbyfollowingtheProphet(sallalahualayhewasalam.)
ThepersonwithTawadudoesnotseeothersinanegativelight,butratherheonlyseeshisown
faultsandshortcomingsinalldealingsandaffairs.Withthischaracteristicapersonisinnocentof
kibr,thischaracteristicsaloneactsasabarriertokibrpreventingitfromenteringtheheartand
corruptingthepersonscharacter.Whenthisnoblecharacteristicisseenthroughoutthemajority
ofthepeople,love,care,kindness,sympathy,mercy,patiencebecomewidespreadlikewise
harshness,selfconceit,hatred,greed,jealousy,envyandseverityisremovedfromthesociety.
Apersonwhohaskibr,istryingtoattainapositionthatwillneverbereachedbymankind.This
personisseeking"majesty"andheforgetsthatmajestyonlybelongstoAllah,whichisattributed
toonlyAllah.
Muhammad(salallahualayhewasalam)saidAllahsaid"PrideisMycloakandmajestyisMy
robe,andhewhocompeteswithMeinrespectofeitherofthemIshallcastintoHellfire"
ThedifferentformsofTawadu&itsapplicationstoday
1.Accusingoneselfofdoingwrongandstrugglingtocurethediseasesthatliewithintheheart
andtounderstandthefaultsratherthanthefaultsofothers.
2.AlwaysremindingyourselfoftheAkhirasothatyoucoulddegradethisdunya,andworkhard
andstriveforJannahandescapefromJahannam.Withthethoughtalwaysinyourmindthatno
onewillenterJannahwiththeirdeedsbutonlythroughthemercyofAllah.
3.BeinghumbletowardsMuslims,givingthemtheirrights,beinglenientwiththemandkeeping
yourattitudewithasenseofpatienceatalltimesevenifthecauseharmtoyou.
4.Knowingonesstatusamongstfamily,friends,brother,sisters&hislevelamongstthem,and
dealingwiththeminhumblemanner.
184
QabeelatTayybah
5.AbelievermusthavefearmorethenhopeinAllah,hisfearwillpushhimtoworkmoreand
strivemoreinthewayofAllah,notabandoninghopebutjustusingfeartobecomeahumble
personsothattheeternalrewardisreached.ThispersonwillnothaveanydoubtsintheDayof
Judgment,andthiswillevenfurtherhelphiminhiseffortsinreachingjannah.
6.TheremustbeTawadutowardsthereligion,submissiontowardstheShare'e(Islamic
Legislation),andnotcontradictingthedeenoutofevildesires,passionandlust.
7.TawadutowardsMuhammad(salallahualayhewasalam)whathebrought,taughtandto
worshipinthemannerheshowedus.
8.Tawadutowardsyourparentsbyobeyingthemandbyraisingtheirstatuswithkindness,
generosity,love,patience,happiness,honor,calmness,andrespect.Aswellasalwaysmakingan
attempttoraisetheirstatusinthedunyaaswellastheakhirabymakingduaforthem.
9.HavingTawadutowardsthesickbyvisitingthembyhelpingthemintimesoftroubleand
remindingthemofpatience,andtheideaofridhaafilQadr,beingcontemptwithQadr.
10.Visitingthepooroftenandhelpingthemwithanyfinancialassistancethatispossible,
withoutshowinganysignsthatyouareabovethembutrathershowthemthatyouaretheirequal.
TawaduMentionedintheQuran
ThereismentioningofhumilityintheQuran,Allahtellsusaboutthepeoplewithhumilityand
howtheyaregivengladtidings,likewisewearetoldofitsantithesis,prideandarroganceand
howtheyarehatedinthesightofAllah.
LooknotwithYoureyesambitiouslyatwhatwehavebestowedoncertainclassesofthem(the
disbelievers),norgrieveoverthem,andlowerYourwingsforthebelievers(beCourteoustothe
fellowbelievers).Hijr:88
Andwalknotontheearthwithconceitandarrogance.Verily,Youcanneitherrendnor
penetratetheearth,norcanYouattainastaturelikethemountainsInheight.Allthebadaspects
ofthese(theabovementionedthings)arehatefultoYourLord.Israa:3738
AndforEverynationwehaveappointedreligiousceremonies,thattheymaymentiontheName
ofAllhoverthebeastofcattlethatHehasgiventhemforfood.andYourIlh(God)isoneIlh
(GodAllh),soYoumustsubmittoHimalone(inIslm).and(OMuhammad)givegladtidings
totheMukhbitin[thosewhoobeyAllhwithhumilityandarehumblefromamongthetrue
believersofIslmicMonotheism],Hajj:34
AndtheslavesoftheMostBeneficent(Allh)arethosewhowalkontheearthInhumilityand
sedateness,andwhenthefoolishaddressthem(withbadwords)theyreplybackwithmild
Wordsofgentleness.Furqan:63
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QabeelatTayybah
Andbekindandhumbletothebelieverswhofollowyou.Ashuaara:215
"AndturnnotYourfaceawayfrommenwithpride,norwalkIninsolencethroughtheearth.
Verily,Allhlikesnoteacharrogantboaster.Andbemoderate(orshownoinsolence)InYour
walking,andlowerYourvoice.Verily,theharshestofAllvoicesisthevoice(braying)ofthe
ass."Luqman:1819
Verily,wesent(Messengers)tomanynationsbeforeYou(OMuhammad).andweseizedthem
withextremepoverty(orlossInwealth)andlossInhealthwithcalamitiessothattheymight
believewithhumility.Whenourtormentreachedthem,whyThendidtheynotbelievewith
humility?Buttheirheartsbecamehardened,andShaitn(Satan)madefairseemingtothemthat
whichtheyusedtodo.Anaam:4243
Successfulindeedarethebelievers.ThosewhooffertheirSalt(prayers)withAllsolemnity
andfullsubmissiveness.Muminoon:12
TawaduMentionedintheSunnah&byScholars
Muhammad(salallahualayhewasalam)saidAllahsaid"PrideisMycloakandmajestyisMy
robe,andhewhocompeteswithMeinrespectofeitherofthemIshallcastintoHellfire"
ThishadithshowsthatweshouldbeverycarefulandnotevengoclosetotheNaratedByAbu
Huraira(radiAllahuan):TheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)said,ParadiseandHell(Fire)
quarreledinthepresenceoftheirLord.Paradisesaid,'OLord!Whatiswrongwithmethatonly
thepoorandhumblepeopleenterme?'Hell(Fire)said,Ihavebeenfavoredwiththearrogant
people.'SoAllahsaidtoParadise,'YouareMyMercy,'andsaidtoHell,'YouareMy
PunishmentwhichIinflictuponwhomIwish,andIshallfillbothofyou.'"TheProphetadded,
"AsforParadise,(itwillbefilledwithgoodpeople)becauseAllahdoesnotwronganyofHis
createdthings,andHecreatesforHell(Fire)whomeverHewill,andtheywillbethrownintoit,
anditwillsaythrice,'Isthereanymore,tillAllah(willput)HisFootoveritanditwillbecome
fullanditssideswillcomeclosetoeachotheranditwillsay,'Qat!Qat!Qat!(Enough!Enough!
Enough!).
NaratedByHarithabinWahb:IheardtheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)saying,"ShallI
tellyouofthepeopleofParadise?Theycompriseeverypoorhumbleperson,andifheswearsby
Allahtodosomething,Allahwillfulfilitwhilethepeopleofthefirecompriseeveryviolent,
cruelarrogantperson."
AbdullahibnAmr(radiAllahuan)said:'TheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)enteredupon
mesoIgavehimapillow(tositon)madeoutofskinandfilledwithdatepalmfibers.The
Prophet(salallahualayhewasalam)(refusedtositonit)andhechoosetositonthe(bare)
ground,andheleftthecushionbetweenhimandmyself'.Bukhari/Muslim
AbuMasood (radiAllahuan)said:'AmancametotheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)and
hebegantospeaktohim,andhewasseizedbyfear(oftheProphet).Uponwitnessinghis
demeanortheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)saidtohim:"Takeiteasyandcalmdown,for
186
QabeelatTayybah
verilyIamnotaking,butinsteadIamonlythesonofaQuraishywomenwhousetoeatdried
saltedmeatstrips"IbnMajah
AbuHurayrah (radiAllahuan)narratedthattheProphet(salallahualayhewasalam)said:"and
noonewillexercisehumilityforAllah'ssake,exceptthatAllahwillraisehimup".Muslim
Healsosaid,"VerilyAllahlovestheservantwhohasTaqwah,andhe'srich(content),andhe's
hidden(i.e.notknownbythepeoplebecauseofhishumility)".Muslim
Sowhenanyonefromamongstyousetsoutfromhishouse(forthemosque)heshouldsay
quietlytohimselfwordsofremembrance[ofAllah] wordsunconnectedwiththeaffairsand
businessofthisworld.Heshouldsetoutcalmly,somberly,forthisiswhattheProphet,
sallallahuàlaihiwasallam,orderedustodoheshouldsetoutwith(hisheartfullof)longing
anddesire[forAllah'spleasure]andfearandapprehension[ofAllah'sanger]andwithhumility
andmeeknesstowardsAllah.Forthemorehumble,themoremeek,themoresubmissiveheisto
Allah,themorevirtuousandrighteousdoeshebecomeinSalahandthegreaterbecomeshis
reward,andthemorenobleandnearertoAllahbecomestheworshipper.Butshouldhebefilled
withpride,Allahwilldestroyhimandwillrejecthisdeeds,forthedeedsoftheproudarenever
acceptedImamAhmadibnHanbal
Sothistremblingandgrowthraisesitremovingitskhushoo',sothisshowsthatthekhushoo'
whichitwasuponwasitstranquilityandease.Likewisetherefore,istheheartsoitsoothesits
inclinationsandbasedesireswhichemanatefromfollowingpassionsanditbecomes
subjugatedandsubservienttoAllaah.Soduetothat,whateverithasinsidefromarrogance,
haughtinessandprideisremoved,andwhenthattranquilitytakesplaceintheheart,allthebody
parts,limbsandmovementsbecomehumble,totheextentthatthehumilityreachesthevoice.
AndindeedAllaahtheExaltedhasdescribedthevoiceswithkhushoo'inHisstatement:
"AndthevoiceswillbehumbledforarRahmaan(theMostMerciful)."[SoorahTaaHaa20:108]
Sothehumilityofthevoicesistheirtranquilityandeaseafterbeingraised.
Andlikewise,thefacesandeyesofthedisbelieversontheDayofJudgementhavebeen
describedwithkhushoo',sothatprovestheenteringofkhushoo'(humility)intoallofthelimbs.
Andwhenmanisforcedtopresenthumilityinhislimbsandbodyparts,withaheartthatisvoid
ofhumilityanddetachedfromitthatisthehypocriticalhumility.Andthisissomethingthe
Salafusedtoseekrefugefrom,asoneofthemsaid,"Seekrefugefromthehypocriticalhumility
(khushoo'unnifaaq)."Theysaid,'Andwhatishypocriticalhumility?'Hesaid,"Whenyousee
thebodyhumbled,buttheheartisnothumbled."
And'Umar(radiyallaahu'anhu)lookedatayouthwhowasloweringhishead,sohesaidtohim,
"Whatisthis!Raiseyourhead,sincetheoutwardhumilitydoesnotincreasewhatisinthe
heart."Sowhoevermanifestshumilityotherthanthatwhichisinhisheart,thenitisonly
hypocrisyuponhypocrisy.Andthebasisofhumilityiswhatoccursintheheart,itisonly
attainedthroughrecognition(ma'rifah)ofAllaah,andtherecognition(ma'rifah)ofHis
Magnificence,andtherecognitionofHisSublimity,andHisPerfectionsothemoreone
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QabeelatTayybah
recognizesAllaah,themorehumblehebecomes.
Andthehumility(khushoo')oftheheartsvariesinaccordancewiththe
differentlevelsofrecognition(ma'rifah)forthepersonbeinghumble,andit
alsodifferswiththeheart'svaryinglevelsofobservanceoftheattributes
necessaryforhumility.Sowhoeverisintenselyhumble,hismeditationupon
theclosenessofAllaahtoHisservantwhichisinsecrecyandinhis
innermostconsciencenecessitateshimdevelopingshameinfrontofAllaah
theExalted,andcontemplatingoverHiminhisactionsandmomentsof
ease.AndwhoeverhumblymeditatesuponHisPerfectionandBeauty,itwill
necessitatehisbeingimmersedinloveforHim,andardentlydesiringto
meetHimandseeHim.Andwhoeverhumblymeditatesupontheseverityof
HisPower,andHisRevenge,andHisPunishmentitnecessitatesthathe
becomefearfulofHim,andHeisfreeofallimperfections,theExalted,
CompelloroftheheartswhichbecomeenslavedforHissake.AndHeisthe
onefreeofallimperfections,theExalted,andtheonewhoplaceshisface
uponthedustinprostrationdrawsnearertoHimasaresult,justasHis
servantsdrawnearertoHim,thosewhosupplicatetoHim,andaskHim,and
thosewhoseekforgivenessfortheirsinsatdaybreakandHeanswerstheir
supplications,andHegivesthemwhattheyaskfor,andtheservantdoes
nothaveanygreatercompellorofenslavementthantheNearnessand
Answering(ofAllaah).ZaynudDeenIbnRajabalHanbalee
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QabeelatTayybah
Amanah- Trustworthiness
v Group 1
Definition
Contemporarydefinitionsoftrustworthinessrangefromdeservingoftrusttoreliableto
worthyofconfidence.Togainabetterunderstandingoftrustworthiness,weneedtodefine
trust.MerriamWebstersfirstdefinitionoftrustisassuredrelianceonthecharacter,ability,
strength,ortruthofsomeoneorsomething.Relationshipsbetweenindividuals,communities,
andnationsarebuiltaroundtrustanditisfundamentaltomaintaininglastingrelationshipsand
establishingstablesocieties.Trustworthinessisearnedthroughconsistentinteractionsandis
consideredafundamental virtueofmoralandrighteousindividualsandcommunities.
TheArabicwordistranslatedas'trust' or'trustworthiness.'Itisoneofthemostimportant
qualitiesthataperson especiallyaMuslim shouldhave.ProphetMuhammad(sallaAllahu
'alayhiwasallam)wasnicknamedwhichtranslatesintothetruthful,trustworthy
one,beforehewasaMessenger.Ifthebesthumantoeverwalkthisearthwasknownforthis
trait,thisshowsustheimportanceandpraiseworthinessofit.Trustworthinessisatraitthateach
andeveryoneofuswantstoseeinthepeoplewedealwith,whetherwepersonallyhaveitor
not.Itallowsthepersontofeelasenseofsafetyandsecuritywhendealingwithapersonwhois
trustworthy.
isacharactertraitthatencompassesmanyothervirtues.Someofthesevirtuesinclude
truthfulness,honesty,justice,wisdom.Onewhoisnothonestandtruthfulwillcertainlynotbe
trusted.Noonewillfeelsecurefromhismischief.Similarly,someonewhohasnowisdomwill
notbetrustworthybecausehewillnotmakethecorrectjudgmentswhendealingwithothers.
Qur'anandSunnah
Islamholdsthisvirtueof inhighregardsanditsimportanceisrepeatedlyfoundintheQuran
andtheSunnah.
Allahsays,OYewhobelieve!FearAllahandbewiththosewhoaretruthful(Tawbah,
119).ThecouplingoffearingAllahandassociatingwithindividualswhoaretruthfulhighlights
theimportanceoftrustworthiness.AllahalsowarnspeopleinSuraZummar(3), Allahguides
nothimwhoisaliarandungrateful.TheProphet(sallaAllahu'alayhiwasallam),the
personificationofQuran,reiteratedtheimportanceoftrustworthinessinseveralahaadith.
AbdullahrelatedtheProphet(sallaAllahu'alayhiwasallam)said,"Truthfulnessleadsto
righteousness,andrighteousnessleadstoParadise.Andamankeepsontellingthetruthuntilhe
becomesatruthfulperson.FalsehoodleadstoAlFajur(i.e.wickedness,evildoing),andAl
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QabeelatTayybah
Fajur(wickedness)leadstothe(Hell)Fire,andamanmaykeepontellingliestillheiswritten
beforeAllah,aliar."
TheProphet(sallaAllahu'alayhiwasallam)alsowarnedusthatoneofsignsofhypocritesisthat
absenceoftrustworthiness.AbuHurairarelatedthattheProphet(sallaAllahu'alayhiwasallam)
said,"Thesignsofahypocritearethree:Wheneverhespeaks,hetellsalieandwheneverhe
promises,hebreakshispromiseandwheneverheisentrusted,hebetrays(provestobe
dishonest)".SubhanAllah,itistrulyasignforusthatalackoftrustworthinessdefinesthe
characterofahypocrite.AllahmentionsintheQur'aninvariousplacesinSuratutTawba
(Chapter9)instancesinwhichthehypocritesareconstantlyswearingbyAllah.ButAllahsays:
9:42forAllahdothknowthattheyarecertainlylying.
Instancesfromthelifeofthesalaf
Thereisastoryaboutibn'AqeelalHanbaliinwhichhementionsthathewasnearalHijaaz
whenhefoundanecklace.Itappearedtobeaveryexpensivenecklace.Lateron,hesawanold,
blindmanaskinginthestreetsofferingalargesumofmoneyasarewardforwhoeverfindshis
necklace.Soibn'Aqeelaskshimtodescribeitandwhenhedoessocorrectly,hehandsitoverto
himandrefusestotakeanyreward.Ibn'AqeelcontinueshistravelsandendsupinashShaam.
Thepeoplethererealizehisvirtueandwisdomandaskhimtostaywiththemforawhileandhe
agrees.Lateronwhenhewantstogo,theyinsistthatheremainamongstthemandtheyofferhim
apermanentresidence.Heacceptsandsettlesdownwiththemandgetsmarried.
Afterawhilehiswifeisdeliveringtheirfirstchildbutshegetssickandasheiscaringforher,he
noticesforthefirsttimeanecklacethatshehadon.Itwasthesameexactnecklacethathehad
foundyearsback.Heinquiresaboutitandsheinformshimthatherfatherhadgivenittoher.Ibn
'Aqeeltellsherhisstory,andshebecomessurprisedbecausesheremembersthatforaverylong
timebeforehepassedaway,herfatherusedtomakesupplication toAllah:OAllah,marrymy
daughtertoamansimilartothecompanionofthenecklace.
Thestoriesfromthelivesofthesalafaremany.TheybasedtheirlivesonthetaqwaofAllahso
Hesettheiraffairsstraight.
Applicationofthetopic
Aswementionedbefore,trustworthinessisamixofmanygreatvirtuesandqualities.Ifone
wantstobegintobuildthisvirtueinhimself,thenhemustfirstrealizewhatheismissing.Some
ofusmayhaveatruthfultonguebutwhenitcomestodealingswearenotalwaysjust.Others
willalwaysdealjustlybuthaveahardtimetellingthetruth.Onemustfindtheweakspotinhis
characterandmakeithisgoaltofixit.Setthegoal,supplicatetoAllah,besincere,andtakeit
onestepatatime.
WhenapersongetsridofhisbadcharacteristicsbythewillofAllahandbecomescloserto
beingatrustworthy,honestperson,hewillclearlynoticethathefeelsmuchbetterpersonally.He
isdoinghisbestnottowrongothers,sohedoesn'thavetodealwithanysubconsciousfeelings
ofregretandshameandgreed,etc.formakingwrongdecisionsforthewrongreasons.Others
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QabeelatTayybah
willfeelsafefromthispersonandwillchoosehimfirstandtrusthimwiththeirwealthandtheir
honor.
Ontheotherhand,anuntrustworthypersonishatedbypeople,eveniftheydon'topenlyexpress
it.Theycanlaughwithhimandhangoutwithhim,butintheendtheywouldn'ttrusthimwitha
dollarletaloneasecretortwo.Whentrustislostonalargescale,theworldbecomesasitis
today:Deceptive,shallow,insecure,unsafe,andevil.
Relevancetomodernday
ProphetMuhammad(sallaAllahu'alayhiwasallam)said:
"Itshallcomeuponthepeopledeceptiveyears,inthemtheliarwillbebelievedandthetruthful
belied,andthe trustworthyinthemwillnotbetrusted,andthetreacherouswouldbe..."
Thisisclearlyevidentinourworldtoday.Theworldhasbeenabsentoftrustandhonesty
(onalargescale)forsolongthatpeoplearenolongerabletorealizesincerityanymore!
Themosttreacherousonesarethemostrevered,andthetruthfulandhonestandmost
sincereofpeopleareshunnedandridiculed.
IbnTaymiyyahsaidin[AlFataawa,Volume28,Page146]:"Indeed,Allaahwould
establishajustnation,evenifitbeadisbelievingone,andwouldnotestablishanunjust
nation,evenifitwereaMuslimone."SubhanAllah,anenvironmentcannotbesuccessful
withoutjusticebeingupheld.Thisistheeffectofthelossoftrustonalargescale.
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QabeelatTayybah
Shukr -Thankfulness
v Group 1
Literallymeaninggladnessfeltaboutandgratitudeshownforthegooddonetoone,Sufisuse
shukrtomeanusingonesbody,abilities,feelings,andthoughtsbestowedupononetofulfillthe
purposeofhisorhercreation:beingthankfultotheCreatorforwhatHehasbestowed.Such
thankfulnessistobereflectedinthepersonsactionsordailylife,inspeechandintheheart,by
admittingthatallthingsaredirectlyfromHim,andbyfeelinggratitudeforthem.
OnemaythankGodverballybyonlydependinguponHispowerandstrength,aswellas
uponHisbestowalorwithholdingoffavors,andacknowledgingthatallgoodandbounties
comefromHim.AsHealonecreatesallgood,beauty,andbounty,aswellasthemeansby
whichtheycanbeobtained,onlyHesendsthemattheappropriatetime.
SinceHealonedetermines,apportions,creates,andspreads[allourprovisions]beforeusas
heavenlytables,Healonedeservesourgratitudeandthanks.Attributingourattainmentof
Hisbountiesto ourownortoanothersmeansorcauses,ineffecttherebyproclaimingthat
HeisnotthetrueOwner,Creator,andGiverofallbounty,islikegivingahugetiptothe
servantwholaysbeforeusamagnificenttableandignoringthehostwhoisresponsiblefor
havingitpreparedandsenttous.Suchanattitudereflectssheerignoranceandingratitude,as
mentionedin:Theyknowonlytheoutwardfaceofthelifeoftheworld(apparenttothem),
andtheyarecompletelyunawareof(itsfacelookingto)theHereafter(30:7).
Truethankfulnessinonesheartismanifestedthroughtheconvictionandacknowledgment
thatallbountiesarefromGod,andthenorderingoneslifeaccordingly.OnecanthankGod
verballyandthroughonesdailylifeonlyifpersonallyconvinced,andifonewillingly
acknowledgesthathisorherexistence,life,body,physicalappearance,andallabilitiesand
accomplishmentsarefromGod,asareallofthebountiesobtainedandconsumed.Thisis
statedin:DoyounotseethatGodhasmadeserviceableuntoyouwhatsoeverisintheskies
andwhatsoeverisintheearth,andhasloadedyouwithHisbountiesseenorunseen?
(31:20),and:HegivesyouofallthatyouaskHimandifyoureckonthebountiesofGod,
youcannevercountthem(14:34).
Bodilythankfulnessispossiblebyusingonesorgans,faculties,andabilitiesforthepurposes
forwhichtheywerecreated,andinperformingthedutiesofservanthoodfallingoneach.On
theotherhand,somehavestatedthatverbalthankfulnessmeansdailyrecitationofportions
oftheQuran,prayers,supplications,andGodsNames.Thankfulnessbytheheartmeans
thatoneiscertainorconvincedofthetruthoftheIslamicfaithandstraightforwardness.
Practicalorbodilythankfulness,accordingtoothers,meansobservingallactsofworship.
Sincethankfulnessrelatesdirectlytoallaspectsorbranchesofbeliefandworship,itis
regardedashalfofthefaith.Withrespecttothisinclusiveness,itisconsideredtogetherwith
patience,meaningthataccordingtosomepeople,thankfulnessandpatienceareconsideredas
thetwohalvesofreligiouslife.
InHiseternalSpeech,GodAlmightyrepeatedlycommandsthankfulnessand,asinthe
phrases:sothatyoumaygivethanks (2:52)andGodwillrewardthethankful (3:144),
presentsitasthepurposeofcreationandofsendingreligion.Insuchversesas:Ifyouare
thankfulIwilladdmoreuntoyou.ButifyoushowingratitudeMypunishmentisterrible
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QabeelatTayybah
indeed(14:7),Hehaspromisedabundantrewardto thethankfulandthreatenedthe
ungratefulwithaterriblepunishment.OneofHisownNamesistheAllThanking,which
showsusthatthewaytoobtainallbountiesorfavorsisthroughthankfulness,whichHe
returnswithabundantreward.HeexaltstheProphetsAbrahamandNoah,uponthembe
peace,saying:(Abrahamwas)thankfulforHisbounties(16:121)andAssuredly,he(Noah)
wasagratefulservant(17:3).
Althoughthankfulnessisareligiousactofgreatimportanceandsignificantcapital,few
peopletrulydoit:FewofMyservantsarethankful (34:13).Veryfewpeopleliveinfull
awarenessofthedutyofthankfulness,saying:ShallInotbeaservantgrateful(tomy
Lord)?,andtrytheirbesttoperformtheirdutyofthankfulnessandordertheirlives
accordingly.
Thegloryofhumanity,uponhimbepeaceandblessings,whosesolesswelledbecauseofhis
longsupererogatoryprayervigils(tahajjud),wasamatchlessheroofthankfulness.Onone
occasion,hetoldhiswifeAisha:ShallInotbeaservantgratefultoGod? Healways
thankedGodandrecommendedthankfulnesstohisfollowers,andprayedtoGodevery
morningandevening,saying:OGod.HelpmementionYou,thankYou,andworshipYouin
thebestwaypossible.
Thankfulnessisthedeepgratitudeanddevotionofonewho,receivingHisbountiesorfavors,
directsthesefeelingstowardtheOneWhobestowssuchblessing,andthesubsequentturning
toHiminlove,appreciation,andacknowledgment.TheabovePropheticsayingexpresses
thismostdirectly.
Peoplearethankfulformanythings:theprovisions,home,andfamilywithwhichtheyhave
beenfavoredwealthandhealthbelief,knowledgeofGod,andthespiritualpleasures
bestowedonthemandtheconsciousnesswithwhichGodfavoredthemsotheycouldopen
themselvestotheknowledgethattheymustbethankful.Ifthosewhoarethankfulforsucha
consciousnessusetheirhelplessnessanddestitutionascapitalandthankHimcontinuously,
theywillbeamongthetrulythankful.ItisnarratedfromGodsMessenger,uponhimbe
peaceandblessings,thatTheProphetDavid,uponhimbepeace,askedGodAlmighty:O
Lord.HowcanIbethankfultoYou,sincethankingYouisanotherfavorthatrequires
thankfulness?TheAlmightyresponded:Justnowyouhavedoneit.Ithinkthisiswhatis
expressedin:WehavenotbeenabletothankYouasthankingYourequires,OAllThanked
One.
OnecanbethankfulbyrecognizingandappreciatingDivinefavors,forfeelinggratitudeto
theOneWhobestowsfavorsdependstoagreatextentonduerecognitionandappreciationof
them.BeliefandIslam(includingtheQuran)leadonetorecognizeandappreciatefavors
andthusturntoGodingratitude.Onecanbemoreawareofthesefavors,andthattheyare
giventousbyGodoutofHismercyforourhelplessnessandinabilitytomeetourown
needs,inthelightofbeliefandIslamicpractices.ThisawarenessurgesustopraisetheOne
Whobestowsuponusthosefavorsandbountiesthatweconsume.Awakeningtothe
meaningof:AsforthefavorofYourLord,proclaimit(93:11),wefeeladeepneedtobe
gratefulandthankful.
Everyoneisnaturallyinclinedtopraisethegoodandtheonewhodoesgoodtohimorher.
However,untilthisfeelingisarousedthereisnoawarenessofbeingfavoredbysomeone
else,justasfisharenotconsciousoflivinginwater.Furthermore,thesefavorsmaybe
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QabeelatTayybah
attributedtothemeansandcausesusedtoobtainthem.Ifitisblindnessanddeafnessnotto
seeandappreciatethefavorswecontinuouslyreceive,thenitmustbeanunforgivable
deviationtoattributethemtovariousblind,deaf,andunfeelingmeansandcauses.The
Propheticstatements:Onewhodoesnotthankforthelittledoesnotthankfortheabundant,
and:OnewhodoesnotthankpeopledoesnotthankGod,expressblindnessanddeafnessto
favorsandremindusoftheimportanceofbeingthankful.Suchversesas:MentionMeso
thatIwillmentionyou,andgivethankstoMeanddonotbeungratefultoMe(2:152),and:
WorshipHimandgiveHimthanks(29:17)tellusthatitisGodWhotrulydeservestobe
thanked,andalsoremindusofHisabsoluteUnity.
Thankfulnesscanbedividedintothreecategories.Thefirstcategoryconsistsofthankfulness
forthosethingsthateveryone,regardlessofreligionorspiritualattainment,desires.The
secondcategoryconsistsofthankfulnessforthosethingsthat,althoughapparently
disagreeableordispleasing,revealtheirtruenaturetothosewhocanseethemasfavors
requiringgratitude.
ThethirdcategoryofthankfulnessisthatkindperformedbythosewhoarelovedbyGodand
viewfavorsorbountiesfromtheperspectiveoftheOneWhobestowsthem.Theyspendtheir
livesinspiritualpleasurethatbeginsinobservingGodsmanifestation ofHimselfthrough
Hisfavors,andtakethegreatestpleasureinworshippingHim.Althoughtheyarealways
enrapturedwiththespiritualdelightflowingfromtheirloveofHim,theyareextremely
carefuloftheirrelationshipwithHim.SuchpeopleconstantlystrivetopreservetheDivine
blessingsthathavebeenbestoweduponthem,andalwayssearchforwhattheyhavemissed.
Whiletheyconstantlydeepentheirbelief,love,andgratitudealongthewaytowardHim,the
netsoftheirsightarefilledwithdifferentblessingsandgifts.
OGod!IncludeusamongYourservantswhomYoulove,havemadesincere,andhavebrought
untoYou.GrantpeaceandblessingstoourMaster,theMasterofthoseloved,madesincere,and
broughtnearuntoYou.
v Group 2
Shukr
ItisanArabicwordthatisderivedfromShaKaRawhichmeansThankfulnessandGratitude.It
isaqualityoffeelingorbeinggrateful.Itisawarmanddeepappreciationofkindnessand
benefitsreceived.
Shukrisaformofworshipanditisthepurposeofourcreation.ItisarightofAllahoverus.
AllahsaysinQuraanHegaveyouhearingandsightandintelligenceandaffection,thatyou
maygivethanks(toAllah).[anNahl16:78].Thistopicisveryimportantanddemandsattention
asAllahmentionsintheHolyQuraan"Butfewofmyslavesaregrateful"[Saba43:13].Areyou
amongstthoseselectedfew?IbnAbbasnarratedthattheProphetsaidThereare4qualities
whoeverisgiventhemhastrulybeengiventhebestinthisworldandthenext.Theyarea
grateful heart,arememberingtongue,anenduringbody,andafaithfulwife.
Beingthankfulisnotonlyanicethingtodobutitisalsoanobligation.Itisnotanoptionas
AllahcommandsusintheQuraanBegratefultoMe,anddonotrejectMe[Baqarah2:152].
However,onemustrealizethatAllahdoesntneedourthanks,ratherhedeservesit.Hesays
Andifanyisgrateful,trulyhisgratitudeisforhisownsoulbutifanyisungrateful,trulymy
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QabeelatTayybah
Lordisfreeofallneeds,SupremeinHonor![anNaml27:40]
DangersofLackofShukr
1)Kufr.Apersoniseithergratefulorungrateful.Thereisnothirdcategory.Apersonwho
doesntthankAllah,eitherbyignoranceornegligence,showsingratitudewhichisKufr.The
ProphetsaidSpeakingofAllahsblessingisgratitude,andignoringitisingratitude(kufr).
2)PunishmentfromAllah.AllaysaysButifyoushow ingratitude,trulyMypunishmentis
terribleindeed[Ibrahim14:7]
3)TheGoalofShaytan."ThenIwillassaultthemfrombeforethemandbehindthem,fromtheir
rightandtheirleft:notwillyoufind,inmostofthem,gratitude.[Araaf7:17]
TheNamesofAllah
ThewordShukr(anditsdifferentforms)occurs75timesintheHolyQuraan.Allahvaluesthis
qualitysomuchthatHehasselecteditasoneofHisNames.Notjustone,buttwonameswith
thesameroot Shakoor&Shaakir.
1)InnaAllahaGhafurunShakoor[Shura42:23]
2)FaInnaAllaha Shaakir[Baqara2:158]
TheBenefits/RewardsofGratitude
1)IncreaseinAllahsfavorsonus.AllahsaysintheHolyQuraanIfyouaregrateful,Iwilladd
more(favors)untoyou[Ibrahim14:7]
2)PleasureofAllah.Ifyouaregrateful,Heispleasedwithyou[azZumar39:7]
3)SwiftRewards.Allahwillswiftlyrewardthosewhoarethankful[3:144]
4)Forgiveness.AyeshanarratedtheProphet(pbuh)saidNomanbuysagarmentwithhisown
moneythenputsitonandthanksAllah,butAllahwillhaveforgivenhimallhiswrongaction
beforethegarmentreacheshisknees
TypesofShukr
1)ThankstoAllah
2)ThankstoPeople.ProphetMuhammad(peacebeuponhim)saidTheonewhodoesn'tgive
thankstopeoplewillnotgivethankstoAllah.[Muslim]
ShukrinOtherReligion/Cultures
GratitudeisnotonlycentraltoIslam,butalsootherreligionslikeJudaismandChristianity.Even
thoughAtheistsdonotbelieveinGod,theydohighlyregardthisquality.MJRyan,authorofthe
bestselling"RandomActsofKindness"says"Gratitudeisaformofselfhelp.Professorof
Humanities,RonaldAronsonofWayneStateUniversityadds"Agratefulattitudecures
perfectionism,makesusfeelgoodaboutourselves,makesushealthier,eliminatesworry,allows
ustoliveinthepresentandacceptwhathehave,andattractspeopletoourselves."InUnited
StatesandCanada,theThanksgivingcelebrationisanationalholiday.
HowtoGiveShukr?
Whenthemercy,favorsandbountiesofAllahreachesaperson,realizingfromtheheartthatitis
fromAllahiswhatcountsasShukr.Oneshouldalsospeakabouttheblessing.Prophet
Muhammad(pbuh)saidSpeakingofAllah'sblessingisgratitude[Muslim].Thankingfora
smallblessingisequallyimportant.ProphetMuhammad(pbuh)saidTheonewhodoesn'tgive
195
QabeelatTayybah
thanksforasmallblessingwillnotgivethanksforagreatblessing[Muslim].Also,Ayeshasaid
thattheProphet(pbuh)sawasmallpieceofbreadonthefloor(inherhouse),sohepickeditup
andwipedit,andthentoldher:"OAyesha,treattheblessingofAllahwithrespect,forwhenit
departsfromahouseholditmaynevercomebacktothem."[IbnMajah]
OnemayalsothankAllahbyworshipingHimorperformingsujud(prostration)ofgratitude.
ProphetMuhammad's(peacebeuponhim)feetbecameswollenbyworshippingAllahallnight.
Whenhewasasked,"WhyareyoudoingthiswhenAllahhasforgivenallyourpastandfuture
wrongactions?"hereplied,"ShouldInotbeagratefulslave"?[Bukhari]
LevelsofShukr
ItisveryobviousthatwewillneverbeabletothankAllahthewayHedeserves.All thegood
deedsofapersoncannotpayforoneblessingofAllah.However,thisdoesntmeanthatweget
negligentinthankingAllah.IbnQayyimalJawziyyahsays,Asforthosewhoonlypaylip
servicetogratitude,anddonotgivethankswiththerestof theirfaculties(heart,head,hand),
theyarelikeamanwhohasagarmentandallhedoeswithitistouchit,buthedoesn'tputiton:
itwillneverprotecthimfromheat,cold,snoworrain.TherighteousSalaf,BakrIbnAbdullah
alMuzanisaid:"Whenamanfacesaffliction,hemaypraytoAllahandAllahmaydeliverhim
fromadversity.ThenShaytancomestothemanandwhispers,'Itwasnotasbadasyouthought'.
Thustheman'sgratitudeisweakened.
ShukrinAdversity
Wearealsotaughttogivethanksinadversity.UrwaIbnZubairlosthisson,andalsohislimb,
yethegavethankstoAllahfornottakingawaytheblessingsheisleftwith.Intodaysworld,
Muslimsarebeingpersecutedinsomanyplaces,butwemustthankAllahthatwearestillgiven
therightstoworshipHimunlikeinAndalusfewcenturiesago,whenpeoplewereexecutedfor
offeringtheirdailyprayers.Prophet(pbuh)said"Ifanyoneofyouwouldliketoseethegreat
blessingofAllahonhim,thenlethimlookatthosewhoarelessfortunatethanhim,notthose
whoappearbetteroffthanhim."[Muslim]
DuaforMakingShukr
ProphetMuhammad(pbuh)taughtustheduathatwillhelpusinbeingthankfultoAllah.
HishamIbnUrwahsaidAmongtheduaoftheProphet(pbuh)isOAllah,helpmetoremember
You,togivethankstoYou,andtoworshipYouwell.
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QabeelatTayybah
Al-Hub- Love
v Group 1
Definition
TheQur'anusesseveralwordsfortheterm"love"withmanydifferentshadesofmeaning.Ifall
thesewordsrafah,rahmah,wudda,hubetc. aretranslatedas"love",thenthiswordisofvery
importanceinIslam.Dependingonthecontext,lovecanhaveawidevarietyofintended
meanings.TheminimumexpectationfrombelieversisthatAllahshouldhavethefirstplacein
theirheart,inthesensethatnootherlovemayoverrideone'sloveforAllah.Loveisalsoa
feelingfromwhichoneacquirespleasure.Inasense,lovealsoincludestheIslamicviewoflife
asuniversalbrotherhoodwhichappliestoallMuslims.Whenwelovesomethingorsomebodyit
mustbeforthesakeofAllah.TherearenodirectreferencesstatingthatAllahislove,but
amongstthe99namesofAllah,thereisthenameAlWadud or'theLovingOne',whichisfound
inSurah11:90AndaskforgivenessofyourLord, thenturntoHimsurelymyLordis
Merciful,LovingkindaswellasSurah85:14.ItreferstoAllahasbeing"fullofloving
kindness".OnestillhasAllahsloveandmercyregardlessoftheirevildoingsolongastheyturn
tohimandrepent.TheProphet(PBUH)said,AllahtheExaltedhassaid:OsonsofAdam,so
longayoucalluponMeandaskofMe,Ishallforgiveyouforwhatyouhavedone,andI
shallnotmind. Thus,inIslam,loveplaysanessentialroleinethics.TodrawanIslamicpicture
oftheworld,onealwaysneedstoinvokethenotionoflove.
Wordsofwisdom:
TheconceptofloveinIslamisveryunique. Loveshouldbepureaswhite.Allah(SWT)said,
Loveisoneofthesignofbeingahuman. Loveisneitherdisapprovedbyreligionnor
prohibitedbythelawforeveryheartisinAllahshands.(IbnHazm) ThomasJayOord's,
says:Toloveistoactintentionally,insympatheticresponsetoothers(includingGod),to
promoteoverallwellbeing.Weshouldlovesomethingorsomebodyitmustbeforthesake
ofAllah. Islamteachesusthatmarriageisthefinest,purestandpermissiblerelationship
betweenamaleandfemale. TheProphet(PBUH)says:"Threequalitiesiffoundinaperson,
willhelphimhaveperfectfaith:HavingAllahandHisMessenger,peaceandblessingsbe
uponhim,asthemostbelovedones,lovingapersononlyforthesakeofAllahandhating
gettingbacktoKufr (disbelief)thewayone hatestobethrownintofire."Itisrecommended
foramantomarryawomanwhomheloves,becausetheProphet(PBUH)said:Thereis
nothingbetterfortwowholoveeachotherthanmarriage.(SahihAlJami`,5200)However,
thisloveshouldnotbeoverwhelmingandcauseapersontoforgetothercharacteristicswhichhe
shouldlookforinthepersonhewantstomarry.Themostimportantcharacteristicisreligious
commitment.TheProphet(PBUH)says:Awomanmaybemarriedforfourthings:her
wealth,her lineage,herbeautyandhercommitmenttoreligion.Choosetheonewhois
197
QabeelatTayybah
religious,mayyourhandsberubbedwithdust[i.e.,mayyouprosper]!(Agreedupon
Hadith).
InSuraharRum,Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalastatesthatHiscreationofmenandwomen
asmatestooneanotherisasignandfavoroverHiscreation.ThroughouttheSurah,Hestatesthe
creationoftheheavensandtheearthandhowtheystandbyHiscommandalsoassignsofhis
creation.Allahsubhaanahuwata'aalahasdrawnaparallelbetweenthesemagnificentsignsin
theUniverseandhiscreationofmenandwomenasmatestooneanother.Loveisalsoasignof
HisLordship,asimportantasthatasthecreationoftheentireuniverse. AndamongHisSigns
isthis,thatHecreatedforyouwivesfromamongyourselves,thatyoumayfindreposein
them,andHehasputbetweenyouaffectionandmercy.Verily,inthatareindeedsignsfor
apeoplewhoreflect"(alQur'an30:21)
Implicationofthevirtue:
Tobecomeabetterperson,wemustpracticevirtuousactsregularly.Afterawhile,these
actswillbecomeahabitandthepersonwillbeleadingavirtuouslife.Peoplewhopracticetheir
virtuesimprovetheirskillsandthereforebecominghappier.Thepersonwhostrugglestoacquire
virtuesisinthelongrunabetterpersonandismuchhappierastheyfeelthattheydeservethat
happinessastheyhaveworkedveryhardforit.Bycontinuouslypracticingtheirvirtuespeople
willsoonbeactingintherightway.Thebestwaytobecomeavirtuouspersonistofollowthe
footstepsofavirtuousperson.AndourbelovingprophetMuhammad(Sallahowaalyhiwasal)
andhiscompanionsarebestfootstepsforustofollow.Oneofthesignofthevirtuespersonis
kindnessandhisforgivenesswithhisfamilyandothers.AsitismentioninholyQuranand
hadithvarioustimes. Narrated'Aisha(r.a.):"Allah'sMessengersaid,"Becalm,O'Aisha!
Allahlovesthat,oneshouldbekindandlenientinallmatters."
:
Howalackofhumilitycanbeimproved
Beforebeingabletotrulyloveourfamily,spouse,andbrothersandsistersinIslam,
wemustfirsthaveloveforAllah(SWT)andhisMessenger(Maypeaceandblessingsbeupon
him.) Inordertoimproveloveforthetwomostimportantofrecipients,wemustbesincerein
ourdesireandactivelypursueit. Wecanachievethisthroughactionssuchasdetaching
ourselvesfromworldydesires,whichoftenserveasdistractionsinourquesttoseeking
knowledgeandremaininginconstantrememberanceandreflection. Wemustseekknowledge
aboutourdeen,havebeliefinthatknowledge,sharethatknowledge,andputthatknowledgeinto
action. Keepingcompanywiththosewhoaresincereintheiractionsanddesiresforincreasing
loveintheirheartsisalsoavery importantcomponent. Beingsteadfastinourprayersandduaas
wellasfrequentlyreciting"LaIlahaIllaLlah"areamongthemostimportantin attaininga
feelingoftranquilityandsofteningourheartstofillwithlove.
BelieverswhohavegreatloveofAllah,fearAllah,andmakeasincereeffortindoingso,
arefavorableindividualswhobringbeautytotheworld.Duetothesesuperiormoralvalues,they
alsolovethethingsthatAllahhascreated,feelaffectionandcompassionforthem,andwish to
protectthemandbringthemgoodnessandbeauty.Becauseofthispleasinglovecomingfromthe
faithinbelievers'hearts,HewillrewardthemwithParadise.
198
QabeelatTayybah
Ar-Rifq Gentleness
v Group 1
Onthewaytothehospitaltovisithisaunt,'Aliwasdiscussingamatterwithhisbrother.Itwas
abouttheDecreeofAllah(SWT).Therewasgreatconfusionaboutthisissue.'Aliquestioned,"I
don'tgetit,ifAllah(SWT)Willseverything,doesn'tthatmeanHeWillsoursinstoo?"His
brothersimplygotagitatedandcuthimoff."Shutup!,"heexclaimed.Afteracoupleofattempts
andunwarrantedresponses,'Alisimplygaveupandangrilyleft.Asaresult,hewasleft
confused,bitteranddidn'tendupgoingtothehospitalthatday.
Thereisalossofmercyandgentlenessaround,yetweseeangerandharshnessabound.One
wonderswhatwentwrong.Whyaresomepeoplesoharsh?Wetendtorespondwithoutany
empathy.ThisisindirectcontradictiontotheteachingsoftheQur'anandourbelovedRasul
(SAW).AfundamentalandintegralpartofgoodakhlaqisGentleness.
Definition
Therootword Rafaqapronounced'rawfuhqaw'literallymeans'tobekind,friendlyand
nicetowards.Technically,werefertothecharacteristicofgentlenessas'ArRifq.'Allah
(SWT)praisedthisqualitymanytimesinQur'an.TheProphet(SAW)explaineditandshowed
it.
Ayat
InSurahAl'Araf(7):199,Allah(SWT)mentions:"Showforgiveness,enjoinwhatis
good,andturnawayfromthefoolish(i.e.don'tpunishthem)."
InSurahAlImran(3):159,Allah(SWT)says:"AndbytheMercyofAllah,youdealt
withthemgently.Andhadyoubeensevereandharshhearted,theywouldhavebroke
awayfromyousopassover(theirfaults)andask(Allah's)Forgivenessforthemand
consultthemintheiraffairs.Thenwhenyouhavetakenadecision,putyourtrustin
Allah,certainlyAllahlovesthosewhoputtheirtrust(inHim)."
InSurahAshShura(42):43,Allah(SWT)mentions:"Andverily,whosoevershows
patienceandforgives,thatwouldtrulybefromthethingsrecommendedbyAllah"
Ahadith
'Aisha(RA)reported:Rasulullah(SAW)said:"AllahisGentleandlovesgentlenessin
allmatters."[SahihAlBukhari&Muslim]
'Aisha(RA)reported:Rasulullah(SAW)said:"Whenevergentlenessisaddedto
something,itadornsitandwheneveritiswithdrawnfromsomething,itleavesit
defective."[SahihMuslim]
Tosummarizeabeautifulincident:Ahottemperedbedouinrushedtoamasjidin
MadinahtoasktheProphet(SAW)forsomegoldandsilverforcharity.The
199
QabeelatTayybah
Prophet(SAW)wassittingtherewithmanyoftheSahabah(RA).Thebedouin
demandedthemoneyveryharshly.TheProphet(SAW)paidhim,buthewasstill
unhappy.HeyelledattheProphet(SAW)insultingly.TheSahabahgotuptobeat
himupwhentheProphet(SAW)preventedthemfromdoingso.Lateron,the
Prophet(SAW)tookthebedouinhomeandgavehimsomemoremoney.Looking
aroundhis(SAW)house,thebedouinwasamazedatthesimplicityandthe
hospitalityoftheProphet(SAW).Hefeltgreatregretandexpresseditalongwith
kindwordstotheProphet(SAW).TheProphet(SAW)thenaskedhimtoconvey
thesametotheSahabah(RA).Themancomplied.TheSahabah(RA)werepleased.
Afterthis,Rasul(SAW)said,"Myexamplewithsuchapersonislikeamanwhose
camelstartledandranaway.Thepeoplewereshoutingandrunningafterthecamel
thinkingthattheywouldhelptheowner.Themoretheyshouted,themorethe
camelsped.Theownerkeptcallingthepeopleback,assuringthemthatheknew
howtokeepthecamelcalm.Whenthepeopleleftthecamelalone,theownerpicked
upsomeherbsandgentlyshowedittothecamelwithoutshoutingandrunning.The
camelcamebackandtheownereasilygraspedthebridleofthecamelandsetoffon
hisway."ThentheProphetsaid,"Yesterday,ifIhadallowedyoutohandlethis
manasyoupleased,youwouldhavekilledthepoorman.ButIstoodbetweenyou
andhim,andtreatedhim kindlyandgently." [DastaaneRaastaan]
AbuHurairah(RA)reported:"Abedouinurinatedinthemasjidandsomepeople
rushedtobeathimup.TheProphet(SAW)said,'Leavehimaloneandpoura
bucketofwateroverit.Youhavebeensenttomakethingseasyandnottomake
thingsdifficult.'"[SahihAlBukhari]
WordsofWisdom
AlHafizibnHajarAlAskalanee(R)said:
"Someofthemthinkthatpolitenessisflattery,buttheyaremistaken,becausepolitenessis
recommendedbutflatteryisharaam.Thedifferenceisthatflatteryreferstotheonewho
showsonethingwhilstconcealinganother.Thescholarsexplaineditasmixingwiththe
evildoerandshowingapprovalofwhatheisdoingwithoutdenouncingitandpolitenessis
showingkindnesstotheignorantwhilstteachinghim,andtotheevildoerwhilst
denouncinghisaction,andnotbeingharshtowardshimwhenheiscommittingevilopenly,
andrebukinghimgentlyinwordanddeed,especiallyiftheheartneedstobesoftenedand
soon." [FathAlBari[10/528]]
ImamGhazali(R)said:
"Gentlenessispraiseworthy,andthatwhichgoesagainstit,isviolenceandfury.Angerand
harshnessgoontoproduceviolence,whereasgoodmannersandintegritygoontoproduce
gentlenessandsoftness.Gentlenessisafruitwhichdoesnotgoontoproduce,exceptthatis
ofgoodmanners.Gentlenessshallnotimprove,exceptwhenonecontrolstheforcesof
angerandofdesire,whileatthesametime,heisabletomaintainbothatamoderatelevel.
AndtothattheProphet(SAW)praisedgentlenessandtheonewhoexceedsinit." [[625/2]
FathAlKadir]
Application
200
QabeelatTayybah
Whenconfrontedwithasituation,inviteinamannerwhichiswelcoming.[i.e.smile,
sitdownandbehospitable]
Listentowhattheyhavetosaywithoutresponding.
Restrainyournegativeemotions.
Discussopenlyasacompanion.
Youwanttoappeasethesituation.Answerthequestionkindly.
Givethebestopinioninthegentlestofways.
Speaksoftly,andnotharshly.
Ifyouareagainstanopinionoraction,rejectorrefusegently,unlessitgoesstrongly
againstthetenetsofIslam.
Makesurethepersonisjustifiablysatisfied.
RelevancetoModernTimes
ArRifqisoneofthequalitiesthatsustainhumanity.Inourinitialexample,if'Aliwasdealt
withgently,itwouldhavehadaprofoundeffect.Eventodayintimesofabstractcoldness,
inaworldwherepeoplecommunicateinimpersonalemailsandlongdistancecalls,the
virtueofgentlenessisfoundwhenwereunitewiththosewelove.Athomewefind
unboundedgentlenessandtendernesswherepeopledonotjudgeusandacceptus.
However,itisthegentlenessandtendernessfromcompletestrangersthatshocksand
pleasesusthemost.Wehaveallheardofstoriesofpeopledonatingkidneys,andbloodto
completestrangers,peopletheydonotevenknow.ThisisArRifqthattranscendsbounds
andexistsamongallhumans.ItisthegatewaytoDawahandAllahs(SWT)pleasure.
TheReward
IbnMas'ud(RA)reported:Rasulullah(SAW)said:
"ShallInottellyouwhomtheHellfireisforbiddentotouch?Itisforbiddento
touchamanwhoisalwaysaccessible,havingpoliteandtendernature."
Group 2
ArRifqistranslatedaskindness,gentleness,mildnessandfriendlinessinspeechandactions.If
thisvirtueislackinginonescharacter,thentheviceofshiddahorharshnessmaybepresentin
onescharacter.Allah (SWT)alludestoProphetMuhammadsrifqtowardshisCompanions:
201
QabeelatTayybah
And bytheMercyof Allah, youdealtwiththemgently. And had youbeen severeandharsh

hearted, they would have broken away from about you so pass over (their faults), and ask
(Allahs) Forgiveness for them and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a
decision,putyourtrustinAllah,certainly,Allahlovesthosewhoputtheirtrust(inHim).}[Aali
Imraan3:159]
WealsolearnfromourbelovedProphet(SAW)thenegativeconsequencesifwelackthe
virtueofRifqinourspeechandactions.TheMessengerofAllah(SAW)saidthat,gentlenessis
notplacedinanythingexceptthatitbeautifiesitandthatitisnotremovedfromanythingexcept
that it makes that thing ugly. Saheeh Muslim, Vol. 4, Kitaab AlBirr wasSilah walAadaab
(#2594). In another statement of our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: Whoever has been
preventedfromRifq(gentleness)hasbeenpreventedfromallthatisgood.SaheehMuslim,Vol.
4,KitaabAlBirrwasSilahwalAadaab(#2592).
To improve this virtue and all virtues we need to analyze our speech and actions. We
need to see whether our interaction with Allah SWT, our family, our relatives and ourselves
reflectsgentlenessorifitreflectsharshnessorhardheartedwithothers.Thus,weneedtorealize
withoutRifqouraffairswillbecomeuglyandwewillhavetofacenegativeconsequencesinthis
duniyaandakhira.However,ifweacquirethevirtueofRifq,ouraffairswillbecomebeautiful,
good,andacceptabletoAllah (swt).
Islamteachesusto shunharshnessandexhibitgentlenessand mildness inourbehavior

withothers.Therearemanyadvantagestobeinggentleandmildinourbehaviortowardsothers
202
QabeelatTayybah
inlife.Oneofthebenefitsofbeinggentlewithothersisthatgentlenessleadstopeacefulsolution
of problems. Whenever two people, or two groups of people quarrel with other another, and
neither of them shows gentleness, their problem will never be solved. As soon as oneof them
showsgentleness,theothermellowsdownandanagreementisreachedbetweenthem.
Rifqinthisdayandageissomethingthatisseverelylacking.InthedaysoftheProphet
Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with
themall),thisvirtuewasaqualitythatwasalmostinnate.TheProphetMuhammad(peaceand
blessingsuponhim)ofcourseembodiedgentlenessandkindnessinprettymuchallaspectsof
his life. It showed in the way he treated other people whether he was dealing in business,
religionorfriendsandfamily.
In the cutthroat world we live in nowadays, the virtue of Rifq is vital in facilitating a
happy, positive lifestyle. We find ourselves so caught up in competing for the best grades in
school and receiving the higher pay at work that we becomeneglectful of taking the
timetogiveeachotherahelpinghand. Weforgettheimportanceofkindnessandgentlenessin
our everyday dealings. This Dunya tells us to compete with one another and unless
circumstances really call for it, have a survival of the fittest mentality. Though one may not
realizeit,thistypeofattitudeproducesanimbalancedinternalstateandsenseofnonfulfillment
intheheartandmind.Howcanonetrulybehappyandcontentwhenoneslifeisselfcentered
withouttheslightestcareorworryforonesbrethrenandpeers?Onecant.Bringinglightanda
feelingofwarmthandgentlenesstoanotherimmenselycontributestoonesselffulfillmentand
happiness.Authorsofthebook,WhyGoodThingsHappentoGoodPeople,StephenPostand
Jill Neimark explain that when we genuinely love others, when we extend our hearts in
compassion towardtheir needs, we trigger powerful hormonal reactions that notonly make us
203
QabeelatTayybah
feelbetterbutactuallyincreaseourqualityoflifeAlittlekindnesshereandthereasmile,a
compliment, giving someone a ride, acts such as these, have the power to bring happiness to
another beings life and ours. Rifq, this concept, which Islam teaches us, is a means of both
motivationandcontentmentforoureverydaylives.
ImamIbnBattaal:Beinggentleandpoliteisfromthenoblemannersofthebelieversandit
means loweringthewingof mercytothepeople,beinggentle inspeech,and notspeaking
harshlytothem.
"Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and
good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind."(Muslims &
Bukhari)
ConqueramanwhonevergivesbygiftsSubdueuntruthfulmenbytruthfulnessVanquish
anangrymanby gentlenessAndovercometheevilmanbygoodness[Indianproverb]
204
QabeelatTayybah
*~*Vices*~*
Dhulm- Injustice/Oppression
v Group 1
I.DefinitionofDhulm
Linguisticdefinition: Dhulmistoplacesomethingwhereitdoesnotbelong.
Therearethreetypesofdhulm:
1DhulmofthehumanbeingregardingtherightsofAllaah,likeascribingapartnerwithHim,
andthatisthegreatestofalldhulm.
2Dhulmofahumanbeingtowardshimself,likeplacinguponhimselfsomethinghedoesnot
havethecapacitytocarryout.
3Dhulmofahumanbeingtowardsanotherhumanbeing,likekillingapersonwithoutalegal
reason.Andthatisthegreatesttypeofdhulmregardingahumanbeing
II.EvidencesofDhulm
1FromalQuraan:
Allah(subhanahuwataala)states[insurahanNahl]:Thosewhomtheangelstake(indeath)in
astateofpurity,theysaytothem:Peacebeuponyou.EntertheGardenbythatwhichyouused
todo.AretheyexpectinganythingbutthattheangelswillcometothemorAllah'sorderwill
cometothem?Likewisedidthosebeforethemdo.AndAllahdidnotoppressthemratheritwas
theirownselveswhichtheyusedtooppress[alQuraan16:3233].
Allah(subhanahuwataala)states[insurahalBaqarah]:Andwemadethecloudsashadefor
themandsentdowntothemalmannandassalwaa.Eatfromthegoodthingswehaveprovided
you.Andtheydidnotoppressusratheritwastheirownselveswhichtheyusedtooppress
[alQuraan2:57].
Allah(subhanahuwataala)states[insurahalBaqarah]:"AndwhenAbrahamwastestedbyhis
Lordwithcertaincommandsandhefulfilledthem.ThenhesaidLo!IappointyouanImamfor
mankind.(Abraham)said:Andofmyoffspring(willtherebeImam)?Hesaid:Mycovenant
doesnotreachthedhalim"[alQuraan2:124]
2FromasSunnah:
AbuDhar(radiAllahuanhu)narratedthattheProphet(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)said
amongwhathenarratedfromAllah(subhanahuwataala):Omyslaves,Ihavemadeoppression
unlawfulforMyselfandIhavemadeitunlawfulamongyou,sodonotoppressoneanother
[Muslim].
205
QabeelatTayybah
IbnUmar(radiAllahuanhu)narratedthattheProphet(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)said:
OppressionwillturnintodarknessontheDay ofResurrection[Agreedupon].
Once,acompanionofAllah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)wassittingonhishorsewaiting
togotojihad.HesawAllah'sMessengerandwishedtogetsomelastminuteadvicebefore
engaginginbattle.Heaskedhim:"Whichjihadisbest?"TheProphet(peacebeuponhim)
answered:"Awordoftruthinfrontofanunjustruler."
TheProphet(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)said:Beafraidofthecurseofanoppressedperson
asthereisnoscreenbetweenhisinvocationandAllah[alBukhari].
TheProphet(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)said:Givevictorytoyourbrotherwhetherheis
oppressedortheoppressor.TheSahabahasked,OAllahsApostle!Itisallrighttohelphimif
heisoppressed,buthowshouldwehelphimifheisanoppressor?TheProphetsaid,By
preventinghimfromoppressingothers[alBukhari].
3FromtheSahaabahandMuslimScholars:
AbuBakrasSiddeeqsaid,"Opeople!Yourecitetheverse(whichmeans):
"Oyouwhobelieve!Guardyourownsouls:ifyoufollow(right)guidance,nohurtcancometo
youfromthosewhostray."[alMaidah5:105]butyoumisinterpretitanddonotknowwhatit
means.IonceheardAllah'sMessenger(peacebeuponhim)say,"Ifpeopleseesomeone
[practicing]injusticeanddonotsethimright,Allahwillalmostcertainlyvisitthemallwith
severepunishment."Anothernarrationgoes,"Iftheyseeevilpracticedanddonotattemptto
changeit."[AbuDawud,AhmadandTirmidhi].
AnNawaweesaid,"TheProphet'ssaying'mustchangeit'indicatesthatpracticingitisan
obligation,bytheconsensusoftheUmmah."Healsosaid,"Enjoininggoodandforbiddingevil
isanobligationofcollectiveresponsibility(FarDKifaayah).Onceitisundertakenbyanumber
ofpeopletherestareabsolvedofit.However,ifneglectedbyeveryone,thenallthosewhoare
capableofdischargingit,withoutlegalexcuseorfear,areconsideredsinful.Furthermore,it
becomesanobligationofindividualresponsibilityforapersonwhoisinapositiontobetheonly
onetoknowoftheevilinquestion,ortheonlywhocaneffectivelychangeit."
IbnTaymeeyahsaid,"Itisofcollectiveresponsibility,andbecomesofindividualresponsibility
(Fard'Ain)incumbantuponeveryablepersonifnooneelseexercisesit."Healsosaid,"Thetest
ofresponsibilityforthisobligationisability.EveryMuslimisobligedtoadegreeproportionalto
hisability.Allah(swt)says(whichmeans),"SofearAllahasmuchasyoucan."[atTaghaabun
64:16]
4Secularwordsofwisdom:
Theonlythingnecessaryforthetriumphofevilisforgoodmentodonothing.Edmund
Burke
Findoutjustwhatpeoplewillsubmitto,andyouhavefoundouttheexactamountofinjustice
andwrongwhichwillbeimposeduponthemandthesewillcontinueuntiltheyareresistedwith
eitherwordsorblows,orboth.Thelimitsoftyrantsareprescribedbytheenduranceofthose
whomtheyoppress.FrederickDouglass
Asnightfalldoesnotcomeallatonce,neitherdoesoppression.Inbothinstances,thereisa
twilightwheneverythingremainsseeminglyunchanged.Anditisinsuchtwilightthatweall
mustbeawareofchangeintheairhoweverslight,lestwebecomeunwittingvictimsofthe
darkness.JusticeWilliamO.Douglas
206
QabeelatTayybah
III.ImplicationsandApplicationofDhulm
Dhulmcanbelookedatindifferentways.Someexamplescanbespeakingaboutsomeone
behindtheirbackorinsultingsomeone.Thiscausesustobeasourceofoppression.
Dhulmalsoincludesallowingourselvestoslipintominorandmajorsinsandneglectingour
obligationsinIslam.Apersoncanalsooppresshimselfbyfollowinghisdesires,feelingsor
inclinationsinsteadoffollowingAllah,hisMessenger(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)andtheir
soundinstincts(fitrah)whicharefoundwithineveryhumanbeing.
AnotherformofDhulmisthroughaggressionandtakingadvantageofanother'sweakness.
Mostoppressionfallsontheweakanddefenselesssuchasorphans,childrenorcitizenswhodo
notpossessthehorribleweaponsanddefensesoftheirenemies.
Alloftheseinjusticesleadtothedeteriorationofsociety.Throughinjusticestowardstherights
ofAllah(subhanahuwataala),oneself,andothers,theethicalstandardsofasocietywill
disintegrateandcausecompoundedproblems.
IV.RelevanceofDhulmtoModernTimesandHowitAffectsUs
Relatingthisissuetothemoderntimes,injusticehasaffectedtheMuslimUmmahleadingthe
believerstodoingwrongandcommitmajorsins.Anexampleofthisisdisobediencetoparents.
AllahmentionedintheQuran,"AndyourLordhascommandedthatyouworshipnonebutHim.
Andthatyoubedutifultoyourparents...Andlowertothemthearmsofsubmissionbybeing
humblethroughmercy[SurahalIsra(17):2324].Butinthismoderntimeithasbecomean
ordinarypartoflifetoshowdisrespecttoparents,whileIslamteachesustoshowobedienceand
loyaltytoourparents.AlsoasitwasstatedinhadithfromAbuBakr(radiAllahuanhu)who
said,"TheMessengerofAllaah(subhanahuwataala)said,'ShallInotinformyouofthegreatest
ofthemajorsins?'[threetimes]Theysaid,'OfcourseOMessengerofAllaah!'Hesaid,
'AssociatingpartnerswithAllaah,disobediencetotheparents thenhesat,recliningandthe
falsestatement.'HekeptrepeatingthemuntilIsaid,'ifonlyhewouldstop'"[Saheeh,Ghaayatul
Maraam(277)].
Riba(interest)isanotherissueofthismoderntimeandIslamforbidsbelieverstotake,orgive
interest.ThegoodsthataretakenorgivenininterestareHaraam.Jabir(radiAllahuanhu)has
reportedthattheMessengerofAllah(salaAllahualayhiwasalam)cursedthedevourerofusury,
itspayer,itsscribeanditstwowitnesses.Healsosaidthattheywereequal(insin)[Muslim].
RibaisprohibitedinIslamasitappearsclearlyintheHolyQuranandHadithswarningthe
believersfromconsuminginterestthatincreasedtheamountofgoods.Oyewhobelieve!
DevournotusurydoubledandmultipliedbutfearAllah,thatyemay(really)prosper(3:140).
Thisisaformofinjusticebecausethemoneyisnotbeingplacedinitsappropriateplace.
Duringthepresenttimes,wecontinuallyseeinjusticeandoppressionallovertheMuslimand
nonMuslimworld.Theweakarebeingtaken advantageof,secularizationisoccurring
throughouttheworld,andrespectandadmirationisgiventothosewhoseidealsshouldbe
shunned.
Committinginjusticeorignoringitsexistenceleadsustobecomedesensitizedagainstit,sothat
evenwhenweseepicturesorhearstoriesoftheoppressionofourbelovedbrothersandsisters,
wearenotaffected.
V.HowtoRidOurselvesofDhulm
SinceresupplicationtoAllah(subhanahuwataala)topurifyusofthisquality.
207
QabeelatTayybah
SinceresupplicationtoAllah(subhanahuwataala)tobestowHisMercyontheoppressedof
ourummah.Trulyhatingthisoppressionwillmakeyouhatetobeanoppressorinanyway.
Startwiththoseclosesttoyoueliminatedhulminyourtreatmentofyourfamily(especially
yourparents),spouses,neighbors,etc.
ImprovethestateofasmanypeopleaspossiblebyspreadingknowledgeofIslamand
facilitating,encouragingandincreasingitspractice.
Delivernasihatothosecorruptonesinpowerwithoutfearorlosinghope.
Neverlosesightofthefactthatthemeansdoesnotjustifytheends(i.e.youcannotusea
corrupt/unjustprocesstoopposeacorrupt/unjustruler).
Neversidewiththeoppressor abandonstheoppressor.
Group 2
Definition:
1. Actinginthatwhichinvolvesanothersrightsinawaywhichisnotyourright
2. Transgressofboundariesandtransgressuponasoulregardingitshonor,itsproperty
3. Tocauseharmtoanotherhumanbeingwithoutjustcause
4. Claimingthatwhichdoesnotbelongtooneself
SomeCategories/Examples/ActsofDhulm:
1. Mushrikoon(polytheists)
a. "PolytheismorAlShirkisgreatoppression"[31:13] .
2. Kaafifroon(disbelievers)
a. :"TheDisbelieversareOppressors"[2:254]
b. "..Whodoesmoreoppression,thanhewhodisbelievesinAllah.."[6:21]
3. Kadhiboon(liars)
a. "..WhosoeverfabricatessomethingattributingtoAllahtheyaretheoppressors"
(e.g.TheKufar,TheJewsetc..)[3:94]
4. HukmbilKufr(thosewhorulebymanmadelaws)
a. "..WhoeverdoesnotrulebywhatAllahhasrevealed,theyaretheoppressors.."
[5:45]
5. TabdeelAlQawl(thosewhomisquoteintentionally)
a. "..Theoppressorsamongthemintentionallymisquotedwhathasbeensenttothem
sowesenttothempunishmentfromheavenbecausetheyoppressedby
misquoting.."[2:59]
6. TaaddiHudoodulAllah(transgressorsofthelimitsAllahhasset)
a. "..ThisisthelimitofAllahandwhoevertransgressesthelimitofAllahhe
oppresseshimself.."[65:1]
7. Ithem(sin)
a. "..Wedidnotsendamessengerbuttobeobeyedinaccordancetothewillof
Allah,ifonlytheyhadcometoyoutoaskforgivenessbecauseoftheiroppression
i.e.Sinofdisobeyingyou.."[4:64]
208
QabeelatTayybah
8. AlRukoun(incliningtowardsorsupportoppressors
a. "..Anddonotinclinetowardsnorsupportoraccompanytheoppressororhellfire
willseizeyou.."[11:113]
9. AlSakanfiManazelhim(livingsamongsttheOppressors)
a. "..Andyoulivedamongstorinthehousesoftheoppressorsandweshowedyou
whatwedealtthem,sotakeheed.."[14:45]
10. TawaliAlKufaar(Takingdisbelieversasfriends)
a. "..DonottakeforprotectorsyourbrothersandfathersiftheyareKaafir,andif
anyofyoudoyoucommitoppression."[9.23]
b. "WhoevertakesKufarasfriendsareoppressors."[60:9]
TypesofDhulm
1. Dhulmagainstoneself(Dhulmalinsaaninafsahu)
a. Howdoesonedothis?
i. Byfollowingtheirdesires,feelings,andinclinationsinsteadoffollowing
Allah(swt)andhisMessenger(sws).
ii. DenyingtheirFitrah
2. Dhulmagainstothers(Dhulmalinsaanili ghairihi)
a. Howdoesonedothis?
i. Bytakingthepropertyofanother
ii. Toharmanother,insult,ortakeadvantageof
3. IsdhulmagainstAllah(swt)possible?
a. No.Mankindonlyoppressesthemselvesasseenintheverse:Andwemadethe
cloudsashadeforthemandsentdowntothemalmannandassalwaa. Eatfrom
thegoodthingswehaveprovidedyou. Andtheydidnotoppressus,ratheritwas
theirownselveswhichtheyusedtooppress. AlBaqarah:57
DangersofDhulm
YoucanhaveyourgooddeedstakenawayfromyouontheDayofJudgmentifyoudo
notsettleitinthisworld(Proof:SahihBukhari,Vol3,Book42,Number629)
Itisagainstthespiritofbrotherhoodtooppressyourbrother(Proof:SahihBukhari,Vol
3,Book42,Number622)
TheonewhodoesDhulmwillbesurroundedbydarknessontheDayofResurrectionand
havethelightofhisgooddeedsshrouded(Proof:SahihBukhari,Vol3,Book43,
Number627)
HowtorespondtoDhulmagainstyourself
Two(2)choices(Proof:Surah42:3942)
1. SeekRetributioninthisWorld
2. ForgivethepersonandberewardbyAllah(swt)
nd
rd
Statementsofthe2 and3 Generation:
209
QabeelatTayybah
HowtopreventDhulm?
Arrogance- Kibr
v Group 1
1 Definition of term (linguistic + meaning)
Kibr is an Arabic word which means arrogance
Kibr comes from the Arabic root kabara, which means to become bigger or greater
This is a praised attribute when it comes to the creator, but is despised quality when it comes to the
creation
The Prophet salAllahu Alayhee was sallam spoke about the definition of Kibr when he salAllahu
Alayhee was sallam said "He shall not enter paradise whom has an atoms weight of arrogance, A man
said I like to wear nice garments and shoes, the Prophet salAllahu Alayhee was sallam replied, Allah is
beautiful and loves beauty, Arrogance refuses and denies the truth, and makes others inferior,"
narrated by Ibn Masud in Muslim & Ahmed.
2 Evidences about the term from: Qur'an, Sunnah, and words of the companions
"Indeed, He does not love the proud." [Surah AnNahl 16:23]
"Those who dispute about the signs of Allah without any authority given to them, their breasts are
filled with nothing but pride for that which they shall never attain" [Surah alGhaafir 40:56]
"And every time I invited them so you might forgive them, they only put their fingers in their ears.
Covering themselves with their garments, grown obstinate, and given over to pride." [Surah Nooh 71:7]
"When our signs are recited to such, he turns away full of pride, as if he heard them not" [Surah
Luqmaan 31:7]
"Those who disdain His worship and are full of pride; He will gather them all together to answer to
Him." [Surah AnNisaa' 4:172]
"So enter the gates of Hell to dwell therein. Indeed evil is the abode of the proud. [Surah AnNahl
16:29]
"But today you shall be recompensed with suffering humiliation because you were prideful in the
earth without just cause" [Surah AlAhqaaf 46:20]
"On the Day of Judgment you will see those who lied against Allah. Their faces will be blackened, is
there not in Hell an abode for the proud." [Surah AzZumar 39:60]
"Enter the gates of Hell to dwell therein. This is the evil abode of the proud." [Surah AzZumar 39:72]
3 Evidences about the term from: words of Islamic scholars and secular words of
wisdom
Quotes by Islamic Scholars:
The following four reasons for Kibr were mentioned by Ibnul Qayyim (rahimullah) while
explaining the Hadith about kibr, "to reject the truth and to look down upon the people,"
o Aql Logic or intellect
o Qiyaas/Fiqh Analogy or Madhabee Rulings
o Dhawq Personal Feelings whims, desires, or maybe even personal intuitions
210
QabeelatTayybah
o Siyaasa Politics
Kibr that openly opposes and negates ones Imn results in the banishment of its possessor from
entering alJannah Ibn Tayymiyyah rahimullah<
General Quotes
Arrogance diminishes wisdom. Arabian proverb quote

The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, pride and arrogance. Samuel Butler
Those who boast of their decent, brag on what they owe to others. Lucius Annaeus Seneca
4 Implication of the quality
Arrogance is one of the manifestations of our ego. Once a person builds an egocentered
attitude, he will eventually begin to boast about the qualities and the means that Allah has
granted to him as blessings, such that these means become presumed justification of his flawed
mindset. As the Prophet Muhammad salAllahu Alayhee was sallam said in a famous hadith,
Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the truth and despising people, Muslim.
No matter the circumstances, such a person sees himself superior and greatly valuable. In the
Quran, such a person is said to deify himself.
Arrogance is Shaytaans most fundamental flaw, Iblis who was arrogant and was one of the
disbelievers, [Surah Sad: 74]. His arrogance led him to commit to disbelieve, just like Pharaoh
or Qarun, and many others who believed themselves to be selfsufficient, but were proven
otherwise by He who is the Greatest.
An arrogant person attributes an independent power to himself, and thus shows an undue
arrogance towards Allah, and turns his back to His verses, is continually vulnerable to
Shaytaans wiles.
5 Relevance of this quality to modern times
Social class: Some people will only associate with certain, highofstatus, groups because they
don't want to be seen, nor associated with someone who is of "lesser" status than them. This
can lead to neglecting the poor.
Furthermore, it can also ruin prospective marital ties. (i.e. a man might not give his daughters
hand in marriage to someone because he feels the guy is not "good enough" for his daughter in
terms of wealth or status. He might think that the prospective spouse is beneath them and vice
versa (this can also apply to family of the guy not accepting a girl's because of her lineage that
they might not be favorable).
6 The negative effect of this vice in us

Arrogance demands constant apprehension
Reasoning is flawed, leading to bad judgments and poor justice

Arrogance gives one an impression of superiority over others and presumptuous claims
Arrogance is the leading cause for selfdeception
Arrogance causes tension and stress
Arrogant attitude will rid your good friends
Arrogance causes fights amongst families and workplace
Arrogance leads to hardheartedness and selfishness
7 A solution on how to rid ourselves of this vice

211
QabeelatTayybah
Think of all of Allah (SWT)s creation and you will know how small we really are
Act like those who are humble even if its not in you
Dont put anyone down for any reason or even give them funny looks
Dont backbite and just worry about yourself backbiting is the door to Kibr
Be at peoples service
There are two types of cure:
o Knowledge cure to know and recognize yourself and to know and recognize your Lord
o Action Cure To humble yourself in a constrained unnatural manner until it becomes
natural for you
And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking and lower your voice. Verily, the
harshest of all voices is the braying of the ass [Surah Luqmaan 31:19]
Remember that everyone else is also born from a single egg and sperm and that taqwa is the
true criterion of superiority
Realize that your achievements, accomplishments, and status can be a test from Allah or
simply His mercy upon you. Do not take anything for granted because Allah does not like the
ungrateful.
You should realize that no matter what you achieve, you are still too weak to attain a stature
like the mountains in height or rend nor penetrate the earth
Realize that on the Day of Resurrection those who are arrogant will be gathered in a small form
of an ant which will be trampled underfoot
Never forget that you and urine came from the same place: you began as a despised drop of
sperm and will end up as a rotten corpse
Imam Ghazali mentioned three ways to shun arrogance
o
o
Considering your previous sins and evil actions in order to know your weight by yourself
Looking at what qualifications you have of knowledge, following the truth, and
righteous deeds as a bliss bestowed upon you by Allah, the Exalted. So you have to
keep in mind that it is Allah's favor not yours, so as not admire yourself and be
pompous
Taking into consideration that both your end and his are unknown. Hence, your end
may be bad and his might be good. Considering all this, will keep you away from feeling
superior to that whom you preach.
212
QabeelatTayybah
Hasad- Jealousy
v Group 1
Definition:
Hasad(envyorjealousy)isastateinwhichapersondislikestheblessingofotherpersonand
wishesthatthenimah (blessing)wouldbetakenawayfromthat
Tohidesomeonesgoodqualityoutoffearofotherlikinghim/herandnotyou
referstothethoughts,feelings,andbehaviorsthatoccurwhenapersonworryabouttheir
lacking
envyisareflectionofourdissatisfactionwithourselves,ourdesiretobelikesomeoneelseor
havethethingsthatsomeoneelsehas.
EvidencefromQuran:
Thetopicofjealousyorenvyiscoveredmorethan8placesinQuran
2:90,2:109,3:19,4:54,28:82,42:14,45:17,113:5,59:9,3:19
Andthosewhohadenviedhispositionthedaybeforebegantosayonthemorrow:"Ah!Itis
indeedAllahWhoenlargestheprovisionorrestrictsit,toanyofHisservantsHepleases!Hadit
notbeenthatAllahwasgracioustous,Hecouldhavecausedtheearthtoswallowusup!Ah!
ThosewhorejectAllahwillassuredlyneverprosper.(28:82)
Say:MyLordhasonlyforbiddenindecencies,outerandinner.(7:33).(Innerindecencyis
saidtobeenvy).
ThatistheGraceofAllahwhichhebestowsonwhomhewills(5:54)
ItisWewhoportionoutbetweenthemtheirlivelihoodinthisworld,andweraisedsomeof
themaboveothersinranks,sothatsomemayemployothersintheirwork(43:32)
Sunnah:
TheProphetofAllah(SWT)said:Bewareofenvybecauseindeedenvydestroysgooddeeds
inthesamemannerasfiredestroyswood.
AlTirmidhinarratedfromalZubayribnalAwaamthattheProphet(saw)said:Therehas
cometoyouthediseaseofthenationsbeforeyou,jealousyandhatred.Thisistheshaver
(destroyer)Idonotsaythatitshaveshair,butthatitshaves(destroys)faith.BytheOnein
WhoseHandismysoul,youwillnotenterParadiseuntilyoubelieve,andyouwillnotbelieve
untilyouloveoneanother.ShallInottellyouofthatwhichwillstrengthenlovebetweenyou?
213
QabeelatTayybah
Spread(thegreetingof)salaamamongstyourselves.
PermissibleformofJealousy
Itisworthnotingthatwhenoneenviesablessinginsomeoneandwishesitforhimselftoo
(withoutthedesiretoremovetheenviedpersonsblessing),thisisghitbah(itisnothasadora
destructiveformofenvy).
AlBukhaarireportedthishadithfromAbuHurayra:Thereisnodesirableformofjealousy
exceptfortwotypes:apersontowhomAllahhasgiventheQuraanandherecitesitdayand
night,sowhenapersonhearshimhesays,IfonlyIweregiventhelikesofwhathehasbeen
givensothatImayactuponitthewaythispersonis.AndapersontowhomAllahhas
bestowedwealthandhespendsinthecauseofTruth,soapersonsays,IfonlyIweregiventhe
likesofwhathehasbeengiven,sothatImayactuponitthewaythispersonis.
SahabaorSuccessorsStatements:
SheikhhalIslamIbnTaymiyahsaid:Nobodyisfreefromhasad,butthenobleperson
hidesitwhilstthebasepersonshowsit.Thisstatementteachesusnottoexposeourill
feelings.Iftheshaitanhasbeensuccessfulininstillingfeelingsofhasadinonesheart,he
shouldbecautiousofsayingordoinganythingthatwillshowthathasad.
NonMulimsStatements:
LaRochefoucauld:Jealousyisthegreatestofallevils,andtheleastpitiedbythosewhocause
it.
PaulEldridges:Jealousywouldbefarlesstorturousifweunderstoodthat
loveisapassionentirelyunrelatedtoourmerits.
B.C.Forbes:Jealousyisaninnerconsciousnessofone'sowninferiority.Itisamentalcancer.
MargaretMead:Jealousyisnotabarometerbywhichthedepthoflovecanberead.
Itmerelyrecordsthedegreeofthelover'sinsecurity.
LessonLearnedfromAyaandAhadeed:
Thereisagreatpunishmentforenvy.
Avoiditatanycondition
Checkyourselfeverynowandthenforthesignsofenvybecauseitsnotsomethingwecan
ignore.
Asidefromthepsychologicalharmhasadmaybringuponaperson,itdestroysonesfaith
214
QabeelatTayybah
becauseessentiallyhasadisdislikingwhatAllahhasblessedyourbrotherwith.
Relevancetoourtime:
Nowadaysenvyisconsideredacommonhabit
Itisignoredlikeaskippingsalahproblem
Itisgettingtotheheartsofbelieversmorethaneverbeforesincetheworldisgettingmore
materialisticdaybyday.
Lackofreligiousknowledgehasincreasedthelackofknowledgeofagreatsinasenvy.
HowtoeliminateHasad?
MakeDuaa(supplication)Duaistheultimatesolutiontoeliminateyourbadcharacteristics.
Theprophet(peaceandblessingsofAllahbeuponhim)usedtosayinhisduaaguidemy
heartandremoveillwillfrommybreast
ReadingandcontemplatingthemeaningsoftheQuranregularly,becausereadingtheQuran
bringsoneagreatdealofreward.InSurahHood,Verse114,AllahsaysVerily,thegooddeeds
removetheevildeeds..Apersonwhohasstrongfeelingsofhasadshouldfocusonandponder
onthemeaningoftheQuranicversesthatspeakofhasad.
ReadingtheseerahoftheProphet(saw)tounderstandhismanynoblecharacteristics,andhow
hewishedwellforothersincludinghisenemies.
Readingthebiographiesandstoriesofthesahaabah.
Envyisoneofthedeadliestdiseasesthataffectonesheartduetohisloveofworldly
materials.
Resources:
http://www.livinglifefully.com/jealousy.html(quotes)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS250US250&defl=en&q=define:jeal
ousy&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title(definition)
http://quran.alislam.com/Search/SrchHits.asp?SearchText=envy&TotalCount=8&lang=eng&Opt
ion=1&pageID=1&flag=1&ID=3334(evidencefromQuran)
215
QabeelatTayybah
Anger- al-Ghadab
v Group 1
WhatisAnger?
Ananonymous,butfamousquotesays,Angerisonelettershortofdangerandthatstrueforaccording
1
to psychologists, Angeris an emotional statethat varies in intensityfrommildirritation to intense fury and rage .
Theangerasanemotiondoesnotonlylimittoexpressions,butrathercontinuestoprogresstillitabruptsthemental
system of the persons involved. It stops only when the person goes out of control and loses him balance. The
Chinese medicine system, defines anger as an input which affects the liver causing headaches, dizziness and
eventuallyaffectsthestomachandspleentoo.ThustheQi,thelifeforceofthebodysystemisdisrupted,raisedand
usedtodamagethebodyitself.
IslamonAnger:
Islam leaves no doubt in regarding anger as the worst emotion, expressed by humans. The prophetic
statementthatanangrypersoncanbecuredonlybywater,andthattheangerisafire,clearlysharesthesame
2
3
viewoftheChinesemedicinesystem .Inanotherpropheticstatement ,angerisexpressedasaburningcoal,since
thepersonseyeswhoisangry,areredandwide.ImamMawldcallsita"swellingocean,"thatishecomparesitto
4
"aswellingmassofemotionthatisdifficulttoholdbackonceitisunleashed .ThusangerinIslam,isdefinedasa
poisonwhichinfectstheheartalbeititisanaturalemotion.
GeneralviewonAnger:
A survey made by Scientists in Ohio state university found out that the people who show high levels of
5
hostilityandangeraremorelikelytodevelopheartdisease .Thatmeans,thattheangerisanotherreasonforaman
tocomenearthedeath,evenifheorsheisnotwilling.Andthegeneralviewisthattheangeraffectsmanysystems,
including emotional, cognitive and physiological. Cognitively, research has shown that when angry, people show
changesintheirthinking(Novaco,1979).Typicallypeoplebecome"singleminded,"focusingexclusivelyonwhatthey
believeisprovokingthem.Mostpeople'sangerisisolatedtosituationsinwhichitisjustified,whentheyhavebeen
takenadvantageof,liedto,cheated,abusedandsoforth.Aristotlesays,Anyonecanbecomeangry.Thatiseasy.
Buttobeangrywiththerightperson,totherightdegree,attherighttime,fortherightpurposeandintherightway...
thatisnoteasy.
GuidancefromQuranandSunnah
ThebestguidanceamancanevergetisfromAllah,andAllahandHisRasool
hasalreadylaidrules
onhowtocontrolanger.Anger,thoughisanaturalemotion,therootcauseofitisShaythanandAllahsaysinQuran,
ThosewhohaveregardfortheCreator,whenathoughtofevilfromSatan assaultsthem,bringTheCreatorto
6
remembrance,whenlo!Theysee(aright)!"
WhatthatmeansistodrawourselvesneartoAllah,whenangerstrikes.ProphetMuhammad
askedustoseek
7
8
refuge with Allah from Shaythan , when we get anger. And there are other hadiths which ask us to remain silent
9
10
when we get anger, to make ablution and lie down if it is intolerable. All these are the clear methods, which
ProphetMuhammad
advisedustousewhenone,confrontsanger.AndAllahsaysinQuran,
11
thosewhocontroltheirangerandareforgivingtowardmankindAllahlovesthosewhodogood.
Thus,itisclearlyspecifiedthatAngerisfromShaythan,anevilthoughtanditshouldbecontrolledbythevarious
meansthatourProphet
hasleftuswith.
Methodstocontrolanger:
Thescienceingeneral,alsosharessimilarmethodstocontroltheanger.Themethodssuggestedaretomeditate,to
havepositivethoughts,trytobeintheotherpersonsshoeandunderstandetc.Infact,angeritselfisntinherently
216
QabeelatTayybah
bad.When appropriate, it can motivate you to deal with problems, or it can signal to others that their behavior is
inacceptable.Angerissomethingthathappenstoallofus. ProphetJesus
in the Temple. Prophet Moses
wasangeredbythemoneychangers
was angered when he came down from the mountain, and found the tribes
engaginginidolatry. Even the Prophet Muhammad

12
hadith Zaidbin Thabitreports the anger of Rasool

respondedtoit.(RegTarawihprayer)
got angry attimesthough very rarely. Forexample, in a

which was caused by sahabas actions and how he
13
Letusseefewmethodsthatcanhelpyoucontroltheanger
1.Relaxation
Breathedeeply,fromyourdiaphragmbreathingfromyourchestwontrelaxyou.Pictureyourbreathcoming
upfromyourgut.
Slowlyrepeatacalmwordorphrasesuchasrelax,takeiteasyorevenLaailaahailallah(Thereisno
GodexceptAllah).Repeatittoyourselfwhilebreathingdeeply.
Recitethefollowingduas:(1)IseekrefugewithAllahfromSatan,theaccursed.(Aòodhubillahimina
ashshaytaaniarrajeem).Thisduacomesfromthefollowingagreeduponhadith:Sulaimanb.Sardsaid,
IwassittingwiththeProphet
whentwomenabusedeachotherandoneofthembecamesoangrythat
hisfacebecameswollenandchanged.TheProphet
said,Iknowawordthatthatwillcausehimto
relax,andthisis,IseekrefugewithAllahfromSatan,theaccursed.(Ifhesaidthesewords)hisangerwill
cooldown.(ReportedinSahihMuslimandBukhari)(2)Allaahummainneeaòodhubikaminhamazaati
ashshayaateen wa aòodhu bika rabbi an yahdhuroonee (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the
whisperingsofdevilsandIseekrefugeinYoufromtheirpresencearoundme).(3)AstaghfiruAllah(Iask
Allah for forgiveness) three times. (4) Rabbi qinee sharra nafsee rabbi qinee sharra samèe rabbi
qineesharrabasareerabbiqineesharaalisaanee(MyLord,savemefromtheevilsofmyownselfmy
Lord,savemefromtheevilsofmyhearingmyLord,savemefromtheevilsofmyseeingmyLord,save
me from the evils of my tongue.) You can also simply make the following tasbeeh: Subhaan Allah, al
hamdulillah,laailahaillaAllah,walaahawlawalaaquwwataillabillah(SublimeisAllahpraisebeto
AllahthereisnogodbutAllahthereisnopowerorstrengthexceptbythewillofAllah).
Visualizearelaxingexperience,fromeitheryourmemoryoryourimagination.
2.CognitiveRestructuring
Thismeans modifyingthewayyouthink. Whensomeoneisangry,he/shetendtocurse,swear,oruseoffensiveor
darklanguage.Islamwarnsusaboutwhatwemayunadvisedlysayduringtimesofanger.IntheQuran,Allahwarns
us:Oyewhobelieve!Letnotafolkderideafolkwhomaybebetterthanthey(are),norletwomen(deride)women
whomaybebetterthantheyareneitherdefameoneanother,norinsultoneanotherbynicknames.Badisthename
14
oflewdnessafterfaith.Andwhosoturnethnotinrepentance,suchareevildoers.
Remind yourself that getting angry does not solve anything, and may actuallyescalate the situation. Also,
remembranceofGodandmeditationwillputusontherighttrack.
3.ProblemSolving
Sometimes,ourangeristriggeredbyveryrealissuesinourlives,andmaybeanaturalresponsetotheseproblems.
The best way to approach any such situation, then,is notto focus on coming up withanimmediate solution, but
agreeonthemannerbywhichyoucan facetheproblem. Dealwiththeissuewithyourbestintentionsandefforts
andmakeaseriousattempttofaceitheadon,butdonotrushunlesscircumstanceswarrantit.
4.BetterCommunication
TheirrationalandhurtfulwordsandbehaviorresultingfromangerarewhytheProphet
advisedamanwhohad
15
cometoaskhimforadvicesaying,Dontgetangry whenthemanrepeatedthesamequestionthreetimes,the
Prophet repeated his answer three times. What the Prophet meant was that we are not to allow ourselves to be
carriedawaybyourangersothatwedoorsaythingsthatareeitherunIslamic,hurtfuland/orundesirableEffective
communicationisonlypossiblewhenboththespeakerandlistenertakecaretoalloweachotherthetimetospeak,
andthetimetolisten.
Andothermethodsare:
UsingHumor
217
QabeelatTayybah
ChangingYourEnvironment
Adjustingyourphysicalpositionandmakingwudhu
Managingtimeeffectivelysoastoavoidthetensions
Avoidingorignoringthesceneswhichmayriseyourtemper
Findingalternatives
Gettingacounsel/advicefromanypiousmuslimaroundyou
ImamGhazalismedicineoncontrollingtheanger:
(1)Thefirstmedicineofknowledgeistothinkovertherewardsofappeasinganger,thathavecomefromtheverses
oftheQuranandthesayingsoftheProphet
fromtakingrevenge.
.Yourhopeforgettingrewardsofappeasingangerwillrestrainyou
(2) The second kind of medicine based on knowledge is to fear the punishment of God and to think that the
punishmentofGoduponmeisgreaterthanmypunishmentuponhim.IfItakerevengeuponthismanforanger,God
willtakerevengeuponmeontheJudgementDay.
(3)Thethirdkindofmedicineofangerbasedonknowledgeistotakeprecautionaboutpunishmentofenemityand
revengeonhimself.Youfeeljoyinhavingyourenemyinyourpresenceinhissorrows,Youyourselfarenotfreefrom
thatdanger.Youwillfearthatyourenemymighttakerevengeagainstyouinthisworldandinthenext.
(4)Anotherkindofmedicinebasedonknowledgeistothinkabouttheuglyfaceoftheangryman,whichisjustlike
thatoftheferociousbeast.Hewhoappeasesangerlookslikeasoberandlearnedman.
(5)Thefifthkindofmedicinebasedonknowledgeistothinkthatthedevilwilladvisebysaying:"Youwillbeweakif
youdonotgetangry!"Donotlistentohim!
(6)Thesixthreasonistothink:"WhatreasonhaveIgottogetangry?WhatAllahwisheshasoccured!"
Conclusion:
WeMuslimsshouldbelievethatalloursuffering,failuresandadversitiesarenothingbutatestfromGod,
whohassaidthat"YouwillnotenterParadiseuntilyouaretested."Hehasalsosaid,"Besurewewilltestyouwith
somethingoffearandhunger,asmalllossinwealthandlivesandthefruits(ofyourlabors),butgivegladtidingsto
16
thosewhopatientlypersevere,whenafflictedwithcalamities,toGodwebelongandtoHimshallwereturn . We
shoulddoourbesttoconfrontit,calmdownandearnrewardsinmanifold,inshaAllah.
Footnotes:
1. CharlesSpielberger,PhD,apsychologistwhospecializesinthestudyofanger.
(http://www.apa.org/topics/controlanger.html)
2. AbuDaudBook41,No.4766
3. AlTirmidhi#5145,NarratedAbuSa'idalKhudri,transmittedbyTirmidhi
4. ImamalMawludinMatharatalQulub
5. http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s122098.htm
6. TheNobleQur'an7:200201
7. NarratedbySulaimanbinSurd,SahihBukhari,Volume4,Book54,Number502
8. ReportedbyImaamAhmad,alMusnad,1/329seealsoSaheehalJaami',693,4027
9. NarratedbyAtiyyahasSa'diinAbuDawud,Book41,Number4766
10. NarratedbyAbuDharrandtransmittedbyAbuDawud,Book41,Number4764
11. SurahAlImran3:134
12. SahihAlBukhari,Volume8,Book73,Number134
13. http://makkah.wordpress.com
14. SurahAlHujurat:11
15. NarratedbyAbuHurairainSahihBukhariVolume8,Book73,Number137
16. Quran2:15,5157
218
QabeelatTayybah
v Group 2
Allah(swt)says:
Thosewhospend[inAllah'sCausedeedsofcharity,alms,etc.]inprosperityandinadversity,
whorepressanger,andwhopardonmenverily,AllahlovesAlMuhsinun(thegooddoers).
{SurahAlImran,Ayah131}
AngerintheaboveverseoftheQur'aanisdepictedassomethingthatwhenitisrepressedearns
theloveofAllah(swt).Moreover,itwasnarrated byAbuHurayrah (mayAllahbepleasedwith
him):
Allah'sApostle
said,"Thestrongisnottheonewhoovercomesthepeoplebyhisstrength,
butthestrongistheonewhocontrolshimselfwhileinanger."
{SahihBukhari:Vol8,Book73.GoodMannersandForm(AlAdab).Hadith135. }
Suchwarninghascomefromcountlesssourcesyetmanytimesangercanopenthedoor toall
kindsofevil.Whenapersonfailstorestrainhisanger,heinsultscurses,swearsandhits.Ifthere
isanargumentinvolved,theflamesofangerarefanneduntilapersonsfaceandeyesbecome
red,becausetheskinreflectswhatisunderneathit. Angerproducesexternalandinternal
changes,suchasachangeincolors,trembling,uncontrolledactionsandachangeinappearance,
suchthatiftheangrypersoncouldseehimselfwhenheisangry,hewouldfeelashamedofhis
uglyappearanceandtheywayhisappearancehaschanged.Allofthatiswhathappensonthe
outside.Theinternaleffectsareevenworse,becauseitgenerateshatredintheheart,envy
(hasad).Theugliesteffectsofangeraretheinternaleffects,andtheexternalchangesarethe
resultsoftheinternalchanges.Allofthishasaneffectonthebody.Theeffectonthetongueis
thatitspeakswordsofslanderandfoullanguagewhichthewisepersonwouldfeelashamedof,
andtheangrypersonregretsthemwhenhecalmsdown.Theeffectsofangercanalsobeseenin
peoplesactions,whentheybeatandkill.Iftheangrypersondoesnothavethechancetodothat,
heturnshisangeragainsthimself,tearinghisgarmentsandslappinghischeekssometimeshe
mayhaveaseizure,orfallunconscious,orbreakvessels,orhitsomeonewhohasnotdone
anythingwrong.
Medicaljournalswhenreferringtotheeffectsofexcessiveangerhavenoted:
Chronic(longterm)angerhasbeenlinkedtohealthissuessuchashighbloodpressure,heart
problems,headaches,skindisordersanddigestiveproblems.Inaddition,angercanbelinkedto
problemssuchascrime,emotionalandphysicalabuse,andotherviolentbehavior.3
Recurringangerwhichisnottreatedyieldstoapersonserioushealthissuestothemselves,along
withthedangersinflictedonothers.Medically,angrypeoplearemoreoftentogetseriously
injuredsincetheheatofangercloudsjudgment.Somuchsothatindividualsuponadmittanceto
emergencyroomsforfightrelatedwounds(scars,blackeyes,stabwounds,shardsofglass)were
3
Hitti,MirandaAngercanbeanunderlyingcauseofmentalhealthissues.Learnwhatangerisdangersof
suppressedangerandstepstowardmanaginganger.,<http://men.webmd.com/guide/angermanagement>
219
QabeelatTayybah
askedabouttheiremotionalstatepriortotheirwoundsanastonishingoneinfivereported
4
feelingangry .
AngerduetoitsharsheffectsisnotedindirectdisobediencetoAllahandhisMessenger
ThisisnarratedbySulaimanbinSurd:
WhileIwassittinginthecompanyoftheProphet,twomenabusedeachotherandthefaceof
oneofthembecameredwithanger,andhisjugularveinsswelled(i.e.hebecamefurious).On
thattheProphetsaid,"Iknowaword,thesayingofwhichwillcausehimtorelax,ifhedoessay
it.Ifhesays:'IseekRefugewithAllahfromSatan.'thenallisangerwillgoaway."Somebody
saidtohim,"TheProphethassaid,'SeekrefugewithAllahfromSatan."'Theangrymansaid,
"AmImad?"
{SahihBukhari:Vol4,Book54.BeginningOfCreation.Hadith502. }
TheaboveHadithmentionsthatangerisrelatedto thewhispersofSatan.ThisHadithillustrates
andissupportedbytheverseoftheQur'aanwhichsay:
AndsaytoMyslaves(i.e.thetruebelieversofIslamicMonotheism)thattheyshould(only)say
thosewordsthatarethebest.(Because)Shaitan(Satan)verily,sowsdisagreementsamong
them.Surely,Shaitan(Satan)istomanaplainenemy.
{SurahAlIsra,Ayah53}
SincetheaboveshowsthatonewhosubmitstohisangerhasfallenpreytoSatan,itisimperative
thatwelearnmethodstocombatangeranddevelopstrongerselfcontrol.TheMessengerof
Allah
hasleftuswiththefollowingmethods:
NarratedbyAbuDharr:TheApostleofAllahAbuDawud: saidtous:Whenoneofyou
becomesangrywhilestanding,heshouldsitdown.Iftheangerleaveshim,wellandgood
otherwiseheshouldliedown.
{AbuDawud:Book36.GeneralBehavior.Hadith4764}
NarratedByAtiyyahasSadi:AbuWa'ilalQasssaid:WeentereduponUrwahibnMuhammad
ibnasSa'di.Amanspoketohimandmadehimangry.Sohestoodandperformedablutionhe
thenreturnedandperformedablution,andsaid:Myfathertoldmeontheauthorityofmy
grandfatherAtiyyahwhoreportedtheApostleofAllah
assaying:Angercomesfromthe
devil,thedevilwascreatedoffire,andfireisextinguishedonlywithwatersowhenoneof
youbecomesangry,heshouldperformablution.
{AbuDawud:Book36.GeneralBehavior.Hadith4766.}
4
Hitti,MirandaSimmerDownAngertoAvoidInjury.<http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20060131/simmerdownangertoavoidinjury>.Jan.31,
2006
220
QabeelatTayybah
Theabovemethodsofchangingonespostureandtomakewuduwereusedwiththeearly
Muslims,manyofwhom wereknownforgreattempers.Theseindividualswerelater
transformedfromamongtheworstofpeopletothebestofnations.AsMuslimsweare
commandedtofollowtheexamplesofthoseProphetsandMessengersasameanstogainthe
pleasureofAllah. ThepunishmentfordisobedienceofAllahandharmingothersare
innumerableandarementionedtousinKhutbahs,conversation,healthadvice,yetweharm
ourselvesthroughanger.Angerisasignofweakcharacteranddisobedience.MayAllahgrant
ustheabilitytoconquerourfaultsinordertobecomeassetstotheUmmah,InshaAllah.Ameen.
221
QabeelatTayybah
Al-Kadhib- Lying
v Group 1
I.AlKadhib:Lying
WhyisthecharacteristicofbeingaliarsohatedinIslam?Howcanwebegintotakesteps
towardseliminatingthisvicefromtheMuslimcommunity?Tobeginansweringthesequestions,
wewillfirstexaminethelinguisticmeaningoftheverbtoliesothatwebetterunderstand
exactlywhatmatterisbeingstronglyopposedthroughoutourdiscussion.Accordingto
dictionary.com,tolieistospeakfalselyorutteruntruthknowingly,aswithintenttodeceive.
Hereweseethestressedindicationthatlyinginvolvesintendedevilanddeceptionthat
accompanyliarsandthatliesarebynomeansaccidentalactions.
II.ReferencesfromQuranandHadithonLying
AlKadhib,orLying,isdeemedamajorsininIslam,asisevidentfromtheBookofAllahand
theSunnahofHisMessenger(sallaAllahualayhiwasalam).Allahwarnsagainstthe
consequencefacingthosewhoinsistondestructionandlying:beingdeprivedoftheguidanceof
Allah,whichistheonlytruesourceofguidance.
Verily,AllahguidesnotonewhoisaMusrif(apolytheist,oramurdererwhoshedblood
withoutaright,orthosewhocommitgreatsins,oppressor,transgressor),aliar!(SurahGhafir,
Ayah28)
Inadditiontobeingdeprivedofthelightofguidanceinthislife,theliarishumiliatedontheDay
ofJudgmentinfrontofAllahandallofmankindtosee.
OntheDayofJudgment,thosewholiedaboutAllahwillhaveblackfaces[outof
shame](SurahalZumar,Ayah60)
WealsolearnfromtheProphetMuhammad(sallaAllahualayhiwasalam)thatlyingopensthe
doortoothertypesofevilandcorruption,andifthischaracteristicpersistsuntilapersonsdeath,
mayleadtoHellFireinthehereafter.TheProphetMuhammad(sallaAllahualayhiwasalam)
said:
TruthfulnessleadstoAlbirr(righteousness)andalBirr(righteousness)leadstoparadise,a
mankeepsontellingthetruthuntilhebecomesknownasatruthfulperson.Falsehoodleadsto
AlFujur(wickednessevildoing),andalFujurleadstothehellfire,amankeepsontelling
liesuntilheiswrittenasaliarbeforeAllah.(SahihAlBukhari)
He(sallaAllahualayhiwasalam)alsowarnedusofthegravenessoftheissuewhenitcomesto
lyingaboutmattersofthedeen,especiallyaboutahadith:
Falselyattributingsomethingtomeisnotlikefalselyattributingsomethingtoanyone
else.LettheonewhoknowinglyliesaboutmetakeaseatinHellfire.(RelatedbyMuslim.)
222
QabeelatTayybah
III.HowLyingisacquired/itsmanifestation/areasoflifeitaffects.Theviceoflyingisa
destructivehabitwhichisacquiredgradually.AsdescribedbytheAmericanauthorNapoleon
Hill,lyingisacharacteristicthatweashumansnaturallydislike,butwhenapersonremainsin
thepresenceofthisvicelongenough,he/shewillbecomedesensitizedtoit.
Whenmenfirstcomeintocontactwiththelyinghabit,theyabhorit.Iftheyremainincontact
withlyingforatime,theybecomeaccustomedtoit,andendureit.Iftheyremainincontactwith
itlongenough,theyfinallyembraceit,andbecomeinfluencedbyit.NapoleonHill
Thisseriouscharacterflawcanbeseeninalltypesitpeople,fromtheKafirtotheMunafiq,and
eventheMuslim.Onceitismanifestedinapersonitgetsverydifficulttocureonesself from
thisdisease.Thediseaseaffectallaspectsofthehabitualliarslife,fromworktohometohis/her
relationshipwiththosearoundthem.Itisveryimportantthatwetryourbesttonotallowthis
vicetocontrolanddestroyourlives.Theeffectsofalyingcharactercanbeseeninmany
situations,suchas:
Onesdesireformaterialgain(money&status),andthusdeceivespeopleinhisbusiness
affairs.
TheonewhocheatsisnotfromusSaheeh
DisbeliefandEvilintent(hypocrisy)
"Thesignsofamunaafiqarethreeevenifheprays,fastsandclaims/believesheisaMuslim:
whenhespeakshelies,whenhepromiseshebreakshispromiseandwhenheisentrustedhe
betraysthetrust."
Onesdesiretogainpopularity/entertain
Woeto theonewhotellsliestomakepeoplelaugh,woetohim.(NarratedbyAbu
Dawood).
Assumption
"Stayawayfromassumption,forassumptionisthemostlyingofalldiscourse."Muslim&
AlBukhari
Narratingeverythingonehearsoutofignoranceand/orarrogance
"Apersonwillbefilledwithliessimplybynarratingeverythinghehears."Muslim
IV.RelevancetothisAge
WeareindeedinatimewhentrustamongindividualsisweakandtheinfluenceofShaytanis
strong.(Thiscanbewitnessedall aroundthecommunity).Allah(SWT)warns,Lo!Thedevil
isanenemyforyou,sotreathimasanenemy (SurahFaatir,Ayah6)
Inasociety,beingtruthful
isoneofthefactorsofahealthyhumansociety,
isoneofthevirtuesofhumanbehavior
bringsmanygreatbenefitsinoneselfandsociety(trust,security,etc)
223
QabeelatTayybah
Inasociety,lying
isoneofthemajorelementsofcorruptioninourcurrenthumansociety(leaderships,etc)
isthecauseofthedestructionofsocialstructureandsocial/familyties,oneofthemostevil
featuresofbadconduct
Causeswidespreadharmfromalocaltoagloballevel.Allahsays(interpretationofthe
meaning):Oyouwhobelieve!BeafraidofAllah,andbewiththosewhoaretrue(inwordand
deeds).(SurahalTawbahAyah119)
V.PracticalSolutions
AlKadhib(Lying)isdefinitelyanegativecharactertraitasthefollowinghadithillustrates:One
ofthesignsof amunafiq(hypocrite)iswhenhespeakshelies..BukhariandMuslim.
Muslimsmuststrugglehardtostayawayfromthisvicebyanymeansnecessary.Thebestway
todothatisto:
1.Recognizetheproblemandtrytoidentifythecause.Forexample,achildmaylietohisparent
becauseheisafraidthathewillbepunished.
2.Apersonwhopossessesthisvicewouldneedtostrengthenedhisakhlaqthroughduas,
tahujjudsalahandtaubah.Thisshouldbedoneonaconstantandconsistentbasisandrequires
selftraining
3.Othersuggestionswouldbetoalwaysthinkbeforespeakingtomakesurethatwhatoneis
abouttosayisthetruth.Ifonerealizesthatwhatwassaidwasntthetruth,oneshould
immediatelycorrectitthenandtellthetruthandseektaubahfromAllah.Iflyingishabitual
withintheperson,hemustdothiseachandeverytimehelies.
MayAllahgrantusgoodakhlaqandhelpusalltorememberthattruthfulnessguidesus
torighteousnessandrighteousnessguidesustoParadise.
v Group 2
DEFINITION:THISVICEISDERIVEDFROMTHEROOTLETTERS . Accordingto
HansWehrDictionarytherootlettersdenote:Toliedeceivedeludemisleaddenydisbelieve
toaccuseoflyingrefute. InIslam,itreferstoliestoldaboutAllahandRasool(saws),andit
goesagainstonesFitrah.
EXAMPLESFROMQURAN: Thewordhasbeenusedin severalplacesinTheQuran.
Examplesinclude:
(Lying Alaq:16)
(Butthey deniedourayaath Naba:13)
(DeniesLayl: verses9&16 Alaq:13)
(HaveyouseenhimwhodeniesAdDin? Maun:1)
224
QabeelatTayybah
(Then,they deniedhim (messengerSalih)andkilleditShams:14)
IAllahcondemnslying.Itisselfdestructive,withpotentialtolower onesIman,dissolvetrust,
andremoveabelieverfromtheDeen. Aperson wholiesforfeitsHisGuidanceandwillNOT
succeed:

Truly,Allah guidesnothewhotransgressesandlies! [Mumin40:28]
Say,IndeedthosewhoinventfalsehoodaboutAllah will NOTsucceed[Yunus:69]
EXAMPLESFROMSUNNAH:
Rasoolcondemnedlyingandnotedthatitisnotoneofthesignsofabeliever:Hewas
asked,Canthemuminbealiar?'Hesaid,'No.'"[MuwattaMaalik].Itweakensones
Iman:AbdullahibnMasudusedtosay,"Theslavecontinuestolieandablackspotgrows
inhisheartuntilallhisheartbecomesblack.Thenheiswritten,inAllah'ssight,among
theliars."
Hewarnedagainstfalselyattributingsomethingtohim:Lettheonewhoknowinglylies
aboutmetakeaseatin Hellfire.[SahihMuslim]
AvoidanceoflyingassuresoneParadise:AccordingtoAbuUmamahAlBahili,The
MessengersaidIguaranteeahomeinthemiddleofJannahforonewhoabandonslying
evenifhewerejoking
Allahsseverepunishment:'Yes,asfortheonewhosecheekyousawbeingtornaway,
hewasaliarandheusedtotelllies,andthepeoplewouldreportthoseliesonhis
authoritytilltheyspreadallovertheworld.So,hewillbepunishedlikethattilltheDayof
Resurrection[SahihMuslim]
RELEVANCETOOURCONTEMPORARYTIMEPERIODANDTOTHISCLASS:
ThisviceKazzibiscommonlyusedtodayindifferentshadesincludingoutrightlying
(entertainmentindustry[comedy,movies],politics),speakingincorrectlyorwithout
knowledge,spreadingunconfirmedinformation,propoganda(islamophobia)andfalse
confessionbymilitarycoercion.
Anyintentionallieorpieceofdisinformationhasthepotentialtocauseharmonalargescale.
Thisisclearlyseensince911andtheMuslimbacklashfrommediaperpetuatedlies
TheFatherofmodernpropaganda,EdwardBernaysinhisbookPropagandanotesthat
Universalliteracy[meant]toeducatethecommonmaninsteadhasgivenhimrubber
stampsinnocentoforiginalthought[suchthat]eachmansstampsaretheduplicates
ofmillionsofothers.TheAmericanpublicgetsmostofitsideasinthiswholesale
fashion.Themechanismbywhichideasaredisseminatedonalargescaleispropaganda,in
thebroadsenseofanorganizedefforttospreadaparticularbeliefordoctrine.Bernays,
Edward. PropagandaNewYork:2005(Orig.1928)page48.
Withrespecttothisclass:IntheTranslationofSahihBukhari,Vol.8,Book73,Number116:
Narrated'Abdullah:TheProphetsaid,"Truthfulnessleadstorighteousness,andrighteousness
leadstoParadise.Andamankeepsontellingthetruthuntilhebecomesatruthfulperson.
FalsehoodleadstoAlFajur(i.e.wickedness,evildoing),andAlFajurleadstothe(Hell)Fire,
andamanmaykeepontellingliestillheiswrittenbeforeAllah,aliar."[Bukhari,Muslim]
Withoutdoubt,intentionalliesarenotgoodetiquetteandreflectadiseased(khuluq)character.
Beinghonestandtruthfulon theotherhandreflectsgoodcharacter.Thehadithindicatesthat
225
QabeelatTayybah
truthfulnessisameanstoahealthycharacterleadingtoParadise.Conversely,tellingliesleadsto
theHellfire.
WAYSOFDIMINISHINGTHISVICE(PRACTICALSOLUTIONS):
BasedupontheQuranandSunnah,Muslimsarewellinformedregardingthisvice ,with

respecttoitscharacteristics,consequencesbothinthislifeandthenextandwaysof
diminishing/avoidingit:
1. Thisvicecomprisesoneofthecharacteristicsofahypocritedestinedtothebottomofthe
Hellfire:

IntheirheartsisadiseaseandAllahhasincreasedtheirdisease.Apainfultormentistheirs
becausetheyusedtotelllies[AlBaqarah2:10]
ADVICE:Alwaysspeakthetruth,behonestandavoidlyingtomakejokes:Rasool(saws)
saidShameontheonewhotellsliesinordertomakepeoplelaugh!Shameonhim! [Abu
Dawud,Tirmidhi].Surah AlHujuraat(49:11)providesaguidelineofAdaabweshouldhave
withoneanotherensuringastablesociety.Thatincludesnotinsultingorcallingothers
nicknameswhethermaleorfemaleevenjokingly.
2. Alwaysconfirmmisinformationyouhearfromuntrustworthysourcestoavoid
spreadingrumors:

Oyouwhobelieve!Ifarebelliousevilpersoncomestoyouwithnews,verifyit,lestyouharm
peopleinignorance,andafterwardsyoubecomeregretfultowhatyouhavedone.(AlHujurat
49:6)
3. FromtheexamplesintheQuran(seeabove),weseethataliarisonewhodoesnotbelieve
intheDayofJudgmentandthemeetingwithAllah(Naba,Maun), deniesAllahsAyahs
(killingoftheSheCamelin Shams)andhascharacteristicsofbeingmiserly,believing
oneselftobeselfsufficient(Layl,Alaq),anddiscouragingfeedingofthepoorandcaring
fortheorphans(Maun).WeasMuslimsshouldconstantlyremembermeetingAllah
(Accountability)intheHereafterwithcertaintyforHeisJust,severeinpunishment
[Buruj85:12].AndontheDayofResurrectionyouwillseethosewholiedagainstAllah
(Shirk),theirfaceswillbeblack[Zumar39:60].Doubtcharacterizesahypocriteora
disbeliever: OnlythosearethebelieverswhohavebelievedinAllah&HisMessenger,and
afterwarddoubtnotbutstrivewiththeirwealth&theirlivesfortheCauseofAllah.Those!
Theyarethetruthful(49:15)
Therefore,weshouldexhibitthosecharacteristicsmostbelovedtoHim (havinggood
AkhlaaqsoasnottoearnHisWrath)includinggivinginCharity,feedingthepoor,the
traveler,theorphans,offeringsalaahontimeandgivingZakah,allofwhichconstitute al
Birr[AlBaqarah:177].HavingTaqwaandHusunulKhuliqprovidessafetyfromSatans
whisperingandhypocricy(thuspreventingonefromlying)andthiswillenableustobe
grantedJannah,Inshaallah:
AllahhasendearedtheFaithtoyouandhasbeautifieditinyourhearts,andhasmade
disbelief,wickednessanddisobedience(toAllahandHisMessenger)hatefultoyou.Such
aretheywhoaretherightlyguided[Hujuraat49:7]
226
QabeelatTayybah
227

Islamic Ethics (Rules of Engagement)

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Islamic Ethics (Rules of Engagement)

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QabeelatTayybah

1. Project - Professional Notes (PPN) is a student-run initiative of the members of

t said:HasHe(AllahI ) mentionedtoyoumyname?He(RasulAllah) rsaid:Yes.

Students Expectations from this Class

Some ways of benefitting from this Class

Importance of the Topic of Akhlaaq to Our Scholars

Icontinually commands us in the Quran to

I, our ibaaadah and it is not about

Donotsaythattaqwa ispreventing you fromeatingpig, butthattaqwais notstopping you from consuming

Three men amongst those who came before

v Allthreestoriesrepresentethicaldilemmas.Manyethical issuesare involved in it.Forexample, what

EveryonecanrelatetothisCase because weall haveparents.EverytimeShaykh Muhammadreadsa

Itreated us the way we deserved to be treated, then we would have been

We can do tawassul by the Names and Attributes of Allah

I. We can ask Allah Ithrough His

rsaidsin isthatwhichcausesdiscomfortandwehate forpeopleto

whichwaversinyourheartandwhichyoudonotwantpeopleto knowabout" (Muslim).

notobjecttohimdoingso. Theydidnothaveany arrogance. They wereverywelldisciplinedandhumble.

Ethical Dilemmas Facing Us Today

7. DrugsandYouth Theabuseofdrugstodayanditseasyavailability toouryouthsonthestreetsandin

Your Lord Has a right over You

above hadeeth).Mostpeopletendtothinkthatthephysicalaspectisthe most importantsotheirNew

rlife, so Abu Hurayra tdedicated those few years that he had

(Innamaa)meansonly.So, RasulAllah rissayingthathewassentonly toperfectnoble

IResponse: AMessenger>(who)Recites Ayats>(and)Purifiesthem >(and)Teachesthemthe

What do you think is the root cause of these

IhassentusRasulAllah easthebestmodel.Allah Isaid,Indeedin

characterof apersonand (khuluqa)meansthemakingofonesinside.

Dealing with Allah I

relationshipwithAllah Iisnotauthentic.ItmightbesometimesthatAllah Iwants

takes.WethankAllah IforwhatHegivesandwethankAllah IforwhatHe

IbnUmart wouldputdownhisheadinthesoil,forAllah Itohave

WhoeverreliesonAllah I,Allah Iissufficient.Hewouldprovideforus,asHe

ThemeanstoacquireAdaabandAkhlaaq: RasoolAllah (e)wouldpraytoprotecthim

Respect & Honor:

Care for Them:

After their Death

NarratedAbuHurairah, thatRasool Allahsaid,Whoeverdesiresmoreprovisioninhislife,

AbuDawudhasnarratedthatheaskedtheholy ProphetofAllah (e),Whataretherightsofour

Etiquettes with Muslims

Ettiquettes with Non-Muslims

Jn=y=j9 ZptHqy w) oY=yr& !$tBur

Omaribn alKhattab tgavetheJewstheirduesfromKhaybartherebymaintainingjustice.

%9$# ytB (#qRq.ur !$# (#q)?$# (#qZtB#u %!$# $pkr't

There are 4 aspects of patience:

The Ways to Eliminate Oppression:

$|)x #Y$7y_ _=ygs Ns9ur At$!uq/ #Ct/ur

N6n=t ym OGYt $tB mn=t t N6Rr& `iB ^qu N2u!%y` s)s9

IbnUmar t narratedthattheProphetr said:Awomanenteredthe(Hell)Fire

Al- Adl Justice

And bytheMercyof Allah, youdealtwiththemgently. And had youbeen severeandharsh

Islamteachesusto shunharshnessandexhibitgentlenessand mildness inourbehavior

Arrogance diminishes wisdom. Arabian proverb quote

4 Implication of the quality

5 Relevance of this quality to modern times

6 The negative effect of this vice in us

Reasoning is flawed, leading to bad judgments and poor justice

7 A solution on how to rid ourselves of this vice

engaginginidolatry. Even the Prophet Muhammad

hadith Zaidbin Thabitreports the anger of Rasool

got angry attimesthough very rarely. Forexample, in a

(Butthey deniedourayaath Naba:13)

(DeniesLayl: verses9&16 Alaq:13)

(Then,they deniedhim (messengerSalih)andkilleditShams:14)