WEBVTT 00:00:00.780 --> 00:00:09.779 Riyad al-Salihin from the words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:14.339 Chapter: Striving against the Self (Mujahada). 00:00:14.339 --> 00:00:19.059 Allah the Exalted said: 00:00:19.059 --> 00:00:28.100 “As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good.” (29:69) 00:00:28.100 --> 00:00:30.100 And He the Exalted said: 00:00:30.100 --> 00:00:34.100 "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death)." 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:36.100 And He the Exalted said: 00:00:36.100 --> 00:00:40.100 “So remember the name of thy Lord and devote thyself with a complete devotion -” (73:8) 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:42.100 Meaning: Devote yourself entirely to Him. 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:45.289 And He, Glorified and Exalted be He, said: 00:00:45.289 --> 00:00:50.289 “And whoso doeth good an atom's weight will see it then,” (99:7) 00:00:50.289 --> 00:00:52.420 And He the Exalted said: 00:00:52.420 --> 00:00:58.420 "And whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah." 00:00:58.420 --> 00:01:01.420 “Lo! thy Lord knoweth how thou keepest vigil sometimes nearly two-thirds of the night, or (sometimes) half or a third thereof, as do a party of those with thee. Allah measureth the night and the day. He knoweth that ye count it not, and turneth unto you in mercy. Recite, then, of the Qur'an that which is easy for you. He knoweth that there are sick folk among you, while others travel in the land in search of Allah's bounty, and others (still) are fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite of it that which is easy (for you), and establish worship and pay the poor-due, and (so) lend unto Allah a goodly loan. Whatsoever good ye send before you for your souls, ye will find it with Allah, better and greater in the recompense. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (73:20) 00:01:01.420 --> 00:01:03.509 And He the Exalted said: 00:01:03.509 --> 00:01:09.510 “(Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it.” (2:273) 00:01:09.510 --> 00:01:13.609 The verses in this chapter are numerous and well-known. 00:01:13.609 --> 00:01:18.659 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:22.659 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:01:22.659 --> 00:01:25.700 "Indeed, Allah the Exalted has said: 00:01:25.700 --> 00:01:30.700 'Whoever shows enmity to a friend (wali) of Mine, I have declared war against him. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:36.760 And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him. 00:01:36.760 --> 00:01:42.920 And My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts (nawafil) until I love him. 00:01:42.920 --> 00:01:47.980 And when I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, 00:01:47.980 --> 00:01:50.980 And his sight with which he sees, 00:01:50.980 --> 00:01:53.980 And his hand with which he strikes, 00:01:53.980 --> 00:01:56.980 And his foot with which he walks. 00:01:56.980 --> 00:01:59.980 If he asks Me, I will surely give him, 00:01:59.980 --> 00:02:02.980 And if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely grant him refuge.'" 00:02:02.980 --> 00:02:05.140 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 00:02:05.140 --> 00:02:10.689 "I have declared war" means I have informed him that I am at war with him. 00:02:10.689 --> 00:02:17.289 "Shows enmity to a friend of Mine" means he takes him as an enemy or a target. 00:02:17.289 --> 00:02:25.509 The *wali* is the one who has knowledge of Allah, is constant in His obedience, and is sincere in his worship. 00:02:25.509 --> 00:02:28.669 "Draw near" means he seeks closeness. 00:02:29.669 --> 00:02:34.900 "Voluntary acts" are the acts of worship that are in addition to the obligatory ones. 00:02:34.900 --> 00:02:39.150 "Strikes with it" means he hits with it. 00:02:39.150 --> 00:02:43.340 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:46.340 The gravity of showing enmity toward the friends of Allah the Exalted, 00:02:46.340 --> 00:02:50.340 Whether by hating them or harming them. 00:02:50.340 --> 00:02:54.719 Performing the obligatory acts is prioritized over performing voluntary acts. 00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:57.939 Among the causes of Allah’s love for His servant: 00:02:57.939 --> 00:03:00.939 The servant’s drawing near to Allah through voluntary acts, 00:03:00.939 --> 00:03:05.939 Such as the night prayer (qiyam al-layl), the regular Sunnah prayers, and reciting the Qur'an. 00:03:05.939 --> 00:03:11.169 Drawing near to Allah the Exalted by maintaining the obligatory acts, 00:03:11.169 --> 00:03:13.169 And performing voluntary acts. 00:03:13.169 --> 00:03:19.169 A cause for Allah’s response to the servant’s supplication, and His protection and care for him. 00:03:19.169 --> 00:03:22.419 If the servant is truthful to his Lord in his worship, 00:03:22.419 --> 00:03:25.419 Until he reaches the station of friendship (wilayah) with Him, 00:03:25.419 --> 00:03:28.419 It becomes a right upon Allah to answer his supplication, 00:03:28.419 --> 00:03:31.419 If that is good for him, 00:03:31.419 --> 00:03:35.419 Or to compensate him with something better in this world or the Hereafter. 00:03:35.419 --> 00:03:39.800 On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:03:39.800 --> 00:03:42.800 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:45.800 In what he narrates from his Lord, the Almighty and Majestic: 00:03:45.800 --> 00:03:48.900 "If My servant draws near to Me by a span, 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:51.900 I draw near to him by a cubit. 00:03:51.900 --> 00:03:54.900 And if he draws near to Me by a cubit, 00:03:54.900 --> 00:03:57.900 I draw near to him by a fathom. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:03:59.900 And if he comes to Me walking, 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:02.900 I come to him at speed." 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:04.960 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:09.460 "If My servant draws near to Me by a span," 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:13.460 Meaning: Whoever performs any act of obedience, even if it is small, 00:04:13.460 --> 00:04:17.459 I respond to him with manifold honor. 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:21.459 And whenever he increases in obedience, I increase him in reward. 00:04:21.459 --> 00:04:23.589 "A cubit," 00:04:23.589 --> 00:04:26.589 Meaning: The forearm up to the elbow. 00:04:26.589 --> 00:04:28.779 "A fathom" (ba'), 00:04:28.779 --> 00:04:32.779 Is the measure of extending both arms and the distance of the body between them. 00:04:32.779 --> 00:04:35.100 "At speed" (harwala), 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:38.100 Is a type of running that involves quickening the pace. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:42.740 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:04:42.740 --> 00:04:45.740 An indication of the generosity of the Most Generous of the generous, 00:04:45.740 --> 00:04:49.740 As He gives abundantly in exchange for a little. 00:04:49.740 --> 00:04:52.990 Affirmation of the attribute of coming and approaching, 00:04:52.990 --> 00:04:56.990 And we believe in it without assigning a 'how' (takyif) or distorting the meaning (tahrif), 00:04:56.990 --> 00:04:59.990 Or denying it (ta'til) or likening it to creation (tamthil). 00:04:59.990 --> 00:05:03.990 It is an attribute established by the Book and the Sunnah. 00:05:03.990 --> 00:05:09.269 On the authority of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, who said: 00:05:09.269 --> 00:05:13.269 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:05:13.269 --> 00:05:17.269 "There are two blessings in which many people are deceived: 00:05:17.269 --> 00:05:20.269 Health and free time." 00:05:20.269 --> 00:05:22.269 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 00:05:22.269 --> 00:05:25.069 "Deceived" (maghbun), 00:05:25.069 --> 00:05:28.069 Deception (ghabn) is buying at many times the price, 00:05:28.069 --> 00:05:32.069 Or selling for less than the fair market value. 00:05:32.069 --> 00:05:36.060 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:38.060 The person accountable (mukallaf) is like a merchant, 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:41.060 And health and free time are his capital. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:45.060 Whoever uses his capital well attains profit, 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:48.060 And whoever wastes it loses and regrets, 00:05:48.060 --> 00:05:50.290 For he is deceived. 00:05:50.290 --> 00:05:53.290 One should take advantage of health and free time 00:05:53.290 --> 00:05:57.290 To draw near to Allah the Exalted and perform good deeds, 00:05:57.290 --> 00:05:59.290 Before they pass away. 00:05:59.290 --> 00:06:02.290 Because free time is followed by being busy, 00:06:02.290 --> 00:06:05.610 And health is followed by sickness. 00:06:05.610 --> 00:06:08.610 Islam is keen on time because it is life, 00:06:08.610 --> 00:06:11.610 And on the soundness of bodies, 00:06:11.610 --> 00:06:15.019 Because it helps in the perfection of the religion. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:18.019 The world is the farm of the Hereafter, 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:20.019 So one should provide oneself with piety, 00:06:20.019 --> 00:06:23.019 And utilize the blessing of Allah in His obedience. 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:25.220 Gratitude for the blessings of Allah 00:06:25.220 --> 00:06:28.220 Is achieved by using them in the obedience of Allah. 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:32.910 On the authority of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, 00:06:32.910 --> 00:06:35.910 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:06:35.910 --> 00:06:37.910 Used to stand in prayer at night 00:06:37.910 --> 00:06:40.939 Until his feet would swell. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:42.939 So I said to him, 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:45.939 "Why do you do this, O Messenger of Allah, 00:06:45.939 --> 00:06:50.939 When Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?" 00:06:50.939 --> 00:06:51.939 He said, 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:55.939 "Should I not love to be a grateful servant?" 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:57.939 Agreed upon. 00:06:57.939 --> 00:07:02.420 "Swell" (tatafattar) means to crack. 00:07:02.420 --> 00:07:04.670 "Grateful" (shakur), 00:07:04.670 --> 00:07:06.670 Meaning: One who is very grateful, 00:07:06.670 --> 00:07:09.670 Acknowledging blessings in both word and deed. 00:07:09.670 --> 00:07:13.079 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:17.620 The great striving of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:07:17.620 --> 00:07:19.620 In the worship of Allah. 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:22.910 Whoever Allah has blessed with a favor, 00:07:22.910 --> 00:07:24.910 And singled out with a virtue, 00:07:24.910 --> 00:07:26.910 Must be grateful for it. 00:07:26.910 --> 00:07:32.170 The blessing must be a cause for increased gratitude. 00:07:32.170 --> 00:07:34.420 Ibn Abi Jamrah said: 00:07:34.420 --> 00:07:37.420 It should not cross our minds 00:07:37.420 --> 00:07:40.420 That the sins which Allah the Exalted informed us 00:07:40.420 --> 00:07:44.420 That He, by His grace, forgave for the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:47.420 Are of the same nature as those we fall into, 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:49.420 Allah forbid. 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:56.420 Rather, it is of the nature of fulfilling what is due to Lordship in terms of glorification, exaltation, and gratitude, 00:07:56.420 --> 00:08:01.420 And placing humanity in its proper place, even if its status was raised where it was raised. 00:08:01.420 --> 00:08:06.420 For it is incapable of describing that, because it is among the created things. 00:08:06.420 --> 00:08:11.420 And the abundance of blessings upon the one whose status was raised more than others 00:08:11.420 --> 00:08:13.420 Multiplies the duties upon him, 00:08:13.420 --> 00:08:15.420 So incapacity occurred, 00:08:15.420 --> 00:08:17.420 And the forgiveness was for that. 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:22.829 On the authority of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: 00:08:22.829 --> 00:08:26.829 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:08:26.829 --> 00:08:29.829 When the ten (days) entered, would keep the night alive, 00:08:29.829 --> 00:08:31.829 Wake his family, 00:08:31.829 --> 00:08:34.830 Strive, and tighten his waist-wrapper. 00:08:34.830 --> 00:08:36.830 Agreed upon. 00:08:36.830 --> 00:08:40.990 The intended meaning is the last ten days of the month of Ramadan. 00:08:40.990 --> 00:08:43.990 The waist-wrapper (mi'zar) is the loincloth. 00:08:43.990 --> 00:08:46.990 It is a metaphor for abstaining from women. 00:08:47.990 --> 00:08:48.990 And it is said: 00:08:48.990 --> 00:08:51.990 The meaning is his girding himself for worship. 00:08:51.990 --> 00:08:52.990 It is said: 00:08:52.990 --> 00:08:55.990 "I have tightened my waist-wrapper for this matter," 00:08:55.990 --> 00:08:59.990 Meaning: I have girded myself and devoted myself to it. 00:08:59.990 --> 00:09:03.049 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:09:03.049 --> 00:09:09.429 It is part of resolve to seize virtuous times with righteous deeds. 00:09:09.429 --> 00:09:12.620 It is recommended to keep the night alive in Ramadan, 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:15.620 Especially the last ten days of it, 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:17.620 For they have a special virtue. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:20.750 Whoever wishes to strive in worship 00:09:20.750 --> 00:09:24.750 Must protect himself from what discourages or weakens him, 00:09:24.750 --> 00:09:26.750 Or distracts him from it. 00:09:26.750 --> 00:09:30.009 The best of a servant's prayer after the obligatory ones 00:09:30.009 --> 00:09:34.009 Is that which is in the night, especially the latter part of it. 00:09:34.009 --> 00:09:38.330 The wise person is the one who makes goodness encompass his family. 00:09:38.330 --> 00:09:42.649 A servant should be keen on his family, 00:09:42.649 --> 00:09:46.649 Commanding them to worship and being patient upon it, 00:09:46.649 --> 00:09:49.649 And protecting them from the Fire of Hell through that. 00:09:49.649 --> 00:09:54.899 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:58.899 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:00.899 "The strong believer 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:04.899 Is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:06.899 And in each there is good. 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:09.960 Be eager for what benefits you, 00:10:09.960 --> 00:10:12.960 Seek help from Allah, and do not be incapable. 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:14.960 And if something befalls you, 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:19.960 Do not say, 'If only I had done such and such,' 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:24.960 But say, 'Allah has decreed, and what He willed, He did,' 00:10:24.960 --> 00:10:28.960 For 'if only' opens the work of Satan." 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:30.960 Narrated by Muslim. 00:10:30.960 --> 00:10:33.700 "The strong," 00:10:33.700 --> 00:10:35.700 Meaning: In his religion and his body, 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:37.700 And his soul and his intellect, 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:42.700 Who is fit to carry the religion, call to it, and defend it. 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:44.700 And the weak is the opposite. 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:46.980 "And in each there is good," 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:49.980 Because they share the foundation of faith. 00:10:49.980 --> 00:10:52.080 "Do not be incapable," 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:55.080 Meaning: Do not be negligent in seeking what benefits you. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:58.210 "Opens the work of Satan," 00:10:58.210 --> 00:11:02.210 Meaning: His whisperings that lead to loss. 00:11:02.210 --> 00:11:05.490 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:11:05.490 --> 00:11:09.840 The superiority of the people of faith over one another in their faith, 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.840 Even if they share in its foundation. 00:11:11.840 --> 00:11:14.059 Faith is speech and action, 00:11:15.059 --> 00:11:18.059 It increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience. 00:11:18.059 --> 00:11:21.350 A believer should strive against his self 00:11:21.350 --> 00:11:26.639 To reach the rank of the strong, perfect believers. 00:11:26.639 --> 00:11:29.639 The encouragement to gather the strength of faith 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:31.639 Along with physical strength. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:33.990 Indeed, strength and weakness 00:11:33.990 --> 00:11:37.990 Are relative to striving against the self, 00:11:37.990 --> 00:11:39.990 Maintaining obedience, 00:11:39.990 --> 00:11:41.990 Doing what benefits people, 00:11:41.990 --> 00:11:43.990 And to ward off evil from them. 00:11:43.990 --> 00:11:48.220 A person must be keen to pursue what is beneficial for him, 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:51.220 Especially regarding matters of his faith. 00:11:51.220 --> 00:11:55.500 Guidance toward the remedy when what is decreed occurs, 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:58.500 Which is by submitting to the command of Allah, 00:11:58.500 --> 00:12:01.500 Being content with His decree and predestination, 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:04.500 And turning away from dwelling on what has passed, 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:07.500 For that leads only to loss. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:09.500 This is done by saying, 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:12.500 "Allah has decreed, and what He willed, He has done." 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:15.789 Regretting what has passed does not bring it back. 00:12:15.789 --> 00:12:19.789 A person must strive to compensate for it by being content 00:12:19.789 --> 00:12:21.789 With what Allah has decreed, 00:12:21.789 --> 00:12:24.789 And by increasing in future acts of obedience. 00:12:24.789 --> 00:12:27.019 Regretting what has passed 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:29.019 Is among the deceptions of Satan, 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:32.019 With which he corrupts a person's heart, 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:36.019 Making him sorrowful and despairing of the mercy of Allah. 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:39.299 Belief in predestination, both its good and its evil, 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:42.299 And that whatever Allah willed has come to pass; 00:12:42.299 --> 00:12:46.299 There is no one to reverse His judgment and no one to repel His decree. 00:12:46.299 --> 00:12:51.029 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:12:51.029 --> 00:12:55.029 That the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:12:55.029 --> 00:12:58.059 "The Fire is veiled by desires, 00:12:58.059 --> 00:13:01.059 And Paradise is veiled by hardships." 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:03.059 Agreed upon. 00:13:03.059 --> 00:13:06.129 In a narration by Muslim, 00:13:06.129 --> 00:13:08.129 The word "surrounded" (huffat) is used instead of "veiled" (hujibat). 00:13:08.129 --> 00:13:10.129 It carries the same meaning, 00:13:10.129 --> 00:13:13.129 Meaning that between a person and it lies this barrier; 00:13:13.129 --> 00:13:16.129 Once he overcomes it, he enters it. 00:13:16.129 --> 00:13:19.500 Desires: 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:22.500 Meaning the worldly things one finds pleasurable, 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:25.500 Which the Sacred Law has forbidden one to engage in. 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:28.500 Included in this are doubtful matters. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.570 Hardships: 00:13:29.570 --> 00:13:31.570 Meaning what the morally responsible person is commanded 00:13:31.570 --> 00:13:35.570 To struggle against his own self to perform or avoid, 00:13:35.570 --> 00:13:38.570 Such as performing acts of worship properly, 00:13:38.570 --> 00:13:40.570 Maintaining them, 00:13:40.570 --> 00:13:44.570 And abstaining from forbidden things in speech and action. 00:13:44.570 --> 00:13:48.210 Among the benefits of the hadith: 00:13:48.210 --> 00:13:50.590 The cause of falling into desires 00:13:50.590 --> 00:13:54.590 Is Satan’s beautification of the reprehensible and the ugly, 00:13:54.590 --> 00:13:56.590 Until the soul perceives it as good, 00:13:56.590 --> 00:13:58.590 And thus inclines toward it. 00:13:58.590 --> 00:14:00.820 The soul may dislike things, 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:02.820 While they contain much good. 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:04.820 As the Almighty said: 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:06.820 "Fighting has been enjoined upon you, 00:14:06.820 --> 00:14:08.820 While it is hateful to you." 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:13.820 "And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you." 00:14:13.820 --> 00:14:18.820 “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.” (2:216) 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:22.820 "And Allah knows, while you know not." 00:14:22.820 --> 00:14:26.039 One must struggle against the soul, 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:30.039 And wean it away from its desires and habits. 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:35.299 The Fire and Paradise are already existing and created. 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:39.490 Riyad al-Salihin.