Revision notes for "The Four Principles" (Al-Qawaid Al-Arba'aa) by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab

 

Revision notes:

The 4 fundamental Principles by Muhammad ibn Al Wahhab

 

Introduction

·         The author makes tremendous dua for the readers for Allah to protect and care for you

·         Then mentions 3 things that are the keys to happiness

 

1.      To be grateful when you are given

We should be constantly grateful for the blessing we have; a peaceful environment, safety, our body, health, and people around us.

2.      To be patient when you are tested

The worldly life is a place of tests

‘Do people think that they will say ‘we believe’ and will be left without being tested?’ (29:2)

3.      To seek forgiveness if you sin

We will all fall into sin but if you do you must seek forgiveness.

Open sinner – is constantly sinning

Righteous sinner – not in public

 

Definition of Haneefiyyah:

To turn to Allah – which necessitates turning away from SHIRK/ falsehood.

Haneefiyyah is the foundation of the religion – to worship Allah alone.

Ibrahim (AS) – Haneef was name given to him

 

Definitions:

Ibadah: (Ibn Taymiyyah’s definition)

A comprehensive term for everything that Allah loves and is pleased with  - in heart and actions – hidden and open

Tawheed:

To single out Allah in the things that are specific to him  - in worship, names and attributes and lordship

Shirk:

To direct ibadah to other than Allah

Analogy:

Effect of shirk on worship:

If you know that Allah created you for worship (51:56), know that worship is not without Tawheed.

There is no salah without Wudoo

 

The greatest thing forbidden is SHIRK, this is why we must learn about it as it causes eternal punishment in the fire.

 

There are 4 principles in this book that refute and combat doubts concerning SHIRK

 

1^st Principle

Tawheed ar-Ruboobiyyah (belief Allah exists and his actions)  is not enough to enter someone in Jannah.

The Quraysh that fought the Prophet ﷺ believed in Allah  - they believed in Rubobbiyah  - (that Allah is creator, controller, provider) BUT this is not enough and they were deemed non- Muslim as Ruboobiyyah alone is not enough. The Kuffar of Quraysh would worship idols too.

FOR a person to be deemed Muslim – they need Uloohiyyah  - worship directed to Allah

Ruboobiyyah necessitates Uloohiyyah

 

2^nd Principle

They claim made by contemporary polytheists:

‘We are not directing worship to these deities; we only do this to get closer to Allah’

They say they seek nearness to Allah through others than Allah – THIS IS DISBELIEF

 

Shafa’aa – intercession

Shafa’aa is from Allah and has wisdoms

The wisdom is that:

1.      Honour for the person interceding

2.      Means for mercy for the one being interceded for

3.      Conditions are correct

4.      Wisdom behind shafaa

 

 

There is 2 conditions for Shafa’aa to be accepted:

1.      Allah is pleased with the one doing the intercession and the one seeking it is on TAWHEED.

2.      Allah gave permission for the intercession

 

It will be rejected if someone is upon shirk

 

3^rd Principle

The Prophet ﷺ did not differentiate between worshipping objects or deities. There is no difference in what is being worshipped in SHIRK.

The Prophet ﷺ equally fought against anyone who worshipped other than Allah.

 

Shubuhaat: Certain doubt: They say

We don’t worship idols like the kuffar of Quraysh, we worship righteous people to get closer to Allah.

Among His signs are the day and the night, the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them ˹all˺, if you ˹truly˺ worship Him ˹alone˺. (41:37)

 

And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know what is ˹hidden˺ within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Knower of all unseen. (5:116)

 

4^th Principle

Mushrikeen commit shirk at times of ease but at times of hardship and difficulty worship Allah alone. –

If they happen to be aboard a ship ˹caught in a storm˺, they cry out to Allah ˹alone˺ in sincere devotion. But as soon as He delivers them ˹safely˺ to shore, they associate ˹others with Him once again˺. (29:65)

Contemporary mushrikeen are actually worse than the Quraysh

In times of difficulty Quraysh would turn to Allah.

Now when difficulties increase, the SHIRK increases. They call upon Hassan, Hussein, Abdel Kader.

Some people they worship are not even righteous people but CORRUPT.

Their leaders believe once they get to a certain level, they no longer have to pray/ fast.

All major sins are less than SHIRK

 

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah, the Exalted, has said: 'O son of adam, I forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, whatever sins you have committed. O son of 'Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the height of the heaven, then you ask for my forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of 'Adam, if you come to Me with an earth load of sins, and meet Me associating nothing to Me, I would match it with an earthload of forgiveness."'

[At- Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hadith Hasan].

 Riyad as-Salihin 442

Any benefit is from Allah - all mistakes are from me 

The Leper, the bald and the blind man - Story and Questions (Downloadable PDF)

The Leper, the bald man and the blind man.

The story is originally from Saheeh al- Bukharee: Kitab Ahadeeth al-Anbiyaa’ (3464) andSaheeh Muslim: Kitab az-Zuhd (no. 2964). 

In the name of Allah. 

All benefit is from Allah, any mistakes are from m

Notes from The noble Character and Good Manners: Their affect on upon Society – By Abu Khadeejah

 The noble Character and Good Manners: Their affect on upon Society – By Abu Khadeejah

Stream The Noble Character And Good Manners: Their Effect Upon Society By Abu Khadeejah by Salafi Publications | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

My notes:

May Allah reward out teacher Abu Khadeejah 

Any mistakes are from me, any benefit is from Allah.

‘You oh Muhammad are on an exalted standard of character’ (68:4)

 

Abu Darda reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Nothing is heavier upon the scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection than his good character. Verily, Allah hates the vulgar and obscene.”

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2002

 The life of a muslim should emcompass nobility and good manners and good conduct.

 

‘And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy’ (17:53)

 

Ali ibn Abi Talhah reported: Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Allah has commanded patience at a time of anger, and forbearance and forgiveness at a time of being wronged. If they do so, Allah will protect them from Satan and subdue their enemies such that they become like dear friends.”

Source: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 41:34

 

Have patience in time of anger

Have forbearance in times when faced with ignorance

Pardon when faced with harm is afflicted upon you

 

If done, Allah will protect and overpower their enemies.

 

On the authority of Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junadah, and Abu Abdur-Rahman Muadh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

 

‘Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people’.

 

Hadith 18, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

 

Ibnu Qayyim commenting on above Hadith said Prophet (peace be upon him) gathered two affairs together, Taqwa of Allah and nobility of manner.

 

Tawqa – rectifies between people and Allah

Nobility recifies between people and the rest of creation

 

Abu Hurairah narrated that The Messenger of Allah said:

“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.”

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1162

 

Good manners are to prevent you harming other.

 

Not many from Non- muslim read quran and enter into Islam.

Most have had Islam introduced to them and seen good characteristics of a muslim and this has enticed him to learn

 

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: By his good character a believer will attain the degree of one who prays during the night and fasts during the day.

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4798

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

 

 

The manners, the way that he behaves and interacts with others is a sign of what is in his heart.

If he is wretched, rude in manners, foul in speech, behaves in rude manner to other, this is a sign of sickness in his heart.

 

Our actions are a reflection of what is in our hearts.

 

Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the example we look at for perfection of character and manner. How he behaved to those around him, even those whom harmed him. How he was with the youth.

Honour our elders

Have mercy on young

Give scholars their rights

Give to the poor – ever turn away those asking

How he would impart knowledge, people would listen and accept what he said. Heart was pure and sincere.

 

When we talk and behave we should try to emulate the manners and behaviours if Prophet (peace be upon him)

 

Anas ibn Malik reported: I served the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for ten years. By Allah, he never even said to me, “Uff!” He never said harshly, “Why did you do that?” or, “Why did you not do that?”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5691, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2309

 

‘Ata’ ibn Yasar reported: I met Abdullah ibn Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, and I said, “Tell me about the description of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in the Torah.” Abdullah said, “By Allah, he is described in the Torah with some of what is mentioned in the Quran: O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of glad tidings, and to give warning, (33:45) and to guard over the illiterate, for you are My servant and My messenger. I have called you a trustworthy man, who is neither rude nor loud in the markets, nor does he return evil with evil, rather he pardons and forgives. Allah Almighty will not take him back until he has made straight the religion which was crooked, that they will say there is no God but Allah, through which eyes are made to see, ears are made to hear, and neglectful hearts are awakened.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2125

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari

 

Do not do something, or say something that you will have to make excuses for tomorrow.

Look at own behaviour before you look at behaviours of others.

 

Be patient with harm

Do not respond to abuse with abuse

The rectification of corruption by Abu Idrees

 Salafi Publications 1445/2023 conference

"Corruption has appeared upon the land and sea due to what the Hands of men have earned"

This is notes from the talk by Abu Idrees Muhammad Khan

The rectification of corruption

Any benefit is from Allah, any mistakes are from me 

The causes of corruption on Earth - Abu Idrees

 

Salafi Publications 1445/2023 conference

"Corruption has appeared upon the land and sea due to what the Hands of men have earned"

This is notes from the talk by Abu Idrees Muhammad Khan

The causes of corruption on Earth

The importance of knowing the signs that proceed the hour: Mustapha Mubram

 

Germantown Masjid winter conference -2023/1445

The signs of the hour: Major and Minor

Lecture 1

The importance of knowing the signs that proceed the hour: Mustapha Mubram

Any goodness is from Allah and any mistakes are from me

Six causes of Corruption on Earth by Uways At-Taweel

  Salafi Publications 1445/2023 conference

"Corruption has appeared upon the land and sea due to what the Hands of men have earned"

This is notes from the talk by Uways At-Taweel

Six Causes of Corruption on Earth

(Any benefit is from Allah, any mistakes are from me)

The effects of Tawheed in removal of calamities and defeat of enemies - Abu Iyaad

 Salafi Publications 1445/2023 conference

"Corruption has appeared upon the land and sea due to what the Hands of men have earned"

This is notes from the talk by Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq

The effects of Tawheed in removal of calamities and defeat of enemies

(Any benefit is from Allah, any mistakes are from me)

The bad consequences of the tongue - Notes from talk by Abdililah Lahmani

Salafi Publication 1445/2023 conference

"Corruption has appeared upon the land and sea due to what the Hands of men have earned"

This is notes from the talk by Abdulilah Lahmani 

"The bad consequences of the tongue.

(Any benefit is from Allah, any mistakes are from me)

Prophet Esa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary) Peace be upon him - Story and worksheets

Asalam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu

Being December there is a lot of talk about Jesus and many children are hearing the christian story of Jesus in Schools. 

I created worksheets to share the story of Prophet Esa (peace be upon him) as it is mentiond in the Qu'ran so that children can understand from the islamic perspective and not be confused.  

As a guide I would say it is suitable for age 10+

Surah Ma'idah: Verse 3

This day I have completed your religion for you, perfected my blessings upon you , and am pleased with Islam as religion. 

ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا

 (5:3)

Alhamdulilah Allah blessed us with Islam

This ayah came down to the prophet ﷺ whilst he was performing the standing in arafat during the farewell Hajj on the day of Jummah and he ﷺ lived after it for a short time and then moved on to the highest company (of angels).

The ayah contains a testomomy from Allah, the perfect, most high, that his religion is complete and that it covers everything of benefit to the servants and that it contains a solution for all of thier issues and problems unitl the establishment of the hour. 

And that is suitable for every time and place, they do not need any other legislation after it or any other book to come downor any other messager to be sent after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Islam is suitable for every time and every place

Taken from a talk by Hassan As-Somali (16/03/19)

Hijrah - a reminder by Ustadh Raha Batts

 Hijrah – a reminder by Ustadh Raha Batts – 23.07.23

(facilitated by escape to Egypt -Escape To Egypt - Link-in-bio (bit.ly))

Linguistically, The Word Hijrah Comes... From The Root Word Ha-Ja-Ra. Which means To Let Go, To Completely Leave Something, To Get Away, Status of Separation, To Change Status; Physically, Emotionally, Of Belief, Place, Or Habits.

Al- hijrah – islamically – to relocate away from land of disbelieve to the land of the Muslims.

Hijrah will not be discontinued until there is no more opportunity for the people to make tawbah (something that is ongoing until the day of judgement)

Actions are by way of intention (Niyaa) – desire the pleasure of Allah (swt)            

Overwhelming feeling of safety and security in the Muslim lands is not felt in non-Muslim lands.

Hijrah is from the actions that please Allah and is a righteous deed.

Is it Wajab? (an obligation or recommended)

If a person is able outwardly practice your religion, and no one stops you in any aspect. Then it is just recommended. Although it is dangerous – to stay in land of disbelievers. Even if safe and secure and you can practice religion, it is still recommended you leave.

If a person is not capable to practice religion freely where they live (not cover properly, shave beard, or can’t get Fridays off for jummah). In this case, it is obligatory to make hijrah.

The earth of Allah is spacious for a person to move for the sake of Allah, to escape what they are pushing on your children.

Do not make excuses (these are actually preferences for dunya – maybe for comfort or ease). This feeling is from Shaytan.

 

Hadith

Sabrah ibn Abi Fakih reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

  “Verily, Satan lies in wait for the son of Adam along his paths. He sits on the path of Islam and he says: You will embrace Islam and abandon your religion and your forefather’s religion? He disobeys him and embraces Islam. Then, Satan lies in wait for him on the path of emigration and he says: You will emigrate and leave your land and sky? Indeed, an emigrant is like a tethered horse! He disobeys him and emigrates. Then, Satan lies in wait for him on the path of jihad and he says: You will wage jihad at great cost to your life and wealth? You will fight and be killed, your wife will remarry, and your wealth distributed as spoils! He disobeys him and he wages jihad. Whoever does that has a right upon Allah Almighty that he will enter Paradise.”

Source: Sunan al-Nasā’ī 3134

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

Shaytan has 1001 excuses ready for you.

 

 

A question was asked if a sister non-Muslim brother or father can travel with her as mahram:

Muslim or non-Muslim (father and brother) is your mahram. They can travel and drop you off  and then when you are safe, they can leave you.

To travel you need a mahram – so you cannot travel until you have the means.

Safety is not the issue – the legislation of ALLAH is what is in important – do not travel without mahram.

Islamic studies quiz for children

Islamic Studies Quiz for children.

It is upon us as Muslims to seek beneficial knowledge and teach it to our children.

This quiz aims to covers the foundations of Islam.

I like to do this quiz at the beginning of Ramadan so can see what areas need revision. 

If you are stuck on any of the questions, I would recommend a book called:

My first Islamic studies Book (Junior Level) by Markaz bin Jabal

1.      What are the 5 pillars of Islam?

2.      What are the 6 pillars of Eman?

3.      What is Ihsan?

4.      What are the 3 categories of Tawheed?

5.      What are the 3 questions you will be asked in the grave?

6.      What are the answers to those 3 questions?

7.      What is the Prophet’s ﷺ full name?

8.      Name 5 of Allah’s names and the meanings.

9.      What did the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ say we should break our fast with?

10.   How many surah’s are there in the Qu’ran? Which was the first Ayah to be revealed?

11.   Name 5 animals that are mentioned in the Qur’an.

12.   What is Tawakkul?

13.    What are the Arabic words for..

·        Straight path =

·        Mankind =

·        The dawn

·        King/master =

·        Patience =

14.   Name 3 major sins.

15.   What is the worst sin?

16.   What should you say when you leave the house?

17.   Who built the Ka’bah?

18.   Where is Allah?

19.   Can you name 10 prophets?

20.   Who were the first 4 caliph’s in Islam after the death of prophet Muhammad ﷺ ?

H

    Below is a PDF you can download and print with the quiz. (To save paper I usually set it print 2 pages on 1 sheet and make it A5 size).

The best days of the Year – The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allahﷺ said,

“There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).”

He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?”

He ﷺ replied,

“Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.”

[Al-Bukhari].

Hajj

Hajj is one of the 5 pillars that Islam is built upon and that is obligatory for Muslims that can afford it.

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka`bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (3:97)

Below is the link for a Hajj guide by Abu Khadeejah which can be downloaded and printed.

http://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Hajj-and-Umrah-Guide-Book-2014.pdf

What can we do in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

·        Strive with Dhikr – (remembrance of Allah)

·        Read Qur’an

·        Give in charity

·        Do good deeds

·        Fast the first 9 days especially the 9^th Dhul Hijjah which is Day of Arafat – (the 10^th is Eid al Adha)

·        Teach our children the virtues of these blessed days and encourage them to strive along with you and older children to fast if able to.

·      Teach your children the story of the event in the life of Ibrahim (alaihis-salaam) when Allah revealed to him in a dream that he sacrificed his son. The story can be found in the Quran 37:102-107. After Ibrahim showed that he was willing to make this sacrifice, Allah provided an animal to be sacrificed instead. 

·        Teach your children about the well of Zam Zam.

·        If you have a friend or relative who has completed Hajj, get them to describe their experience

       Look at a map of Hajj and the different sites where rituals take place.

Day of Arafat

Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for two years:

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord.

It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who a not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said,

“It expiates the sins (Minor) of the past year and the coming year.” [Muslim (no. 1162)].

There is no days which Allah saves more slaves from the fire that day and Allah draws nearer to the lowest heaven.

The Prophet ﷺ said

 ‘There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [Jaami’ut-Tirmidhee (3/377)]

From the above hadith – it is said that Allah asks his angels what the people are seeking. Allah knows what they are seeking and that they want forgiveness, Jannah and saving from the fire.

Allah then calls upon his angels;

‘Bear witness for I have forgiven them’.

The best thing to say on the day of Arafat

‘The best supplication is the supplication of the day of ‘Arafat and the best thing which I and the Prophets before me have said is:

 لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل قدير

‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah Alone, He has no partner and to Him belongs the Dominion. To Him belongs the praise and He is capable/has power over all things.’

La ilaha ‘illa Allaahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer

(Narrated by tirmidhee in Sunan from the hadeeth of Abdullah bin Amr. It was graded hasan by the ‘Allama al-Albani in silsilah as-Saheehah nad he said: ‘the hadeeth is Thabit due to the collection of supporting evidences.’)

  

Eid al Adha -  ‘Eid is a day of joy and allowance given to us by Allah.

Eid Al-Adha is four days in total:

The 10^th (the day of Eid prayer)

 then the days of tashreeq (the 11^th , 12^th   and 13^th  days of Dhul-Hijjah).

It is impermissible to fast in these days for those not performing the Hajj.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The days of Tashreeq are days for eating drinking and remembering Allah عز و جل” 

(narrated by Abi al-Maleeh رضي الله عنه, reported in Sahih Al-Muslim).

 Allah سبحان و تعالى said: "And remember Allah during the appointed Days." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 203).

May Allah grant us the opportunity and means to perform Hajj and accept our deeds. Ameen