- Friday Aug 31st 2007 --

Reasons for taking this class

  - increase our iman
  - soften our hearts/taking a break from the materialistic world
  - learning how to understand and deal with the "unseen"
  - "seeing is believing" - allowing us to "see the unseen"
  - part of human nature is wanting to know about the unseen
  - to touch us personally and in our daily lives
  - address our position on the previous scriptures
  - learning about tawakul and taking means
  - learning about pillars of iman (and about jinn and dreams)
  - learning about messengers, and how to prove that Muhammad (saw) was a true messenger.
  - learning about qada' and qadar and about the hereafter

Iman

  - beliefs, actions
  - difference between beliefs and "signs of 3aqeeda"
    + beliefs - articles of faith that make a person in or out of islam
    + 3aqeeda - 3ilm of those beliefs, areas of scholars opinions, differences, interesting debates, details, information.  science of aqeeda.
        - should study because leads to strengthening of iman.
        - example: knowing a little about computers versus knowing about intricate details - same thing.  don't want to be in shallow water with respect to knowledge of 3aqeeda.
  - what is minimum requirement of person being a mu'min and what is more?
  - share 75% of what you learn here with others.
  - explain link between aqeeda issues, evidence of them, refute doubts raised by philosophers and different sects etc.

Opening

- famous hadeeth - put hands on his own thighs or prophet's [difference of opinion, stronger opinion is his own thighs].  this is foundation for cirriculum.
- important to reflect on arabic words because must understand nature and culture behind words and what they mean.
- in 3aqeeda, we judge meaning based on original terms.
- you can use translation to make something understandable, but when you come to study etc, you have to use the original terms.

Chapter 2 - Belief in the Angels

- linguistic definition - comes from "malik" [owner] - some say it comes from "malk" [to take with great strength - "al akhth be-quwa" - others say "al-alukah" [the message].  moreso the last one, but all are same.
- difference between technical definition and linguistic definition - ex salah means du3a linguistically.  technically, it means what we do from takbeer to tasleem.  zakah means increasing - so one can say that increase one's wealth and consider that zakah.  however, they are connected and linked.
- sometimes, word technically will be undefined.  can define it in this case by custom and the people at the time [the sa7aba (ra)].
- technically speaking, angels: benevolent beings made of light that don't have free will and do things based on Allah's command.
- common misconception - "angels don't have physical attributes" - dangerous definition, because it means they are 'imaginary things.' [example 6:93, 35:1 - physical descriptions (hands, wings, 'write', 'talk', etc].  earlobe to end of shoulder - travelling distance of 500 years for example.

- views of angels
  1. philosophers - think angels are figments of the prophet's imagination. think that they purified themselves so much etc until they start hearing voices of nature.  that's because they don't believe in God.
    "muslim philosophers," ibn sina, etc - think of God as "al-3aql" or "the brain" of the world.  they say that if you open head, you see brain, not mind, but mind exists even though you can't see it - they said that's God, but that He doesn't really exist.  clearest kufr. as sheikh ul islam said, they are more in disbelief than any deviant sect or religion heard of.
  2. pagan arabs - think angels are daughters of Allah - a3oothoobillah. [ex 43:19, 37:149-150].
  3. jewish - 'malach' in hebrew = 'angels'.  "functionary who carry on God's will, so they do things that is below God's dignity" - many modern jews took philosophical view of maymoonies of angels.  quran teaches us that some jews have strong hatred to jibreel [2:97-98].
  4. christian view - creation of God, ministers, don't marry.  distinction made between 'good' and 'bad' angels [satan etc rebelled and are the 'fallen from heaven' etc].  depicted as humans in appearance, even though many of them say they don't have physical existance, but can incarnate.  often depicated with wings.  moving of stars, planets, etc done by angels.  [ibn al qayim also said stars moved by angels]. immortal souls of humans that die and raised into heaven can become angels if they are good.  no basis in the books though.

  - muslim view [35:1], 7adeeth that says that angels created from light.
  - a pillar of iman [2:285].
  - angels are second in sequence, because one believes in Allah, who gave message to angels, who sent it [books] to his prophets, etc.
  - established in quran, sunnah, ijma3 ['consensus' - book of ibn 7azm, "maratib al ijma3" - split consensus into types - some types of ijma3 between all of humanity, some types between all religions - for example, nawwawi will say consensus, but then later will say that someone disagrees, because consensus within his school of thought - in matter of 3aqeeda, 'consensus' is of the people who follow sunnah -- ibn 7azm says ijma3 between all muslims on this, as did ibn taymiyah], and logic [believing in Allah and message (Quran) means you must believe in angels otherwise you are contradicting your beliefs].
  - believing in angels is a must [part of pillars], but knowing details is not.  "munkir and nakeer" - debate of "name" versus "characteristics." some names have no proof [radwan as khadem al jana, etc].  [raqeeb and 3ateed - most say this is description] - mikaeel [or mikaal] -  vegetation - israfeel - trumpet.  jibreel [jabr (one who assist) + eel (rasul)]

Characteristics of Angels

  - ibn al qayim - says all orders of Allah carried out through angels [moving of sun, moon, stars, etc].  Allah knows best.
  - commit no sin and have no free will [66:6].
  - jibreel: obeyed and ameen [chief of angels].
  - jibreel said best angels are those who witnessed badr (hadeeth in bukhari) [so there are levels, they are not all the same].  have no gender [we don't say (also, 'muta3in thama ameen')]. they are male or female - Allah rejected claims that they are female, but didn't say they are male either].  they have their own creation.
  - have wings [per surat fatir].  jibreel has 500.
  - can change forms [19:16-17].
  - came once in shape of man named "de7ya al kalbee"
  - don't get tired of worship [21:20].
  - don't eat or drink [per story of sayidna ibraheem]
  - have 7aya' [modesty/shyness/staying away from what is 7aram, improper] proof: prophet (saw) said they have 7aya' from uthman.
  - fear Allah (swt) [21:28 - wa hum min khashyatihi mushfiqoon]
  - harmed by people - prophet (saw) said anyone who eats raw garlic or onions harms the angels and muslims [hadeeth - sa7ee7 bukhari/muslim]. don't spit in front of you while praying, spit in something on left side. in front of us is Allah, and on the right is angels.
  - angels are harmed by things that harm people [smoking, bad smells, etc].
  - love righteous people and pray for them [42:5]. 

Angels pray for
   1. those who seek and teach the knowledge,
   2. those who lead or pray at the masajid, 
   3. those who pray in the first line for males [for females, back line when there is no partition, otherwise sheikh bin baz said its opposite,
   4. those who stay in spot after they pray unless they move or lose wudu,
   5. those who eat suhur,
   6. those who will find a space in the line and will fill it,
   7. those who make salaam on the Prophet (saw),
   8. those who visit their sick brother/sister,
   9. believers [33:43],
 10. those who make du3a2 for their brother/sister,
 11. angels make ta'meen on your du3a2 in salah (fati7a, qunoot, jum3ah),
 12. funeral (sa3d ibn mo3az - 70k angels) - also prophet said to say good things only because angels amenu,
 13. for gatherings of seeking knowledge angels lower their wings for them].

Angels make du3a2 against disbelievers [2:161]
  - also if someone points weapon in the face of muslim, angel curses them until they put it down,
  - will curse anyone who curses companions [Allah and angels curse them],
  - innovators cursed by angels (and those who support innovators),
  - person who commits major sins in 7aram or madinah.



- Saturday Sept 1st 2007 --

Review

Why do angels make du`a' for you?
- Those who keep their position after prayer.
- Those who seek knowledge.
- Those who make salaam on the Prophet (S).

Why do angels make du`a' against you?
- Those who point a weapon at a believer.
- Those who innovate.

Wisdom behind Angels creations

1) To glorify Allah (swt) and glorify him - night and day, they never get tired

•     There is not a space in the heavens and skys in which there isn't angel prostrating to Allah (swt).

2) Some have specific roles - ex: Jebril (as) was responsible for delivering the msg to Prophet Muhammad (asws) - he was the same Prophet that came to Prophet Musa (as) before you... Israfil (as) blow on the trumpet, Malik (as) gaurds the hellfire and under him are 19 angels. Allah (swt) said that they're 19 as a trial or test for you.. the number itself is fitna. Some gaurd paradise, open the gate, etc. Angels are in charge of writing the deeds - there is another book that contains all deeds (whether good or bad) just all of your actions.

When someone does a good deed, it is automatically written in their book. Bad deeds aren't written for 6 hours (not literally 60 mins but hour implies a short amount of time) because the person might repent. If they repent it wont be written as a sin but will be written as a good deed (ie. for repenting). subhan Allah, the mercy!!

Requests when you make du`a' from the last ayah in Baqarah:

1) `Afw - the sin doesn't exist at all anymore in your record - completely whipped out.

2) Maghfirah -  What if you don't ask for forgiveness immediately? then you ask for maghfirah ( = protection) because it is documented against you. (Maybe it took you yrs to change your way of life?) How can the sin be covered? 10 ways 1) Good deeds 2) Sickness 3) Struggles in your life 4) Intercession on the day of Judgement.. etc. (10 famous ways = Mukathirat az-zunoob)

3) Rahma - What if you didn't do enough to wipe it out? What is left for you? Allah's (swt) mercy.


Angels even write the good deeds of your heart. ex: Mercy in your heart for humans/animals, patience, etc. Bad deeds of the heart (envy, jealousy, hate, etc.) are also documents. Bad thoughts are not documented unless it takes places. There is a special angel that are to show you the good dreams. (Bad dreams are from shaytan).

Dreams

Ru'yah - from Angels
Hilm - from Shaytan
Hadith an-Nafs - your own thoughts while you are sleeping

Protection
Angels are behind you and in front of you from so many things and even while your sleeping until your time comes. Some scholars say that there are 4 angels - one in the front, one in the back and 2 on either side protecting you.

7th sky - al bayt al ma`moor - PM saw PI sitting against that house. In this place, 70,000 make tawaf around this house daily and they never come back. So how many are out there?? Hellfire will be tied with 70,000 ropes and each rope is held by 70,000 angels just to hold the hellfire. There are millions and billions of Angels.

Effects of Belief in the Angels on the Life of the Muslim

1) Protects from false beliefs and heresy
2) Aids believers in remaining steadfast in their religion - you're not the only one prostrating to Allah (swt). On Laylat al-Qadr there are as many angels coming down to the earth as there is sand on the earth - thats why it's the NIGHT OF POWER!
3) Helps believers to be patient
4) Shows the honor of the believing human
5) Demonstrates the greatness of our Lord - helps you to be shy to disobey Allah (swt).. all these angels are watching you as well, not just Allah (swt), and they're sad that you're falling from Allah (swt)'s eyes. These angels will speak against you on the day of judgement but if you repent they will interceed for you on the day of judgement.

----

A question was raised by the Mu'tazilites on who is better, people or angels?  The problem with these questions is that there are different angles to look at it and different perspectives.  If you look at an issue in one way, men are better than women, but if you look at it a different way, it is the opposite.

Shi'is believe that their imams are much higher than angels.  Others have had different opinions on whether righteous people are better or angels.

Ibn Taymiyyah said it depends on perspective - if you look at angels in a worldly perspective, angels don't sin but even righteous people do, so angels are better.  But if you look at it from the akhirah in jannah, righteous people can be higher.  In the end, he said there is no point in discussing it because there is no benefit in knowing who is better.

P. 7 - How can we understand two verses in relation to our belief in angels?

"And when We said to the Angels, 'Bow down to Adam', they bowed down.  Not so Iblees, he refused and was haughty.  He was of those who reject Faith." (Qur'an 2:34)

Does this mean that Iblees was an angel?  There are some known scholars who said yes, that he was an angel and the one exception who disobey.  But the vast majority of scholars said this is wrong and came from dealings with disbelievers.  There is proof in Qur'an for him being a jinn:

"He was amongst the jinn" - Surah Kahf ayah 50
15:27 indicates that jinn are made from fire, and Iblees said he was created from fire.  Angels are created from light.

Al-Hasan al-Basri said that Iblees was never an angel, he was always a jinn.  Ibn Taymiyyah said that Allah gave him the shape of an angel because of his righteousness, so he was with them.  Others said that when Allah gave them the order to prostrate, Iblees was with them not from them.  You can say "the students are from the Bay Area" even if a few are not.

----

"They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers Were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (Such things) without saying: "We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme." They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!" (Qur'an 2:102)

How could the angels teach magic?  There are several opinions on this verse.

Some scholars took the recitation of Hasan Al-Basri where it is read "malikaini" - two kings.  Others said that Harut and Marut were from the jinn.

Al-Qurtubi said that the "maa" could be to affirm or to negate, and it should be understood that it is to negate here in "wama unzila" just like in "wama kafara", meaning they did not teach magic.  This opinion does not have much support.

Others such as Ibn Jarir said that the angels were not committing sins, but they were doing what Allah ordered them.  It was a test to have people see magic and not fall into it.  This is the clearer understanding of the mufassireen.

----

Al-Hassan had a puppy - the Prophet Muhammad (as) didn't enter because he noticed that the angels didn't enter, so he asked `Aisha (rA) what was in there.  She said that there is a puppy tied to the bed and he asked for the puppy to be removed.

Also in another hadith, a house that has pictures or statues.  In another hadith, they won't enter a house where someone is bad to their parents.  Also angels will not enter the bathroom.

Does this mean that you can do whatever you want?  Scholars said this means that the angels of mercy will not enter the house, but the normal angels who write deeds will - so you will lose the opportunity of mercy.

What about pictures?  The hadith clearly refers to pictures that are hanging, so it's OK if they are in albums, or on the computer, or in books.

Question: Do Non-Muslims also have angels protecting them?

Scholars said yes, it is part of the mercy of Allah.


Chapter 2 - Belief in the Jinn - p. 8

What are Jinn?

Linguistic definition - comes from the word "jannah", meaning concealed, remote, secret, hidden (7:27)

Jinn are accountable beings with free will that Allah created from fire and are invisible to humans.  They have special abilities that are different from humans.  This does not mean that they are better than humans, humans are higher than Jinn in capabilities and are a better creation.

If you remove your clothes with saying "Bismillah", they cannot see you.  This is a sunnah we should practice.

Another name for jinn is "'ifreet" (in Surah Naml).  Another name is "shayateen", which refers to disbelieving jinn.

How do others view jinn?

The pagan Arabs believed that jinn were sons or daughters of God.  Others pagans said that shaytaan and God are brothers, and they fought and shaytaan is the evil brother.  We seek refuge in Allah from these beliefs.  This is very similar in belief to satan worshipers in this country, who believe that satan is a younger brother of God.

Traditional Jews affirm that the Jinn exist and were created from fire and air.  Modern sects do not believe in jinn.

Christians believe satan has a personal army of devils that help him spread evil.  However the bible implies that they are fallen angels, like their belief of satan.  So the concept of Jinn does not exist in Christian thought or culture.  There are stories of people being possessed by devils, but they believe they are fallen angels or an evil soul.

The Ruling regarding Belief in the Jinn

We believe in Jinn, that they are another creation of Allah.  It is obligatory to believe in Jinn and kufr to deny their existence by the consensus of scholars.

There are some people who have corrupted beliefs of Jinn.  In one country there was a sister who was raised to believe her mother is a Jinn, and that the angels are bad and the Jinn are good.  She had this belief for a very long time until she read the Qur'an and read that shaytaan is from them.

Why and how were the Jinn created?

They were created to worship Allah - in Surah Dhaariyaat, we have created mankind and jinn only to worship Allah.  In Surah Al-An'aam, haven't we sent messenger to Jinn and mankind?  (ya ma'shara al-jinni wal-insi alam ya'tikum rusulun minkum ...)

Jinn were created from fire - Qur'an 55:15

There were created before mankind, as shaytaan was present before the creation of Adam.

Jinn can take the form of humans or other shapes.  There were incidents in the life of the Prophet (S) when jinn came in the form of humans.

Most scholars said it is possible to see jinn in their original form, but extremely rare and unlikely.  You wouldn't know if it is their original form or another form that they took.

In general, they look ugly because there is a hadith that the trees of jahannam have a fruit that is ugly like the faces of the shayateen.

How can they be punished with fire if they are from fire?  It is because they are not like fire, even if they are created from it, just like we are not like clay even though we are created from it.  Allah knows the nature of their form, but they will be punished in the fire and will suffer from it.

Ash-Shaytaan - p. 9

Who is Ash-Shaytaan?
It is Iblees.  He is the "father" of all Jinn like Adam is the father of humanity, according to Ibn Taymiyyah.  The proof is in Surah Kahf in the same ayah mentioned before, that don't take him and his children as friends.

He is the Enemy of mankind.  The shayateen are mentioned as enemies in the same ayah above.  Do not take shaytaan an enemy in public and a friend in private.

The Wisdom behind his Creation
He was not originally evil.  It is a lesson to avoid sin and not to underestimate even a minor sin, as a small sin can lead to a much bigger one.  Shaytaan started with one sin, disobeying Allah in His order, and ended up the devil spreading corruption on this earth.

It demonstrates the ability of Allah to create both good and evil.

It is a test for mankind.  Without shaytaan there is no point in sending messengers, having paradise and hellfire.  This is not what people were created for.

It is also to appreciate the opposite.  If you never go into a hospital, you will not appreciate being healthy.  You will not appreciate being righteous without seeing sin.

If there were no sins many acts of worship would not exists and attributes of Allah will not be exercised, such as repenting and being forgiven.

Also it demonstrates Allah's mercy and patience that He allows shaytaan to live a long life until the Day of Judgment.  Some scholars say this long life is a reward for his good deeds in the past, so that when he comes on the Day of Judgment he cannot claim reward for any of the actions he did before.  It is also a form of punishment becuase he will live longer and commit more sins that he will have to answer for.  Another reason is to be fair with all of humanity in tests, we are all exposed to the same shaytaan who is responsible for spreading evil.

The Enemy of Man
Shaytaan is an enemy for us - Qur'an 35:6

Unfortunately we are dealing with an expert enemy, who knows humans very well and has being dealing with us since Adam.
- His resume is very impressive, the number of people he was able to deceive and defeat. 
- He never quits, and never takes a day off or a vacation. 
- He has unlimited access to us, whispering to us, showing us things, playing with our hearts, comes to us in dreams or when awake.  The Prophet (S) said that shaytaan runs through us in the same way as blood (hadith).
- He has many followers and helpers.  Don't ever underestimate his ability.

However, we can defeat him with just one phrase - A'uthu billahi mina ash-shaytaani ar-rajeem.  The Prophet (S) said he reduces to like a fly when you say this.

Allah said in Surah Ibrahim:

"And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)." (Qur'an 14:22)

Shaytaan pokes a newborn baby - this shows the hatred and evil in his heart, and that he hates us just because we are human.

The Prophet (S) said in a hadith to blow out candles before sleeping, because shaytaan may tip them over to cause a fire.  We should also cover food and utensils so he does not spread disease (in fridge is fine).

The shayateen can be a cause for menstrual bleeding, out of their hate.

They can also possess human beings and hurt them physically.

The worst thing they can do is to deceive human beings.  This can be done in several ways depending on a person's level - cause them to be a disbeliever, make major sins, minor sins, or even being busy with things that are less beneficial.

Shaytaan made an oath that he will stand in the straight path and try his best to lead people astray.  This is mentioned in ayahs 7:16-17.

Every human being has a "qareen" from Jinn assigned to them to lead them astray, as mentioned in a hadith in Muslim and ayahs 43:36 and 41:25.

Shaytaan's Tactics
- Causes fear of doing what is right
- Incites lusts and desires
- Creates doubts about belief
- Create disunity amongst us - This is why it is necessary to stay together, and we should not travel or live alone - shaytaan targets the individual.

How can we protect ourselves?
- Follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah
- Ask Allah to protect us
- Be with the jama'ah
- Ask Allah to forgive us for our sins
- Always be aware of shaytaa
- In particular, the Prophet (S) would ask Allah to protect him at the time of death from shaytaan.  This is the greatest test, and it is shaytaan's last chance to defeat someone.  He comes to some people in the form of their mother or father and says don't believe, I died before you and these beliefs were a falsehood, so don't die as a Muslim.

Q/A Session

- Ibrahim (as) was thrown with a catapolt (sp?) into the fire and came out unburned - but how many people became muslim? zero! supernatural acts are not what cause belief or prove the power of Allah (swt).

- Jinn use these methods (magic, etc) is one of the ways to deceive humans?

Is there a difference between jin and jan? no, just different pronunciation

- Jin became ugly/scary when they became disbelievers. We don't know much about their faces or look but they have different backgrounds, languages, etc.

- How were angels knew about fasad (coorruption) if they aren't exposed

- Are jinn's the same as UFO's? no :)

- Can only pious people see the jinn? No, it should be the opposite. Generally, no one is supposed to see jinn. We shouldnt worry about being exposed to jinns because its a very rare situation.

- Should we cover our food and make our children come in during Maghrib Time? I don't know about the covering the food but you should bring children in from playing because there are numerous shay

- Is shaytan smart? Yes but not smart enough to believe in Allah (swt)

- Do the kuffar believe in/worship jinn? Yes

- What about during Ramadan, are the jinn still working on us? Only the leaders of the jinn (the worst among them) but not all of them and not shaytan himself.

- How are the jinn rewarded? Paradise and they are punished by the hellfire just like the humans.

- Is there an ayah or hadith says that we should follow our feelings to do prevent accidents, etc.? Following feeling is not a method to defying what is bad but sometimes you just feel like "i dont wanna do that" and we know that psychologically it can effect you physically.

- Were jinn created in fitra? We don't know and it doesn't effect us so we shouldn't care about it (not beneficial information)

Among the Jinn are the Good & Evil

Can a shaytaan become Muslim?  Some are Muslims and some disbelievers, but Iblees will never be a Muslim.

Did the Prophet's (S) qareen become a Muslim?  According to the hadith of Ai'shah, he said "fa aslam" which could mean either the Prophet was protected from it and it did not, or that it became Muslim.  Both are mentioned by An-Nawawi.

The Life of the Jinn

They eat and drink, as mentioned in several hadith like Ibn 'Umar in which the Prophet (S) said that shaytaan eats with his left hand.

They spread in the time of sunset, and follow behind camels.  Also the followers of shaytaan gather in the markets.

The shayateen will not enter the house in which someone said bismillah before stepping in.  Also they run away from the athan, which is a good way to protect yourself if you feel harm is coming.

The shayateen can not eat from food where you say bismillah.

The jinn do marry and procreate, as Allah mentioned the children in 18:50.  Also it is said in Qur'an that the hoor 'een have never been given to married by man or jinn (55:74).

Many scholars such as Qatadah said it is possible for a man to marry a female jinn, but makrooh.  The other way is not possible because then you can have prostitutes or fornicators claim that their child is from a jinn, go find the jinn.

The shaikh agrees with some scholars that say that it is not possible logically or religiously to marry a jinn, because Allah says in Surah Ar-Room that spouses are created from our own kind.  However, it is possible for there to be a sexual relationship.

Jinn die, but it seems that they have longer lifespan.  There is a hadith in Bukhari where the Prophet (S) said that Allah is living, and men and jinn die.

Snakes are a common shape than jinn take.  The Prophet (S) said to tell a snake in your house to leave, because they might be a jinn.  There was an incident where a man struck a snake in his house and they killed each other, and the Prophet (S) said it was a jinn so ask them to leave three times.  They cannot change shape in front of you, so leave the room.  If the snake doesn't leave, then you can kill it (or call animal control).  There are three types of snakes that they cannot take their shape - rattlesnakes, cobras, or bald snakes.  These can be killed anywhere.

Jinn share the earth with us, and they mostly live in impure places such as dumpsters, bathrooms, old and abandoned places.  They also gather in markets as there is a lot of cheating and sin there.  They also have animals that they ride.

There is a narration from Sa'eed Ibn Mansoor that the Prophet (S) said camels were created from shayateen.  What does this mean?  There is another hadith that is more authentic that behind every camel there is shaytan.  Some say this is what the hadith means, others say that camels were created from fire.  We don't necessarily know what it means and it does not affect us practically.

There is another hadith in Muslim that the black dog is a shaytaan.  Ibn Taymiyyah said that this is not literal, but that at the time of Madinah there was a type of black dog that was the worst of dogs in attitude.

Jinn's Weaknesses

They fear some believers, like the shaytaan feared Umar.

They also have limited power.  They have no authority over people, as mentioned.  They can no longer listen to what Allah has ordered (26:212).

All humans and jins if they gathered together could not come up with something like the Qur'an (17:88).

In a hadith in Muslim, the Prophet (S) said that the Shaytaan cannot come in his his shape.

Jinn cannot leave from this universe, as mentioned in Surah Ar-Rahmaan:

O assembly of jinns and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah)! (Qur'an 55:33)

They cannot open doors or use utensils that have had the name of Allah mentioned over them, as mentioned in ahadith from Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and others.

Humans have the ability to use what is their environment, jinn do not have all these capabilities.  Also they are not as intelligent as humans.  Prophet Sulaiman was watching the jinn when he died, and the jinn kept working for a long time, until a worm came and ate his cane he was resting on and he fell - Surah Saba'.  If they had know the unseen, they would not have been stuck working for such a long time.

Can Jinns possess humans?

It is the consensus of Sunni scholars that yes.  Mu'tazilites disagreed, saying that earth and fire cannot mix which is an illogical argument.  However, Allah said in Surah Baqarah that the one who deals with interest will be like the one who is possessed on the Day of Judgment.  (2:275)

Also the Prophet (S) said that shaytaan runs in our veins like blood.

There was also a narration reported by Ahmad, Muslim, and others that a boy was possessed by a jinn and the Prophet (S) made du'a.

However, it is a very situation.  The vast majority of the time people come up to the shaikh saying a family member is possessed, it is not the case.

The biggest proof is when you see cases in front of you where there are no other explanations.  The shaikh himself has seen some of these cases.  For example, there have been cases of people speaking languages that they never have been exposed to.  This is why Ibn Taymiyyah said the strongest evidence is what you see in reality.

Why do jinn possess humans?
- Animosity and hatred towards the person
- Magic
- Revenge - sometimes the person has caused harm to a jinn
- Adoration or lust - the shaikh saw a case where a male jinn possessed a woman and shared her with her husband, and they could hear a male voice from her body

Ibn Taymiyyah said Jinn will know of two things - ignorance and transgression.

Sa'ad Ibn 'Ubaadah was killed by jinn because he urinated in a hole in the desert where they lived.

How do you know someone is possessed?
- They cannot stand or bear to hear the Qur'an
- They cannot continue the salaah
- They switch mood in weird ways, from one extreme to another (can also be for other reasons, such as psychological problems)
- They say weird words that no one knows

The only clear sign is the first, the others don't necessarily mean the person is possessed.

How can we cure this?
We can do so by reading the Qur'an and du'as from ahadith.  There is a specific du'a that the Prophet (S) made that is very powerful.  One of the strongest Surahs that the shaikh has seen is Al-Fatihah.

To prevent this, make sure to keep up with salaah, and say bismillah.  The jinn affect people when they are weak, when they are away from Allah, doing drugs, etc.  It is very hard for jinn to come into a human's body.

Some say that there are certain smells, animals, and colors jinn don't like.  There is nothing from Shari'ah, but it would be permissible to use these as it would be like medicine.

Read Surat Al Fatiha (very powerful, most powerful Shaykh Waleed's seen), As-saffat, Ayat Al-Kursi, Last 2 ayahs of Surat Al-Baqarah, Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat An-Nas, Surat Al-Falaq.

Can they help people?
Yes, they helped Prophet Sulaiman.  They can also help in battles.  There have been incidents where people have found their home clean and organized, and no one else is living there or has access.

Q/A

- If a person is possessed with jinn, are they responsible for sins?

No, because they are not in control.  However, just because someone is possessed does not mean that they never have control over themselves.  In many cases, the person only loses control when they hear Qur'an.

- About the jinn who had knowledge and brought the throne, does a human have the ability to do so?

Most mufassireen said it was a human, but we don't know how.  It could also have been a jinn, it is not clear from the verse.

- If a Muslim jinn possesses a person, will they be affected in the same away by the Qur'an.

Yes, they will in this case.  However, a Muslim jinn can normally listen to the Qur'an without a problem.

- Comment that a shaikh said that 95% of cases where a person thinks they are possessed or affected by magic it is not true.

Yes, many times it is because of the person themselves.  Some people think they can't get married because of some magic done against them, but it really is because they are picky.  Or others feel they lost a job because of an evil eye, but it was because they were lazy and came late.  People always want to find scapegoats.

- If someone believes in jinn but not in some details mentioned by the Prophet (S), does this mean they disbelieve?

It depends, if they believe a hadith is fabricated or weak, that's fine.  If they believe that Prophet (S) said it and they don't believe what he said, then it is kufr.

- Would playing Surah Baqarah from CD be the same as reciting it in keeping jinn away?

No, it would not.  The hadith refers to reciting.

- What about fortune-tellers who have predicted things ten years ago for friends that came true?

Fortune-telling is an art, and they make things up.  Many times those things come true.  We only recognize right and wrong from the right methods, even if the conclusion from the wrong method is right.

- Why would the shaikh converse with the jinn who is possessing someone?

Sometimes to relieve his own fear and loosen up, but the main point is to give da'wah to the jinn.  If he repents he will leave the body.  This was mentioned by Ibn Taymiyyah and others.

- How do you destroy charms?

Say bismillah and put it in water until the ink dissipates.  If there is any picture or hair attached, remove it.

- If a sister marries someone who turns out to be a jinn, what do they do?

They are not responsible, since they were deceived, but they must leave him.

- Can a non-Muslim recite verses on a possessed person?

Yes, there are many churches where people recite from the bible.  Sometimes the verses are from the original bible and torah.  Other times people use jinn against other jinn.  Sometimes a person's personality affects the jinn.

- Why do we always hear about jinn in Muslim countries but not in the West?

There are several reasons.  One reason is that it is not part of the culture and does not exist in their mind, so it does not even come up as a possibility to explain unusual behavior.  Also, not talking about much does not mean it doesn't exist.  The concept of demons and ghosts exist.  Magic is know to exist, go to Louisiana.  See the National Geographic documentary that shows white and black Americans talking about it and their experiences.

Also, Muslims tend to exaggerate these things a lot.

Chapter 3 : Belief in Allah's Books - p.13

The Meaning of Belief in the Books

What does kutub mean?  It means books, the plural of kitaab.  What is a kitaab?  Originally it meant something collected together.  It does not necessarily mean something written.

Don't think that when Allah sent down books it was written messages.  The only Prophet who received something written was Prophet Musa.

They are called books because when you put together the revelations it becomes a collection, kitaab.

It is a pillar of faith to believe in the books, and someone who doesn't is not a believer.  Allah mentions in Surah Nisaa':

O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and the Book (the Quran) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him), and whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away. (Qur'an 4:136)

Believing in the books means to believe in the previous Books that Allah has revealed to His messengers as well.  There are some that are mentioned in the Qur'an:
- To Ibrahim (87:18-19)
- Zaboor (17:55)
- Tawrah (5:44)
- Injeel (57:27)

There are also many other of unknown number of unknown names.  Allah says in Surah Nisaa':

Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad SAW) as We inspired Nuh (Noah) and the Prophets after him; We (also) inspired Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), and Al­Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)], 'Iesa (Jesus), Ayub (Job), Yunus (Jonah), Harun (Aaron), and Sulaiman (Solomon), and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms). (Qur'an 4:163)

Part of believing in the books also is to believe in the Qur'an, the last book Allah revealed.

We also have to believe in the concept of wahy, revelation, and that these books are revelation.  We also believe that they are the words of Allah, and so Allah (swt) speaks.

What is our position regarding the Books remaining today (Tawrah and Injeel)

We believe that the original Tawrah was revealed to Prophet Musa, including the tablets that were written by Allah.  We do not believe that Musa broke them or they got destroyed, but Allah mentions that he threw them down out of anger that they were worshiping the cow.  Then he picked them back again.

The original Injeel was revealed to Prophet 'Isa, but it no longer exists.  What we have right now are books written by later people describing his life.

The People of the Book have changed their books, as mentioned in the following ayahs - 2:75, 4:46, and 5:14.

What is our stance regarding the current books?
- Originally they were revealed to the Prophets
- The copies existing today are not the same as the original

There are two extreme opinions on this second point.  Ibn Hazm believed that not a single word in it is from Allah.  Others believed that the original text still existed at the time of the Prophet (S) with no alterations, they only changed and destroyed the meaning.  Their evidence is that the Prophet (S) said to a copy of the Torah that he believed in it and the One who sent it out. 

Most of the scholars take a middle path.  Ibn Al-Qayyim said that they contain some of Allah's words, but several types of changes were made:

1. Some of it was lost.
2. Additions were made.
3. Incorrect translations occurred.
4. Meanings were incorrectly interpreted.
5. Words and phrases were substituted with others.

Allah did not promise to save the previous books, but He promised that the Qur'an will be (and the Sunnah).  What is the wisdom of this?

1. Allah saved enough from the Tawrah and the Injeel to make it clear that the message of Muhammad (S) has the same origin as those books.
2. It is a lesson to Muslims to make an effort to save it.  Allah did not save the book through a miracle, but through the Ummah itself, the companions, the scholars, and the huffaaz.  It is very rare to find a scholar of another religion who has memorized their book the way Muslims do with the Qur'an.

Allah also saved the Sunnah, because it is part of the revelation.  There was one person who said to a ruler that he fabricated 5000 ahadith, the ruler said that he is not worried because the scholars would find them.

The Prophet (S) got upset when he saw Umar (R) reading from the Tawrah in a hadith.  Does this mean that we can't study them?  This was in the early days of Islam, when the message was not complete.  The Prophet (S) did not want there to be confusion or mixing of messages.  This is why if someone is not strong in knowledge they should take are and go to the most pure of sources.

The Prophet (S) said that if there is something from the books that are in accordance to what was revealed to him, accept it.  If it goes against what he said, reject it.  If it is not mentioned, then don't believe it or disbelieve it, but don't make it into a belief.

We also do not derive rules from their books.  They are not a source of legislation.  Even if the rules are true, they were sent to them not to us.

All of Allah's books have things in common:

- They all called to Tawhid
- They are all a source of guidance
- They all give the glad tidings of Muhammad (S) and the companions
- There were Shar'iah sources that goverend people
- They taught what is lawful and what is not
- They discussed the Last Day and what happens to believers and disbelievers

Believing in the Last Book - Al-Qur'an

The best surah in the Qur'an is Surah Al-Fatihah.

The best verse in the Qur'an is ayatul kursi.

The Qur'an was revealed in Arabic.  How about all of the words that are not in Arabic, such as Ibrahim, lu'lu', and kifl?
- Most of them are names, which you cannot change.  They will be in the original language and cannot be translated.
- Other words are very few, and they were so common amongst the Arabs that they became a part of the language.  Every language in the world has this characteristic.

The language of Quraish became the dominant one, because of Hajj.  All of the other tribes came to Makkah, so they had knowledge from all of the tribes of the language.

The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad Ibn Abdillah (S), the last Prophet.

The Qur'an has been given different names and descriptions.  In Arabic if something has many names, it means it is very important.  The Qur'an gave many names to Allah, the Prophet, the Last Day, and other important things.  Surah Al-Fatihah has so many names because of its importance.

Some names include Al-Kitaab, Al-Furqaan, Al-Dhikr.  Some descriptions include soul, light, guidance.  Allah says in the Surah Al-An'aam:

We should recite the Qur'an every moment we have, as it is a light for our hearts.  Don't say that you haven't memorized much.  There was a companion who loved Surah Ikhlaas so much that he would always recite it, the Prophet (S) told him that Allah loves him because he loved Surah Ikhlaas.

What are the unique qualities of the Qur'an?

The Qur'an covers all of the teachings of the previous books:

And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ. (Qur'an 5:48)

The Qur'an will also be safeguarded by Allah (swt):

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). (Qur'an 15:9)

Shortly before the end of time, the Qur'an will disappear.  Anyone who had a verse memorized will forget it, and the books will have empty pages.  At this time only the disbelievers will exist on earth.

The Qur'an has dignity - azeez.  If you don't follow what is in a verse and honor it, it will leave you - it will not stay in a place that is not treating it right.  The heart of a sinner will not keep the Qur'an.

The Prophet (S) said in a hadith that many of the hypocrites will be amongst the Qurraa'.  This is because they memorize words but they do not follow it.

The Qur'an abrogates all previous rulings and Shari'iahs.  It is the Greatest Miracle.  Since the time of Muhammad (S) no one has brought a verse similar to it.

Iman in the Qur'an has two levels:
1. The first level is a pillar of Iman and leaving it is kufr.  It includes believing that the Qur'an is the word of Allah, was revealed to Muhammad (S) as the last revelation, it was delivered to us completely, it is protected from addition and subtraction, and it is a source of legistation.
2. The second level includes obligations and recommendations.  Leaving them is not considered kufr.  This includes applying its rules, reading it, memorizing it, and understanding it.  Remember the hadith that those who struggle to read it have double reward, and the ahadith that those who memorize it are at a high level.

Shi`ah - Some of those that came before believed that the Qur'an has been changed but that is incorrect because we know that Allah (swt)'s protected it.  Their modern scholars do not agree with this opinion.
 ??? - they think that Ali (rA) was supposed to get the revelation but Jibril (as) made a mistake.

We should use modern technology to get closer to the Qur'an.  Use MP3 players to listen when doing work, when driving, etc.  We should have a tafseer in our house and read it to understand the Qur'an.

The Qur'an is the greatest miracle that the Prophet (S) was given.


How is it a miracle?
- In its language.  It comes from an illiterate person who lived in an isolated area in Makkah, and who never wrote poetry.  The structure of the Qur'an does not fit any other structure known, not like stories or poetry.  The words themselves have great meaning, and this is why a translation of the Qur'an is not the same and legislation cannot come from the translation.
- In one verse (28:7), there are two things to do, two things not to do, two glad tidings, and two pieces of information.
- The science and teachings are beyond a human to come up with at the time.
- The Qur'an prophecized many things and they happened, such as the Muslims will fight the disbelievers and defeat them in Surah Qamar, the beginning of Surah Room, and others.
- The Qur'an mentioned unknown matters, such as what happens when fresh and salt water meet, or what happens to a fetus in the womb of the mother.
- The Qur'an is free of contradictions.  Allah said:

Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions. (Qur'an 4:82)

- The Qur'an was revealed in different ways, in Qiraa'aat and Ahruf.  None of them contradicted.
- It has an impact on souls.  Poetry and other words do not have the affect.  Many people become Muslim just by listening to the Qur'an.

Q/A

- It was mentioned Qur'an was revealed all at once.  How is this the case?

The Qur'an was revealed in three stages.  The first stage was that the Qur'an was revealed entirely to the safe tablets (لوح محفوظ) before creation.  Then it was revealed entirely to the a place in the first heaven called bayt al-'uzza in a written format.  This place is equivalent to the bayt al-ma'moor in the seventh heaven, or the ka'bah on earth.  Then the last stage it was revealed to the Prophet (S) verbally through Jibreel over 23 years.

- Can you listen to the Qur'an while doing other things?

It cannot be treated as a musical background, you can only listen to it if you pay attention to it.

- What is more rewarding?  Listening or reading?

Reading of course.  Each letter has ten rewards for reading.

- Is listening to Surah Kahf on Friday the same as reading?

No, the hadith specifically refers to reading.  But listening is good also, especially if you can't read it.

- How do you respond to someone who says Qur'an is like any other book, that it claims if you don't follow it you go to hellfire just like other books.

The person has to investigate it and examine if what the Qur'an is calling to is true, or for other religions.  This is why Allah gave us minds and hearts, signs and books.  We don't claim this, we prove it.

- What about those who claim that some animals from the sea are makrooh because they were forbidden in previous books?

This is the wrong methodology and not accepted by Alh As-Sunnah.  All seafood is allowed to eat.

- Was Qur'an revealed for both humans and jinn?

Yes, it was.  The Prophet (S) recited Qur'an and jinn were listening.

- Is it correct to say the "Holy" Qur'an?

There is nothing wrong with it, as it is holy.

- Will those who recite without thinking of the meaning get rewarded?

Yes, they will get rewarded for the reciting, but not the reward of understanding and contemplating.


Chapter 4 - Belief in Allah's Messengers

Believing in the messengers is a pillar of Iman, and without it a person is not a believer.

Definitions

Nabiyy - prophet
Rasool - messenger

Is every nabiyy a rasool? 

Let's look at it linguistically.  Nabiyy comes from the one who has been informed of something, or can predict or tell about the future.  Rasool comes from being sent, as in sending someone with a message.

Is it true that the Arabic definition has to be the same as the techincal definition?  No, not necessarily.

There are two main opinions.

1. Every Prophet is a Messenger and every Messenger is a Prophet.  The terms are used interchangeably.  There is no single proof in Qur'an or Sunnah giving us a technical definition of the two, or differences between the two.  Evidence for this is:

Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Apostles. (Qur'an 2:285)

2. Other scholars said there is a difference between the two.  They cite several texts as evidence:

Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but; when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitan (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allah abolishes that which Shaitan (Satan) throws in. Then Allah establishes His Revelations. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise: (Qur'an 22:52)

This implies that there are messengers and there are prophets.  Also there is the hadith of Abu Dharr:

The Prophet (S) was asked about the number of the Prophets and Messengers.  He replied that there were 124,000 Prophets among whom 315 were Messengers. (Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, At-Tabaranee)

This clearly shows that there is a difference.  Also, the linguistic difference is evidence for this as well.

As for those who take this opinion, there are many opinions on what the difference is:

1. Prophets were given a message but not ordered to deliver it, messengers were ordered to deliver the message.
2. Prophets were sent to believers, messengers to disbelievers.
3. Prophets were not given books but messengers were.  Prophets were to follow books of the previous messenger.
4. Prophets don't have miracles, but messengers are the ones given miracles to aid their call.

There is no proof from Qur'an or Sunnah for any specific opinion.  The opinions come from analyzing the texts.  Let's analyze them.

1. For the first opinion, look at the ayah in Surah Saba' mentioned above.  All of the Prophets were sent.  Also in Surah Baqarah, the Prophets were sent to people:

Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight. (Qur'an 2:213)

Also, what is the benefit of giving a message but not delivering it?  A scholar cannot stay at home and conceal knowledge, or not spread it.  So this opinion does not make sense.

2. For the second opinion, there is a hadith in Bukhari that the Prophets will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment, some will have few followers, some with none.  How can this be the case if they were sent to believers?

3. Adam was the first Prophet according to hadith, but whose message did he follow?  He must have come with his own message.  Also, Allah always referred to the prophets of Bani Israeel as messengers.  Also, Allah said:

It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Qur'an 3:79)

Allah also called Prophet Yusuf a messenger, even though he did not come with his own book.

4. There is no evidence to support the fourth opinion.

So how do we get out of this mess?

The hadith of Abu Dharr is a hadith munkar, which is a hadith in which there is a weak narrator who contradicted what a strong narrator narrated.  The part of "among them ..." was only in narrated by the weak narrator.  Also, the hadith also had another problem with a narrator.  Because of this, many scholars even considered it to be fabricated, such as Ibn Al-Jawzi.

What is left is the verse mentioned above.  In Arabic, the word "waw" (and) does not necessarily mean that the second is different from the first.  It could add another description, like in English you can say "the student entered, the learned, the intelligent" referring to one person.  So the linguistic evidence is not clear.

So the shaikh prefers the first opinion, that they are the same.  What is more important here is how one investigates and comes to a conclusion.

Why did Allah send messengers?

Humankind is in great need for messengers:

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? Thus it is made fair­seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do. (Qur'an 6:122)

Also, it is so Allah can establish proof against us so that we cannot argue with Allah after hearing the message:

Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after the Messengers. And Allah is Ever All­Powerful, All­Wise. (Qur'an 4:165)

A people will not be punished unless a messenger was sent to them:

And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning). (Qur'an 17:15)

A messenger is also sent as a guide to show people the straight path:

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad SAW) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Quran) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah's religion of Islamic Monotheism). (Qur'an 42:52)

The benefit is to show people what the limits are, what is right and what is wrong.  That is why those who live their lives according to what is revealed live in peace, and those who live according to their desires live in confusion.

Messengers also bring balance and justice.  One of the ultimate goals of Shar'iah is to establish justice.

Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. (Qur'an 57:25)

In a hadith, the Prophet (S) that a nation will not be blessed if the weakest person cannot stand without fear and ask for their rights.  Scholars say that a non-Muslim government can prosper as long as it establishes justice.

Messengers were also sent to heal people of the diseases in their hearts.

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers. (Qur'an 10:57)

The difference between philosophers and novelists and the messengers is the messengers have a mass impact to all people, with practical solutions that everyone can understand.

How many millions were spent in trying to ban alcohol, how many crimes and how many people went to jail?  Now billions of dollars are spent marketing it.  The Prophet (S) came to a people who drank strong liquour with verses saying that it is forbidden to drink alcohol.  Some companions were just about to drink when they heard this and threw it away.  Everyone took their containers and threw them out the door, to the extent that the streets of Madinah were flooded with wine.

Does prison change or corrupt people?  We have the largest number of prisoners in the world.  Clinton admitted that those who go to jail and become Muslim do not come back.  We do not have a concept of jail, it is not recommended.  Even prisoners of war are not supposed to be locked in a jail.

There can be individuals who survive and be good on their own, but for large masses it requires messengers.

The Meaning of Belief in the Messengers

There were 25 prophets named in the Qur'an according to the vast majority of scholars.  Some debate if Luqman and Al-Khidr are prophets and even some women are debated if they are prophets.

There are mentioned in 6:83-86, 11:50, 11:61, 11:84, 3:33, 21:85, 48:29.

What did Al-Khadir do?
1. He put a hole in the ship.
2. Killed the boy that was bad to his parents
3. Rebuild the wall that protected the treasure.

(Story in Surat Al-Kahf)

Whoever denies the prophethood of one messenger denies that of all of them.  The people of Nuh denied him, but in doing so denied all of the Prophets:

The people of Nuh belied the Messengers. (Qur'an 26:105)

The Prophets have no divine characteristics.  They have to work, eat, and walk:

Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many Messengers have passed away before him ... (Qur'an 3:144)

And We never sent before you (O Muhammad) any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets ... (Qur'an 25:20)

Why did Allah make messengers human beings without divine attributes?  Because otherwise people would worship them, as they have done with Prophet 'Isa.  Also so people will not give them a status higher than they have, and not give them the status of Allah.

Q/A

- How was the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet (S)?

Jibreel would hear the verse from Allah and convey it to the Prophet (S), who would memorize it.

- Why is Luqman not considered a Prophet?

He was a slave, and a slave could not be a Prophet.  Al-Hasan Al-Basri said that Allah does not send a slave or bedouin as a Prophet.  This is because the one who is sent must be part of the community.

- People say that we need a messenger now more than ever, why wouldn't Allah send one?

This is because in previous nations the message would be lost, and this is not the case in our ummah.  Allah made the scholars and the du'aat take this role.  Also, the Prophet's message was sent to be general enough to deal with all situations at all times.


-- Sunday Sept 2nd 2007 --

What does books mean? Kutob. What does that mean? Something

What are the opinions regarding the books of the Christians/Jews/etc. ?

1. Ibn Hazm - not a single thing is the same, all written by humans
2. Bukhari, etc. - the entire book is still present but
3. Ibn ul-Qayyim - There are 5 types of changes that happened to the books (mentioned previously)

How does the Quran show that the Prophets are NOT divine?

1. They had wives and children
2. They died.
3. They worked, ate, etc.

There was a debate on 2 if they were Prophets or not - who were they?

1. Luqman - because he's a slave but he was a wiseman and was named "al-hakim". Al Hassan Al Basri said Allah never sent a prophet that was a slave or a women or a bedoin.
2. Al-Khadir - because the things he did he said "I didnt do this from myself but this is what Allah (swt) told me to do"

How many Prophets mentioned in the Qur'an? 25

Are there messengers from Jinn?

The messengers that were sent to humans were all humans.  Allah did not send a messenger of Jinn to humans.

The question is whether or not messengers of Jinn were sent to Jinn.

The areas of agreement are that no Jinn was sent to humans, and that no Prophets were sent to either humans or Jinn after the Prophet Muhammad (S).  So the only area of difference is whether or not Jinn were sent as messengers to other Jinn before the Prophet (S).

The evidence for Jinn as messengers to other Jinn is in the following ayah:

O you assembly of jinns and mankind! "Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers. (Qur'an 6:130)

The evidence for only human messengers to humans is:

O Children of Adam! If there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting to you, My Verses, then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Qur'an 7:35)

There is an ayah that states that all messengers before the Prophet (S) were men:

And We sent not before you (O Muhammad SAW) but men to whom We inspired, so ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know. (Qur'an 21:7)

The two groups differed as to whether or not "rijaal" is men only, or males.  The group that supports Jinn messengers refers to the following ayah in Surah Jinn:

And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief. (Qur'an 72:6)

Others say that since the Qu'ran was sent to mankind and Jinn, why would there not be any Jinn messengers mentioned in the Qur'an if there were any?

So both opinions have evidence, and the shaikh believes that the opinion of Jinn messengers is stronger because of the first ayah.

Are all messengers male?

The strongest opinion is yes, because of the previous ayah mentioning men.  However, some scholars disagreed, including famous names such Al-Qurtubi.  They mention four women as prophets: Maryam, Hawa, the mother of Musa, Asia the wife of Fir'awn, and Sarah the wife of Ibrahim.

And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime)." (Qur'an 3:42)

They cite the above ayah in which Allah chose Maryam to be higher than all of the other women.  They say that since Allah chose her and Allah chooses people as Prophets, then she is a prophet.  The argument does not follow because of the verse in Surah Ali 'Imran:

Allah chose Adam, Nuh (Noah), the family of Ibrahim (Abraham) and the family of 'Imran above the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times). (Qur'an 3:33)

Also in the ayah below, Allah says that 'Isa was a messenger, and her mother was truthful.  Scholars say that if she was a prophet, she would not be given a title less than that because that is the not the etiquette.  If you were introducing Sh. Waleed you would not say here is a high school graduate, you would introduce him with what is higher.

Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth! (Qur'an 5:75)

For the other women, people say that the reason that they are prophets is because Allah spoke to them.  For example, the mother of Musa was told to feed Musa and put him into the river.  On a side note, this is proof that one must do whatever is available to them, because Allah could have provided sustenance.  So they say that since Allah revealed as "wahy" to them like He revealed to the Prophets they are also prophet.

And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. (Qur'an 16:68)

However, Allah said in Surah Nahl that He revealed to the bees where to live.  So the word "wahy" does not necessarily mean prophethood.

Also, the Prophet (S) said that Fatima is the best woman in paradise except for Maryam.  That means that Hawa and Sarah could not be prophets, because prophets are the highest and Fatima was not a prophet.  Jibreel came to the Prophet (S) to give 'Aishah salaam in a hadith.  Also, Khadija was given the tidings that she will have a house of gold in Jannah.  Neither of them were prophets.

Therefore, this opinion is considered weak.

Why would all messengers male?  Part of the duties of a prophet is to mix with people, and many laws of Shari'ah would have been broken if a female messenger would have been sent.

More about the Prophets

All of the Prophets were sent to call people to Tawheed:

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad SAW) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)." (Qur'an 21:25)

Also, Allah (swt) says that the Prophets were chosen:

And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best! (Qur'an 38:47)

This goes against what some Muslim philosophers such Ibn Sina said, that prophethood can be achieved through struggle.

Miracles of Prophets
Allah sent miracles with the Prophets in support of their call.

A Prophet may be given more that one miracle.  The Prophet (S) was given several miracles, such as a small amount of food and water being enough for many people, the splitting of the moon, and the Qur'an.  One miracle was that the Prophet (S) saw two camels fighting.  The moment they saw the Prophet (S) approaching they made sujood to the Prophet (S).  The Prophet's (S) miracles were equal to or greater than all of the miracles that were given to the other prophets.  For instance, Allah talked to Musa on this earth, while He spoke to Muhammad (S) in Jannah.  'Isa was allowed to make the dead speak, but as Imam Ash-Shaafi' the Prophet (S) was given a more difficult miracle, in which a dead trunk of a tree cry.

On a side note, the word miracle in Arabic is "mu'jizah".  This is not a word that was used by the Sahabah, the four imams, or any of the predecessors.  The first to use this term were the Mu'tazilites, which were a deviant sect.  The word used in the Qur'an is "ayah", or a sign from Allah.  However, all of the scholars of Ahl As-Sunnah use the word "mu'jizah" and do not have a problem with it.  They do not have a problem using an invented terminology, even if done so by a deviant sect.  In the same manner they have no problem with no classifications, as long as the classification goes according to the Shari'ah and does not lead to false ideas or beliefs.  This is why there are so many terminologies that were introduced in our history, such as Fiqh, classifications of hadith, etc.  This is why it is silly to argue over differences in terminology, that you are using a term that has never been used before.

Miracles match the time and age of the Prophets  For instance, Egypt was known for magic, and Musa was sent with something greater.  'Isa was sent to a society that was known for medicine, and 'Isa was allowed to heal people.  Muhammad (S) was sent to a society known for its language and was given the Qur'an.?

Does anyone know what Prophet Hud's miracle is?  His miracle was the challenge to all of his people that no matter how much they tried they would not be able to harm him. They can try to kill him but they will not be able to touch him.  This is mentioned in Surah Yunus.

Q/A

- Are these miracles done with the help of jinn?

No, that is why they are miracles.

Miracles continued

The difference between magic and miracles is that the miracles of the Prophets are beyond the capabilities of any creation.  Magicians can only do what other creation are capable of, such as what is going on right now.

Some Jewish scientist made a documentary saying that all of the miracles of Musa have a scientific explanation and were not miracles.  He made explanations for each one.  However, what he could not prove was that how these miracles only affected the Egyptians and not the followers of Musa who lived next to them.  In the end he admitted that the miracles were at least a miracle of timing.

What about miracles (karaamah) of righteous people?  For example, Musaylama Al-Kathaab challenged Khalid Ibn Walid that they will both drink poison, and if Musaylama dies he is a false prophet if Khalid (R) would not die the Prophet (S) is the last Prophet.  Khalid accepted and said that Allah would save him.  He drank, and Musaylama backed off and did not do so.  Allah saved Khalid Ibn Walid (R).  This is not at the same level of the Prophets because there are animals that have poison in them and don't die.

There is a saying that the supernatural acts that happen to righteous people are miracles of the Prophets.  This is because if Khalid ibn Walid was not a follower of Muhammad (S), he would not have been saved.

Scholars say minor miracles (karaamah) can happen to righteous people as a form of support, although many times people exaggerate them.  Some people asked why there were more miracles to the seond and third generations.  The reason is because they are for support and to increase iman, and the first generation did not need that kind of support.

There are other examples of miracles to righteous, such as one person at the time of 'Umar who was thrown into a fire in Yemen and walked out unharmed, or Maryam being given food by Allah (swt).

We do not judge people by these supernatural acts, because they can do so through Jinn or trickery.  We do not say that mujaahideen are on the truth because of miracles that happened.  The only way to judge if a particular person or group are on the truth is if they are following the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Are the Prophets Infallible?

The consensus is that the Prophets never commit Kufr, immoral or indecent acts such as fornication, or lie.

If someone lies in hadith even once, you can never take any hadith from them.  If a Prophet had lied then one would not have been able to accept from him.

How about Prophet Ibrahim who said he lied three times?  Scholars said these were linguistic lies, not real lies.  Lies have several definitions, including telling someone something different than reality, or to tell someone something you don't believe.  Most scholars say the second definition is correct, and the first would be a mistake.  So when Prophet Ibrahim said that his wife was his sister, he knew in his heart that she is his sister in faith, so it was not a lie.  Also, he lied to prevent a greater harm, which is allowed.  In the other situation with the idols he was being sarcastic.

If a Prophet commits a minor sin, then he will repent.  For example, Prophet Adam ate from the tree and repented.  Was the killing of the Egyptian a sin for Prophet Musa?  No, because it was not intentional and he was not using a weapon of killing.  The sin is that he did not investigate and sided with the Jew without clarification, and let his anger take over.  The next day he saw the same Jewish boy in the same situation, and he realized that the Jew was a trouble maker and he had not investigated this before.  So he repented.

One thing that Allah (swt) corrected the Prophet (S) with was when he frowned at the blind man in Surah 'Abasa.  Another incident was with the wives of the Prophet (S), when Zaynab (R) would buy honey for him and feed him which he loved so much, and this made his other wives jealous.  They pretended like there was bad smell from his mouth after eating honey, and the Prophet (S) said he will never eat honey again.  He was willing to give up something he loved so much so as not to to displease his wives.  Allah (swt) corrected him in Surah At-Tahreem, because if he made something haram on himself others would take it haram.

Were they infallible before revelation?  The actions of the Prophet (S) before Islam were not legislation for us, so it is not sunnah to go to caves.

This contradicts with what Jews and Christians said, in that they claimed that the Prophets drank and fought with Allah.  The Prophets were examples, so they had to be perfect in a sense.

Are the Prophets Equal?

Most scholars say they have different levels.  There are several texts that prove this, including the ayah in Surah Baqarah:

Those Messengers! We preferred some to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honor) ... (Qur'an 2:253)

Also, in the hadith we know the Prophet (S) saw Prophets at different levels in Jannah.

Others say no, they are equal.  This is because of the following verse:

Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" (Qur'an 2:285)

Also, there was a hadith where the Prophet (S) said do not favor him over other Prophets, and in one narration over Musa.  There is a story for this, when a Muslim and Jew fought over who is better, Muhammad (S) or Musa.

These evidences are not contradictory.  What it means not to favor is to not to do so in a way that will be disrespectful to one.  Also, scholars say one can do so in a general sense, but not specifically comparing one to another.  The Prophet (S) said he is the best, but he never raised he is better than a specific Prophet.  Others said one can compare through what Allah has revealed.

Many scholars say the five highest are the "Ulul 'Azm" as mentioned in the Qur'an, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, 'Isa and Muhammad (S):

Therefore be patient (O Muhammad SAW) as did the Messengers of strong will and be in no haste about them (disbelievers).On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Quran is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (Qur'an 46:35)

And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad SAW), and from Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant. (Qur'an 33:7)

We also believe that the Prophets and Messengers are better than all other people.  Some extreme Sufi scholars disagreed, such as Ibn 'Arabi who said that the level of prophet is lower than the level of wali.  Some Shiis consider their twelve imams better than the Prophets.

What benefits are there in belief of the Prophets?

They are examples for us, our role models.

Following them allows us to have our priorities correct.

It puts awareness in the hearts of people of the oneness of Allah and to be fearful of committing shirk.

They also taught us to be patient with people, and the path of da'wah is a hard path.

Reading about the Prophets gives strength to our Iman, and gives us honor that we belong with those people.  It's an honor that our great-grandfather Adam was a Prophet, as opposed to have our forefathers be monkeys.  It gives us honor that we are following the footsteps of these Prophets.

It also allows us to know the truth about the struggle between truth and falsehood.  Allah says:

Likewise did We make for every Messenger an enemy,- evil ones among men and jinns, inspiring each other with flowery discourses by way of deception. If thy Lord had so planned, they would not have done it: so leave them and their inventions alone. (Qur'an 6:112)

So there will always be this struggle, and we should not lose hope when we see all of these attacks on Islam.

Special Qualities of the Prophets

1. Al-Wahy (revelation)
2. Al-'Ismah (infallibility)
3. They eyes sleep while their hearts stay awake.
4. The earth cannot dissolve their bodies.
5. Their souls are not taken without their consent, meaning they will not just die without being asked.  All of the Prophets were asked.  For example, in a hadith in Bukhari when the angel of death came to Musa in another form and said it is time for him to die.  Musa slapped him.  Allah sent the angel back to tell him that he is the angel of death, and how long Musa wanted to live.  Musa said he wanted to die closer to Jerusalem.
6. They see the Angels in their original form.
7. They are buried where they die.
8. They do not pass on any inheritance.
9. They have a special kind of life in their graves.
10. Their souls are in the heavens.  For examples the Prophet (S) will hear when we make salah on him.

Some Prophets have special qualities that distinguish them.  For example, Adam was the only one created with Allah's hands.  He was also the only one to live body and soul in Jannah.  Musa was the only one given revelation written by Allah.  'Isa had no father, he was raised to Jannah without dying, and he will come back to earth. 

Scholars have listed over 70 or even 200 qualities of the Prophet (S) that were special.  He was the last messenger, he was sent to all mankind, he will be the first to enter Jannah, his followers will be greatest in number, his ummah was the only given the use of war booty, his message is until the end of time to mention a few.

Q/A

If someone is inclined to do a bad thing and backs off it makes you a good person. If a person saw a woman that was not attractive and lowered his gaze it is easy.  It is difficult to see a beautiful woman and lower your gaze.

Yusuf's brothers were known as Prophets but they commited sins by throwing him into a well, they lied to their father? But all of this happened before prophethood.

Yusuf was a slave, how come Al Hassan Al Basri said that a slave cannot be a prophet? Because he wasn't a Prophet until after slavery.

"When you go to the Prophet (as), give him my salams" - This is not from the sunnah.

Were any of the prophets killed by Kaffirs? Yes, Yahya was killed by his own people.

Yahud -means to return and when Allah (swt) wants to refer to them in a positive way he calls them "Children of Isreal"

Is Thul-Qarnayn a Prophet? No.

What is firasah? I can see somebody's face or footprint and I can predict where he's from, what he does, age, pregnant, virgin, married, etc. This is not magic, it's a prediction. Muslims and Non-Muslims can have this ability but when you have this ability and your righteous, it's more powerful. BUT we don't use it as main evidence but can support other solid evidence.


Qualities of Prophets Continued

Many popular stories regarding the Prophets are not taken from reliable sources and may even contain incorrect details that contradict Shari'ah rulings.  Be careful about these stories, some of which even contradict the Qur'an.  There is a fabricated hadith that Al-Hijr in the Haram is named Hijri Ismail because Ismail was buried there (there is no sahih hadith saying that it is "Hijri Ismail").  Also there is another fabricated hadith that Adam asked for forgiveness by calling on the name of Muhammad (S), which contradicts the Qur'an.

There are many rulings of previous Prophets that were changed with the message of Muhammad (S).  For example, in previous nations they were not allowed to say or commit what is kufr even if forced.  With the Prophet (S) Allah made it easier on the ummah.  The only thing you can't do to save your own soul is to kill another soul.  The proof that you can say something when forced is:

Any one who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief,- except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty. (Qur'an 16:106)

This does not mean we have to say or do the act of kufr, Allah (swt) gave us permission but did not make it required.  Scholars debate what is better for an individual to do, and the stronger opinion seems to be to save your soul.

Another example is that previous peoples were allowed to bow down to others in greeting, as mentioned in Surah Yusuf.  With the Prophet (S) no one is allowed to bow down to another except Allah.

Believing in the Prophet Muhammad (S)

This entail believing that he is Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib Al-Quraishee who was born in Makkah and passed away in Madinah.

He has many descriptions, as mentioned in a hadith narrated by Jubayr ibn Mut'im mentioned in Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

The name Muhammad was not common amongst Arabs, but it seems that it was mentioned in poetry before.  Some scholars debate this and say that it was never used as a name before.

Muhammad's (S) names are descriptions, unlike other people.  Muhammad means the one who is praised on this earth and in the heavens.

He was sent to all mankind and Jinn:

And We have not sent you (O Muhammad SAW) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. (Qur'an 34:28)

Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided." (Qur'an 7:158)

We believe in the truth of everything he informed us and that we must follow what he commanded and leave what he forbade.

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW)." But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers. (Qur'an 3:32)

Allah ordered us to obey the Prophet (S) in the Qur'an more than 30 times.  He ordered us to obey leaders and scholars, then how about the leader of leaders and the scholar of scholars?

The companions responded immediately.  There were several incidents mentioned in hadith where companions took off gold jewelry, for a man who did not pick it up after the Prophet (S) threw it away because it is forbidden, for a woman who donated it all because she did not give zakah.

Whenever the companions were ordered the Prophet (S), they obeyed with full submission.  Nobody would get up and ask if it is wajib or sunnah, if it is haram or makruh, etc.  These days people do not take it seriously, which means their iman is weak.

What the Prophet (S) made forbidden it is as Allah has forbidden it.  This is because it is not from himself, it is revelation from Allah.

Loving the Prophet (S)

It is part of belief to love the Prophet (S).  It is higher than any other love:

Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (Qur'an 9:24)

Love for the Prophet (S) does not contradict any other love.  However, if the love for anything else is greater or causes disobedience then it is a problem.

In a hadith, the Prophet (S) said that one must love him more than anyone, including oneself.  One is not a kafir if they don't, but it is an obligation to attempt to reach this level.

The companions had great love for the Prophet (S).  One companion was sad thinking about the Day of Judgment because he felt the Prophet (S) would be at a higher level and he won't be able to see him.  The Prophet (S) said that you will be with the ones you love.

Respecting his Sunnah

It is part of belief to respect and support him and his Sunnah.  Allah says in the Qur'an:

In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger (SAW), and that you assist and honour him (SAW), and (that you) glorify (Allah's) praises morning and afternoon. (Qur'an 48:9)

Imam Malik would never narrate a hadith without wudu'.  When he went to teach the classes of hadith he would wear new clothes.

Shaykh Bin Jibreen was teaching books of ahadith. The prince of Riyaadh was praying the same masjid as the shaykh was teaching the class. One of the advisors said that the prince wants to come give salams to the shaykh. At the same time, a student was reciting the hadith of the Prophet. The shaykh motioned for the prince to come sit in the circle of the students. The shaykh told the prince that we are studying a book of hadith of the Prophet, so we will not stop the hadith for anyone else. The prince thanked the shaykh and left the masjid.

Important to maintain all kinds of proper ettiquete of honouring and respecting the sunnah of the Prophet.

Part of respecting the sunnah is not to reject and show objections to the Sunnah. Ali ibn abi Talib said, "Whenever I relate to you hadith of the Prophet, always think good of it."

Abu Hurayrah narrated a hadith that you should make wudhu from whatever the fire touches, so that any cooked meat will break your wudhu. Ibn Abbaas held the other opinion. Ibn Abbaas asked Abu Hurayrah about hot water to show an example to reject the original statement. Abu Hurayrah was upset and he said that when I tell you what the Prophet said, don't try to think of examples to contradict it.  Ibn Abbaas regretted what he said.

Ibn Umar once said to his students: "Don't stop females from the masjid of Allah." His son said that we are going to stop them. Ibn Umar told him that he would never talk to his son again after this incident. This shows that it is unacceptable to show rejection to the hadith of the Prophet.

If you hear a hadith and you don't understand the meaning, don't try to immediately criticize and reject ahadith. Try to think and reflect on the meaning of the ahdith.

Part of the etiquette of showing respect to the sunnah is to show respect to the statements of Prophet. We shouldn't put hadith next to books or statements of strange poetry or books written by a faasiq.

Part of respect is being careful about how the hadith is narrated. We shouldn't narrate a fabricated ahadith. If you don't know if a hadith is authentic, don't just rush to say that Prophet said something. Free yourself from responsibility by citing which narrator represented it.

Be careful about narrating the hadith in the wrong way and be honest if you don't know the hadith. Prophet said whoever attributed anything to me shouldn't expect anything but the hellfire." This hadith was narrated by over 200 companions and is the only hadith narrated by all 10 promised Jannah.

There was a story about Turkish scholar who became a muhaddith because of the zucchini shaykh who gave khutbah on zucchini.

It is important to take care of the small sunnan, but at the same time it is more important to fulfill the major obligations and sunnah as well. Everything in our religion is important, but there are degrees of importance and priorities.

Ibn Taymiyyah said that so many people take the Prophet as a role model in fiqh and aqeedah but don't take him as a role model in sulooq [interaction with other pople], such as with their family and friends. It is important to take the Prophet as a role model in all areas.

Should we copy the Prophet in everything that he did? The ulama classify the actions into different catagories.

Catagories of Actions

1. His actions pertaining to the religion (hajj, salah, etc.) should be copied.
2. His actions which applied only because he was a Prophet. (having more then 4 wives, or when the Prophet would get up and pray without making wudhu' because he said his heart was never asleep and didn't lose consciousness, or when the Prophet would fast for 3 or more days consecutively but the sahabah were ordered to break their fast at sunset).  In order for something to be considered only for the Prophet (S) there must be a clear proof.
3. He did certain actions because his position as a leader, so the only one who could copy is the leader.  This include deciding to punish someone.
4. Personal preferences of the Prophet (S), such as eating certain food and drink.  It is not sunnah to eat with hands, or ride a camel to the masjid, or dress in a certain way unless there is a hadith stating it is recommended or has a certain reward.  For example, he said that dates are the best food to break fast with.  He also told people to grow their beards and wear hijab.  He also said not to drag clothes and that it will be punished.  These examples do not fall in this category and are part of the religion because of his statements.

The shaikh takes the opinion that someone who copies the practices of the Prophet (S) from the fourth category thinking it is something good or rewarding, then it is not right.  Ibn 'Umar (R) was known to copy the Prophet (S) in every action, including where he stopped.  What people don't mention is the rest of the story, where Umar (R) corrected him and said that it is not right and if he continues Umar will punish him.  Ibn Umar stopped after this.

The companions used to teach their children about the life of the Prophet (S) like they used to teach them Qur'an.  The first book written on the life of the Prophet (S) was in 81 AH.

We also love his family and his companions.

Seal of the Prophets

The Prophet (S) used to have his name written under the name of Allah when writing "Muhammad Rasul Allah".  The shaikh feels that it is improper to decorate and put the name of the Prophet at the same level of Allah.

He is the seal of the Prophets and is the final Prophet.

33:21

Some Qaadiyaanis say that "khaatam" refers to the seal of a ring, and the ring is the most beautiful of the jewelry.  This does not make sense, as many people would disagree with the assertion of that the ring is most beautiful.  Also, what is a seal?  You would seal a document with the ring at the bottom of the document, and the seal would be part of the document ending it, indicating any additions are false.  So the Prophet (S) is the end of all Prophets.

What about 'Isa when he comes back?  He will not come as a messenger, he will be a follower of the Prophet (S) and will pray behind Al-Mahdi.  Also, 'Isa was already sent before Muhammad (S), and we are talking about being sent.

Nullifiers of Belief in Prophet (S)

1. Believing that he has lied or something he said is not true.
2. Turning from his guidance and changing his religion.  This includes looking elsewhere because one does not think a ruling applies anymore at this time.
3. Doubting in the Prophet (S) or his religion.
4. Hating him or what he brought.  We have to make a distinction between hating the sunnah and the way it appears on someone.  It does not make someone a kafir to not like the way her husband looks with a beard.  Also, if someone makes fun of a person's beard or a person's hijab is a major sin.  Hating the beard or hijab as a concept makes the person a kafir.
5. Criticizing him and mocking him or his Sunnah.
6. Loving his enemies.
7. Enmity towards him and fighting against the Sunnah.

Evidence for the Prophet (S)'s Prophethood

The first evidence is the eternal miracle that is the Qur'an.  There is a hadith in Al-Bukhari that states that all Prophets were given miracles, and he was given the revelation.  Part of the miracle was that the Prophet (S) was illiterate, so he could not copy it from other books.

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "If Allah had so willed, I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this. Have you then no sense?" (Qur'an 10:16)

And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner." Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. (Qur'an 29:50-51)

Also, the Qur'an gave another challenge showing the miracle of the Qur'an:

Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support. (Qur'an 17:88)

No one was able to meet this challenge even until today.

The second evidence is that the message of the Prophet (S) is similar to the message of the Prophets before him, despite having no knowledge or access to knowledge of the previous Prophets.  This shows they all came from the same source.

He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad SAW), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and 'Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun , is that to which you (O Muhammad SAW) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience. (Qur'an 42:13)

He was not sent with a new message, as mentioned in the Qur'an:

Say: "I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I follow but that which is revealed to me by inspiration; I am but a Warner open and clear." (Qur'an 46:9)

The biggest evidence is his Shari'ah and its beauty.  Allah says in the Qur'an to analyze the life of the Prophet (S), what kind of teachings he brought, and his actions.

Say (to them O Muhammad SAW): "I exhort you on one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah's sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet SAW): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad SAW), he is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment." (Qur'an 34:46)

The Prophet (S) was asked what he was.  He said he is Prophet.  He was asked what that means.  He said he was sent to order people to be good to relatives, to break idols, and to worship Allah alone.

The ruler of Alexandria gave Al-Mughirah the keys to the city because what makes the Muslims better is the Shari'ah.  He said if they stop following it the people will kill all of them, as they were superior in military strength.

Ja'far (R) told the king of Abysinnia that they used to be bad to people until Allah sent someone whose lineage they knew and who they knew who was truthful and who was not looking for what others had.  He said that the Prophet (S) was sent to order them to worship Allah alone, not worship idols, be truthful, not to kill one another, not to abuse orphans, to look after the weak people, not to accuse women of indecent acts, and to pray, to fast, and to give charity.

How did he present the Prophet (S) to the king?  He used his message as evidence, not the fact that he split the moon or any other miracles.  So as much as we tell people the beauty of Islam it will have more effect.

Also when we mention the Shari'ah, we should mention the goal of Shari'ah - to worship Allah, establish unity amongst people and peace, not war, to establish civilization (think of a man in Arabia telling people about civilization when no one else could imagine it there), to establish justice, to protect life, protect wealth, and to protect people's choice.

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Whatever wage I might have asked of you is yours. My wage is from Allah only. and He is Witness over all things." (Qur'an 34:47)

The Prophet (S) was not looking after money or wealth, or anything else.  In one narration Umar (R) or another companion saw the Prophet (S) sleeping on a mattress that marked him on his side and cried because the kings would be living in splendor.  The Prophet (S) said that this dunya is for the kings and the akhirah is for us.  If Muhammad (S) was looking for power he would have looked to the rich and powerful people.  He was looking to establish truth and justice.

On the day of Badr when the Prophet (S) needed every person to fight, Jabir (R) asked the Prophet (S) if he should fight since he made an oath to the disbelievers that he would never fight them and that is why they let him migrate.  The Prophet (S) told him to keep his promise.  This is the example to set, that the message of the Prophet (S) was that of honesty and truthfulness.

The Prophet (S) was also given miracles such as Al-Israa' wal-Mi'raaj.

The Prophet (S) was given knowledge of the unseen and of events in the future despite being illiterate.

No other prophet came afterward that was not exposed as a liar.  For example, Qaadiyaan died in the bathroom with his face in the toilet.

Chapter 5 - Belief in Al-Qadar

Belief in Al-Qadar is a pillar of Iman.  A person is not a believer without it.

The Prophet (S) said in a hadith reported by Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi that a person is not a believer unless they believe in four things, one of those is Al-Qadar.

What is Al-Qadaa' wal-Qadar?

This terminology was never used together in the Qur'an and Sunnah, or amongst the early Muslims in the first generations.  The early scholars would only use one or the other.  It was popularized by the Ash'aris and the scholars afterwards did not reject it to put them together.

Al-Qadar - It is taken from the root word "qadara", which means knew, predetermined, planned perfectly.

Al-Qadaa' - It comes from the word "qadaa" which means judged, ordained, executed perfectly.

Linguistically, Al-Qadar comes before Al-Qadaa'.  However it is easier to pronounce it the other way.

Technical Definitions

There are different opinions as to their technical meanings.  Some scholars said that they have the same meaning, others say Al-Qadar is one thing and Al-Qadaa' another, while others switch the definitions.  Here is the bottom line:

Al-Qadar is Allah's complete Knowledge, Writing in the Safe Tablet, and Willing of all things before their existence.

Al-Qadaa' is Allah's creation of all things in His Command and Will.

The Ash'aris defined them the opposite as above.

Should we study Al-Qadar?

The Prophet (S) said in a hadith reported by At-Tabaraanee that if the subject of Al-Qadar is brought up then withhold from talking about it.  Does this mean we should study it?

The hadith has a continuation, that is if the subject of companions comes up don't talk about it.  What it means is not to speak negatively about them, and if anything of the sort comes up stop talking about it.

History of Innovation in Al-Qadar

There have always been two extreme groups in relation to the views on Al-Qadar.  The only ones who have the correct understanding for this concept in history are Ahl As-Sunnah.  Even the previous religions have a lot of confusion on this concept.

The first extreme group is Al-Qadariyyah, those who deny Al-Qadar.  They said God never created it, and He doesn't know about an event until it occurs.

The other extreme group is Al-Jabriyyah, those went to extremes in affirming Al-Qadar.  They said God is responsible for all of our actions and is the real doer for everything, He forces us to do everything.

This started when catapults of Al-Hajjaaj destroyed the Ka'bah.  They started arguing whether or not Allah would want His house to be destroyed.  One group said Allah wanted it so don't blame Hajjaaj.  The other said that Allah did not want it but He didn't know about it.

The Jabriyyah thought started with Shaytaan, as he claimed that Allah made him disobey.

Don't be deceived by someone who appears religious.  The way to judge right and wrong is to look at evidence and daleel.

The Mu'tazilites spread the Qadariyyah viewpoint.  There were two groups of them in Iraq, one in Basra and one in Kufa.  The ones in Kufa were close to Shi'is and they became very powerful because of closeness to the government.  They convinced the ruler (Al-Ma'moon) of their ideas to the point that for the first time in the history of Islam the khalifa was officially a Mu'tazilite and a Shi'i who cursed the sahabah.  After that two more rules were of the same ideas, until Allah released the Ummah from this fitnah almost a 100 years later.  After this the Mu'tazilites disappeared and their ideas were taken on by Shi'is.  One of the reason they disappeared because of the appearance of the Ash'aris who refuted them.

The First Principle: Understanding The Pillars of Al-Qadar

1. Al-'Ilm - Allah's knowledge.  His knowledge is complete and he knows about everything.  This is mentioned in the Qur'an in many places.

... Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything. (Qur'an 8:75)

With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read). (Qur'an 6:59)

Allah knows about every leaf, every seed carried by plants and where they will land.  Have we seen forests lately?  He knows everything that happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen in the future.

If you could but see when they will be held over the (Hell) Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back (to the world)! Then we would not deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) of our Lord, and we would be of the believers!" Nay, it has become manifest to them what they had been concealing before. But if they were returned (to the world), they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars. (Qur'an  6:27-28)

Modern people think they have reached the level of knowledge that they can replace God on earth.  We should never compare our knowledge with Allah.

Has taught man that which he knew not. Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and evil deed, etc.). Because he considers himself self-sufficient. (Qur'an 96:5-7)

When people get a little bit of knowledge from Allah (swt), they get arrogant and think they are self-sufficient.

2. Al-Kitabah - The writing of everything in the Safe Tablets.

Know you not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). Verily! That is easy for Allah. (Qur'an 22:70)

There is a hadith in Muslim that Allah (swt) wrote the ordained measures of creation 50,000 years before the creation of the heavens and the earth.

3. Al-Mashee'ah, The will of Allah.

If their aversion (from you, O Muhammad SAW and from that with which you have been sent) is hard on you, (and you cannot be patient from their harm to you), then if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the sky, so that you may bring them a sign (and you cannot do it, so be patient). And had Allah willed, He could have gathered them together (all) unto true guidance, so be not you one of those who are Al-Jahilun (the ignorant). (Qur'an  6:35)

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. (Qur'an 3:26)

And you will not, unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). (Qur'an  81:29)

4. Al-Amr, the command of Allah.  Allah when He intends something only says "Be".

Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, "Be!" and it is! (Qur'an  36:82)

5. Al-Khalq, the creation of Allah, and that Allah created everything.

Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things. (Qur'an 39:62)


Which of these pillars are Al-Qadar and which are Al-Qadaa'?
1. Al-Qadar
2. Al-Qadar
3. Al-Qadar and Al-Qadaa' - Allah willed everything in the past, and when the time comes for it to happen he has another will for it to happen.
4. Al-Qadaa'
5. Al-Qadaa'

Because of these pillars we are able to define Al-Qadaa' and Al-Qadar.


The Second Principle: Allah is the Creator of All Things

Allah created all creation, and they all fall under one of these two categories: good and bad.

"Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!" And if some good reaches them, they say, "This is from Allah," but if some evil befalls them, they say, "This is from you (O Muhammad SAW)." Say: "All things are from Allah," so what is wrong with these people that they fail to understand any word? Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) as a Messenger to mankind, and Allah is Sufficient as a Witness. (Qur'an 4:78-79)

In this verse Allah says whatever evil happens if from yourself, you are the on who caused it.  When it mentions that everything is from Allah it means Allah created.

It is undisputable that all good is attributed to Allah.  People have differed as to whether or not the bad can be attributed to Allah.  Our belief is:

1. We cannot generalize a statement affirming or negating that Allah wills bad specifically to exists, or created it.  General statements refer to Allah as the creator of all things.
2. You cannot attribute evil to Allah as a name, action, or quality. The act of evil is mentioned in the passive voice.  For instance in Surah Jinn evil is mentioned in the passive and good is mentioned in the active:

'And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them a Right Path. (Qur'an 72:10)

3. The Qur'an refers to evil by the one who is doing it or the one who it befalls.  For instance, it is attributed to Al-Khadir not Allah:

"As for the ship, it belonged to Masakin (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force. (Qur'an 18:79)

Here the good is attributed to Allah and the evil is not.


Why can't we attribute the creation of evil to Allah?
1. Most evil is directly linked to human action.  For instance, Allah withholds rains from those who commit sins.
2. There is no absolute evil.
3. There is no inherent evil.  Even the shaytaan was not created as something evil, he became evil.

The logical possibilities for the existence of good and bad in creation according to scholars are:

- 100% good
- More good than bad
- Bad and good are equal
- More bad than good
- 100% bad

Which one do we believe for a creation?  We believe that every creation has more good than bad or is 100% good.

When you analyze what is going on on earth you will be surprised to see that there is more good than bad.  For instance, take the story of the king who had the advisor who always said Alhamdulillah.  One day they were hunting and the king lost a finger.  The advisor said Alhamdulillah and the king got upset.  The king made him go to jail and he said Alhamdulillah.  Later the king went hunting again and he lost his people and was caught by pagans.  They were going to sacrifice him and were about to kill him when one of the priests stopped them and said he is bad luck because he is missing a finger, so they let him go.  He said Alhamdulillah, and went back to the advisor.  The advisor said Alhamdulillah and the king asked him why he said that because he was in jail.  The advisor said he never left the king's side so he would have been sacrificed, so Alhamdulillah he was in jail.  The king then said Alhamdulillah for all situations.

There have been people who lost relatives and that was the whole reason they changed for the better.  There was an incident at the time of the Prophet (S) where a companion lost his child and was heartbroken.  The Prophet (S) gave him a choice of the Prophet making du'a to resurrect the boy, or to be patient and meet his child at the gate of Jannah on the Day of Judgment and go anywhere he wants with him in it.  He chose to be patient.

Understanding the concept of Al-Qadar builds trust in Allah, since our knowledge is limited.  This is why we do istikharah.

What is the wisdom behind the existence of calamities and sins?

All evil things are one of these.  What is the wisdom behind it?  Sometimes it is related to the Creator and sometimes the creation.

For the Creator, it shows the power of Allah that He is capable of creating diseases and cures, life and death.  It also shows His Wisdom as we don't know what benefit comes out of it.  It also shows His mercy and forgiveness, which we need sins to do so.

Benefit of Evil to Creation

1. It is a test and a trial, that will allow us to show our true selves.

Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test). (Qur'an 29:2-3)

In the ayah in Al-Baqarah we will be tested with hunger, fear, losing wealth, and lives.

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere (Qur'an 2:155)

2. Is is Tarbiyah and Ta'deeb, meaning it is lessons and education to change people.

Truly Allah has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you, then you turned back in flight. (Qur'an 9:25)

The battle of Uhud was a lesson for people, even though many people died and never came back to their families.  The same was with the battle of Hunain.  It is a lesson that leaving the Sunnah or disobeying the Prophet (S) or being arrogant will not bring victory.  It is also a lesson that not every battle will be open because we say we are Muslims.

3. It is also a means for prayer and turning to Allah, and is a call for humanity to repent.

And indeed We punished the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) with years of drought and shortness of fruits (crops, etc.), that they might remember (take heed) (Qur'an 7:130)

And verily, We will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities, etc.) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islam). (Qur'an 32:21)


4. It also allows us to contemplate on others' calamities and learn from them.  We learn from how Allah destroyed nations before us.

Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought. (Qur'an 16:112)

5. Sometimes it is a form of punishment in this dunya before the akhirah.

It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah. (Qur'an 4:123)


All of these are for Muslims and non-Muslims.  For Muslims there are extra benefits:

1. Raising of one's level in Jannah and reward. 

For any good a person was going to do but calamity prevented him for it he will still get rewarded.  Shaikh Ibn 'Uthaymiyan was asked whether or not to take off life support off of someone who would never wake up.  He said not to, because he will get the same reward for all of the prayer he would do, or fast, or qiyaam al-layl even though he is prevented from doing so.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said that Allah sometimes sees you in this dunya not doing good enough to reach a higher level in Jannah, and He wants to put you in a higher level.  So He will put you through a test so that with His help you will be able to raise your level.  So scholars say don't be sad when even a thorn pokes you, as it will raise your level.

We are also promised to be recompensed with good in dunya and rewarded greatly in the akhirah,

2. What about the reason for sins?

Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful, (Qur'an 25:70)

For sins, if someone commits a sin and repents sincerely, the sins will be changed to good deeds.  Afterwards you also learn on how to deal with it, what not to do so as not to be in the situation.