Sickness

Sickness
According to Quran and Sunnah

Ever wonder why a Muslim is allowed
by Allah, subhana watallah, to get sick?

Hadith - Bukhari 7:564

I visited Allah's Apostle while he was suffering from a high fever. I touched him with my hand and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have a high fever." Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you have." I said, "Is it because you will get a double reward?" Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, no Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves."

Hadith - Muslim & Bukhari

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri r.a. reported that the Prophet said: Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with a hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression --even a thorn's prick, Allah expiates his sins because of it.

Recorded by Bukhari in al-Adab ul-Mufrad (no. 493), verified authentic by al-Albani

"Expect good, because Allah (s.w.t.) makes a believer's sickness an expiation (for his sins) and a period of repose. As for a disbeliever falling sick, he is like a camel whose owner ties it and then lets it loose --it does not understand why it was tied, nor why it was freed."

The cure...

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Book 25, Number 5466, Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah

Allah's Messenger said: There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious.

Hadith - Muwatta 50:12

Yahya related to me from Malik from Zayd ibn Aslam that a man received a wound in the time of the Messenger of Allah . The blood clotted in the wound and the man called two men from the Banu Ammar tribe. They looked at it and claimed that the Messenger of Allah said to them, "Which of you is the better doctor?" They said, "Is there any good in medicine, Messenger of Allah?" Zayd claimed that the Messenger of Allah said, "The one who sent down the disease sent down the remedy."

Narration - Ahmad

"Worshippers of Allah, use medical treatments."

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #2170, Narrated AbdulMalik ibn Umayr

Allah's Messenger said, "Fatihat al-Kitab contains healing for every disease."

[Darimi and Bayhaqi, in Shu'ab al-Iman, transmitted it.]

Severe Trials for those Firm in their Religion

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi 1562, Narrated Sa'd

When the Prophet was asked which people suffered the greatest affliction, he replied, "The prophets, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them. A man is afflicted in keeping his religion. If he is firm in his religion his trial is severe, but if there is weakness in his religion it is made light for him, and it continues like that till he walks on the earth having no sin."

[Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it, and Tirmidhi said this is a hasan sahih tradition.]

Rewards for those Afflicted

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #1570, Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah

Allah's Messenger said, "On the Day of Resurrection, when people who have suffered affliction are given their reward, those who are healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world."

[Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying that this is a gharib tradition.]

Recorded by Ahmad , verified authentic by al-Hakim, ath-Thahabi, and al-Albani

The ailment is intensified for the righteous. Whenever a believer is afflicted with a hardship, be it a thorn or more, a sin is taken off him because of it, and he is elevated on level (in Jannah [Paradise]).

Hadith - Al-Bukhari

A traveller's or sick person's deeds are recorded in accordance with what he used to do when he was resident or well.

Endurance

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi, Narrated AbuUmamah [Ibn Majah transmitted it.]

The Prophet stated that Allah, who is Blessed and Exalted, said "Son of Adam, if you show endurance and seek your reward from me in the first affliction, I shall be pleased with no lesser reward than Paradise for you."

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and Nasa'i, Narrated 'A'ishah

The Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, said, "Do not say, 'I feel rotten*.' Instead, say, 'I do not feel well."

*or any expression that involves corruption of any type.

Epilepsy

Hadith - Bukhari 7:555, Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah

Ibn 'Abbas said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allah for her."

Kindness to the sick

Hadith - Mishkat, Narrated Abu Sa'id

Allah's Messenger said, "When you go in to visit an invalid, express a hope that he will live long. That will not avert anything, but it will comfort him."

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 40, Narrated An-Nu'man bin Bashir

Allah's Apostle said, "You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it."

Visit the sick

Hadith - Qudsi 18

O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink. He will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink whin You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.

Supplication of an Invalid

Allah's Messenger said, "When you visit an invalid tell him to make supplication for you, for his supplication is like that of the angels."

[Ibn Majah transmitted it.]

Taking Medicine

Hadith - Muslim, narrated Jabir Bin 'Abdillah

The Prophet said: Every disease has a medication: If the medication for a particular disease is found, it will be cured with Allah's (swt) permission.

Hadith - Bukhari 7:610, Ibn 'Abbas and 'Aisha, Radiya 'Llahu 'anhuma

Abu Bakr kissed (the forehead of) the Prophet when he was dead. 'Aisha added: We put medicine in one side of his mouth but he started waving us not to insert the medicine into his mouth. We said, "He dislikes the medicine as a patient usually does." But when he came to his senses he said, "Did I not forbid you to put medicine (by force) in the side of my mouth?" We said, "We thought it was just because a patient usually dislikes medicine." He said, "None of those who are in the house but will be forced to take medicine in the side of his mouth while I am watching, except Al-'Abbas, for he had not witnessed your deed."

Read Qur'an when Sick

The Noble Qur'an - Al-Isra 17:82

And We send down from the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss.

Ruqyah

Ruqyah (plural: ruqa) is du'a or dhikr used for protection or cure.

Hadith - Muslim, Narrated 'Awf Bin Malik al-Ashjai

'Awf Bin Malik al-Ashjai said to the Prophet , "O Allah's Messenger! We used to apply ruqa during Jahliyyah. What do you think of that?" He replied: "Present your ruqa to me. There is nothing wrong with them as long as they do not involve shirk."

Hadith - Muslim and others

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri r.a. reported that Jibril came to the Prophet and said, "O Muhammad, are you sick?" He replied, "Yes." He said: "Bismillahi arqik, min kulli shay'in yu'thik, min sharri kulli nafsin aw 'ayni hasid -- With Allah's Name I shelter you (give you ruqyah), from all that ails you, from the evil of every soul, or that of the envious eyes. May Allah cure you; with Allah's Name I shelter you."

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Action Items for the BELIEVERS

• Study tawheed as it relates to illnesses

• Give all acknowledgement to Allah, subhana watala, for healing and ailments.

• Do not jump to the conclusion that all sicknesses are punishments from Allah, subhana watala.

• A woman may be treated by a male physician (including treatment or examination of private parts, etc.) only if a female physician cannot be obtained through all means possible, and it is recommended that a mahram male or trustworth muslim female be present to prevent the occurance of khulwah.

• Males should avoid treatment by non-mahram female doctors or nurses, except when male doctors or nurses are not available.

• Do not look down on a person who is sick, merely because of the sickness.

• Performing ruqyah is permissible so long that it does not contain shirk or anything else haram. But do not seek ruqyah, because that can prevent you from being among the seventy thousand who immediately enter Paradise. You may, however, volunteer on your own and perform ruqyah over an individual if s/he has not requested it and still be eligible to be among the seventy thousand who immediatley enter Paradise... Allah knows best.

• Count your blessings while you are sick, using the opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins and remaining patient during the affliction.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!

Hell (Jahannam)

Hell (Jahannam)

According to Quran and Sunnah

And indeed he (Satan) did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand? This is Hell which you were promised! Burn therein this Day, for that you used to disbelieve.

The Noble Qur'an 36:62-64

Description of Hell

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5681, Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri
The Prophet said, "The awnings of Hell have four thick walls, each wall a distance of forty years." [Tirmidhi transmitted it]

The Noble Qur'an Hud 11:106
As for those who are wretched, they will be in the Fire, sighing in a high and low tone.

Hadith - Al-Muwatta 57.2
Malik related to me from his paternal uncle Abu Suhayl ibn Malik from his father that Abu Hurayra said, "Do you think that it (hell) is red like this fire of yours? It is blacker than tar."

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Hadith - Qudsi 38

When Allah (swt) created Paradise and Hell-fire, He sent Gabriel to Paradise, saying: Look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants. The Prophet said: So he came to it and looked at it and at what Allah had prepared therein for its inhabitants. The Prophet said: So he returned to Him and said: By your glory, no one hears of it without entering it. So He ordered that it be encompassed by forms of hardship, and He said: Return to it and look at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants. The Prophet

The Science of Hadith

The Science of Hadith
According to Quran and Sunnah

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

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

(Qur'an 15:9)

The above ayat (verse) is obviously fulfilled in the undisputed purity of the Qur'anic text throughout the fourteen centuries since its revelation. However, what is sometimes forgotten is that the divine promise also includes, by necessity, the Sunnah of the Prophet . The Sunnah is the practical example of the implementation of the Qur'anic guidance, the wisdom taught to the Prophet along with the scripture, and neither the Qur'an nor the Sunnah can be understood correctly without the other.

Allaah, subhana watala, says in His Book (An-Nûr 24:54):

Say: "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad saaws) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."

Allah (SWT) preserved the Sunnah by enabling the companions and those after them to memorize, write down and pass on the statements of the Prophet , and the descriptions of his way, as well as to continue the blessings of practicing the Sunnah.

From al-Irbaad ibn Saariyah [radiy'Allaahu anhu] who said:

Allaah's Messenger gave us an admonition which caused the eyes to shed tears and the hearts to fear, so we said, "O Messenger of Allaah, this is as if it were a farewell sermon, so with what do you counsel us?" So he said: "I have left you upon clear proof , its night is like its day, no one deviates from it except one who is destroyed, and whoever lives long from amongst you will see great controversy. So stick to what you know from my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the orthodox, rightly-guided caliphs - cling to that with your molar teeth, and stick to obedience even if it is to an Abyssinian slave, since the believer is like a submissive camel, wherever he is led, he follows" [Ahmad (4/126), Ibn Maajah (no. 43), al-Haakim (1/96) and others - Hasan]

Later, as the purity of the knowledge of the Sunnah became a concern, Allah (SWT) caused the Muslim Ummah to produce individuals with exceptional memory skills and analytical expertise, who travelled tirelessly to collect thousands of narrations and distinguish the true words of prophetic wisdom from those corrupted by weak memories, from forgeries by unscrupulous liars, and from the statements of the large number of Ulama (scholars), the companions and those who followed their way. All of this was achieved through precise attention to the words narrated, and detailed familiarity with the biographies of the thousands of reporters of hadith.

The methodology of the expert scholars of hadith in assessing the narrations and sorting out the genuine from the mistaken and fabricated, for ms the subject matter of the science of hadith. Below is a brief discussion of the terminology and classifications of hadith.

Components of Hadith

A hadith is composed of three parts (see the figure [below]):

Matn (text), isnad (chain of reporters), and taraf (the part, or the beginning sentence, of the text which refers to the sayings, actions or characteristics of the Prophet (PBUH), or his concurrence with others action). The authenticity of the hadith depends on the reliability of its reporters, and the linkage among them.

Classifications of Hadith

A number of classifications of hadith have been made. Five of these classifications are shown in the figure [below], and are briefly described subsequently.

1. According to the reference to a particular authority
   Four types of hadith can be identified.
   • Qudsi - Divine; a revelation from Allah (SWT); relayed with the words of the Prophet (PBUH).
   • Marfu - elevated; a narration from the Prophet (PBUH), e.g. I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying ...
   • Mauquf- stopped: a narration from a companion only, e.g., we were commanded to ...
   • Maqtu' - severed: a narration from a successor.

   

   
   

2. According to the links of Isnad - interrupted or uninterrupted
   Six categories can be identified.
   • Musnad - supported: a hadith which is reported by a traditionalist, based on what he learned from his teacher at a time of life suitable for learning; similarly - in turn - for each teacher until the isnad reaches a well known companion, who in turn, reports from the Prophet (PBUH).
   • Mutassil - continuous: a hadith with an uninterrupted isnad which goes back only to a companion or successor.
   • Mursal - hurried: if the link between the successor and the Prophet (PBUH) is missing, e.g. when a successor says "The Prophet said...".
   • Munqati - broken: is a hadith whose link anywhere before the successor (i.e., closer to the traditionalist recording the hadith) is missing.
   • Mu'adal - perplexing: is a hadith whose reporter omits two or more consecutive reporters in the isnad.
   • Mu'allaq - hanging: is a hadith whose reporter omits the whole isnad and quotes the Prophet (PBUH) directly (i.e., the link is missing at the beginning).

   
   

3. According to the number of reporters involved in each stage of Isnad
   Five categories of hadith can be identified:
   • Mutawatir - Consecutive: is a hadith which is reported by such a large number of people that they cannot be expected to agree upon a lie, all of them together.
   • Ahad - isolated: is a hadith which is narrated by people whose number does not reach that of the mutawatir.
     It is further classified into:
   • Mash'hur - famous: hadith reported by more than two reporters.
   • Aziz - rare, strong: at any stage in the isnad, only two reporters are found to narrate the hadith.
   • Gharib - strange: At some stage of the Isnad, only one reporter is found relating it.

   
   

4. According to the nature of the text and isnad
   • Munkar - denounced: is a hadith which is reported by a weak narrator, and whose narration goes against another authentic hadith.
   • Mudraj - interpolated: an addition by a reporter to the text of the hadith being narrated.

   
   

5. According to the reliability and memory of the reporters
   This provides the final verdict on a hadith - four categories can be identified:
   • Sahih - sound. Imam Al-shafi'i states the following requiremetts for a hadith, which is not mutawatir, to be acceptable "each reporter should be trustworthy in his religion; he should be known to be truthtul in his narrating, to understand what he narrates, to know how a different expression can alter the meaning, and to report the wording of the hadith verbatim, not only its meaning".
   • Hasan - good: is the one where its source is known and its reporters are unambiguous.
   • Da'if - weak: a hadith which fails to reach the status of hasan. Usually, the weakness is: a) one of discontinuity in the isnad, in which case the hadith could be - according to the nature of the discontinuity - munqati (broken), mu'allaq (hanging), mu'dal (perplexing), or mursal (hurried), or b) one of the reporters having a disparaged character, such as due to his telling lies, excessive mistakes, opposition to the narration of more reliable sources, involvement in innovation, or ambiguity surrounding his person.
   • Maudu' - fabricated or forged: is a hadith whose text goes against the established norms of the Prophet's sayings, or its reporters include a liar. Fabricated hadith are also recognized by external evidence related to a discrepancy found in the dates or times of a particular incident.

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Hadith - Reported by Ahmad, Abu Daawood, Ibn Maajah and at-Tirmidhee, who declared it hasan. Al-Albaanee declared it saheeh in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no.8186).
The Prophet said, “There will come a time when a man sitting upon his couch is told a hadeeth and he replies, ‘Between us and you is the Book of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. What we find in it to be lawful, we take as lawful and what we find in it to be forbidden, we take as forbidden.’ Indeed, what the Messenger of Allah has forbidden is like what Allah has forbidden.”

Narration of Imam Maalik - Reported by Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilm (2/91).
Imam Maalik (rahimahullaah) said, “Everyone after the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) will have his saying accepted or rejected, not so the Prophet .”

Narration of Imam Ahmaad - Reported in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (2/15) and by Ibn battah in al-Ibanatul-Kubraa (1/97).
Imam Ahmaad (rahimahullaah) said, “Whoever rejects a hadeeth of Allah’s Messenger is on the brink of destruction.”

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Action Items for the BELIEVERS

• Don't use or accept da'if (weak) or maudu' (fabricated) hadith as proof against strong ahadith or an ayat from the Qur'an.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!

Bid'a

Bid'a
(Innovation in Ibadah [worship, i.e. all acts of submission to Allah, as defined in Qur'an and Sunnah])

According to Quran and Sunnah

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said,

"That a servant meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk
is better than meeting Him upon any of the innovated beliefs."

Reported by al-Baihaqee in al-I'tiqaad (p.158)

The Noble Qur'an Al-Hijr 15:9

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

The Noble Qur'an An-Nisa' 4:171

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and Allah's Word, ("Be!" -- and he was) which Allah bestowed on Mary and a spirit (Ruh) created by Allah; so believe in Allah and Allah's Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Allah (Far Exalted is Allah) above having a son. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.

Hadith - Muslim, Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah

When Allah's Messenger delivered the sermon, his eyes became red, his voice rose, and his anger increased so that he was like one giving a warning against the enemy and saying: "The enemy has made a morning attack on you and in the evening too." He would also say: "The last Hour and I have been sent like these two," and he would join his forefinger and middle finger. He would continue: "The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error." He would add: "I am dearer to a Muslim than even his self. He who has left behind property, that is for his family, and he who dies in debt or leaves children (in helplessness), the responsibility (of paying his debt and bringing up his children) lies on me."

Hadith - Bukhari 9:391, Narrated Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, "Leave me as I leave you, for the people who were before you were ruined because of their questions and their differences over their prophets. So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can."

Hadith - Bukhari 9:396, Narrated Anas

We were with 'Umar and he said, "We have been forbidden to undertake a difficult task beyond our capability (i.e. to exceed the religious limits, e.g., to clean the inside of the eyes while doing ablution)."

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #1306, Narrated AbuMusa al-Ash'ari , Transmitted by Ibn Majah.

Allah's Messenger said, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on the middle night of Sha'ban and forgives all His creation except a polytheist or one who is mushahin (innovator in religion and out of the main stream of the community).

Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib

The Prophet said, If anyone introduces an innovation in the religion, he will be responsible for it. (Good or bad). If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in the religion) he is cursed by Allaah, by His angels and by all the people.

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5142, Narrated AbuBakr as-Siddiq

You people recite this verse, "You who believe, care for yourselves; he who goes astray cannot harm you when you are rightly guided." I heard Allah's Messenger SAAWS say, "When people see something objectionable and do not change it, Allah will soon include them all in His punishment." [Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi, who declared it to be sahih, transmitted it.]

Hadith - Bukhari and Muslim, Narrated Abu Sa'id, r.a.

The Prophet SAAWS said, "Surely, you will follow the ways of those nations who were before you, in everything as one arrow resembles another, (i.e. just like them), so much so that even if they entered a hole of a sand-lizard, you would enter it."

They said, "O Allaah’s Messenger! Do you mean to say that we will follow the Jews and the Christians?"

He SAAWS replied, "Whom else?" (By meaning the Jew and Christians)

Noble Qur'an - Al-Imran 3:103

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an) and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another, but Allah joined your hearts together, so that, by Allah's Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith) and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and Allah saved you from it. Thus Allah makes Allah's Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.

Noble Qur'an - An-Nur 24:54

Say: "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad ) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."

Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar

Mujahid reported: I was in the company of Ibn Umar. A person invited the people for the noon or afternoon prayer (after the adhan had been called). He said: Go out with us (from this mosque) because this is an innovation (in religion).

Hadith - Bukhari 1:561, Narrated Muawiya

You offer a prayer which I did not see being offered by Allah's Apostle when we were in his company and he certainly had forbidden it (i.e. two Rakat after the Asr prayer).

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The only good sunnah is a revived sunnah, not a newly invented one...

Hadith - Sahih Muslim

He who starts a good sunnah will be rewarded for it, in addition to receiving rewards equal to the rewards of those who follow him into it. Whereas he who starts a bad sunnah will be burdened with it, in addition to receiving burdens equal to the burdens of those who follow him into it.

Hadith - Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 49, Number 861. Narrated Aisha, r.a.

Allah's Apostle SAAWS said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."

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Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib

Qays ibn Abbad and Ashtar went to Ali and said to him: Did the Apostle of Allah give you any instruction about anything for which he did not give any instruction to the people in general? He said: No, except what is contained in this document of mine. Musaddad said: He then took out a document. Ahmad said: A document from the sheath of his sword. It contained: The lives of all Muslims are equal; they are one hand against others; the lowliest of them can guarantee their protection. Beware, a Muslim must not be killed for an infidel, nor must one who has been given a covenant be killed while his covenant holds. If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people. Musaddad said: Ibn AbuUrubah's version has: He took out a document.

Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Irbad ibn Sariyah

AbdurRahman ibn Amr as-Sulami and Hujr ibn Hujr said: We came to Irbad ibn Sariyah who was among those about whom the following verse was revealed: "Nor (is there blame) on those who come to thee to be provided with mounts, and when thou saidst: "I can find no mounts for you." We greeted him and said: We have come to see you to give healing and obtain benefit from you. Al-Irbad said: One day the Apostle of Allah led us in prayer, then faced us and gave us a lengthy exhortation at which the eyes shed tears and the hearts were afraid. A man said: Apostle of Allah! It seems as if it were a farewell exhortation, so what injunction do you give us? He then said: I enjoin you to fear Allah, and to hear and obey even if it be an Abyssinian slave, for those of you who live after me will see great disagreement. You must then follow my sunnah and that of the rightly-guided caliphs. Hold to it and stick fast to it. Avoid novelties, for every novelty is an innovation, and every innovation is an error.

The Noble Qur'an: Al'Imran 3:7

It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad ) the Book (this Qur'an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments etc.), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials etc), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabari).

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Do not sit with the people of bid'a (deviation)

Hadith - Reported by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/60) with a saheeh isnaad and by Ibn Muflih in al-Aadaabush-Shar'iyyah (1/263).

Abu Daawood as-Sijjistaanee said: I said to Abu' Abdullaah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, 'If I see a man from Ahl us-Sunnah sitting with a man from the people of innovation, should I abandon speaking to him?' He said, "No, you should first inform him that the one whom you saw him with is a person of innovation. Either, he will cease speaking to him, so then continue speaking to him or if not, then regard him to be like him. Ibn Mas'ood said: A person is like his friend."

Hadith - Reported by Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanatul-Kubraa (no. 486)

Ibn 'Awn, rahimahullaah, said, "Whoever sits with the people of innovation is worse than them."

Hadith - Reported by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/223-234) in the biography of 'Alee ibn Abee Khaalid

'Alee ibn Abee Khaalid said: I said to Ahmad, "This old man -referring to an old man who was present with us and was a neighbour of mine - I have warned him against a person, but he would like to hear your saying about him. haarith al-Qaseer (meaning Haarith al-Mahaasibee) and you saw me with him many years ago and you said to me, 'Do not sit with him and do not speak to him.' I have not spoken to him from then until now, but this old man sits with him. What do you say about him (i.e. the innovator)?" I saw that Ahmad became red, his veins and his eyes swelled. I have never seen him like that before. Then he shuddered and said, "That is one to whom Allaah has done such and such. No one knows that except one who is fully acquainted with him. Alas! Alas! Alas! He is one not known except to one fully acquainted with him. He was the one whom al-Maghaazilee sat with and Ya'qoob and so and so. He lead them to having the views of Jahm. They were destroyed through him." So, the old man said, "O Abu' Abdullaah! He narrated hadeeth, displays dignity and fearfulness. He is such and such." Abu 'Abdullaah became angry and said, "Do not be fooled by his fearfulness, nor his gentleness. Do not be fooled by how he droops his head. He is an evil person. This will not be known except by one well-acquainted with him. Do not sit with him, for there is no honour for him. Will you sit with everyone who narrated the ahaadeeth of Allaah's Messenger (saaws) and is an innovator?!"

Narration - Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee (no. 263) and Ibn Battah (no. 439). Saheeh isnaad

Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyaad said, "Whoever sits with a person of innovation has not been given wisdom."

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Masbahah (Prayer Beads)

Shaykh Muhammad Naasir al-Deen al-Albaani said in Al-Silsilat al-Da’eefah (1/110), where he quotes the (weak) Hadith “What a good reminder is the subhah [masbahah]":

”In my view, the meaning of this hadeeth is invalid for a number of reasons: Firstly, the subhah [masbahah (prayer beads)] is bid’ah and was not known at the time of the Prophet (SAW). It happened after that, so how could he (SAW) have encouraged his Sahabah to do something that was unknown to them?

The evidence for what I have said is the report narrated by Ibn Waddaah in Al-Bid’ wa’l-Nahy ‘anhaa from al-Salt ibn Bahraam, who said: ‘Ibn Mas’ood passed by a woman who had a [masbahah] with which she was making tasbeeh, and he broke it and threw it aside, then he passed by a man who was making tasbeeh with pebbles, and he kicked him then said, “You think you are better than the Sahabah, but you are following unjustified bid’ah! You think you have more knowledge than the Companions of Muhammad (SAW)!”’ Its isnaad is saheeh to al-Salt, who is one of the trustworthy (thiqah) followers of the Taabi’een.

* Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (rahmatullahi alay) said in al-Fataawa (22/187): “Some of them might show off by putting their prayer-mats over their shoulders and carrying their masbahahs (prayer beads) in their hands, making them symbols of religion and prayer. It is known from the mutawaatir reports that neither the Prophet (SAW) nor his Companions (RU) used these as symbols. They used to recite tasbeeh and count on their fingers, as the hadeeth says: “Count on your fingers, for they will asked, and will be made to speak.” Some of them may count their tasbeeh with pebbles or date stones.

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The Noble Qur'an: Al-Baqarah 2:256

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

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Action Items for the BELIEVERS

• Recognize that the Qur'an is preserved in accuracy and is free from corruption.

• When presenting Islam to someone, present Qur'an, not your opinion.

  • Said Mujahid, "We were in a meeting in the mosque with the companions of Ibn 'Abbas (Tawus, Sa'eed ibn Jubair and 'Ikrimah). When he stood to pray, a man came in and said, 'Is there one who can give a legal verdict?' We said, 'Ask your question.' He said, 'Whenever I urinate, a liquid always follows it.' We asked, 'Is it the type of liquid that gives birth to children?' He said, 'Yes.' We said, 'Then you have to perform ghusl.' The man went away. Ibn 'Abbas hurried to finish his prayer, after which he told 'Ikrimah to bring the man back. He turned to us and said, 'Is your verdict found in the Book of Allah?' We said, 'No.' He asked, 'Is it based on the sayings of the Prophet, upon whom be peace?' We said, 'No.' 'Then from what?' We said, 'From our opinion.' He said, 'That is why the Messenger of Allah said that one learned man is more difficult for Satan than a thousand worshippers.' The man came and faced Ibn 'Abbas, who said to him, 'When that happens, is it owing to any stimulation?' He answered, 'No.' Ibn 'Abbas asked, 'Do you feel any numbness in your body?' He answered, 'No.' Said Ibn 'Abbas, 'That is from the cold. Ablution is sufficient."'

• Do not engage in cultural activities that contradict the instructions of Qur'an and Sunnah.

• The only good sunnah is a revived sunnah and not a newly invented one.

• Stop making excuses for your laziness..... if you don't feel that you want to follow any particular command of Qur'an, don't try to twist the meaning to reflect your feelings. Be honest and take responsibility for your choices. Qur'an is simple and straight-forward.

• Some examples of bid'a (innovation):

  • Denying or declaring void, any of the five pillars of Islam, which are:.

    • To testify La ilaha ill Allaha wa anna Muhammad-ur-Rasul-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, swt, and that Muhammad, saaws, is Allah's Messenger).

    • To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly (Iqamat-as-Salat)

    • To pay Zakat

    • To perform Hajj (i.e. pilgrimage to Makka) [if physically able]

    • To observe fast during the month of Ramadan [if physically able]

  • Denying any of the six articles of Faith, which are:

    • Belief in Allah, swt.

    • Belief in Allah's angels

    • Belief in Allah's Messengers

    • Belief in Allah's revealed Books

    • Belief in the Day of Resurrection

    • Belief in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments i.e. whatever Allah swt has ordained must come to pass)

  • Not dressing your daughters in hijab at the fixed time

  • Misinterpreting hijab (covering)

    • The neck should not remain exposed

    • The arms should not be exposed (3/4 length sleeves don't cut it!)

    • The hijab should be worn at all times around non-mahram men and around non-Muslims - not just when praying or attending the Masjid!

  • Neglecting wudu

  • Hanging up pictures/images

  • Dating (absolutetly no dating is permitted in Al-Islam) (see Qur'an 5:5 as one example)

  • Drinking alcohol, even if just as "an occasional drinker"

  • Making a tradition out of giving salutations to the Prophet saaws after the adhan or other such phrases before or after the adhan.

    • Ibn Hajr says in al-Fatawa al-Kubra, "Our shaikhs and others have given a legal verdict about the prayers and salutations for the Prophet after the adhan and how the callers to prayer do it. Their verdict is that (the prayers for the Prophet) has its root in the sunnah, but the manner in which they perform it is an innovation." Muhammad 'Abduh was asked about saying the prayers and salutation for the Prophet subsequent to the adhan and he said, "The adhan, as mentioned in al-Khaniyyah, is only for the prescribed prayers. It consists of fifteen phrases, the last being La ilaha illal-lah. Whatever is mentioned before or after it is an innovation. It has been introduced for rhythm, and nothing else. There is hardly a scholar who has allowed it, nor does it make any sense to say that it is a good innovation, for every innovation in matters of worship is evil. Whoever claims that it is not for melody is lying."

  • Fasting on only Friday (see Bukhari 3:205), on the day of breaking the Ramadan fast (see Bukhari 3:211), or the first day of 'Id ul Fitr and 'Id ul-Adha (see Bukhari 3:211, 213)

  • The use of dhikr beads when doing dhikr

    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded them (the women emigrants) to be regular (in remembering Allah by saying): "Allah is most great"; "Glory be to the King, the Holy"; "there is no god but Allah"; and that they should count them on fingers, for they (the fingers) will be questioned and asked to speak. [Dawood 1496, Narrated Yusayrah, mother of Yasir]

  • Placing trust in witchcraft

  • Eating donkey meat (see Bukhari 5:511), or animals with fangs (see Bukhari 7:672)

  • Drinking out of a gold or silver cup, or eating on a gold or silver plate (see Bukhari 7:337, 722)

  • Males wearing silk (see Bukhari 7:718)

  • Making du'a while facing a grave (i.e. intentions to seek help in any way from the deceased, whether a prophet or not)

  • Celebrating the dunya's holidays

  • Celebrating the Prophet saaws' birthday, i.e. Milaad

  • Declaring haram (forbidden) something that is not declared haram in the Qur'an or Sunnah

  • Combining images with Al-Islam. For example, you may not use images of a person to teach Al-Islam, such as watching videos that teach how to perform salah. The religion is meant to be taught in the ummah, not in private quarters where there is no contact with other muslims. In the event that no muslims live nearby, this is still no excuse for using images in the religion. We should not capture pictures of our brothers and sisters performing salah, especially not for media releases in which the kuffaar view the muslimah's back side. Simply put, do not use images of persons or animals to teach Islam or spread dawah.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!