Gems upon Gems from 'In Defense of Salafi Manhaj' Conference

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah

Amma ba'd Part 5 of Gems upon Gems from 'In Defense of Salafi Manhaj' Conference, via notes taken (not verbatim) Shaikh Falah ibn Isma'eel (hafidhahullaah) said: Salafiyyah is being attacked. It is upon the Salafees to defend Salafiyyah. It is normal for people of bid'ah to attack the Salafees. Even the kufaar support Ahlul Bid'ah in this. The Salafee refutes Ahlul Bid'ah and Ahwaa (People of heresy and desires), and is not silent regarding bid'ah. Salafees do not compromise their religion. And yes, the Book of Allaah has many refutations of deviant and deviance, such as refutations of Fir'aun and Nimrood - to protect and defend the truth. In ahadeeth, you find many narrations refuting the Khawaarij. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) refuted the Khawaarij in many ahadeeth, narrated by 'Irbaad ibn saariyah and other than him. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) refuted the Khawaarij even before the sect emerged, and this is a tremendous proof that refutation precedes. [This is notable because because the origin is refutations come after.] The Deen of Allaah cannot be established except with refutations. Our noble scholars were serious in this matter, writing many books in defense of the religion. Imam Ahmad stood firm in defending the religion, refuting the false statement 'the Qur`an is created.' They endured physical harm in defending the truth. Don't be deceived by the false calls of those who say, 'we need to unite, so don't refute.' No! The people need to unite upon the truth. Qur`an and Sunnah are full of text in defense of Salafi Manhaj. La illaaha il Allaah. Salafiyyah is correct 'aqeedah and correct manhaj. The statements of the Salaf are many. Its true meaning refers to two matters: linguistically, terminology. 1- Salaf means Man Sabaqa (those who came before, preceded) [Notice that the word Salaf and Sabaqa are synonyms, as other people of knowledge explained when using ayah 100 of Surat at-Tawbah as one of the many proofs of the obligation of following the Salaf and the prohibition of not following the Salaf, and that no other way leads to Jannah except by following the Salaf.] 2- Our Salaf (predecessors) are the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and the sahaabah. They are our Salaf in Deen, 'aqeedah, Islaam, Eeman. Some scholars say the Salaf are the first generation only, due to the Khawaarij emerging in the second generation. Others say the second and third generation as well from those who followed the first generation, using the hadeeth of the Khayreeyah as proof*. Others say: there is no difference, because we don't follow the second and third generations, except in their following the first generation. The excellence of the second and the third generation is due to their following the first generation, not due to the time frame, since the Khawaarij emerged in the second generation. So the Salaf are the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and the sahabaah, following them in 'Aqeedah, worship (how they worshipped), manners, statements, actions, what they were silent about, what they left alone; and those who followed them exactly in second and third generations. [They were Salaf] by name and actions. All names in Arabic language are either noun, verb or preposition. Salaf is a noun. All names in Arabic language are either 'alamee (referring to an entity) or wasfee (description). He used as an example the name "Maher." He said this name "Maher" is wasfee, descriptive. It means skillful, one who works with perfection. It comes from the word "mahara," which means having skills. Then the shaikh gave an example of the name "Ridwan," which means to be pleased. And his own name "Falah," which means success. So he returned to explain the meaning of the word "Salaf" -----> who are the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and the sahaaba, who are our Salaf in Deen, Islaam, Eeman, 'Aqeedah... So the word Salaf is a name and can relate to time and also be descriptive. So as an example 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar (radiallahau 'anhumma) is a Salaf, both in name (relating to time) and descriptive. Whereas, for example, Imam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) was a Salaf (wasfee) in terms of acting upon what the Salaf were upon. Likewise, us today, we can be Salafee wasfan, not 'alamee. Then the shaikh mentioned some of the many proofs of the obligation of following the Salaf: 1- Allaah's statement (what means): And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah, ayah 100) So from this ayah, we see that there are three categories of people who will enter Jannah, after the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), from this Ummah: 1- The Muhaajiroon, 2- The Ansaar [These first two groups are the sahaabah], 3- and those who follow them exactly in Eeman ------> This is how you and I can enter, ya 'Abdullaah. And beware of being from the fourth category, lest you be destroyed. Then the shaikh, as he did last time he was here, mentioned the five promises that Allaah promises these three categories of successful people. 1- Allaah will be pleased with them. 2- They will be pleased with Allaah 3- They will Gardens (more than one) 4- They will dwell there forever 5- This is the ultimate success 2- Allaah's statement (what means): And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad, (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination. (An-Nisa`, ayah 115) The shaikh said this is the promise for the evil doers. Whenever there is a promise, this an important matter. 3- And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad: Al-Muhajiroon and Al-Ansaar) have believed," they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 13) Believe as the people believed. Who are the people here? The Sahaabah. 4- "So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allaah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Al-Baqarah, ayah 137) You believe (amaantum) is the sahaabah. 5- The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: This Ummah will divide into 73 sects, all of them in the hellfire except one. He was asked, "Which one is that, o Messenger of Allaah?" He (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: That which I and my companions are upon. [Abu Dawud, Ibn Maajah, Ahmad, Ad-Daaramee] 6- The hadeeth of 'Irbaad ibn Saariyah, who said the Messenger (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) admonished us (and) said: 'Alaykum bi Sunnati wa Sunnat al-khulafa ar-rashideen al-mahdiyeen min ba'dee. Tamasaku biha wa 'addoo 'alayha bi nawaajidh. (Upon you is my Sunnah, and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifs after me. Hold onto it. And bite onto it with the molar teeth.) The shaikh - trying to make sure the attendees were alert and paying attention - asked how many Sunnahs are there? The people answered (one Sunnah) correctly, maa sha` Allaah. Then the shaikh tried again, and he emphasized: 'Alaykum bi Sunnati wa Sunnat al-khulafa ar-rashideen al-mahdiyeen min ba'dee. (Upon you is my Sunnah, and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifs after me.) The people answered (one Sunnah) correctly, maa sha` Allaah. And the shaikh confirmed the correct answer by providing the proof: [The Prophet, salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:] Tamasaku biha wa 'addoo 'alayha bi nawaajidh. Hold onto it ----> singular. And bite onto it ----> singular... * The Prophet's statement: Khairun-Nas Qarni, Thummal-Ladheena Yaloonahum, Thummal-Ladheena Yaloonahum (The Best Generation is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them.)

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah

Amma ba'd Part 6 of Gems upon Gems from 'In Defense of Salafi Manhaj' Conference, from notes taken (not verbatim) In answering one of the old doubts that keeps coming up from people of bid'ah, 'Why do you say 'Salafee or sahaaba; why don't we just say Qur`an and Sunnah," Shaikh Falah ibn Isma'eel (hafidhahullaah) said: "In the terminology, we say, this is not sufficient. It's a general statement. Qur`an is text -------------------> and text requires Fahm (correct understanding) Sunnah is text ------------------> and text requires Fahm (correct understanding) Then, you may have correct implementation. As Ibn 'Abbaas (radiallaahu 'anhumma) said: (without correct understanding) people may understand the text in a different way. Some may read an ayah and understand this, and others may read an ayah and understand something else, and this is how the Ummah divides. Ibn Taymeeyah (rahimahullaah) said: The Khawaarij were considered among those who took care of the text, but they deviated because they lacked correct understanding. If you have bad understanding, you will be wrong in implementation. What if a person understands the text correctly, is good implementation guaranteed? No! Why? Because, some have desires, emotion, others cling to their tribe, or clique. As Allaah said about the Jews, they knew the truth as they knew their own children. [The shaikh may have been referring to this ayah: Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad) as they recongise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it - [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad which are written in the Taurāt (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 146)] The Khawaarij respected the Qur`an, but lacked understanding. Allaah witnessed for the sahaaba their correct understanding. So did the Messenger (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Ibn 'Abbaas (radiallaahu 'anhumma) swore by Allaah and said: "The Prophet died while pleased with the sahaaba." The Shaikh said: pleased in their Deen. The very first point in Imam Ahmad's Usool-us-Sunnah: The foundations of the Sunnah with us are: Holding fast to what the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) were upon. And taking them (i.e. the Companions of the Prophet) as an example to be followed... The Khawaarij, Soofia, Ash'aria, even the Shee'ah say, "I follow Qur`an and Sunnah." But holding fast to what the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) were upon. And taking them (i.e. the Companions of the Prophet) as an example to be followed... is a statement they will never say. If the Khawaarij were to say this (or have said this), they would never (or would never have) make (made) takfeer of 'Alee. Ibn Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) saw people in a masjid in Kufa remembering Allaah, but it was how they did it that was different - using pebbles, and someone ordering them to say 'subhanallaah' so and so times, someone ordering them to say 'Al-Hamdulillaah' so and so times, someone ordering them to say 'Allaahu Akbar' so and so times, someone ordering them to say 'La illaaha illlaah' so and so times. Ibn Mas'ood said: Follow and do not innovate. You have been sufficed. All the Imams of the Sunnah said this: Ibn Battah, al-Awaza'ee, As-Sabooni... These are words that should be engraved in gold. The haqq is only known through the sahaaba. Eeman ----------> only known through the sahaaba 'Aqeedah ----------> only known through the sahaaba Taqwah ----------> only known through the sahaaba even Jannah ----------> only known through the sahaaba We will never go astray if we hold onto narration. Even Abu Bakr said: I am only a follower. If I stray, correct me. How would they know? This matter has been completed. [In reference to the statement of Allaah, which means: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion. (Al-Ma`idah, ayah 3)] That's why Ibn Mas'ood said: If anyone wants to follow anyone, follow someone dead. (Because the people still living are not free from fitnah.) Ibn 'Abdil-Birr said: You should know their [the sahaaba's] virtues upon you. Mu'tazila and Khawaarij say about the sahaabah, "They are men and we are men," [deceivingly equating themselves with the sahaaba]. During his khilaafa, 'Alee ibn Abi Talib (radiallaahu 'anhu) was the best in Eeman, Taqwa, Ikhlaas, because Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman (radiallaahu 'anhum) had already died. Yet the Khawaarij made takfeer of 'Alee and told him to repent from "kufr." ... "Be patient upon the Sunnah, and stop where the people stopped." So the Sunnah is difficult because of desires, opinions, enviornment, and the deviants.

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah

Amma ba'd Part 7 of Gems upon Gems from 'In Defense of Salafi Manhaj' Conference, via notes taken (not verbatim) The following is - wa lillaah il Hamd - the combined efforts of two scholars of Ahlul-Sunnah wal Jama'ah: Shaikh 'Ubaid al-Jaabiree and Shaikh Falah ibn Isma'eel (hafidhahumullaah). After delivering khutbat al-hajjah, Shaikh 'Ubaid (hafidhahullaah) began with the lecture: Virtue of Knowledge and Its People [The shaikh had a brief introduction that included the following: 'Ilm as related to Islaam is the legislated (Sharee'ah) knowledge. Understanding the Qur`an and Sunnah upon the Fahm of the salaf-us-Saleh (Prophet and sahaaba, and those who followed them). The Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: Khairun-Nas Qarni, Thummal-Ladheena Yaloonahum, Thummal-Ladheena Yaloonahum (The Best Generation is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them.) ... Then the shaikh said he will give us one ayah and one hadeeth to show us the Virtue of Knowledge and its People.] Allaah said (what means): Allaah bears witness that La ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge who are upright and just (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Alee 'Imraan, ayah 18) Those bearing witness are three: 1- Al-Haqq (Allaah, Himself), and this is sufficient 2- The noble angels 3- People of knowledge ---------> This is a tazkiyah for them Abu Darda (radiallaahu 'anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: Whoever seeks a path to knowledge, Allaah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. Indeed, the angels lower their wings being pleased with the one who seeks knowledge. Whoever is in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the sea, ask for forgiveness for the scholar. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like that of the moon over all other heavenly bodies. The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, for the Prophets did not leave behind Dinars and Dirhams, but they left behind knowledge; and whoever receives it, receives an abundance of good fortune. (Ahmad, Abu Dawud; authentic) In this hadeeth, there are six virtues and characteristics of the people of knowledge. 1- The Promise of Jannah, wherein is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and has never come across the heart of mankind. 2- The angels are pleased with the seeker of knowledge, traveling to seek knowledge, and teaching people that knowledge. 3- All the creation seeks forgiveness for them, even the fish on the bottom of the ocean. 4- The superiority of the scholars over everyone else. They worship Allaah upon baseerah, and teach people through actions upon baseerah. 5- The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets; this is only for the scholars. The Prophets did not leave anything behind except 'ilm. 6- Have diligence in seeking 'ilm, and acting upon and teaching the Sunnah, disseminating knowledge, refuting bid'ah. The scholars are rewarded for their 'ilm, and the 'ilm of those they teach, and the actions of those who act upon it, because the Messenger (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all. And whoever calls to misguidance will carry the burden of the sin similar to the sin of the one who follows him, without the sins of either of them being lessened at all.' (Muslim) Shaikh 'Ubaid concluded - it was nearly 2:00 AM in Madinah, maa sha` Allaah, may Allaah reward him and the rest of the righteous scholars of the Sunnah, and may Allaah have mercy on those scholars of the Sunnah who have died and preserve those scholars of the Sunnah still living. Then Shaikh Falah ibn Isma'eel, who was in attendance and had earlier exchanged salaams with Shaikh 'Ubaid, asked those in attendance: What is the condition in this hadeeth regarding the scholars? The answer is from the Prophet's own statement in this hadeeth. [One person answered correctly, and the shaikh was pleased.] The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. In his sharh (explanation) of this hadeeth, Imam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: "The last the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentioned in the hadeeth is the condition of this hadeeth.." All the virtues are for (Warath al-Anbiyaa`), those who inherit from the Prophets. This is not for any scholar except for the one who inherits from the Prophets. The angels lowering their wings is for the one who inherits from the Prophets. All of creation seeking forgiveness for them is for those who inherit from the Prophets. [Then the shaikh set out to show us who is truly an inheritor of the Prophets, via a scale - he called it a barometer - by bringing this hadeeth in harmony with another hadeeth to show us.] The Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "The stars are the guardians of the sky. If the stars are gone, then that which is promised to the sky will befall it. And I am a guardian of my companions. If I die, then that which is promised to my companions will befall them. And my companions are guardians of my Ummah. If they are gone, then that which is promised to befall my Ummah will occur." What we learn from this hadeeth are: The companions are the scholars of this Ummah. So the Prophet is the star in the time of the sahaaba. And the companions is the star for this Ummah. They are the true stars. Today, even wicked, lude people claim to be stars: the singers, dancers, ballplayers, belly-dancers... Shaikh Hammad al-Ansaree said: The Qur`an is explained, first and foremost, by the Qur`an itself. From the Qur`an, we see that a star is used for three purposes: 1- (huda) guidance ------> The proof is Allaah's statement (which means): It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea. We have (indeed) explained in detail Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, Revelations, etc.) for people who know. (Al-An'aam, ayah 97) 2- (zeenat ` a sama) --------> beautification, adornment 3- (rujum ash-shayaateen) --------> missiles that kill devils. The Proof for these last two are Allaah's statement (which means): And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the Shayaateen (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire. (Al-Mulk, ayah 5) [Qatadah (rahimahullaah) said: "These stars were only created for three purposes: Allaah created them as adornment for the heaven (sky), as missiles for the devils, and as signs for navigation. Therefore, whoever seeks to interpret any other meanings for them other than these, then verily he has spoken with his own opinion, he has lost his portion and burdened himself with that which he has no knowledge of." (Ibn Jareer recorded this with his chain of narration; so did Ibn Abi Hatim)] So when the Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) sat with the sahaaba, Prophet Muhammad (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) was: 1- the zeenah, adornment 2- guided them to the truth, taught them 3- killed falsehood: refuted bid'ah, shirk, exposed hypocrites, even the small matters he did not ignore, nor compromised. Prophet Muhammad divided between the truth and falsehood (and exposed falsehood, and its difference from the truth), such that people within a single family were separated by this distinguishment. 'Amr ibn al-'Aaas (radiallaahu 'anhu) stopped near Egypt, where he encountered a big army. 'Amr ibn al-'Aaas sent to 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhu) a message, asking for reinforcement. 'Umar sent 1,000 people. 'Amr ibn al-'Aaas wondered and asked 'Umar (is this sufficient)? 'Umar said: Among them are four [meaning four sahaaba], each one of them equals one thousand. Likewise, the scholars today. They are the: 1- the zeenah (adornment) 2- people are guided by them 3- they are missiles against the shayaateen, by refuting Ahlul Bid'ah wa Ahlul Baatil (People of Hersey and people of falsehood) The true Salafee today is distinguished because he refutes Ahlul Bid'ah (the devils among mankind). The graves of the sahaaba: are they only in Makkah and Madina? No, they are in 'Iraq, Sham, etc... Because they spread the Deen. Would you like to be from Warath al-Anbiya` (the inheritors of the Prophets)? Yes! Then, 1- Enjoin the good and forbid the evil with gentleness, mercy; don't lie, don't backbite (in reference to the haram backbiting). This is Zeenah (adornment, beautification). 2- Constantly guide people to the truth. This is guidance. 3- If you saw a munkar, stop it. This is missiles against the devils. Those who will inherit from the Prophets are those closest to them. Aboo Hurayrah (radiallaahu 'anhu) once passed by the market in Madinah. He stopped at the market and said: "O people of the market, how incapable you are!" They said, "And how is that Aboo Hurayrah?" He replied, "Over there, the inheritance of Allaah's Messegner (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) is being distributed and you are here! Won't you go and take your share?" "Where is it?" they asked. He replied, "In the Masjid." So they hurried to the Masjid, and Aboo Hurayrah waited for them until they returned. When they came back, he said, "What’s the matter?" They replied, "Aboo Hurayrah! We went to the Masjid, but we didn't see anything being distributed." Aboo Hurayrah asked them, "And you didn't see anyone in the Masjid?" They replied, "Indeed we did; we saw people praying, others reciting Qur`an and others studying the regulations of halal and haram." So Aboo Hurayrah said, "Woe to you! That is the inheritance of Muhammad, salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam." [Reported by at-Tabaraani in al-Aswaat, with a hassan chain of narrators; Al-Albanee also graded it hasan in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa Tarheeb, Vol 1, pg. 19.]

[Shehzad.ibn.Ghazanfar]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

جزاك الله خيرا يا أخي الكريم

و السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته