بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
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In Surah Al-'Asr [103:1-3], Allah said:
"By Al-'Asr (the time)."
"Verily! Man is in loss,"
Allah swears by time, that all of humankind are in loss. But there is an exception; a group of people who have been saved from loss:
"Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma'ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah's Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.)."
Those who believed in the Oneness of Allah, performed righteous deeds, advised one another on the truth and on patience.
We are walking day and night on our legs, whether at home or at work; wherever we are. At the same time, our hearts are walking. And one of the most important actions of the heart is الإحتساب. The word احتساب is derived from the word حساب which means account. Before you take any action or perform any righteous deed, you should have الاحتساب; to hope to have an account with Allah so that this good deed you are performing is kept safe with Him, so when you meet Allah on the Day of Judgement Allah will reward you for it.
The people of the Dunya are very eager to have accounts in the Bank, but the believers are keen to have an account with Allah. Before doing any action they hope that Allah will accept the good deed from them, add it to their scale on the Day of Judgement, and reward them for it.
Allah granted us energy, good health, time, properties, money, children, etc. We should use these blessings Allah gave us to come closer to Him. Hope that Allah will account your energy, your steps to the class, and reward you for it when you meet Him. And this is called a تجارة مع الله (A Business with Allah). The People of the Dunya have businesses and their capital is money. They put money in and expect money in return. The capital of the believers is their time, efforts, struggle, hoping for Paradise in return. And this is what is explained in Surah at-Tawbah [9:111]:
"Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success."
Whenever you come to an assembly of knowledge, you are giving away some of your time, you may be spending money to come, and your energy, hoping that Allah will give you Paradise in return. This is called الإحتساب and is a very important action of the heart. It is just with your heart, nothing else.
You are sitting and listening, and yet you are in an act of worship, like praying and fasting. And you will be rewarded for it on the Day of Judgement. It is a favour from Allah that He made the means to Paradise so easy for us.
Do not attend assemblies of knowledge feeling bored or forced to come. You should have gratitude and appreciation in your heart, because it is really a great favour from Allah. If you thank Allah, He will give you even more and more of His blessings.
But who will get the full reward of the gatherings? Those whose intentions are good.
Imam Ahmed رحمه الله was asked what the best deed was. He replied, "There is nothing like seeking knowledge for those whose intention is correct"
Allah has honoured you by making you come and listen to the good word.
Some Scholars said the seeking knowledge is a type of Jihad in the way of Allah. And the Prophet ﷺ said:
مثل المجاهد في سبيل الله كمثل الصائم القائم القانت بآيات الله لا يفتر: من صلاة ولا صيام، حتى يرجع المجاهد في سبيل الله
"One who goes out for Jihad in the Cause of Allah is like a person who observes Saum (fasting), stands in Salat (prayer) constantly, recites the Ayat of the Qur'an and does not exhibit any lassitude in fasting and prayer until the participant of Jihad in the way of Allah returns." [Agreed Upon]
This is the state of the Student of Knowledge. He is struggling in understanding the Religion, in attending lectures; He is in a Jihad. Sheikh Ibn Othaimeen رحمه الله said that he may be even better than the person who is going out for Jihad in the Battlefield, because the Seeker of Knowlege may benefit more people.
Allah is العليم (The All-Knower) and loves the learned people. We should be keen to learn in order to attain Allah's Love.
What should the intention of the Student of Knowledge be in order to get that reward with Allah?
He should seek Knowledge in order to:
1) Remove ignorance from himself
2 Remove ignorance from others.
3) Defend the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and Protect it from being forgotten.
If no one learns the Religion, it will be lost and no one will know about it, as other religions were, because their people did not give importance to it.
4) Because it is an Act of Worship.
Your sitting in an assembly of remembrance of Allah is a means of nearness to Allah.
When many people do not understand what the lecturer is saying, or are distracted, or tired, they drink coffee, eat something, play with their mobiles, or leave and go home. They say there is no benefit in their sitting because since they do not understand, they cannot remove ignorance from themselves, nor others, nor defend the Shari'ah, whilst forgetting the fourth intention. Even if you do not understand, Allah Knows about your sitting and your struggle to understand. Angels surround the gatherings of remembrance of Allah, and Angels only come to places which are pure and beloved to Allah. Even though we do not see them, we believe in their existence, and believe that they seek these gatherings.
Do not let the Shaytan deceive you and prevent you from this blessing. The Prophet ﷺ said
مَا جَلَسَ قَوْمٌ مَجْلِسًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ فِيهِ إِلاَّ حَفَّتْهُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَتَغَشَّتْهُمُ الرَّحْمَةُ وَتَنَزَّلَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّكِينَةُ وَذَكَرَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ
"No people sit in a gathering remembering Allah, But the angels surround them, mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them and Allah remembers them before those who are with Him." [Ibn Majah #3791]
This means that if a person is distracted by his problems and his heart is constricted, when the Mercy of Allah descends, he will feel good, his heart will be broadened, his problem which is distracting him will be removed, and even if he is sick he will be cured.
Imam Ahmed and other Scholars said that they were sick and attended the study circles, and left healthy.
This is impact of the special mercy of Allah not for just any gathering, but for those who attend the gatherings of knowledge. So do not deprive yourself of this blessing. Even if you do not understand what the lecturer is saying, it is a matter of test and time, and if you hold yourself Allah will make you understand after you did not understand. And Allah is Able to do that.
After understanding the importance of seeking Knowledge, what is the most important subject we should learn? Knowledge about Allah; Belief in Allah - Tawheed.
Nowadays, many people belittle Religious Knowledge, because it does not earn them money. In some cultures they say money is time, time is money. If an individual does not bring money, he is useless.
We should understand that Allah created us for one purpose:- to Know Him, to Love Him, to Worship Him. If you do not spend your time doing that, what is the benefit of your life and your money earned?
Tawheed of Allah = Belief in Allah (الإيمان بالله)
توحيد comes from the word واحد (One). This means that we need to worship Allah alone; single out Allah in worship.
Evidence that Tawheed = الإيمان بالله: Surah Ghafir [40:84-85]:
"So when they saw Our punishment, they said: "We believe in Allah Alone and reject (all) that we used to associate with Him as (His) partners."
"Then their Faith (in Islamic Monotheism) could not avail them when they saw Our punishment. (Like) this has been the way of Allah in dealing with His slaves. And there the disbelievers lost utterly (when Our Torment covered them)."
There are people from other Religions who say that they are also believers. But when we say belief, we mean believing in Allah alone, without associating others in worship with Him. Allah shows us in this verse who the believers are in His sight - those who single Allah out in worship. Whenever you read "الذين ءامنوا" in the Quran, it refers to those who believe in Allah alone.
Allah created the entire creation for this purpose - to establish Tawheed on the earth. This is the purpose behind Allah bringing us in this life, and sending Messengers and Books. In Surah Al-Anbiya [21:25-29]:
"And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)."
"And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or children)." Glory to Him! They [those whom they call children of Allah i.e. the angels, 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.], are but honoured slaves."
What is the description of these honourable slaves?
"They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command."
"He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him."
Some say: We do not worship them, they are our intercessors with Allah.
Allah says that these honourable slaves cannot intercede except for those whom Allah is pleased with, and they are afraid of Allah.
"And if any of them should say: "Verily, I am an ilah (a god) besides Him (Allah)," such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)."
So then how can you take them as Gods?
Allah created us and sent Messengers and Books for the purpose of establishing Tawheed on earth and rejecting Shirk.
Belief in Allah comprises of belief in His Names, Attributes, and Actions. The more you know Allah, the more it will increase your belief in Him. If you see that Allah made it easy for you to learn about Him, then know that Allah favoured you with a special Rizq.
The Importance of Knowing the Names of Allah
1) Knowing the Names of Allah is the core of belief in Allah. You will not be able to believe in Allah unless you know Him by His Names, Attributes, and Actions.
What is Faith?
Faith is to believe with certainty in the unseen news, and Allah is the greatest unseen.
What are the Sources of Faith?
Allah has commanded us to believe in Him in the Quran and Sunnah; through the tongue of the Messenger.
We do not believe in just any unseen information, but the unseen mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, like the Messengers, Books, Angels, etc.
How do you prove your belief? Through actions. Lack of action indicates lack of belief.
E.g. The Name of Allah الرزاق
If our belief that Allah is the only true Provider increases, we will see the impact of it in everything around us. It will reach an extent that if someone loves you, you will say this is a رزق from Allah. If you see someone turning away from you, you will say that Allah did not write it as a رزق for me. If you have good neighbours, it is a رزق from Allah. If you have bad neighbours, you will say Allah is testing me with them.
We want to attain the level of faith where there is no doubt in our belief, and that will not be attained until we learn more about Allah.
Belief in Allah is the basis for the rest of the articles of faith; Belief in the Angels, the Books, the Messengers, the Day of Judgement, the Qadar.
The Connection between Belief in Allah and Belief in the Day of Judgement: You believe in Allah, and you believe that there is a Day you will meet Allah. On that Day Allah will roll the Heavens and Earth with His right Hand and say, "I am the King, where are the kings of this world?"
The Connection between Belief in Allah and Belief in the Angels: You believe in Allah and you believe that Allah created the Angels.
The Connection between Belief in Allah and Belief in the Books and Messengers: You believe in Allah and you believe that Allah sent Books to Messengers.
The Connection between Belief in Allah and Belief in the Qadar: You believe in Allah and believe that Allah knew everything in advance, and He wrote it down, and now by His Will everything happens, and He created it.
2) People seek spiritual wellbeing; they seek peace of mind, happiness, rest of the heart.
This is called صلاح البال and is mentioned in two verses in the Quran. In Surah Muhammed [47:2]:
"But those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and believe in that which is sent down to Muhammad ﷺ, for it is the truth from their Lord, He will expiate from them their sins, and will make good their state."
Whoever
"الذين ءامنوا" = Believes in the Oneness of Allah.
"و عملوا الصالحات" = Does Righteous Deeds
"و ءامنوا بما نزل على محمد و هو الحق من ربهم" = And Believes in what was sent down to Muhammed ﷺ, and it is the truth from their Lord.
What will his reward be?
"كفر عنهم سيئاتهم" - He will expiate their sins
"و أصلاح بالهم"
How many times do we read this verse? A lot, but we are always distracted, depressed, sad. And Allah is telling us - Do you want peace of mind, emotional wellbeing, stability of the heart? Then believe in Allah alone and perform righteous good deeds. This will bring happiness, joy, and peace in ones heart. But in order to attain a صلاح البال we travel, earn more money - although there are people who are billionaires who commit suicide.
بال means mind, heart, thoughts. Belief in Allah is the only way to attain صلاح البال.
If a person has attained صلاح البال he has attained all good. If your heart is in peace it will affect your behaviour, thoughts, speech, everything in your life. You will be happy even if you do not have money, because your mind is at rest. And Allah says in Surah Ar-Ra'd [13:28]:
"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."
Rest in the heart will not be attained unless a person remembers Allah.
In order to attain صلاح البال we need to strengthen our knowledge and belief in Allah. Whoever knows Allah by His Name الحكيم (The All-Wise) will accept all the decrees of Allah with a good heart. The believer who knows that Allah is القريب feels tranquility and happiness when he remembers Allah, because he knows his Lord is near to him. The believer who knows that Allah is الملك, whose Command is executive, who is free of defects and is perfect, will submit and surrender himself to Allah. He is told to put his concerns at the gate of his King and let Him dispose his affairs in the best way. Allah will give you what is best for you.
The believer knows he is the slave and Allah is the King, he is deficient and Allah is Perfect. So he puts his affairs at the gate of the King and trusts Him and shows humility to Him, and Allah will never let him down, He will give him more than what he asks for. But because we do not depend on Allah and depending on ourselves and the means we prolong a problem that could have been fixed easily.
Why are people going through depression and sicknesses? Because there is weak belief in Allah. They think of everything to be a support for them other than Allah. This is why they suffer a lot, and become depressed when they fail.
You should be happy that Allah is choosing the best for you. You are in a much better state than many people. When you think good about Allah, then Allah will be for you as you think of Him.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us a supplication to say in the morning and evening:
"O Allah, I ask you for forgiveness and wellbeing in this world and the next. O Allah I ask you for forgiveness and wellbeing in my religion and worldly life, my family, and my money. O Allah, conceal my defects and preserve me from anguish. O Allah, guard me from in front of me, and from behind me, and from my right, and from my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge with your Greatness from being struck from under me"
If we say this supplication every morning and evening with understanding, we would have صلاح البال. But we do not have it because we say the supplication with lack of understanding and belief. Everything mentioned in the supplication are means of happiness.
In Conclusion: How can we attain صلاح البال/Spiritual Wellbeing? By strengthening our belief in Allah. How can we strengthen our belief in Allah? By Knowing Allah.
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