Beautiful Point of Benefit From Shaykh Rabee'

Shaikh Rabee' bin Hadee al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah) stated: 


When you see a person speaking ill of Ahlis-Sunnah, then this is an indication that this person is a deviant. It's also possible that he's a Zindeeq (heretic). When you see a person speaking ill of Ahlis-Sunnah and Ahlil-Hadeeth, what is it that causes him to speak ill of them except that he is in opposition to them and looking down upon that which is with them. There's no doubt in that.

If this is not the case, then what pushes him to speak ill of Ahlis-Sunnah and its followers?! Nothing pushes him except that he is one who is misguided, embodying deviance, vice and evil. This is from their (i.e. the people of Bid'ah's) signs. This is from the signs of the people of evil and the people of innovation. If he was to say: "I from Ahlis-Sunnah" don't believe him because he is a Kadh-dhaab (habitual liar)! Many from these fraudulent liars say to you: "I'm Salafi" and at the same time he's a liar. He only said this as a means of a plot (against the people of the Sunnah).

Similar to the Munaafiq (hypocrite) who says: "I'm a believer", "I'm a Muslim". He's says "I'm a Muslim"! The Munaafiq doesn't say: "I'm a Kaafir", or "I'm a Munaafiq and I hate Islaam." Rather he says "I'm a Muslim," he prays, give charity, and he does and does...at the same time he combats Islaam and hates the people of Islaam.

Many from amongst the people nowadays who say: "I'm Salafi," however you don't see him except that he hates the people of Hadeeth and speaks ill of them.


Source: Taken from Shaikh Rabee's Explanation of Aqeedatus-Salaf Ashaabil-Hadeeth, pg. 309

Translated by: Abu Yusuf Khaleefah

Beware of offering Fajr before true entrance of Fajr!

Beware of offering Fajr before true entrance of Fajr! 

Allaah, Ta'aala, says:

أُحِلَّ لَڪُمۡ لَيۡلَةَ ٱلصِّيَامِ ٱلرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَآٮِٕكُمۡ*ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لِبَاسٌ۬ لَّهُنَّ*ۗ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّڪُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَخۡتَانُونَ أَنفُسَڪُمۡ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَعَفَا عَنكُمۡ*ۖ فَٱلۡـَٔـٰنَ بَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَٱبۡتَغُواْ مَا ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ*ۚ وَكُلُواْ وَٱشۡرَبُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡطُ ٱلۡأَبۡيَضُ مِنَ ٱلۡخَيۡطِ ٱلۡأَسۡوَدِ مِنَ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ*ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّواْ ٱلصِّيَامَ إِلَى ٱلَّيۡلِ*ۚ وَلَا تُبَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمۡ عَـٰكِفُونَ فِى ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدِ*ۗ تِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَقۡرَبُوهَا*ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَّقُونَ

It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fasts). They are body covering for you and you are the same for them. Allaah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allaah has ordained for you (offspring), and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I'tikaaf in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allaah, so approach them not. Thus does Allaah make clear His Ayaat to mankind that they may become Al-Muttaqun. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 187) 


Ibn 'Abbaas (radiallaahu 'anhumma) said that the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: There are two Fajrs (dawns). As for the first, it does not prevent eating (for the fasting person) nor does it permit prayer (the Fajr prayer). As for the other, it prohibits eating (for the fasting person) and allows the prayer.[Ibn Khuzaimah and Haakim]


Shaikh Al-Albaanee (rahimahulaah) said: "And I have seen this myself many times from my home in Jabal Hamlaan in south-east 'Amman [Jordan]. It allowed me to confirm what had been claimed by some devout advisors concerned for the Muslims' worship, that the adhaan of Fajr in some of the Arab lands is called before the time of the true Fajr by a period of between 20 and 30 minutes, even before the false Fajr! 


And I had often heard the Iqaamah of Fajr Prayer from some of the masjids being called along with the entrance of the true Fajr, meaning that they had called the adhaan a half hour before its time. This means that they had prayed the Sunnahs of Fajr before the entrance of Fajr's time, and they had occasionally hurried the actual Fajr prayer as well, in the month of Ramadaan, as I heard over the radio station in Damascus while I was eating my suhoor (pre-dawn meal before fasting) last Ramadaan (in the year 1406).


This makes things difficult on the people, forcing them to stop eating before they have to, and it subjects their Fajr prayer to the danger of being unacceptable. And the only reason for this is that the people have relied upon astronomical calculations, and turned away from the legislated times of the prayers. [Allaah said (what means):] And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)..." For more on this matter, click on The Legislated Times for the Five Daily Prayers.


So Fajr (Dawn) begins at the first light of the dawn of the sun, the first glow on the Eastern horizon where the sun will rise from. This is understood from Allaah's statement (which means): Until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)..." (Al-Baqarah, ayah 187) 


Here is a photo of the lying fajr (al-fajr al-kadhib) and below that a picture of the true fajr (al-fajr as-saadiq): 


                                       الفجر الكاذب

الفجر الصادق

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' said: "Al-Fajr-ul-Kadhib [the lying fajr] appears as a rectangle in the sky from the top to the bottom of the horizon, while Al-Fajr-ul-Sadiq [the true fajr] appears in the sky spreading along the horizon. The time for offering the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer starts with the appearance of Al-Fajr-ul-Sadiq [the true fajr]." 

Shaikh al-'Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said in his explanation to Bulugh al-Maram (the seventh tape):

"The 'ulama said there are two fajrs. One true and one lying, and there are three differences between them. 

The first difference (is) in how they look. So, the true fajr extends from north to south, and the lying fajr it extends from east to west - oblong like the tail of the wolf. 

The second difference (is) that the true fajr doesn't have darkness between it and the horizon, rather, its light is connected with the horizon. As for the lying fajr, there is darkness between it and the horizon, meaning the light does not extend until the end of the horizon. 

The third difference (is) the lying fajr, its oblong light becomes dark and its light goes away. As for the true fajr, its light persists and becomes stronger until the sun rises. These are the three differences between the true fajr and the lying fajr."

The adhaan for the SubH salat (Fajr) should be called when the white thread appears - picture 2. What you see in the first picture is called "lying fajr," which disappears shortly after it appears. The true fajr only spreads after its entrance.

What Shaikh Al-Albanee (rahimahullaah) alluded to is that many are deceived by the lying fajr (al-Fajr al-Kaadhib) - falsely believing that to be the entrance of Fajr - and therefore offer their naafila (two superogatory rak'ah) before the entrance of the true Fajr, and may even fall into offering their obligatory SubH salat before the entrance of the fajr, due to relying on the astronomical calculations. And astronomical calculations are merely estimates and are prone to human error.

The Permanent Committee of Scholars for Research and Fatwaa stated: "Schedules are a kind of ijtihaad (reasoned deductions); those who produce them are human beings who are erroneous sometimes and correct sometimes. Those who produce them are human beings who are erroneous sometimes and correct sometimes. Therefore, it is not befitting that we assign the exact times of the beginnings and endings of our prayers and fasts based on them, because their beginning and ending times have come in the Book and the Sunnah, and we must rely on what the Legislative evidences have indicated." [Fataawaa al-Lajnah ad-Daa'imah (6/141)]

Here, again, is the above hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam): There are two Fajr (dawns). As for the first, it does not prevent eating (for the fasting person) nor does it permit prayer (the Fajr prayer). As for the other, it prohibits eating (for the fasting person) and allows the prayer. 

So notice that he (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said regarding the first fajr (the lying fajr) ----> ...nor does it permit prayer (the Fajr prayer)... And notice that he (salallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said regarding the second fajr (the true fajr) ----> ...and allows the prayer. 

And of course, the entrance of the time for the salat is among the conditions of the salat, thus explaining why Shaikh Al-Albanee said, "it subjects their [obligatory] Fajr prayer to the danger of being unacceptable." Allaahul Musta'aan.

And by scrolling toward the middle of this link here, you will - in sha` Allaah - come across a beneficial scientific explanation of the different definitions of fajr by the varying calculation methods, some erroneously defining fajr when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon, some 12 degrees, and others 6 degrees.

So by examining the matter, you will find that the timetables that many masaajid use to calculate fajr is set at the default method, which is a whopping 18 degrees, thereby falsely setting "fajr" 25-40 minutes before the true entrance of fajr as defined by Allaah in His Noble Book.

Many are not even aware of these differences, much less aware that these timetables actually offer other calculation methods. And the gist of what appears in that beneficial link is:

According to these definitions, fajr should start sometime between the start of nautical twilight and the start of civil twilight, when the sun is between 6 and 12 degrees below the horizon. Therefore, all the other methods of calculating prayer times are incorrect, calculating fajr too early, using angles which are more in keeping with astronomical twilight. 
And a summary of all that scientific data is: 

1- Prayer calculation methods vary significantly between themselves. 
2- Apparently, the prayer calculation methods consistently estimate fajr too early. This would mean that if someone rigidly followed these timetables, they would be likely to offer fajr too early, risking the validity of his salat. 

The method most near the true fajr is the method between 6-12 degrees. And since the timetable that most out West use actually offers choices - such as 19.5 degrees, or 18.5 degrees or 18 degrees, or 10 degrees - then the one nearest to accurate is the one that falls between 6-12 degrees.

So if you insist, choose the 10-degree method, but remember these are mere estimates and ijtihaad of men, who are erroneous sometimes and correct sometimes.

Using them as estimates or as backups on days during which clouds obscure the sun is one thing. But to blindly rely on them is an error that can nullify your salat and the salat of the congregation. Instead, learn how to visually spot The Legislated Entrance of the Five Daily Prayers via proofs from the infallible Qur`an and infallible authentic Sunnah. 

As Allaah, Ta'aala, said: 

وَلَوۡ كَانَ مِنۡ عِندِ غَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ لَوَجَدُواْ فِيهِ ٱخۡتِلَـٰفً۬ا ڪَثِيرً۬ا 

Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions. (An-Nisa`, ayah 82) 

And Allaah knows best.

 

Notes: May Allaah reward those students who helped, those who advised, and those who translated. 

Some Benefits from Surah al-Fatiha, by Shaikh Abdur-Razaaq bin Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr (hafidhahumullaah)

Some Benefits from Soorah al-Fatiha, by Shaikh Abdur-Razaaq bin Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr (hafidhahumullaah)

Whilst reciting this Surah al-Fatiha in their prayer, Muslims must be aware of the weight and value of this Great Surah. They must understand it, reflect upon it and then act upon the conditions and pillars which are erected from this Surah. Acting upon it also involves action of the heart, as it should feel particular emotions in response to what is being recited.


‘ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ ٢’ – All praise belongs to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds


Whilst reciting this, a slave should feel love for Allaah Ta'ala, Who alone is worthy of all Praise as He alone created all that exists. He alone granted us all the blessings that we have, those that we are aware of and those we are not aware of.


‘ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٣’ – The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful 


Whilst reciting this, a slave should feel hope, knowing that Allaah – Tabaraka wa Ta'ala – is the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful, thus He alone will forgive our sins regardless of their amount or severity as long as we repent with sincerity.


‘مَٰلِكِ يَوۡمِ ٱلدِّينِ ٤’ – The Master of the Day of Judgment


Whilst reciting this Surah, a slave should feel fear. Knowing that, on that Day, we will be taken to account for all our deeds even an atom's worth. Retribution will be taken for those we oppressed or wronged, and punishment given for sins committed that were not repented from with sincerity.


These three emotions - Love, Hope and Fear - are known as the pillars of Worship of the Heart. Together they constitute worship. We worship Allaah Ta'ala with all three of these pillars, Love, Hope and Fear. If one feels any of these pillars for other than Allaah, then it is Shirk (Setting up partners with Allaah). Various deviant sects worship Allaah whilst adhering to just one of these pillars and thus have gone astray. It is vital to possess all three pillars. If there is only Hope, he will not stop sinning due to lack of Fear. If there is only Fear, he will give up his good deeds as he does not have Hope. If there is only Love, he will not Fear Allaah's punishment and continue to sin.


‘إِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ’ -You alone we worship


This statement is a realization of

La illaah ila Allaah (there is none worthy of worship except Allaah). Thus this is a contract between Allaah – Tabaraka wa Ta'ala – and the worshipper to worship Allaah alone. Once this principle of making all worship for Allaah alone is comprehended, a slave would never raise his hands or perform an act of worship for other than Allaah.

‘وَإِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِينُ’ – You alone we turn to, seeking help

This statement is a realization of La hawla wa la Quwwata illa billaah (There is no change from one condition to another, nor power to do, so except by Allaah helping you). This testifies that Allaah alone possesses the unique qualities of Giving and Taking etc... Therefore we only ask Allaah to fulfill all of our needs as He alone is able to grant them. As is mentioned in the Hadeeth of Ibn Abbas (radiAllaahu 'anhumma) who said:

One day I was behind the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), and he said to me: 'Young boy, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allaah, and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allaah; if you seek help, seek help of Allaah. Know that if the Ummah were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allaah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allaah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.' 

‘ٱهۡدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ’ Guide us to the Right path 

This correct path is the Sunnah which was given to us by the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Therefore, if we wish to be guided, we ask Allaah (Tabaraka wa Ta'ala) to grant us the ability to be guided and then we act upon what we learn from the Sunnah. Allaah tells us clearly in the Qur`an: He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad) has indeed obeyed Allaah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (Muhammad) as a watcher over them. [an-Nisa`, ayah 80] 

And the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) told us: I have left you upon the shining path, its night is like its day. No one will deviate from it except that he wishes to be destroyed.

‘صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ’ - The Path which you have blessed 

The Arabic word An'amta (those who have been blessed) comes from the word Na'amah, which means blessed. Therefore, the one who is blessed is called Mun'im (one who is blessed). To be Mun'im (one who is blessed), you must possess knowledge and you must act upon that knowledge. This is one group of people.

‘غَيۡرِ ٱلۡمَغۡضُوبِ عَلَيۡهِمۡ’ - Not those with whom Allaah is angry

This is another group of people and they possess knowledge, but they do not act upon the knowledge they have, therefore they are like donkeys merely carrying the load of books but not implementing the knowledge within those books.

‘وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ’ – And not those who have gone astray 

This is the last group and they have no knowledge, and worship Allaah with Bid'ah (innovations) and whilst following their desires. They perform much worship, however it is not according to the Sunnah. Therefore it is not correct, nor is it accepted. Allaah Ta'ala describes these people in the Qur`an in Surah al-Kahf as: Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds! [al-Kahf, ayah 104] 

[Taken from: "The explanation of Surah Fatiha by Shaykh ul-Islam Muhammad bin AbdulWahaab," explained by Abdur-Razaaq bin Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr in the Prophet's Masjid in Madina on the 14th and 15th of Ramadhan, 1432 A.H.]