This group are among the true believers of Allah (SWT). They are committed to seeking Allah’s pleasure and their priorities follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah Ta’ala described them with13 characteristics and 9 actions - in Surah Al-Furqan
“And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) are
- These are special people – ibaad, not abeed (general slaves)
- Only such a person can claim to be Allah’s slave whose views and beliefs, thinking and desires, and deeds and actions are totally in line with the command and pleasure of his Rab (Master) and who keeps himself alert to carry out each and every command as soon as he is required to.
- ar-Rahman is the One who is most loving, gentle and merciful.The people who get immediate and special Love – we would love to be in this group
- This refers to 9 different groups of people, not the same group – which one can you qualify for
- Those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness,
- When they move, they have a manner, this is how they roll – humble, no swagger and don’t look down on others softly, not full of themselves.
- Walking humbly” does not mean walking like a weak or sick person, nor does it imply the gait of a hypocrite who walks ostentatiously to show humility or fear of God. According to Traditions, the Holy Prophet himself used to walk with firm, quick steps.)
And what is the sign of their humility – how do you know if you’re not arrogant?
- … when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of peace /gentleness.”
- WHEN means this will definitely happen
- When people who have no control over their emotions talk to them – obnoxious, arrogant, ignorant, insulting, hurtful people (opposite of Aaqil controlled person)
- When driving and you get cut up – you horn and they get out. You don’t get worked up but you respond well – it may be they have something going on in their life, with your spouse, your boss
- This is what the Messenger of Allah did: the more ignorant the people, the more patient he would be
- Salaama is descriptive (haal) here– They speak calmly, disarming the opposite person
- Control your anger & pride – Ali bin Husayn Zain al-Abideen (RA), great-grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him) had asked his servant to pour water from a clay vase which he dropped on Zain al-Abidin’s foot. Soon after, without contemplating on the pain, he recited from Surah aale Imran where it describes those Muttaqoon worthy of Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, who repress anger (kaadhimeen al ghaydh) and replied to his servant ‘I have quelled my anger’, then without stopping for thought he recited, “and those who pardon men (‘aafeen ‘anin naas) verily, Allâh loves the good doers”, and said to his servant ‘go you are free’!
- Al-Khatib narrates the mother of Abu Hanifah wanted to seek fatwa in a matter so Abu Hanifah issued her a fatwa but she did not accept. She said: ‘I will only accept what Zur‘ah – the storyteller – says.’ So Abu Hanifah brought her to Zur‘ah and he said: ‘This is my mother, she is seeking a fatwa in such and such a matter.’ He said: ‘You are more learned than me and have more knowledge of jurisprudence! So you issue her a fatwa.’ Abu Hanifah said: ‘I had given her such and such a fatwa.’ Zur‘ah said: ‘The [correct] opinion is as Abu Hanifah said.’ Then she was satisfied and returned.’”
- Be nice to a tyrant and despot – Fir’awn. What about your wife/brother?
- Not Avengers or Punishers
- ˹They are˺ those who spend ˹a good portion of˺ the night, prostrating themselves and standing before their Lord.
- They are diligent in their night prayer for the night prayer is one of the most beloved acts to Allah
- Ibn Abbas (RA) said, “Whoever prays two Rak’at or more after the Isha (night) prayer, will considered like those mentioned in this verse.” (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi)
- Yet, they are mentioned after those who control their anger and are humble – those are more beloved qualities
- In spite of all their worship and good deeds, they do not depend upon their own work for success in the Hereafter but upon the Mercy of Allah.
- “And those who say, ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever a relentless, permanent punishment. It is certainly an evil place to settle (for a little) and reside (for a while).”
- Some people think they can do a weekend in Jahannum and then they’ll be OK, like the Jews who said “Ayyaamam ma’doodaat” – just for a few days. Don’t look at the size of the sin, look at the One against who you are sinning.
- The special people are constantly seek refuge in Allah from the torment of hell – not for a day / minute.
- The least person of Jahannum is mentioned in Surah al Anbiyaa – they didnt even experience it – “wa la immassathum NAF-HATUM min ‘adhaab” – just the air closing a door, not even in Jahannum – not even hot air, cold air which barely touch them for a split second. He swears I have never tasted torture like this, I must be in the worst part of Hellfire (wayl).
- “And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)”
- They don’t spend too much and they’re not cheap – they are moderate in their spending. What’s the latest phone/TV which can’t fit through my door.
- Don’t spend money which you don’t have in your pocket – spend in your means
- Some people dont count their spending when at the restaurant / souping up the car / latest games / streaming service but when they are asked to give in charity, they become chartered accountants
- Real measure – how your children appreciate money
- “˹They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right, nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it forever, in disgrace.”
- The first six characteristics included the principles of obedience and now the characteristics of disobedience are described.
- If you can’t make any other category, then this should be possible – look at Allah’s Mercy.
- Don’t call on any other than Allah (SWT): to set up someone as equal in rank with Allah, Who has created you
- Don’t kill anyone – people living in difficulty and
- No boyfriend/girlfriends and don’t have secret relationships – hormones raging, in college : being tested by Allah(SWT)
- Double punishment because they knew. Constantly be humiliated in the Hereafter. We all probably are afraid and Shaytan will play on that so we lose hope as we’re already on the speed train to Hell.
… As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
- This refers to non-Muslims (hence aamana) according to ibn Abbas, Hasan al Basri and others
- Know if you turn back, our mountain of sins is converted to good deeds
- Shaytan will play you to say go and do more and just fix up before you die
- While others may think, I havent really done that much bad, what about me?
… And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah properly.
- For Muslims now, if your sins are no big deal to you, they are big to Allah(SWT) as you don’t care, whereas for the one who treats every sin like a big deal, these are not big to Allah(SWT)
- “˹They are˺ those who do not bear false witness, and when they come across falsehood, they pass ˹it˺ by with dignity.”
- Did not witness useless company – don’t hang out till 2am in the morning smoking hooka, chilling for hours, attend disbelievers festivals/music concerts (Ibn Abbas) drinking parties (Imam Malik)
- Why? Because they have done tawbah and they realise that the gathering of evil is not good
- Don’t embarrass them – family members doing gheebah, browsing TV, playing cards – make excuse to go – hate sins, not the people who do them. Friends of bad habits – doing drugs/drink – care for them but distance yourself.
- “˹They are˺ those who, when reminded of the revelation of their Lord, do not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to it.”
- This could be all of us – when they are reminded of the signs of their Master, they didn’t trip over them heedless, deaf, dumb and blind.
- They say “I will not forget these lessons”
“˹They are˺ those who pray, “Our Lord! Bless us with ˹pious˺ spouses and offspring who will be the joy of our hearts, and make us leaders for the righteous.”
- Protect their family – the biggest priority you have is the Iman of your children
- Ya’qub says on his deathbed to his children – what are you going to do after I’m gone. You worshipped God while I was here, what will you do after?
- Hiba is a gift – something makes you so happy, you want to cry – child who enjoys their Qur’an, wife who wakes her husband, father who makes dua for you
- You should not be the reason for your family to be afraid of you – hide under the bed, phones go off
- You can’t just be an authority with your children, you have to be a FRIEND and an AUTHORITY
- Know their games and play with them – make your kids love you
- Wives smile to your husband and you should dress up for your wives – compliment them – not just too much salt! Make some effort in your house.
- When father and mother are a team, the kids are not able to play in the cracks
- You are the Imam of the house, whether you have a beard or not
“It is they who will be rewarded with ˹elevated˺ mansions ˹in Paradise˺ for their perseverance, and will be received with salutations and ˹greetings of˺ peace, staying there forever. What an excellent place to settle and reside!”
- All of these qualities requite patience and steadfastness – these qualities for life
- Narrated from Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri R.A that the Prophet ﷺ said: The people of Paradise will see the people of the highest places in Paradise above them as you see a brilliant star far away on the horizon in the east or the west, because of the difference in status between them.
- The best place for a short period and for a long time – you may get an upgrade through Allahs Mercy. Every reward increases in goodness.
Give Allah(SWT) a reason to be Ibaadur Rahmaan – any of these qualities and all of them, even better
In summary, the key points are:
- They have humility (tawadhu’)
- They are courteous, even when treated harshly
- They are diligent and consistent with their Tahajjud
- They always seek refuge from Jahannam
- They are not spendthrifts, nor are they stingy
- They do not commit shirk, murder, and zina
- They do not associate themselves with immoral gatherings and useless activities
- They respond to the Ayat of Allah s.w.t.
- They always make supplication to Allah to grant them spouses and lineage who will be the coolness of their eyes
