Islamic Books

Here is a book 33 LESSONS Compiled By Abdul Aziz Saleh Al-Shomar.

33 LESSONS

Compiled By Abdul Aziz Saleh Al-Shomar
PART 1:
Lesson 1:

THE MEANING OF THE TESTIMONY OF FAITHTHE MEANING OF
“LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH , MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH”
AND CONDITIONS OF “LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH.”
THE MEANING OF THE TESTIMONY OF FAITH
The testimony (LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH) comprises two concepts:
Denial and Affirmation.

FIRST:

The testimony of faith denies the attribute of divinity to anyone and anything other than Allah - the Exalted. All those other than Allah, such as the angels, the Prophets, and the rest of Mankind, let alone the idols and the political regimes in the world, are not gods and thus don’t deserve to be worshipped. Therefore, denial in this respect is not denial of the existence of the alleged gods, rather the denial of divinity which is attributed to them.

SECOND:

The testimony of faith affirms and restricts divinity to Allah alone. That is, the slave must believe that Allah is the only true God, and accordingly dedicate no act of worship to any, other than Allah.

THE MEANING OF MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH:

A confession with your tongue but a heartfelt belief, “O Allah! I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is Your Messenger.” That means that none has the right to be followed after Allah, but the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as he is the Last of His Messengers. As Allah said:
“Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is not the father on any man amongst you but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets and Allah is Ever All Aware of everything.” (V.33:40)
“And whatsoever the Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him) gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (V.59:7)
And Allah said:
“Say (O Muhammad) (to mankind) ‘if you (really) love Allah, then follows me’.” (V.3:31)
As for the others than Muhammad (Peace be upon him) their statements are to be taken or rejected as to whether these are in accordance with Allah’s Book (i.e. the Quran) or with the Sunnah (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements etc.,) of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), or not.

CONDITIONS OF “LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH”

1. Knowledge, which consists of recognizing Allah as the only true God to Whom worship must be dedicated, and denouncing all gods worshipped beside Allah as false, and that they can neither extend benefit nor cause harm.
2. Certainty that the belief in Allah must be unblemished with any doubt.
3. Acceptance: That is, to accept all the conditions of the declaration.
4. Submission: That is, to fulfill its conditions submissively and willingly being content with Allah as the Rabb (only Lord) and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as His last Prophet and Messenger.
5. Truthfulness: That is, to fulfill its requirements truthfully.
6. Sincerity: That is, to be sincere in worshipping Allah, dedicating all acts of worship to Him alone.
7. The love of Allah - the Exalted, and the love of His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and the love of Allah’s devotees and the people of His obedience, which means love of all Muslims.

Finally it should be borne in mind that Allah must be obeyed, by following His commands and refraining from His prohibitions. Obedience to Allah must be associated with loving Him, fearing His punishment, and hoping for His reward, seeking His forgiveness and adhering to the teachings of His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - the last of Allah’s Messengers. The Shari’ah (the laws and religious rites) of Muhammad (PBUH) abrogates all other preceding laws and religious rites and this comprises the best of every preceding Shari’ah.

Lesson 2:

HOW TO RECITE

Suratul- Fatiha (The Opening Chapter) 1:

Bis mi-Ilaahir Rahmaanir-Raheem

1. Al Hamdu-Lil-laahi Rabbil- Alameen..
1. All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (Mankind, Jinns and all that exists)..

2. Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheemm
2. The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

3. Maaliki-Yawmi-d-Deen
3. The only owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense. i.e. the day of Resurrection..

4. Iyyaaka na’budu wa Iyyaaka Nastha ’een 4. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help (for each and everything.)

5.Ih-dhinas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem
5. Guide us to the Straight Way..

6. Siraat-al-ladheena an’amta alaihim, Ghayr-il-maghdubi 6. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger (such as the Jews), nor those who went astray (such as the Christians).

Surat Al-Ikhlas or At-Tauheed (The Purity) CXII

Bis mi-Ilaahir Rahmanir-Raheem

1.Qul- Huwallaahu Ahad
1. Say [O Muhammad (Pbuh)] : 2. Allaahus-Samadh
2. Allah is As-Samad (The self sufficient Master, whom all creatures need. He neither eats nor drinks.)

3. Lam Yalid walam youlad
3. He begets not, nor was He begotten.

4. Walam yakun lahu kufuwan Ahadh
4. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.

Surat Al-Falaq (The Day Break) Bis mi-Ilaahir Rahmaanir-Raheem

1. Qul- Aoothu-be-Rab-bil-Falaq
1. Say I seek refuge (with Allah) the Lord of the Day break

2. Min-shar-ri-maa-khalaq
2. From the evil of what He has created.

3. Wa-min-shar-ri ghaasiqin ithaa waqab.
3. And from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness, (or the moon as it sets or goes away).

4. Wa-min-shar-rin-naffaathaati-fil uqad.
4. And from the evil of the witchcrafts, when they blow on the knots.

5. Wa-min-shar-ri-haasidin-idhahasad.
5. And from the evil of the envier when he envies.

Surat-Al-Nas (The Mankind) Bis mi-Ilaahir Rahmaanir-Raheem

1. Qhul- Aoothu-be-Rab-bin-naas
1. Say I seek refuge (with Allah) the Lord of the mankind.

2. Malikin –naas.
2. The King of mankind.

3. Ilaah-in-naas
3. The “Ilah” (God) of mankind.

4. Min-shar-ril-waswaas-ilkhannaass
4. From the evil of the whisperer (devil who whispers evil in the heart of men) who withdraws when one remembers Allah.

5. Al-ladhee-you-waswisu fee sudoorin-naas
5. Who whispers in the breasts of mankind.

6. Min-al-jinnati wan-naas
6. Of Jinns and men.

This section is only for the beginners in order to help them in their daily prayers. However, it is strongly advised that new Muslims learn how to pronounce the Qur'anic verses from a teacher.

Lesson 3:

THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM:

According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam is based on the following five pillars:

1. To testify that there is no true God but Allah and that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His last Messenger and the seal (last) of prophets.

2. To perform prayers (5 times a day)

3. To pay zakat (Charity-poor due once a year).

4. To fast during the month of Ramadhan.

5. To perform hajj (Pilgrimage - Once in a lifetime, if one capable).

Lesson 4:

THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF IMAN (FAITH)

To believe in:

1. Allah

2. His Angels

3. His revealed Books

4. His Messengers

5. The Day of Resurrection

6. Al-Qadr; Whatever Allah has ordained must come to pass (In other words, fate and destiny).

Lesson 5:

TAUHEED (ISLAMIC MONOTHEISM) Tauheed (Islamic Monotheism) has three aspects:

1. Oneness of the Lordship of Allah- “Tauheed ar-Rububiyya”. To believe that, there is only one Lord for all the universe, its Creator, Organizer, Planner, Sustainer and Giver of Security etc., and that is Allah.

2. Oneness of the worship of Allah - “Tauheed al-Uluhiyya”. To believe that none has the right to be worshipped {e.g. by praying, invoking, asking for help (from the unseen), swearing, slaughtering sacrifices, giving charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage etc.,} but Allah.

3. Oneness of the Names and the Qualities of Allah, “TauheeduI-Asma-was-sifaat”. To believe that:
   i. We must not name or qualify Allah except with what He or His Messenger (Peace be upon him) has named or qualified Him.
   ii. None deserve to be named or qualified with the definitive Names or Attributes of Allah; e.g. Al-Karim (Most Generous).
   iii. We must confirm all of Allah’s Attributes which Allah has stated in His Book (the Quran) or mentioned through His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him), without changing them or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or giving resemblance to any of the created things. {e.g. Allah is present over His Throne, as mentioned in the Quran Ch.20:V5:

The Most Beneficent (Allah) “Istawa” (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne, over the seventh Heaven; and He only comes down over the first (nearest) Heaven to us on the Day of ‘Arafat’ (i.e. the 9th of Dhul Hijjah), and also during the last third part of the night as mentioned by the Prophet (Peace be upon him), but He is with us by His Knowledge only, not by His Personal-Self (Bi- Dhaatihi).

There is nothing like unto Him and He is All-Hearer, the All-Seer. (Ch.42:V.11) This Holy verse confirms the quality of hearing and the quality of the sight of Allah without any resemblance to others.

Likewise He (Azza Wa Jalla) also said, “ To one whom I have created with Both My Hands”. (Ch.38:V75)

And He also Said, “The Hand of Allah is over their hands”. (Ch.48: V10)

This confirms two Hands for Allah, but there is no resemblance to them. This is the faith of all true believers, and was the faith of all the Prophets of Allah, from Noah, Abraham Moses and Jesus till the last of the Prophets Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is not like as some people think that Allah is present here, there and everywhere. This is not true. Allah tells us that He is above the heavens, over His Throne.

These three aspects of Tauheed are included in the meaning of “LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH ” (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

It is essential to follow Allah’s Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him): “Wujub-Al- Ittiba” and it is part of Tauheed al Uluhiyya.

This is included in the meaning, “I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is Allah’s Messenger, and this means, “None has the right to be followed after Allah’s Book (the Quran), but Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him). See Quran Ch.59:V.7 and Ch.3:V.31.

Lesson 6:

SHIRK (ASSOCIATION OF OTHERS WITH ALLAH IN WORSHIP)

Shirk is divided into two categories:

1. MAJOR SHIRK (MAJOR POLYTHEISM)

It necessitates the failure of deeds and remaining forever in the Hell-fire as per Qur’anic account.

“But if they have joined in worship others with Allah, what they used to do would have been of no benefit to them”. Ch.6: V.88..

Allah says, “It is not for the Mushrikun (polytheist, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah), to maintain the Mosques of Allah (i.e. to pray and worship Allah therein, to look after their cleanliness and their building etc.,), while they witness against their own selves of disbelief. The works of such are in vain and in Fire shall they abide. Ch.9 V.17.

Whoever dies in a state of Shirk, will not be forgiven and will not be allowed into Paradise, pursuant to God saying, “ Verily Allah forgives not (the sign of) setting up partners in worship with Him but He forgives, whom He Pleases, sins other than that.” Ch.4: V.116 and Allah says: “ Verily whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah then Allah Has Forbidden Paradise for him and the Fire will be his abode; and for the Thalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers.” Ch.5: V.72.

Shirk categorized under this type includes calling those who are dead, praying to idols for help and for relief, pledging to them and offering animals for slaughter as a sign of obedience to them etc.,

2. MINOR SHIRK (MINOR POLYTHEISM) It is the type proved by the texts of Quran and Sunnah to be called Shirk, but it is not categorized under Major Shirk. Such as, hypocrisy in some deeds, to swear by those other than Allah and saying Allah Will and so and so will, and the like.

Following are some pertinent Hadeeths of our Prophet (Peace be upon him).

“What I fear most for you is the Minor Shirk”. When asked what is Minor Shirk, he said “Disguised Shirk”. Reported by Mahmoud ibn Labeed al Ansari (RAL) and narrated by Imam Ahmed, At- Tabrani, and Al-Bayhaqi.

“He who swore by something other than Allah shall be regarded as Mushrik.” Reported by Umar ibn al-Khatab (RAL) and narrated by Ahmed.

‘He who swore by other than Allah had fallen in Kufr or Shirk” reported by Ibn Umar (RAL) and narrated by Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi.

“Do not say Allah wills (ordains), and so and so (too) wills, but say that Allah wills (ordains), and then so and so wills.” Reported by Huthayfah ibn al Yaman (RAL) and narrated by Abu Dawood.

This type of Shirk (i.e. Minor Shirk) does not necessitate apostasy of remaining in Hell fire, but it lacks the perfection of the obligatory Tauheed.

DISGUISED SHIRK:

Disguised Shirk may fall into both types i.e. Major Shirk and minor Shirk. It may fall in the major Shirk such as ‘the Shirk of hypocrites’, because they conceal their bad faith and pretend to be Muslims to cover themselves. Disguised Shirk may also fall in the category of minor Shirk such as “Riya“, (to do good deeds or beautify them to be seen by men) as stated in the following Hadeeth of Mahmoud ibn Labeed al Ansaari (RAL)

Its proof is the saying of Prophet (Peace be upon him). “ May I tell you of what I fear very much, that might harm you more than Al-Masih aad-Dajjal?” (the False Messiah) The audience said, “Yes, Prophet of Allah”. He said, “The disguised Shirk...when a man gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer, because people are looking at him.” reported by Abi Sa’eed al Khudri and narrated by Imam Ahmed in his Musnad.

May Allah Grant us the success in escaping from these dangers.

Lesson 7:

TO WEAR A RING, TWINE, OR ANYTHING SIMILAR FOR PROTECTION FROM OR REMOVAL OF HARM OR AFFLICTION, IS AN ACT OF SHIRK:

Allah the Almighty said: “Say: Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, - if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy? Say: Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust.” (Ch 39:V38)

Imran bin Husain (r.a.) narrated: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) once saw a man with a brass ring on his hand and asked him, “What is this?” The man replied, “To overcome the weakness of old age.” He said, “Remove it, for, it can only add to your weakness. Should death overtake you while you are wearing it, you would never succeed.” [This Hadeeth was recorded by Ahmad (bin Hanbal) (r.a.) with a good chain of narrators.]

He also recorded in a Marfu’ Hadeeth (tradition traced to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself): Uqbah bin Aamir (r.a.) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever wears a talisman or an amulet would never see his wish fulfilled by Allah. And whoever hangs a sea shell would never get peace and rest.”

In another version the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Whoever wears a talisman has committed Shirk (polytheism).

” Ibn Abi Hatim reported about Hudhaifah (r.a.): He saw a man with a piece of twine on his hand (as protection or cure from fever) so he cut the twine and read the verse: “Most of them believe in Allah and still practice Shirk (polytheism).” (Ch12: V106).

Important issues of the Lesson:

It is strictly forbidden to wear rings, twines and the like seeking protection.

If, even the Companions had died wearing such a thing, they would not have succeeded (in the Hereafter). This is a confirmation to the statement of the companions that minor Shirk is greater (worse) than major sins.

Ignorance was no excuse.

Wearing any such adornment will not benefit this life. Indeed, it is harmful as was stated by the Prophet (Peace be upon him): “It will do nothing except increase weakness.”

The intense disapproval and censure of who ever does such a deed.

The declaration that whoever attaches something to himself, will have that thing put in charge of him.

The declaration that whoever wears an amulet has committed Shirk.

Hudhaifah’s recital of the Qur’anic verse is a clear proof that Companions used to recite the verse dealing with the major Shirk to condemn minor Shirk. Ibn Abbas (r.a.) did so, by reciting the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah. (Ch.2:V165)

Seeking cure from fever or relief from evil eye by using talisman, amulets etc. is Shirk.

The curse upon those who use amulets is that their wishes will not be granted by Allah and those who use shells will not get rest nor peace. That is, Allah has left them.

Lesson 8:

RUQA (INCANTATION), TALISMANS AND AMULETS:

Narrated Abu Bashir Al-Ansari (r.a.): He was in the company of Allah’s Messenger on one of his journeys. Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) sent a messenger ordering: “There shall not remain any necklace of bowstring or any other kind of necklace round the necks of camels except it is cut off” (Al- Bukhari and Muslim).

Ibn Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying: Ar-Ruqa, At-Tama’im and At- Tiwalah are all acts of Shirk (Polytheism).” (Musnad Ahmad; Abu Dawood).

Ar-Ruqa or Al-Aza’im is the act of reciting incantations, charm etc. Those are allowed in which there is no trace of Shirk (polytheism). Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has permitted it in case of being bitten by poisonous insects or disturbed under the effect of an evil eye.

At-Tama’im is the act of putting an amulet around the necks of children to protect them from effects of evil eye. If the amulet contains the verse of the Quran or Allah’s Name and Attribute then it is allowed by some predecessors (salaf) though equally disallowed by others too. Ibn Mas’ud (r.a.) was among those who disapproved it.

At-Tiwalah (bewitching) is something done by those who claim they can cause a woman to become more fond of her husband or vice-versa.

Abdallah bin Ukaim narrated the following Marfu’ Hadeeth: “Whoever uses, attaches to himself or wears a talisman, will have that talisman put in charge of him.” (Ahmad & Tirmidhi)

Ruwaifi’ (r.a.) said that Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said to him: “O Ruwaifi! it may be that you will live a longer time after me, so inform people that whoever ties a knot in his beard, places any string or cord around his neck (as a charm), or cleans himself (after toilet) with animal dung or bone, then Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has disowned him (has nothing to do with him).” (Ahmad)

Sa’id bin Jubair said: “Whoever cut an amulet or talisman from anyone, it would be equal to liberating a slave.”

It was Waki’ who recorded it, and he reported from Ibrahim Nakh’i that they used to dislike every type of amulet and talisman whether they contained the verse of Quran or anything else. [They were the companions of Abdullah bin Mas’ud (r.a.)].

Important issue of the Lesson:

All the three above-mentioned acts are considered of Shirk without exception.

Lesson 9:

WHOEVER SEEKS BLESSING THROUGH A TREE, A STONE, ETC:

Allah the Most Exalted said: “Have you then considered Al-Lat and Al-Uzzah”. And Manat (idols of the pagan Arabs) the other third? (Ch53: V19-20):

At-Tirmidhi reported and declared as Sahih (sound), that Abu Waqid Al-Laithi (r.a.) said: We went out with Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) on the campaign to Hunain while we had just left disbelief (Kufr) for Islam. The Mushrikin had a Sidr (lotetree) that they would stay there and hang their arms(weapons) on, called Dhat Anwat. When we passed a Sidr, we asked, “O Messenger of Allah, won’t you make for us another Dhat Anwat just like their Dhat Anwat?” Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said, “Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)! By the one (Allah) Who holds my soul in His hand, verily these are the ways of earlier nations; You have said exactly as Bani Israel said to Musa (Peace be upon him) make for us a god just as their gods.’ He said: “Verily you are a people who know not.’ (Ch.7:V138 Certainly you will follow the ways of those who went before you.)

Important Issues of the Lesson:

The request by the companions (r.a.) (regarding a tree similar to Dhat Anwat).

Their intention was to become closer to Allah by their act, as they thought He would like it.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) rejected their request by saying: “Allahu Akbar, these are the ways of earlier nations, thereby expressing the weightiness of the matter.

If some companions (r.a.) were unaware of the nature of their intended act, it is reasonable to assume that later generations (of much lesser status) are more likely to fall into ignorance.

The negation of this act is in the meanings of “There is no true God except Allah”, which is subtle (Hidden), and this was not perceived by them.

Shirk is of two types, i.e. major and minor because the Companions were not turned apostate due to their request alone. _ It is essential to put an end to all possible ways leading to Shirk (polytheism) and to prohibit any resemblance of people of ignorance (disbelieves).

The Prophet (pbuh) expressed the general tendency of mankind by saying: “These are the ways”.

In every place where Allah has censured the Jews and Christians in the Quran He has also warned us against those deeds.

The one who has moved from falsehood (i.e. became Muslim) and get accustomed to certain beliefs or habits is not totally safe from having remnants of these habits, as is evidenced in the Companions’ words “and we had just left disbelief (Kufr).”

Lesson 10:

SLAUGHTERING FOR OTHER THAN ALLAH:

Allah the Exalted said: “Say : Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslim.” (Ch.6: V162-163)

“Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)”. (Ch.108:V2)

Ali bin Abi Talib said “Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) informed me about four Judgments (of Allah):

1. Allah’s curse is upon the one who slaughters (devoting his sacrifice) anything other than to Allah;

2. Allah’s curse is upon the one who curses his own parents;

3. Allah’s curse is upon the one who shelters heretic (who has brought a Bid’ah in religion);

4. Allah’s curse is upon the one who alters the landmarks (who changes boundary lines).”

Ahmed reports that Tariq bin Shihab narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: “A man entered Paradise because of a fly, and a man entered Hell-fire because of a fly. The Companions asked, “How was that possible O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Two men passed by the people who had an idol by which they would not allow anyone to pass without making sacrifice to it. They ordered one man to make a sacrifice. He said., ‘I have nothing to present as an offering.’ The people told him, ‘Sacrifice something, even if it be a fly.’ So he presented a fly (to their Idol). They opened the way for him, and thus he entered the Hell fire. They said to the other, ‘Sacrifice something.’ He said, ‘I will never sacrifice anything to any other than Allah, Most Majestic and Glorious.’ So they struck his throat and killed him, and so he entered Paradise.”

Important issues of the Lesson:

The curse on those who sacrifice to any other than Allah.

A Curse is upon those who curse their parents (by cursing others’ parents and in turn, the latter curses his parents).

Cursed is the person who shelters the heretic (Muhdith) in religion. That is, a person innovates something that is necessarily only Allah’s right to do and then seeks shelter with someone who assists him in it.

A Curse is upon him who unjustly alters the landmark, i.e. the boundaries that differentiate one person’s land from his neighbor’s, and changes them to encroach upon that land or obstruct it.

The simple but tremendous story of the fly.

The person who presented a fly to the idol went to Hell though not intending to do such an act (beforehand). Indeed, he did it to save himself from the threat of idolaters.

Knowing how hated Shirk is to the hearts of the believers in the case of the man who was patient in facing execution and did not give-in to their demand in spite of the fact that they only demanded an external act from him.

The man who went to Hell-fire was a Muslim. If he had been a disbeliever (Kafir), the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would not have said: “He went to Hell merely for a fly.”

This is a confirmation of the Hadeeth “Paradise is closer than the laces of your shoes and the Hell-fire is likewise.”

The action of the heart crucial, even among the idol worshippers.

Lesson 11:

TO VOW OTHER THAN ALLAH IS AN ACT OF SHIRK:

Allah the Most Exalted said: “They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be Widespread.” (Ch.76: V7)

“And whatever you spend for Charity (for Allah’s cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all.” (Ch.2: V270)

Narrated ‘Aisha (r.a.) that Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever vows that he will be obedient to Allah, he should be obedient to Him, and whoever made a vow that he will disobey Allah, he should not disobey Him.” (Al-Bukhari)

Important issues of the Lesson:

Fulfillment of the vow is obligatory. Since making a vow is an act of worship to Allah, then directing a vow to other than Allah is committing Shirk. Any vow, if based on disobedience (to Allah the Almighty) is not permissible to keep or carry out.

Lesson 12:

TO SEEK REFUGE FROM OTHER THAN ALLAH IS A PART OF SHIRK:

Allah the Most Exalted said: “And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the male Jinns, but they (Jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief.” (Ch.72: V.6)

Khawlah bint Hakim (Ra) said, I heard Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) say: “Whoever goes into a dwelling and says (while entering it): ‘I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from the evil (of those creatures) which He created’, no harm shall befall him until he departs from that place.” (Reported by Muslim)

Important issues of the Lesson:

Seeking refuge from other than Allah is a form of Shirk (Polytheism).

Though it is possible that one can achieve some worldly benefit from a thing such as prevention of harm or evil, or gaining some advantage or good, it does not mean that it (dependence on such) is not Shirk.

The scholars use this Hadeeth to prove that Allah's Words are not created beings because to seek refuge in created things is Shirk.

The superiority of this invocation despite its being short.

Lesson 13:

TO SEEK HELP FROM OTHER THAN ALLAH (ISTIGHATHA) OR TO INVOKE OTHER THAN HIM IS AN ACT OF SHIRK:

Allah the Most Exalted said: “And invoke not beside Allah any that will neither profit you nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Thalimoon (polytheists and wrong doers). And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favours which he causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He wills. And He is the Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Ch.10: V.106-107).

“You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allah (alone) and worship Him (alone) and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.” (Ch.29: V17)

“And who is more astray than who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection; and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind is gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worship of them.” (Ch.46: V.5-6)

“Is not He Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him; and who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any god with Allah? Little is that you remember!” (27:62)

At-Tabarani narrates with his Isnad (chain of the narrators): During the days of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) there was a hypocrite who used to harm the believers. Some of them (the believers) said, “Come (support) with us while we appeal to Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) for assistance against this hypocrite.” The Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied, “Verily, no one should seek to me for assistance. Indeed, it is Allah Who is to be sought for assistance and help.”

Important issues of the Lesson:

It is greater Shirk to call upon any one other than Allah.:

Even the most pious person, if he calls for help from other than Allah, only for the gratification of someone else, he will become one of the Thalimoon (wrongdoers, polytheists).

Calling others for help besides Allah is of no benefit in this world and it leads to disbelief (Kufr).

Requests for sustenance and provision should not be done other than from Allah, just as Paradise can be requested from none other than Him.

There is none more misguided than the one who calls on other than Allah.

To whom the call is made (besides Allah) everyone is unaware of the supplication of the caller; he knows nothing about it.

The call will be the cause for anger and enmity of the one called towards the caller.

The call is regarded as worship of the one called upon.

The one called upon will deny and reject this act of worship towards him (on the Day of Judgment). This is why such a supplicant is the most astray of the people.

Astonishing admission of the idolaters that none relieves the one in distress other than Allah. That is why, even they themselves call upon Him in times of extreme difficulty with utmost religious sincerity.

Lesson 14:

THE CONDEMNATION OF THE ONE WHO WORSHIPS ALLAH AT THE GRAVE OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AND HOW THIS EQUATES TO THE WORSHIP OF MAN:

In the Sahihain (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim), Aisha (r.a.) reported: “Umm Salamah mentioned to Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) that in Abyssinia she saw a church full of pictures and statues. He (Peace be upon him) said: “When a righteous man or pious worshipper among them dies they build a place of worship over his grave and set up all kinds of pictures and statues. They are the worst of all creatures before Allah. They combine the two evils; worshipping at the graves and making graven images and statues.”

Also mentioned in Al-Bukhari and Muslim, that ‘Aisha (r.a.) narrated: “When death approached Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) he began to draw a piece of cloth (bed sheet) over his face, (sometimes covering and sometimes removing because of distress). He (Peace be upon him) said in that state: “Allah’s curse be upon the Jews and the Christians for taking the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”, and warned the people about their actions. Had there not been any fear of making the Prophet’s grave a place of worship, his (Peace be upon him) grave would have been as open as the graves of his Companions (r.a.).”

Muslim reported from Jundub bin Abdallah (r.a.) who narrated: I heard the Prophet (Peace be upon him) say only five days before his death: “I am free and clear towards Allah of having any of you as my Khalil (specially close friend). Verily, Allah has taken me as His Khalil just as He had taken Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) as a Khalil. (If not for this) I would have taken Abu Bakr (r.a.) as a Khalil. Beware of those who preceded before you. They used to make their Prophets’ graves into places of worship, I forbid you to do so.”

He (Peace be upon him) forbade this at the end of his life. After this [prohibition of taking graves as Masjid (place of worship)], he cursed anyone who did any such deed within this context. Prayer at the graves is one of these deeds, even if no Masjid has been built. This is the meaning of his (Peace be upon him) words “He feared (his grave) would be taken as a Masjid”. The Companions never built any places of worship around his grave. Any place which is intended for prayer or where prayer is performed has indeed been taken as a Masjid.

Just as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The whole earth has been made for me a Masjid and it is pure and clean.”

Ahmad has reported a good Sanad that Ibn Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated in a Marfu’ Hadeeth “The Most evil men are those upon whom the (signs of) Hour (of Resurrection) comes while they are still alive, and those who take graves as places of worship (Masaajid)”. [Abu Hatim in his Sahih also reported this.]

Important Issues of the Lesson:

The warning of Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) on the one who builds a mosque to worship Allah near the grave of righteous persons even with a good intention.

Prohibition of statues and likeness and the gravity of the matter.

A lesson in the emphasis of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) on this. How he first explained and clarified the issues (politely), then five days before his death repeating what he said earlier, then how he found at the time of his death what was previously said insufficient in the context.

Prophet (Peace be upon him) strongly prohibited the turning of his grave into Masjid even before it had come into existence.

It was the practice of the Jews and Christians to turn the graves of their Prophets into places of worship.

His curse on the Jews and Christians for this practice.

His intention in doing so was a warning to us regarding his grave.

The reason for not raising his grave.

The meaning of taking the graves as Masjid.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) linked those who took the graves as Masaajid to those upon whom the Hour will occur while they are still alive. He mentioned the means to Shirk before its actual occurrence along with its final consequence.

The inclusion of Prophet (Peace be upon him) in his speech a refutation of the two worst sects of innovators just five days prior to his death. Some scholars have not included these two sects in the 72 sects. These sects are Ar-Rafidah and Al-Jahmiyah. The occurrence of Shirk and grave worshipping was due to the Rafidah sect, and they were the first to build Masjids over the graves.

Suffering of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) with pain and affliction from the agony of death.

A clear declaration that As-Siddiq (Abu-Bakr) (r.a.) was the best Companion.

The indication to him (Abu-Bakr) as caliph [successor to the Prophet (Peace be upon him)].

Lesson 15:

EXAGGERATIONS IN THE GRAVES OF RIGHTEOUS PERSONS TENDS TO MAKE THEM LIKE IDOLS WORSHIPPED BESIDES:

ALLAH Imam Malik (r.a.) recorded in his book Muwatta that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “O Allah! Never turn my grave into an idol to be worshipped. Allah’s wrath intensified on a people who turn their Prophets’ graves into Masaajid.”

Concerning the verse: “Have you then considered Al-Lat and Al-Uzza.” (53:19)

Ibn Jarir (At-Tabari) reported from Sufyan, from Mansur, from Mujahid:

“He (Lat) used to serve the pilgrims by preparing Saweeq (fine flour of barley or wheat mixed with water and ghee) for them. After his death, people began to stay confined at his grave for the purpose of reward.”

The same was reported by Abul-Jawza (r.a.) from ibn Abbas (r.a.). Ibn Abbas (r.a.) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) cursed the women who visit the graves. He (Peace be upon him) also cursed those who set up mosques over graves and put lamps over them.” [This Hadeeth is confirmed by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and An-Nasa’i].

Important issues of the Lesson:

Explanation of idols.

Explanation of worship.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not seek refuge in Allah except from that which he feared would occur.

The Prophet’s joining the supplication i.e. “O Allah! Never turn my grave..” with the statement on people making the graves of Prophets as Masaajid.

Mention of the intense wrath of Allah (on those who indulge in such activities).

Of most importance is the description as to how the worship of Lat, one of the major (pre-Islamic) idols, was started.

Lat was the name of a righteous person buried in that grave and the mention of the meaning behind (the idol) being named as such.

Curse of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) on the women who visit the graves and upon those who put lamps on them.

Lesson 16:

AL-MUSTAFA (Peace be upon him) BLOCKED EVERY PATH LEADING TO SHIRK TO KEEP TAUHID:

Allah the Most Exalted said: “Verily, there has come unto you a messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, and begs Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers he is full of pity, kind, and merciful, But if they turn away, say: Allah is sufficient for me. La Ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” (Ch.9:V128-129).

Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: “Do not make your homes graves. Do not make my grave a place of celebration. Send your Salat (blessings, graces, honors and mercy) on me. Your Salat will be conveyed to me, wherever you may be.” [Abu Dawud recorded this Hadeeth with reliable chain of narrators].

And Ali bin Hussain narrated: He saw a man at a place that was at the grave of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and he would go to it and supplicate. So he (Ali bin Husian) prevented the man and instructed him saying, “Should I not tell you a Hadeeth which I heard form my father who in turn heard it from my grandfather [Ali (r.a.)] who reported from Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him)? He said: ‘Do not take my grave as a place of celebration, nor your homes as graves, make salat upon me, for, your salutation will be conveyed to me from wherever you are.’ “[Al-Mukhtarah (the collection of Imam Al- Maqdassi)].

Important issues of the Lesson:

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) did his best to keep his Ummah outside the boundaries of Shirk as far away as possible.

The Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) concern for our wellbeing and success and his compassion and mercy.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) forbade visiting his grave in a certain manner, though visiting graves is among the best of deeds.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) forbade us making excessive visits to graves.

He urged people to perform voluntary prayer at home.

It is established among the Companions (r.a.) that offering Salat in the cemetery is prohibited.

The explanation that a person’s invocation of Salat and salaam upon the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is conveyed to him even if he may be far away. As such, there is no necessity to be in close proximity to his (Peace be upon him) grave as some people misconstrue.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) is in Al-Barzakh where the salat and salaam of his Ummah are conveyed (to him). Your valuable comments on this book are highly appreciated. Please send your comments and opinions on our Islamic forum.

Part 2: