Note: The following transcript was generated using AI and may contain inaccuracies.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. and with His help, I begin. I send prayers and peace upon the Master of the Prophets and Messengers.
As for what follows, We must always strive to remain steadfast in the religion of Allah, steadfast in the Book and the Sunnah. Say, "I believe in Allah," and then be steadfast, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, advised.
Undoubtedly, a person may face trials and temptations of various kinds and forms. Different types and categories. These trials can either be related to doubts, I mean doubts related to matters of belief, whether belief in Allah, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, the Quran, the Imams of Islam, the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and other fixed beliefs in the religion of Allah Almighty.
These related doubts create issues that cast doubt on faith in the obligatory beliefs and what is in the religion of Allah, and Islam and the service scholars have provided to this religion.
The second type of trials is related to desires, which presents itself to a person, and no era is free from it, despite the difference between the eras. The second type of trials is related to desires, which presents itself to a person, and no era is free from it, despite the difference between the eras.
These desires revolve around the craving for wealth, the desire related to men and women, and the desire for leadership and position. All these are forms of desires.
A Muslim should strive to remain steadfast in the religion of Allah Almighty. Therefore, we have principles and foundations for safety from doubts, by the will of Allah.
The greatest of these principles is that a Muslim should know and understand his religion properly. He should know what Allah Almighty has obligated him to believe in, including belief in the names and attributes of Allah the Exalted, matters of faith, and what must be believed, and issues related to the unseen and everything that has come in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
He should know the creed of the Ahlus Sunnah regarding what a Muslim should follow and understand, because it is based on the Book of Allah and the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Why do we say this? Because this is the first way to be a protective barrier against the influence of doubts on you, O Muslim. If you truly believe with evidence and have firm faith in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, this will be a barrier preventing you from being influenced by the slightest doubt.
Doubts penetrate those who have no knowledge or have little knowledge. So the more your knowledge increases in the Book and the Sunnah and the creed of the people of Islam, the more steadfast you become and the less exposed you are to trials, without any disagreement or doubt in this.
Trials only come with weak faith in the trials of desires and with weak knowledge, especially concerning the trials of doubts.
Therefore, this is a stage of building. If the building is sound, strong, and solid, it will not be affected by any storm or wind. However, if the building is weak and fragile, it is prone to be affected by the slightest wind, which might lead to its collapse.
Therefore, as we find, chapter: knowledge comes before action and other encouragements for knowledge, its status, and its virtue, all for the sake of acting upon it and believing in it. The virtue of knowledge has come for this reason.
So, the more you increase in knowledge of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, the more steadfast and rooted you become in this great religion. This is a fundamental principle in this matter To avoid the trials of doubts by grounding oneself in knowledge and striving for knowledge so that it becomes a barrier preventing any doubt from affecting you.
The second point is that a person should not listen to, learn from, or receive knowledge except from its rightful sources. Allah Almighty says, "So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know."
Question is to be asked to the people of knowledge, those of the Quran, Ahlus Sunnah, people of Tawhid (monotheism), and those of Islam the correct religion, the religion of truth. These are the ones to be asked, the ones from whom knowledge should be sought and received knowledge from.
As for those who have deviated or strayed from the religion of Allah and the understanding of the Sunnah, acquiring knowledge from them without necessity and need, and in matters that do not harm one's belief, this matter entails details. But it can spoil a person's creed without them realizing it.
Therefore, Al-Hafiz Al-Dhahabi, rather Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, mentioned in his book "Lisan al-Mizan," in the biography of famous Al-Zamakhshari, quoting one of the commentators on Sahih Al-Bukhari, whose name escapes me now, but anyway, author of, in any case quoting one of the commentators on Sahih Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him that he recommended about Zamakhshari's book advising not to read from Al- "Al-Kashaf."
Why? He said because even a knowledgeable and proficient person might be influenced by a doubt or have a doubt arise in his mind due to what Al-Zamakhshari presents.
Al-Zamakhshari was skilled in language and writing, with creativity in aspects of the Quranic miracle, but unfortunately, in the matter of Mu'tazilite theology, he deviated and had methods of influencing the reader, mixing poison with honey.
The first point is that even a scholar, if he frequently reads or deeply studies it, can be affected without realizing it. The second, which is also important, is that if ordinary people see someone studying this book, they might follow his example and fall into these doubts and misguidance, deviations from those who deviated.
Thus, those without knowledge will be overwhelmed from the beginning, with one doubt after another, until these doubts firmly establish themselves in their hearts, leading to significant deviation and immense misguidance.
This is a crucial matter. The abridged book, rather explanation of Sahih Al-Bukhari, and not abridgement of Ibn Abi Jamrah's, I think it's "Bahjat al-Nufus," yes, the book's name is "Bahjat al-Nufus wa-Tahalliha" and so on. of of Ibn Abi Jamrah's, yes.
So, brothers and sisters, receiving knowledge from the Ahlus Sunnah and people of the correct belief is essential because a person might be weak in the face of some doubts and unable to refute them.
This is also an important principle in knowing the truth and ensuring safety and security from the trials of doubts. We said that establishing correct knowledge is the first foundation, which is sound construction. The second point is not to receive knowledge except from its rightful sources.
The third point is for a person to turn to Allah Almighty in supplication, asking for steadfastness: "O Allah, keep us steadfast with the firm word in this life and the Hereafter."
One should frequently pray for steadfastness, regardless of the circumstances, and the steadfastness on the religion and not be overconfident on . I do not want to elaborate too much, but I know stories of people, Allah knows about them, who were tested and deviated. We ask Allah for steadfastness.
Therefore, it is advised for a person to continually ask Allah Almighty for steadfastness in this religion.
One of the reasons some people are led into doubts, which then become entrenched and no longer just doubts, turning into a deviant and misguided ideology that might even lead one to leave Islam, And this refers to what can be called curiosity, meaning there is no need for one to listen to some people, just flipping through pages, flipping through YouTube, or browsing social media of misguided sects and deviant groups.
Under the pretense of love for exploration, when they have no foundational knowledge and no need for it, to begin with. Merely, without a firm conviction surely. And he has no strong foundation He comes and flips through these channels and various media, listening here and there, merely for the pleasure of listening, with his claim...
This kind of curiosity allows Satan to infiltrate their hearts little by little, eventually corrupting their religion. Matters of creed are very serious, and the desires related to this matter are significant. A person must close and block all doors from which they fear even the possibility of evil entering.
Creed is the foundation of religion, and as we have said, the aspects of attacking the religion and casting doubts about it come from various sides. A person should ask their Lord, the Almighty, for steadfastness.
It is also essential that if a person encounters a doubt or hears a doubt and is confused by it, they should consult the people of knowledge, the specialists, the Ahlus Sunnah, and those with the correct belief. There are those who have been influenced by certain things or have questions about certain matters.
What is the answer to this? How is it answered? One should not leave this doubt within themselves so that it does not grow, increase, and multiply. This is a significant principle that we must be aware of. One should not let these doubts grow within themselves.
It is important to maintain a correct belief and ask Allah for steadfastness, avoiding delving into fields that belong to people of innovation and whims. This is a principle we should follow for steadfastness and to stay away from trials.
Additionally, it is very important to refer matters to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and Ahlul Halli wal Aqd (Those who are qualified to unbind and bind) (Scholars and people of expertise) Those who have knowledge and understanding of this.
Not everyone should act as if they are political analysts for emerging issues that even the specialists and politicians with. Every student of knowledge becoming Maa Sha Allah as if they are a "political analyst" for global and local news.
A person should ask Allah for kindness for themselves and the Muslims, for Allah to honor Islam, and for safety and well-being for the Muslims. And as for engaging and being among those who engage, as if Islam came for this purpose. No, Islam did not come for this, and Allah did not assign you to this, nor did He ask you to explain any of this.
Then, based on this, sects arise—one sees this through certain analyses, and another sees differently, which could lead to tension, enmity, division and hostility unfortunately. This is all due to a lack of understanding in religion.
Firstly, Allah did not obligate you with this, and did not obligate on everyone to speak on these matters even if they have knowledge of them. These matters are the responsibility of the people of knowledge, and Allah has relieved you of this. So why take and bear the burden on this serious matter?
A person should refer to the people of knowledge, where safety lies. Allah has made the people of knowledge a safe haven for you from misguidance, deviation and error. The more a person controls their tongue and pen, the better it is.
As for believing everything said in the media and basing analyses and judgments on it, forming and building alliances and enmities on such news, leads to corruption, as I mentioned, in causing enmity, division, and estrangement. These corrupt matters damage religion.
Allah has commanded us to show kindness, mercy and love, which are the beauties of Islam and its greatness, rather than to be divided. Instead of being one hand. Allah the Almighty says, "And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage."
Muslims, especially the preachers and students of knowledge, need unity, educating people about their religion, enlightening them about their religion, faith and worship, and what is obligatory upon them. They need to correct their mistakes in various matters which are not based on strong evidence, mere opinions only Allah knows the validity of claims or otherwise.
The more a person remains steadfast on this, prays to Allah for steadfastness, devotes time to seeking knowledge and teaching it, and follows this path, avoids what we mentioned, and builds their understanding of religion on a solid and sound foundation, the further they will be from doubts.
For instance, one who knows the status of the Ahl al-Bayt in Islam and among Ahlus Sunnah, and knows the status of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, will not easily be influenced by criticisms against the Companions, whether it is about Abu Hurayrah, the narrator of Islam, or others, nor about the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, or any other Companion.
Why? Because they are grounded in a solid foundation. On the other hand, someone who does not know the status of the Ahl al-Bayt among Ahlus Sunnah or the status of the Companions, for example, can easily be influenced by hearsay and develop doubts. These doubts may grow stronger, turning from a mere doubt into a fundamental part of their corrupt beliefs.
So, dear brothers and sisters, these are very important issues. A person must focus on proper education and engage themselves in learning. For those who are qualified, they should learn and strengthen their religion. Every person and every student should focus on teaching their students and children so that they are not influenced by the many doubts that are raised from the east and the west, as they are numerous.
The more a person increases their knowledge, the more they are safeguarded from falling into doubts, by the will of Allah the Almighty. These are some of the key points regarding this aspect, I mean trials related to doubts.
As for the desires, they pertain to what the soul inclines towards of forbidden matters, whether it is related to money and its consumption through forbidden means such as usury, oppression, gambling, theft, and other forms.
It also includes about women, forbidden relationships between men and women or the love of positions. which are also desires that corrupt the love and affection between people.
The main means of protecting oneself from these desires, is to maintain the consciousness of Allah, the Almighty, and to embody true fear of Allah. Allah says, "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims."
Fear Allah, the true fear diligently adhering to obedience to Him, avoiding disobedience, remembering Allah constantly, and not forgetting, to thank Him, nor being ungrateful to Him. "Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims." This command is from Allah, "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared" is a order from Allah.
As Ibn Mas'ud said, when you hear "O you who have believed," listen carefully, meaning beware and pay close attention, What does your Lord want? Imagine if a person received a letter from a king, a ruler, a leader, principal, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Interior, or any official. One would read it carefully, analyze it, and seek advice from consultants to understand its message and implications.
This is the call of Allah addressing us, "O you who have believed." By Allah, brothers, we are falling short. However, we are on the verge of a great month, worthy of our contemplation of the words of Allah the Exalted.
“Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims." This requires us to pause and contemplate: How can we adhere to this command of Allah? How can you ensure that we you not die except in a state of Islam? How can you, as a Muslim female, ensure you die in this state?
No one knows when they will die; I do not know when I will die, nor do you man or woman, nor does anyone else know when will they die. Allah Almighthy says, "And do not die except as Muslims." So it is must upon us to be always be in a state of fearing Allah, obeying His commands, staying away from what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, so that when death comes, we die in a state of Islam.
"And do not die except as Muslims." Maintaining piety and fear of Allah makes you avoid forbidden things like adultery and illicit relationships, and seclusion between the two genders, men and women. Avoid these temptations and places of trial, and remember the vigilance and fear of Allah Almighty.
Always keep the fear of Allah before you. When you remember your Lord, you will then realize the greatness of your Lord. Consider the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day when there is no shade but His. Among them is a young person who was offered all the means to sin but refrained, saying, "Indeed, I fear Allah." He was made one of the seven whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His.
Thus, the fear of Allah is the great foundation for avoiding desires. When a person knows that unlawful wealth has no blessing, regardless of whether it comes from gambling, usury, deceit, drugs, or other forbidden means, These are ill-gotten gains, unjust money with no blessing in them, even if they amount to millions.
The abundance of money is not what's important. Allah Almighty may bless a person with little wealth in a way He does not bless someone with much wealth, no matter how much the wealth reaches. "If the people of the towns had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth."
By Allah, the true blessing is only known by those who fear Allah and whom Allah provides for. They feel the blessing, and that is not by the abundance of wealth. So the more a person is pious and stays away from what Allah the Exalted has forbidden, the more they will feel this blessing in their livelihood, in their life, with their family, and with their children.
Unlawful money creates a barrier between a person and the acceptance of their prayers. So even if you pray while committing these sins and consuming forbidden wealth, how can your prayers be answered? as the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him mentioned about someone whose food, drink, and clothing are unlawful.
Don’t be deceived by the appearances of the world. Life does not last for anyone. Remembering death is important, though today, we only remember death when a relative or a loved one dies, and even then, and our remembrance of death may last for a few moments, for a few days, and a short time.
The Prophet peace and blessing be upon him guided us with great principles in this regard, but unfortunately very few act upon it. Among them is his saying, peace and blessings be upon him, is "Visit the graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter."
If each of us asks when was the last time we visited a grave, Allah knows best the answer might be a year ago or only when someone died. In reality he did not visit the graves, it was only when so and so dies he went to the graveyard.
Softens the heart and makes a person reflect, these people who are here (in the graves), from them were those with various ranks, rich, wealthy, and were holding high positions. Soon I will also travel the same path that those took. And all of us are going on this same path.
This was part of the Prophet's guidance, peace and blessings be upon him, as you know in visiting graves, praying for them (the deceased), and seeking forgiveness for them. It serves as a reminder for a person.
Also, in the hadith about visiting the sick, it is mentioned in the narration, "Visit the sick, for it reminds you of the Hereafter." Visiting the sick has a great impact, as emphasized in the Prophet's sayings peace and blessings be upon him, reminding one of the Hereafter, as a person never knows if they might be afflicted by a similar illness that could lead to death.
One does not know whether they will go through such a condition or not. At that point, everything stops; their deeds from the acts of worship are interrupted. They might be tested and fall ill under these circumstance. These matters, my brothers, are important reminders that we should be aware of.
We should know the life is fleeting, and its adornments are merely deceptive appearances. As Allah described it, life is but amusement, play, adornment, and boasting. No matter how long a person lives, what's going to happen? Limited number of days, no matter how much a person lives. whether 60, 80, 100, or even 120 years, less or more.
Therefore, as some scholars have mentioned, a person should work for the second life. A person lives two periods: the known life until death Upon a person is to work for the second life, the second living, which is after death Meaning, you should have deeds that will be your treasure after your death.
So that your life continues, regarding good deeds, after your death as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, advised, "When a human being dies, their deeds end except for three:" The deeds stop, this is the first life The second life, the three, types of deeds continue after death. ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them. And other than that from the deeds.
This is the second life. A person should think and make plans and programs that ensure their good deeds last and continue, with Allah's permission, after their death. Not the other way, creating a legacy of bad deeds and corrupt role models that people follow. causing sins to follow them even in their grave.
As in the hadith, Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of those who follow it without their rewards being diminished in the least until the Day of Resurrection, and whoever initiates a bad practice will be in contrary.
Therefore, it is important for a person, my brothers, to strive for, O dear Muslims, O slaves of Allah that we all strive perform good deeds, and we all be be beneficial to others, that a person's benefit be others. Not just for their own benefit.
Each of us should be a positive example for the people, even I have limited knowledge, An example for people in my worship, my morals, and my dealings. This is knowledge. Being a good role model is a form of teaching and a method of upbringing. and it can have a greater impact than formal teaching and educating.
The role model. This is why the righteous servants' prayer in Surah Al-Furqan is, the dua of servants of the Most Merciful "Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us leaders for the righteous."
There is a difference between praying for your child to be a leader and praying for them to be among the leaders of the righteous. There is a difference between being righteous (muttaqi) and being among the leaders of the righteous (imams of the muttaqin).
A righteous person is pious in themselves, worships Allah, prays, fasts, gives charity, performs Hajj, remembers Allah, fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, and performs night prayers. But being a role model is something greater and highest and should be our goal for the afterlife, the second life.
The temptations of desires are not easy; Yes the most dangerous are those related to desires. However, desires, doubts if they persist and become deeply ingrained in the self, can lead a person away from their religion or from the teachings of their faith little by little until they leave Islam. This is a real and true.
So, no one should underestimate the trials related to desires. saying sins are lighter, other than polytheism, and Shaytaan may enter upon him from this. These dangers, if they persist and influence the self, can gradually distance a person from their religion, from the congregation, from prayers, and supererogatory prayers, and then from the obligations, leaving a few of them until they abandon prayer leaving prayer with Muslims, and abandoning Muslim gatherings in all forms. Until he reaches a condition, we ask Allah for safety.
Therefore, it is crucial, I mean, importance of avoiding all types of temptations to always be aware of one's own weaknesses, just like everyone else. And you are not superior to seek positions, become angry if your brother, takes a role as an imam or teacher, even if you believe you might be more capable in some way. Authorities may have their wisdom in appointing people to their positions.
However, it is permissible, when necessary, for a person to express their situation, capabilities, or knowledge, just giving details. But, it is the responsibility of those in authority to assign people to their positions and responsibilities.
A person should be satisfied, listen, and obey, even if they believe their opinion is correct. The wise and beautiful act of Ibn Mas'ud may Allah be pleased with him with Uthman on the matter of shortening prayers in Mina. As Ibn Mas'ud believed that the prayer should be shortened to two rak'ahs, while Uthman believed it should be completed as four rak'ahs.
However, (Ibn Mas'ud) said a profound statement when he agreed with Uthman and prayed four rak'ahs behind him: "Disagreement is all evil." Disagreement is evil Disagreement is all evil He also mentioned about these four rak'ahs, He said which means, I hoped that Allah would accept two of them from me.
The important thing is the acceptance of the deed. This illustrates the wisdom in obeying those in authority and not opposing them, even if one believes another opinion is more correct. This is part of the understanding of the religion.
This is what we aspire to: understanding the outcomes of matters and everything that brings benefits to Muslims, ensuring their unity and cohesion, and avoiding anything that divides the ranks of Muslims.
A person should pray to their Lord for steadfastness and to stay away from places of temptation, which could be specific markets, areas, or sites known for corruption and widespread evil. A person must avoid such places and not thrust themselves into them.
If they do enter, they should strive to withdraw, seek help from Allah, and consult their brothers about what are the ways to escape and break free from this. One of the greatest aids in resisting temptations is to constantly remember Allah and continuously ponder over the Quran not just read it, but reflect on it.
Reading and reflection on the Quran offers significant protection from all sides against temptations because it strengthens one's belief in Allah, faith in Allah and the religion of Allah, and the trials of desires and understanding that this worldly life is temporary.
And that is why, because of one's faith in the great, ultimate reward on the Day of Judgment from Allah a person forsakes this insignificant world. By Allah, brothers, I say that the more a person reads and reflects on the Quran, as we are commanded to, As Allah said, "Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?"
And as Allah informed us, "If We had sent down this Quran upon a mountain," Let us ponder on this "you would have seen it humbled and crumbling in fear of Allah."
We read the Quran, but what is our condition? The Quran has become like a song, meaning: admired for this voice or that voice, but true reflection on the Quran and what Allah wants for us through the Quran (is often lacking).
By Allah, the more one reflects on the Quran, the more it becomes, with Allah's permission, the more it will be protection for him from all kinds of temptations, whether desires or doubts.
Anyway these are simple words I wanted to share with myself, my brothers, and sisters, and anyone who listens. I ask Allah Almighty to protect me and you from all temptations—both doubts and desires— and to no misguide us or lead us astray from our religion. and to use us all in His obedience.
Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
