Statements of the Salaf and Scholars of the present encouraging the learning of the Arabic language
Al Hafith Ibn Battah mentioned concerning Imam Ahmed:
...Saleh ibn Ahmed narrated:
A man that was present (during the trials and debates of Imam Ahmed about the Quran being created or not) informed me:
I followed him for three days of trials and debates while they were debating with him and speaking to him. He never made a mistake in Arabic grammar! I never thought a person could possess such strength and a strong heart.
Ibn Battah continued to write:
...on the authority of Abu Bakr Al Marruthee, he said:
Abu Abdullah (Ahmed bin Hanbal) would not make grammatical mistakes. I was informed that while he was being debated with in front of the ruler, he did not make a grammatical mistake!
Abu Bakr Al Marruthee also said:
Ibn Abee Hassan -the scribe- mentioned to me:
While Abu Abdullah was incarcerated he requested from me (to borrow) the book of Hamzah (a book on Arabic grammar). I gave it to him and he read/reviewed it before being questioned and debated.
(source: Al Ibaanah 2/249 and on)
I (Mustafa) say: Without a doubt, this illustrates the importance the salaf gave to speaking correct grammar. It also shows the strength of Imam Ahmed, and his courage. It would be very difficult for an individual to focus on correct speech, knowing he may very well be living the last days of his life! This also shows his wisdom, not to make a grammatical mistake in order that the people of deviation would not have a proof to say: He doesn't understand Arabic! The likes of this is mentioned in the below statement of Shiekh Hammad Al Ansari. Allah knows best.
Sheikh ul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said:
The Salaf would admonish their children for making Arabic grammatical mistakes. Due to this, we are ordered, whether it be an obligation or a recommendation, to preserve the Arabic (grammatical) laws, and to correct the tongues that have deviated from the correct speech. By doing so, we preserve the methodology of understanding the Quran and the Sunnah. We also preserve the following of the Arab in their manner of (correct) speech. If people were left with their grammatical mistakes, this would be considered a great deficiency and despicable mistake.
(source: Majmoo' Al Fatawa 32/252)
Shiekh ul Islam (rahimahullah) also mentioned a statement of Imam Ash Shafi'ee (rahimahullah), he said:
...this is because the (language) that Allah choose is Arabic. He revealed His glorious book (The Quran) in this language and He made it the tongue of His final and last prophet, Muhammed -sallahu alahi wa salem. Therefore, we say: it is befitting for everyone that has the ability to learn this language to do so, this is because it should be the most desired language to learn. At the same time, it is not forbidden for people to speak with other than the Arabic language.
(source: Iktidah As Siralt Al Mustaqeem 1/521)
Imam Adh Dhahabee (rahimahullah) mentioned:
That which a scholar needs to be is:
-Taqiyan (have taqwah)
-Thakiyah (have intelligence)
-Nahwiyan (firm in Arabic grammar)
-Lugawiyan (firm in Arabic language)
-Zakiyan (pure in action and/or intentions)
-Hayiyan (shy)
-Salafiyan (follow the way of the Salaf As Saleh)....
(source: Siyar 'Alam An Nubalah 13/380)
Imam Adh Dhahabee (rahimahullah) also mentioned the following story:
On the authority of Al Mughirah bin Abdur Rahman, he said: Abdul Azeez Ad Darawirdee accompanied a group of people to visit my father for the purpose of reading a book to him. Ad Darawirdee read the book for them but he possessed a poor (Arabic) tongue and made many despicable mistakes. My father said to him: Woe be to you oh Darawirdee! You are in need of correcting your tongue before looking into this affair (hadeeth), more so than anything else.
(source: Siyar 'Alam An Nubalah 8/368)
Shiekh Hammad Al Ansari (rahimahullah) said:
When a Muwahid (person implementing Tawheed) makes a mistake in Arabic grammar, he is accused of not understanding (his religion).
The Shiekh's son commented:
Meaning: It is befitting for a person upon the Sunnah to learn the sciences of the Arabic language in order not to make grammatical mistakes.
(source: Al Mejm'oo 2/557)
Sheikh Muhammed bin Saleh Al Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) said:
From the benefits of learning the Arabic language is correction of the tongue with the Arabic tongue which the speech of Allah was revealed in. Because of this, understanding the Arabic language is extremely important. But the sciences of the Arabic language are difficult in the beginning and become easy thereafter. It is the example of a house made of cane (the likes of sugar cane), but its door is made of steel. Meaning, it is difficult for one to enter, but once one does, is then made easy. Due to this, I encourage the student to learn the foundations of the language in order to make the rest easy for him/her.
(source: Sharh Al Ajromiyah pg.9)
The aforementioned speech of Ibn Taymiyyah reminds us of the statement of Umm Abdellah Al Wadie'yah concerning her father, the beloved Sheikh Muqbil bin Hadee Al Wadi'ee.
She wrote:
My father would admonish us (her and her older sister) if we made a mistake in Arabic grammar. He would say: Don't be like the people of Sa'daa, they learn Arabic for several years until they reach the level of 'Al Mugnee al Labeeb' (famous book in Arabic grammar), yet they continue to speak similar to the normal layman.
(source: Nubtha Muktesirah pg.52)
Sheikh Muqbil (rahimahullah) also mentioned:
The sciences of the Arabic language (nahoo) are from the important forms of knowledge that are incumbent upon the Muslims to focus on. This is because the enemies of Islam seek to divert the Muslims away from the language of their religion and busy them with what has less importance in their religion. And Allah is the Helper.
(source: Ershad Thawil Fitan pg.65)
He likewise said:
If a student becomes strong in the Arabic language, this will make learning other subjects easy for him.
(source: Intro. to Al Hilal Adh Dhahabiya pg.8)
In closing we say, one thing that a person especially a salafee who is in seek of knowledge can reflect over to help encourage the studying of the Arabic language, is the following question of reflection and contemplation:
What would you do if you came into contact with the greatest scholars of our time, the likes of Sheikh Saleh al Fowzan, Sheikh Ahmed an Najmee, Sheikh Abdul Azeez ala Sheikh, Rabea bin Hadee, Sheikh Ubaid al Jabiree, etc..., what if you came into contact with these scholars without having a translator?! How much would you truly be able to benefit from them?! How many questions could you possibly ask?! How would you understand their answers and advice?!
May Allah guide us to what is good in this life and the hereafter. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the last messenger Muhammed, his family members and companions.
Mustafa George
Ruwais, United Arab Emirates
Source: Salafitalk
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Rukoo’ of the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
The Rukoo’ of the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Umar Baazmool
What is the description of the rukoo'? The description of the rukoo' is that the individual bends his back and places his hands upon his knees; his back is to be level to the point that if a person were to come with a hollow plate and place it upon his back it would remain in its place. So this indicates that the back is level. The author (Shaykh al-Albaanee), may Allaah have mercy upon him, has mentioned in that which he has cited from the ahadeeth, that the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), when he would bow, would spread his back to the point that if someone were to pour water upon it then it would remain in its place. Because then back is level and is not curved (or bent). As for the head and the neck, then he would not droop his head, meaning he would not bend it towards the ground. Nor would he raise it, meaning he would not raise it higher that the level of his back. And he is to place his head and neck even with the level of his back. What is affirmed, as the author has mentioned, in the ahadeeth, is that the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would place his palms upon his knees. Not upon his thighs above the knees. Nor upon the shin below the knees. He would separate his fingers and firmly grasp his knees with his hands as if he holding his knees.
Translated by Raha Batts
Taken From the Book: Sharh Sifah Salatin Nabee' (Explanation of the Prophet's Prayer Described) [currently being translated]
Source: Troid
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Umar Baazmool
What is the description of the rukoo'? The description of the rukoo' is that the individual bends his back and places his hands upon his knees; his back is to be level to the point that if a person were to come with a hollow plate and place it upon his back it would remain in its place. So this indicates that the back is level. The author (Shaykh al-Albaanee), may Allaah have mercy upon him, has mentioned in that which he has cited from the ahadeeth, that the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), when he would bow, would spread his back to the point that if someone were to pour water upon it then it would remain in its place. Because then back is level and is not curved (or bent). As for the head and the neck, then he would not droop his head, meaning he would not bend it towards the ground. Nor would he raise it, meaning he would not raise it higher that the level of his back. And he is to place his head and neck even with the level of his back. What is affirmed, as the author has mentioned, in the ahadeeth, is that the Messenger (sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would place his palms upon his knees. Not upon his thighs above the knees. Nor upon the shin below the knees. He would separate his fingers and firmly grasp his knees with his hands as if he holding his knees.
Translated by Raha Batts
Taken From the Book: Sharh Sifah Salatin Nabee' (Explanation of the Prophet's Prayer Described) [currently being translated]
Source: Troid
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Dawah in Bristol Requires Your Support!
Message from Our Brothers in Bristol
Your brothers and sisters in Bristol request your aid. By the grace of Allah subhanaah wa ta’aala Bristol has been blessed with a Masjid, a Quran School and most recently a Bookstore and Dawah Centre. The Masjid has been the centre of the community for years and has increasingly become overcrowded. This was even stated in a local government report that stated it is ‘the most frequented Mosque’ in South West England.
The Quran School was originally inside the mosque but due to high demand it has been relocated to its own building. It has 200+ students being taught 4 times a week each and has become known for its high standard. The Bookstore and Dawah has been open to become the contact point for non-muslims to dispel their doubts as well as catering for the needs of the large muslim community.
In the past two years the brothers and sisters in Bristol have been raising money for the expansion of the masjid. We have been doing this quietly and gathering mainly within the Bristol. We tried to suffice our need and Alhamdulilah we have £112,000 towards this project. However, the amount we need is £150,000 and the planning permission due to expire on 30th of January. We have been informed that a renewal of the planning permission is highly unlikely and not to expect it to be granted. This is why we need your help.
We do not wish to burden anyone so we have come up with a simple yet effective way to raise the money needed. We have set up a text service in which brothers and sisters can donate a small amount. We need everyone to do the following:-
Text the word ISLAM to 70800 – this will deduct a £3 donation from their next bill or pay as you go credit (UK only). Text everyone in your phone book and ask them to do the same.
Insha Allah, if every salafi brother and sister sends these two text messages we will raise all the money we are in need of.
May Allah ta’aala have mercy upon you, forgive you of your sins and reward you with good, ameen.
Your brothers and sisters in Bristol request your aid. By the grace of Allah subhanaah wa ta’aala Bristol has been blessed with a Masjid, a Quran School and most recently a Bookstore and Dawah Centre. The Masjid has been the centre of the community for years and has increasingly become overcrowded. This was even stated in a local government report that stated it is ‘the most frequented Mosque’ in South West England.
The Quran School was originally inside the mosque but due to high demand it has been relocated to its own building. It has 200+ students being taught 4 times a week each and has become known for its high standard. The Bookstore and Dawah has been open to become the contact point for non-muslims to dispel their doubts as well as catering for the needs of the large muslim community.
In the past two years the brothers and sisters in Bristol have been raising money for the expansion of the masjid. We have been doing this quietly and gathering mainly within the Bristol. We tried to suffice our need and Alhamdulilah we have £112,000 towards this project. However, the amount we need is £150,000 and the planning permission due to expire on 30th of January. We have been informed that a renewal of the planning permission is highly unlikely and not to expect it to be granted. This is why we need your help.
We do not wish to burden anyone so we have come up with a simple yet effective way to raise the money needed. We have set up a text service in which brothers and sisters can donate a small amount. We need everyone to do the following:-
Text the word ISLAM to 70800 – this will deduct a £3 donation from their next bill or pay as you go credit (UK only). Text everyone in your phone book and ask them to do the same.
Insha Allah, if every salafi brother and sister sends these two text messages we will raise all the money we are in need of.
May Allah ta’aala have mercy upon you, forgive you of your sins and reward you with good, ameen.
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