Sunday 22 February 2009

Brief Explanation of Hadith Jibreel

By Ustad Abu Talha

On the authority of Umar also who said: ‘One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), there came before us a man with extremely white clothing and extremely black hair. There were no signs of travel on him and none of knew him. He [came and] sat next to the Prophet (pbuh). He supported his knees up against the knees of the Prophet (pbuh) and put his hands on his thighs. He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadhaan, and to make the pilgrimage to the house if you have the means to do so.” He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully [or correctly].’ We were amazed that he asks the question and then he says that he had spoken truthfully. He said, ‘Tell me about Imaan [faith]?’ He [the Messenger of Allah] (pbuh) responded, “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last day and to believe in the divine decree, [both] the good and the evil thereof.” He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully.’ He said, ‘Tell me about al-Ihsaan?’ He [the Prophet] answered, “It is that you worship Allah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you.” He said, ‘Tell me about [the time of ] the Hour.’ He [the Prophet (pbuh)] answered, “The one being asked does not know more than the one asking.” He said, ‘Tell me about the signs.’ He answered, “The slave-girl shall give birth to her master, and you will see the barefooted, scantily-clothed, destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he went away. I stayed for a long time. Then he [the Prophet (pbuh)] said, “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger knows best.’ He said, “It was [the Angle] Gabriel who came to teach you your religion.”

Recorded by Muslim.

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  • General Comments about the hadith

This is hadith is known as ‘Hadith of Gibriel’; it is also called ‘Umm al-Sunnah’ as this hadith encompasses the meaning of the Sunnah as a whole. From this hadith; one can lots of manners, manners between a student and teacher. Also it tells us about what is Islam? This is a very comprehensive hadith about Islam – because the Prophet (pbuh) said: “…It was [the Angle] Gabriel who came to teach you your Deen.” – all the topic mentioned in the hadith is included as part of the Deen. Imam al-Qurtubi said: ‘It should be called Umm as-Sunnah…’ – it has all the knowledge of Islam in this hadith:

Islam - aspects of fiqh

Imaan - aspects of aqeedah

Ihsan - aspects of inner actions

‘One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), there came before us a man with extremely white clothing and extremely black hair. There were no signs of travel on him and none of knew him….’

‘One day…’ meaning any day; The Companions left the man alone which came to the Prophet (pbuh); they did not interrogate him, it shows their noble manners – they did not do this, even though this man was not known to them.

The Angels are able to take human forms; Gibriel (as) came to the Prophet (pbuh) in many forms. The Prophet (pbuh) saw him in his real form as well; had 600 wings that covered the horizon. Angels have a ‘real existence’ – this is a proof. Gibriel (as) used to resemble a man known as Dhuai al-Kalbi.

‘…He [came and] sat next to the Prophet (pbuh). He supported his knees up against the knees of the Prophet (pbuh) and put his hands on his thighs...’

From this hadith, one can pick up manners and etiquettes in seeking Knowledge. There is a saying: ‘Manners comes before Knowledge.’ Scholar will look at a person’s manners before they give out the Knowledge. The Knowledge requires ta’deem – glorification. Gibriel (as) sat ‘knees to knees’ and put his hands on his own thighs – this is more respectful.

‘…He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadhaan, and to make the pilgrimage to the house if you have the means to do so.” He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully [or correctly].’ We were amazed that he asks the question and then he says that he had spoken truthfully. He said, ‘Tell me about Imaan [faith]?’ He [the Messenger of Allah] (pbuh) responded, “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last day and to believe in the divine decree, [both] the good and the evil thereof.” He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully.’ He said, ‘Tell me about al-Ihsaan?’ He [the Prophet] answered, “It is that you worship Allah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you…”

Although Gibriel (as) addressed the Prophet (pbuh) as – ‘Ya Muhammad!’ – which was a bedouin custom, the Companions despite this does not interfere.

The Prophet (pbuh) upon being asked the questions mentioned above; he gave brief and simple answers to the questions.

Islaam - practical actions / external.

Emaan - explained as belief / internal

Ihsaan - gave a simple answer

‘…He said, ‘Tell me about [the time of ] the Hour.’ He [the Prophet (pbuh)] answered, “The one being asked does not know more than the one asking…’

If you do not know an answer to a question, say: ‘I don’t know.’ Imaam Malik said: ‘To say: ‘I don’t know’ is half of knowledge.’ Once, a man travelled much to ask Imaam Malik something. Upon asking, Imaam Malik did not know the answer. The questioner asked: ‘What will I say to my people once I get back?!’ Imaam Malik said: ‘Tell them Malik don’t know.’ Zarabozo said: ‘Indeed, many of the early scholars had a reputation for saying, ‘I don’t know.’

‘….He said, ‘Tell me about the signs.’ He answered, “The slave-girl shall give birth to her master, and you will see the barefooted, scantily-clothed, destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he went away. I stayed for a long time. Then he [the Prophet (pbuh)] said, “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger knows best.’ He said, “It was [the Angle] Gabriel who came to teach you your religion.”

[With all this questioning] the Companions did no say: ‘Who is this man?’ or anything like this. [This was because of excellent manners.] Even when the Prophet (pbuh) asked: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” The reply was: ‘Allah and His Messenger knows best.’ Even if they knew the answers, out of manners, [they would behave like this, Allah Knows best.].

Whatever ever is part of this hadith; it is part of the Deen:

  • Seeking Knowledge

‘Knowledge is Qur’an and Sunnah.’ ‘Knowledge is what Allah (SWT) said and what the Prophet (pbuh) said.’ Everything else is path leading to this, or a tool – Arabic, Grammar, Usool etc, all studied to get to the Knowledge.When seeking knowledge, one must go to the right person. The person most qualified in accordance to the Qur’an and Sunnah. A scholar is a person who has the knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The one who is a muqall’id is not an alim. Must ask the right person; this is the Deen – must go to right person to seek it.

Allah (SWT) said:

“So ask of those who know the Scripture, if you know not…”

Surah an-Nahl, Verse 43

‘Asking questions is half of Knowledge.’ Unless you ask you will not know, it is recommended – one can not remain upon ignorance. [There is no shyness in the Deen] A woman asked about wet dreams that she had to the Prophet (pbuh).

Knowledge is taken away by the death of scholars;

Anas bin Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Among the signs of the Hour will be disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance.”

Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim

Ibn Hajr al-Asqalanee said regarding Hadith Anas: ‘Indeed it will not disappear except with the deaths of the Ulama.’

Questioning and asking; from the hadith it can be concluded that Gibriel (as) asked about important matters in Deen and Dunya. Where there is no benefit – no good in asking. It should help you in your Deen and Dunya; the purpose of asking is to learn. It is permissible for a person to attend a gathering and ask questions on a topic to make people aware of the issue.

Imaam an-Nawawi said: ‘Should observe good manners on front of the teacher.’ Not like the Sufis; who lower their heads, walk behind the sheikh, carry sandals etc – this is wrong type of manners.

If a stranger came, no one would be able to distinguish the Prophet (pbuh) from the other Companions, this was his modesty. We should be equal with others.

  • Islam

‘…He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadhaan, and to make the pilgrimage to the house if you have the means to do so…’

One must utter ash-Shahadah to enter into Islam. Shahada has to be with knowledge; one must know what he is testifying to, and secondly have belief of that [shahadah]. The hypocrites knew about it but did not believe in it. So in summary, ash-Shahadah is based on:

1) Knowledge

2) Acceptance of that knowledge

‘…La ilaaha illa-Allah…’

This is the greatest statement one can say. Hadith about the scales which will shoot up due to weight of this word; [Ref: Al-Ashqar, 5/338] To realise the meaning of ‘La ilaaha illa-Allah’ is our purpose. Many say it, but negate it with their actions. ‘La ilaaha illa-Allah’ – is translated as, ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.’ Allah (SWT) is the One who is worshipped; there are many other gods, which are false – so they don’t deserve any worship. Al-Ila is perfect in every sense; the only One that is perfect is Allah (SWT) – so none deserves this worship except Allah (SWT). In Tawheed – must negate all aspect of uloohiyyah to other gods and affirm it for Allah (SWT) only. The Arabs understood al-shahada thus they did not testify to it, as it must reject other gods. Unless we single out Allah (SWT) alone with tawheed – we will not gain power on earth.

‘…and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah…’

It must be followed by this; Allah (SWT) is the One to be worshiped, through the way the Prophet (pbuh) did. He is the one showing us the way. The implication of this is that one follows him, takes his guidance, see him as an example and worship Allah (SWT) as he did.

This shahadah protects a person’s blood:

Hadith Usama is well known; A Companion killed a person whilst in battle who declared ‘La ilaha illa-Allah’ as he was about to be killed. The Companion killed the man because he thought the man was trying to escape death when it came before him. This incident was reported to the Prophet (pbuh) and he said: “…did you open his chest [to see if he was a believer]?...”

Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “I have been ordered to fight against the people until they testify that there is none worth of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establish the prayer and give the Zakat. Then, if they do that their blood and wealth will be protected from me – except in accordance with the right of Islam. And their reckoning will be with Allah, the Exalted.”

Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim

This is where it stops, can not kill them.

‘…to establish prayers…’

The Prophet (pbuh) mentioned it in order of importance:

1) Shahadah

2) Salah

‘Swal’lo’ [performing prayer] and ‘Iqam us-Salaah’ [establishing the prayer] are different.
Iqamu as-Salah’ is higher; it is that, one does everything for it to be accepted; pre-requisites, conditions, obligations, etc. It is more than just praying. To do it in the best way, thinking about each action – in this way it keeps the actions alive and not just let it be mere rituals.

If the prayer is abandoned; it means part of the Deen is missing, the Deen is not complete. Islam is built upon these five pillars, if this is taken away, it will have a weak foundation. The prayer is the greatest manifestation of the submission to Allah (SWT) – that you bow to no one else but Allah (SWT).

‘…to pay the zakat…’

It is obligatory with conditions. The need of zakat is great, once the Muslims had a welfare state where no one would go hungry. It purifies ones wealth. Zakat is due on gold/silver, livestock, [merchandise good and agricultural produce]. Zakat is given to eight categories of people as mentioned in the Qur’an. It is obligatory to find out if you need to zakat or not.

‘…to fast [the month of] Ramadhaan, and to make the pilgrimage to the house if you have the means to do so…’

Fasting is another pillar of Islam. Pilgrimage – if one has the means to; transportation and costs.

  • Imaan

“It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last day and to believe in the divine decree, [both] the good and the evil thereof.”

The six things the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned were matters of Imaan;

Imaan in Allah (SWT):

There are four points; must accept all – if it is not there, Imaan is not complete or not there.

1) Allah (SWT) exists;

It is a real existence; al-wajood – Muslims do not differ over this. When the messengers (as) were sent, none disputed about this aspect – all believed in the One True God but the problem was with uloohiyyah. It was nature of the fitra to have this belief about the One True God, but now with advanced science and technology – people are raising the question: ‘Does God exist?’ – it was something that was not debated about before.Giving dawa – when it comes to giving dawa, need to know where they are coming from – giving dawa to atheist will be different from giving dawa to a polytheist.

The proof of existence of the creation, leads one to know that God exists. We are here, who put us here? Even with evolution theory – where did it start from? Even that single cell – someone or something must have put this cell in that place? Who was it? The creation – how did it come together? Its must of either:

  1. Created it self
  2. Created by something else

The first is impossible, the second is the only possibility – this creator is Allah (SWT). Allah answered this in the Qur’an:

“Or were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?”

Surah At-Tur, Verse 35

The atheist may ask: ‘Who created God?’ The reply: This is not a valid question – we can go on for ever; have to accept it that there has to be creator who has created everything, who was self exiting and this is Allah (SWT). There is no beginning of a Creator. [Story of Abu Hanifa and the atheists] The existence of Allah (SWT) is a real existence; not just in our mind and its different from our existence.

2) Rubobiyyah

Rubobiyyah; Lordship on His Oneness consists of three things:

  1. In Creation [al-Khalq] – only One to give life and death
  2. In Command [al-Amr] – controlling and maintaining everything
  3. In Dominion [al-Mulk] – everything belongs to Allah (SWT)

Allah (SWT) creates something from nothing. Humans change one form to another. Allah’s ownership is not limited, He does what He wants.

3) Uloohiyyah

Only One to be worshipped; make Him One to be worshipped. Ibn Taymiyyah said: ‘Ibaadah is everything Allah (SWT) loves, anything you do or say externally or internally.’ Ibaadah is based upon love and veneration. Allah (SWT) is deserving of that, can not take the right of Allah (SWT) and give it to someone else. This is what the Prophets (as) came with to struggle with their people.

4) Asmaa wa as-Sifat

To make Allah (SWT) alone in all this;

Who is Allah (SWT)? How dose one know about Allah (SWT)? Who is God? How is God? Can we know God by reason? Only way to know Allah (SWT) is via the Scriptures – through reason alone, we will [not] know the Unseen. If you don’t have this knowledge, one can not worship Allah (SWT) properly. Allah (SWT) has Beautiful Names and Attributes.

The Beautiful Names:

Has numerous Names; Are they just names and that’s it? When it is to with Allah (SWT) – it tells us a description of Allah (SWT). Example, the Names; Ar-Rahmaan – He (SWT) has Rahma, and the Name Al-Hay – He (SWT) has no beginning nor has an end. Some of His Names will be revealed to us in the Hereafter. Believe in Names and Attributes without:

  1. Rejecting the meaning [ta’teel]
  2. Giving it another meaning [tahreef]
  3. Making similarity to creation [tamtheel]
  4. Asking the ‘how’ of it [ta’keef]

The Attributes:

Anything that exists has descriptions. If you take these descriptions of Allah (SWT) away, it is to say He (SWT) does not exist. Every Name of Allah (SWT) gives an Attribute but not necessarily the other way. He has Hands, but not like ours. We affirm it for Him and not distort its meaning by saying that it means ‘power’ or ‘favour’. Allah (SWT) has a Face; but He has not given us a description of it. We affirm it, not make it similar to creation, nor ask of the ‘how’ nor interpret it. Many groups went astray in this aspect.

Imaan in the Angels:

1) They exist;

It is real existence, have a physical/real form.They were created solely to worship Allah (SWT), they can not go against that. The jinn and the humans have a choice.

2) Their creation varies; believe in their attributes as stated in the Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah (SWT) created them in an amazing form; Gabriel (as) has 600 wings in his real form; from this hadith, it shows that they can take other forms. The wings of the angels are not as we know ‘wings’ to be – it is a matter of the unseen.

3) Have been given certain duties;

4) Believe in their names and their duties that we have proof of;

Their numbers; Allah (SWT) knows best. About the night of Israa’ the Prophet (pbuh) said: “…Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House. Everyday 70,000 angels enter it, and they never return to it, and when they leave another 70,000 come…”

Recorded by al-Bukhari 6/103, and Muslim 1/147

Al-Bayt Al-Ma’moor is reported to be parallel above al-Ka’bah, on the seventh heaven. In the first heaven is Bayt al-‘Izzah – where revelation came down from to the Prophet (pbuh) over 23 years.

Imaan in the Books:

1) The Books were revealed by Allah (SWT), truly from Him (SWT);

2) Believe specifically about the ones we know about, and the ones we don’t know about;

3) Believe everything that Allah (SWT) revealed in it;

The Qur’an has abrogated all the previous Books, such as the Taurah, Injeel, Zaboor and Suhuf al-Ibraahim wa Musaa.

Imaan in the Messengers:

1) They were sent by Allah (SWT) to every nation;

2) All fulfilled their obligation of delivering the Message;

3) Believe in all of them, without differing;

Twenty five of them have been mentioned in the Qur’an; two Prophets (as) have been mentioned in the Sunnah; Sheeth (as) and Yoosha’ Ibn Noon (as).

4) There were more sent then the ones mentioned;

This is indicated by Hadith Abu Umaamah: 124,000 prophets, among whom 315 were messengers – this is reported in Musnad Ahmad.

Ar-Rasool comes with a new message/scripture; but An-Nabi comes to reform the same message. What about Adaam (as)? There was no prophet before him – so a nabi does not necessarily have to follow a rasool. Every rasool is a nabi, but every nabi is not a rasool. Khatam an-Nabi – it shows that no prophet or messenger after the Prophet (pbuh).

Imaan in the Last Day:

It is to believe in everything that will happen after death; taking out of the soul, questioning of the grave, al-barzakh, Paradise, Hell-Fire, etc. A person’s ‘last day’ is when they die.

Imaan in Al-Qadr:

In the hadith, the ‘tu’mina’ is repeated to show the importance of al-Qadr. Belief in al-Qadr consists of four pillars:

1) Belief in the Encompassing Knowledge of Allah (SWT);

He (SWT) does not learn anything new nor does He (SWT) forget anything. He Knows the past, present and the future. His Knowledge is perfect and complete.

2) Belief that Allah (SWT) has written everything in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfooz;

Till the end of time; no additions or subtractions. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say: “Allah wrote the decree of His creation 50,000 years before He created the heaven and the earth…”

Recorded by Muslim 4/2004

3) Nothing happens except by the Will of Allah (SWT);

Once Allah (SWT) wills it, it happens. If He (SWT) does not will it, it does not happen.

4) People’s deeds are created and decreed by Him (SWT);

Allah (SWT) created us and our actions. If Allah (SWT) did not create, that means people created it – which are not true. This does not deny our own choice – freewill. Two sects deviated in this issue: Al-Qadariyyah believed that there is no al-Qadr; basically Allah (SWT) does not know before an action takes place. Al-Jabariyyah they believe people are forced! Al-Ahl as-Sunnah believe in al-Qadr and people have choice to do good or bad, [freewill].

End of explanation…for now!

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Classes on ‘Asmaa wa as-Sifaat: Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad

Al-Hamdulilah a fresh new class on the Names and Attributes of Allah (SWT) will be starting in South London. The book that will be studied is called Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad and it was written by great scholar Ibn Qudamah [d.620AH].

  • About the Book: Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad

This book has been translated in English as, ‘The Radiance of Faith’ and ‘The Sufficiency in Creed’.

Ibn al-Uthaymeen said, in explaining the title: ‘The word lum’ah occurs in the Arabic language with many meaning, one of which is ‘sufficiency in livelihood’. This meaning is the most appropriate one with regard to the subject of this book. Therefore the meaning of Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad here refers to having sufficiency in correct belief, which is according with the way of the predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them. What is meant by the term ‘Itiqaad is the rational conviction that one is determined on. So if it confirms to the reality then it is correct and if it is not then it is corrupt [i.e. false].’

This book is one of the great classic and scholarly works concerning the Belief and Creed of a Muslim. It outlines fundamental principles and precepts for every Muslim to have knowledge of. Ibn Qudamah lists ninety-five points on various topics of the Islamic Aqeedah. These points include discussions on Allah’s Names and Attributes, the conditions of mankind on the Day of Judgement etc. The author of this discussion on Creed has talked at great length of following the way of the Salaf and the scholars of Hadith in regard to this issue. Thus you will see that he has filled his book with Qur’anic verses, reports from the Hadith, statements of the Companions and sayings of the righteous scholars.

Regarding this book Ibn al-Uthaymeen said: ‘In this book, the author (ra) gathered together the main points of the Islamic Aqeedah. For this reason, the Board of Educational Institutes assigned this book to be studied and taught during the second semester of the first year of study, so that it may serve as a pillar upon which one can establish his Aqeedah at this stage.’

  • About the author

Ibn Qudamah was a possessor of an upright and correct Aqeedah, being an honourable and pious worshipper of Allah (SWT), and following the regulations laid down by the Salaf. He was a leader in with regard to knowledge and action. And this pure Aqeedah [of his] produced an overwhelming effect for him in his life, such that it was said about him: “Whoever sees him, then it is as if he has seen on of the Companions.” The one who said this was Ibn al-Jawzee. Refer to my previous post regarding Ibn Qudamah. I will quote some of the statements of Scholars about him to show some of his virtues:

Abu ‘Amr Ibn As-Salaah said: “I have not seen the likes of Sheikh Al-Muwaffaq.”

Ibn Taymiyyah said: “No one possessing more understanding of the Religion entered Shaam, after Al-Awzaa’ee, other than Sheikh Al-Muwaffaq.”

Al-Mundhiree said: “He was a faqeeh, the Imaam. He narrated hadith in Damascus, issued fataawaa and taught classes. He authored many books, both short and long, on the subject of fiqh, as well as other subjects.”

Ad-Dhahabee said: “He was one of the eminent Imaams and an author of many books.”

Ibn Katheer said: “He was the Sheikh ul-Islam, an Imaam, a scholar, outstandingly proficient. There was not found in his era nor before it by a long span of time, anyone possessing more [understanding] fiqh than him.”

  • Explanation of the book

Sheikh Muhammad bin Saalih al-Uthaymeen [d.1421AH] did an excellent explanation of this masterpiece. It has been translated in English but I am not sure if it is out of publication but I will give the details of it anyway.

The Explanation of Sufficiency in Creed by Ibn al-Uthaymeen and published by Al-Manhaj Publication.

  • Time, Venue and Teacher

Every Wednesday, 8.15 pm [after Isha prayer]

Morden Islamic Centre, 2a Crown Lane, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5BL

Ustadh Nabeel Shahzad Ul-Haq; He has studied at the Islamic University of Madinah. He was awarded a BA in Shari'ah followed by an MA in Aqeedah.

For further information please contact Brother Shahid on 07939 297 812. And this class is open to bothers and sisters.

Enjoy!