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

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)

Rectifying The Hearts

Asalamu alikum

Rectifying The Hearts
by Shaikh Muhammad bin ‘Abdillaah al-Imaam (hafidhahullaah)

After khutbat al-hajjah, the shaikh said:

O Muslims, this khutbah is about the circumstances of mankind, the circumstances of the hearts of mankind in front of the Lord of all that exists, [on] a Day when mankind will meet Allaah. And He is the One Who called and invited us to all warn and admonish ourselves from that which we are about to hear of matters of the utmost importance.

The first matter is that the righteous actions of the limbs will not be sufficient – and [will be] of no use – unless the actions are flowing from a righteous heart. So whenever, the heart is unrighteous, then there is neither reliance nor any consideration of the actions of the limbs, whose exterior appears to be righteous.

Imams Bukhari and Muslim recorded from the hadeeth of Nu’man ibn Basheer that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

Verily within the body is a morsel of flesh. Whenever it is sound, the whole body will be righteous and sound. And whenever it becomes corrupted, then the whole body will become corrupted. It is the heart.

And the second matter is that the wicked actions of the heart, and those hearts that oppose the legislation of Allaah are greater (and worse) than the actions of the limbs that oppose the legislation of Allaah. Our Lord says, informing us of the hearts of the disbelievers and the munafiqeen (hypocrites):

O you who believe! Do not take as advisors and consultants (and friends) those outside your religion (disbelievers 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… (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 118)

And Allaah ‘azza wa jall’s statement that was mentioned – but what their breasts conceal is far worse – means that it is (worse) than their outward actions of disbelief (polytheism, associating partners with Allaah ‘azza wa jall) and all types of treachery. And in spite of this, their evil and disbelieving and polytheistic actions of the heart are greater than that which they manifest on their limbs. And like this, as well as anyone who conceals in his heart evil, so his evil which lies within his heart is (far) greater than the evil which he manifests on his limbs.

And the third matter, and it is an important and great matter, which is necessary for every Muslim – male and female – to learn, indeed it is that Allaah will make apparent the actions of the heart concerning good and evil deeds on the Day of Judgement.

Then the person who has a wicked heart will be disgraced in front of all of humanity, all of creation! Hence, the actions of the heart – that which angers Allaah and wages war against Allaah, and no one is able to be aware of that except for Allaah ‘azza wa jall – will be present on the Day of Resurrection.

That person will be disgraced.

How many people in the dunya think it will be easier (more likely) to have the earth swallow him up than people becoming aware of his evil intentions, his corrupted goals. And suddenly, on the Day of Resurrection, he will be disgraced before all of creation.

Hence, from here o Muslims, we are in an urgent and desperate need to know the circumstances of the one who will meet Allaah ‘azza wa jall and (that person’s) heart had already been corrupted. And some of the diseases which penetrated his heart from that which entered upon it.

The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book:

And does he not know that when the contents of the graves are brought out and poured forth (all mankind is resurrected). And that which is in the breasts (of men) shall be made known. Verily, that Day (Day of Resurrection) their Lord will be Well-Acquainted with them. (Al-’Adiyat, ayat 9-11)

The shahid (reference point) is the statement of Allaah ‘azza wa jall: And that which is in the breasts (of men) shall be made known. And the meaning of that is: it will be made apparent, and will be gathered – whatever is in the breast of mankind, pertaining to what it concealed and kept secret. Afterwards, those things will become apparent on the Day of Resurrection. On the person’s pages. On the pages on his neck (with) which he will carry his sins and crimes on the Last Day.

The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book:

The Day when all the secrets will be examined, then man will have no power, nor any helper. (At-Tariq, ayat 9-10)

The meaning of examining the secrets (ikhtibaar a saraair) is that Allaah will inspect and scrutinize the hearts. The inspection of the hearts on the Day of Resurrection is not the inspection of the eyes, nor is it the inspection of the ears, nor the limbs. It is only an inspection of the hearts, which was a vessel for many deeds – either good or bad.

Therefore – there on the Day of Resurrection – the hearts will be scrutinized. Allaah will inspect them, and He will make manifest what lies therein of what was concealed in this dunya.

Woe to whosoever’s heart will be examined on the Day of Resurrection, and his heart had embraced evil and immoralities and corruptions that Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala has knowledge of. This examining will be crucial on the Day of Resurrection, when the person will be disgraced, and his secrets will be exposed. So that it will become disgraceful, bare and apparent for all of creation to see.

The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book:

That Day shall you be brought to Judgement, not a secret of you will be hidden. (Al-Haqqah, ayah 18)

Who will the deeds be displayed before? They will be displayed before The Knower of the undisclosed and secret conversations, The One Who has knowledge of whatever is throughout the heavens and the earth. [They will be displayed] before The One Who not a single secret is concealed from Him. [They will be displayed] before The One Who knows what the souls whisper. The display of deeds will be before Him on that Day. The apparent and secret deeds will be made laid open to Him.

Likewise, the Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book:

And warn them (O Muhammad) of the Day that is drawing near (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), when the hearts will be choking the throats, and they can neither return them (hearts) to their chests nor can they throw them out. There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Dhalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), who could be given concern to. Allaah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal. And Allaah judges with truth… (Ghafir, ayat 18-20)

Meaning, He will judge the eye of what it betrayed. He will judge the heart, the breast, which concealed that which angered Allaah, the Lord of all that exists. He will judge with truth.

So look at the circumstances of those individual’s hearts, which were filled with diseases and illnesses and sicknesses, hence the state of these hearts on the Day of Resurrection is that of discomfort, alarm, dread… It’s better that the heart will tear out of its place, due to the severity of the horror on the Day of Resurrection. Hence, the Noble Verse says:

And warn them (O Muhammad) of the Day that is drawing near (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), when the hearts will be choking the throats, meaning the hearts had reached their throats. What made the hearts reach their throats? Dread on the Day. [Dread] of what? Dread of the circumstances from that Day. Dread of its severities. Dread of the humiliations of shameful things, and dread of the deeds, which these wicked hearts had done. And suddenly, the heart’s circumstances will change to become what you have just heard.

And Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala says:

There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Dhalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), who could be given concern to. Allaah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal.

The meaning of the verse is that anything that the hearts have concealed, it will become apparent on that Day. And the person will be disgraced on that day. And he will be called to account on that day, if he meets Allaah with that.

The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book, informing us about His righteous servants:

Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the Remembrance of Allaah (with heart and tongue), nor from performing As-Salat, nor from giving the Zakat. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection). (An-Nur, ayah 37)

The hearts will toss and turn from the intensity of the horrors. There is no safety on that Day, for the hearts which did not ensure the future, that they did not ensure safety for themselves on that tremendous Day. Hence, the pious believer will never be content [in this world, fearing] that he will be from those who will be disgraced. Among those whose circumstances will be exposed, and his evil made apparent to the cration and humanity.

How many people had good opinion of the dunya, and had confidence in the dunya…and did not notice what was in their soul, what was in their hearts from that which will anger Allaah, the Lord of all that exists. Hence, they will see it on the Day of Resurrection. Perhaps, many of them will be disgraced. Many of them will be pushed away and made distant from Allaah.

Therefore, these are the circumstances of the hearts on that Day, (hearts) which will be resurrected and will meet the Lord of all that exists with that which angers Him subhanahu wa ta’aala. How numerous are the corruptions and diseases which creep into our hearts? Moreover, diseases of the heart are very dangerous upon the person. Therefore, whoever does not hasten to rectify his heart, then he will meet Allaah ‘azza wa jall with a heart that has been filled with illnesses and diseases, which Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala has made unlawful.

For this reason, o brothers in Islam, I will mention to you all some examples of the one whose heart has embraced some evil. And no one knows except for Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala.

The deceitful person who intends treachery toward someone by killing him or by snatching his wealth, or hitting him, or double-crossing him in his religion. What is important is how numerous or what some people will aspire to evil, by way of deceit. Its origin is an action of the heart, and it is that the person intends and makes up in his mind to do some evil act in secret and concealed manner so that he will not be humiliated or his matter will not be made public to the people.

Let us listen to one example from the circumstances of these individuals. Imams Bukhari and Muslim recorded from the hadeeth of Abu Bakrata that the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, When two Muslims encounter each other with swords, the murderer and the slain one are both in the hellfire. So I said, o Messenger of Allaah. This murderer (he entered the hellfire properly so). So what is the matter with the one who was slain? What is his case? His soul was snatched, and because of this he was wronged. So how will he enter the hellfire? He (the Prophet) said, “Because he was eager to kill his companion.”

He was eager, his eagerness was in his heart. He was waiting for an opportunity to double-cross his brother. Hence, that brother carried out and killed him, therefore that eagerness which was in his heart tested him and it was the reason for him entering the hellfire.

O servants of Allaah, how numerous is what some of the people strive to do in these ways that have evil consequences upon the people who do this whether they realize it or not, in the dunya as well as the hereafter.

So how many individuals tread on this path of deceit and trickery while thinking that he will not be disgraced in the dunya, hence he will be humiliated in the dunya – even after some time passes. Then, he will be disgraced on the Day of the meeting with Allaah, Lord of all that exists, subhanahu wa ta’aala.

So o Muslim, cleanse your heart. Do not intend anything except for good. Do not love or like or incline toward anything except that which is good. And do not reply with anything except for good. And do not seek for anything except for the good.

And whenever you argue and dispute with the people, then do not ever be content that you tread [transgress] to obtain your haqq (your right), or that you aid yourself to enter a path that Allaah made unlawful for you from outrage, oppression, deceit and destruction.

It comes from the hadeeth narrated by ‘A`ishah and ‘Abdullaah ibn Zubair (radiallaahu ‘anhum) and others that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Al-Eeman binds destruction. Meaning whosever’s Eeman is strengthened, then he will not kill the people, nor will he mislead them or act dishonest toward them, or act immoral to them, or steal their wealth in a cunning way, or other than that, because he fears Allaah (Who is) observing him.

Therefore, look at the one who will meet Allaah and he only has this action among the actions of the heart. How would the case be? If his heart was filled with wicked deeds, evil intentions, destructive goals.. How will be his circumstances?

Another example about this matter.

Our Lord says in His Noble Book:

Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allaah knows and you know not.
(An-Nur, ayah 19)

He – Allaah – has knowledge of the hearts that like abominations and evil deeds, although the hearts do not show it and although they did not show these abominations. Except that He – Allaah – has knowledge of what is within the hearts of having love and liking abominations and evil.

Therefore, whoever meets Allaah while liking some abominations and some detestable things, then he will be punished in the hereafter. You have [just] heard the verse, what Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala said:

They will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter.

Thus, it should be dreaded for you that He subhanahu wa ta’aala will punish and humiliate you on that Day. Thus, o slaves of Allaah, supplicate to Allaah ‘azza wa jall that He mends your heart for you.

So you do not be content that you like corruption or wickedness. Yes, this is an enormous evil and a deficiency within you and in your heart when what is requested is that your heart is filled with love of Allaah, glorifying Him, fearing Him, [knowing] He is observing you.

Therefore, how will this heart become? What you have heard is a resting place and a vessel for liking detestable things and abominations. So cleanse your hearts from these plagues and diseases, and many abominations which those individuals will fall into, having love for it, or having love for some of it. This also, just as you have heard, is from that which will humiliate the slave on the Day of Resurrection. And that will appear on his heart.

As for whoever calls to abominations, fornication, intoxications, stealing, homosexuality and so forth, then his action is more atrocious than that individual who conceals that in his heart and does not act according to that on his limbs.

Likewise, also from the dangerous actions of the heart upon the person on the Day of Resurrection is what comes in the hadeeth of Ibn Mas’ood in Sahih Muslim that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: No one will enter Paradise who has within his heart an atom’s weight of arrogance.

An atom’s weight of arrogance.

So how is the case if the heart is filled with arrogance? If an atom’s weight of arrogance is a cause for being deprived from Paradise and a cause for entering the hellfire, then how much for the one whose heart is filled and overwhelming with arrogance? Refuge in Allaah is sought! Until you can smell the scent of arrogance from his speech, his actions and spending. Therefore, this matter is more dangerous on the Day of Resurrection. And atom’s weight of arrogance will cause his entering the hellfire.

How enormous of what has slipped out of our minds, and caused us to be heedless of mending our hearts. Then it is possible that this chronic disease – arrogance – is within us, and refuge in Allaah is sought from that. Or a portion of arrogance, and refuge in Allaah is sought. So cleanse your heart, if you want to know that Allaah has assisted you against your heart.

So because of that, you cleansed it – your heart – of arrogance. Hence, you will know that from the way that you accept the truth, the lack of your opposition against the truth, the absence of annoyance in your heart from the truth. Your heart is open toward the truth. It desires the truth, loves to aspire to and attain the truth.

Hence when the heart becomes just as you have heard, then your heart is upon good. For this reason, the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

Arrogance is to reject the truth and to belittle the people.

Therefore, when you do not look down on the people, you don’t mock them, nor establish yourself to be exalted over them and superior over them, you only have compassion for the people, to be friendly toward them, to be kind to the people, and that you stay clear of the evil of the people, and the fitan, the trials accompanied by the people. So, if you are like this – you are friendly to them – then you are upon good.

And how abundant are the diseases of the hearts, the diseases that we fear we may meet Allaah with? If that is the case, then we will not have success on that Day. [End of first khutbah]

As to proceed: o believers in Islam, from the principles of mending the hearts and meeting Allaah – the Lord of all that exists – with it is what comes in al-Bazaar and others that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

Allaah said: I swear by My Might and My Majesty that I will not gather for My slave two securities and two fears. Hence, if he feels safe from Me in the dunya, then I will fill him with fear on the Day that I will gather My slaves. And if he fears Me in the dunya, then I will grant him safety and security on a Day that I will gather My slaves.

Therefore, fearing Allaah (Who is) observing you and fearing Allaah by way of having knowledge of Him, these are a basis towards all good. And for this reason, the ‘ulemma (scholars) said in an explanation of a person fearing (having khawf for) Allaah and in an explanation of the word khawf: it is he who has made up his mind to do an act of disobedience and then afterwards, he remembers Allaah, he then refrains from disobedience.

The one who fears Allaah is the one who remembers Allaah, then hastens to leave off acts of disobedience. He avoids it. He stands distant from it. He responds to the call of Allaah tabarak wa ta’aala. He fulfills the religious duties that Allaah, the Lord of all that exists, has placed upon him. Therefore, the person who lives in the dunya, fearing Allaah, knowing that Allaah is always observing him, fearing the chastisement of Allaah, hoping for Allaah’s mercy and compassion. It is hoped on that Day that (this slave’s) heart will be amongst those hearts that will be saved and rescued, because of Allaah’s mercy.

For this reason, Allaah says in His Noble Book:

But for him who fears the standing before his Lord, there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). (Ar-Rahman, ayah 46) Meaning the one who fears the standing before Allaah, (fearing) the hisab (the accounting) on the Day of Reckoning. The one who fears this meeting and remains consistently fearing that his reckoning will be bad – that Allaah will hold him to account severely and intensly. And by the Permission of Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala, he will be rescued on that day, a Day when the liars will be ruined, a Day when the oppressors will bite their hands, a Day when the excuses of the oppressors will not be of any use to them; they will have a curse placed upon them, and they will have an abode of evil and wickedness.

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The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book, informing what Ibrahim (‘alaihi salaam) said to Allaah Subhanahu wa ta’aala:

And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, Except him who brings to Allaah a clean (undamaged) heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaaq (hypocrisy)]. (Ash-Shu’ara, ayat 87-89)

Except him who brings to Allaah a clean (undamaged) heart.

We beg Allaah that He mends and rectifies our hearts.

The scholars have said concerning the words a clean (undamaged) heart in the tafseer:

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It is a heart which is devoid and protected from diseases and illnesses.

The Lord of all that exists said in His Noble Book:

And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun, not far off. (Qaf 50, ayah 31)

This is what has been promised to everyone who returns to Allaah and repents, and preserves the rights of Allaah.

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So look at your hearts. Is it returning to Allaah in repentance and (returning to) the truth? Is it devoted to Allaah, hoping for the mercy and compassion of Allaah? Is it fearing the punishment of Allaah?

O slaves of Allaah! The hearts are blazing with envy, blazing with hatred, hypocrisy, Ar-riyaa` (showing off), amazement with oneself, arrogance, being delusional, and having a liking or love for forbidden desires and detestable deeds. The hearts are burning with desires for the dunya, desiring for angering The Creator – Allaah!

It comes in the hadeeth narrated by ‘A`ishah (radiallaahu ‘anha) in at-Tirmidhee and Abu Na’eem that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Whoever seeks to please Allaah by displeasing the people, Allaah will be pleased with him and cause the people to be pleased with him. And whoever seeks to please the people by displeasing Allaah, Allaah will be displeased with him and cause the people to be displeased with him.

Wanting to please the people – this is among the actions of the heart. So you will see your Muslim brother doing an act of good, similar to that which you were doing; however if there lies in his heart to do some harm to such and such person by way of this good deed, then that person will be amongst the losers on the Last Day.

Some of the people are pleased with the people who do evil. Their desire is to harm the people. This sin of his is greater than the one who falls into evil while not desiring the people’s contentment. Yes, his soul is inclined toward evil in inviting him to it until he fell into that. Therefore, be cautious of these diseases and trials.

Allaah says regarding a people who neglect their hearts, people whom Allaah did not want their hearts to be cleansed:

Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allaah is not unaware of what you do. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 85)

Therefore, we should hasten to rectify and mend our hearts, and we have discovered a path towards that. And we should not delay. If this is the circumstance of the one who meets Allaah with some of the diseases within his heart, so how then is the case of the one who meets Allaah and his heart has already become sick and ill from shirk, liking acts of shirk, superstition, magic, those who predict the future by using the stars. In addition, they like them and their actions, or he likes the atheist who curses the Deen of Islam, who curses Allaah, who curses the Messenger of Allaah. They speak evil about the legislation of Islam. Yes, how will his circumstance be if he loves the Jews and the Christians? Aoodhubillaah!

How numerous and abundant are the corruptions within the hearts of some of the Muslims? Therefore, I call myself and my believing brothers to hasten to rectify our hearts.

The hearts are corrupted by many things. And among them are the mixing of evil deeds with good deeds, and among them are listening to the speech of the wicked and evil people on television (and satelite), reading newspapers which pollute, sicken and destroy what you have kept safe and maintained in your hearts.

O slave of Allaah! You have one heart. It can only contain good or evil. You are not able to gather within your heart good and evil at the same time. The heart cannot bear this. And He, The Most High, said in His Noble Book:

Allaah has not put for any man two hearts inside his body. (Al-Ahzab, ayah 4)

Hence, some of the people think that they can take from the good and evil like this. They think that this is smart. They think that this is understanding of the matters related to good and evil. And they think that this way has superceeded those who want to rectify their hearts, and those individuals who stay away from those things that will ruin his heart.

Allaahumma nas`aluka huda wa tuqqa wal ‘afaafa wal ghina (O Allaah, we ask you for guidance and piety and well-being and sifficiency.)