Various Acts of Obedience - Do Not Despise Any Righteous Deed

[Muhammad Said Ramadan Al-Bouti (Arabic: مُحَّمَد سَعِيد رَمَضَان ٱلْبُوطِي, romanized: Muḥammad Saʿīd Ramaḍān al-Būṭī) (1929 – 21 March 2013) was a renowned Syrian Sunni Muslim scholar, writer and professor, where he was vice dean in the Damascus University and served as the imam of the Umayyad Mosque.

Al-Bouti wrote more than sixty books on Islamic law and theology. He was a leading figure of Islamic neo-traditionalism which adhered to the four schools of thought in Sunni Islam and the orthodox Ash'arite creed.His works have been highly regarded to be a pivotal defense of Sunni Islam against opposing ideologies such as Secularism, Marxism, and Nationalism along with reformist movements of Wahhabism and Islamic Modernism.

On 21 March 2013, al-Bouti was assassinated at the Al-Iman Mosque in Damascus. The circumstances around the event are still unclear.]

Do not despise any righteous deed that you do, even if it seems small in your eyes. It could be the reason for your entry into paradise. And do not belittle committing any sin that you do, as it could be the cause of your entry into the Hellfire. So, strive to engage in all types of righteous deeds, for you do not know which one will be the cause of your eternal happiness. It has been narrated that a man entered paradise by removing a branch of a tree from the path.

And you, O Muslim, may say a word or offer advice to someone, and it could be the means of their guidance and bring happiness to them in this world and the Hereafter. And you will also find happiness in it throughout your life.

So, do not despise a righteous deed, even if it seems small in your eyes. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Fear the Hellfire, even if it is with half a date." (Agreed upon)1

Every righteous deed in Islam is great, so engage in various righteous deeds and strive to be consistent in them, even if the quantity of your deeds in a specific type is small. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are few in number." (Agreed upon)2 Beware of all paths of disobedience, as you do not know which one will lead you into the fire. It has been narrated that a woman entered the Hellfire because she had mistreated a cat. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "A woman was punished on account of a cat which she held captive till it died. Hence, she entered the Hellfire due to (her mistreatment of) the cat. She did not feed it or give it water while she held it captive, nor did she let it out so that it may eat the things that creep on the earth." (Agreed upon).1

So, follow the path of generosity, good ethics, good manners, cheerfulness, serving others, speaking the truth, fulfilling promises, and righteously dealing with financial matters. Engage in every avenue of goodness.

Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "The one who is truly devoted to worship does not have a specific goal in his worship that he prioritizes over others. Rather, his goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah, and his worship is based on that. He constantly progresses in servitude, moving from one level to another, continuously striving. If you see the scholars, you will find him with them. If you see the worshippers, you will find him with them. If you see the warriors in the path of Allah, you will find him with them. And if you see those who remember Allah, you will find him with them. If you see the charitable and righteous, you will find them with them."2

Refences:

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Beware of the Fire, Even with Half a Date and a Small Amount of Charity, Hadith No. 1417, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Encouragement to Give Charity, Even with Half a Date or a Good Word, as It Acts as a Barrier from the Fire, Hadith No. 1016, from the narration of Adi bin Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Riqaq, Chapter on Intention and Consistency in Actions, Hadith number (6464), and Muslim, Book of Prayer of Travelers and Shortening It, Chapter on the Virtue of Consistently Performing Night Prayers and Others, Hadith number

(783), from the narration of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Watering, Chapter on the Virtue of Giving Water, Hadith number (2365), and Muslim, Book of Peace, Chapter on the Prohibition of Killing Cats, Hadith number (2242), from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Madarij al-Salikin" (111/1)

Charity - Do Not Give Charity to The Poor with The Intention of Having Him Pray for You

The servant is elevated through charity if he sincerely dedicates it to Allah, without seeking the supplication of the needy, praise, fame, or materialistic desires. So, if you give charity to a poor person do not do it to have them pray for you. Instead, spend on him seeking the pleasure of Allah, so that you may be included in the saying of Allah: 

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْرِى نَفْسَهُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ ٢٠٧

“And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants”. 

(Surah Al-Baqarah :Ayat 207)

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said regarding the saying of Allah:

وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا ٨

إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا ٩

"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" 

[Surah Insan:8-9]

And whoever seeks supplication or praise from the poor has gone against this verse. In the hadith narrated in Sunan Abi Dawood1, it is mentioned: "Whoever does a good deed to you, repay him. If you cannot find anything to repay him, then pray for him until you know that you have repaid him."

For this reason, when Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, would send someone a gift; she would ask the carrier of the gift: "What did they say to you?" He would say: "May Allah bless you." So Aisha would say: "May Allah bless them too. We will respond to them in the same way they spoke, and our reward will remain for us." 

(Al-Nasa'i)1

And some of the Salaf said: "If you give to a poor person and he says, 'May Allah bless you,' then say: 'May Allah bless you too.'" Meaning, if he rewards you with supplication, then supplicate for him with the same supplication, so that you do not get any reward by him2

It is also stated: 'If someone seeks compensation from people - praise, supplication, or anything else - they have not acted kindly towards them for the sake of Allah.'3

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, explained that giving charity to receive supplication does not include the giver in Allah's saying:

 إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا ٩

“[saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah” 

[Surah Insan: 9]

The Muslim gives charity for the sake of Allah, and whatever is achieved through it, such as relief from distress and removal of worries, is a result of giving charity for the sake of Allah.

References

1 Book of Zakat, Chapter on Giving to Those Who Ask in the Name of Allah, Number (1672), from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them.

1 Al-Sunan Al-Kubra, Book of Actions for Day and Night, What to Say to Someone Who Does You a Favor, Number (10062).

2 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (112/11)

3 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (54/1)

Charity - The Rewards of Charity

Charity shields the servant from the punishment of Allah, for his sins and transgressions warrant his destruction. Thus, charity comes to redeem him from punishment.

That is why the Prophet, peace be upon him, said in his sermon about women on the day of Eid: "Give alms, you women folk, for I have been shown that you will be the majority of the inhabitants of hell.” (Agreed upon)1

In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated: "Protect yourselves from Hell-fire even with half a date"2

"Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date."

Charity extinguishes the misfortune of sin. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said to Mu'adh3, may Allah be pleased with him: "Shall I not guide you to the gateways of what is good? Fasting is a protection, and charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire," 

(Tirmidhi)4

Charity guards against evil, wards off calamities, preserve wealth, brings sustenance, brings joy to the heart, instills trust in Allah and good expectations of Him, purifies the soul, nurtures it, endears the servant to his Lord, covers up all flaws, increases life span, protects from the torment of the grave, provides shade on the Day of Judgment, intercedes with Allah the Exalted, eases the hardships of this world and the Hereafter, and invites one to all forms of righteousness. Therefore, do not be reluctant to give charity.

It is a protection between the servant and the Hellfire, and the sincere one who is engaged in it will seek shade by it on the Day of Judgment and will be called from the gate of charity. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Those who give sadaqah will be invited to enter by the gate of sadaqah”.1

Charity lifts afflictions and relieves sorrows with the permission of Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Charity and acts of kindness have a remarkable effect in repelling afflictions, warding off the evil eye, and the evil of envy. This has been experienced by nations in the past and present, and it suffices as evidence. The eye, envy, and harm can hardly affect a benefactor who gives charity. Even if they do affect him, he is treated with kindness, support, and assistance, and he will have a praiseworthy outcome. So, the benevolent one who gives charity is protected by his kindness and charity, has a defense and a strong fortress from Allah."2

Ibn al-Qayyim also said: "Indeed, charity has a remarkable effect in repelling various types of afflictions, even if it is given by a sinner, an oppressor, or even a disbeliever. Indeed, Allah Almighty repels various types of afflictions through it. This is a known matter among people, both the specific and the general, and it is widespread throughout the entire earth because they have witnessed it."1

Whenever a person gives charity sincerely, their heart expands and their chest is relieved by it. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Even if charity had only this benefit alone, the slave should be befitting by it to increase and hasten towards it. Allah Almighty says: 

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلْإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِى صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةًۭ مِّمَّآ أُوتُوا۟ وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌۭ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ٩

   As for those who had settled in the city and ˹embraced˺ the faith before ˹the arrival of˺ the emigrants, they love whoever immigrates to them, never having a desire in their hearts for whatever ˹of the gains˺ is given to the emigrants. They give the immigrants preference over themselves even though they may be in need.  And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be successful.” 

(Surah Al-Hashr : Ayat 9)"2

References

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Zakat for Relatives, Hadith No. 1462, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on the Virtue of Spending and Giving Charity to Relatives, Spouse, Children, and Parents, Even if They Are Polytheists, Hadith No. 1000, from the narration of Zainab, the wife of Abdullah bin Mas'ud, may Allah have mercy on them

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Beware of the Fire, Even with Half a Date and a Small Amount of Charity, Hadith No. 1417, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Encouragement to Give Charity, Even with Half a Date or a Good Word, as It Acts as a Barrier from the Fire, Hadith No. 1016, from the narration of Adi bin Hatim, may Allah have mercy on him

3 He is Abu AbdurRahman Mu'adh ibn Jabal ibn Amr Al-Khazraji Al-Ansari, one of the seventy Companions who witnessed the Treaty of Al-Aqaba from the Ansar. He passed away in the year 18 AH. Refer to Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-Ashab (1402/3).

4 Book of Faith, Chapter on the Prohibition of Praying During Prohibited Times, Hadith No.

2616.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Fasting, Chapter on the Gate of Paradise for the Fasting People, Hadith No. 3666, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Collecting Charity and Acts of Kindness, Hadith No. 1027, from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Bada'i al-Fawa'id (242/2)

1 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib (p. 31)

2 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib (p. 33)

Charity - The Virtue of Charity

Allah has divided His creation into the rich and the poor, and their interests are fulfilled only by satiating the need of the poor. Allah has obligated giving to the poor that which fulfils their needs from the surplus wealth of the rich.

A generous believer is close to Allah and His creation, and his people. He is close to Paradise and far from the hellfire. On the other hand, a miser is distant from Allah’s creation and distant from Paradise, while being close to the hellfire. The generosity of a person endears him to his enemies but his miserliness makes him hated to even his own children.

The most beloved of creation to Allah is the one who embodies His qualities that He has not reserved for Himself. Allah is generous and loves the generous among His servants, knowledgeable and loves the knowledgeable, and merciful and loves the merciful. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "The generous person who gives in charity is given by the Generous One (Allah) what others are not given; it is a reward of the same kind as his action."1

Among the best deeds of a Muslim is giving charity to the poor, those in need, and those in distress. Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, “I have been told that deeds show off to one another, so charity says: I am the best of you”.2

The guidance of the Prophet, peace be upon him, encourages kindness,charity, and striving to relieve the suffering of Muslims.

The best charity is one that meets the needs of the recipient and continues to benefit them.

The miser is prevented from doing good and restricted from acts of righteousness. They suffer from a constricted chest, a small-mindedness, tiny joy, and a multitude of worries, grief, and sadness. Their needs are seldom fulfilled, and they are hardly supported in what they seek.

So be charitable in your day, even if it is with a small amount. The best charity is the effort of the one who has little. Every morning, two angels descend, and one of them says, "O Allah, give him who spends something in place of it;” the other says, “O Allah, give him who withholds destruction.” (Agreed upon)1

Charity is a loan that is returned multiplied. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth." (Muslim)2. And Allah, glorified be He, says;

مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ٢٤٥

"Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned

( Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat  245)

Therefore, be generous to the poor with an open heart and a cheerful demeanor, having good expectations in Allah's multiplication of rewards and wealth.

1 "Al-Wabil As-Sayyib" (p. 36).

2 Ibn Khuzaymah narrated in his Sahih, in the book of Zakat, in the chapter on the virtue of charity over other deeds (95/4), hadith number (2433).

1 It is narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, in the chapter on the saying of Allah: "But as for he who gives and fears Allah" (O Allah, give the spender a replacement for what he has spent), hadith number (1442). And Muslim, in the Book of Zakat, in the chapter on the spender and the withholder, hadith number (1010), from the narration of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 The Book of Goodness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Etiquette, in the chapter on the recommendation of forgiveness and humility, hadith number (2588), from the narration of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him).

Supplication -Compendium of Supplications

 

Supplication (Du'a) is recommended for every Muslim in all times and places. It is an act of worship where a Muslim calls upon their Lord for anything that is not sinful. Several supplications are highly encouraged for Muslims to frequently recite. Here are a few examples:

1. Seeking sincerity (ikhlas) from Allah. Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to say in his supplication, "O Allah, make my deeds righteous, and make them solely for Your sake. Do not let anyone have a share in them"1.

2. Seeking guidance and steadfastness. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, advised Ali ibn Abi Talib, saying, "Say," O Allah, direct me to the right path and make me adhere to the straight path," and when you make a mention of right guidance, keep in mind the right path and when you consider of the straight (path), keep in mind the straightness of the arrow"2.

3. Supplicating for beneficial knowledge and righteous actions. Allah commanded His Prophet, peace be upon him, to ask for an increase in knowledge, as mentioned in the Quran. Allah, glorified be He, said:

فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًۭا ١١٤

"And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge” 

(Surah Taha: 20:114)

4. Supplicating for goodness in this worldly life and the Hereafter: Anas reported that the most frequent supplication of the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, was, “O our Lord, grants us good in this life and good in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Agreed upon)1.

There are many other comprehensive supplications from the Prophet.1 Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, 6389, and Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, Mohammad, peace be upon him, was, “O our Lord, grants us good in this life and good in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Agreed upon)1.

There are many other comprehensive supplications from the Prophet.

References:

1 Ahmad, in the book of al-Zuhd (p. 97), no. 617.

2 Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, 2725.

1 Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, 6389, and Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, 2690

Supplication - The Importance of Supplication

Supplication (Du’a) is a characteristic of devotion, the garden of the heart, and the paradise of this world. It is an easy way of worship, not restricted by place, time, or circumstance. It is the enemy of calamity, defending against it, treating it, and preventing it. It diminishes its impact if it happens. Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, "I do not carry the burden of answers; rather, I carry the burden of supplication. When I am inspired to supplicate, the response comes with it."1

It is a great honor for a servant to be in proximity to Allah during supplication. Allah, glorified be He, says,

By the permission of Allah, supplication unveils calamities and disasters, preventing the occurrence of punishment and destruction. It is the weapon of the believer, and nothing is more effective in reaching a higher degree in attaining what is desired than it. It holds the power to obtain blessings and repel afflictions like no other. It relieves worries and eliminates distress. It is sufficient honor for a servant to be in proximity to Allah during supplication. Allah, glorified be He, says;

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ ١٨٦

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” 

(Surah Baqarah: Ayat 186).

The most helpless of people is the one who is incapable of supplication.

Through supplication, the soul transcends, aspirations rise, and greed for what is in the hands of creation diminishes. It is the arrows of the night released by the devout, and it is a stretched rope between the heavens and the earth. so, seek refuge in Allah alone in request and attainment, pour yourself out to Him in supplication and seeking refuge, and submit humbly before Him. Sustenance is treasure and their keys are in supplication. Have faith that Allah's provisions are full, and His generosity knows no bounds, continuously bestowing day and night. They are never diminished by giving.

Call upon Allah, the Most Generous, and surrender yourself before Him. Submit all your affairs to Him and be determined in your request, with great desire. The supplicant will not be turned away, and the seeker will not be disappointed.

Whoever is burdened by poverty and seeks assistance from fellow humans will find no relief in their poverty. However, those who bring their needs to their Lord will witness the wonders of His provision, for He is the most magnificent Provider.

Whoever thinks well of Allah, He will flood them with abundant goodness and pour upon them beautiful blessings. Therefore, persist in asking, for the Giver is generous, and the Revealer is capable. Do not rush the response when you supplicate, and do never consider it as slow if it is delayed. Whoever regularly knocks on many doors is likely to have one opened.

And whoever is afflicted by the hardships of life should turn to Allah. He protects and gives peace to the distressed when they call upon Him. Allah, glorified be He, says,

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٦٢

“Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember.” 

(Surah An-Naml: Ayat 62)

This is similar to the situation of Yunus (Jonah) inside the belly of the whale. Through supplication, he was expelled from it unharmed.

With a single supplication, all the people of the earth were drowned, and Allah, glorified be He, saved Noah, peace be upon him, and those with him among the believers. Allah says,

"He said, 'My Lord, indeed my people have denied me. Then judge between me and them with decisive judgement and save me and those with me of the believers. So We saved him and those with him in the laden ship. Then We drowned thereafter the remaining ones.” (Surah Ash-Shuara, 26:117-120). Pharaoh was destroyed by the supplication of Musa (Moses), peace be upon him. Allah, glorified be He, said:

وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ ءَاتَيْتَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَأَهُۥ زِينَةًۭ وَأَمْوَٰلًۭا فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا رَبَّنَا لِيُضِلُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِكَ ۖ رَبَّنَا ٱطْمِسْ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَٱشْدُدْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ ٨٨

“And Moses said, "Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, our Lord, that they may lead [men] astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment." (Surah Yunus: Ayat 88)

Allah bestowed upon Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him, such a gift without measure through his supplication to the Bestower, saying;

قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّى يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقْدِرُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ٣٦

وَمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَـٰدُكُم بِٱلَّتِى تُقَرِّبُكُمْ عِندَنَا زُلْفَىٰٓ إِلَّا مَنْ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ جَزَآءُ ٱلضِّعْفِ بِمَا عَمِلُوا۟ وَهُمْ فِى ٱلْغُرُفَـٰتِ ءَامِنُونَ ٣٧

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَسْعَوْنَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِنَا مُعَـٰجِزِينَ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ مُحْضَرُونَ ٣٨

“He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower. So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed. And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver. And others bound together in shackles.” 

(Surah Sad: Ayat 35-38)

Allah cured Ayub (Job) may Allah have mercy on him from his illness through his humble supplication. Allah, glorified be He, said:

۞ وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ ٨٣

“And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful;" 

(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:83)

When people enjoy the comfort of their beds, raise their hands in prayer to the Allah in the darkest hours of the night. With supplication, circumstances can be transformed. The barren will have children, the sick will be healed, the needy will be provided for, and the miserable will find happiness.

Referensi

1 Majmu' Al-Fatawa by Sheikh Al-Islam (193/8)

Relying Upon Allah. - Having Good Thoughts Concerning Allah

 Optimism is having a good assumption about Allah. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, admired this quality. He said, “I like Fal." They said, "What is the Fal?" He said, "A good word.” (Agreed upon})1

A believer is commanded to have a good assumption about Allah in all circumstances. Pessimism is having a bad assumption about Allah. When a servant's faith increases, their good assumption about their Lord also increases. And when their faith decreases, their doubts about their Creator worsen.

Among the bad assumptions about the Great Lord is the assumption that Allah does not support His monotheistic servants or elevate them, or the assumption that Allah will not manifest His religion. It is also a bad assumption for a servant to think that he can achieve what is with Allah through disobedience and opposition, rather than through obedience and seeking closeness to Allah, or thinking that if he leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will not compensate him with something better; or assuming that whoever does something for the sake of Allah will not be rewarded better than that; or assuming that if he is sincere in his desires and fears, humbles himself, asks Allah for help, and relies on Him, Allah will disappoint him and not grant him what he asked for; or thinking that generosity leads to poverty, assuming that one's wealth decreases through charity, or assuming that Allah will not fulfill His promise of reward for charity; or assuming that adhering to this religion does not elevate the status of its adherents. Whoever assumes any of these things has a bad thought concerning Allah and has fallen into what Allah has forbidden.

This is indeed a bad assumption about Allah because it assumes something about Allah that is inconsistent with His beautiful name, sublime attributes, and perfection. It attributes to Him what is not befitting His beauty, perfection, attributes, and qualities.

Most people assume something about Allah that is not true, a bad assumption regarding what concerns them and what He does with others. Only those who know Allah, His name, and His attributes, and understand the reasons for His wisdom and praise are exempt from this. 

Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 

"Most people, in fact, all of them except those whom Allah wills otherwise, assume something about Allah that is not true and have a bad assumption. The majority of human beings believe that they are wronged by fate, lacking in fortune and that they deserve more than what they have been given. Their words indicate that they think Allah has wronged them and denied them what they deserve, and their souls testify to that, while their tongues deny it and they do not dare to express it openly. If you search within yourself and delve into the depths of your hides, you will find in it a hidden fire, like fire hidden in a flint. Strike the flint of whoever you wish, and its sparks will tell you about what is hidden within it.

And if you were to search within anyone, you would see that they often blame fate, suggesting that the opposite of what happened to them should have occurred. This demonstrates their independence and arrogance. Therefore, examine your own soul. Are you free from such tendencies?

If you are immune from it, then you are immune from something great. Otherwise, I believe it would be difficult for you to find salvation.

The intellectually inclined individual who seeks goodness for themselves should take heed of this advice. They should turn to Allah, the Exalted, and seek His forgiveness continuously for entertaining negative assumptions about their Lord. Additionally, they should also be cautious of harboring negative assumptions about themselves, as this is the root of all evil and the origin of all harm."1

Therefore, it is obligatory for a Muslim not to assume a bad assumption about his Lord and to have a good assumption about Him in all matters. In a hadith sacred Hadith, Allah Almighty says, "I am as My servant thinks of Me." (Agreed upon)2

Referensi

1 Al-Bukhari, Book of Medicine, Chapter of No Contagion, Hadith No. 5776, and Muslim, Book of Salam (Peace), Chapter of Tiyarah (Superstitious Beliefs Related to Omens and Augury), Hadith No. 2224, from the narration of Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 He is Mohammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab ibn Sulaiman Al-Tamimi Al-Najdi. He was born in 1115 AH and was an Imam of the Da'wah (Call) movement, a reformer of the twelfth century. He passed away in 1206 AH. "Ad-Durar as-Saniyyah fi al-Ajwibah an-Najdiyyah" (374/1) and "Tasheel as-Sabilah" (1643/3).

2 It is mentioned in, texts of Knowledge seeker, including footnotes of verification. Book of Tawheed (Monotheism), page 396

1 "Zad al-Ma'ad" (Provision for the Hereafter), (211/3).

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Tawheed, Chapter: “They wish to change the words of Allah” Hadith No. 7505, and Muslim, Book of Dhikr (Remembrance), Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter: The Virtue of Remembrance and Supplication to Allah, Hadith No. 2675, from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Relying Upon Allah. - The Results of Trusting in Allah

Trusting in Allah brings peace of mind, stability, and protection from the schemes of evildoers. It is one of the strongest means by which a servant can repel the harm and injustice inflicted upon him by others. By trusting on Allah, the soul becomes independent of what people possess. As Sheikh al-Islam says: "No one places his hope or relies on a creation except that their expectations are betrayed."1

Whoever entrusts his affairs to Allah attains his goals. This was evident in the case of Prophet Zakariya, peace be upon him, who, despite reaching a high age, was granted a son who was a great leader from the best of mankind and their prophets. Allah, the Most High, informed Zakariya of this good news, saying;

يَـٰزَكَرِيَّآ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَـٰمٍ ٱسْمُهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّۭا ٧

"O Zakariy, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya. (John) We have not been assigned to any before [this] name." 

(Surah Maryam: 19:7)

Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was also given the glad tidings of a child. His wife expressed her surprise after a long wait, saying;

قَالَتْ يَـٰوَيْلَتَىٰٓ ءَأَلِدُ وَأَنَا۠ عَجُوزٌۭ وَهَـٰذَا بَعْلِى شَيْخًا ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌۭ ٧٢

"Woe to me! Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is a strange thing!" 

(Surah Hud 11:72)

Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, left Hajar and Isma'il in a barren valley with no cultivation or water. But then, Ismail became a Prophet who commanded his people to establish prayer and give charity.

Prophet Yunus, peace be upon him, was not abandoned on the barren land shore. Allah, glorified be He, says;

۞ فَنَبَذْنَـٰهُ بِٱلْعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌۭ ١٤٥

وَأَنۢبَتْنَا عَلَيْهِ شَجَرَةًۭ مِّن يَقْطِينٍۢ ١٤٦

“But We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill. And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.” 

(Surah As-Saffat: Ayat 145-146)

Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad , may Allah have mercy on him, said, "If you despair of people and do not desire anything from them, your Lord will grant you all that you desire."1

So, cast your worries before the All-Powerful, attach your hopes to Him, surrender your matters to the Merciful, sever your attachments to the creation, and hope for nothing except from Allah.

When trust and hope are strong, and the heart is focused on supplication, the call will never be neglected. Allah, glorified be He, says:

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٦٢

"Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember." 

(Surah An-Naml, 27:62)

Therefore, turn to Allah with a humble heart, as a clear indication, and the door will be opened for you. Whoever attaches themselves to Allah, entrusts his needs to Him, seeks refuge in Him, and delegates all his affairs to Him, Allah will suffice him in all his concerns and make everything easy for them. But whoever relies on others, depends on his knowledge and intellect, and relies on his power and strength, Allah will forsake and degrade him.

Referensi:

1 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (257/10)

Jami' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam (494/1)