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Personal, - Steadfast Love of Allaah - II

The Real Life is that of the Lovers of Allaah The Almighty
It is true that there is no real life except that of those whose eyes
are comfortable with their Beloved. Their souls find rest with Him,
and their hearts are reassured with Him. They enjoy being close to Him
and are delighted with His love. Indeed, there is a need in the heart
that is not satisfied except by loving Allaah, craving for him, and
returning to Him in repentance. Nothing else can make a person
comfortable. If a person does not attain this, he will lead a life of
worries, sadness, pain and sorrow. If he is a motivated person with
high ambition, his soul will waste away in regret for this worldly
life as his soul cannot be content with such an inferior status in
life. However, if he is mean and base, he will foresake this treasure
like the lowest of animals. Indeed, eyes find no comfort except in
loving Allaah.
Examples of True Lovers
Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, may Allaah be pleased with him, was at the head
of the Ummah )Muslim Nation( with his love of Allaah The Exalted: Bakr
Al-Muzani, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, "Abu Bakr did not
excel among the Companions of Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
due to plentiful fasting or prayer; rather, he was superior to them
due to something that had settled firmly in his heart." Ibraaheem, may
Allaah have mercy upon him, reported that he was informed that Ibn
'Ulayyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, commented on the Hadeeth
mentioned above, saying, "What had settled in his ]Abu Bakr's[ heart
was the love of Allaah The Exalted and giving advice to His creation."
Ibn 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, would ask for the love of
Allaah: Ibn 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, would supplicate to
Allaah The Almighty on the mountains of As-Safa and Al-Marwah and
during other rituals of pilgrimage, saying, "O Allaah! Make me among
those who love You, love Your angels, love Your messengers and love
Your righteous slaves. O Allaah! love me and make Your angels, Your
messengers and Your righteous slaves love me."
Allaah's Love was the motto of Hakeem ibn Hizaam, may Allaah be
pleased with him: Hakeem ibn Hizaam, may Allaah be pleased with him,
would circumambulate the Ka'bah, saying, "No one is worthy of worship
but Allaah, the Good Lord and the Good God. I love and fear Him."
Signs of True Love
Loving Allaah is like a blessed tree whose roots are firmly fixed and
its branches are high in the sky. It produces its fruits in the heart
and on the tongue and organs. Allaah The Almighty describes those who
love Him with several qualities; He Says )what means(:
*}O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his
religion - Allaah will bring forth ]in place of them[ a people He will
love and who will love Him ]who are[ humble toward the believers,
powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allaah
and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allaah; He
bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allaah is All-Encompassing and
Knowing.{]Quran 5:54[
*}Say, ]O Muhammad[, "If you should love Allaah, then follow me, ]so[
Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is
Forgiving and Merciful."{]Quran 3:31[
Thus, Allaah The Almighty describes such believers as having five
characteristics:
1- Humbleness, leniency, modesty, and mercy and compassion towards believers.
2- Dominance against disbelievers and disassociation from them.
3- Making Jihaad in the cause of Allaah with their lives and wealth to
support Islam and bring people back to it.
4- Endeavoring to please Allaah The Almighty and paying no attention
to people's rebuke or criticism.
5- Following the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and obeying him.
Another characteristic that distinguishes such people is the desire to
meet Allaah The Almighty in Paradise and to gaze at His Face.
Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, "The aspiration of
the righteous, knowledgeable Muslims who love Allaah and yearn to see
Allaah in the Hereafter is to gaze at His Face in Paradise and be
closer to Him."
We ask Allaah The Almighty to endow us with His love and that we may
look at His Noble Face in Paradise.

Personal, - Diligence is the Way to Success

There are norms and laws in the universe that man is not permitted to
contradict. Instead, he should abide by them so as to enjoy a good
life and eternal happiness in the Hereafter. One such norm is that if
one works hard, he will find results; if one exhausts oneself a little
bit, he can enjoy a long rest. Indeed reaping noble benefits depends
on experiencing difficulties. Pleasure and perfect qualities cannot be
gained except with some difficulty. If it were not for difficulties,
all people would be leaders.
A Person who Prefers Comfort has Scarce Potential for Success
Work in the worldly life relies upon diligence. Therefore, man is
required to work hard and actively, leaving behind laziness. The Quran
and Sunnah direct us towards this understanding. Allaah The Almighty
Says )what means(:
}And say, "Work, for Allaah will see your deeds, and ]so, will[ His
Messenger and the believers."{]Quran 9:105[
}It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes
and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.{]Quran
67:15[
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, educated the Ummah )Muslim
Nation( in different ways on how to be diligent. For instance, he
urged Muslims to earn a living and provide from their own work,
saying:"Nobody has ever eaten a meal better than that which he has
earned from working with his own hands. The prophet of Allaah, Daawood
]David[, would eat from the work of his own hands."]Al-Bukhaari[
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also advised us to work
hard without giving in to feelings of frustration, saying:"Cherish
that which gives you benefit ]in the Hereafter[, seek help from Allaah
and do not lose heart."]Muslim[
He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said:"If the Hour comes while
one of you has a shoot that he is able to plant, he should plant
it."]Ahmad, Al-Bukhaari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad[
Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, assured people
of the assistance of Allaah The Almighty, that He further increases
the high motivation and ambition of people according to the sublimity
of their ambition, saying:"Help from Allaah comes to the servant
according to his diligence."]Al-Bazzaar[
Of course hard work is exhausting, but it has great pleasure,
especially when the diligent person reaps the outcome of his work.
Ibn Ul-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said:
The sages of every nation agree that welfare cannot be obtained
through welfare, that anyone who prefers comfort will miss it, and
that joy and pleasure depend on the level of risks and difficulties
that are experienced when getting them. There is no joy for a person
who has no resolve; no pleasure for a person who lacks patience; no
bliss for a person who endures no hardships; and no comfort for a
person who has no hard work. If a person is exhausted for a short
time, he will relax for longer. If he endures difficulties for a short
while, this will lead him to eternal welfare. People who will receive
eternal delight ]the people of Paradise[ earned this status due to
their patience in this very short worldly life. Truly, Allaah alone
gives help, and there is no power except in Him.
The loftier one's self is and the higher his aspirations are, the more
a person's body is exhausted and the less his comfort is. Yahya ibn
Katheer, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said. "Knowledge cannot be
acquired when the body is in comfort." ]Muslim[
"All those who are sensible undoubtedly believe that perfect comfort
depends on the level of exhaustion, and perfect bliss relies on the
level of difficulties that are endured when achieving it. Comfort,
pleasure and bliss are free of exhaustion only in Paradise, not in
this worldly life. ]Quoted from 'Uluww Al-Himmah by Shaykh Muhammad
ibn Ismaa'eel[
A person who takes diligence to be a slogan in life does not depend on
his ancestors or family background, nor does he rely on boasting of
his fathers and forefathers. Instead he builds his own glory, adding
it to that of his forefathers'.
Quotations from Sages and Scholars
Some sages have said, "Utilize your diligence as long as you are in
good health, and take the opportunity to work while you are at
leisure, for time will not be always on your side, nor will you be
able to restore what you have lost."
A scholar once said, "Work is like an armor that protects a person
against afflictions, and diligence is like a sword that wards off
misfortune."
Another said, "Nothing is better than having a reason that is adorned
with forbearance, a deed that is adorned with knowledge, and
forbearance that is adorned with truthfulness!"
Some scholars have said, "Could it be true and logical that crops are
harvested without prior sowing of seeds, fruits are reaped without the
planting of trees, fire comes from two stones without striking them
together, or that money yields without effort?"
It was also said, "There is a cause for every provision and whoever
diligently seeks something, finds it."
Indeed, what a great saying was that of the Commander of Believers,
'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, "Do not stop
pursuing livelihood and supplicating, 'O Allaah, provide for me!' You
know that the sky does not rain gold or silver. Allaah The Almighty
provides for people by virtue of their interaction."
Therefore, work hard and do not be indolent. Your Muslim nation is
waiting for a push from you like that of 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased
with him, a push that illuminates the torch of enthusiasm in its
heart, amidst the darkness of this gloomy state of obliviousness. It
is also waiting for a cry from you like that of Salaah Ad-Deen
Al-Ayyoobi )Saladin(, may Allaah have mercy upon him, a cry that
plants hope in the desert of despair. Help from Allaah comes in
accordance with diligence, therefore seek help from Allaah and do not
lose heart!

Personal, - Protective Jealousy is the Characteristic of the Noble - I

Protective jealousy is an innate noble characteristic upon which a
sound person whom Allaah has honored and favored was created. Islam
elevated the rank of this sublime trait and laudably mentioned it to
the extent that it considers defending one's honor and being
protectively jealous about inviolable matters a type of Jihaad. For
this, a person may offer everything and sacrifice his soul, and such a
person would be at the same rank as the martyr in Paradise. It was
narrated on the authority of Sa'eed ibn Zayd, may Allaah be pleased
with him, that he said, "I heard the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, saying:'A person who is killed while protecting his property
is a martyr, a person who is killed while defending his life is a
martyr, a person who is killed while defending his religion is a
martyr, and a person who is killed while defending his family is a
martyr.'
"
The Meaning of Protective Jealousy
It is a change in the state of the heart and feelings of anger that
arise due to a person's feeling that others might share or aspire to
share something that he owns. This feeling appears among the spouses.
Both men and women share this instinct, although the protective
jealousy of women is greater. This feeling becomes more intense when
the woman feels that her husband is betraying her or that he desires
another woman. Likewise, the man feels the same when he has suspicions
regarding his wife's behavior or feels that she desires other men.
Protective Jealously from the Sharee'ah Viewpoint
For both men and women, protective jealousy, when called for and shown
in a moderate way, is a praiseworthy trait and it is a necessity for
spouses in order that they can live in kindness. Each of them also has
to consider the protective jealousy of the other and know that every
matter has a moderate and sensible point between its two extremes. It
was proven that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
said:"There is jealousy that Allaah loves and jealousy that He hates.
There is pride that Allaah loves and pride that He hates. The jealousy
that Allaah loves is jealousy regarding a matter of suspicion. The
jealousy that He hates is jealousy regarding something that is not
doubtful. The pride that Allaah loves is a man's pride when fighting
and when giving in charity. The pride that Allaah hates is that shown
in oppression and boasting."]Ahmad and others, Al-Albaani - Saheeh[
Protective Jealousy is an Indication of Manliness
Protective jealousy, when justified and shown in a moderate manner, is
an indication of true manhood. It leads to the protection of honor,
the safeguarding of sacred ordinances, the veneration of the symbols
of Allaah, and the promotion of adherence to the limits that He has
set. It denotes the strength of one's faith and shows that it is
instilled in his heart. Little wonder then that unethical practices,
impermissible exposure of women's beauty, immorality and
licentiousness prevails throughout the western world and other similar
communities. The reason behind this is either the lack of or the
complete absence of protective jealousy.
Even in the pre-Islamic era, this characteristic prevailed among the
Arabs who experienced the meanings of these virtues. They would be
protectively jealous even about their neighbors' honor from their own
desires. Manly zeal could also drive these people to incite wars for
the sake of any assault against a woman, to protect her honor, or in
response to her seeking refuge. The cause of the war of Al-Fijaar that
broke out between the Arabs was that a group of youth from Banu
Kinaanah saw a woman in the market of 'Ukaath and asked her to uncover
her face, and when she refused they began mocking her. Thereupon, she
screamed, "O people of 'Aamir!" Immediately their fighters responded
to her request. The tribe of Kinaanah stood to defend their youth. The
tribe of Hawaazin stood on the side of Banu 'Aamir and Quraysh stood
on the side of Kinaanah, which resulted in a countless number of
victims and much bloodshed.
Excessive Protective Jealousy
Excessive jealousy is a source of trouble for the person and those
around him. Many so-called honor-related crimes are committed due to
rumors. This extent of jealousy, which is hazardous, may drive a
person to kill others without any justification or sound evidence for
his action. This happens in many places. Some husbands have the
disease of bitter doubts which turns their marital life into
unbearable turmoil. It was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam, forbade that a man should unexpectedly come to his
wife at night, doubting her fidelity and probing into her lapses.
]Muslim[ It is improper for a husband to have no confidence in his
wife, and he should not be excessive in monitoring her each and every
action. There is no doubt that such behavior damages the marital
relationship and severs what Allaah The Almighty has ordered to be
joined.
'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, may Allaah be pleased with him, would say, "Do
not have excessive jealousy over your wives such that you would cause
them to be slandered." Also, Mu'aawiyah, may Allaah be pleased with
him, said, "There are three characteristics of nobility: Forgiveness,
having a flat abdomen and avoiding excessive protective jealousy."
Therefore, moderation in this regard is very important and the limits
of the required protective jealousy are determined by the texts of the
Sharee'ah. It was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, said:"Allaah becomes jealous and the believer also becomes
jealous. Allaah becomes jealous when the believer commits what He has
forbidden."]Al-Bukhaari[
Protective jealousy is required if women violate the prohibitions of
Allaah The Almighty, and in this case such jealousy is praiseworthy.
Conversely, being void of such jealousy in these situations is
dispraised and is the cause of a person being prevented from entering
Paradise. The proof of this is what was narrated on the authority of
'Ammaar ibn Yaasir, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:"There are three types of people
who will never enter Paradise: A Dayyooth, a woman who assumes a
masculine attitude and an alcoholic."His Companions asked, "O
Messenger of Allaah, we know what an alcoholic is, but what is a
Dayyooth?" He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied:"He is the
person who does not care who has private access to his womenfolk."The
Companions asked, "Who are the women who assume a masculine attitude?"
He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied:"They are women who imitate
men."
Considering the Protective Jealousy of Others
When a man feels the pain of a loss or jealousy when his friend
forsakes him and befriends someone else, then we should consider the
jealousy of the mother-in-law. A mother in this situation feels as if
she has lost her son to someone else, after having cared for him
throughout his entire life and sacrificed every dear and precious
thing to make him a man of consequence in this life. Also, just as the
person feels jealous over his wife, he should consider her jealousy
over him. It is improper to show his admiration for other women, not
to mention narrating his pre or post-marital relationships, as this is
not a source of pride. Rather, a person should keep it hidden, repent
from such an act if they have happened, and adhere to Sitr )covering
and protection(.
A woman should also control herself as much as she can, otherwise her
jealousy would be irrepressible. Commenting on the verse in which
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}And they will have therein
purified spouses.{]Quran 2:25[, Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy
upon him, said, "They are purified from menstruation, urination and
any harm that afflicts women in this world. Their souls are also
purified from jealousy, wanting to harm their husbands and desire for
other men."
The Jealousy of Allaah The Exalted
Sharee'ah texts prove that Allaah The Exalted becomes jealous . His
jealousy is a fact and He becomes jealous in a manner that befits His
majesty and perfection. A manifestation of His Jealousy is His dislike
that His slave should fall into acts of disobedience or associate
anything in what is due solely to Him in terms of obeying His commands
and avoiding His prohibitions. It was narrated that the Prophet,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:"Allaah becomes jealous and the
believer also becomes jealous. Allaah becomes jealous when the
believer commits what He has forbidden."]Al-Bukhaari[ In another
Hadeeth, he , sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:"No one is more
jealous than Allaah The Almighty. Because of His jealousy, Allaah has
prohibited immorality, both apparent and concealed, and no one likes
to be praised more than Allaah The Almighty."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Another narration of this Hadeeth states:"The believer gets jealous
and Allaah is even more jealous."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
It was narrated in a Hadeeth that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, said to his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, about
one of them:"Are you surprised at Sa'd's jealousy over his honor? By
Allaah, I am more jealous over my honor than he is over his, and
Allaah is more jealous than I am."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[

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