For children, - Spiritual Stories for Children: Don't be SelfishWhat Goes Around Comes Around

A couple, whom we shall call John and Mary, had a nice home and two
lovely children, a boy and a girl. John had a good job and had just
been asked to go on a business trip to another city and would be gone
for several days. It was decided that Mary needed an outing and would
go along too. They hired a reliable woman to care for the children and
made the trip, returning home a little earlier than they had planned.
As they drove into their home town feeling glad to be back, they
noticed smoke, and they went off their usual route to see what it was.
They found a home in flames. Mary said, "Oh well it isn't our fire,
let's go home."
But John drove closer and exclaimed, "That home belongs to Fred Jones
who works at the plant. He wouldn't be off work yet, maybe there is
something we could do." "It has nothing to do with us." Protested
Mary. "You have your good clothes on lets not get any closer."
But John drove up and stopped and they were both horror stricken to
see the whole house in flames. A woman on the lawn was in hysterics
screaming, "The children! Get the children!" John grabbed her by the
shoulder saying, "Get a hold of yourself and tell us where the
children are!" "In the basement," sobbed the woman, "down the hall and
to the left."
In spite of Mary's protests John grabbed the water hose and soaked his
clothes, put his wet handkerchief on his head and bolted for the
basement which was full of smoke and scorching hot. He found the door
and grabbed two children, holding one under each arm like the football
player he was. As he left he could hear some more whimpering. He
delivered the two badly frightened and nearly suffocated children into
waiting arms and filled his lungs with fresh air and started back
asking how many more children were down there. They told him two more
and Mary grabbed his arm and screamed, "John! Don't go back! It's
suicide! That house will cave in any second!"
But he shook her off and went back by feeling his way down the smoke
filled hallway and into the room. It seemed an eternity before he
found both children and started back. They were all three coughing and
he stooped low to get what available air he could. As he stumbled up
the endless steps the thought went through his mind that there was
something strangely familiar about the little bodies clinging to him,
and at last when they came out into the sunlight and fresh air, he
found that he had just rescued his own children.
The baby-sitter had left them at this home while she did some shopping.

Imam Abu Hanifa

Imam e Azam Abu Hanifa strange ways. An example is of Ibn Abdul Barr,
who wrote in his book Jaami'al-bayaan, Imam Hummad had once said that
the scholars of Hijaaz have no knowledge. He also said that our
children know more than them. He also said that Imams Ataa ibn Rubaah,
Tawoos, and Mujaahid had no knowledge. Imam Zuhri said, whilst
commenting on the scholars of Makkah, he had never seen anyone break
the walls(i.e the rules) of Islam more than the scholars of Makkah.
Even though great Sahaba and Taabe'een were resident in Makkah.
We know that Shaabee and Ibraheem Nakhee were great scholars but they
used to attack each other. Shaabee said "Look at at Ibraheem Nakh' ee!
He asks me masaa'il by night and preaches to the people in the morning
as though it is his own research!" Ibraheem Nakhee said: "Look at
Shaabee! He is a liar, and narrates Hadith from Masrook, but he has
never met him!" Imam Dahaaq once boasted that he know more than the
companions. Imam Sayyid bin Jubair once said that Shaabee was a liar.
He also said about Imam Ikramah that he is the student of Abdullah bin
Abbas and he attributes false Ahadith to ibn Abbaas.
Imam Malik said about Muhammad bin Is-haaq that he is was one of the
dajjaal. Imam Malik also said about the scholars of Iraq that they
have become like the people of the book, so don't say that they are
speaking the truth or that they are lying. Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak
once said, "I don't consider Imam Malik to be a scholar" Imam Abu
Hanefah said about Imam 'Amash that he has never kept the fast of
Ramadhan nor taken the bath of major impurity. Imam Yahya bin Mu'een
has criticised the high-ranking scholars of Hadith. He has even said
that Imam Shafi' is weak in Hadith. This is the situation of the
scholars of Hadith but the strangest thing is that human weaknesses
even overcame the Sahabah. For this reason the Sahabah used to
critisize each other. An example is Abdullah bin Umar, who when was
told that the Witr Salaah was not compulsory by Abu Hurairah, said
that Abu Hurairah was a liar.
Hadrat A'isha (Radiall hu anha) once said the Anas bin Malik and Abu
Sa'eed Khudree do not know anything
About Hadith as they were children at the time of the Prophet [May
Allah bless him and grant Him peace]. Once Hasan bin Ali (Radiall hu
anhu) interpreted a verse of the Qur'an and someone said that ibn Umar
and Abdullah bin Zubair have given another interpretation. Hasan then
said that they are both liars. Hadrat Ali (Radiall hu anhu) once said
that Mugheerah bin Shubah is a liar. Ubaidah bin Thabit said that
Mas'ood bin Aws Ansaari is a liar, even though he fought in the battle
of Badr.
If one wants to investigate this matter further one can read the
history of jarh-ut-ta'deel. These books have critisised other
scholars. The reason for this is that they were human and had human
weaknesses and so sometimes they would call a weak scholar a good
scholar, and vice versa. It is necessary to refer to these books
carefully before making any presumptions about a particular scholar.
[Tafheemaat, chapter, maslak-e-it'daal, by Sayyed mawdoodi]
It is proved, from the above, that if a scholar claims something about
another scholar then we cannot say that his claim is always correct.
The only thing that we can conclude is that the claim is only the
scholar's personal view. If we say that the claim is always correct
then we would have to accept every scholar's word, which is
impossible. An example is that of Hadrat Abbas (Radiall hu anhu)
claiming that the Ali (Radiall hu anhu) was a liar, sinner, and
betrayer. We cannot accept that Hadrat Ali (Radiall hu anhu) was
actually that which Abbas (Radiall hu anhu) said. This is because we
know about the greatness of Hadrat Ali (Radiall hu anhu) who was
neither a liar nor betrayer. He was one of the ten who was given glad
tidings of Jannah (Paradise) in their lifetime and the fourth
Khaleefah of Islam. We know also that Imam Malik was a great scholar
so no-one can accept Abdullah bin Mubaarik's claim that Imam Maaik was
not a scholar. We also do not accept Imam Yahya bin Mu'een's claim
that Imam Shaafe'ee was weak in Hadith. In the same way, no-one can
accept the claims made against Imam Abu Hanefah by following what some
scholars say about him. In short, we have to see what the majority of
scholars have said about a particular scholar and then accept or
reject their opinions.
Now let us look into the second person who is often used to justify
attacks against Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh
2) Khatib al Baghdadi:
His correct name was Abu bakr Ahmed Bin Ali Al Khatib Al Baghdadi and
he passed away 463 Hijra. Khatib Baghdadi was a great scholar of
Hadith wrote many books on Usul-al-Hadith (principles of Hadith) but
his most popular book is Tareekh Baghdad, (written in 14 volumes). The
copy that I am using was issued in Al Maktaba Salfia Al Madina Al
Manawara. If we look at volume 13 under the life history of Nauman Bin
Sabit (name of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh) there are two
chapters on Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh.
In the first chapter he writes how the other scholars have praised
Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh and in the second chapter he talks
about what the enemies of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh said
about him. Khatib Baghdadi said that I personally recognized the
greatness of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh and his knowledge. It
is my right that where I have mentioned his excellence I can also
bring forward the opinions of the people who were against him. The
enemies of Imam Abu Hanifahh do not mention those narrations, which
are in praise of Imam Abu Hanifahh. They only mention Khateeb's
narration, which are against him- and imply that al Khateeb too was
against the Imam.
Before we go further, at this point it can be concluded that whatever
has been said against Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh cannot be
accepted as the truth:
Our Shaykh Shah Abu Al Hassan Zaid Farooqi Naqsh Bandi said: "In 1931
I was in Egypt. In that period an article was published in the popular
newspaper Al Ahraam that Khateeb's Tareek has been published and will
be available soon. In his Tareekh there is one chapter against Imam
Abu Hanifah. Al Azhar decided that it was upon themselves to respond
to this chapter written by Khatib Baghdadi. This response was then
printed in the footnote of the book Tareekh Baghdad. Upon reading the
above book and its footnote it is clearly understood that the said
chapter is totally untrue.
Furthermore it is noted that whosoever reported Khateeb's accusations
against Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayy. We see that in the same
book he also says that these narrators are not trustworthy. Moreover
Muhadis Al Asar Alama Zahidul Al Kausri (Rahmatullah Alai) wrote a
book called Taneeb Al Khatib in which he clarifies that truly these
accusations are false and notes that all the evidences used were from
the same book Tareekh Baghdad.
Now let us see what Khateeb says about Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah
alayh in Tareekh Baghdad under the biography of Imam Abu Hanifah
Rahmatullah alayh. (a number of examples are taken)
1. Khateeb says Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh was from the Murj'iee
2. He says that Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh confirmed that Riba
(interest) is halal (Permissible)
3. In Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh Halqas (meetings) there was
no salutation
(Salaah/blessings) bestowed on the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and
grant Him peace].
3. Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayhs and his students were like
Christians. (As'tagfirullah) (Changing Qur'an and Sunnah like the
Christians).
4. Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayhs followers said that his
knowledge was greater than that of the Prophets [May Allah bless Him
and grant Him peace]. ('Astagfirullah')
5. Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh used to say that had the Prophet
[May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] been present at his time he
would have taken his opinion (that is He would have learnt many
things) from me. ('Astagfirullah')
6. When a Hadith would be presented he would reject and say scrap this
with the pig's tale.
[Tareekh Baghdad by Khateeb Al-Baghdadi under Nu'maan Bin Thabit]
We do not need to go any further as you will have already realised
that this is not acceptable by any Muslim. From the above accusations
let us clarify one thing that the other accusations are very similar.
Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh said that if Usman Bathi Al Basri
was present in my time he would have taken many of my opinions but the
above narrator Khateeb al-baghdadi removed Usmans name and replaced it
by the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace].
[Footnote, Tareekh Baghdad chapter Abu Hanifahh]
Khateeb took this information from Yusaf Bin Sabat, Abi Nassar, Azdi,
and Al Wass Wassy, In the same book, Khateeb also wrote about these
narrators, that:
One of them was who used to make fabricated Hadiths. One of them was
weak in the Hadith, the other was a person who did not even believe in
Hadiths. One of them was Qadari (Sect), one of them used to make up
fabricated stories.
To prove that Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh was a Kaffir. From
the writings of Khateeb, we are led to believe that Imam Abu Hanifah
Rahmatullah alayh was an atheist, Jew, innovator, etc., etc., we seek
shelter in Allah, from this!!!
Now we shall review the accusations that were made against Imam Abu
Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh who said that he was a Murji'i. Who were the
Murji'ee? And who called Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh one?
Allama Shahar Sattaani, wrote in his famous book Al Milal, that:
In the early days the Shi'ahs began to propogate stories against Abu
Bakr and Umar Radi Allaho unhooma. During a period where there were
differences amongst the Companions, the Shi'ahs also made strange
stories concerning their differences. It was also the time when the
Khawarij declared the majority of Muslims, as Kafir they believed that
whoever committed a major sin was a Kafir. At this time,the sahiah
sect became famous. They said that differences that the companions of
the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] had should go
without anything said about them, we should remain silent, and the
matter will be dealt with Allah Sub Hana hu Wataala. They also
believed that those Muslims who commit a great sin (Kabiraa) are not
kafirs. Some of the Murji'e believed that Imaan (Faith) is embedded in
the heart, so that, if someone utters blasphemous remarks, or worships
statues, or has a belief like a Jew or Christian, or worships whatever
he likes, he still is beloved to Allah and a perfect Muslim. They thus
believed that if a Kafir was to perform a good act then he/she would
receive no benefit from it, similarly, if a Muslim was to indulge
himself in blasphemous he/she remarks, or commits any major sin, it
would have no effect on his/her Imaan. In this way, they left all good
actions out and they openly indulged themselves in bad actions.
Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh also said that those who commit a
major sin were not Kafirs. The enemies of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah
alayh picked upon this point to argue that he was a Murji'e. Imam Abu
Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh openly conducted good acts and never said
not to do good actions. He also never encouraged people that worship
what you like. The Mutazillah called every one who did not agree with
them concerning their belief as Murji'e. The Khawarij, on the other
hand, argued that the one who claimed that to perform a major sin is
not to be a Kafir. In this way, the Khawarij and Mutazillah gave Imam
Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh the title of Murji'ee. These two sects
not only called Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh a Murji'e, but many
other great scholars of Islam, such as: Hassan Bin Muhammad, Sa'eed
Ibn Jubair, Talaq Bin Habib, Umar Bin Murar, Mahaarib Bin Wassaar,
Maqaatil Bin Sulimaan, Hamaad Bin Abi Sulaimaan, called a number of
the scholars as Murji'e.
[Al Milal, By Allama Shahar Sitaani, Madhab Al Islammiya and Hiyaat
Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh, By Allama Abu Zuhraar Misri]
If Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh was a Murji'ee, it would have
become apparent in all the Hanafi books that it is permissible to
worship the cross, idols or you can be a Christian, Jew etc. Why is it
then that in the Hanafi books it is clearly stated that to worship
idols, the cross etc., is Kufr? (See the books of Hanafi Fiqh)
Why is it also, that there is a special book, which explains what
punishments are expected for those who perform bad acts? If you take
any book concerning Hanafi Fiqh, you will see two chapters dedicated
to explaining what things can make you a Kafir. The other chapters
will deal with the punishments' that those people will receive who
indulge themselves. In acts of adultery, stealing and other evil acts.
This is a clear proof that those who claim that Imam Abu Hanifah
Rahmatullah alayh is a Murji'ee, is repeating those accusations made
by the Khawarij and the Mutazalah are wrong.
There is another accusation made by people that Imam Abu Hanifah
Rahmatullah alayh knew only seventeen Hadith. Let's examine what
little truth this bears but before we go further lets see the sources
from which Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah alayh extracted his
information.
Hafidhh Iban Al Qayyim states:
Allah Soob ha Na hu Wat'aala sent the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and
grant Him peace] to teach Islam. During that early period those that
learnt became known as companions which were over hundreds of
thousands, out of which one hundred and thirty (130) gave more Fatwas
than the rest. There were seven amongst the companions that gave the
highest number of Fatwas. Those seven were Umar Bin Khatab, Ali Bin
Abu Talib, Abdullah Bin Masaud, Umul Momineen Aisha, Zaid Bin Sabet,
Abdullah Bin Abbass, Abdullah Bin Umar Radi allahounhoom. Umar sent
Abdullah Bin Masaud to reside at Koofa. This was because Abdullah Bin
Masaud had great knowledge. Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him
peace] said in a statement that he was great scholar.
Once two groups of people came from Syria and Koofa to visit Umar.
Umar gave gifts to both groups and the group from Koofa asked Umar
"why is it that we have received less than the Syrians." Umar replied:
'Did I not give you Abdullah Bin Masaud which is the greatest of all
gifts'. Abdullah Bin Masaud often said that I know about every Surah
in the
Qur'an and further who and what it was revealed for, if I know a
person that knows more than me I must go to him and learn from him.
Ibn Umar used to say Ibne Masaud is filled with knowledge. Imam Ibn
Jareer says that there is no other companion whose students wrote all
his Fatwas and his Fiqh, except Abdullah ibn Masuood. After a short
while hundreds of other companions also went to Koofa to reside there.
Later when Ali became Khaleefah he also moved to Koofa that is how
Koofa became the capital of the Islamic State. This then influenced
further companions to move to Koofa. Koofa became one of the center
points of knowledge of the Companiuns. At that time the most popular
school was of Ali and Abdullah Bin Masaud.
Later on some people started to attribute fabricated narrations linked
to Ali. Which is why the only acceptable narrations of Ali are those
which are through his generation and through students of Abdullah Bin
Masuad. Ali and Abdullah Bin Masaud had many popular students like
Umar Bin Sharjeel, Masrooq, Al Qamma, and others. And then Abraham and
Hammad Bin Suleiman became their students and Imam Abu Hanifah
Rahmatullah alayh became their student.
[Aalam Al Muwaqqaiy-een Chapter Qiyyas by Hafidhh Ibn Al Qayyim]
Imam Ibn Sa'ad says:
One large group of Companions started to reside in Kufa, There were
more than five hundred companions residing in Kufa. That is why Umar
Radi allaho unho said that Kufa is the center of the treasure. (Faith)
Kufa was the center at that time of knowledge.
[Tabaqat Ibn Sa'ad volume 6 chapter Kufa]
In the very same Kufa Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullah was born. In the
same place, he acquired his knowledge, he saw and learnt from the
Companions and learnt from the Tabe'een. To learn more knowledge he
often travelled to Makkah, Madina, Syria, Yemen and Basra. How can it
be said that he only knew seventeen Ahadith? It is like saying to a
Hafidhh of the Qur'an that he knows Surah Fat

Women site, - Muslim Women in The Field of Medicine - III

Based on the texts of Sharee'ah )Islamic legislation(, the hopes that
we attach to our sisters who work in the medical field )including
doctors, nurses, social workers and officials(, include the following:
• Good intention:This is not confined to this field, but it is
required from every Muslim man and woman, because it turns one's work
into a rewardable act of worship.
Is it hard for a woman to intend that she fulfills a collective duty
by working in this field?
Undoubtedly, having such a good intention entitles one to additional
reward from Allaah The Almighty, along with the original reward for
undertaking a collective duty.
Is it hard for the woman who works in this field to intend to satisfy
the needs of the Ummah )nation( to be independent of the non-Muslims
and avoid the evils of their presence among us?
Is it hard for her to intend to do good for her fellow women by
treating them, while simultaneously being a source of psychological
comfort for them?
These intentions cost nothing; however, they entitle one to a great
reward in addition to their role as moral and behavioral regulators of
one's work.
The presence of such great intentions in our hearts will lead to the
eradication of many things that are not in accordance with the
teachings and rulings of the Sharee'ah.
• Acting as a role modelfor Muslim women as well as men by combining
both adherence to the religion and utilizing the means of the latest
technologies and modern sciences.
Some people in our Muslim communities believe that scientific and
technological progress necessitates neglecting many of the Sharee'ah
regulations. They try to convince us that we cannot achieve any
material progress without forsaking some parts of our religion. On the
other hand, some people say that we must forsake material advancement
to protect the religion, which is more precious. However, this is
unrealistic, because the absence of Muslim male or female doctors will
force Muslims to go to a non-Muslim doctor.
The contradiction between adherence to the rulings of the Sharee'ah
and achieving material progress is an illusion that results from two
reasons:
- Ignorance about religion, which makes some people forsake some of
their religious duties.
- A defeatist attitude, which leads to sacrificing many of the
principles of the Sharee'ah.
The solution lies in acquiring true knowledge that creates a balance
between the commands of Allaah The Almighty and the requirements of
material progress which Allaah The Almighty made available to all
people. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}It is He who created
for you all of that which is on the earth.{]Quran 2: 29 [
• We hope to see medical workers among the most active people in the
field of Da'wah )Islamic propagation( and enjoining what is good. We
do not mean that clinics and hospitals should turn into halls for
delivering lectures or Khutbahs;)sermons(, rather, we mean that
medical workers should utilize their status to encourage people to do
what is good.
You know that Christian evangelists uses medical services to spread
their message in Islamic and non-Islamic countries. Their profession
does not prevent them from exploiting their work in spreading
Christianity and enticing thousands or millions of people towards
apostatizing from Islam. The reality in Indonesia for example is
appalling and reveals the horrible deception and exploitation of
people's needs.
Consequently, it is inappropriate for some Muslims to reject our call
for using medical services to benefit Da'wah activities, because we do
not call on doctors to leave their work to deliver Khutbahs; rather,
we ask them to deal with people kindly, speak with them gently, and
draw their attention wisely to avoid violations.
• We hope that workers in the medical field )men and women( will
utilize their distinguished social status, which makes their advice
more acceptable. The new professions in any society retain
appreciation as long as its people are few. Hence, people appreciate
their efforts and accept their recommendations. Advice from a doctor
might be more influential for some people than advice from an Islamic
caller or a teacher. Therefore, you should not lose or neglect this
blessing that Allaah The Almighty has bestowed upon you.
• Our medical environment today is inherited from others and thus it
contains good and bad elements --whether in terms of the program,
administration, or practices. Thus, we should work on correcting the
wrong elements through continuous revision, self-criticism and good
behavior.
It is a very negative approach to surrender to every new innovation or
theory that comes from non-Muslim communities. We are not saying that
everything that comes from these disbelieving communities is bad and
condemned. Some material systems and values apply equally to Muslims
and non-Muslim, however, there are behaviors and administrative
approaches that should be modified to accord with Islamic teachings.
The medical field is not above criticism, but it is also not an open
topic for everyone. If we want people to respect this field, we should
not resist correction, reform, and constructive criticism.
• We hope to get rid of the obstacles that face many of those who love
the field of medicine and want to work in it, particularly women.
These obstacles deprive them from any opportunity of positive
interaction in this field and they can be divided into two types:
1- Organizational and administrative obstacles upon which these
institutions are founded.
2- Obstacles created by the behavior of some workers in the field.
According to what is hear from doctors, there is no doubt that the
medical field is in great need for male workers, and a greater need
for female workers. Indeed, there is a social problem, because many
people want to work in this field but they have several fears
regarding it and prefer to keep away in spite of their belief in its
great importance.
Possibly, those who are at the top of the administrative,
organizational and even behavioral hierarchy are the ones who create
these obstacles, which has diminished the quality and quantity of the
medical workforce. Hence, it is the responsibility of each member of
this institution to work towards removing these obstacles. This is the
responsibility of senior officials, directors and even ordinary
individuals, whose behavior might have given a particular impression
about this field and we think that there is no need to clarify
further, as even a word is sufficient indication to a wise person.
• We hope to see interdependence between the various branches of
medicine )medical services, nursing, social service, and
administration(. We also hope to see separation between men and women.
This is not just a dream, because it is a reality in some countries.
Separation means getting rid of the negative aspects and creating a
comfortable atmosphere for medical workers )men and women( and the
general people in such a way that contributes to the success of work
in the field of medicine. We all know that many women prefer to be
checked and treated by female doctors, because they can deal with them
freely, easily and comfortably.
We are not saying that this separation will take place overnight.
However, we should work towards instituting practical steps, and a
clear strategy towards this necessary and possible end.
Of course, in certain circumstances it may be necessary for women to
be checked by men and vice versa, and this is acceptable under the
Sharee'ah as long as it remains within the limits of necessity.
We suffer from shortage in female medical cadres, so, we should start
working towards candidates who are suited to achieve this purpose.
The future requires expansion in this field along with the regulations
that encourage people to interact with its practitioners comfortably
and confidently.

Women site, - Asceticism is the Way to be Loved - I

Asceticism, or Zuhd, is to abandon the desire for something for the
sake of something which is better, and to abandon the comfort of this
world for the sake of that of the Hereafter. It also means that the
heart should not desire anything that one does not possess. Knowing
that this worldly life is temporary and will eventually come to an end
helps the slave of Allaah to be this way.
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}Know that the life of this
world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one
another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the
example of rain whose ]resulting[ plant growth pleases the tillers;
then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes
]scattered[ debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and
forgiveness from Allaah and approval. And what is the worldly life
except the enjoyment of delusion.{]Quran 57:20[ Allaah The Almighty
has called this life the "enjoyment of delusion" and has forbidden us
from being deceived by it. He has also informed us of the evil end of
those who are deceived by this worldly life, He warns us of being
considered with the same recompense that they deserved for what they
committed and has dispraised whoever is satisfied or feels secure
therein. He has dispraised such people because He knows that after
this worldly life is an abode which is greater and more honored: the
home of final settlement.
In addition, the slave of Allaah the Almighty knows that his
asceticism in this worldly life will not prevent him from receiving
what was decreed for him and his keenness on it does not bring him
what was not decreed for him. When the slave of Allaah The Almighty is
certain of this fact, he will abandon the inclination to things that
do not bring benefit in the Hereafter. However, being ascetic towards
things that bring benefit in the Hereafter is not a religious act and
its doer is addressed in the verse in which Allaah The Almighty Says
)what means(:}O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things
which Allaah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed,
Allaah does not like transgressors.{]Quran 5:87[
The Essence of Asceticism
Asceticism in this worldly life does not mean that one should reject
it, as Sulaymaan )Solomon( and Daawood )David(, may Allaah exalt their
mention, were the most ascetic men of their time while they had
considerable wealth, kingship and a number of wives. The Prophet,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the most ascetic person ever, yet
he had nine wives. 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, 'Abdur-Rahmaan ibn 'Awf,
Az-Zubayr and 'Uthmaan, may Allaah be pleased with them, and many
others were ascetic people while they were wealthy. Imaam Ahmad was
asked, "Can a rich person be ascetic?" He answered, "Yes, if he does
not rejoice with the increase of his wealth or grieve over its
decrease."
Al-Hasan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, "Asceticism does not
mean wasting wealth or making what is lawful unlawful; rather, it is
to have confidence in what is in the Hand of Allaah more than what is
in one's own hand, and ]it is also[ that one's condition at the time
of a calamity and that under normal circumstances is alike; and to
have the same attitude towards the one who praises you and the one who
dispraises you for the sake of the truth." This is true asceticism,
therefore, a slave of Allaah The Almighty might be the richest person,
yet he is of the most ascetic because his heart is not attached to
this worldly life. On the other hand, another slave of Allaah The
Almighty may be the poorest of people, but he is not an ascetic at all
because his heart clings to this worldly life.
Kinds of Asceticism
Asceticism with regards to abstaining from what is unlawful is an
individual obligation, and abandoning suspicious matters is obligatory
if it is a strong suspicion; however, if it is weak, abandoning the
suspicious matter is merely recommended. There is asceticism with
regards to abandoning speech, looking, inquiring, meeting and other
things that are not required or called for. Also, there is asceticism
regarding people and asceticism regarding one's own self when one
sacrifices himself in the cause of Allaah The Almighty. The
comprehensive asceticism is being ascetic in everything except in
things that are with Allaah The Almighty and being ascetic in
everything that keeps him away from Him. The best kind of asceticism
is one that is concealed, and the most difficult kind is in things
that are lawful.
Virtues of Asceticism
In many verses, Allaah The Almighty praises asceticism and dispraises
any inclination to worldly life, as He the Almighty Says )what means(:
•}And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not,
compared to the Hereafter, except ]brief[ enjoyment.{]Quran 13:26[
•}The example of ]this[ worldly life is but like rain which We have
sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - ]those[
from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on
its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have
capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day,
and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday.
Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give
thought.{]Quran 10:24[
•}In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult
]in pride[ over what He has given you. And Allaah does not like
everyone self-deluded and boastful -{]Quran 57:23[
Also, Allaah The Almighty relates the story of the believing man of
the family of Fir'awn )Pharaoh(, where He Says )what means(:}O my
people, this worldly life is only ]temporary[ enjoyment, and indeed,
the Hereafter - that is the home of ]permanent[ settlement.{]Quran
40:39[
Ibn Mas'ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the
Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:"I forbade
you to visit graves, but you may now visit them as this would make you
ascetic towards this worldly life and remind you of the
Hereafter."Sahl ibn Sa'd As-Saa'idi, may Allaah be pleased with him,
said, "A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and
said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, guide me to an action which, if I do it,
Allaah will love me and the people will also love me.' The Prophet,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:'Be ascetic in this worldly life
and Allaah would love you. Be ascetic towards what is in the hands of
others ]meaning, do not desire what is in their possession[ and they
would love you.'"Sahl ibn Sa'd As-Saa'idi, may Allaah be pleased with
him, also said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
said:'Were this worldly life worth even the wing of a mosquito in the
sight of Allaah, He would not have given even a drink of water to a
disbeliever in this worldly life.'"
The Prophets Were the most Ascetic of People
The Prophets and Messengers are examples for people in their
asceticism in this worldly life and inclination to the Hereafter, as
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}They are the ones whom Allaah
has guided, so from their guidance take an example.{]Quran 6:90[
Anyone who reads the biography of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, would know how he would patch up his own garment, mend his
shoes and milk his sheep. Also, he never quenched his hunger, even
with barley bread, for two consecutive days until he died, and would
even pass whole days without eating, not even finding degraded dates
to eat. Also, in the Battle of Al-Ahzaab, he became so hungry that he
tied a rock on his stomach, and three months would pass and he and his
family would not light a fire in their house in order to cook; their
only sustenance would be dates and water. He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, would say:"O Allaah, there is no true life except that of the
Hereafter, so forgive the Ansaar and the Muhaajiroon."'Aa'ishah, may
Allaah be pleased with her, said, "The bedding of the Messenger of
Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was a piece of tanned skin
stuffed with palm fibers." She once bought out a patched-up upper
garment and a thick lower garment and said, "The Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, died wearing these two."