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Friday Talks |
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53 |
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Friday Talks |
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53 |
Adulation or insincere deeds - or minor shirk
By Sk. Abd-Razzag Tahir Farih
Translated by: Dr. Faheem Bukhatwa
21 Jumada-1st 1436 h
10 April 2015 ac
Thanks be to Allah the Lord of the worlds. And peace and prayers be upon the most honorable of the messengers, and upon all his family and companions.
Dearly beloved, adulation or showing off in a deceiving manner; is a sickness. What is it? How is it defined? How dangerous is it? And what are its effects and results? And what can save a person from it in this life and next? The answers to all those questions are the main purpose of this talk on this blessed day. I do pray to Allah the Almighty to make us all amongst his sincere slaves.
Adulation or showing off with false and ill intentions, is for someone to pretend and act completely different to what truly is within their heart. Or doing a good deed to impress others, or doing worship aimed to impress people rather than Allah. It is doing intentional false acts of obedience aiming at deceiving others by showing dishonest and misleading feelings and faith and hiding the true feelings and intentions. It is doing some deed that should only be done for the sake of Allah; and should be done to get closer to Allah, but rather; one does it seeking to gain fame and reputation; and admiration by people. This is the showing off; with false-intention deeds, and it is what the messenger ppbu warned his nation against. The messenger ppbu said: What worries me about you the most; is the minor (shirk); or a form of associating partners with Allah or minor polytheism the messenger ppbu was asked what is the minor (shirk)? Or what the minor form of associating partners with Allah was. He said: adulation, or trying to impress others by showing off a false deed of worship. It was also reported that the messenger ppbu once found some of his companions discussing and studying the false messiah. He said shall I tell about what worries me about you more than the false messiah? They said yes messenger of Allah. He said: the hidden (shirk) or hidden polytheism. They asked him what it was. He said: that is when a man does a prayer and he does his best to improve it and perfect it when he finds that people are looking at him. He improves his deeds and does prayers well, and even pretending an extra level of reverence and submissiveness, but only to be seen by people or to impress people. That is the minor (shirk) or minor polytheism. This wastes the reward from ones deeds. Allah said telling us through His messenger ppbu (Hadith Qudsi) {I am the richest of the rich from the need of having associates. So, anyone who does any deed or act who does it for me as well as for any other associate with me; then I renounce and disown him and the associate}. The messenger ppbu explained that Allah gathers people on the day of resurrection, a day that theres no doubt shall come, and when He rewards people for their deeds. He addresses those who committed the sin of minor (shirk) association and says to them: go to those you were showing-off-to; in the first life, those for whom you used to do the deeds. Go and find your reward with them. At that time they will be shamed, they will show regret and sorrow, and they will be at loss. That is because they will not find any reward from others. It is Allah, the King of all kings; the one and only who rewards good and bad deeds. He is the owner of the day of resurrection; all praise be to Him ().
The messenger ppbu was reported saying that the first of those that hell fire is lit with on the day of resurrection are scholars and those who recite Quran. The scholar is brought and all the mercies he was given; are stated to him and he acknowledges them; and he is asked what did you do with them? He says: I have learnt and I have taught. He is told: you have lied. You have learned so you would be called a scholar; and it was said. Then it is commanded that he would be drawn into hell fire face down. And the Quran reciter is brought and is made aware of the mercies he was given; and he acknowledges them, and he is asked what did you do with them? He says: I recited Quran for you. He is told: you have lied. You recited so you would be called a reciter; and it was said. Then it is commanded that he would be drawn into hell fire face down. And here is another man who is a big spender and generous giver for the sake of Allah. He is brought and all the mercies he was given are stated to him and he acknowledges them; and he is asked what did you do with them? He says: I spent for your sake into every route You loved spending for. He is told: you have lied. You spent so you would be called a generous donor or contributor; And it was said. Then it is commanded that he would be drawn into hell fire face down. And a fighter or a soldier in a battlefield who is brought and all the mercies he was given are stated to him; and he acknowledges them; and he is asked what did you do with them? He says: I fought for your sake until I was killed. He is told: you have lied. You fought so you would be called a brave and fearless; and it was said. Then it is commanded that he would be drawn into hell fire face down.
Dearly beloved, some of the effects and result of ill-intentioned deeds or minor (sherk) association which will appear in this life are; that such a person does not continue doing deeds. He only does the deeds in view of people. If no people are present then he no longer does the deed. Ali Ebn-Abi-Talib was asked for the signs of minor (sherk) association. He said it has three signs:
1- The person becomes active in worship and in doing deeds of obedience when there are people round, and
2- The person becomes lazy when there are no people round. Also,
3- The person will do more deeds of obedience if he is praised. And if he is given out to or dispraised; then he stops or reduces his deeds. This is the opposite of sincerity of intention.
All thanks be to Allah for His guidance and His grace. I testify that Allah is the one and only God, alone with no associates. And I testify that Muhammad ppbu is His slave and His messenger who preached for Allahs satisfaction.
Dear Muslims, do fear Allah, and let it be known that minor (sherk) association with Allah will cause rewards for deeds to be dropped; and is a reason for gaining Allahs abhor, despise and hate and anger. It is vital that you treat yourself and clear yourself from it. That is done through seeking knowledge of the truth in monotheism or the oneness of Allah. If you realise and if you are firm that Allah alone is the one and only; who causes benefit or harm when He pleases then you will put away from your heart; the fear of people dissatisfaction with you or people praise of you. Also if you know and realise that Allah can see and hear all; and He is aware of even a sly look; and what is hidden within the chest (unspoken intentions) then you would forget about those who watch you; and obey Allah as if you can see Him. And if you cannot see Him then remember that He does see you.
It is enough; dear Muslim; to know that Allah is watching you. And let it be known to you; that people will not suffice you from God with not even the slightest. And remember that Satan is the source of the showing off or minor (sherk) association, so use Allahs support to cast away Satan. And keep your deeds off the sight of people; and be warned against the joy and pride of showing off deeds for it generates vanity and vainglory. While the seen Islamic worship deeds have to be visible and must not be hidden; like pilgrimage (Hajj), mini-hajj (amrah) and Friday prayer and the congregation prayers (jamaa) and others. A person would not be considered committing the sin of showing-off or minor (sherk) association by visibly doing those deeds. If the worship is a voluntary one then it is best if it is hidden. That is because one is not blamed for not doing it. So, if he makes it shown and intentionally making it visible to people for the purpose that they would praise him then that is minor association. And so is every act or deed which is not aimed at Allah then it is considered showing off, and is part of minor (sherk) association.
ۡ ٓ ۟ ۬ ۡۡ ٰٓ ٓ ٰۡ ٰ۬ ٲ۬ۖ ۡ ٓ ۦ ۡۡۡ ۬ ٰ۬ ۡۡ ۦۤ ۢ [18:110]
Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord inspireth in me that your God is only One God. And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work, and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord. (18:110)
ٰٓٮٕ ٱ ۡ ۡ ٱۡ ٱۖ ٰ۬ ڪ ۡ [11:16]
Those are they for whom is naught in the Hereafter save the Fire. (All) that they contrive here is vain and (all) that they are wont to do is fruitless. (11:16)
ۖ 20:42
Whoso desires the harvest of the next life, We give him increase in its harvest. And whoso desires the harvest of this life, We give him thereof, and he has no share in the next life. (42:20)
Notes:
The inhabitants of the city of Al-Medina that received and supported the messenger (PPBU) when he immigrated from Mekkah in the very early years of Islam.
Adhan - The call to prayer.
Ansar (or Al-Ansar):
Assalam Alaikum - The Islamic greeting, literately means: Peace be with you. Used when approaching or leaving. When used during approaching it will be like saying: I bring no harm to you . and when said during leaving somebody it will mean: No harm will come to you after I leave.
is a verse of the Koran. It also means a miracle or a sign from God. Aya (or Ayah):
is a mountain outside the city of Mecca that represents the climax of the Hajj worship. All doing Hajj must stay at this location on the same day. Arafa (or Arafah or Arafat):
Badr - The place of the first significant battle between the Muslims and the pagans of the Quraish. It is located in Saudi Arabia.
Caliph - A Muslim ruler. See: (Khalifa)
Dajjal - Antichrist or the False Massiah.
Dawah - The proliferation of Islamic teachings through word and deed.
Deen (Din) - Religion or way of life.
talking to Allah; praising him and asking him for help. Duaa: a prayer in the form of
Fatwa - Legal verdict given based on the Qur'an (Koran) and the Sunnah which are the recorded sayings and deeds of Muhammad.
Ferdose: is the highest level of the all the gardens of Eden or paradise.
Fiqh - Religious law.
Hadeeth: is something reported that the messenger have said. It includes all the speeches and ceremonies he gave. It is usually narrated or told by one of his companions. There is a list of hadeeths approximately 14000 that are reported and checked to be genuine. No more hadeeths are acceptably added to this list.
Hajar - The Black Stone set into the corner of the Ka'aba in Mecca. It is said to be a stone from Heaven.
Hajj - The pilgrimage to Mecca which takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar. One of the five pillars of Islam.
Hasana or hasanas: is the reward for a good deed. a hasana is a point or a merit for a good deed.
Hadith - The sayings and not deeds of the prophet Muhammad recorded by his followers. Considered authoritative and perfect.
Hajj: is the worship of pilgrimage.
Hijra (or Hejrah): the event of the immigration of the messenger from Mekkah to Madina. This event marks the start of the Islamic calendar. the Islamic calendar has 12 months based on the lunar cycle, each is 29.5 days. Hijra is also used as a name for the Islamic dating system.
Ibadah - Worship. All the words and deeds with which Allah is pleased. These deeds could be prayer and charity.
Iblis - (Ibleese): On of Satan's names.
Ibn (Ebn): the son of. Used by Arabs as part of an individual's name. Example: Ali whose father is Omar or the son of Omar, would be called: Ali Ibn Omar.
Imam (or Emam)- The leader for a prayer. In the Shiaa sect, an Imam is the individual who has the religious authority.
Iman: belief or faith
Injil (Enjeel) - The Bible. The book inspired to Jesus for the Christians.
Islam - Submission, the religion of all the prophets of Allah culminating in Muhammad.
Jannah - The heavenly garden, Paradise. The place of the faithful in the afterlife.
Jihad: is striving in the line of Allah in many forms. Includes a very wide scope varying from improving oneself to fighting a defensive war in protection of Allah's word. The greatest Jihad is the fight one's self against temptations. It also means "holy war."
Jinn - Supernatural, invisible beings race of beings, below angels. They were made from fire. Like humans, there amongst them are the faithful and the non beleivers and Jinn shall be judged on Judgment Day.
Ka'aba: A cube shaped building in Mecca containing a stone laid there by Abraham and Ishmael. Some say Ka'aba was first built by Adam, and some say by Abraham. It is the holiest place for Muslims. It is where all Muslims face in their daily prayers. Ka'aba also makes a major part of the pilgrimage in a ritual known as Tawaf.
Khalifa: is the Muslim ruler. Head of the Islamic empire. Exact translation: "Successor".
Khutbah - A sermon given in a Mosque, usually on Friday.
Kufr - Denial or Disbelief. A term Muslims use for anyone who denies existence of Allah or the prophecy of Muhammed.
Koran - Also spelled Qur'an. The holy book of Islam revealed to Muhammad by Allah through the Archangel Gabriel. Koran literally means "the recital." It is the final revelation of Allah given to the prophet Muhammad. It consists of 114 surahs (or chapters.)
Madinah - (Medinah): A city in the Arabian peninsula (in the country known now as Saudi Arabia). A city where the messenger had to immigrate to. Then it was called Yathrib.
Masjid - A center for Muslim activity. It is referred to as a mosque.
Masiah - A sin, or a sinful act
Mecca or Makkah: is the holiest city for Muslims. It contains the Ka'aba mosque with the famous black cubical shape. Mecca is the birth place of the messenger (PPBU).
Mosque - A Muslim house of worship.
Muhajir - (Muhajireen) Immigrant, one who leaves his home town due to lack of religious freedom. It was first used to describe early Muslims immigrating from Mecca to Median and Ethiopia.
Muhammad - the final messenger and prophet of God whose message abrogated all previous revelations. He received the Koran through the angel Gabriel over a 23 year period. Born in Mecca and died in Medina at the age of 63. His full name: Muhammad ibn Abd-Allah
Muslim - One who holds faith to the religion of Islam.
Nafilah: a voluntary prayer other than the five obligatory prayers; performed at any time.
Nasara - Christians. Nasrani: A Christian individual. Nasraniah: Christianity.
Ommah: is the Arabic word for a nation. It usually refers to the Islamic nation unless otherwise specified.
Paradise - Another word for heaven. A garden of bliss, fruits, rivers and all forms of pleasures imaginable and imaginable. No suffering, disease or death. Service is provided by angels. All live in it an ever lasting youthful life. Promised by Almighty Allah to all faithful, true Jews, true Christians and True Muslims. Paradise is one of two places every person will go to, either Paradise or Hellfire.
PPBU (P.B.U.H.) : Peace and Prayers Be Upon him. A statement Muslims use any time they mention the name of the messenger or make a reference to him.
Qadar - Fate. Preordainment is the teaching that all things, good and bad, are preordained to occur.
Qadr - (night of Qadr): The night when the first revelation of the Koran took place. Most likely it happened during one of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. Or when the Koran was brought down to the nearest heaven in one go, and from there it was brought down in bits and few verses at a time over a period of 23 years. This night is considered the holiest night for Muslims with tremendous advantages.
Qibla - The direction which Muslims turn for daily prayers, towards Mecca.
Quraish - An ancient Arab tribe to which the messenger Muhammad belonged.
Ramadan - The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is the month of the fast. The holiest month in the Muslim colander.
Salat - Prayers. Generally it covers all forms of worship, but more specifically refers to the Muslim rituals which is performed to worship Allah five times daily.
Shiaa: A sect of Islam that teaches that a religion leader (Imam) should be the political ruler and must be direct descendants of the messenger (PPBU). Therefore, disapproving of all Muslim leaders who ruled After the messenger (PPBU) except Ali, the messenger's grandson.
Shirk - Associating another god with Allah. Or associating anyone or anything with Allah. Or using anyone or anything as a medium to Allah. The opposite of Monotheism or Tawheed.
Siam or Soam- Fasting
Sunni: is a the title of those Muslims who are suppose to be following the life style of the messenger. This differentiates them from the Shiaa of Iran.
Sunna (Sunnah): Is how the Messenger PPBU lived, what he did or said. It includes the way he dressed, ate, drank, prayed, interacted with other people and fought. Basically, sunnah is the life style of the messenger PPBU. It is considered the second source of legislation in Islamic laws and it is considered to be an important reference to be used for concluding arguments and disputes. It is also a title give to the main stream Muslims who make 90% if all Muslims.
Surah - A chapter of the Koran.
Tawaf: part of the pilgrimage (Hajj) ritual. It involves walking round the Ka'aba Mosque in anti-clock wise direction a number of seven circles.
Tauhid - Tawheed - Monotheism, in Islam is the teaching that there is only one God who alone is worthy of worship. The first requirement of becoming a Muslim. It is included in the testimony of faith for new Muslims when declaring that God is one: (No God but Allah)
Taqwah - Proper fear and veneration of Allah. A divine spark that enables the person to understand God.
Taurat: The old Testaments and scriptures of Mosa.
Ummah - the word means: a Nation. Usually refers to the Islamic nation unless otherwise stated.
Umrah - (Amrah): A mini hajj. A Minor form of pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike Hajj which can only be done on the 12th month of the Islamic year, Umrah can be performed at any time.
Wathoo (wadoo): a washing up ritual done by Muslims before each of the five daily prayers known as ablution.
Zaboor - The Psalms
Zakat - The third pillar of Islam. Alms giving, charity that is given to the poor.
Faheem Bukhatwa, my email
address is : faheemfb@gmail.com
