The Rights of Allah and Etiquette with Allah

The most important right that must be fulfilled is to Allah. Allah is the Only Creator. He Creates you. He Created everything in His Complete Wisdom. He is the One who protects humans in their mothers’ wombs, as infants, as children and as adults. He, alone, sustains all humans and provides them with food and every aspect of life.

Allah said, what translated means,

“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).” [An Nahl 16:78]

Allah’s control over his slaves is perfect. His bounties are countless. If this is His role in the life of humans, then His rights are what one must keep the most. Allah does not need sustenance from His slaves.

He , the Almighty, definitely , has the right of creating us from nothing , preparing us for whatever we shall become while realizing we are completely incapable of doing anything. Allah provides us with all that we have in terms such as health, strength , senses , food , shelter , abilities.

And yet, Allah , the Almighty , does not ask anything in return for all His gifts, grants and bounties offered by generously without limitation. He grants to all who believe in Him , follow His teachings and commands, and to those who do not as well. He requires no favors from us. He demands no provision of food or drink, as He is neither in need of nourishment , nor in need for us for any reason.

He said, what translated means:

“We ask not of you a provision. We provide it for you. And the good end is for the Muttaqeen (the ones who fear Allah).”[Taha 20:132]

This right of Allah is an ideal belief, truthful faith and belief in justice and fairness. This right results in fruitful and excellent quality, good deed and actions. The essence of this belief is love reverence and respect. Meanwhile, the result and fruit of this belief is dedication, sincerity and full devotion to truth, justice, and good ethnic and moral practice.

So it is Allah’s right that you worship Him alone without setting any artners with Him

1. The Right to Be Worshiped Alone Without any partners

And enjoin As-Salât on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money); We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn 

Allah’s right is that you worshiped him alone, without any intermediaries or any partners in between Allah and you.

Ad Dzariyat 51: 56-58

And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). (56) I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). (57) Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. (58)

Allah , the Almighty, demands complete , through and unrestricted submission in slavery for Him, in respect of His position as Full and Complete Lord, Cherisher and Care taker. Man must present himself before His Creator and Cherisher in full humiliation, obedience and submission to His Commands and Will without questioning the validity of the rule , or even the wisdom behind it , as He, the Almighty, knows well what it is good for His creations as a sole Creator. Man is required to fully believe , wholeheartedly, in that is reported soundly and truly of His Creator through His Prophets, Messengers and Books or scriptures.

In fact, the give of daily prayer of Muslims is but a simple result of the application of this right of Allah , the Almighty . However , sych daily prayers are for the benefits of man himself. They will abolish the minor sins committed during that day , increase the rewards of man for his good actions, improve morals, practices and devotions of the heart of man while improving various situations of man , such as patience and perseverance , concentration , dedication , steadfastness, devotion , commitment to time , production and excellence and so forth.

And remember, even though many in this world do not believe in Him nor worshiped Him,  this does not reduce His Might in any single way. You are in need more of it and that is His Rights over you.

Etiquette with Allah

1. Fear and Hope in Allah

Indeed, a person exhibits the fear of Allah by seeking to prevent Allah’s punishment by carrying out what Allah has commanded of him and abstaining from what Allah has prohibited him.

Allah had called upon all people in every era to fear Him. Allah says:

An Nisa 4: 131

And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allâh, and keep your duty to Him, But if you disbelieve, then unto Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allâh is Ever Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all praise. (131)

The fear of Allah is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah’s mercy. Allah says:

An Nahl:128
“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” 

“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.” [Sûrah al-Talâq : 5]

Allah promises those who fear Him that He will provide for their needs and grant them a way out of their worldly difficulties. Allah says:

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.” [ Sûrah al-Talâq : 2-3]

Ibn Mas`ûd explained what it means to fear Allah as He ought to be feared by saying:

“It means that He is to be obeyed not disobeyed, remembered not forgotten, and shown gratitude not ingratitude.”

It is reported on the authority Ibn `Abbas (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah was asked about the major sins; He replied:

“Associating partners with Allah (shirk), despairing of Allah’s Mercy and believing that one is safe from Allah’s Plan.”

The Hadith proves the obligation of fearing Allah , while hoping for His Mercy.

2. Shukr (gratitude, giving thanks)

Allaah is the One Who bestows favours (we have learned about al Wahhab) and blessings upon all of creation, so they have to show their gratitude for these blessings on their lips and in their hearts and in their physical actions, by praising Allaah and using these blessings to obey Allaah and in ways that Allaah has permitted:

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me al-Baqarah 2:152 ]

The reward of gratitude is unlimited:

” …If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you…” (Ibrâhîm 14:7)

Allâh has made the reward for gratitude free from any conditions, as in:
And no person can ever die except by Allâh’s Leave and at an appointed term. And whoever desires a reward in (this) world, We shall give him of it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him thereof. And We shall reward the grateful. (Al Imran 3:145)

2. Think about Allah’s Knowledge

Know that he is watching you in any circumstances. You heart should be filled with awe, respect and veneration with Allah. he then become shy and embarrassed to disobey Allah. This is how he should behave towards Allah.

Allah says in Surah An Nahl 16: 19

And Allâh knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (19)

Surah Yunus 10: 61

Neither you (O Muhammad SAW) do any deed nor recite any portion of the Qur’ân, – nor you (mankind) do any deed (good or evil), but We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record. (Tafsir At-Tabarî). (61)

3. We Must Ponder over Allah’s Power and Contol over us

There is no escape or fleeing from Him. there is no refuge or shelter except in Allah Himself. Therefore, Muslim flees to Allah and throws himself before Him. he leaves his affairs with Allah and puts his trust in Him.

Ad Dzariyat 51: 50

So flee to Allâh (from His Torment to His Mercy — Islâmic Monotheism)

We must always consider Allah’s grip on us and His abilty to punish severely. Thus we strive not to die in the state of disobedience.

Buruj: 12

Verily, the Seizure (Punishment) of your Lord is severe and painful. (See V.11:102) (12)

Hud : 102

Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, (and) severe. (102)

A muslim should think, that while he is disobeying, is this act by itself already a punishment for him?

4. A Muslim Considers How Generous and Compassionate Allah is

He considers Allah’s mercy upon him and upon all of His creation. He desires to have more of that mercy. he then humble himself to Allah with sincere humility and supplications.  He seeks a means of approach to Allah with the best of speech and good deeds.

It is not proper to despair of receiving more of His Mercy.

Allah says in surah al Shuara 42: 19

Allâh is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves

Yusuf 12: 87

“O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yûsuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allâh’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allâh’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” (87)

 5. Having Good Expectations of Allah

It is not proper for anyone to have bad thoughts about Allah. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam said

I am as My servant’s opinion of Me.” (Bukhari)

Read this article HERE.

6. Ihtisab

Looking forward to Allah’s reward and forgiveness for every affliction, regardless of the pain and suffering is called Ihtisab.

Allah’s Messenger said, “When Allah takes away from His believing servant his beloved one of the people of the earth; if he displays patience and Ihtisab, Allah will then not accept any reward for him less than Jannah (Paradise).”[Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Let us take the example of Aasiyah, the wife of Firawn. Aasiyah was severely tortured by her husband, who was a king, because she had accepted the Oneness of Allah. In spite of the severe anguish and pain, Aasiyah persisted in her faith, displayed immense patience and practiced Ihtisab. She prayed to Allah and asked Him for a home in Paradise. Allah mentions her story in the Qur’aan, “And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Firawn, when she said, “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise and save me from Firawn and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.” [Soorah at-Tahrim
(66):11]

When she invoked Allah with this du’a, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. Firawn commanded a big rock to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah inorder to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the rock was dropped. So, Allah granted Aasiyah two blessings for her Ihtisab; a home in Paradise and protection from the cunning plans of Firawn. She is thus an example for all those who will come after her until the Day of Judgment.[Seeat-Tabari23:500]

When you encounter a trial or a hardship, there is a level of patience you have to have whether you like it or not. That patience may or may not be rewarded, depending on your behavior. However, there is a level of patience that is only achieved by those who aspire to please Allah. That patience is called “ihtisab” which means “seeking the reward.”

In conclusion, a Muslim must be thanful to his Lord for all the bounties He has given to him. He must be shy to wards his Lord whenever he leans towards comitting a sin. He must sincerely turn towards His Lord, put his trust in Him, hope for His Mercy and fear His punishments.

He must have good expectations concerning  Allah with respect to Allah fulfilling His Promises and threats for whoever He wills form His slaves. This is how one should behave towards Allah.

The more that he sticks to these matters and guards them, the greater will be his position and elevated will be his rank. He shall be greatly blessed by Allah and he shall become teh most devoted slaves. he shall be enveloped in Allah’s Mercy and shall have Allah’s blessings bestowed upon him.

Tasleem

Tasleem is turning the face to the right and then to the left and saying “Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullah” and that will be the end of solah.

‘Amr bin Sa’d reported from his father

I used to see the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam when he pronounced Tasleem on his right and on his left until I could see the whiteness of the cheek. (Muslim)

Jabar bin Samurah narrated:

When we performed solah with the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam, we said: “Assalamua ‘Alaikum wa rahmatullah and motioned our hands on both of our sides. Upon this the Messenger of Allah sallalahu alaihi wasalam said

‘Why do you motion with your hands as if they are tails of headstrong horses? It is enough for you to place your hands on your thighs and then make tasleem to your brother on the right side then on the left. (Muslim)

Al Hayd (Menstruation) and an Nifaas (Post natal bleeding)

Al Hayd

It is a monthly bleeding to which all healthy women are subjected during their child bearing years. Its duration is according to the norm for each individual woman ranging from 1-15 days (according to fuqaha).

However according to Sheikh Uthaymeen though, Read it HERE

“Menstruation (al-hayd): Allaah has attached numerous rulings to it in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, but He did not state the shortest or longest length (of a menstrual period), or the length of the period of tahaarah between two menstrual periods, even though the need to know that exists.”

As a young lady first getting your menses you should observe your own blood flow, duration, frequency and pattern, body pain and so forth. The menses will be your normal flow with slight hiccup now and then. However as you aged, the pattern will change.

More information on Menstruation HERE

Nifaas

This is the bleeding that occurs following the delievery of a child and maximum duration is 40 days.

It is reported on the authority of Umm Salamah that she said:

“The woman with nifaas used to be in confinement for forty days during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam. (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi)

If the bleeding has stopped before 40 days, then she must make ghusl. If it exceeds more than 40 days, she must still make ghusl. Read fatawa by ISLAM QA HERE

Forbidden Acts for the Menstruating or Post-Childbirth Woman

1. Fasting. She must makeup for the obligatory fast that she missed during this time

It

Al-Bukhaari (321) and Muslim (335) narrated that Mu’aadhah said: I asked ‘Aa’ishah:

“Why does a woman who menstruates have to make up the fasts but not the prayers?” She said: “Are you a Haroori?” I said: “I am not a Haroori, but I am asking.” She said: “That used to happen to us and we were commanded to make up the fasts but we were not commanded to make up the prayers.”
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This ruling is agreed upon. The Muslims are unanimously agreed that menstruating women and women who bleed following childbirth are not obliged to pray or fast at that time, and they are agreed that they do not have to make up the prayers, and they are agreed that they have to make up the fasts. The scholars said: the difference between them is that the prayers are many and repeated, and it would be too difficult to make them up, unlike the fast which is enjoined only once in the year, and a woman’s period may last only one or two days.

2. Sexual intercourse.

Allah says in Surah Baqarah 2: 222

They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allâh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers). (222) 

If one does sexual intercourse during the woman’s menses

1. Both of them must make repentance

2. Even though there are difference of opinion on this, they must make an expiation.

Ibn Abbas said that which states the  the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam said regarding the one who has sexual intercourse with his wife during her menses: “He should give a dinar or half dinar as charity” (Abu Dawood, Nasaai and Ibn Majah)

al Wahhaab الوهاب – The Giver of Gifts

One of Allah’s Beautiful Names is al-Wahhab. The root of this word is hiba, which means a gift.

Allah (swt) is al-Wahhab, it means that He not only gives gifts once or twice, but He constantly does so. Al Wahhab is the One Who bestows limitless gifts and rewards. He is the Owner of the heavens and earth and their treasures. He gives whatever He wills and this does not reduce the treasures of His Kingdom.

The Most Generous in giving abundant blessings perpetually, to all who are in need, to the deserving and undeserving, without expecting or needing any returns. Thus, He is the Only One we may petition and expect good from.

The most beautiful thing about getting a ‘hiba’ (gift) from al-Wahhaab is that it is the kind of giving that does not expect anything in return. Therefore, He gives and continues to give whether you obey Him or not, whether you appreciate Him or not, whether you acknowledge that He is al-Wahhaab or not! Despite our disobedience of Him day and night, He gives us the hiba of health, wealth, family, and countless other things!

Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an:

“أَمْ عِنْدَهُمْ خَزَائِنُ رَحْمَةِ رَبِّكَ الْعَزِيزِ الْوَهَّابِ”

“Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?” (Qur’an, 38:9)

Allah introduce Himself to His slaves through His name Al Wahhaab. Here are some examples

Al Imran 3: 8

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ 

(They say): “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower,” 

Guidance from Allah is a gift to us

Sad 38: 9

عِندَهُمۡ خَزَآٮِٕنُ رَحۡمَةِ رَبِّكَ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡوَهَّابِ

Or have they the treasures of the Mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Real Bestower?

And when Prophet Sulaiman alaihi salam ask for a great kingdon. he called Allah al Wahhab for he is the great bestower

Sad 38:35

قَالَ رَبِّ ٱغۡفِرۡ لِى وَهَبۡ لِى مُلۡكً۬ا لَّا يَنۢبَغِى لِأَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۢ بَعۡدِىٓ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ

He said: “My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me: Verily, You are the Bestower.”

Allah’s Gifts to His Slaves

Indded Allah is the One who bestow to us so many things

life

intelligence

heart

hearing

sight

food

drink

offspring

feelings

Ash Shura 42: 49-50

لِّلَّهِ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ يَخۡلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ‌ۚ يَہَبُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ إِنَـٰثً۬ا وَيَهَبُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ٱلذُّكُورَ

أَوۡ يُزَوِّجُهُمۡ ذُكۡرَانً۬ا وَإِنَـٰثً۬ا‌ۖ وَيَجۡعَلُ مَن يَشَآءُ عَقِيمًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَلِيمٌ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

To Allâh belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills. (49) Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren whom He wills. Verily, He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things. (50)

Allah mention about Him granting the prophets offsprings such as

Ibrahim a.s. granted Ishak alaihi salam and following is Yaakub alaihi salam and they are granted prophethood and the Book

Ankabut 29: 27

Maryam 19: 49

Allah granted Daud alaihi salam Sulaiman alaihi salam

Sad 38: 30

Allah granted Prophet Zakariyya a son who is also a prophet, Prophet Yahya alaihi salam.

Al Anbiya 21: 90

After a severe test, to prophet Ayub alaihi salam where he lost his wealth and children, then Allah relieved him from the ordeal and granted him more than what was taken from him.

Sad 38: 43

We also can ask Allah that He gives us offspring like His Prophets

Furqan 25: 74

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqûn”

Asking Allah for Bounties of This World and the Hereafter

It is lawful for Allah’s slaves to ask Him to bestow on them from Allah’s bounties and favours of the worldbut even more for the akhirah!

Al Baqarah 2: 200-201

But of mankind there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!” and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. (200) And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (201)

The Prophet’s Glorification and Exaltation of Allah using His name al Wahhab

Salamah ibn Al-Akwa‘, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, said, “I never heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, begin a supplication other than by saying, ‘Glory be to my Lord The Exalted, The Bestower.’” [Ahmad]

and Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam praises Allah alot .

The Prophet used to praise Allah after raising the his head from kneeling while saying his prayers saying O our Lord! To You belong all praises that fill the heavens and earth and anything else You may wish. You are the Owner of Glory and Majesty. That is what each slave must say to You and we are all slaves to You. O Lord! No one can stop what You give nor can anyone give what You withold. no one can interfere with what You want. 

And the most precious hiba that Allah can give anyone is the gift of guidance, and keeping us firm upon that guidance. Ask for it constantly.

The Obligation of the believers towards the angels

We used the book entitled “The World of the Noble Angels” by Sheikh Umar S. al Ashqar rahimullah for our study.  Read HERE.

Following are the salient points

The believer who worships Allah and seeks His pleasure must regard the angels as friends and view them with love and respect. They would avoid anything that would annoy or offend the angels.

i. Not offending the angels

The scholars denounced those who slander the angels or speak badly of them.

For example

– equating angry looks to the look of the angel Maalik (keepr of health)

– Equating an ugly person to Munkar Nakeer

If this is said in the context of condemning ugliness and harshness.

ii. Keeping away from sin and disobedience. 

The things which often angers the angels most are sin, disobedience to Allah, kufr and shirk.

Hence the angels do not enter places and houses where Allah is disobeyed, or in it exist things that Allah dislikes and hates, such as stone altars, statues and life pictures.

Angels do not like coming near to people who indulge in sin such as the drunkards.

Hadith – Bukhari 4:448, Narrated Abu Talha

I heard Allah’s Apostle saying; “Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal).”

Abu Dawood (4180) narrated from ‘Ammaar ibn Yaasir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:

“There are three whom the angels do not come near: the dead body of a kaafir, a man who smears himself with khalooq and a person who is junub, unless he does wudoo’.”

Read an explanation of the hadith HERE.

iii. The angels are offended by that which offends the son of Adam

Among the things that angels are offended from are offensive smells and by filth and dirt.

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Anyone who eats garlic and onions or leeks should not come near our Masjid. The angels are harmed by what harms the sons of Adam.” [Sahih Muslim]

iv. The prohibition on spitting to the right while praying

Anas b. Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When any one of you is engaged in prayer, he is holding intimate conversation with his Lord, so none of you must spit in front of him, or towards his right side, but towards his left side under his foot.

v. Befriending all the angels

The Muslim has to like all the angels without any discrimination between one angel and another. They are all slaves of Allah that do what is commanded .

The Jews claimed they had friends and enemies among the angels; Jibrael their enemy and Mikael was their friend.

Al Baqarah 2: 97-98

Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): “Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur’ân) down to your heart by Allâh’s Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers. (97) “Whoever is an enemy to Allâh, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allâh is an enemy to the disbelievers.” (98)

The Jews claimed that Jibreel is their enemy because he comes with war and destruction, and if the one who had come to the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasalam had been Mikaeel, they would have followed him.

Shirk in Asma wa Sifaat

We used this book – Explaining Shirk The Greatest Sin by Sheikh Uthaymeen

__________________

1. Shirk in Humanisation.

Shirk in Asma wa Sifaat can be in the form of humanising God.

In shirk al Asmaa as Sifaat, Allah is given the form and qualities of human being or animals. The image of God is often painted, moulded or carved in the shape of human. Usually in the  physical feature oft those who are worshiping them.

For example Hindus and Buddhists worship idols that have the likeness of Asian man or woman and consider them the manifestation of God in creation.

Some Christian painters such as Michaelangelo have drawn God looking like an European man with long white hair and beard and is plastered on thec ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in vatican.

2. Shirk by Deification

In this shirk, Allah’s names and attributes are given to creation.

For example the Shiite sects in teh Nusayreeyah of Syria believed that Ali bin Abu talib was a manifestation of Allah and they gave him many qualities of Allah.

There’s  a teaching called Ismails also known as Agha Khanis whose leader is called Agha Khan. they believed that their leader is God incarnated.

The Druze of Lebanon believed that the Faatimid Caliph al Haakim bi Amrillah was teh last manifestation of Allah among mankind.

Some Sufis like al Hallaj believe that they have become one with God

Taken from – The fundamentals of Tawheed by Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips

At Tin 95: 7-8

فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعۡدُ بِٱلدِّينِ

7. Then what (or who) causes You (O disbelievers) to deny the Recompense (i.e. Day of Resurrection)?

In this context, ad Din means the Recompense or The Day of Resurrection. This will be the day of recompense for every little thing that you did, good or bad.

After Allah tells us that He created us with the best of stature, He tells us that some of us will not value that we are better off than many of Allah’s creation. Many of use used our faculties for haram and thus will be brought to the lowest of the low which is the jahannam.

Upon realization that we are better off than other creations, we should realize that surely we have ah higher purpose than the rest of the creation. Or life purpose shold not be merely waking up from sleep, eat, find wealth, have family and children. These are the same as to animals. They too sleep, eat, find food (which is their wealth), procreate and have children to ensure the continuity of the species.

Those who reject the truth, will always deny that will be the day that all that we do now will be rewarded or punished accordingly. Thus Allah asks the disbelievers, after knowing, why do the believers still deny the truth?

أَلَيۡسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَحۡكَمِ ٱلۡحَـٰكِمِينَ

8. is not Allâh the best of judges?

This verse is a question that Allah asks to those who denies the Day Of Recompense. How can they deny that Allah is indeed the best of judges.

10. SUMMARY (Notes of Nouman Ali Khan’s tafseer lessons)

Allah begins the surah by mentioning the Legacies of the Great Messengers’ (‘Uluw al ‘azam – the most perseverant from all the Messengers’) with the best characteristics from humanity. The Messengers’ mentioned in the beginning of the surah are the best examples for humanity, and Allah taught them wisdom and judgment as examples for humanity.

Then Allah discusses in the centre of the surah that He has made insan (man/humans) in the best perfect form.

Then the worst of the worst are mentioned (ayah 5) – those who rejected the best of the Messengers.

Then those who followed the best Messengers’ are described after that (ayah 6) – those who believe and do good deeds.

Then finally; now that you have understood this basic message – what is preventing you from following the guidance? (ayah 7) Isn’t Allah the Best of Judges / Wise Ones to give the commands – which you should be following? (ayah 8).

We are more than just animals. We don’t just want to fill our bellies and desires. We want to purify ourselves on the inside and the outside.

This surah is based on balance. We need to realise that Allah has chosen us above animals by giving us an intellect (‘aql), and through that we understand we have higher morality. Once we understand this – we need to believe internally, and show that good through our actions by following the best Messengers’ [the ‘Uluw al ‘Azam]. If we don’t, Allah will reject us, and make us the lowest of the low.

At Tin 95: 4-6

 لَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحۡسَنِ تَقۡوِيمٍ۬ 

4. Verily, we created man of the best stature (mould),

As you have read, in the previous three ayahs, Allah made an oath. When Allah gives an Oath, He is going to give a response (jawab) as to what is related to the Oath. In these coming ayah, you can see what is the respond given by Allah after he made the oath.

In Ayah 4, Allah has declared that He has created the humankind to have the best stature. Mankind is created with the complete perfection, beautiful shape, right proportion and upright stature. Not only that, humankind is given aql to differentiate the good and evil, and use his intellect to progress.

ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَـٰهُ أَسۡفَلَ سَـٰفِلِينَ

5. Then we reduced Him to the lowest of the low,

Some scholars has translated this to mean, that mankind will make themselves go slide into the lowest part of hell despite being given the best of stature, they have disobeyed Allah and the prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam. Indeed they are the people who are at loss in this world as what Allah ahs mentioned in surah al Asr.

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ (١) إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ (٢

1. by Al-‘Asr (the time).
2. Verily! man is In loss,

May Allah protect us from being among these people.

Brainstorm how can one get themselves to be at loss in this dunya.

Thus despite that Allah had given human the best form of especially intellect, some used it not for worshiping Him but rather to disobey Allah. Look at our form

Brain
Eyes
Mouth
Tongue
Ears
Stomach
Hand
Feet
Are we using all these faculties to please Allah?

 إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرٌ غَيۡرُ مَمۡنُونٍ۬

6. save those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, Then they shall have a reward without end (Paradise).

عَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ 

Allah says many times in the Quran this phrase – Those who believe and do righteous deed.

Eemaan is something internal, in the heart. Only Allah knows the level of your eemaan.
Righteous deeds, even though one does not announce the deeds they have done, but it is manifested in their actions, what they wear, things they like to do.
One cannot claim to have eemaan but yet do not obey Allah externally. These two must come together.
And surely those who you can see be doing good deeds but do not have believe in the heart is considered a munafiq.
In this ayat, only those with eemaan AND doing righteous deeds will receive ajr (reward).

Reward that will never end.

Subhanallah! Imagine living in bliss of which there is no end.
Human craves to live forever and that is why they search for the fountain of youth, they fantasise of living forever (but yet remain young). This cannot be achieved in this world. Even if one can live for a long time, life has so much test and pain and our aging body will only leave us uncomfortable to live forever.

But this is not the case in jannah. Everything good you can think of, it will only better there. We ask Allah that he place us in the highest jannah.

Surah at Tin 95: 1-3

By the fig, and the olive, (1) By Mount Sinai, (2) By this city of security (Makkah)[] , (3) Verily, We created man in the best stature (mould), (4) Then We reduced him to the lowest of the low, (5) Save those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, Then they shall have a reward without end (Paradise). (6) Then what (or who) causes you (O disbelievers) to deny the Recompense (i.e. Day of Resurrection)? (7) Is not Allâh the Best of judges? (8)

1. Ayah 1-3

1. by the fig, and the olive,
2. by Mount Sinai,
3. and by This city of security

Allah begins this surah with an oath. The letter  is is called wau al Qassim meaning the wau for making an oath. As we have learned previously, when Allah makes an oath on one of His creations, it shows the importance of that creation and also what follows after the oath.

Can you name where did Allah make oaths in other surah?

Let’s look at what Allah swears on in this surah.

This is the fruit tin or english is called fig. We usually buy the dried ones

Thia is zaitun or in english is called olive. You usually find it on pizza and salad.

Tur Sinin.
This is Mount Sinai, a very historical location to the three religions which are Judaism, Christian and Islam. It is located in the Peninsula Sinai, in between Egypt and occupied Philistine.

Baladil Amin. A city of security.

Some of the scholars have interpreted that all these are pointing out to places. Important places, which Allah has spread the religion from or rather where Allah has brought His Messengers to.

وَٱلتِّينِ وَٱلزَّيۡتُونِ
Tin and zaitun are among the trees that are widely grown in the Shams area. Shams areas consist of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Philistine. Some of the scholars say this really refer to Jurusalem in Philistine where Prophet Isa alaihi salam was sent to. Can you circle Jurusaem in the map above?

وَطُورِ سِينِينَ
Mount Sinai is the mountain where Allah talks directly to prophet Musa alaihi salam. Can you circle Mount Sinai in the map?

 وَهَـٰذَا ٱلۡبَلَدِ ٱلۡأَمِينِ

Many scholars also have described this as Makkah itself for it was the safest place to be and it is the city of security where whoever enters is safe. It is also the city in which Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam received his revelation.

Can you circle Makkah in the map?

Some of the Imams have said that these are three different places, and that Allah sent a Messenger to each of them from the Leading Messengers, who delivered the Great Codes of Law. This is why He swore by a noble place, then by a nobler place, and then by a place that is the nobler than both of them.

Allah knows best.

Hadith 16 : Don’t Be Angry

On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) and said, “Advise me.” He [the Prophet (peace be upon him)] said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated [his request] several times and he [the Prophet (peace be upon him)] said, “Do not become angry.” (Recorded by al-Bukhari)

Anger

Anger is a natural human reaction when being faced with something that one dislikes. One cannot prevent its occurrence, especially if injustice is upon him, but one can train and must train oneself to react as how Allah is please.

This is a good article explaining about anger, its triggers, its consequences, management. HERE

Shaytan’s Involvement

Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam said,

Anger is from shaytan, and shaytan was created from fire (Ahmad and Abu Dawud)

This suggest that shaytan continually strives to anger people and justify their anger so that they will lose balance, speak sinfully, commit crime, preserve hatred and resentment in their heart, causing them to behave in ways that will insure his companionship in Hell.

Anger Management

I have looked up for anger management for teenagers around the internet. Here are a bit of summary.

i. Knowing what trigger your anger. Identifying it and find ways to prevent it in the future.
ii. Knowing the consequences of anger. How much damage itwill do to you and others too. Choose solution that will have no damage.
iii. Keep calm and step away for a while.
iv. Talk to someone with an open mind.
v. Feeling angry is not a bad thing but acting it out uncontrollably is.

Besides that, in a long run there are things you can adopt to help you be able to control your emotion such as
i. Not to fret over small stuff
ii. Knowing that life is not fair and that Allah allows things to appen to you for a reason
iii. Exercise regularly. Enter competition. It helps you in training your level of endurance and patience. (do not take the examples of sportsmen who cannot control their anger though)
iv. Talk to people who are wise and exchange opinion on matters. Their insights may be invaluable. More often than not, you will come to realize some of the youth anger can be channeled positively.
There are four views, of which two of them are from the earlier scholars and the other two are from the contemporary scholars, about the interpretation of the Prophet’s, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, statement “Do not get angry”:

i. A person should learn how to change his character and adapt the characteristics of generosity, kindness, calmness, modesty, patience and forgiving. If a person adapts these qualities, then he may be able to restrain himself when he is about to get angry.
ii. One should not act based on anger or while being angry.
iii. When a person is about to get angry, he should control himself, be patient and not get angry. This is a contemporary view from Sheikh Al-Bitar.
iv. Ustaz Jamaluddin Zarabozo says that the text can be interpreted in the following way: a Muslim must think before acting or speaking. As soon as the feeling of anger appears to oneself, then there is a need to think of why the anger appears and whether it is necessary to be angry. While asking these questions, the person must remember Allah and the Hereafter (Akhirah). This will cause the person to calm down and not get angry.

Most importantly let us look at how Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam tells us to deal with anger. Remember we said that anger is from shaytan thus our utmost interest is to avoid the trap of shaytan as much as we can.

Anger is a feeling that can be controlled. In the same way that a believer should think before they speak, they should think before they act on the feeling of anger. As soon as the feeling of anger rises, one should ask oneself, “Why am I getting angry? Is this something really worth getting angry over?”

Among them are
i. Taking wudhu’ when you are feeling angry

AbuWa’il al-Qass said: We entered upon Urwah ibn Muhammad ibn as-Sa’di. A man spoke to him and made him angry. So he stood and performed ablution; he then returned and performed ablution, and said: My father told me on the authority of my grandfather Atiyyah who reported the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) as saying: Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only with water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform ablution.

ii. Another remedy mentioned by Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasalam

Narrated Sulaiman bin Sarad, r.a.

Two men abused each other in front of the Prophet while we were sitting with him. One of the two abused his companion furiously and his face became red. The Prophet said, “I know a word (sentence) the saying of which will cause him to relax if this man says it. Only if he said, ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast.’ ” So they said to that (furious) man, “Don’t you hear what the Prophet is saying?” He said, “I am not mad.” (Bukhari)

iii. To change the state you are in

Narrated Abu Dharr, r.a.

The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said to us: When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.

Scholars commented that the one who is standing is in a position to take revenge, while one sitting is less prepared for that, amd one stretched out on the ground is in the state of least readiness. Thus the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam intended to distance the angry person from confrontation until his anger has subsided.

What You Should Do or Not Do When You are Angry

The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:

“If one of you becomes angry then he should be silent.” (Ahmad)

This is an important advice because during anger, most of our actions and speech may not be correct.

Narrated ‘Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakra: Abu Bakr wrote to his son who was in Sijistan: Do not judge between two persons when you are angry, for I heard the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, saying: “A judge should not judge between two persons while he is in an angry mood.” [Al-Bukhari; Vol. 9, No. 272]

This hadith is related to the previous hadith (Hadith 15) – it sets out to avoid the judge from making unjust judgement.

Not Being Angry Does Not Make You Weak

What Allah says about the Muttaqun

Al Imran 3: 133-134

133. and march forth In the Way (which leads to) Forgiveness from Your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).
134. those who spend [in Allâh’s Cause – deeds of charity, alms, etc.] In prosperity and In adversity, who repress anger, and who Pardon men; Verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good­doers).

Perhaps this hadith will help us strengthen our self control when we are confronted with anger.

Narrated Abu Huraira, r.a.

Allah’s Apostle Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”

Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam is the Best Example

Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam example was reported by many of his companions. He, who was sent to mankind to teach them good moral conduct, learned to control his anger toward the Unbelievers and teach them appropriate expressions. He used to speak against being angry.

The Prophet (s), the best example for all mankind, would never get angry or take revenge for his own personal interest. His (s) anger was reserved for the sake of Allah (swt).

We think that we have it tough, when one of his days was probably tougher than the whole of our lifetimes! When we look at his life, our own difficulties seem so pathetic in comparison. Imagine spending 13 years completely devoting his life spreading the word of Islam and suffering hardship. This was a man who had the burden of the whole of mankind’s future on his shoulder. Yet he had the tolerance and self-discipline to be able to forgive those around him who were themselves so ignorant.

The best example of this was when the Prophet (saw) went to a place called Ta’if. This was at the time when the followers of Islam were at their weakest and the Prophet himself had suffered the loss of both his wife Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) and his uncle Abu Talib. He went to this town in the hope that they would listen to what he had to say. Instead he was insulted and chased out of the town by the children who threw stones at him till (it was described) the blood flowed from his body to his feet making his sandals sticky with his own blood. The Prophet was so depressed that he prayed to Allah, who then sent down the Angel of the mountains who asked for the Prophet’s permission to fold the mountains together and crush to death all those that lived there. But what was the prophet’s reply? “Yes, kill them all as they did not listen to me”? No, off course not! His answer was “No, I hope Allah will bring from them people who will worship Allah alone, associating none with Him.”

This was the example of the Prophet, even though he felt bitterness and was very angry with them, he had the discipline and control to not let his emotions control his actions and he forgave them realizing that they were merely misguided.

Righteous Anger

Not all anger is sinful. Anger that inspires a person to avenge his own personal feelings is indeed blameworthy. However, anger can also be felt for the sake of Allah and for His religion. This is the anger that a Muslim should feel when his religion is attacked, his beliefs blasphemed, and the honor and lives of the people are transgressed against. However, this anger, if it is truly and sincerely for Allah’s sake, will only inspire us to noble deeds and to personal sacrifice, and never to base, unjust, or ignoble actions.

The Companions relate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would never became angry for anything. However, if the sanctity of Allah was profaned, then nothing could assuage his anger.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) never acted angrily for personal reasons. He never once so much as raised his voice to his servants or his family. Anas relates that he worked as the Prophet’s servant for ten years, and not once did the Prophet (peace be upon him) so much as say “ uff ” to him, or ask him when he did something “Why did you do that?” or ask him when he neglected something: “Why didn’t you do that?” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim ]

The Companions relate: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) exhibited more shyness than a maiden in seclusion. If he saw something that he disliked, we would see it in his face.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî ]

Lessons

Anger is a normal reaction that everyone has. However some have better control and self restraint over another. There are too many negative consequences among them damaged relationship, hatred, fuelling more anger. To top it will affect the health such increase in blood pressure.

There are several tips to manage anger as narrated by Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam that we can follow Insya Allah.

Not being angry is not a sign of weakness, in fact as what Prophet Muhammad sallalhu alaihi salam, the strong ones are those who can control their anger.