Rantissi`s death, thought we could continue the topic here..

[Amani]

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By amani on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:57 pm: Edit

another day, another death, this time of Abdul Aziz Rantissi.
May Allah reward the palestinians for their courage, and braveness.
and as for the yahoods, if theres no hidayat, they be destroyed and defeated.
No one should except a piece of peace agreements, and i hope the americans in iraq, and israelis in falasteen, be defeated and killed!

By Sameer on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 07:25 pm: Edit


Assalammu Alaikum,
What are u talkin about, sister, the people on this discussion board talk about jihad as if it is a joke, the truth is that a lot of muslims from africa, usa and converted muslims haven't got a clue about the jihad in palestine, kashmir, iraq and afghanistan, u tell me where in the quran or hadith does it say that suicide or martyrdom bombings are allowed, u people have no
value for human life or human emotions, I am a Sunni Muslim and I try my best to treat all human beings with respect, u guys should come of your high horse and do the same, cos violence ain't the answer, just look at how our ummah is sufferin in kashmir, iraq and palestine, we should count ourselves lucky, we live in britain, so let us not abuse the hospitality, we receive, doesn't matter, wheter we live in kuffar country, cos u people wouldn't be able to survive in afghanistan or Iraq. I mean, what was brother Abdul Saleem playin at, burnin the Union Jack outside Regents Park Mosque, if he doesn't like England, why doesn't he leave this country, a lot of Muslims don't even know how to greet their fellow Muslim brother with salaam properly, yet they talk about doing jihad, first learn the basic, u can't run if u don't know how to crawl, as for Muslim sisters, a lot of them despise Muslim guys, especially one's with beards, so u can't blame Muslim men for going to nightclubs and makin friendship with kuffar, when your own muslim sister or Muslim brother hates you.

By Ibn Al-Khattab on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 02:42 am: Edit


Assalaamu-alaikum,

Brother Sameer, what on earth are you talking about? It seems that it is you who seems to be the clueless one on this thread. You talk about value for human life? So where was your tongue when the innocent Bros and sisters of Palestine, Chechnya, Bosnia, Phillipines, Iraq etc n many more lands were being butchered in cold blood by the kaafireen? Its funny that when Muslims are being massacred, hardly any of the Muslims speak out, let go do anything about it; but when a Muslim or Muslimah blow themselves up in the path of Allah to inflict damage on the kuffar or to strike fear in the enemies, the Muslims like you all of a sudden wake up and start to condemn these actions. May be if you spent that much effort in defending your brothers and sisters, Muslims wouldnt be so disjointed.

"What are u talkin about, sister, the people on this discussion board talk about jihad as if it is a joke, the truth is that a lot of muslims from africa, usa and converted muslims haven't got a clue about the jihad in palestine, kashmir, iraq and afghanistan, u tell me where in the quran or hadith does it say that suicide or martyrdom bombings are allowed"

So I take it your a scholar and you know the ins and outs of jihad, well may be you'd care to give us all the rulings and daleels for carrying out jihad, and what necessitates it. As a matter of fact, brothers and sisters who post on here regularly mashallah have very good knowledge, and I dont think they just make up things or whatever makes sense to them, they just write it down. I agree there is a difference of opinion whether martyrdom operations are allowed or not, and scholars of ahle-sunnah have differed over this matter, so it is not valid for one to condemn the other over the disagreement. For example, Shaikh Uthaymeen (r) didnt agree wid martyrdom operations and that was according to his own ijtihad, which is permissable and he will receive his reward noetheless inshallah. On the other hand, we have Shaikh Abdullah Azzam (r) who permitted this and he gave his evidences. But, as for your judgment, is it based upon a scholarly verdict, or do you feel sorry for the kuffar? Or are you afraid that these kuffar will condemn you? I agree Abdul-Rehman Saleem went to excesses at Regent's Park and I do not agree with the manhaj of Al-Muhajiroon, May Allah guide us all. And yes, we need to know the basics, as Muslims have neglected their deen and chosen this duniya over the aakhira, but alhumdu-lillah there are brothers and siters who are firmly upon the deen or trying to be and may Allah keep those upon the haq steadfast. Just giving you sum sincere advice, dont aid the kuffar whether its with your actions or speech or anything, cos Allah (swt) says that those who aid the kuffar are amongst them, so do not give weight to their statements and opinions.

Wassalaamu-alaikum Warahmaatullah!!

By Ibn Al-Khattab on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 02:47 am: Edit


Assalamu-alaikum,

Which reminds me, you're dat same clown dat posted on the other thread the following message right?

"My name is Sameer, A muslim born in England, I believe that the 5 guys released from guantanemo are traitors, what do u think, british ppl must be thinkin about Islam, cos of these ppl behaviour, the way we r behaving, one day the british hospitality might run out, and they might kick us out for good. I mean, what were they thinkin, they were born in this country, yet they choose to kill their own troops, forget jihad and war, lets make Peace, Muslim brothers."

If that is not you, then forgive me, but if it is.............well........MAy Allah (swt) guide you cos it seems you are definately clueless about your deen and you need to stop sucking up to these kuffar. If you really luv these kuffar, then stick with them cos on the day of aakhirah, you will be amongst them and will end up with them!!!!!!!!

By walid on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 04:48 am: Edit


sameer,

You need to go to Iraq and tell the ameerikans to get out nicely maybe you should at the same time give them a Koran and tell them how nice we muslims are. If the yanks decide to put a hole through your brain don't be surprised, it's called reality which a young child like yourself has no idea about.

P.S don't you think it's past your bed time?

By kataib at-tawhid on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 07:35 am: Edit


The reason our Ummah is suffering is because not enough Muslims are responding to the call to Jihad and defending our countries. They'd prefer to make friends with the kuffar.

Just because a few brothers in the UK or wherever do something like burning the union jack etc., doesn't mean that all of the mujahideen are wrong, and that jihaad is not the answer!!! What is your point in making such a statement???

Wallahi, I have seen more bravery and spirit and strength from our sisters Amani, Umm and others - may Allah protect them and make them the mothers of tomorrow's mujahideen and shuhadaa' - that puts many of our brothers (including our brother "Sameer") to shame!!!

As for the issue of martyrdom operations, there's plenty of evidence. In sha' Allah I'll post that evidence shortly.

By kataib at-tawhid on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 09:06 am: Edit


The Islamic Legitimacy of Martyrdom Operations

Martyrdom NOT Suicide

Before presenting the Islamic evidences that such operations are Islamically legitimate, we need to emphasise that it is wrong to call such operations a "suicide". Killing one's self aggressively or casting one's self into destruction, all of which are forbidden in the Qur'an "and do not cast yourself into destruction" [S2, V195].

The word " destruction" here, according to the majority of Muslim scholars, means "investing money and giving up Al-Jihad (Holy War)". It is narrated by al-Tirmidhee through Aslam Abi Umran, that during the Battle of Kastantinia, a Muslim undertook to fight many of the enemies himself; he penetrated the Roman army killing some of them and was killed. As a reaction, some Muslims said: "he has cast himself into destruction". Abu Aiyub Al-ansari replied: "you are misinterpreting this verse, it is about us "al-Ansar"; when Islam was dignified by Allah and Islam had received many other supporters, some of us said secretly away from the prophet "our money is lost, Islam is dignified and its supporters are numerous, it is better to stay at home and invest our money". At that time, Allah revealed to His prophet in reply "Give generously for the cause of Allah and do not with your own hands cast yourselves into destruction." [S2, V195]. So, destruction here means investing money and avoiding Al-Jihad.

It is out of discussion that suicide is Islamically forbidden. It is considered as one of the greatest wrong-doings after Al-Shirk "polytheism", for Allah says: "Do not kill yourselves. Allah is merciful to you, but he that does that through wickedness and injustice shall be burnt in fire. That is easy enough for Allah".

The prophet (s.a.w.) stated that the one who commits suicide is enternally in Hell. According to Abu Huraira, the prophet (s.a.w.) says: "The one who throws himself from a mountain and kills himself will be eternally in Hell."

It is important to know that suicide is forbidden because of its evil objectives; such as impatience, desperation or any other bad and evil objects. In Jundob Bin Junada's Hadith, the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "In the past, there was a wounded man who impatiently cut his hand bleeding to death, Allah said: 'my slave took the first step to death, he is forbidden to enter Paradise'." So, killing one's self this way is "suicide" as it is Islamically pointless, meaningless and intentionally suicidal.

On the other hand, the one who contributes his life to the cause of Allah, Islam and Muslims his doing is sacrificial; he gives his life away for Islam and Muslims, which is the highest sacrifice.

The history of Islam is full of heroic and sacrificial events. It is narrated by Abu Dawood through one of the Prophet's companions, he said: "we mounted an attacked on a part of Hunain, one of us followed an unbeliever to kill him, by a mistake killed himself. The prophet (s.a.w.) said: 'O, Muslims... your brother'. We rushed to check him, but found him dead. The Prophet (s.a.w.) wrapped him with his own clothes and his blood on him, then performed the prayer of the dead, the Prophet's companions asked: is he a martyr? He said: "he is, and I am a witness". Therefore, the one who blows up the enemies of Allah by blowing up himself as well cannot be considered a suicide, and he is, Allah willing, a martyr.

The Qur'anic evidences that such assaults are Islamically legitimate

l Allah says: "and some people would give away their lives to gain Allah's contentment. Allah is compassionate to his servants". It is said that this verse of the Qur'an is about Suhaib the Roman as he believed in Islam, in his way to Madinah to meet the prophet (s.a.w.), some Kuraishes followed him, he got off his horse carrying his quiver and shield and said: "you know that I am the best archer among you, by Allah, you cannot reach me till I throw all my arrows, and then hit with my sword as much as I could and then you can do whatever you wish." They said: "we shall not allow you to go away as a rich. You came to our tribe a pauper. Tell us where you put your money and we let you go", they gave him their word, so he did. When Suhaib met the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), this verse was revealed, so the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "O Abu Yahya the trade goods the highest profit, then recited the verse".

When Hisham Bin Ammer al-Ansari was killed in a battle, some denied his doing. But Umar Bin al-Khattab, Abu Huraira and others replied by reciting this Verse too. Ibn 'Abbas said: "They sold their lives to Allah by fighting for Him to death".

l Allah says: "Therefore fight for the cause of Allah. You are accountable for none but yourself." This verse is directed to the Prophet (s.a.w.), urging him to fight for the cause of Allah even if he was alone in this cause. It is said that, Abu Isaac once asked al-Bara'a Bin Azeb "A man fights a thousand of enemies, then he is killed. Is he one of those whom Allah says about: "and do not cast yourselves into destruction", al-Bara'a said: "No, let him fight to death, Allah says to his Prophet (s.a.w.): 'Therefore fight for the cause of Allah. You are accountable for none but yourself'."

Other evidences from Hadith

l It is narrated by Ibn Mas'ud that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Allah is amazed by two men... he mentioned.. And a man fights for the cause of Allah, his companions run away, but he knew what the runaway fighter gets and what the one who stands firm and fights gets. So he went back and kept fighting to death. Allah says to his Angels: "O, behold my slave, he went back to fight to death hoping to get what I have 'Paradise' and fearing what I have 'Hell'." [Ahmad, Ibn Haiyan & Abu Da'wood]

l It is narrated by Anas Bin Malik that, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and seven of the Ansar faced a large number of Quraishes on the Battle of Uhud. He said: "the one who can fight them will be rewarded with Paradise or will be my friend in Paradise". One of the Ansar began to fight to death and so on till the seven were dead. The prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Our companions were not just with us - meaning that they have got paradise and left them alive". [Muslim]

l It is narrated by Abu Baker Bin Abi Musa, he said: I heard Abu Huraira saying while facing the enemies: "the prophet (s.a.w.) said: 'The doors of Heaven are opened through Jihad'. A poor man asked: 'you heard the prophet (s.a.w.) saying that?' Abu Huraira said: 'yes'. The man went to his companions, said: peace be upon you, broke the sheath of his sword and fought to death". [Muslim]

l The prophet (s.a.w.) in the Battle of Badr said: "fight to get a Heavens-Earth-width Paradise". Umair Bin al-Hamam said: 'Is it a Heavens-Earth-width Paradise?' The prophet said: "yes". Umair said: 'Oh... Oh...', "why you say Oh... Oh...?" The prophet (s.a.w.) asked. Umair replied: 'by Allah, it is only the wish to be of its inhabitants'. The prophet (s.a.w.) said: 'you are'. Umair took some dates to eat, but he thought if he is going to eat the dates it will be a long time between him and Paradise, so he threw them away and fought to death". [Muslim]

l In Yamama's Day, when Hanifa tribe made their castle inaccessible to the Muslims, Al-Bara'a Bin Malek asked Muslims to put him in the leather shield and throw him to the enemy. He fought them alone and opened the gate for his brothers.

The Ijtehad of Muslim Scholars

l AL-HANAFIYA: It is Islamically right (Ja'eiz). Al-jassas said: "Mohammed Bin al-Hasan Al-Shaibani said: 'If a Muslim fought a thousand of the unbelievers with the intention to gain Allah's contentment (hurting the enemy or encouraging the other Muslims) it is right and he will be rewarded, Allah willing. Otherwise, it will be Islamically void, useless and pointless."

l AL-MALEKIYA: In Khalil's and al-Dardir's "It is Islamic for a Muslim to fight many of the unbeliever alone, if he does this for the cause of Allah". al-Dasuki said: "We can say that it is Islamic for a Muslim to fight many unbelievers alone with two conditions;

a- He does it for the cause of Allah.

b- He is sure that he will hurt them (if not there is unpreferability- Karahiya)."

l Al-Qurtubi said in his interpretation: Al-Kasem Bin Mukhaimara said: 'It is allowed to fight the enemy alone if you seek Al-Shahada (Martyrdom) and you are strong enough to do it. This is obvious in the Qur'an 'Some people would give away their lives to gain Allah's contentment'."

l Ibn Khuwaiz Mindad said: there are two situations in which a Muslim can fight the enemy alone:

a- If he is sure that he will hurt the enemy and survive.

b- If he is sure that he will hurt the enemy but he will be killed.

l Ibn Taimiyyah said in his Fatawa 540/28 "Muslim narrated in his Sahih, the story of Al-ukhdud (the furrow, which the Prophet (s.a.w.) told to his companions) in which "a young Muslim contributed himself for the cause of Allah". That is why the four Scholars said that, it is right for a Muslim to fight many unbelievers alone even if he thinks he will be killed.

l In Nayl Al Awtar, Al-Shawkani comments "when ten Muslims under the leadership of Asem Bin Thabet were sent by the prophet (s.a.w.) to a tribe to invite them to Islam, in the road they were surrounded by a hundred of the unbelievers. They fought strongly, seven of them killed, one of the three captive survivors feeling their deception, said: "by Allah I will not guide you to Muslims and I have a wonderful examples in front of me (meaning his killed brothers), they tried to force him guiding them, when they failed they killed him." This Hadith proves that, it is Islamically legitimate for a Muslim to fight the many enemy to death. On the other hand, it is permissible to accept to be a captive.

l Ibn Al-Arabi said about that, that it is right for four reasons:

a- Seeking for Martyrdom.

b- Hurting the enemy.

c- Encouraging Muslims.

d- Weakening the spirit of the enemy.

l In his Sunnan, Al-Baihaqi said: Al-Shafie said: there was a fight in front of the prophet (s.a.w.), one of the Ansar fought until he was killed by a group of the unbelievers after being told by the prophet (s.a.w.) about the rewards of his doing.

l Al-Nawawi said about the story of Umair Bin Hammam "it is Islamically right to fight the many unbelievers alone seeking Martyrdom, and there is no unpreferability about that according to the majority of Muslim Scholars".

l Al-Hafez Bin Hajr said: "It is Islamically right, if there are Islamic and good objective behind his doing such as; frightening and hurting the enemy, encouraging the Muslims".

Conclusion

Through the above evidences from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, it is clearly demostrated that the "Islamic-bombing-assault" or the "martyrdom attack" is Islamically legitimate as far as it is within the framework of Islam.

Prepared By Br. Abu Ruqaiyah, Translated by Br. Hussein El-Chamy

By amani on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 02:38 pm: Edit


sameer
i agree with u in the fact that no suicide bombing should happen in engladn. when they had that release that there may have been one in trafoord centre, man u fottie stadium, i thoguht what if i were there then?????
no im not saying go bomb civilians. i too find it ridiculous for those people to be burning the union jack flag, and eating up the benifits ere.
but i believe in slef defense. america has just invaded a country. do u expect the people to shut up. what if someone invaded england??? is everyone gonna sit by and say thanks, or would u fight against teh invaders???
use r sense!
u also went onto another topic. how can u blame muslim sisters for muslim brothers going out to nightclubs? where did u get that crap from? u know what, i`d slap u if u sed that infront of me! those guys are responsible for their own actions! and i am a muslim sister, an example of not despising guys with beards!

By Sameer on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 06:15 pm: Edit


Assalammu Alaikum,
A muslim man spends his whole life being a pious man, and then what does he do, he ruins it by gettin involved in acts of terrorism. I would just like to say to brother kataib, u mentioned u have seen more bravery in sister Ummi and Amani, well then, y don't u get them ready for jihad, actions speak louder than words, my dear brother in Islam.

Wa-alaikum salaam

By Sameer on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 04:50 pm: Edit


Assalammu Alaikum,
You are presentin another example of your extremism, sister Amani, instead of answering my question, u said,'I would slap u if u said that in front of me.' Do u solve all your problems through violence, at least the people in the nightclubs don't hurt anyone physically, y don't u live and let live, instead of judging everyone, who are you to condemn others. I was actually talking about Muslim families, who refuse to give marriage to good muslim brothers, and in their desperation, they go commit haraam. As to the fact about attacking western countries, well that makes us worser than everybody else, cos two wrongs don't make a thing right, if people don't like this great country, which gives them the freedom to enjoy and preserve life, then they should go back to the poverty in the third world countries, these places are in turmoil, and there is great sufferin there, how would u survive in places like afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. I love life and treat Hindus, buddhists, christians and jews with respect and don't go around judging others.

[Amani]

By rpg on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 02:27 am: Edit


Little boy Sameer,

It is obvious you know very little about Islam or current affairs. I have met many children like you. Your one of those typical middle-class secular people who have just currently come onto the muslim scene and find it very difficult to explain all this terrorism to your budding non muslim friends, also because you have a sever problem with your own religious identity you start to blame those muslims who are not modern or educated like your comfortable self, for all the problems around you. I get the impression your are often frustrated by what you are asked, what you see and hear, thus you come to the conclusion that it is the fault of the Muslims alone.
For the past 50 years muslims have lived peacefully with thier christian and jewish cousins, why is it now we are all fighting?
You forget Palestine which has been stolen and replaced by Israel, you forget the murdering of 2,500 women and children in shabra and shatila, you forget the shooting down of the Iranian air bus by the us navy, you forget the killing of 1 MiLLION algerians by the frence, you forget the 1000's muslims killed in India virtually every year , don't forget the killing of 100,000+ in the first Gulf war in iraq,etc etc so who are the terrorist? Note muslims did not takeup arms or terrorism in any capacity until very recently, we have been patient for too long. Muslims are human also and have their limits.

Sameer is it that it's okay for the zionist, hindu's americans etc to kill muslims because you think the former are superior and latter are inferior?
And that muslims are backward (excluding your great self)so it's okay to kill them using bombs and calling it collataral damage and not terrorism. But when muslims hit back at the same countries who have slaughtered their brothers and sisters, they become terrorist. Why this double standard, is it because you are a hypocrite? just like bush, blair etc you seem to be speaking for them. Also where are all those western, people loving human rights organisation, now that Iraqi's & Palestinians & Kasmiri's ete etc,are being killed, I could go on all day.

Another point, you think you are someone special because you live in the west, so all those who live in those poor third world countries are trash, are they? remember the jews were white and european look what happened to them. Lets not forget what happened to the bosnians also. All land belongs to Allah. Allah judges the believer by Iman and tachwah, not by nationality or wealth.
You seem like so many of those cocnut muslims who thinks it's okay to produce a watered down version of Islam which is kuffar friendly, so they will not kick you and your family out of this so called paradise. The best thing that could happen to people like you is to be kicked out of this country because it would wake you up.

Islam is strongest in the poor I have recently lived in one of those poor third world countries, yes they do have problems but also Islamiclly they have stronger Iman than most of those in the west. Islam has always been carried on the shoulders of the poor and not in the mouths of well fed westernised muslim cocunuts like yourself, sameer.

Sammer don't talk about Jihad you are not yet mature enough to understand any of it's concepts and the physical side, I can guarantee everyone you are one of those typical gutless asians who are incapable of fighting and usually hide behind the teacher at school, their mums at home or the word peace when alone. How do I know because I've met many like you in the real world.

Sameer please do some reading and a few pressups so we'll be ready when they come to kick you out of this wonderful paradise. Don't forget to prepare for death also because just having a nice 'muslim' name does not qualify you to paradise.

By walid on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 02:30 am: Edit


kataib at-tawhid

Thanks for the article on Martyrdom it is an excellent article and i will use it as reference.
I have saved and made copies,

May Allah reward you, your family and let their be more brothers like you in the Ummah.

Allah Afez

By rumbleyhog on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 04:09 am: Edit


What does it say in the Koran about killing civilians and children in martyrdom operations?

By to sameer on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 05:38 am: Edit


sameer, slapping you is not an example of extreme behaviour....its quite mild behaviour actually and i would jump to the chance to join amani is slapping you, infact! i would slap you several times and then slap you again just for good measure!

By amani on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit


sameer
rephrase
more like muslim sisters arent as easy and they go for non muslims, who dont have no respect and modesty. and are u trying to tell me that when a man proposes to some girl,and hes got a beard, she says no so he cuts his beard off and gos clubbing? didnt it occur to such men that they can go proposing to other people? or are u one of these men who want to blame ur sins or muslim sisters? are these men so deperate they cant have patience? y can u not blame these guys? what were they doing in nightclubs anyway? i have many non muslim friends, but i didnt meet them in nightclubs!
its saturday night, wonder what ur doing at the moment.
now i feel like spitting on u, for being so low! also i dont know where u come from, but the people in ur area seem reallllly weird, if thats the case.
and as for answering ur question. u never asked a question regarding this issue.
and incase u didnt realise i actually codemn bombings in england!!! or didnt u read that part?

i quote u saying:
``two wrongs don't make a thing right``
ponder on that, in all aspects. maybe one day u might see some sense. in the mean time i will try and remember u in my duas.

By kataib at-tawhid on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 06:00 am: Edit


"rumbleyhog": if you are talking about israeli "civilians", then the answer is that they are occupiers who have taken over Palestine, a Muslim country, so their blood is lawful.

If you are talking about american "civilians", the answer is that they are to a certain extent guilty of the US aggression on the Muslims through voting for their governments which attacked and occupied Muslim countries, and also providing aid to Israel. Plus the US and Israel has killed thousands of Muslim civilians.

SO THE MUSLIMS HAVE THE RIGHT TO RETALIATE IN KIND, AND THE ONE WHO STARTED IT (I.E. AMERICA AND ISRAEL) IS MORE TO BLAME.

By Sameer on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:33 am: Edit


Assalammu Alaikum,
Who are u to judge me, sister, have you got a first class ticket to jannah, by the way, I was at the mosque for Isha tonite, before u start makin false accusations, I have got Muslim friend and non-muslim friends, and one of my Muslim friend is gay, but I don't say to him, I will spit on you or your so low, because guidance is not in our hands, instead I give him sincere naseeah(advice), I also have a Muslim friend, who is alcoholic, and I treat him the same, if a Muslim sins, and a lot of my Muslim friends r religious as well, if a Muslim sin who r u to make a opinion, what makes you so self-righteous, I have read some of your statements on this discussion board and they are downright offensive, remember hurting the feeling of another Muslim is the worst sin. Go and do Jihad, if u feel so strongly, but don't attack other people, if I go out, that is no concern of yours,
if a women wants to dress a certain way, who r u to condemn her, my sister doesn't wear hijab, but she's lot better than some of the ones like you that go around attacking people verbally.

By Yaqub on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:39 am: Edit


Excuse me, Ms Amani, but my wife is a non-muslim and she has more modesty than, your so-called Muslim women, I am Pakistani and my wife is studyin Islam, if u don't like non-muslim women and feel they have no modesty, than why do u make friendship with non-muslims, u sounding a bit hypocritical.

By Yaqub on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 01:05 am: Edit


Actually concerning the statement made by sameer, Jemima Goldsmith doesn't wear a hijab, but she's one of the most feminine and classiest woman, u could have the pleasure of meetin, I've met her and mashallah, she's a very humble women, I can understand where Sameer is comin from, cos loneliness can make a person do haraam more easily, thats why u should always be around pious muslim men and females, cos jemima has attended a few parties as well, I mean, where all human, she is still a lovely muslim women without a doubt.

By walid on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 01:47 am: Edit


to sameer,
I guess I was right you are really confused "a gay muslim friend" auzubillah, homosexuality is punishable by death in islam, Allah destroyed a whole nation because of this and here you are trying to suggest you are good because you are nice to a gay friend!!! You cannot be gay and muslim!!! also you have a alcoholic friend!! What sort of sicko are you?

What does Islam say about who to befriend?
You should not be friends with sinners,a pious person associates with pious people deviant people associate with devient people!!!..this is what islam says.

You sound more like a christian than a muslim to me, you are seriously misguided.

Allah knows best

By walid on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 03:06 am: Edit


Sameer read carefully,

058.014
YUSUF ALI: Turnest thou not thy attention to those who turn (in friendship) to such as have the Wrath of Allah upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to falsehood knowingly
058.015
Allah has prepared for them a severe Penalty: evil indeed are their deeds.
058.016
They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct (men) from the Path of Allah: therefore shall they have a humiliating Penalty.
058.017
Of no profit whatever to them, against Allah, will be their riches nor their sons: they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)!
058.018
One day will Allah raise them all up (for Judgment): then will they swear to Him as they swear to you: And they think that they have something (to stand upon). No, indeed! they are but liars!
058.019
The Evil One has got the better of them: so he has made them lose the remembrance of Allah. They are the Party of the Evil One. Truly, it is the Party of the Evil One that will perish!
058.020
Those who resist Allah and His Messenger will be among those most humiliated

you have been warned, I will not post any more please for your own sake heed the warning don't be arrogant on judgement day you can't say you were not warned!!!

By kataib at-tawhid on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 06:31 am: Edit


Wallahi, this forum is starting to look like an anti-Islam forum with all of these secularist and liberalist "Muslims" like Sameer and Yaqub who have nothing to do but defend the kuffar and attack Islam and the Muslims...

The "modern Muslims" on this forum like Sameer, Yaqub, Inzaman and others are typical and disgraceful examples of victims of intellectual colonialism, full of words to say against the Muslims but always ready to defend and help the munafiqeen and the enemies of Allah...

They have thrown the concept of "al-amr bil-ma'roof wan-nahy 'anil-munkar" behind their backs by saying that we shouldn't object to any sins or evils or munkaraat, because "we shouldn't judge others".

The Prophet (s.a.w.) said that every person will be raised on the Day of Resurrection with those whom he loves.

Wallahi, Sameer, Yaqub and Inzaman and others are doing a great service to Bush, Blair, Sharon, Chirac and every other enemy of Allah.

By kataib at-tawhid on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 06:34 am: Edit


By the way, I don't seriously expect that sameer, inzaman and yaqub will take much notice of my advice or anyone else who tries to advise them or correct them, because their arrogance and conceit won't let them take advice from "ignorant fundamentalists" and "illiterate backward mullahs" and "fanatical terrorist-sympathisers" etc. etc. etc. while they are the shining examples of civilised, modern-day, 21st century Muslims!

By amani on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 01:21 pm: Edit


sameer
U r the one that started this in the first place saying that muslim sisters (u generalised us) dont accept brothers with beards, so they go clubbing e.t.c. U are the one that attacked first, going from one topic to a totally different one. U r the ones that made muslim brothers seem so weak saying out of desperation... blah blah blah.
and no i havent got a first class ticket to jannah, but i try sameer, i`m trying.
i never sed i was perfect. i sed all that because u offended me, and i sed what i feel, u may not have been the first person i`ve sed that to infact!
i cant remember saying anything about women dressing, U sed u cant blame a muslim brother for going out to a nightclub...
i replied something thats very true, because muslim sisters arent as easy!
and jus as u sed its no concern of mine, how is it ur concern regarding why muslim sisters turn down muslim brothers?
``remember hurting the feeling of another Muslim is the worst sin``
why lower and hurt the feelings of muslim sisters in general then?
i dont know ur sister, i dont care if she wears hijab or not, what makes u so sure i do???? im not saying i dont either.
and i must say, MashaAllah u were at the MASJID that nite, i have to say believe it or not, i was surprised.
brother, jihad is a very beautiful thing. But there are many different ways of jihad, the inside and the outside. one day, maybe the outside, inshaAllah.

yaqub, read the posts i sed before, and how my `argument` started with sameer, maybe u`ll c where im talking from.
and... u may find out that we were discussing the argument on brothers going to nightclubs anmd meeting other women.

By Sameer on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 01:23 pm: Edit


Assalammu Alaikum,
See, I've been proven right by our dear sister, she said ' she would spit on me' and 'slap me', remember I said that Muslim Sisters in general hate Muslim guys, well that is one example of a feminist fanatic, who can't get it in to her head, that all Muslim women ain't like her, that some of them are getting modernised
and that some of them may prefer kuffar men to lumpy out of shape Muslim Men, who don't work out and sit around like couch potatoes and reap free handout, and if sisters want to enjoy life there's nothin wrong with that, its the 21st century, u got Muslim women smokin now, things have changed, I say 'way to go, my modernised sister,' I'm proud of u,' if people want to conduct a jihad against the West, then your obviously in the wrong country, Jerusalem is the place u should be in, and the way, Muslim men are training for actual combat, will mean that they will get a whippin by the SAS and Mossad, I was in the gym, the other day, and there were hardly any muslim men there, what a way to prepare for jihad.

By Sameer on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 11:05 pm: Edit


This forum seems to be filled with fanatics, who haven't got the bottle to actually go on the frontline, instead they vent their anger against the west on a discussion board, they live off the west, get educated here, raise their children here, reap benefits here, then at the same time, they moan and groan like the ungrateful beasts they r. They don't understand, that if they were in Morocco, Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan, they wouldn't even have the right to pray, or grow a beard, or wear a scarf, and if they did, the unjust military of those countries would throw them in jail and lock away the key, yet they continually complain about how bad the UK and USA is, they don't look to themselves and realise maybe they aren't followin their religion, I live in a country, which provides the best jobs, the best education systems, the best facilities to practise Islam, the best water system, basically I live in one of the best countries in the world, the best one being Saudi Arabia and then jerusalem, cos its the land of the prophets of Allah(swt), u people represent just a tiny minority, u use a great religion and hijack it, for your own selfish purposes, u kill people unlawfully in the name of religion, and yes, sister amani, I still have more respect for the people in the nightclubs, cos unlike suicide bombers, they don't take innocent life, they don't kill children, u yourself r doing wrong, by agreeing and condoning violence, by inciting innocent minds to commit wrong, there are ways of doing Jihad, and u don't do it according to your lusts and desires, we Muslims r allowed to defend ourselves, but we don't blow up innocent people, like the one's in Madrid,Bali,New york and Saudi Arabia, but people like me, what do they know, my opinion means nothin, and do u know y, cos I'm a moderate Muslim.

By i agree with you sameer on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 02:51 pm: Edit


ahhh sameer old chap....i was reading thru your last post and lost all hope of striking a common note with you, i mean, our opinions do differ quite considerably....your post was making me loose all hope of finding common ground with UNTILL!!!!.......................................i read your closing statement, and what a truthful statement ir was! almost like music to my ears! i'm going to re-type it out so that we can enjoy reading it once again............................................

quote

but people like me, what do they know, my opinion means nothin, and do u know y, cos I'm a moderate Muslim.


end quote

wah wah sameer bhai, you really did hit the nail on the head with that one....absolutely LOVELY!

By amani on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 01:28 pm: Edit


whats wrong with smoking, its nothing new! my great grandmother used to smoke!
and who says people need to go to the gym to get ft? i dont go to the gym, i can tell u i`m still stronger than some men. they may have gyms in their homes?! and im sure all the mujahideen are in a crisis cos they cant get their workouts eh?
sameer, if u read any of my posts, u will not find ONE post congratulating september 11th, riyadh bombings. but i can tell u, u WILL find atleast ONE condeming em, cos im against innocent civilian deaths. just read some of my posts.


now sameer i want u to comment on the following. tell me what u agree with and what u disagree with, then i`ll c where ur coming form.
enjoy reading!
It is not difficult for someone to know that the Muslim Ummah is presently passing through one of its most painful periods in its history. Its present crisis is not like past ones and its current calamity is almost unsurpassed in its long history. This is because; the challenges, wars and conspiracies that face the Ummah are exceptionally ruthless and enormous.

Aboo Daawood and others reported that the Messenger of Allaah said, "The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people invite one another to share their dish." Someone asked, "Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?" He replied, "No, you will be numerous at that time; but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allaah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and cast enervation into your hearts." Someone asked, "What is wahn (enervation), Messenger of Allaah?" He replied, "Love of the world and dislike of death."

What the Prophet had warned against is happening now. The nations that are conspiring with one another to attack us are the present wielders of power while we Muslims live in the state of helplessness and disrespect. Therefore, the first step towards correcting this painful situation is to acknowledge our mistakes and shortcomings. Our first stage of reconstruction is to reconstruct our hearts through correct belief, strong faith, pure acts of worship, brilliant ideas and noble characters.

The most dangerous defect that afflicts individuals and societies is the imperfections that have crept into the beliefs, thoughts, civilisation and cultures of the Muslims. Many Muslims are following the peddlers of foreign ideologies and norms who drag the Ummah to the abyss of immorality and obscenity without knowing that this is one of the causes of defeat of many nations and annihilation of civilisations.

The Muslims have suffered from this disease so much so that it fell from the grace to the grass. In addition to the ignominious backwardness that the Ummah suffers in different aspects of life, it is also afflicted with weakness, not only in front of the world powers, but also in the sight of small and backward nations who inflict it with massacres, invade the homes of its members, violate its sanctities and usurp its lands.

As if all this is not enough, the Ummah is also attacked from within by those who are ideologically errant, morally corrupt and educationally pervert. These self-styled reformists claim that our religion is the cause of backwardness. They go as far as recruiting elements, whose identities have been deformed and thoughts poisoned, to wage war against their own religion and societies and to exploit the current world events and create non-existing crises to attain vicious goals and settle scores.

Many people write on the issues of lawful and unlawful with no knowledge, because wading into matters of Islaamic law have become the speciality of no-specialists. Another group, on the other hand has adopted the culture of violence as the only way out this shameful situation.

The greatest political calamity from which the Muslims suffer in this region is the heinous crimes that the Zionist entity commits against the Ummah. The latest of these crimes, which shows the Zionists' desperation in inflicting the greatest possible harm upon the Muslims, their religion and holy places and their leaders, is the cowardly but barbaric murder of the Palestinian Mujaahid, Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, may Allaah have mercy on him and accept him among the martyrs.

This crime has not hurt the feelings of the Muslims alone; it has rather hurt the feeling of all noble people who believe in truth, justice, freedom and human rights. The details of this crime also indicate that the Zionists are ferociously treacherous, lowly and belligerent. Certainly, the Zionists' assassination of this elderly and quadriplegic Shaykh by this horrible means violated all human norms and international treaties and agreements. It is indeed tantamount to crossing all red lines.

Though Islaam is the religion of mercy, tolerance and peace, it will never, under any circumstances, succumb to injustice and capitulation.

Is it not time to put a stop to the bloodshed in the land of Palestine and other places throughout the world in which Muslims are being killed and persecuted?

There should be no wonder in the crimes these people are committing in the land of Palestine, for their dark history is full of series of murders committed against Prophets, fighters in the cause of God and reformers, though the book that was revealed to Moosaa and which this people falsely claim to follow, is all mercy. Allaah says,

"And before it, came the Book of Mûsâ (Moses), a guidance and a mercy."

(Hood 11:17)

Where is the mercy in this barbarism perpetrated by those who claim to be followers of Moses? Anyway, this might be the beginning of their end.

The international community should hasten to find an immediate solution to this problem and firmly put an end to the sufferings of our Palestinian brethren. This Zionist policy of violence should be stopped so that more violence, anarchy and bloodshed could be avoided.

Will the Muslim Ummah then draw lessons from these painful events? Will it understand that the real power lies in correct belief in Islaamic monotheism and that attainment of high degree lies in strong faith and high-mindedness? Will the Muslims realise that their allegiance should be only to their religion and not to individuals? Will they understand that the war between them and their enemy is the war of belief, identity and fate? Is it not time to show that our Ummah will not succumb to defeat and annihilation?

Certainly, spirit of resistance digs deep into the hearts of a Muslim so that he will be ready to sacrifice his soul and properties for the cause of his religion. Is it not the time for the Ummah to realise that pursuing delusive imaginations, mirage, fake promises and fanciful dreams is nothing but a way of diverting the Muslims from helping their just causes? Do not the Muslims understand that what happened and is happening to them are means by which Allaah puts them to trial so that they could awaken from their slumber and revive their cultural, moral and material potentialities in order to achieve the victory by the permission of Allaah?

We are calling on our brethren the Mujaahideen in the land of Palestine to stand united against the Zionist enemy. They should shun all elements of discord and dissention and hold fast unto the injunctions of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. They should deny the opportunists and the self-serving individuals the chance of causing disunity among them.

Our brethren in the land of heroes and Mujaahideen, you have indeed, rekindled hope in the Ummah with your blessed Jihaad. Be patient and persevering in your struggle until you achieve either of the two gracious prizes: victory or martyrdom. Our hearts are with you and our invocations are for you. The Ummah will not relent is assisting you with whatever it possesses of money and efforts, for your cause is Islaam's and Muslims'. We shall ever be with you until the promise of Allaah comes and Allaah never fails in His promise.

O Muslim leaders whom Allaah gave the authority over His land and servants! Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque are trusts upon your shoulders. Muslims worldwide are looking forward to your summit as soon as possible. You should take practical resolutions and stand to help the oppressed in Iraq and Palestine. A final and decisive stop should be put to the excesses of the Zionists and their threats to the region and the entire world. May Allaah guide our steps and bless our efforts. Be sincere O you Muslims and be patient O you Mujaahideen.

There is a fact that should never be overlooked: the end of the struggle between forces of truth and forces of falsehood is always in the favour of the pious believers. Let the Muslims take solace in that. Victory is for Islaam and the Muslims, sooner or later. We only need to be sincere, serious and hardworking. Allaah says,

"Allaah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not."

(Yoosuf 12:21)

Allaah also says,

"As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allaah's Religion - Islaamic Monotheism). And verily, Allaah is with the good doers."

(Al-'Ankaboot 29:69)

In this period that the Ummah is trying to hold back its tears over its pitiful situation, it is disheartening to observe that it is also being subjected to moral calamity by the mass media through its irresponsible satellite channels. These channels aim at eliminating all virtues and promoting all kinds of vices and immorality. They broadcast obscene programmes that contradict all upright values and sound nature, not to talk of religion and sense of modesty. They do this under false names.

This is indeed, a kind of moral war against Islaam and its teachings and values. It is a weapon of mass destruction against the excellent Islaamic moral system. These people are doing this to their Ummah at a time that we are facing difficult situations in which we need to take care of the growing generation and protect them against waves of licentiousness and westernisation. It is therefore the responsibility of the family and the society to create awareness, especially among our young men and women.

As for those who are responsible for these channels, we are passionately appealing to them in the Name of Allaah to stop broadcasting these offensive programmes that spread obscenity among the Muslims and that, actually, downgrade the Ummah, attack its concerns, add salt to its injury and betray its causes.

Fellow Muslims! Though this issue may be assumed to be a bit sentimental, it is wise to take a balanced and just stand in dealing with it. A middle path should be found between despair and hope. No pessimism should be allowed nor should we waste time on talking about our weaknesses and imperfections. Al-hamdulillaah, there are many excellent qualities in this Ummah that should be invested in promoting hope and optimism.

There are many blessings beneath affliction. That is the way of Allaah in His creation. The history also testifies to this. The Muslim should therefore be confident in Allaah and help His religion without despair and without resorting to irresponsible haste and enthusiasm. The successful is the one who is put upright by lessons that he learnt, guided by admonitions, understands incidences from all their aspects and comprehends their effects, secrets and consequences.

By Ibn Al-Khattab on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 04:22 am: Edit


Assalaamu-alaikum to the true believers,

Muslim men are training for actual combat, will mean that they will get a whippin by the SAS and Mossad, I was in the gym, the other day, and there were hardly any muslim men there, what a way to prepare for jihad

You suck up to these kuffar so much its sickening. Muslims training for combat and getting whipped by SAS and Mossad, keep deramin cos your jewish and christian lover boys have been trying for a long time to eliminate us, why havent they been able to do that even though they possess the most advanced weapons and technology? They have pieces of ........like you on their side whilst the true believers have Allah (swt) on their side, so whos superior then hey?
As for you being in the gym the other day and you not seeing any brothers there, it doesnt mean brothers have to train at the same gym as you. Also, you probabaly train at a gym where theres many alcoholics and gays, and brothers dont go to gyms like that. We prefer proper gyms. I assume your training to join the British Army or so.

u got Muslim women smokin now, things have changed, I say 'way to go, my modernised sister,' I'm proud of u,'

You know what, like one sister on this board wanted to slap you, I dont blame her. I'd slap you as well cos you're not worth punching cos i'd end up dismantling your face if I did.

This forum seems to be filled with fanatics, who haven't got the bottle to actually go on the frontline, instead they vent their anger against the west on a discussion board, they live off the west, get educated here, raise their children here, reap benefits here, then at the same time, they moan and groan like the ungrateful beasts they r

Excuse me, but I dont think any brother or sister would mention it here if they were going to the frontlines. As for benefits, the governments scrounges off us via taxes and interest etc, so it is the government that is the real scrounger on benefits, not the Muslims.

my opinion means nothin, and do u know y, cos I'm a moderate Muslim.

Moderate Muslim? You're a sell out who sucks up to the kuffar in order to please them. Money talks for people like you and you wag your tongues in front of the kaafireen.

And now moving onto Yaqub:

Excuse me, Ms Amani, but my wife is a non-muslim and she has more modesty than, your so-called Muslim women

She doesn't cover up so how can she have any modesty? And a sicko like you who lets his wife expose her awra to strangers, what kinda sick freak are you? What modesty does your wife have left? You're just another sell-out who wags his tongue in front of the kuffar waiting for them to throw a biscuit at you!!!

By walid on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 01:22 am: Edit


sameer you sometimes sound like a kaffar only Allah knows because you are always using the same regurgitated kaffar arguements and language to explain yourself. Just one point;

"I still have more respect for the people in the nightclubs, cos unlike suicide bombers, they don't take innocent life, they don't kill children",

so what are these party goers doing in Iraq?, they are from the same seed.

Allah knows best

[Ghaznavi]

he was a great man

[Umm Amilah]

Assalamualaykum to my brothers and sisters in Islam,

[I give this advice to myself first]

On the authority of Abu Ruqayyah Tameem ibn Aus (rAa), the Prophet (sAaw) said: ‘The religion is Naseehah.’ The people said: ‘To whom?’ The Prophet (sAaw) replied: ‘To Allah and to His book and to His Messenger and to the leaders of the Muslims and to the common folk of the Muslims.’ [Muslim]

{Naseehah is very difficult to translate into English. It is usually translated as “sincerity”. The word naseehah has two basic linguistic meanings:
1. To clean, purify or improve something of all unwanted elements, and
2. To unite or join something together that is scattered or separated.
Based on the linguistic roots and the Qur’anic usage of the term, al-Isfahanni has given the shari’ah definition of the term as, ‘Naseehah is the seeking of an action or statement that contains goodness and improvement for the other person’. Ibn al-Salaah has stated that the essence of naseehah is where the one doing the ‘sincere well wishing’ truly seeks the best for the one to whom he is making naseehah. In both his intention and his actions, he desires what is best for the other person. Ibn Uthaymeen makes this point in even clearer terms. He says that naseehah implies that a person loves for his brother what is good, calls him to it, makes it clear to him and encourages him to do it. This is the real way of the believers. It is when the believers fulfil this type of condition that they meet the description given of the true believers in the Qur’an.
‘Verily, the believers are but a brotherhood’. [al-Hujuraat: 10]
The brotherhood is the result of the correct naseehah. [Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi by Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo]}

I just joined the forum a few days ago and I was very saddened to read how some of you advise each other. There is no compassion, no wanting for your br/sr what you would want for yourself in the words used. But know that Allah hears everything and the angels are recording every utterance:
‘Not a word is said except there is a watcher by him ready to record it.’ [Qaf: 18]
How will we fare when all our unkind words appear in front of our eyes the moment we are given our scroll of deeds?
Abu Hurayrah (rAa) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sAaw) say: ‘Indeed a servant may say a word which he doesn’t realise and it will make him fall into the fire further than the East and West.’ (Bukhari, Muslim)

Al-Asaaleeb al-Nabawiyyah
The Prophet’s Methods for Correcting People’s Mistakes
English Translation
Book by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Contents
Introduction
Points to be noted when dealing with mistakes
The Prophet’s methods of dealing with people’s mistakes
Conclusion

Introduction
Bismillaah il-Rahmaan il-Raheem
In the Name of Allaah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds, Master of the Day of Judgement, God of the first and the last, Sustainer of heaven and earth, and peace and blessings be upon His trustworthy Prophet, the Teacher of mankind, sent as a Mercy to the worlds.
Teaching people is one of the greatest good deeds whose benefits spread to others. It is the daiy’ahs’ and educators’ share of the heritage of the Prophets and Messengers. “Allaah and the angels, and even the ant in its nest and the whale in the sea will pray for the one who teaches people the ways of good.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad Shaakir edn., no. 2685. Abu ‘Eesa said, this is a saheeh ghareeb hasan hadeeth). There are different types and ways of teaching, with different means and methods, one of which is correcting mistakes. Correcting mistakes is a part of education; they are like inseparable twins.
Dealing with and correcting mistakes is also a part of sincerity in religion (naseehah) which is a duty on all Muslims. The connection between this and the concept of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, which is also a duty, is quite obvious (but we should note that the area of mistakes is broader than the area of evil (munkar), so a mistake may or may not be evil as such).
Correcting mistakes also formed a part of the wahy (revelation) and the methodology of the Qur’aan. The Qur’aan brought commands and prohibitions, approvals and denunciations and correction of mistakes – even those on the part of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). So it included rebukes and pointing out of mistakes, for example (interpretation of the meaning):
“(The Prophet) frowned and turned away,
Because there came to him the blind man [‘Abd-Allaah ibn Umm Maktoom, whilst he was preaching to one or some of the chiefs of Quraysh],
But what could tell you that perchance he might become pure (from sins)?
Or that he might receive admonition, and that the admonition might profit him?
As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient,
To him you attend;
What does it matter to you if he will not become pure (from disbelief, you are only a Messenger, your duty is to convey the Message of Allaah).
But as to him who came to you running, And is afraid (of Allaah and His Punishment), Of him you are neglectful and divert your attention to another.” [‘Abasa 80:1-10]
“And remember when you (Muhammad) said to him (Zayd ibn Haarithah – the freed slave of the Prophet) on whom Allaah has bestowed Grace (by guiding him to Islam) and you (too) have done a favour (by freeing him), ‘Keep your wife to yourself and fear Allaah.’ But you did hide in yourself (what Allaah had already made known to you – i.e. that He will give her to you in marriage) that which Allaah will make mainfest, you did fear the people whereas Allaah had a better right that you should fear Him…” [al-Ahzaab 33:38]
“Not for you (O Muhammad) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them; verily, they are the zaalimoon (polytheists, disobedient, wrong-doers, etc.).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:128]
Qur’aan was also revealed to correct the mistakes of some of the Sahaabah in some situations. When Haatib ibn Abi Balta’ah (may Allaah be pleased with him) made the mistake of writing to the kuffaar of Quraysh and informing them of the direction in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was headed on a military campaign against them, Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e., disbelievers and polytheists, etc.) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth, and have driven out the Messenger and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allaah your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists, etc., as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray, (away) from the Straight Path.” [al-Mumtahinah 60:1]
Concerning the mistake made by the archers at the battle of Uhud, who left the position where the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had commanded them to stay, Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning):
“… until (the moment) you lost your courage and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed after He showed you (of the booty) which you love. Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter…” [Aal- ‘Imraan 3:152]
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stayed away from his wives in order to discipline them, and some people spread rumours that he had divorced them, Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning):
“When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly)…” [al-Nisa’ 4:83]
When some of the Muslims failed to migrate from Makkah to Madeenah with no legitimate excuse, Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily! As for those whom the nagels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatroy for them), they (angels) say (to them): ‘In what (condition) were you?’ They reply: ‘We were weak and oppressed on earth.’ They (angels) say: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’ …” [al-Nisa’ 4:97]
When some of the Sahaabah believed and repeated the rumours of the munaafiqeen accusing ‘Aa’ishah of something she was innocent of, Allaah revealed aayaat concerning this lie, including (interpretation of the meaning):
“Had it not been for the Grace of Allaah and His Mercy unto you in this world and in the Hereafter, a great torment would have touched you for that whereof you had spoken. When you were propagating it with your tongues and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allaah it was very great.”
[al-Noor 24:14]
Then Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):
“And why did you not, when you heard it, say – ‘It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allaah), this is a great lie’?
Allaah forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers.”
[al-Noor 24:16-17]
When some of the Sahaabah argued in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and raised their voices, Allaah revealed (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allaah and His Messenger, and fear Allaah. Verily! Allaah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.”
[al-Hujuraat 49:1-2]
When the caravan came at the time of the Friday khutbah, and some of the people left the khutbah and dispersed to engage in trade, Allaah revealed the words:
“And when they see some merchandise or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave you (Muhammad) standing [while delivering the Friday khutbah]. Say: ‘That which Allaah has is better than any amusement or merchandise! And Allaah is the Best of Providers.’”
[al-Jumu’ah 62:11]
Many other examples also indicate the importance of correcting mistakes and not keeping quiet about them.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was guided by the Light of his Lord in following the principle of denouncing evil and correcting mistakes with no compromise. From this and other reports the scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) derived the principle: it is not permitted for the Prophet to delay speaking up and explaining mistakes at the appropriate time.”
Understanding the Prophet’s methodology in dealing with the mistakes of the people he met is of great importance, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was guided by his Lord, and his words and deeds were supported by the wahy, and confirmed or corrected as needed. His methods are wiser and more efficacious, and using his approach is the best way to get people to respond positively. If the one who is in a position to guide and teach others adopts these methods and this approach, his efforts will be successful. Following the method and approach of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also involves following his example, for he is the best example for us, and this will lead us to a great reward from Allaah, if our intention is sincere.
Knowing the methods of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) exposes the failure of the man-made methodology – which is followed everywhere on this earth – and proves to the followers of that methodology that it is a failure. Much of it is clearly a deviation that is based on corrupt theories such as absolute freedom, or it is derived from false heritages such a blind imitation of one's fathers and forefathers.
We must point out that the practical application of this methodology in real life relies heavily on ijtihaad (studying the situation and attempting to determine the best approach) to a great extent. This involves selecting the best methods for a particular situation. Whoever understands people’s nature will be able to notice similarities between real life situations and situations described in the texts, so he will be able to choose the most appropriate method from among the methods of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
This book is an attempt to study the methods of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in dealing with mistakes made by people of different levels and backgrounds, among those who lived with him and with whom he interacted. I ask Allaah to make it successful and free of mistakes, to benefit my Muslim brothers and me through it, for He is in control of all things and He is able to do this, and He is the Guide to the Straight Path.
[ Table of Contents ]

Points to be noted when dealing with mistakes
Before we embark on our discussion we should note some issues and considerations that we should bear in mind before and when dealing with and correcting the mistakes of others.
Sincerity towards Allaah
When correcting the mistakes of others, it is essential that one’s intention be to earn the pleasure of Allaah, not to demonstrate one's superiority or to vent one’s anger or to impress others.
Al-Tirmidhi (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported from Shufayy al-Asbahi that he entered Madeenah and saw a man with people gathered around him. He asked, “Who is this?” They said, “Abu Hurayrah.” [Shufayy said:] “So I approached him and sat down in front of him. He was speaking to the people, and when he finished and they had gone away, I said to him, ‘I ask you by Allaah, to narrate to me a hadeeth that you heard from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and understood fully.’ Abu Hurayrah said, ‘I will do that, I will tell you a hadeeth I heard from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and understood fully.’ Then Abu Hurayrah began to gasp, and remained in this condition until he recovered, then he said, ‘I will tell you a hadeeth that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told me in this house when there was no one else present except me and him.’ Then Abu Hurayrah began to gasp again, then he recovered and wiped his face, and said, ‘I will tell you a hadeeth that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told me in this house when there was no one else present except me and him.’ Then he gasped, then he recovered and wiped his face and said, ‘I will tell you a hadeeth that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told me in this house when there was no one else present except me and him.’ Then Abu Hurayrah began to gasp severely, and his head fell forward, and I supported him with my shoulder for a long time, then he recovered, and said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told me: ‘When the Day of Judgement comes, Allaah will come down to judge between the people. And every nation will be kneeling in submission. The first people to be called forth will be a man who had learned the Qur’aan by heart, a man who was killed for the sake of Allaah and a man who had a lot of wealth. Allaah will say to the reader, ‘Did I not teach you that which I had revealed to My Messenger?’ He will say, ‘Of course, My Lord.’ Allaah will say, ‘What did you do with what you were taught?’ He will say, ‘I stayed up at night and during the day (to recite it).’ Allaah will say, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘You only wanted it to be said that so-and-so is a reader, and it was said.’ The one who had a lot of wealth will be brought and Allaah will say to him, ‘Did I not give generously to you so that you were not in need of anyone?’ He will say, ‘Of course, O Lord.’ Allaah will say, ‘What did you do with what I gave you?’ He will say, ‘I used to give it to my relatives and in charity.’ Allaah will say, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘You only wanted it to be said that so-and-so is generous, and it was said. Then the one who was killed for the sake of Allaah will be brought and Allaah will say to him, ‘What were you killed for?’ He will say, ‘I was commanded to fight in jihaad for Your sake so I fought until I was killed.’ Allaah will say, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘You only want it to be said that so-and-so was courageous, and it was said.’ Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) struck my knees and said, ‘O Abu Hurayrah, these three are the first people for whom the Fire will be heated on the Day of Resurrection.’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 2382, Shaakir edn. Abu ‘Eesa said: this is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth).
If the intention of the person giving advice is sincere, he will earn reward and his advice will be accepted and acted upon, by the permission of Allaah.
- Making mistakes is part of human nature.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2499, and by Ibn Maajah, who narrated this version – al-Sunan, ed. by ‘Abd al-Baqi, no. 4251)
Bearing this fact clearly in mind will put things into their proper perspective, so the educator should not expect people to be perfect or infallible or judge them according to what he thinks they should be, and then consider them to have failed if they make a big mistake or err repeatedly. He should deal with them in a realistic manner, based on his knowledge of human nature which is subject to ignorance, negligence, shortcomings, whims and desires and forgetfulness.
Understanding this fact will also prevent an educator from being greatly shocked by the kind of sudden mistake that could lead him to react in an inappropriate fashion. This will remind the da’iyah and educator who is striving to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil that he too is a human being who could also make the same mistake, so he should deal with him on a footing of compassion rather than harshness, because the basic aim is to reform, not to punish.
But this does not mean that we should leave people who are making mistakes alone, or find excuses for those who are committing sins on the basis that they are only human or that they are just youngsters, or that the modern age is full of temptations and so on. We must denounce the actions and call the people to account, but at the same time we must evaluate their actions according to Islam.
- Saying that someone is wrong should be based on shar'i evidence and proper understanding, not on ignorance and that fact that one happens not to like it. Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir reported that Jaabir prayed wearing only an izar (lower garment wrapped around the waist) tied at the back [the reason for this is that they did not have trousers, and they would wear their izar tied at the back because this was more concealing when they did rukoo’ and sujood. Fath al-Baari, al-Salafiyyah edn., 1/467], and his other clothes were on a clothes hook. Someone said to him, ‘Are you praying in one garment?’ He said, ‘I only did it so that some foolish person like you would see me. Who among us had two garments at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 352). Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “What is meant by ‘foolish’ here is ‘ignorant’… The purpose was to explain that it is permissible to pray wearing only one garment, although wearing two garments is preferable. It is as if he was saying, ‘I did it on purpose to show that it is permissible, so that one who does not know could follow me in that or he could rebuke me so that I could teach him that it is permissible.’ The reason why his answer was so harsh was so that he could teach them not to rebuke the scholars and to urge them to look into shar'i matters themselves.” (al-Fath, 1/467)
- The more serious a mistake is, the more effort should be made to correct it.
Efforts to correct mistakes that have to do with ‘aqeedah should be greater than those to correct mistakes that have to do with etiquette, for example. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was intensely concerned about dealing with and correcting mistakes that had to do with shirk in all its forms, because this was the most important matter. Examples of this follow:
Al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah said: “There was an eclipse of the sun on the day that [the Prophet’s infant son] Ibraaheem died, and the people said, ‘This eclipse is because of the death of Ibraaheem.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allaah, they do not become eclipsed for the death or life of anyone. If you see them (eclipsed) then call on Allaah and pray to Him until the eclipse is over.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 1061).
Abu Waaqid al-Laythi reported that when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to Hunayn, he passed by a tree belonging to the mushrikeen that was called Dhaat Anwaat, on which they used to hang their weapons. They said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, make for us a Dhaat Anwaat like they have.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘Subhaan-Allaah! This is like what the people of Moosa said, “Make for us a god as they have gods.” By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will follow the ways of the people who came before you.’” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2180. He said, This is a saheeh hasan hadeeth).
According to another report narrated by Abu Waaqid, they went out from Makkah with the Messenger of Allaah to Hunayn. He said: “The kuffaar had a lotus-tree to which they were devoted and on which they used to hang their weapons; it was called Dhaat Anwaat. We passed by a big, green lotus-tree, and we said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, make this a Dhaat Anwat for us.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you have said what the people of Moosa said to him, “Make for us a god as they have gods,” and he said, “Verily, you are a people who know not.” It is the same thing, and you will follow the ways of the people who came before you, step by step.’” (Reported by Ahmad, al-Sunan, 5/218).
Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) led us in Subh (Fajr) prayer at al-Hudaybiyah just after it had rained in the night. When he finished, he turned to the people and said, ‘Do you know what your Lord says?” They said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘This morning one of My slaves became a believer in Me, and one a disbeliever. As for the one who said, we have been given rain by the Grace and Mercy of Allaah, he is a believer in Me and a disbeliever in the stars; and as for him who said, we have been given rain by such-and-such a star, he is a disbeliever in Me and a believer in the stars.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 846).
Ibn ‘Abbaas reported that a man said, “O Messenger of Allaah, whatever Allaah and you will.” He said, “Are you making me equal to Allaah? [Say instead:] What Allaah alone wills.” (Reported by Ahmad, al-Musnad, 1/283).
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that he caught up with ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab who was with a group of people and was swearing by his father. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called them and told them that Allaah had forbidden them to swear by their forefathers; the one who wanted to swear an oath should swear by Allaah or else keep quiet. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 6108)
Note: Imaam Ahmad reported in his Musnad: Wakee’ told us that al-A’mash told us from Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaydah who said: “I was with Ibn ‘Umar in a circle and he heard a man in another circle saying, ‘No, by my father.’ So Ibn ‘Umar threw pebbles at him and said, ‘This is how ‘Umar used to swear, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade him to do this and said that it was shirk.’” (al-Fath al-Rabbaani, 14/164).
Abu Shurayh Haani’ ibn Yazeed said: “A delegation of people came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he heard them calling one of them Abd al-Hajar (“slave of the stone”). He asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘ ‘Abd al-Hajar.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘No, you are ‘Abd-Allaah (slave of Allaah).’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari in al-Adab al-Mufrad, no. 813. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Adab al-Mufrad that it is saheeh, no. 623).
- Taking into account the position of the person who is striving to correct the mistake
Some people’s advice may be more readily accepted than others’ because they have a status that others do not, or because, unlike others, they have authority over the person who has made the mistake, for example, a father with his child or a teacher with his student or a government official with the one whom he is inspecting. One who is older is not like one who is younger, a relative is not like a stranger, a person with authority is not like one with no authority. Understanding these differences will make the reformer put things into perspective and evaluate them properly, so that his rebuke or correction will not lead to a greater evil. The position of the one who is rebuking and the esteem in which he is held by the one who has made the mistake are very important in judging how strong the rebuke should be and deciding how harsh or gentle the tone should be. From this we learn two things:
Firstly, that the person to whom Allaah has given status or authority should use that to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and to teach people. He should understand that he has a great responsibility because people will accept more from him than from other people – usually – so he can do more than others can.
Secondly, the person who seeks to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil should not misjudge the situation and put himself in a higher position than is in fact the case and behave as if he has qualities that he does not have, because this will only put people off.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made the most of the position of respect that Allaah had given him when he was rebuking and teaching people. He did things that would not have been appropriate if they were done by anyone else, examples of which follow:
Ya’eesh ibn Tihfah al-Ghiffaari reported that his father said: “I was a guest of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), one of the poor to whom he played host. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out to check on his guests during the night, and saw me lying on my stomach. He kicked me and said, ‘Don’t lie like this; this is the kind of lying that Allaah hates.’” According to another report: “He kicked him and woke him up, and said, ‘This is how the people of Hell lie.’” (Reported by Ahmad, al-Fath al-Rabbaani, 14/244-245. Also reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2798, Shaakir edn.; by Abu Dawood in Kitaab al-Adab in his Sunan, no. 5040, al-Da’’aas edn. The hadeeth is also in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2270-2271).
This method of rebuking was appropriate for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) because of his position and status, but it is not appropriate for ordinary people. It is not alright for any person who wants to rebuke another for sleeping on his stomach to kick him whilst he is asleep and wake him up, and then expect him to accept this advice and thank him for it. The same applies to hitting a person who is making a mistake or throwing something like pebbles or whatever at him. Although some of the salaf did that, it was because of their particular status. Some stories of this nature follow:
Al-Daarimi (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported from Sulaymaan ibn Yassaar that a man called Sabeegh came to Madeenah and started to ask about the ambiguous texts of the Qur’aan. ‘Umar sent for him, and he had prepared some date palm branches for him (to hit him with). [‘Umar] asked him, “Who are you?’ He said, “I am the slave of Allaah, Sabeegh.” ‘Umar took hold of one of the palm branches and hit him, saying, “I am the slave of Allaah, ‘Umar.” He kept hitting him until his head began to bleed, and he said, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, enough! [The ideas that] were in my head have gone!” (Sunan al-Daarimi, ed. by ‘Abd-Allaah Haashim Yamaani, 1/51, no. 146).
Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported that Ibn Abi Layla said: “Hudhayfah was in al-Madaa’in and asked for a drink, and a grandee gave him a vessel of silver. He threw it at him and said, ‘I would not have thrown it, but I told him not to do it and he didn’t stop. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade us from wearing silk and brocade, and from drinking from vessels of gold and silver. He said, ‘These are for them in this world and for you in the Hereafter.’” (al-Fath, no. 5632).
According to a report narrated by Ahmad, describing the same incident, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Abi Laylaa said: “I went out with Hudhayfah to one of these areas, and he asked for something to drink. A grandee brought him a vessel of silver and he (Hudhayfah) threw it in his face. We said, ‘Be quiet, be quiet, if we ask why he did it, he might not tell us.’ So we were quiet, and a little while later he said, ‘Do you know why I threw it in his face?’ We said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘I had told him not to do it. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Do not drink from vessels of gold,” and Mu’aadh said, “Do not drink from vessels of gold or silver, and do not wear silk or brocade; these are for them in this world and for you in the Hereafter.”’” (al-Musnad, 5/396)
Al-Bukhaari narrated that Seereen asked Anas to write him a contract of manumission, as he had plenty of money, but Anas refused. Seereen went to ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), who told Anas to write the document, and Anas still refused, so ‘Umar hit him with a whip whilst reciting the words (interpretation of the meaning): “… give them [slaves seeking emancipation] such writing [of a document of manumission], if you know that they are good and trustworthy…” [al-Noor 24:33], so he wrote the document for him. (Al-Fath, 5/184).
Al-Nisaa'i reported from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri that he was praying when a son of Marwaan came in front of him, so he checked him, and when he did not go back, he hit him. The boy went out crying, and went to Marwaan and told him what had happened. Marwaan asked Abu Sa’eed, “Why did you hit the son of your brother?” He said, “I did not hit him, I hit the Shaytaan. I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘If any one of you is praying and someone wants to pass in front of him, let him stop him as much as he can, and if he refuses then fight him, for he is a devil.’” (al-Mujtaba min Sunan al-Nisaa'i, 8/61; Saheeh Sunan al-Nisaa'i, no. 4518)
Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported from Abu’l-Nadr that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri was suffering from a sore leg, and his brother came in and saw him lying with one leg crossed over the other, so he hit him on the sore leg, making it hurt even more. He said, “You hurt my leg! Didn’t you know it is sore?” He said, “Of course I knew.” He said, “What made you do that?” He said, “Did you not hear that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade us to sit like this?” (al-Musnad, 3/42)
Maalik reported from Abu’l-Zubayr al-Makki that a man proposed marriage to another man’s sister, and he [the brother] told him that she had committed zinaa. News of this reached ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab, so he hit him or nearly hit him, and said, “Why did you tell him?” (Muwatta’ Maalik, no. 1553, report of Abu Mus’ab al-Zuhri, ed. by Bashshaar Ma’roof and Mahmood Khaleel. Mu’sasat al-Risaalah).
Muslim reported in his Saheeh from Abu Ishaaq who said: “I was with al-Aswad ibn Yazeed in the Great Mosque, and al-Sha’bi was with us. Al-Sha’bi told us about what Faatimah bint Qays had said about the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) not providing housing or an income for her. Al-Aswad took a handful of pebbles and threw them at him, saying, ‘Woe to you! You talk about something like this? ‘Umar said that we should not leave the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the words of a woman who we cannot be sure has remembered things properly or not. Women have the right to accommodation and an income. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… and turn them not out of their homes, not shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open illegal sexual intercourse…” [al-Talaaq 65:1].’” (Saheeh Muslim, no. 1480).
Abu Dawood reported, with an isnaad in which two men are maqbool, that two men entered from the doors of Kindah, when Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaari was sitting in a circle. The two men said, “Is there any man who will judge between us?” A man in the circle said, “I will.” Abu Mas’ood took a handful of pebbles and threw them at him, saying, “Shut up! It is disliked to hasten to judgement.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, Kitaab al-Aqdiyah, Bab fi talab al-qada’ wa al-tasarru’ ilayhi)
We should also note that the Prophet’s rebuking of some of his closest Companions was, on occasions, harsher than his rebuking of a bedouin, for example, or a stranger. All of this has to do with wisdom and proper evaluation in rebuking.
- Making a distinction between one who errs out of ignorance and one who errs despite his knowledge
One of the stories that illustrate this clearly is what happened to Mu’aawiyah ibn al-Hakam al-Salami when he came to Madeenah from the desert, and he did not know that it is forbidden to speak during the salaah. He said: “Whilst I was praying behind the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), a man sneezed, so I said ‘Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you).’ The people glared at me, so I said, ‘May my mother lose me! What is wrong with you that you are looking at me?’ They began to slap their thighs with their hands, and when I saw that they were indicating that I should be quiet, I stopped talking (i.e., I nearly wanted to answer them back, but I controlled myself and kept quiet). When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished praying – may my father and mother be sacrificed for him, I have never seen a better teacher than him before or since – he did not rebuke me or hit me or put me to shame. He just said, ‘This prayer should contain nothing of the speech of men; it is only tasbeeh and takbeer and recitation of the Qur’aan.’” (Saheeh Muslim, ‘Abd al-Baaqi edn., no. 537).
The ignorant person needs to be taught; the one who has doubts needs to have things explained to him; the negligent person needs to be reminded; and the one who wilfully persists in error needs to be warned. It is not right to treat one who knows about a ruling and one who is ignorant of it in the same manner when rebuking them. Treating one who does not know too harshly will only put him off and make him refuse to follow your advice, unlike teaching him with wisdom and gentleness, because an ignorant person simply does not realize that he is making a mistake. It is as if he is saying to the one who is rebuking him: “Why don’t you teach me before you launch an attack on me?”
The one who is making a mistake without realizing it may think that he is right, so we should take this into account and deal with him tactfully. Imaam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported in al-Musnad from al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ate some food, then got up to pray. He had already done wudoo’ before that, but I brought some water for him to do wudoo’, He rebuffed me and said, ‘Go away!’ I felt upset, by Allaah. He prayed, and I complained to ‘Umar about what had happened. He said, ‘O Prophet of Allaah, al-Mugheerah feels hurt by your rebuff, and he is worried that you may be angry with him for some reason.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘I see only good in him, but he brought me water to do wudoo’ after I had eaten some food, and if I had done wudoo’ then, the people would have followed suit [i.e., they would have thought that they had to do wudoo’ every time they had eaten something].’” (al-Musnad, 4/253)
We should note here that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pointed out the mistakes of these great Sahaabah, it did not have a negative impact on them or put them off; rather, it had a positive effect on them, and having been corrected in this manner by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), they would remain anxious and worried, watching their behaviour and feeling concerned until they could be sure that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was pleased with them.
We may also note from this story that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pointed out al-Mugheerah’s mistake, he was not angry with al-Mugheerah himself; he did this out of mercy to the people and to explain things clearly to them, so that they would not impose something on themselves that was not waajib and that would cause them a great deal of hardship.
- Making a distinction between mistakes stemming from an honest effort to find out what is right (ijtihaad), and mistakes done deliberately, out of negligence or because of shortcomings
There is no doubt that in the first case, a person is not to be blamed; indeed he will earn one reward even if he is mistaken, so long as his intention was sincere and he tried to reach the right conclusion, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a ruler judges and strives to make the right decision, and his decision is correct, he will have two rewards, and if his decision is wrong, he will still have one reward.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 1326, Shaakir edn. Abu ‘Eesa al-Tirmidhi said it is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth in this version. )
This is a different case from one who errs deliberately or because of shortcomings. In the first instance, the person should be taught and advised; in the second, he should be warned and rebuked.
The ijtihaad which may be excused should be done on the part of one who is qualified, not one who gives fatwas without knowledge and without taking circumstances into account. This is why the Prophet severely denounced the people who made the mistake in the case of the man with the head wound. Abu Dawood narrated in his Sunan from Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “We went out on a journey, and one of the men with us was struck in the head with a stone and started bleeding. Then he slept and when he woke up he needed to do ghusl (he was in state of janaabah or impurity). He asked his companions, ‘Do you think I could get away with doing tayammum?’ They said, ‘We don’t think you have any excuse because water is available.’ So he did ghusl, and he died. When we came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he was told about this, he said, ‘They have killed him, may Allaah kill them! Why did they not ask if they did not know? The cure of the one who does not know is to ask…’” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitaab al-Tahaarah, Baab al-majrooh yatayammam; al-Albaani classed it as hasan in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 325, and indicated that the extra material added at the end of the hadeeth is da’eef)
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that judges are of three types, one will be in Paradise and the other two in Hell. The type that will be in Paradise is a man who knows the truth and judges accordingly. A man who knows the truth but judges unjustly will be in Hell, and a man who judges between people without proper knowledge will also be in Hell. (Sunan Abi Dawood, no. 3573; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, 2164). The third type is not regarded as having any excuse.
Another factor in gauging the degree of rebuking is paying attention to the environment in which the mistake occurred, such as whether it was an environment in which the Sunnah is followed or bid’ah is widespread, or how prevalent evil is, or whether there are ignorant or overly lenient people, whose opinions are widely followed, issuing fatwas to say that it is permissible.
- A good intention on the part of the one who makes the mistake does not mean that he should not be rebuked
‘Amr ibn Yahya said: “I heard my father narrating from his father who said: ‘We were at the door of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood before the early morning prayer. When he came out we walked with him to the mosque. Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari came up to us and said, “Did Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan come out to you yet?” We said, “No.” He sat down with us until [Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan] came out. When he came out, we all stood up to greet him, and Abu Moosa said to him: “O Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, earlier I saw in the mosque something that I have never seen before, but it seems good, al-hamdu Lillaah.” He said, “And what was it?” He said, “if you live, you will see it. I saw people in the mosque sitting in circles waiting for the prayer. In every circle there was a man, and they had pebbles in their hands. He would say, ‘Say Allaahu akbar one hundred times,’ and they would say Allaahu akbar one hundred times; then he would say, ‘Say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah one hundred times,’ and they would say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah one hundred times; then he would say, ‘Say Subhaan Allaah one hundred times,’ and they would say Subhaan Allaah one hundred times.’ He asked, ‘What did you say to them?’ He said, ‘I did not say anything to them; I was waiting to see what your opinion would be and what you would tell me to do.’ He said, ‘Why did you not tell them to count their bad deeds and guarantee them that nothing of their good deeds would be wasted?’ Then he left, and we went with him, until he reached one of those circles. He stood over them and said, ‘What is this I see you doing?’ They said, ‘O Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, these are pebbles we are using to count our takbeer, tahleel and tasbeeh.’ He said, ‘Count your bad deeds, and I guarantee that nothing of your good deeds will be wasted. Woe to you, O ummah of Muhammad, how quickly you are getting destroyed! The Companions of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) are still alive, his garment is not yet worn out and his vessels are not yet broken. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, either you are following a way that is more guided than that of Muhammad or you have opened the door of misguidance!’ They said, ‘By Allaah, O Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, we only wanted to do good.’ He said, ‘How many of those who wanted to do good failed to achieve it! The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that people recite Qur’aan and it does not go any further than their throats. By Allaah, I do not know, maybe most of them are people like you.’ Then he turned away from them. ‘Amr ibn Salamah said, ‘I saw most of the members of those circles fighting alongside the Khawaarij on the day of Nahrawaan.’” (Reported by al-Daarimi, al-Sunan, no. 210, ed. by ‘Abd-Allaah Haashim al-Yamaani. Al-Albaani classed its isnaad as saheeh in al-Silsilat al-Saheehah under hadeeth no. 2005. See Majma’ al-Zawaa’id by al-Haythami, 1/181).
- Being fair and not being biased when correcting those who make mistakes
Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“And whenever you give your word (i.e., judge between men or give evidence), say the truth…” [al-An’aam 6:152]
“… and when you judge between men, you [should] judge with justice…” [al-Nisa’ 4:58]
The fact that Usaamah ibn Zayd was the beloved of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the son of his beloved [Zayd] did not stop the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from rebuking him most sternly when he tried to intercede regarding one of the punishments (hudood) prescribed by Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) reported that Quraysh were concerned about a woman who stole at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), at the time of the Conquest of Makkah. They said, ‘Who will speak to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about her? Who will dare to do this other than Usaamah ibn Zayd, the beloved of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?’ She was brought to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and Usaamah ibn Zayd spoke to him concerning her. The face of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) changed colour and he said: ‘Are you interceding concerning one of the punishments prescribed by Allaah?’ Usaamah said to him, ‘Pray for forgiveness for me, O Messenger of Allaah.’ When evening came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up and addressed the people. He praised Allaah as He deserves to be praised, then he said: ‘The people who came before you were destroyed because if one of their nobles stole, they would let him go, but if one of the weak among them stole, they would carry out the punishment on him. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Faatimah the daughter of Muhammad were to steal, I would cut off her hand.’ Then he ordered that the woman who had stolen should have her hand cut off.” (The hadeeth was reported by al-Bukhaari and Muslim; this version was narrated by Muslim, no. 1688).
According to a report narrated by al-Nisaa'i from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), she said: “A woman borrowed some jewellery, claiming that she wanted to lend it to someone else, but she sold it and kept the money. She was brought to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Her family went to Usaamah ibn Zayd, who spoke to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) concerning her. The face of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) changed colour whilst Usaamah was speaking, then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him: ‘Are you interceding concerning one of the punishments prescribed by Allaah?’ Usaamah said, ‘Pray for forgiveness for me, O Messenger of Allaah.’ In the evening, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up, praised Allaah as He deserves to be praised, then said, ‘The people who came before you were destroyed because if one of their nobles stole, they would let him go, but if one of the weak among them stole, they would carry out the punishment on him. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Faatimah the daughter of Muhammad were to steal, I would cut off her hand.’ Then he ordered that the woman’s hand should be cut off.” (Sunan al-Nisaa'i, al-Mujtabaa, Dar al-Fikr edn., 8/73. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Nisaa'i, no. 4548).
The Prophet’s attitude towards Usaamah (may Allaah be pleased with him) indicates that he was fair and just, and that Islam came before love of people in his view. A person may put up with the personal faults of whoever he wishes, but he has no right to be tolerant or biased towards those whose mistakes transgress the limits set by Islam.
Sometimes, when a relative or friend makes a mistake, a person does not rebuke him as he would a person whom he does not know, so one may see unIslamic bias or discrimination in his dealings because of this, and a person may turn a blind eye to his friend’s mistake while harshly criticizing another person.
[An Arab poet once said:]
“If you are happy with a person, you do not see his mistakes, but if you are angry with him, you see them all.”
This may also be reflected in the way in which actions are interpreted. An action on the part of a person one loves will be taken one way, and the same deed on the part of another person will be taken quite differently.
All of the above applies only when circumstances are the same, otherwise there could be different considerations as we will see below.
- Being careful lest correcting one mistake leads to a bigger mistake
It is a well-established fact that Islam allows the lesser of two evils in order to repel a greater evil. So a da’iyah may keep quiet about one mistake lest saying something lead to a more serious mistake.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kept quiet about the munaafiqeen and did not execute them, even though their kufr was well-established. He bore their insults with patience, lest people say, “Muhammad is killing his companions,” especially since their true nature was not known to everyone. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not destroy the Ka’bah in order to rebuild it on the foundations laid by Ibraaheem, out of consideration towards Quraysh who were still new in Islam and too close to their recent jaahiliyyah. He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) feared that it might be too much for them, so he left it as it was, with part missing, and the door set high up and closed to the masses, even though this contains an element of zulm (wrongdoing or oppression).
Before this, Allaah had told the Muslims not to insult the gods of the mushrikeen, even though this is a form of worship, because this could lead to people insulting Allaah, which is the worst of evil.
A dai’yah may keep quiet about a wrong action, or defer rebuking, or change his approach, if he thinks that by doing so he will avoid a greater evil or mistake. This is not considered to be shortcoming or negligence so long as his intention is sincere and he does not fear anyone except Allaah, and it was only concern for the best interests of Islam, not cowardice, that stopped him from saying anything.
We may note that what causes a greater evil when rebuking for one mistake is zealousness which is not checked or controlled.
- Understanding the human nature from which the mistake sprang
There are some mistakes which can never be fully eradicated, because they have to do with the way Allaah has created people. It is possible to reduce them a little, but going to extremes in dealing with them will lead to a disaster. Such is the case of women. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Woman was created from a rib, and she will not behave consistently towards you. If you enjoy her company, then enjoy it despite her crookedness. If you try to straighten her you will break her, and her breaking is her divorce.” (Reported by Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), no. 1468).
According to another report: “Be kind to women, for they were created from a rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is the top. If you try to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it alone, it will stay crooked. So be kind to women.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah. Al-Fath, no. 5186).
Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The words ‘treat women kindly’ indicate that you should try to put them right gently, because if you go to extremes in trying to straighten them you will break them, and if you leave them they will remain crooked… What we learn from this is that we should not leave them crooked if they go beyond the natural expected shortcomings and commit sins or neglect duties. What is meant is that we can leave them crooked with regard to permissible matters. We also learn from the hadeeth that a gentle approach wins people over and opens their hearts. It also tells us to deal with women by being easy going with them, and to bear their crookedness with patience. Whoever insists on putting them right will not benefit from them, and as a man cannot do without a woman to enjoy the pleasure of living with her and to be his support in life, it is as if he said: you cannot enjoy her company unless you put up with her.” (Fath, 9/954).
- Making a distinction between mistakes that transgress the limits of Islam and mistakes that only affect other people
If Islam is dearer to us than our own selves, we must defend it and protect it and get angry for its sake more than we get angry for our own sakes and defend our own selves. It is a sign of not having religious feelings if we see a man getting angry for his own sake if someone insults him, but not getting angry for the sake of Allaah’s religion if anybody insults it; at most, we may see him feebly defending it in an embarrassed manner.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) often used to forgive those who made mistakes in their interactions with him, especially the hard-hearted Bedouin, in order to soften their hearts. Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported in his Saheeh that Anas ibn Maalik said: “I was walking with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he was wearing a Najraani cloak with a stiff collar. A Bedouin accosted him, grabbing his cloak in such a manner that the collar left a mark on the Prophet’s neck, and said, ‘O Muhammad! Give me some of the wealth of Allaah that you have!’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned to him and smiled, then ordered that he should be given something.” (al-Fath, 5809).
But if the mistake had to do with some issue of religion, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would become angry for the sake of Allaah. Examples of this will be given below.
There are some other matters which should also be borne in mind when dealing with people’s mistakes, such as:
- Making a distinction between major mistakes and minor mistakes, just as Islam makes a distinction between major sins (kabaa’ir) and minor sins (saghaa’ir).
- Making a distinction between a person who has a track record of many good deeds, which will more or less cancel out the significance of his mistake, and a sinner who transgresses against himself (by doing evil deeds). People may put up with actions on the part of the one with the good track record that they will not put up with on the part of others. This is what happened to al-Siddeeq (Abu Bakr), as the following story illustrates: Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said: “We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) as pilgrims, and when we reached al-‘Arj, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stopped to rest, and we stopped with him. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) sat beside the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and I sat beside my father. The riding beast shared by Abu Bakr and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was with a slave belonging to Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr sat down, waiting for him to catch up, and when he caught up, the camel was not with him. Abu Bakr said, ‘Where is the camel?’ The slave answered, ‘I lost it yesterday.’ Abu Bakr said, ‘One camel, you lost it?’ and started to hit him. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) smiled and said, ‘Look at what this muhrim (person in a state of ihraam for Hajj) is doing.’” Ibn Abi Rizmah said, ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do any more than saying, ‘Look at what this muhrim is doing,’ and smiling.” (Reported by Abu Dawood in his Sunan, Kitaab al-Manaasik, Baab al-Muhrim yu’addib ghulaamahu. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, no. 1602)
- Making a distinction between the one who makes mistakes repeatedly and the one who is making a mistake for the first time
- Making a distinction between the one who frequently makes mistakes and the one who rarely does so.
- Making a distinction between the one who makes mistakes openly and blatantly, and one who tries to cover up his mistakes
- Paying attention to cases where a person’s adherence to Islam may not be strong and his heart needs to be opened to the religion, so we should not be too harsh with him
- Taking into account a person’s situation as regards status and authority
The considerations that we have mentioned above do not contradict the fairness and justice referred to earlier.
- Rebuking a youngster who makes a mistake should be done in a manner appropriate to the child’s age.
Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported that al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali took one of the dates that had been given in charity, and put it in his mouth. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in Persian, “Kikh, kikh, do you not know that we do not eat the sadaqah (things given in charity)?” (Fath, 3072).
Al-Tabaraani (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported from Zaynab bint Abi Salamah that she entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) whilst he was performing ghusl. She said, “he took a handful of water and threw it in my face, saying, ‘Go away, foolish girl!’” (al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer, 24/281. Al-Haythami said, its isnaad is hasan, al-Majma’, 1/269)
From this it is clear that a child’s tender years do not mean that his mistakes should not be corrected; indeed, correcting his mistakes is giving him the best upbringing, as it will be imprinted in his memory and will benefit him in the future. The first hadeeth shows how a child is taught to fear Allaah and restrain himself, and the second hadeeth shows how he is taught good manners, how to seek permission to enter, and to refrain from looking at the ‘awrah (that which should be covered) of others.
Another brilliant example of correcting children is the story of the young boy ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah. Al-Bukhaari reported that he said: “I was a young boy under the care of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and my hand used to wander all over the plate (at mealtimes). The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: ‘O young boy! Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you.’ This remained my way of eating from that time on.” (al-Fath, no. 5376)
We may note that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised that young boy who made the mistake of letting his hand go everywhere in the food, his words were short, brief and clear, which made it easy for the child to remember and understand; the effect on the boy’s heart lasted for a lifetime, as he said, “This remained my way of eating from that time on.”
- Exercising caution when advising non-mahram women, so that the advice is not taken wrongly, and so that fitnah (temptation, trouble) is avoided. No young man should use the excuse of speaking to young women in order to correct their mistakes or teach them. How often has this led to disasters! When it comes to correcting women, a large role should be given to ahl al-hisbah (“religious police”) and older people who could help them in this regard. The person who is seeking to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil must act in accordance with what he thinks will be the outcome of his rebuking. If he thinks that it is likely to be of benefit, he should speak up, otherwise he should refrain from speaking to ignorant women who may make false accusations against him whilst still persisting in their wrongdoing. The state of the society at large and the status of the one who is seeking to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil play a fundamental role in the success of his efforts to rebuke, convey the message or establish evidence. The following story illustrates this:
The freed slave of Abu Raham, whose name was ‘Ubayd, reported that Abu Hurayrah met a woman who was wearing perfume, heading for the mosque. He said, “O female slave of al-Jabbaar (the Compeller), where are you going?” She said, “To the mosque.” He said, “And you have put on perfume for this?” She said, “Yes.” He said, “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying, “If any woman puts on perfume and then goes out to the mosque, Allaah will not accept her prayers until she does ghusl.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, no. 4002; see also Saheeh Ibn Maajah, 2/367).
According to Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah: A woman passed by Abu Hurayrah and her perfume was overwhelming. He said to her, “Where are you going, O female slave of al-Jabbaar?” She said, “To the mosque.” He said, “Are you wearing perfume?” She said, “Yes.” He said, ‘Go back and do ghusl, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying that Allaah does not accept the prayer of any woman who goes out to the mosque with overwhelming perfume, until she goes back and does ghusl.” (Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1682. In his footnote, al-Albaani said, it is a hasan hadeeth. See also al-Musnad, 2/246. Ahmad Shaakir classed it as saheeh with this isnaad in his footnote to al-Musnad, no. 7350)
- Not occupying oneself with putting the symptoms right whilst neglecting to deal with the cause of the mistake
- Not exaggerating about the mistake
- Not going to extremes to prove the mistake happened or trying to force an admission of guilt from the one who made the mistake
- Allowing enough time for correcting the mistake, especially in the case of one who has been accustomed to doing it for a long time, whilst still following up the matter and continuing to advise and correct
- Not making the one who makes the mistake feel like an enemy, because the aim is to win people over, not score points against them
Now we will move on to our discussion of the methods used by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when dealing with the mistakes of people, as recorded in the saheeh ahaadeeth narrated by the scholars.
[ Table of Contents ]

The Prophet’s methods of dealing with people’s mistakes
1- Hastening to deal with people’s mistakes and not putting it off
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to hasten to deal with people’s mistakes, especially when it was not right for him to delay doing so at the moment when this was needed. His task was to explain the truth to people, teach them to do good, and warn them off from doing evil. So he hastened to correct people on many occasions, as is seen in the stories of the man who was not doing his salaah properly, the Makhzoomi woman, Ibn al-Latbiyyah, Usaamah, the three who wanted to go to extremes in worship, and others. These stories will be related in the course of this discussion, in sha Allaah.
Not hastening to deal with mistakes goes against the interests of Islam and misses out on the opportunity to strike while the iron is hot, as it were.
2 - Dealing with mistakes by explaining the ruling (hukm)
Jarhad (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed by him when his thigh was uncovered. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Cover your thigh, for it is part of the ‘awrah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 2796. Al-Tirmidhi said, this is a hasan hadeeth).
3 - Referring people back to Islam when they make mistakes, and pointing out to them the principle that they are breaking
When someone is indulging in a mistake, the Islamic principle is far from their minds and is lost in the clamour of the moment. In such cases reiterating the Islamic principle and announcing it loudly can be an effective way of stopping the person in his tracks and making him wake up from the stupor that has overtaken him. When we look at what happened between the Muhaajiroon and Ansaar, because of the flames of fitnah stirred up by the munaafiqoon, we will see an example of how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used this tactic. Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported in his Saheeh that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “We went out on a military campaign with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and some of the muhaajiroon went with him too, and they were very many. Among the muhaajiroon was a man who was very playful (a joker). He shoved an Ansaari (in jest), and the Ansaari got very angry with him and called others to support him, saying, ‘O Ansaar!’ The Muhaajir called out, ‘O Muhaajireen!’ The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out and said, ‘What is this call of the people of Jaahiliyyah all about?’

[Umm Amilah]

Assalamualaykum, I am not sure if all the contents of the 'Prophet's method of correcting people mistakes' printed in my reply above, perhaps it was too much to print. Forgive me.



BarakAllahufik.

Your sister in Islam,

UmmA

[Abdullah al-Shishani]

Shame on u Sameer and the likes. The fact that u have gay friends, tells a lot about your character. That is of course if u r not some kafir agent, pretending to be muslim.

Also to all muslims: beware of new(or not so new) kafir plots, they make 'muslim' organisations, even pretend to convert to Islam, in order to fight us from within. How can a self-respecting man, not to mention a muslim, have a gay friend? Only in someones sick imagination I guess.