The Wisdom and Benefits behind Fasting and Virtues

Asalam wa alikum

The objective behind fasting is to restrain the soul from (its) desires and to prevent it from those things, which are beloved to it. And its purpose is to control the soul's strength, so that it can be prepared to attain what is found in it (the fast) from success and joy for the soul. Through the fast, one curbs his hunger and thirst and is reminded of the condition of the hungry stomachs of needy people.

Through fasting, one narrows the passages the Devil has inside the servant (of Allaah) by narrowing the passages of food and drink. Also, it prevents the forces of the limbs from getting too accustomed to things that are harmful to it in this world and the hereafter. And each of the soul's body limbs and energies can cease their rebelliousness (to Allaah) and be harnessed by its bridle.

So therefore, the fast is the bridle of those who fear and obey Allaah and the shield of those wage war (against desires). And it is a garden for the righteous and devoted servants of Allaah. And it is for the Lord of the worlds, over all other actions (done to please Allaah). This is since the person who fasts, in fact does nothing. He only abandons his desire and his food for the sake of the One whom he worships.

So fasting is an abandonment of those things that the soul loves and desires, preferring instead Allaah's love and contentment. And it is a secret kept between the servant and his Lord – no one else is aware of it.

Fasting has an amazing effect in preserving one's outer limbs and inner capacities as well as protecting the soul from being overtaken by destructive components, which can ruin and destroy it. And it has a remarkable effect in causing all the harmful things that prevent the soul from being healthy to be emptied out. So fasting guards and protects the health of the person's heart and body limbs. And it returns the soul all that the hands of the desires has taken from it. So it is from the greatest ways of improving one's Taqwaa, as Allaah says: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you attain Taqwaa." [Surah Al-Baqarah: 185]

The Prophet (saws) said: "Fasting is a shield." And he commanded those who had intense desires for marriage but were not able to marry, to observe fasting, making it a shield against those desires (of marriage).

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 118: Bukhari

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

When the benefits of fasting are born witness to by sensible minds and upright intuitions, one will come to realize that Allaah prescribed it as a mercy for mankind, goodness to them and a protection and shield for them. The Prophet's (saws) guidance concerning it was the most perfect of guidance, and the best for reaching the desired objective and the easiest on the soul.

Since restraining the soul from what it loves and desires is from the most difficult and hardest of things, its obligation was delayed until the middle of Islaam, after the Hijrah. This was at the point when the Tawheed and the Prayer had become firmly established in the souls of the Muslims and when they loved the commands of Allaah. So their souls were lead to its obligation in gradual steps. It became obligatory in the second year of Hijrah.

When the Messenger of Allaah (saws) died, he had fasted nine Ramadaans in total. Originally, it was obligated as an option left to the people to choose whether they wanted to fast or to feed needy people for every day. Then that option was transferred into the final obligatory fasting. And the matter of feeding people was left only for the old men and women who did not have the ability to fast.

Fasting had three stages. The first stage was its being obligated with the option of fasting or feeding a needy person. In the second stage, only the fasting was allowed, but if the person fasting slept before breaking his fast, he was forbidden from eating and drinking until the following night. This was abrogated in the third stage. And this is the stage at which the Religion has settled with until the Day of Judgement.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 120: Bukhari

Narrated Sahl:

The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."

Virtues of Fasting as Mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah

The Reward for Fasting is Immense

"Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving then times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.' For the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk." [Al-Bukhari]

Also, Sahl ibn Sa'ad reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:

"Indeed there is a gate of Paradise called ar-Rayyan. On the day of Resurrection those who fast will enter through it; no one enters it except for them, and when they have entered, it is closed so that no one enters it, so when the last of them enters it, it is closed, and whoever enters it drinks, and whoever drinks never becomes thirsty." [Ibn Khuzaymah. Sahih]

Fasting is a Shield Against the Fire

"Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire." [Ahmad. Sahih]

"On the Day of Judgement, fasting will say: 'O My Lord I prevented him from food an desires so accept my intercession for him.' " [Ahmad, al-Hakim and Abu Nu'aym. Hasan]

Fasting is a Means for One's Sins to be Forgiven

"He who fasts Ramadhan, due to iman and hoping for reward (from Allah) then his past sins are forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The Supplication of the Fasting Person is Answered

"There are in the month of Ramadhan in every day and night those to whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim an supplication which he can make and will be granted." [Al-Bazzar and Ahmad. Sahih]

Fasting is an Expiation for Various Sins

"Perform the Pilgrimage and the Lesser Pilgrimage for Allah ... but whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head must pay a ransom, either by fasting or by charity ... " [Al-Qur'an 2:196]

"Never may a believer kill a believer unless by mistake ... and those who find this beyond their means must fast two consecutive months. Such is the penance imposed by Allah; and Allah is Knowing, Wise." [Al-Qur'an 4:92]

And more (5:89, 5:95 and 58:3-4).

The Fasting Person Will Be Among the True Followers of the Prophets and the Martyrs

A man came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what if I testify that none has the right to worshipped but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah, and I observe the five daily prayers, and I pay the zakah, and I fast and stand in prayer in Ramadhan, then amongst whom shall I be?" He said:

"Amongst the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs." [Ibn Hibban. Sahih]

Fasting is a Shield Against One's Base Desires

"O youths, whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable, then let him fast because it is a shield for him." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Once we realise the greatness of fasting and what achievement it leads to, we must put all our efforts in performing fasting in the best manner possible. And since fasting is worship, it must be done solely for Allah's sake, and no intention is accepted, other than pleasing Allah and seeking His Face with all one's sincerity. Without a correct intention, no deed is of any value in the Hereafter. We Muslims must constantly verify our intentions and consider why we perform fasting. Do we do so merely because it is the practice of our parents and friends, or do we do so because it is part of our tradition, or perhaps because we simply want to conform to our environment in order to avoid any problems? A Muslim who realises that only that which is with Allah remains, and that He is the only One who grants and withholds, would not be of those to which the Prophet, upon whom be peace, alluded to in the hadith:

"On the Day of Judgement, a caller will cry out, 'Whoever performed a deed for someone other than Allah may seek his reward from that for which he performed the deed.' " [Sahih al-Jami']

Certain Aspects and Rulings Related to Fasting

• For the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadhan, it is incumbent on everyone to have intention before the appearance of Fajr.
• Fast is performed between the time of true Fajr (that which makes food forbidden for the fasting person, and makes Fajr prayer lawful, as explained by Ibn 'Abbas) and the time as soon it is seen that the sun has set.
• The interval between the end of suhur (the pre-dawn meal) and the start of the obligatory prayer is the interval sufficient to recite fifty ayat, as indicated by the Prophet and related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
• Eating suhur contains many blessings and the Prophet, peace be upon him, ordered us to do take it, forbade us from leaving it and told us to take suhur to make a distinction between our fast and the fast of the People of the Book. In spite of this, Ibn Hajr reports in Fath al-Bari that there is consensus that it is recommended. Allah knows best.
• Falsehood, ignorant and indecent speech are to be avoided as they may render one's fasting futile.
• A fasting person can begin fasting while in the state of janabah (major state of impurity that requires bath due to a sexual intercourse).
• Use of siwak (tooth-stick) is permitted. Likewise, washing the mouth and nose is permitted, but it should not be done strongly.
• The Prophet forbade a youth to kiss while fasting, while he allowed an old man since he is able to control himself.
• Giving blood and injections which do not provide nourishment does not break the fast. Also, there is no harm in tasting food, provided it does not reach the throat.
• Pouring cold water over one's head and taking a bath contain no harm to a fasting person.
• It is from the Sunnah of the Prophet and the practice of his companions to break the fast as soon as the Sun sets even if some bright redness remains upon the horizon. Muslims are strongly encouraged to hasten breaking the fast. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: "The din will not cease to be uppermost as long as the people hasten to break the fast, since the Jews and the Christians delay it." [Abu Dawud and Ibn Hibban. Hasan]
• The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to break his fast before praying and he used to break it with fresh dates, if not then with older dates. And if not with dates, than with some mouthfuls of water.
• The supplication of the fasting person when he breaks his fast is not rejected. The best du'a (supplication) is that reported from Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him. He used to say when breaking the fast, "The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills." [Abu Dawud, al-Bayhaqi, al-Hakim and others. Hasan]
• The Prophet said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward." [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban. Sahih]. Also, a fasting Muslim should not reject invitation of another Muslim to break fast.
• Deliberate eating and drinking, making oneself vomit, menstruation, after-birth bleeding, injection containing nourishment and sexual intercourse all nullify the fast.
• As for Laylatul-Qadr, the Night of Decree, it is better than a thousand months. The Prophet, peace be upon him, told us, "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. That which is the most specific states, " ... seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." [Al-Bukhari]
• The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to exert himself greatly during Laylatul-Qadr. He would spend the nights in worship, detaching himself from women and ordering his family with this. So every Muslim should be eager to stand in prayer during Laylatul-Qadr out of iman and hoping for the great reward.
• The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr out of iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
• The supplication that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, taught 'Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, to say when seeking the Night of Decree is, "O Allah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me." [At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. Sahih]
• It is Sunnah to pray Tarawih in congregation and the one who knew the best the practice of the Prophet at night, 'A'ishah said, "Allah's Messenger did not increase upon eleven raka'at in Ramadhan, or outside it." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
• All who are capable should take advantage of the month of Ramadhan and perform i'tikaf, i.e. fully attach oneself to worshipping in the mosque. One should inquire how the Prophet performed i'tikaf.
• Zakat ul-Fitr is prescribed by Allah as a purification for those who fasted from loose and indecent talk, and to feed the poor Muslims as a provision for 'Eid ul-Fitr. One should inquire further about rulings related to it, especially upon whom it is obligatory and what is its quantity.

The last but not the least, we should strive to constantly improve our worship and obedience of Allah, the Most High, including once the month of Ramadhan is over, if Allah wills

Asalamu alikum

Still refusing to confirm it before you repeat it?

These days we find that many people are still falling into the same holes that their parents and grandparents fell into. How is this possible? For those of us that were not always Muslim, we knew that if someone sat around repeating all that they heard, then their narrations were not to be trusted. We knew that we could not take what such people had to say and base anything off of it. These tale-carriers were rarely even considered to be respectable people in the eyes of the community. This is what we knew before we were Muslim.

Now, for those that have been guided to Islam, as well as those that were born Muslim and raised as Muslims, we need to figure out how it is that we not only base our understandings and lives off of these people, but as well we have become these people.  Subhanna Allah.

We find ourselves from among the biggest of gossipers and tale-carriers (may Allah rectify our affairs… Allahuma ameen). We hear something, and want to be the first  to let all of our families, friends and associates know the story, as though it makes us look like we are in the loop. Subhanna Allah. When will we learn?

Maybe if we understand it from a religious point of view, things will change.

We are living in a time in which peoples desires, love for popularity and being seen among the community seem to have taken over the hearts of many. (May Allah cure us from this sickness… Allahuma ameen). We always find ourselves walking around not only hearing but also contributing to the “He said, She said” conversations. Many-times we don’t even concern ourselves with finding out if what is being said is true or not.

Allah said in His book,

{وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَـٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا}

{And follow not (O mankind i.e., say not, do not, witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: “I have seen,” while in fact he has not seen, or “I have heard,” while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).}

[17:36]

We also find that Allah said,

 {مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ}

{Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).}

 [50:18]

So we see here that Allah has not only COMMANDED us to stay away from following behind, aiding in and spreading those things that we do not have knowledge about. He has also warned us about the fact that what we do and say may be recorded and we may be held accountable for it on that day where everyone will be brought before their Lord. Why are we so determined to set ourselves up to earn Allah’s displeasure? This is not something that is hard for people to turn away from. But the desire to be the firs to put the information out there often overtakes us. We find that this desire leads us to doing and saying things that we know we should not have anything to do with.

As well the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said,

“كَفَى بِالْمَرْءِ كَذِبًا أَنْ يُحَدِّثَ بِكُلِّ مَا سَمِعَ” 

“It is enough to render a man a liar that he relates everything he hears.”

[The Introduction of Sahih Muslim]

Brothers and Sisters, think about this for a second. Generally when we are told information, it is very possible that this information is either true or false. In these days and times we very often come across information that when  actually checked into, it would show that either it is completely incorrect or that it isn’t exactly as it was related to us. Subhanna Allah. We find this often. How many times have you been told something, and then looked into it and found exactly what was described to you in this article?

Can anyone possibly say that there haven’t been many times where we have been told that someone said something that was not actually stated, or that was miss quoted or used out of context? None of us can say that we have not experienced that many times. If we know that this has been the case, how is it that we still find ourselves repeating this information, regardless of how many-times we hear it, or how many people we have heard it from?

The point that I am trying to make here, is that it is an obligation on each and every one of us to begin to make sure that what we are saying is true.  we also,  need to make  sure, that the one(s) that we get our information from are reliable and trustworthy individuals that also got the information from reliable sources. This is in terms of both information dealing with our secular affairs as well as our religious affairs. 

We see the importance of verifying our information in that verse that we all have heard one million times before. Allah said,

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ}

{O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.}

[49:6]

So hopefully we see the harm in what we have been doing, and we will begin to work towards correcting not only our future, but rather the future of the Muslim Ummah. May Allah correct all of our affairs and keep us all firm upon the straight path. Allahuma ameen.

Proofs, Virtues, Fruits for Al-Walaa` wal-Baraa` (Loving and Hating for Allaah’s Sake)

Asalamu alikum

Love For Allaah’s sake Leads to The Sweetness of Eeman

On the authority of Abu Hurrairah: The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Whoever would like to taste the sweetness of Eeman, then let him love a person – not loving him except for Allaah’s sake. [Ahmad (2/298), al-Haakim (1/3 and 4/168); Isnaad is 'hasan']

The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: There are three characteristics that if a person has them, he will taste the sweetness of Eeman: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else; to love another only for the sake of Allaah; and that he hates to convert to disbelief after Allaah has rescued him from it as he hates to be thrown into the fire. [Bukhaaree, Muslim] In another version, the above-mentioned hadeeth begins with the words: No one will find the sweetness of Eeman until and unless…

Loving and Hating For Allaah’s Sake is The Strongest Handhold of Eeman

On the authority of al-Baraa ibn ‘Aazib (radiallaahu ‘anhu): The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Awthaq ‘Ural Eeman Al-Hubu fillaah wal-bughdu fillaah (The strongest handhold of Eeman is loving for Allaah’s sake, and hating for Allaah’s sake). [Ahmad (4/286), Ibn Abee Shaybah (no. 110); hasan due to supporting narrations]

Shaikh ‘Abdul-’Aziz ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah), in his work The Authentic Creed And The Invalidators of Islaam, said: “Belief in Allaah also necessitates love for His sake, hate for His sake, and making friends and enemies for His sake…”

Loving and Hating is for Allaah’s Sake Leads to Allaah’s Friendship

Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiallaahu ‘anhumma) said: “Whoever loves for the sake of Allaah, and hates for the sake of Allaah, and befriends for the sake of Allaah, and shows enmity for the sake of Allaah, would get Walayatullaah (Allaah’s friendship). Without abiding by this, no one can get the real taste (sweetness) of Eeman though he may have been a frequent offerer of prayer (salat) and fasts. Today, people keep relationship and love only for some wordly reason, but this will not provide them any benefit (on the Day of Judgement).” [Ibn Jarir]

After bringing this hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas in The Chapter “Love for Allaah” in the classical work Kitab at-Tawheed, the author Shaikhul-Islaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab (rahimahullaah Ta’aala) mentioned among the issues/benefits of the chapter: “No one can get the friendship of Allaah and relish of Eeman until and unless he possesses four ‘actions’ of the heart: (1) Love for the sake of Allaah; (2) Hate for the sake of Allaah; (3) Friendship for the sake of Allaah; (4) Enmity for the sake of Allaah.” [He also mentioned - among other matters/benefits - that Eeman has a sweetness that is sometimes tasted by a person, and sometimes not.]

Some Other of the Many Virtues, Benefits of Loving and Hating for Allaah’s Sake

On the authority of Abu Hurrairah: The Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Allaah will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Where are those who loved one another for My Glory? Today, I will shade them in My shade on the Day when there is no shade except My Shade…’ [Muslim]

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Allaah, The Mighty and Majestic, says: ‘Those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory will have pillars of light and will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs.’ [at-Tirmidhee (2390), Ahmad (5/236-237); isnaad is 'saheeh']

Shaikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab al-’Aqeel (hafidhahullaah) said: “On the Day of Judgement, Allaah will raise the level of the believers who have loved each other for Allaah’s Pleasure, and shade those who have loved each other for His pleasure, as comes in the hadeeth of the seven whom Allaah will shade.”

Loving and Hating for Allaah’s Sake Is From The Completion of Eeman

On the authority of Abu Umaamah (radiallaahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Man AHaba lillaah Wa Abghada lillaah Wa A’ta lillaah Wa Mana’ah lillaah Fa Qad Istakmal Al-Eeman (Whoever loves for the sake of Allaah, hates for the sake of Allaah, gives for the sake of Allaah, and prevents (withholds) for the sake of Allaah, has perfected Eeman.) [Abu Dawud (no. 4681), at-Tirmidhee (no. 2521), Ahmad (3/438, 440); 'Saheeh' due to witnesses, refer to al-Albaani's Al-Saheeha (no. 380)]

Imam As-Sa’dee (rahimahullaah), in his excellent work The Tree of Faith, said about this hadeeth:

“The place for love and hate is the heart, the place for giving and preventing [withholding] is the limbs. The single condition that encompasses all of these is sincerity, which is the spirit and essence of faith.

To love for the sake of Allaah means to love Allaah – to love what He loves of things such as actions, times, periods and circumstances, and to love those He loves such as the Prophets and their followers.

To hate for the sake of Allaah means to hate everything that Allaah hates of things such as disbelief, sin and transgression. It also means to hate those who commit these or call to these.

Giving includes the servant performing all that he has been enjoined to as mentioned in His saying [what means]: As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allaah and fears Him. And believes in Al-Husna. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). (Al-Layl, ayat 5-7)

This verse refers to the servant giving everything he has been ordered with, not just property and wealth for this is but a portion of giving. The same applies to its opposite – preventing [withholding].

Through these four matters does the servant perfect his faith and religion.”

In the footnote related to this hadeeth is the following benefit relayed from Al-Manaawee’s work Faydul-Qadeer (6/38): “Some said that the reason that these matters perfect Eeman is that the religion revolves around four principles – two of which are internal, and two which are external.

The internal are love and hate, and the external are performing and abstaining. Hence, whoever’s intention becomes steadfast and firm, such that he loves, hates, performs and abstains for the sake of Allaah, has perfected the different stations of Eeman.”

Loving and Hating is for Allaah’s Sake, So Love In Moderation For a Day May Come that you Must Hate the one you Love, or Love the one you Hate

The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Love the one whom you love in moderation. Perhaps one day, he will be one whom you hate. And hate the one whom you hate in moderation. Perhaps one day, he will be one whom you love. [at-Tirmidhee and others; 'Saheeh,' Saheehul-Jaami' (no. 176)]

So if your classmate or your own relative or your imam or a scholar that you benefited from or even the person Allaah used to guide you to Islaam or specifically Salafiyyah deviates, then from that moment on you must free yourself from him, break off your loyalty, for loyalty to him at that point becomes blameworthy and plunges you into what you have been running away from all these years – hizbiyyah. Remember, Hizbiyyah is: having loyalty or allegiance to an individual or group in opposition to the Qur`an and Sunnah, and having al-walaa` wal-baraa` for them.

Allaah said (what means): You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred. For such He has written faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah. Verily, the party of Allah will be the successful. (Al-Mujadilah, ayah 22)

This ayah was revealed concerning the sahaabah, who either killed a relative in the Battle of Badr, or intended to. Abu Bakr had a disbelieving son (‘Abdur-Rahman) who afterward told his father, “I saw you but I avoided you (meaning because you are my father).” Abu Bakr said to him: “Had I seen you, I would not have avoided you.”

This, ya ikhwaan, is an example of loving and hating for Allaah’s sake – not in accordance with your desires. [For more on this matter click here and here]

Shirk, Bid’ah – and even Sins – Are Obstacles To Loving for Allaah’s Sake

The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: There are no two persons who have mutual love for the sake of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – or for Islaam, and then separation is caused between them except by a sin committed by one of them. [Recorded by Bukhaaree in al-Adaabul-Mufrad (no. 401); authenticated by al-Albaanee]

Al-Manaawee said in Faydul-Qadeer (3/69): “From hating for Allaah’s sake is to hate many of those who (falsely) ascribe themselves to knowledge in our time, due to the clear signs of hypocrisy visible upon them, and their hatred of the good people. So whoever has a heart free from sickness must hate them [Ahlul-Bid'ah] for the sake of Allaah for their arrogance, their evil manners and the harm they cause to the people.”

Allaah said about the hypocrites (what means): They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allaah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path. (Al-Munafiqun, ayah 4) The hypocrites are those who claim Islaam but conceal their kufr, so of course they are from Ahlul-Bid’ah.

Imaam Fudayl Ibn ‘Iyaad (rahimahullaah): If I see a man of innovation, it is as if I have seen a man from the hypocrites, Shaikh Saaleh al Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) commented, saying: “If you see a man from the people of innovations and desires – those in opposition to Ahlus Sunnah, it as if you have seen a man from the hypocrites – those who claim an apparent Islaam whilst they are disbelievers in secret, wishing to be deceitful. So the people of desires and bidah have a resemblance to the hypocrites, because they show an apparent Islaam, however they innovate and do not follow the Sunnah. This is a characteristic of the hypocrites.”

This is why Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: “Most of Ahlul Bid’ah are Munaffiqoon (hypocrites) with Nifaaq al-akbar (major hypocrisy in belief)!“ [Of course, this is general, and not be applied to a specific person!] [For more on this matter of lies, false claims, plots, deceptions of People of Bid'ah and Desires, click here]

Al-Walaa` wal-Baraa` (Amity and Enmity), by Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah)

One’s loving and hating should be for the sake of Allaah. One’s association and disassociation should be for the sake of Allaah. This principle is one of the fundamentals of the religion, one that Allaah commands us to enjoin:

Proofs for Baraa` (Enmity)

Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever, until you believe in Allaah Alone,” except the saying of Ibrahim (Abraham) to his father: “Verily, I will ask for forgiveness (from Allaah) for you, but I have no power to do anything for you before Allaah.” Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return, (Al-Mumtahinah, ayah 4)

O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists, etc.) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, this Qur`an, and Muhammad), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allaah your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists, etc., as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray, (away) from the Straight Path. (Al-Mumtahinah, ayah 1)

The Christians and Jews are allies to one another, so do not take either of them as allies:

O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya’ to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Dhalimun (polytheists and wrong­doers and unjust). (Al-Ma`idah, ayah 51)

Even if they be your family:

O you who believe! Take not for Auliya’ (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Dhalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). (At-Tawbah, ayah 23)

People of Bid’ah also fall into this

You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allaah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allaah. Verily, it is the Party of Allaah that will be the successful. (Al-Mujadilah, ayah 22)

Proof for Al-Walaa` (Amity)

Allaah said the believers are but brothers:

The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allaah, that you may receive mercy. (Al-Hujurat, ayah 10)

The believers are caring brethren, the Salaf are taken as good examples for those later, ask Allaah’s forgiveness and blessings on behalf of each other:

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. (Al-Hashr, ayah 10)

Amity and love for believers:

Verily, your Wali (Protector or Helper) is Allaah, His Messenger, and the believers, – those who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, and they bow down (submit themselves with obedience to Allaah in prayer). And whosoever takes Allaah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of Allaah will be the victorious. (Al-Ma`idah, ayat 55-56)

The believers are merciful among themselves and forceful (severe) against the disbelievers:

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise). (Al-Fat-H, ayah 29)

Ways Muslims show love for the kufaar [aoodhoobillaah!]

Today, many Muslims sadly show love for the kufaar by:

1- Imitating their dress, speech (including jargons, except if necessary), manners, customs, shaving beards, growing mustaches, eating and drinking.

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever imitates the manners of a people is one of them.”

2- Residing in non-Muslim territories permanently without making Hijrah.

Allaah says: Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell – What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. For these there is hope that Allaah will forgive them, and Allaah is Ever Oft Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. (An-Nisa`, ayat 97-99)

Excused are those who are weak and those in charge of da’wah

3- Travelling to non-Muslim countries for pleasure.

4- Supporting kufaar against Muslims, which is a prelude to apostasy.

5- Relying on them, trusting them, taking them as advisors. They are allies to one another and seek to harm Islam. It is haram to employ them in jobs, through which they may reveal secrets.

O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand. Lo! You are the ones who love them but they love you not, and you believe in all the Scriptures [i.e. you believe in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), while they disbelieve in your Book, the Qur`an]. And when they meet you, they say, “We believe”. But when they are alone, they bite the tips of their fingers at you in rage. Say: “Perish in your rage. Certainly, Allaah knows what is in the breasts (all the secrets).” If a good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some evil overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun, not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allaah surrounds all that they do. (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 118-120)

O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya’ to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Dhalimun (polytheists and wrong­doers and unjust). (Al-Ma`idah, ayah 51)

6- Adopting their calendar, which is innovated and has matters of kufr. [Note: their months are named after false Greek "gods".]

7- Participating in or congratulating them on their celebrations.

And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. (Al-Furqan, ayah 72)

8- Applauding kufaar, highly estimating their civilization, proud of them, overlooking their false conviction.

Do not long for splendor of dunya:

And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to various groups of them (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah), the splendour of the life of this world that We may test them thereby. But the provision (good reward in the Hereafter) of your Lord is better and more lasting. (Ta-Ha, ayah 131)

Muslims should compete in extracting benefits of nature, and Muslims should retain all natural sources of power:

And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allaah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allaah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allaah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly. (Al-Anfal, ayah 60)

Say (O Muhammad): “Who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allaah, which He has produced for his slaves, and At-Taiyibat [all kinds of Halal (lawful) things] of food?” Say: “They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) exclusively for them (believers) on the Day of Resurrection (the disbelievers will not share them).” Thus We explain the Ayat (Islamic laws) in detail for people who have knowledge. (Al-A’raf, ayah 32)

Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allaah,” and thereafter Istaqamu (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allaah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Al-Ahqaf, ayah 13)

He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then He Istawa (rose over) towards the heaven and made them seven heavens and He is the All-Knower of everything. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 29)

9- Adopting names of kufaar.

10- Seeking mercy and forgiveness for kufaar (this shows love for them). [Note: the only du'aa a Muslim can make for kufaar is du'aa for guidance.]

It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allaah’s Forgiveness for the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief). (At-Tawbah, ayah 113)

Ways Muslims show love for the believers

Here are ways Muslims can show love for the believers:

1- Hijrah to Muslim territories, and leaving non-Muslim countries.

Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell – What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. For these there is hope that Allaah will forgive them, and Allaah is Ever Oft Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. (An-Nisa`, ayat 97-99)

2- Supporting Muslims and aiding them with one’s soul, wealth and tongue in whatever they need.

The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (At-Tawbah, ayah 71)

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allaah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad), you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allaah is the All-Seer of what you do. (Al-Anfal, ayah 72)

3- Sharing Muslims’ delight and distress.

Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “The similitude of the believers…is the same as one body…if any part feels pain, then the whole body…” and “A believer to one another is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.” (Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then clasped his hands [in demonstration].)

4- Being sincere to the believers and wishing all good for them.

A Muslim must not swindle or cheat his Muslim brothers. Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “None of you will have complete faith until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.” Also other hadith show that a Muslim should not despise his brother (serious evil), desert him (in time of need), hand him over to an oppressor, turn away from him, evil transactions.

5- Respecting them and regarding them in high esteem.

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked", etc.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Dhalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). (Al-Hujurat, ayah 11) O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (Al-Hujurat, ayah 12)

6- A Muslim must aid his Muslim brothers at the time of affluence and distress. Hypocrites only show sympathy in times of ease.

And that Allaah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers. (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 141)

7- Frequently visiting the believers and meeting them. Allaah loves those who visit only for Allaah’s sake.

8- A Muslim should fulfill his obligations toward his Muslim brothers. A Muslim should not enter into a transaction already agreed upon by others.

9- A Muslim must treat his weak brothers with kindness.

And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. (Al-Kahf, ayah 28)

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded us to show mercy to [the] weak. Prophet: “You gain no victory or livelihood except through (the blessings and du’aa of poor and weak) amongst you.”

10- Making du’aa for believers and asking forgiveness for them.

So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaaha ill-Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allaah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes). (Muhammad, ayah 19)

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. (Al-Hashr, ayah 10)

[Shaikh Fawzaan added as a note that although we do not befriend kufaar, we do indeed maintain relations, do justice, do business with them in a just and kind way. We do not take them as allies, otherwise dissension will result.]

Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity. (Al-Mumtahinah, ayah 8)

But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. (Luqman, ayah 15)

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allaah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad), you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allaah is the All-Seer of what you do. (Al-Anfal, ayah 72)

And those who disbelieve are allies to one another, (and) if you (Muslims of the whole world collectively) do not do so (protect one another), there will be Fitnah (wars, battles, polytheism, etc.) and oppression on earth, and a great mischief and corruption (appearance of polytheism). (Al-Anfal, ayah 73)