Ibn al-Jawzi: A Lifetime of Da’wah
Ibn al-Jawzi, ‘Abd al-Rahman b. ‘Ali b. Muhammad Abu al-Faraj, a jurist, traditionist, historian, preacher, one of the most famous Hanbalis of Baghdad, where he was born, most probably, in the year 511/1127[1], and whose ancestry goes back to Abu Bakr (ra). He was orphaned at the age of three and thereafter raised in care of his mother and paternal aunt, who later brought him to the mosque of Abu al-Fadhl Ibn Nasir, to be taught traditions (hadith). At this stage, Ibn al-Jawzi was probably no more than six years old. Early Learning and Teachers Being his first teacher as well as his maternal uncle, Ibn Nasir introduced him to many other teachers. Ibn al-Jawzi shows his gratitude to Ibn Nasir by writing the following in his notice: “He heard numerous...
‘No Thanks’ to Tariq Ramadan
It is known and widely accepted amongst the Muslim jurists that Islam came as a source of blessing and as a mercy to Mankind with the objectives of preserving the five essential human needs in any society; namely religion, life, dignity and lineage, wealth and intellect. Therefore, in order to establish and protect religion, the Shariah obliges the society to establish the various acts of worship in isolation as well as congregation, just as it sanctions the punishment for apostasy, or Jihad in defence of the faith; in order to preserve life, the Shariah sanctions the right of retribution (Qisas), prohibits suicide and calls for the aversion of any harm that may lead to the loss of human life; in order to preserve dignity and lineage, the Shariah legislates...
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Life & Madhab
Imam Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Hanbal al-Shaibani, Abu ‘Abdullah, was conceived in Merv in current day Turkmenistan. His mother carried him in her womb, on route to Baghdad, where he was born in the year 164 AH. His father passed away when he was little more than years old, and thereafter he was raised by his mother. Childhood He was a distinguished child known for his piety, cleanliness and asceticism. Once, his uncle sent him with several documents containing information about some people to the Caliph’s office. Ahmad took those papers and did not see his uncle for a long time. When his uncle eventually met him, he asked him about the documents and discovered that Ahmad – who was then a boy – did not deliver them. When asked why, Ahmad replied: “I...
A Warning to the Spurious Mufti and the Careless Mustafti
The phrase “Allahu A’lam” – Allah knows best – is the adornment of a scholar, with which he clothes himself and guards his nakedness; Whenever a person of knowledge abandons this garment, his nakedness becomes exposed to the public, sooner or later. Therefore, it was from the noble manners and etiquettes of the most competent Mufti and the best signatory on Allah’s behalf, His last Prophet, SalAllahu ‘Alaihi wa-sallam, to say “I do not know” in response to any matter he was unacquainted with. This is in spite of him being blessed with the revelation from above the seven Heavens. It is authentically reported that the Prophet SalAllahu ‘Alaihi wa-sallam, was asked: “Which of the places are the worst?” He replied: “I would...
Simplifying The Two Prostrations of Forgetfulness in Prayer
As-Sahw means “to forget” or “being unmindful”. There are two ways of being unmindful with regards to Salaah. The first is to be unmindful of Salaah, as in the saying of Allah: “So woe to those who pray. Those who are unmindful of their Salaah.” The second way is to be unmindful in Salaah, and this is what concerns us here. Before we deal with the topic of Sajdatay as-Sahw, it is necessary for us to understand the pillars and obligations upon which the Salaah is built, as it is only due to one’s forgetfulness of these essential aspects of the prayer that the two prostrations are legislated. Thus, the two prostrations are legislated to amend for our omissions of pillars and obligations of Salaah. So what are the pillars and obligations of Salaah? The...
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