How hadith narrations are confirmed

How hadith narrations are confirmed

 

In the early years after the Prophet’s death the companions used to write down hadiths without paying much attention to their isnads, or chains of transmission. But when Islam began to spread into new lands and the number of Muslims grew rapidly, certain intellectual currents began to stir. These in turn gave rise to sects and cults, such as the Qadariyah (who denied predestination and the Jabriyah who confirmed predestination wrongly, and numerous Sufi cults, not to mention new philosophical movements. With these developments, deviant groups began to spread, calling people to extremist beliefs of one form or another. Some, like the Shias, glorified individuals, while others, such as the Sufis, began to invent extreme forms of asceticism and

dependence upon beggary as they withdrew from the world, cutting all ties to their wives, children and parents.

 

 

Every sect began to fabricate hadiths to support its claims and many contradictory views and many innovations began to be expressed through fabricated hadiths. By that time, the companions and those who had come after them had begun to take an uncompromising stand in front of a babble of contradictory claims.

 

 

What we now know as the science of biography and biographical criticism appeared. This consisted in the detailed study of the circumstances and means by which a hadith had been transmitted, and included an assessment of the trustworthiness of those who related the account, their moral character, and their

commitment in following the Sunnah. It included considerations for the times in which they lived, the places where they lived, and information about the names of their fathers and their children, the names

of their teachers and their students.

 

 

They divided the hadith into three broad categories:

1. sahih (correct).

2. da’eef (incorrect or weak).

3. maudu (false or fabricated). The category of a hadith was determined by its isnad (chain of transmission) and by whether or not it met had the criteria for a particular group. Ibn Sirin said, “They (the companions and their followers, taabi’een(13)) used not to ask about the isnad (names of narrators), but when the trials (of setting false narrations) began, we then started saying, ‘name to us your narrators. After this they were observing cautiously the status of every narrator, and then they take narrations from those who were known to be followers of the Sunnah, and leave (or reject) the narrations of those who were known as innovators in religion.” Also Abdullah Ibn al-Mubarak said, “isnad (observing chain of narration) is part of religion. Without isnad, any one will say what he desires.”(14).

 

 

 

Scholars say that the science of isnad is a special gift of Allah to the nation of Muhammad. It was given in order to protect the trustworthiness of accounts. The People of the Book have no connected chain of what they narrate about their prophets, so all their narrations in their books are disconnected. Likewise, the deviant innovators of this Ummah (nation).

 

 

 

This system of isnad is only for those to whom Allah has granted it, to the people of Islam and of the Sunnah, who use it to distinguish correct from incorrect narrations, to distinguish the straight from the

twisted.

 

 

The people of innovation and the disbelievers only possess a mass of unchained stories that they depend upon and set as bases for matters of their religion, without knowing from where they came, and without knowing what is true from what is not; or what is beneficial from what is useless.(15)

 

We can realize the extent of their accuracy in following up the chain of narration and the investigation of the status of every narrator when we see them, for example, distinguishing between two kinds of liars among narrators.

 

 

They call the first liar as kaadhib, one who was known to be a liar, but was not caught fabricating lies against the Prophet. Therefore they define his narration as munkar (indefinite or indeterminate) narration. While they define the second liar as kadhaab, one who was caught with lies against the Prophet. And they define his narration as Maudu’ apocryphal or spurious. This is the worst kind of narration and its use is extremely prohibited.

 

 

Many scholars have traced all of the fabricated hadiths we know of, and collected them into books, together with notes about them and warnings to people against them. This investigation and accuracy come as a fulfillment of what the Prophet  said, “It is enough evil that one narrates anything he hears.” (i.e without examining the truth of what he narrates )(16) Al-Shafi’i said that “The likeness of a person who seeks a hadith without isnad (examining its trustworthiness) is as the likeness of a wood gatherer who collects

wood by night, carrying home with it a snake while he does not perceive it.”(17) Al-Shafi’I as well as other scholars demonstrated the methodology of their school of thought by saying, “The sahih (correct) hadith is our madhhab (i.e reliable source of knowledge that we ought to take before giving personal thoughts or verdicts).” (18)

 

 

“Do not imitate us blindly apart from the correct Hadith.” But people abandoned this methodology of their scholars when the words and the opinion of men became to them madhhab, even if their opinions were contradictory to the correct sahih hadiths of the Prophet . After words, other people after them made it obligatory to follow blindly what their scholars had forbade them. Allah has preserved the Sunnah of His Prophet  with this science of isnad. He used for it reviewers, memorizers, and guardians of the Prophet’s Sunnah.

 

 

The world did not know anyone equal to them in their wideness of memory which resulted in some of them memorizing almost one million Hadith with their narrators and texts.

 

 

They have set scientific rules for assessing the reliability of a hadith which are more stringent and more detailed than have ever been known before. Therefore, this Nation should return to the way of our predecessors of verifying the narrations about the Prophet , and not narrating anything that it hears except after checking its chain of narration.

 

 

 

One should be careful, that he is conveying what the Prophet  said, not a fabrication of the liars. The Prophet  said, “Whoever quotes a hadith of mine which he knows is a lie, he is one of two liars.” (19) And he said, “Whoever deliberately attributes a lie to me should prepare his place in hellfire.”

 

 

Whoever says, “The Prophet  said” should make sure that he said it, otherwise he will be conveying the falsehood of the liar, not the message of the Prophet , and then he is subjecting himself to a seat of fire in Hell. For one should convey the message of the Prophet not that of the liar.

 

 

Many have been indulgent about this matter, and we find many authors of Islamic books do not indicate the degree of reliability of the hadiths that they cite in their books. They even use fabricated hadith which are untrue, and without saying anything more, refer to hadiths from primary sources such as Ahmad and Tirmithi that contain both correct and incorrect narrations. But this referring is still not sufficient unless degree of hadith reliability is shown, such as to say, “Narrated by Ahmad and it is correct,” or better yet to use only the reliable ones.

 

 

The reason why we find incorrect narrations being used is that some scholars allow incorrect narrations that contain the encouragement about virtue of an act. But it should be known that these scholars had set conditions for this case:

• That they not be extremely weak.

• That they be related to the act that was authentically legitimized.

• That one who uses them should mention clearly their weakness.

• That they be used only in the case of meritorious acts, such as urging people to righteousness.

• That one should never say, in this instance, “The Prophet  said…”

Even then, many scholars, including Yahya b. Ma’in, Ibn al-Arabi, Bukhari, and Muslim insisted that a da’eef (weak) hadith must never be related. They said that leniency in the matter of hadiths that relate to meritorious refers to acts that had been authentically proved by either by the Qur’an or the sunnah. One should realize that Allah did not preserve the sunnah by using people who spent their lives in memorizing millions of narrations and distinguishing between the correct from the incorrect one, except to make it sufficient for our need of guidance. Therefore, what we have of the correct narrations should be enough for us, than using the incorrect ones.

 

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(13) The generation who did not see the Prophet but saw his companions who taught them the religion.

(14) Muslim Volume 1 P. 15.

(15) Ibn Sirin, Majmu’a al-fatawa, 1/9.

(16) Muslim 1/10; Abu Daud, (4992).

(17) Faid al-qadir, 1/433.

(18) Meaning: the correct narration is the source of our school of thought, because the prophet’s saying

is more important than our thoughts, for what he has given us is taken from Allah. While usually the word madhab means « a school of thought».

(19) That is to say, the person who relates a lie is the same as the person who makes it up.

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Islam teaches a two-fold existence

a. A life rooted in the worship of God Almighty.

b. To fulfill the demands of stewardship, that is leading a responsible life full of productivity directing human affairs in justice according to the divine revelations.

The first and primary role of the human being is profound upon reflection in that the reality of life is summed up concisely in this end. How so one may ask? Well the human being is not independent rather the human being is a dependent being not to mention a creature. So the human being has a beginning and depends on other than his or herself in order to continue his or her existence. The question is- Upon whom or what does human existence depend? And in this state of awe we see that the human as well as everything else depends on God regardless of whether he or she acknowledges such a truth.

What is understood through this role of the human being is that the human being has a point of origin and point of departure [death]. In sum, the human being is finite, a creation, although the most honored in the Earth. Although humans are finite, they are possessed of intellect and freewill. This leads us to ask a question: if we have a beginning and an end what is after death and what is the aim of life?

The Muslim is very optimistic regarding life and death and sees life as an opportunity. Despite it being a test, it is the opportunity to be the best possible in character and action. To prove oneself through good action and that materializes in realizing one’s limits and acknowledging a higher order and higher set of objectives at play in the universe. This in turn leads us to the Governor of the universe and that being is the One Eternally Living God. The universe is governed by two realities one mathematical in process and that is the command of God. God’s governance over the universe to which it (the universe) submits without freewill and the second reality is more directed to human beings as they are being possessed of freewill. The message of Islam is the command of God presented to man’s freewill.

The Human being is possessed, in the Islamic understanding of limited and not absolute freewill as proposed by various philosophers. The biological reality of the human entity is governed by a mathematical like process whereas the power of intention and action is clothed with an air of freedom of choice. Islam is a twofold reality. Islam means submission in Arabic and likewise indicates peace, peace or tranquility and this is a result of submission to the will of God this submission is intrinsic to the Universe. If we look to the sun as well as to the moon and stars and the seasons they all follow a course these creations are submitted to a purposeful command and carry out clear and defined roles in the drama of the Universe.

On the other hand the human being is partly governed by mechanics and partly free, the question is to what purpose is he or she left free and to what degree is this freedom? Here Islam holds that there is a two-fold reality to human existence. Without the approval of humanity we are “subjected” and “limited” this is our biological reality it works in a state of submission and is as the rest of the Universe but the human being is not reserved to just that he, she is also possessed of intellect and choice.

What Islam proposes is that you have two lives in space and time one of which you have no control and that is biological existence and likewise you possess the life of intellect and choice which involves moral action.

The way of Islam holds that the purpose of life is the worship of God alone. In the worship of God we find purpose and learn where harm and benefit lie. In knowing that God created the Universe and that we human beings, just as the Sun and Moon, are guided. In this realization the human being directs his free-will to this guidance thus submitting his will to God. This guidance is contained in the Qur’an which is word of God and the preserved teachings (Sunnah) of Muhammad the final Prophet sent as a mercy to all human beings. Because God is just and has honored the human being with stewardship over the creation the human being must choose to worship God. And in choosing to worship God one is guided to the proper course of life, of action, for one if guided by the creator and governor of the Universe who created human beings with a purpose.

by: Yusuf Rios 

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Relief Through Supplication

(By Shaikh Salih Muhammad Al Talib)

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet, his household and companions.

 Fellow Muslims! Fear Allah and be dutiful to Him. Stay away from sins. For sins destroy. Know that you have a Lord whom you are going to meet and a house in which you are going to live after your death. Seek the pleasure of your Lord before you meet Him and properly build your house before you move into it.

 Fellow Muslims! We are the Ummah of Qur’an and Sunnah, the Ummah of divine guidance. We are the Ummah of the right path but we did not stay on this path.

 Brethren in faith! All hardships and tribulations that afflict the Muslims are just like whips that drive them back to Imaan and Tawheed. They remind them of Allah the Almighty; they encourage them to turn back to Him in repentance and to fear the Day of Judgment. Allah says:

 وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُمْ بِهِ وَلَئِنْ صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لِلصَّابِرِينَ

“See they not that they are tried once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it).” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:126)

 Materialism has prevailed over the hearts of many people, and as a result they see nothing except in the light of materials. It is when man keeps away from the light of Imaan and his relationship with Allah becomes weak that his soul lives in spiritual isolation and his heart becomes hardened. He then lives a disturbed and fearful life. All this is a result of his abandonment of the real source of life and his forgetfulness of Allah. He forgets that it is Allaah Who created the soul and Who knows the means by which it lives. The life is not that of the body but of the soul. Allah says,

 أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

“Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men – like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out?” (Surah Al-An’am 6:122)

 Hence, belief in Allah is the source of security and peace. And the hearts that are devoid of Imaan are always far from Allah and are full of fright and confusion.

 Fellow Muslims! When a man’s heart is full of Imaan, he knows his place of refuge and the remedy for his ailments. For this life is based on toil and man is seldom free from dangers. He suffers ailments and calamities; sorrows and wars; injustice and transgression and all kinds of tribulations. However, Allah is Ever Compassionate with His slaves. He always provides for them relief through a door of His mercy and blesses them with tranquility and peace of mind. That door is the door of supplication to Allah, humbling oneself before Him and putting one’s trust in Him. For supplications are the security of the frightened, the refuge of the weak and the solace of invocators. Who is He that has sought refuge with Allah and has not been protected and who is he that has relied on Him and has not been given guidance?

 Supplication is the essence of worship. Allah says:

 مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةً فَلاَ يُجْزَى إِلاَّ مِثْلَهَا وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُوْلَئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَقُونَ فِيهَا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship (i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!” (Surah Ghaafir 40:60)

 Allah also says:

 وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِي إِذَا دَعَانِي فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)

 Supplication is the dearest thing to Allah. It is the way to patience in the cause of Allah. It is a sign of sincere dependence on Allah and keeping away from incapacity and laziness. It is an easy-to-make act of worship and it can be done at all places and times. Allah tells us that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said:

 وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَأَدْعُو رَبِّي عَسَى أَلاَّ أَكُونَ بِدُعَاءِ رَبِّي شَقِيًّا

“And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allaah. And I shall call on my Lord and I hope that I shall not be unblessed in my invocation to my Lord.” (Surah Maryam 19:48)

 Many are the afflictions that have been removed by supplications! Many are the sins that have been forgiven through invocations! And many are the blessings that have been endowed through supplications! The Messenger of Allah said: “What has been destined cannot be prevented from happening. Invocation is helpful in things that have happened and things that have not happened. Calamity and supplication sometimes meet and engage in duel till the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Haakim)

 Supplication is the worship of the Prophets. Allah says about them:

 فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ يَحْيَى وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُ زَوْجَهُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًا وَرَهَبًا وَكَانُوا لَنَا خَاشِعِينَ

“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:90)

 The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “No Muslim makes a supplication in which there is no sin or severing of the tie of kinship except that Allah gives him by that one of three things: He gives him what he asked for immediately or He saves for him by that supplication some reward (which He gives him on the Day of Resurrection) or He saves him from a calamity which is equivalent to the supplication he made.” The companions then said: “We will then make more supplications.” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) replied: “And Allah also will give more.” (Ahmad)

 When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) called upon Allah after he was thrown into fire, Allah commanded the fire saying:

 قُلْنَا يَا نَارُ كُونِي بَرْدًا وَسَلاَمًا عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ

“O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim!” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:69)

 Allah also says about Prophet Ayoob (AS):

 وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِي الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِنْ ضُرٍّ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُمْ مَعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِنْ عِنْدِنَا وَذِكْرَى لِلْعَابِدِينَ

“And (remember) Ayoob, when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship Us.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:83-84)

Allah says about Prophet Yunus (AS):

 فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنْ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness).” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:88)

And about Prophet Zakariyyah (AS) Allah says:

 وَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لاَ تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ يَحْيَى وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُ زَوْجَهُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًا وَرَهَبًا وَكَانُوا لَنَا خَاشِعِينَ

“And (remember) Zakariyyah, when he cried to his Lord: “O My Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors. So We answered his call, and We bestowed upon him Yahya, and cured his wife (to bear a child) for him.”  (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:89-90)

 O you who is afflicted with calamities! O you who has been weakened by ailments! O you who have been overwhelmed by debts! Why don’t you call upon Allah the Self-Sufficient and the Most Gracious? O you who have been submerged by sins! Why can’t you call upon Allah the Oft-Forgiving to forgive you? O you who lives in fear and distress! Why can’t you call upon Allah to give you relief?

 Brethren in Islam! The nation of Islam has experienced many crises and hardships and it was only through sincere return to Allah that it was able overcome those hardships. Allah says:

 وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَى أُمَمٍ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ بِالْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

“Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad) And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health (with calamities) so that they might humble themselves (believe with humility). When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not humble themselves (believe with humility)? But their hearts became hardened.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:42)

 Even some ancient polytheists would sincerely call upon Allah alone whenever they were faced with calamities.

 The Muslim nation is now in dire need of the mercy of its Lord as it is in need of His help. Let us return to Allah, invoke His blessings and hope for His mercy.

 Fellow Muslims! Supplication has its condition and manners, which every Muslim must learn in order to have his supplications answered. Foremost among these is that the intention and means of supplication should be compatible with Islamic Monotheism. It is this condition that makes supplication an act of worship that must be solely directed to Allah alone. Man must call, seek assistance from and seek refuge with Allah alone. He must seek forgiveness, victory, guidance, realization of his goals and aid from Allah alone. He should ask only Allah for the removal of his afflictions and for security against all evils.

 All these are rights of Allah over His slaves. Man must call upon Allah alone. For neither does slumber or sleep overtakes Him. It is He alone who hears the supplication of the supplicants wherever they are and whichever language they speak. He is never distracted by a slave whom he listens to from listening to another and He is never annoyed because of the multitude of those who call upon Him. He alone has the power to give benefit or harm.

 It is therefore an act of associating partners with Him to call upon the dead, the angels, the jinn and others besides Him. He says about Himself,

 هُوَ الْحَيُّ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ فَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

“He is the Ever Living. None has the right to be worshipped but He; so invoke Him making your worship pure for Him Alone (by worshipping Him Alone, and none else, and by doing righteous deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, and not to show off, and not setting up rivals with Him in worship).” (Surah Ghaafir 40:65)

 The observer of the invocations of the Prophets will notice that Tawheed characterizes them. An example of this is the invocation made by Prophet Yunus (AS):

 وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَى فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنْ الظَّالِمِينَ

“He cried through the darkness (saying): None has the right to be worshipped but You (O, Allah) Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that (evil) they associate with You). Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers.”  (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87)

 Allah answered his supplication through Tawheed.

 Brethren in Islam! The supplicant should make sure that he follows the Sunnah while making the supplication. He should call upon Allah with His sublime Names and Attributes. He should seek for His forgiveness and acknowledge His favour on him. It is good if he starts his supplication with praising Allah as it is due and invoking His blessing on His Prophet, Muhammad -peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The supplicant should also not transgress while making supplication nor be in haste to have his supplication answered. He should also not despair. For the One he calls is the Graceful Lord. Further, the supplicant must be a sincere believer. He should face the Qiblah while making the supplication and should be sure that he is in the state of purity. He should raise his hands to Allah. He should be resolute in his supplication, supplicate at the times when invocations are most likely answered and select the supplications that are authentically reported from the Prophet. He should also not forget to make a sadaqah before his supplication. If he can do all these, his supplication will never be rejected. If he however does not see a sign of the acceptance of his supplication, let him examine himself.

 The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “O you people! Allah is Pure and does not accept but only that which is pure. He indeed commands the believer with that which He commanded the Messengers. He says:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنْ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ

“O (you) Messengers! Eat of the lawful foods (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.), and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (Surah Al-Mu’minoon 23:51)

 And Allah commands the believers saying:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِنْ كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

“O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship.” (Al-Baqarah 2:172)

 The Messenger of Allah (SAW) then mentioned a man who was on a long journey, and he was shoeless and dust-covered. He was raising his hands to heavens saying: “O my Lord! O my Lord!’ whiles his food, drink, dress and nourishment were all from unlawful sources. How could his supplication be answered?” (Muslim)

Brethren in faith! Listen to this call from your Lord:

 ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

وَلاَ تُفْسِدُوا فِي الأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلاَحِهَا وَادْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِنْ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope. Surely, Allah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:55-56)

 Fellow Muslims! Whoever fears Allah in times of ease Allah, Allah will stand by him in times of hardship. Allah says about Prophet Yunus (AS) when the whale swallowed him:

لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ فَلَوْلاَ أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنْ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ

“Had he not been of them who glorify Allaah, He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:143-144)

 Which means: Had it not been for the good deeds that he had done before, he would have been made to remain in the belly of the whale till the Day of Resurrection.

 The Muslim must therefore remain steadfast during afflictions and return to Allah in repentance.

 Brethren in Islam! We are also in dire need of uniting our ranks and removing our differences. For disunity is the cause of failure. Allah says,

 الَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَهُمْ بالآخِرَةِ كَافِرُونَ

وَبَيْنَهُمَا حِجَابٌ وَعَلَى الأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ يَعْرِفُونَ كُلاًّ بِسِيمَاهُمْ وَنَادَوْا أَصْحَابَ الْجَنَّةِ أَنْ سَلاَمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ لَمْ يَدْخُلُوهَا وَهُمْ يَطْمَعُونَ

“O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allaah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful. And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allaah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Anfaal 8:45-46)

 Fellow Muslims! Let us always follow the teachings of Qur’an and Sunnah. It is the duty of the scholars to teach people and direct them to all that can benefit them and remove their distress. They should remind people of Allah and teach them the importance of unity and the harm of disunity.

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Do Muslims Celebrate Easter and Christmas?

by Dr. E. Ahmed Tori Introduction In these days of excess entertainment and consumption, it is easy to get caught up in the so-called "holiday season", rarely stopping to consider its significance. I say so-called, because the very word holiday is derived from the two words holy and day. However, under closer scrutiny from the Judeo-Christian and Islamic perspectives, these days are anything but holy. Celebrations such as Easter, Christmas, All Saint's Day, and Halloween all find their roots in pagan traditions, alien to the prophets (may peace and blessings be upon all of the prophets). Proof of this lies in the lack of historical evidence that the prophets ever celebrated their birthdays, decorated eggs, placed ornaments on trees, or dressed up in costumes. Through an examination of these holiday myths as religious innovation, or bid'ah, this article is a small attempt at warning people of the dangerous implications and subtle attitudinal changes that come with such celebrations. Bid'ah: Religious Innovation Before any discussion on the origin of holidays such as Christmas and Easter, it is important to define a term called bid'ah. A bid'ah is any invention, creation or addition of any religious matter, which was not found in the original teachings. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "He who innovates something in this matter of ours (religion), will have it rejected." (Bukhari and Muslim) To illustrate the bid'ah involved in Christmas and Easter simple questions beg asking. Did Jesus (peace be upon him) celebrate his birthday? Did his mother, Mary (peace be upon her)? Did his disciples? The answer, of course, is no. Did Jesus (peace be upon him) speak of an Easter bunny? Did he decorate evergreens? Of course not. To believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) came with the truth, and to then add or delete from his message is to mix truth with falsehood. The above practices find their origins in pagan rites and rituals. I have heard with my own ears, Christian learned men and leaders acknowledging the true origins of Easter and Christmas, but putting it off as "all in good fun." So, I ask, would Jesus (peace be upon him) approve of mixing his teachings with those of the pagans? Furthermore, to illustrate the gravity of bid'ah and of immitating non-believers, I refer you to the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said what translates as follows: Whoever imitates a people is one of them. (Related by Ahmad) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once saw the Ansaar celebrating a certain day. He inquired about that and was informed: This is one of two days that we used to celebrate in Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) and we continue to do so. He replied: Nay! Allaah has substituted for you two better days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adhhaa. (related by Ahmad, an-Nasaaee, and others) Easter, Fertility, & the Origin of the Cross While holidays like Christmas, New Year?s Day, and Valentine?s Day have names which indicate either the holiday?s origin or its significance, Easter stands out. Most people have no idea what the name Easter means. It turns out that Easter is a corruption of Austre, the name of the ancient pagan Scandanavian goddess of life and fertility. As noted above, many holidays celebrated today represent a synthesis between Christian doctrine and pagan ritual. The basis for most of these "holy" days revolve around natural phenomena such as the autumnal equinox, vernal equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. With regards to the spring season and the vernal equinox, pagans, especially the pagans of cold, northern Europe, celebrated the renewal of life, as was demonstrated by the budding of the leaves, blooming of the flowers, return of the birds, and the re-emergence of many mammals previously in hibernation. These celebrations often utilized symbols of fertility and life such as the egg, the baby chick, and the rabbit. The use of these same symbols in present day celebrations of Easter is quite obvious. Decorating eggs, Easter egg hunts, and the Easter bunny are all familiar icons. These things have carried over from pagan traditions via a synthesis with Christian doctrine. In particular, the worship of the sun god has been incorporated into the once monotheistic Christian teachings. The vernal equinox represents a time in which the hours of daylight equal the hours of night. The days following the vernal equinox mark an increase in the number of hours of daylight over the night. This time, then became viewed as the time of sol invictus or the unconquerable sun, demonstrating its supremacy by conquering the night. The synthesis with Christian ideas was simple. Just as the sun conquered the night, the son conquered death. Thus, the pagan holidays of fertility and life were replaced with the Christian concept of the resurrection of Jesus (peace be upon him). The Church adopted spring equinox celebrations as Easter. As this time had already been one of celebrating the sun?s resurrection and return to prominence, celebrating the resurrection of the son of God required no great change in understanding. In fact, the Easter celebrations were so similar to earlier celebrations - particularly those which recognized the resurrection of the Babylonian Adonis, the Greek Apollo, and the Roman Attis - that a bitter controversy arose with pagans claiming that the Christian Easter celebration was a spurious imitation of the ancient traditions. Vernal equinox bonfires, originally prohibited by the Church, found their way as Easter fires into the official liturgy of Rome by the ninth century. Fertility symbols associated with spring, such as the egg and the incredibly prolific rabbit, survived as well. (Ellerbe p.148) In fact, the very symbol of the cross is derived from pagan fertility practices. It is known by many that the symbol of the cross was utilized by many civilizations prior to the emergence of Christianity. The ancient Egyptian symbol of the ankh, then, deserves mentioning for its connection to fertility. The ankh is a symbol which resembles the Christian cross, except that it has a loop at the top. Some sources indicate that this symbol derives its shape from ancient Egyptian studies of human anatomy. The loop, it is said, represents the gravid (pregnant) uterus, while the arms of the cross represent the Fallopian tubes. And the base of the cross serves as the vaginal canal. The ankh, then, serves as the ultimate fertility symbol. In support of this theory of the derivation of the ankh, the fertility dolls of many African peoples, in particular the Ashanti, are shaped like the ankh. The animated graphic to the right illustrates the similarities. Christmas An extract from The Paganism that is Modern Day Christianity by Misha'al Al-Kadhi Let us now move on to the "birthday of Jesus", Christmas. Jesus (pbuh) is commonly considered to have been born on the 25th of December. However, it is common knowledge among Christian scholars that he was not born on this day. It is well known th at the first Christian churches held their festival in May, April, or January. Scholars of the first two centuries AD. even differ in which year he was born. Some believing that he was born fully twenty years before the current accepted date. So how was the 25th of December selected as the birthday of Jesus (pbuh)? Grolier's encyclopedia says: "Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25.... Despite the beliefs about Christ that the birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.... since 274, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25. In the Eastern Church, January 6, a day also associated with the winter solstice, was in itially preferred. In course of time, however, the West added the Eastern date as the Feast of the Epiphany, and the East added the Western date of Christmas". So who else celebrated the 25th of December as the birth day of their gods before it was agreed upon as the birth day of Jesus (pbuh)? Well, there are the people of India who rejoice, decorate their houses with garlands, and give presents to their friends on this day. The people of China also celebrate this day and close their shops. The pagan god Buddha is believed to have been born on this day when the "Holy Ghost" descended on his virgin mother Maya. The great saviour and god of the Persians, Mithras, is also believed to have been born on the 25th of December long before the coming of Jesus (pbuh). The Egyptians celebrated this day as the birth day of their great saviour Horus, the Egyptian god of light and the son of the "virgin mother" and "queen of the heavens" Isis. Osiris, god of the dead and the underworld in Egypt, the son of "the holy virgin", again was believed to have been born on the 25th of December. The Greeks celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of Hercules, the son of the supreme god of the Greeks, Zeus, through the mortal woman Alcmene. Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry among the Romans (known among the Greeks as Dionysus) was also born on this day. Adonis, revered as a "dying-and-rising god" among the Greeks, miraculously was also born on the 25th of December. His worshipers held him a yearly festival representing his death and resurrection, in midsummer. The ceremonies of his birthday are recorde d to have taken place in the same cave in Bethlehem which is claimed to have been the birth place of Jesus (pbuh). The Scandinavians celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of their god Freyr, the son of their supreme god of the heavens, Odin. The Romans observed this day as the birthday of the god of the sun, Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of Sol the invincible"). There was great rejoicing and all shops were closed. There was illumination and public games. Presents were exchanged, and the slaves were indulged in great liberties. Remember, these are the same Romans who would later preside over the council of Nicea (325 AD.) which lead to the official Christian recognition of the "Trinity" as the "true" nature of God, and the "fact" that Jesus (pbuh) was born on the 25th of December too. In Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon says: "The Roman Christians, ignorant of his (Christ's) birth, fixed the solemn festival to the 25th of December, the Brumalia, or Winter Solstice, when the Pagans annually celebrated the birth of Sol " vol. ii, p. 383. Christmas is not the only Christian festival which was borrowed from ancient paganism and foisted upon the religion of Jesus (pbuh). There is also Easter the Feast of St. John, the Holy communion, the Annunciation of the virgin, the assumption of the virgin, and many others have their roots in ancient pagan worship. Time of Year Pagan Traditions Christian Synthesis Winter Solstice The birth of the sun. The birth of Mithra on December 25th. Often celebrated with yule fires, processions of light, and tree decorating. Christmas & the Epiphany Winter Season A time of nurturing and honoring inspiration and creativity. Common practices involving festivals of light, wearing animal masks and skins in hopes of augmenting the coming year's supply. Candlemas Spring Equinox The sun is resurrected and gains prominence over the night. Fertility celebrations involving symbols such as the egg and the prolific hare. Easter Spring Season The mating of the earth and the sky from which will come the year's harvest. Often celebrated with maypole dancing, decorating with new foliage. Pentecost & the Feast of the Ascension Summer Solstice The peak of the sun's light. Celebrated with large bonfires, burning fragrant herbs, decorating with flowers. Feast of St. John Summer Season The sun's energy transfers to the crops. Ritual blessings of the harvest, herbs, fields, mountains, and ocean. Assumption Day Autumnal Equinox A time of gratitude for the harvest. Feasts and decorating with fall fruits, grains, and vegetables. Michaelmas & the Nativity of Mary Fall Season Acknowledgement of the year's completion. Honoring the dead, honoring and releasing the past. All Soul?s Day & All Saints Day (borrowed & edited from Helen Ellerbe's The Dark Side of Christian History, permission pending) Conclusions The pagan roots of holidays celebrated in the name of Christianity testify to its having been altered. Christianity, as it exists today, does not represent the message of Jesus, the son of Mary (may peace be upon both of them). And this is not merely a Christian issue. This is an issue for all God-fearing people. We, as Muslims, must be aware of the pieces that make up the puzzle that is Christianity, first to protect ourselves and our families, then to warn others and to call them to the right way. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "You (Muslims) will follow the ways of those nations who were before you, span by span and cubit by cubit (i.e., inch by inch) so much so that even if they entered a hole of a lizard, you would follow them." We said, "O Allah's Apostle! (Do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?" He said, "Who else?" Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri There is no "good fun" in displeasing Allah, the Most High. So, we must provide alternative activities for our children; camping trips, sporting events, halaqaat, field trips, etc. We should do our best to avoid television, year-round. And if we find this difficult, we should at least avoid it during these "holidays". If we have non-Muslim family members that celebrate these days of bid'aa and shirk, then we should avoid their homes at these times. Visit them the month before Christmas, or the month after. Most importantly, however, we should study our deen and we should surround ourselves with those who do. We should seek righteousness among the righteous. We should seek the pleasure of Allah among those who please Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever imitates a people is one of them. Let us imitate those who are on the straight path, not those who have gone astray. Allah knows best. Sources The Bible, New King James Version Ellerbe, Helen, The Dark Side of Christian History, Morning Star Books, 1995. Maier, Paul, In the Fullness of Time, Kregel Publishing, 1998. The Noble Qur'an, English Translation Quick, Abdullah Hakim, Holiday Myths, SoundVision Video, 1997. Wood, Forrest, The Arrogance of Faith, Alfred A. Knopf, 1990 missionislam website

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Beloved Brother...Stop Before Backbiting

All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists), and peace and blessings of Allah be upon the most honorable of all the Prophets and Messengers and upon all his family and companions.

 

This is a concise paper about two dangerous afflictions that have been spread among a lot of Muslims. I have gathered it from the words of scholars, such as His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on them, and Sheikh Ibn Jibreen, may Allah protect him and raise their degrees, He is The All-Hearer, the Responsive to invocations.

 

 

A Recommendation to Avoid Backbiting and Calumny

 

His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, may Allah protect him, says: “My recommendation for each Muslim is to fear Allah Almighty in all conditions and to keep his tongue silent in all speeches but for the words that have benefits. Permissible words may lead to forbidden or detested ones. This is spread among people. Allah Almighty has said: {Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).} [Surat Qâf 50:18].

 

{مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ} ق: 18

 

 

Transliteration:Ma yalfithu min qawlin illa ladayhi raqeebun AAateedun

 

He has also said: {And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those one will be questioned (by Allâh)} [Surat Al-Isrâ’ 17:36].

 

{وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَـٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا} الإسراء: 36

 

 

Transliteration: Wala taqfu ma laysa laka bihi AAilmun inna alssamAAa waalbasara waalfuada kullu olaika kana AAanhu masoolan

 

The prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said in the agreed upon Hadith and narrated by Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, “This who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (I.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk).”

 

«من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليقل خيرا أو ليصمت» متفق عليه

 

These are matters that may be caused by words that need to be warned against as they are among the greatest sins that brings about the anger and painful punishment of Allah. These have spread in communities. These matters include:

 

1 - Backbiting: which is “Your talking about your brother with something that he hates”, even if he is informed about that. This includes mentioning a defect in him whether in his body, pedigree, nature, action, saying, religion and worldly life or even his cloths, house, and riding animal (which nowadays include all vehicles). It is narrated by Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said “Do you know what is backbiting? They said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He said: “Your talking about your brother with something that he hates”. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: “If it is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbit him, and if that is not in him it is a slander.” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«أتدرون ما الغيبة؟ قالوا: الله ورسوله أعلم. قال: ذكرك أخاك بما يكره، قيل: أفرأيت إن كان في أخي ما أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول، فقد اغتبته. وإن لم يكن فيه، فقد بهته» رواه مسلم

 

Backbiting is forbidden for any reason, whether to quench one’s thirst for revenge, a courtesy for a gathering and helping them in talking, affectation, envy, playing, joking or wasting time by mentioning the defects of another person for laughing. Allah Glorified and Exalted forbids and warns His servants about that in His Almighty’s saying: {O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; 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 Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful} [Surat Al-Hujurât 49:12]

 

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ} الحجرات: 12

 

 

Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ijtaniboo katheeran mina alththanni inna baAAda alththanni ithmun wala tajassasoo walayaghtab baAAdukum baAAdan ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu waittaqoo Allaha inna Allaha tawwabun raheemun

 

In the Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honor” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«كل المسلم على المسلم حرام، دمه وماله وعرضه» رواه مسلم

 

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said in his farewell pilgrimage address “Verily your blood, your property and your honor are as sacred and inviolable as the sacredness of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours, and he repeated it several times, then he raised his head and said: Behold! Have I not delivered (the message) to you?” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim and the wording is for Muslim].

 

«فإن دماءكم وأموالكم وأعراضكم عليكم حرام، كحرمة يومكم هذا، في بلدكم هذا، في شهركم هذا. فأعادها مرارا، ثم رفع رأسه فقال: اللهم هل بلغت» رواه البخاري ومسلم واللفظ لمسلم

 

The authenticated Hadiths reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the prohibition, dispraising and warning against backbiting are abundant.

 

2 - Calumny is among the matters that should be avoided, kept away from and warned against: it is reporting words from a person to another person, from a group to another group or from kinsfolk to other kinsfolk in order to spoil their relation and sow dissensions among them. This is also disclosing what is detested to be uncovered, whether this is detested by this who is reported about or this who receives the information or whether there is a third party who detests the information reported. This information is detested whether it is said, written, shown by symbols or gestures, whether the reported are words or actions, and whether what are transferred or considered a defect or a flaw in this who the words are transferred about or not. Man must be silent about what he knows about the conditions of people, except for what is considered as a benefit for a Muslim or to fend of evil from him.

 

The motive for calumny is the intention of evil for this who is reported about, showing love for whom is reported about or enjoying the conversation and dealing with curiosity and falsehood; which are all forbidden.

 

Each one who receives such calumny, with all its forms, must not believe it, as the tale-bearer is disobedient and his witness is rejected. Allah Almighty has said {O you who believe! If a Fâsiq (liar - evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done} [Surat Al-Hujurat 49:6].

 

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ} الحجرات: 6

 

 

Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo in jaakum fasiqun binabain fatabayyanoo an tuseeboo qawman bijahalatin fatusbihoo AAala ma faAAaltum nadimeena

 

Man must forbid him from doing that and advise him, distorts his action, as Allah Almighty has said: {O my son! Aqim-is-Salat (perform As-Salat), enjoin (people) for Al-Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad),} [Surat Luqman 31:17],

 

{يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ} لقمان: 17

 

Transliteration: Ya bunayya aqimi alssalata wamur bialmaAAroofi wainha AAani almunkari 

 

One must loath him for the sake of Allah (because of his back-biting), and should not think bad of him who is reported about; instead, he is to think well of him, as Allah Almighty has said: {O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins.} [Surat Al-Hujurat 49:12]

 

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ijtaniboo katheeran mina alththanni inna baAAda alththanni ithmun

 

and the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said “Beware of suspicion, as suspicion is the falsest talk” [agreed upon its authenticity].

 

«إيّاكم والظنّ، فإن الظنّ أكذب الحديث» متفق عليه

 

He should not spy upon him who is talked about, and he should not be content for himself with what a talebearer has been forbidden to do, so to tell the calumny he heard.

 

The evidences about the forbiddance of calumny are abundant from the Quran and the Sunnah. Some of which are the words of Allah Almighty {And (O Muhammad) obey you not everyone Hallaf Mahîn (the one who swears much and is a liar or is worthless). (10) A slanderer, going about with calumnies,} [Surat Al-Qalam 68:10-11]

 

{وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّهِينٍ ﴿١٠﴾ هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ} القلم: 10-11

 

 

Transliteration:  Wala tutiAA kullahallafin maheenin (10) Hammazin mashshain binameemin

 

and His words; the Almighty {Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.} [Surat Al-Humazah 104:1];

 

{وَيْلٌ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَةٍ} الهمزة: 1

 

 

Transliteration:Waylun likulli humazatin lumazatin

 

Huzaifa narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “The tale-bearer will not enter Paradise” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«لا يدخل الجنة نمام» رواه مسلم

 

Ibn Mas’ûd narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “Should I inform you what al-’adda (the bite) is? It is calumny among people” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«ألا أنبئكم ما العضة؟ هي النميمة القالة بين الناس» رواه مسلم

 

Calumny is a reason for torturing in grave. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has passed by two graves and said: “These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin” Then he said “Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari].

 

«مر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم على قبرين، فقال: إنهما ليعذبان، وما يعذبان من كبير. ثم قال: بلى، أما أحدهما فكان يسعى بالنميمة، وأما أحدهما فكان لا يستتر من بوله» رواه البخاري

 

Backbiting and calumny are forbidden as they spoil relations among people, cause discord and mess, ignite the fire of enmity and hatred, envy and hypocrisy, eliminate all intimacy and kill all the love by separation, quarrel and discord among sincere friends. They also contain lie, treachery, betrayal and deception, heap random accusations to innocent people, and give free reins for cursing, swearing and mentioning of ugliness. They are also symbols of cowardice, meanness and weakness. In addition, the person involved in calumny bears great sins that necessitate the anger, wrath and painful punishment of Allah.

 

His Eminence Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “O Muslims, there are two great afflictions that have spread among many Muslims. Being safe from them, however, is easy for those whom Allah Almighty has made it easy for them. O Muslims the affliction of backbiting and the affliction of calumny have spread among us.

 

As for backbiting, this is mentioning the absent person with what he hates from an action or a characteristic that he has. Many people are concerned in meetings in eating the flesh of so-and-so. A person says so-and-so is characterized by such and such. However, if you examine him, you will find him the most defected one with the worst moral and the weakest honesty. Such a person is ominous for himself and for his companions, as if his companions do not blame him, they will be then partners in the guilt, even if they do not say anything.

 

O Muslims, Allah has described this man who backbites his Muslim brothers with the ugliest form, as this who eats the flesh of his dead brother. How ugly this who sits and eats the corpse of his brother, cutting and eating from the flesh.

 

O Muslims, if you hear this who backbites his Muslim brothers, you must prevent him and defend the honor of your brothers. Do not you, if you see a person standing in a funeral of a Muslim man and eat his flesh, resist and blame him? Backbiting is exactly like that; as Allah Almighty has said {Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).} [Surat Al-Hujurat 49:12].

 

{أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu

 

It is not hard to conceive that on the Day of Judgment the one who backbites his brothers is punished by bringing them near in the form of dead people and he is to be forced to eat from them, as it was narrated in the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In the Night of the Ascent, The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has passed through people with copper nails who scratch their faces and chests. He said: “Who are those Gabriel? He said: those are the ones who eat the flesh of people (backbite them) and slander their honor” [Authenticated by Al-Albani].

 

«لما عرج بي مررت بقوم لهم أظفار من نحاس، يخمشون وجوههم وصدورهم، فقلت: من هؤلاء يا جبريل؟ قال: هؤلاء الذين يأكلون لحوم الناس، ويقعون في أعراضهم» صحيح الألباني

 

O Muslims, when being advised, many backbiters say: we do not tell lies about him, he really does that. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was asked: What if my brother has what I say [about him], he said “If he has what you said then you have backbitten him, and if he does not have what you say then you have falsified lies about him” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«قيل: أفرأيت إن كان في أخي ما أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول، فقد اغتبته. وإن لم يكن فيه، فقد بهته» رواه مسلم

 

He made it clear to his nation that backbiting is to criticize your brother with what he has. If you criticize him with something that he does not have, you then combine two evils: falsehood and backbiting. Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and the scholars of his doctrine mentioned that backbiting is a great sin, so be aware, O Muslim, from that. Occupy yourself with your faults instead of the faults of others. Search inside yourself whether you are free from faults. You may blame people while you have more faults than them. If you are true in what you say, sincere in your advice and you see a fault in your brother, you should then contact and advise him. This is the requirement of the believing Islamic brotherhood and the Islamic way.

 

The second affliction that has spread among some people is the affliction of calumny; that is reporting words among people. Someone goes to another saying that so-and-so says such-and-such for spoiling and casting animosity and hatred among Muslims. This is calumny which is a great sin and reason for torture both in the grave and in Hell. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “The tale-bearer will not enter Paradise” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«لا يدخل الجنة نمّام» رواه مسلم

 

He has also passed by two graves and said: “These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (i.e. in something not difficult for them to give up)! One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies” [Agreed upon].

 

«مر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على قبرين . فقال: أما إنهما ليعذبان، وما يعذبان في كبير. أما أحدهما فكان يمشي بالنميمة، وأما الآخر فكان لا يستتر من بوله» متفق عليه

 

O Muslims, if a person is told by someone that so-and-so says such-and-such about him, he has to blame him and prevent him from saying that and to be wary of him. This who reports the words of people about you, will verily report about you what you have not said. Allah Almighty has said: {And (O Muhammad) obey you not everyone Hallaf Mahîn (the one who swears much and is a liar or is worthless). (10) A slanderer, going about with calumnies,} [Surat Al-Qalam 68:10-11]

 

{وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّهِينٍ ﴿١٠﴾ هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ} القلم: 10-11

 

 

Transliteration:  Wala tutiAA kullahallafin maheenin (10) Hammazin mashshain binameemin

 

Brother... Stop Before Backbiting

 

My beloved brother, take a stance with yourself before backbiting your brothers

 

The first stance: is backbiting a good deed by which you approach to Allah Almighty; to increase your good deeds, and accordingly, get you closer to Paradise, or is it on contrary to that?

 

The second stance: do you like that you are backbitten by anyone, who mentions your defaults and faults, and how many defaults and disadvantages there are. If you do not like that, your brothers do not like that as well.

 

The third stance: before backbiting your brothers, remember this verse {Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).} [Surat Al-Hujurat 49:12].

 

{أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu

 

The fourth stance: before backbiting, remember that backbiting is the commodity of the cowardly people. A backbiter does not speak but in absence. If he is brave, he will speak and reveal what he hides in himself in the presence of the backbitten. He is, however, coward and of weak self.

 

Do you like to be described by such ugly characteristic that defaults your humanity?

 

The fifth stance: before backbiting, remember that backbiting is an increase and decrease; an increase to your sins and misdeeds and a decrease to your reward and good deeds. Good deeds and misdeeds are your goods on the Day of Resurrection. You have to choose in this world whether to increase your good deeds or your misdeeds. The only winner or loser is you. So, choose for yourself.

 

The sixth stance: before backbiting, remember and put before your eyes the following Hadiths. It is worthy that you memorize them

 

The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet” [Agreed upon].

 

 «من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليقل خيرا أو ليصمت» متفق عليه

 

The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Verily, a slave of Allah may utter a word without thinking whether it is right or wrong, he may slip down in the Fire as far away a distance equal to that between the East.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari], and in the narration of Muslim “and the West”.

 

«إن العبد ليتكلم بالكلمة ما يتبيّن فيها، يزلُّ بها في النار أبعد مما بين المشرق» رواه البخاري، وفي رواية مسلم «والمغرب»

 

The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honor” [Reported by Muslim].

 

 «كل المسلم على المسلم حرام: دمه وعرضه وماله» رواه مسلم

 

The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “When I was ascended I passed through people with copper nails who scratch their faces and chests. I said: “Who are those Gabriel? He said: those are the ones who eat the flesh of people (backbite them) and slander their honor” [Reported by Abu Dawud and authenticated by Al-Albani].

 

«لمّا عُرِجَ بي مررت بقوم لهم أظفار من نحاس يخمشون وجوههم وصدورهم، فقلت: من هؤلاء يا جبريل؟ قال: هؤلاء الذين يأكلون لحوم الناس ويقعون في أعراضهم» رواه أبو داود وصححه الألباني

 

His saying while passing through one of the grave-yards of Medina or Mecca when he heard the voices of two persons who were being tortured in their graves. The Prophet said, “These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid).” The Prophet then added, “Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmiy between friends). The Prophet then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, “I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari].

 

«خرج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من بعض حيطان المدينة، فسمع صوت إنسانين يعذبان في قبورهما، فقال: يعذبان، وما يعذبان في كبير، وإنه لكبير، كان أحدهما لا يستتر من البول ، وكان الآخر يمشي بالنميمة. ثم دعا بجريدة فكسرها بكسرتين أو ثنتين، فجعل كسرة في قبر هذا، وكسرة في قبر هذا، فقال: لعله يخفف عنهما ما لم ييبسا» رواه البخاري

 

The seventh stance: primarily remember, whom you disobey by backbiting. Do you disobey so-and-so? Do you breach the order of so-and-so? No, you disobey Allah Almighty. You breach the order of your Creator, your Sustainer, and your Perceiver; the One Who has bounty over you, the Almighty. By backbiting, you fight Allah Glorified and Exalted. Do you like to be one of those who fight Allah Glorified and Exalted?

 

 

My Beloved Brother... Stop Before Calumny

 

The first stance: before calumny, remember the Hadiths mentioned by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about calumny. They include:

 

They saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “A Qattat (tale-bearer) will not enter Paradise” [Agreed upon],

 

«لا يدخل الجنة قتات» متفق عليه

 

And in another narration ““The tale-bearer will not enter Paradise” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«لا يدخل الجنة نمام» رواه مسلم

 

And his saying when he passed by two graves the persons in which were tortured: “These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin, Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends)”. The Prophet then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, “I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried.” [Agreed upon].

 

«مر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم على قبرين، فقال: إنهما ليعذبان، وما يعذبان من كبير. ثم قال: بلى، أما أحدهما فكان يسعى بالنميمة، وأما أحدهما فكان لا يستتر من بوله. قال: ثم أخذ عودا رطبا، فكسره باثنتين، ثم غرز كل واحد منهما على قبره، ثم قال: لعله يخفف عنهما ما لم يبسا» رواه البخاري

 

The second stance: before calumny, remember that it is the goods of the wicked people. Talebearers are the most wicked of this nation. Asmaa Bint Yazeed narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “Should I inform you about the best of you”, they said: yes. He said “Those whom upon being seen Allah is mentioned. Should I inform you about the worst of you”, they said: yes. He said “Those who are talebearers who spoil the relation among the lovers…” to the end of the Hadith [Reported as good by Al-Albani].

 

«ألا أخبركم بخياركم؟ قالوا: بلى، قال: الذين إذا رؤوا ذكر الله، أفلا أخبركم بشراركم؟ قالوا : بلى، قال: المشاؤون بالنميمة، المفسدون بين الأحبة...» حسنه الألباني

 

The third stance: before calumny, remember that it is from the integrity of faith that a Muslim must love for his brother what he loves for himself. Anas narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said “None of you will be a [perfect] believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” [Agreed upon].

 

«لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه» متفق عليه

 

Do you like anyone to spread calumnies about you so he sows dissention between you and the people you love? If you do not like that, do not make calumny as goods for you by which you sow divisions among lovers. Love for your brothers what you love for yourself.

 

The forth stance: before calumny, remember that those among whom you are trying to spoil will be your antagonist on the Day of Resurrection, this great day where there is no reckoning but according to good deeds and misdeeds.

 

The fifth stance: before calumny, remember that one day you will be unmasked before people. Then, you will be alone and outcast, with no companion or a beloved.

 

The sixth stance: before calumny, remember death and its stupors, the short worldly life, the nearness of death, the quick traveling to the Last Home, the embrace of the grave and its torture, the Day of Resurrection and its terrors, and the Hellfire and its shackles.

 

The seventh stance: primarily remember that by calumny you disobey Allah Almighty and declare war against the Decree of Allah Almighty. So be aware not to do such matter and do not throw yourself into destruction.

 

 

Causes and Motives of Backbiting and Calumny:

 

1-   Weakness of faith: by not caring about the punishment of Allah and about disobeying Him, Glorified and Exalted.

 

2-   The bad breeding of children.

 

3-   Bad companion: “A man follows the creed of his close friends, so you should consider whom to befriend” [Reported as good by Al-Albani].

 

«الرجل على دين خليله، فلينظر أحدكم من يخالل» حسنه الألباني

 

4-   Arrogance, pride, self-conceit, and seeing oneself as being better than others.

 

5-   Grudge and envy that drive man to backbite others.

 

6-   Entertainment and leisure time wasting.

 

7-   Satisfying friends.

 

8-   Ignorance, it is either ignorance of the ruling of backbiting and calumny or their bad consequence and painful punishment of Allah Almighty.

 

 

Methods of Treatment of Backbiting and Calumny:

 

1.    Good education and exerting the righteous example.

 

2.    Good company that helps in good deeds and warns against evil.

 

3.    Occupying the leisure time; leisure is a two-edged weapon. This who occupies it in good deeds is the winner in both this worldly life and the Hereafter.

 

4.    Preferring the pleasure of Allah to the pleasure of others.

 

5.    The contentment and satisfaction of the gifts of Allah Almighty and praising Him in all conditions.

 

6.    Strengthening belief by useful knowledge and the increase of righteous deeds.

 

7.    Being busy by one’s defects rather than by the defects of others, by searching for, treating and trying to get rid of them.

 

 

Fatwas about Backbiting and Calumny:

 

Question: One of my friends often speaks about the honors of people. I have advised him but in vain. It seems that it has become a habit for him. Sometimes he speaks about people with good intention. Is it permissible to part-company with him?

 

Answer: Speaking about the honors of Muslims with what they hate is an abominable action and a forbidden backbiting. It is a great sin as Allah Almighty has said {Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).} [Surat Al-Hujurat 12:12].

 

{أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu

 

In addition, Muslim reported in his Authentic Book the Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “Do you know what is backbiting? They said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He said: “Your talking about your brother with something that he hates”. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: “If it is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbit him, and if that is not in him it is a slander.”

 

«أتدرون ما الغيبة؟ قالوا: الله ورسوله أعلم. قال: ذكرك أخاك بما يكره، قيل: أفرأيت إن كان في أخي ما أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول، فقد اغتبته. وإن لم يكن فيه، فقد بهته» رواه مسلم

 

It is authenticated about the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that he said: In the night of ascent, he passed through people with copper nails who scratch their faces and chests. He said: “Who are those Gabriel? He said: those are the ones who eat the flesh of people (backbite them) and slander their honor”. It is reported by Abu Dawud and authenticated by al-Albani. The Scholar Ibn Muflih authenticated it.

 

«لما عرج بي مررت بقوم لهم أظفار من نحاس، يخمشون وجوههم وصدورهم، فقلت: من هؤلاء يا جبريل؟ قال: هؤلاء الذين يأكلون لحوم الناس، ويقعون في أعراضهم» رواه أبو داود وصححه الألباني، قال أبن مفلح: صحيح

 

You, as well as other Muslims, should not sit with the one who backbites Muslims. You have to advise and blame him, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: “The one of you who sees an atrocity has to change it by his hand, if he cannot then by his tongue and if he cannot then by his heart, and this is the weakest belief” [Reported by Muslim in his authentic book of Hadith].

 

«من رأى منكم منكرا فليغيره بيده. فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه. فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه. وذلك أضعف الإيمان» رواه مسلم

 

If he does not obey, do not sit with him, as this is the perfection of blaming him.

 

 

May Allah reform the Muslims’ conditions and guide them to their happiness and salvation in both this worldly life and the Hereafter. (His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz)

 

Question: Your Eminence Sheikh, the best entertainment for a group of people is backbiting, calumny, playing cards and others. The question is: is it permissible to sit with them, keeping in mind that they are my people with whom I have brotherly, affinity, friendly and other relationships.

 

Answer: These people whose best entertainment is to eat the flesh of their dead brothers are in fact foolish as Allah Almighty says in His Holy Book {Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).} [Surat Al-Hujurat 49:12].

 

{أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu

 

So, these people who eat the flesh of people -we seek refuge with Allah- in their meetings have committed a great sin. It is your duty to advise them. If they accept and quit doing that, it is fine then; otherwise, you should leave and not sit with them, as Allah Almighty has said {And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur’ân) that when you hear the Verses of Allâh being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allâh will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell. [Surat An-Nisâ’ 4:140].

 

{وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ آيَاتِ اللَّـهِ يُكْفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقْعُدُوا مَعَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ ۚ إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا مِّثْلُهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَالْكَافِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا} النساء: 140

 

 

Transliteration: Waqad nazzala AAalaykum fee alkitabi an itha samiAAtum ayati Allahi yukfaru biha wayustahzao biha fala taqAAudoo maAAahum hatta yakhoodoo feehadeethin ghayrihi innakum ithan mithluhum inna Allaha jamiAAu almunafiqeena waalkafireena fee jahannama jameeAAan

 

As He has made the ruling of those who hear the verses of Allah being denied and ridiculed as the ruling of those who do that, though this is a great sin that takes you out of the pale of Islam; then this who takes part with the disobedient in less matters, is just like those who took part with the disobedient who denied and ridiculed the verses of Allah. Hence, this who sits in a place where backbiting is taking place has the same sin as the backbiter himself. You have, then, to leave their meetings and not to sit with them. Having a strong relationship with them will not benefit you neither on the Day of Resurrection nor while you are alone in your grave. Soon you will leave them or they will leave you and then each one will be alone with his own deeds and actions. Allah Almighty has said in the Holy Quran {Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)} [Surat Az-Zukhruf 43:67].

 

{الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ} الزخرف: 67

 

 

Transliteration: Alakhillao yawmaithin baAAduhum libaAAdin AAaduwwun illa almuttaqeena

 

(His Eminence Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen)

 

Question: Your Eminence Sheikh, what is your advice, may Allah Almighty protect you, for backbiters, talebearers and those who amuse themselves with the honors of Muslims?

 

Answer: there is no doubt that backbiting is a great sin as it contains mocking Muslims and ridiculing them. It includes belittling Muslims by mentioning their defects, revealing their secrets and searching for their disadvantages while hiding their advantages. Therefore, there is a stern prohibition against backbiting as Allah Almighty has said {Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).} [Surat Al-Hujurat: 12].

 

{أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ} الحجرات: 12

 

Transliteration: ayuhibbu ahadukum an yakula lahma akheehi maytan fakarihtumoohu

 

This is degrading doing such an action and reproaching for the doer by making him similar to the one who eats the flesh of the dead.

 

It is proven that Aisha – or another Mother of the Believers – said “O Messenger of Allah, it is enough that Safiya is such-and-such”, she means that she is short. He said: “You said a word which if mixed by the sea water, it will change it” [Authenticated by Al-Albani].

 

«قلت للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم حسبك من صفية كذا وكذا قال غير مسدد تعني قصيرة فقال لقد قلت كلمة لو مزجت بماء البحر لمزجته» صححه الألباني

 

The Prophet explained backbiting as “Your mentioning of your brother with what he hates”. It is said: O Messenger of Allah what if my brother has what I say [about him], he said “If he has what you said then you have backbitten him, and if he does not have what you say then you have fabricated lies about him” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«أتدرون ما الغيبة؟ قالوا: الله ورسوله أعلم. قال: ذكرك أخاك بما يكره، قيل: أفرأيت إن كان في أخي ما أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول، فقد اغتبته. وإن لم يكن فيه، فقد بهته» رواه مسلم

 

As for calumny, it is reporting words of people in order to sow dissension and spoil. In the Hadith “A Qattat will not enter Paradise”, i.e. a talebearer [Reported by Muslim].

 

«لا يدخل الجنة قتات» رواه مسلم

 

It is narrated also in the Hadith “Should I inform you what the bite is? It is calumny among people” [Reported by Muslim].

 

«ألا أنبئكم ما العضة؟ هي النميمة القالة بين الناس» رواه مسلم

 

Therefore, some scholars said: “A talebearer spoils in one hour what a magician cannot do in a year.” Allah, therefore, dispraises this that does that by saying {A slanderer, going about with calumnies} [Surat Al-Qalam 68:11]

 

{هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ} القلم: 10-11

 

 

Transliteration: Hammazin mashshain binameemin

 

and His Almighty saying: {Woe to every slanderer and backbiter} i.e. the talebearer [Surat Al-Humazah 104:1];

 

{وَيْلٌ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَةٍ} الهمزة: 1

 

 

Transliteration:Waylun likulli humazatin lumazatin

 

 

As there is a threatening that he does not enter Paradise, this shows then that this is a great sin. We recommend Muslims to shun backbiting and calumny and avoid making honors the amusement of assemblies. A Muslim should defend the honor of his brother in his absence in order for Allah to help and reward him for his defending for Muslims. Allah knows best. (His Eminence Sheikh ibn Jibreen)

 

Finally, my dear brother... You can refer to the book: (Beware of the Reprehensible Goods, Backbiting and Calumny)

 

 

Ibn Khuzaymah House

With little modification

 

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