WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:08.960 A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah. 00:00:08.960 --> 00:00:13.019 Between justice ('adl) and excellence (ihsan). 00:00:13.019 --> 00:00:17.019 Justice is the fulfillment of rights in their entirety and completeness. 00:00:17.019 --> 00:00:22.019 Whether these rights are owed to Allah, to one’s own self, or to the rest of creation. 00:00:22.019 --> 00:00:25.019 This is the baseline obligation required of those accountable. 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:30.019 As for excellence, it is a virtue and a degree that exceeds justice. 00:00:30.019 --> 00:00:35.020 Excellence in the worship of Allah is to worship Him as if you see Him. 00:00:35.020 --> 00:00:38.020 For if you do not see Him, He surely sees you. 00:00:38.020 --> 00:00:40.020 As stated in the hadith of Jibril. 00:00:40.020 --> 00:00:47.020 Excellence toward others is to benefit them beyond what is strictly required or due. 00:00:47.020 --> 00:00:50.299 Thus, justice is a duty, while excellence is a virtue. 00:00:50.299 --> 00:00:54.299 This is why Allah combined them in His command, saying: 00:00:54.299 --> 00:00:58.299 “Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.” (16:90) 00:00:58.299 --> 00:01:03.299 Encouraging people to ascend from the station of obligation to the station of virtue. 00:01:03.299 --> 00:01:08.299 Therefore, a person is encouraged to be lenient regarding some of their own rights. 00:01:08.299 --> 00:01:10.299 Especially with relatives. 00:01:10.299 --> 00:01:15.299 As a means of fostering affection in hearts and healing the resentment in breasts. 00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:19.299 Excellence is generally recommended in all matters. 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:22.299 And specifically with relatives. 00:01:22.299 --> 00:01:24.299 At the forefront of whom are one's parents. 00:01:24.299 --> 00:01:27.299 Then children, brothers, and sisters. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:31.299 The call to excellence is emphasized in three matters. 00:01:31.299 --> 00:01:32.299 First: 00:01:32.299 --> 00:01:38.299 Supplicating to Allah the Exalted to treat us with His grace and excellence, not merely His justice. 00:01:38.299 --> 00:01:41.370 For if Allah were to treat creation according to the requirements of His justice, 00:01:41.370 --> 00:01:44.370 All people would perish. 00:01:44.370 --> 00:01:49.370 Since their worship of Him does not fulfill the right of gratitude for His blessings, nor even a fraction of it. 00:01:49.370 --> 00:01:51.590 Second: 00:01:51.590 --> 00:01:53.590 Excellence toward parents. 00:01:54.590 --> 00:01:59.620 For Allah the Exalted commanded it toward them, not merely justice. 00:01:59.620 --> 00:02:03.620 And He coupled this with the command to worship Him alone. 00:02:03.620 --> 00:02:06.620 Which indicates the gravity of this matter. 00:02:06.620 --> 00:02:08.620 Allah the Exalted said: 00:02:08.620 --> 00:02:14.620 “Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word.” (17:23) 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:16.849 Third: 00:02:16.849 --> 00:02:19.849 Excellence in the marital relationship. 00:02:19.849 --> 00:02:24.849 Where the interaction between spouses is based on good companionship, not merely justice. 00:02:24.849 --> 00:02:28.849 For if the spouses were to deal with each other only by justice without grace, 00:02:28.849 --> 00:02:31.849 And both were stingy with excellence, 00:02:31.849 --> 00:02:35.849 Each would harbor resentment toward the other. 00:02:35.849 --> 00:02:38.849 And the relationship between them would likely become impossible. 00:02:38.849 --> 00:02:43.849 This is due to the intensity of their constant interaction and intimacy. 00:02:44.849 --> 00:02:51.879 Which necessitates leniency and tolerance in many minor, recurring matters. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:53.879 Allah the Exalted said: 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:58.909 “It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).” (2:187) 00:02:58.909 --> 00:03:02.909 This brings about affection, tranquility, and mercy. 00:03:02.909 --> 00:03:06.909 Through overlooking faults, feigning ignorance of minor issues, and mutual forgiveness. 00:03:06.909 --> 00:03:08.939 Allah the Exalted said: 00:03:08.939 --> 00:03:15.939 “And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmeets from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.” (30:21) 00:03:15.939 --> 00:03:19.939 “And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmeets from yourselves that ye might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect.” (30:21)