Riyadul Haqq

The Ḥadith of Jibril Part 1/4 - Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on 5th February 2016 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK)

The Ḥadith of Jibril is highly regarded by the Ulama as being one of the greatest Hadith of Islam. Some even go as far as to say that all the teachings of religion stem from this one Hadith. This Hadith is comprehensive and covers everything, from the basic beliefs of every Muslim and their relationship with Allah to the Signs of the Hour. Some Ulama have gone to the extent of beginning their books with this Hadith, just as Imam Muslim has done in his Sahih.

This is the first lesson in the commentary of the Ḥadith of Jibril; which discusses the arrival of Jibril, the etiquettes of the Sahabah in the presence of Rasulullah SAWS and the articles of faith for a believer.

The Humility of the Ṣaḥabah (RA) - Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on 22nd January 2016 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK).

This lecture will make one realise how far removed we are from the humbleness displayed by the greatest amongst the Sahabah رضى الله عنهم.

Replete with numerous examples of humility, this lecture will help us evaluate our actions and thinking. Recognising that we have a problem is the start of getting a problem solved. Inculcating humbleness within ourselves will bring about the love of the Creator and Creation.

This talk was delivered at the Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) on Jan 15, 2016.

Allah has bestowed upon man higher intellect than any of his creation. The commentary of this surah draws attention to a beast that becomes totally subservient, servile and compliant to his master only because he shows a few favors towards it. Despite mans understanding, whilst being blessed with innumerable and immeasurable favors, he remains extremely ungrateful to his lord. Man is never satisfied and is forever complaining.

The insatiable greed for wealth corrupts the mind and character and leads to the disobedience of the creator. We are reminded to always prepare and think ahead for the hereafter. One should ponder and reflect on the purpose of life and remember that one will have to rise from the grave and account for his deeds before his lord. His pursuits in the world will all be terminated.

These notions will help eradicate all ailments of the heart and make a person more grateful, satisfied and obedient to his creator.

The content of this surah describes the delusional and delirious effects of wealth. Islam has encouraged the acquisition of wealth when it is done with responsibility, charity, compassion and with the correct methodology, understanding and intention. When wealth possesses us rather than us possessing wealth, that is when it corrodes and influences our character and thinking process. This surah teaches us that to gather wealth incessantly, to count, enumerate and become obsessed with it results in committing the most hideous of crimes. This can lead to backbiting, slandering, defaming, rumour mongering, attacking anothers honour, character assassination and even physical abuse. The entire character of a person is then corrupted.

The most significant lesson we learn is that success does not lie in wealth rather it is in the remembrance of Allah. Wealth acquired and used without the consciousness of Allah becomes a burden rather than a blessing.

A detail discussion is made of the evil and damaging effects of backbiting, slandering and defaming. The consequences of indulging in such sins are also eloquently outlined.

The exegesis of this short Surah contains a brief biography of the Messenger of Allah Muhammad SAW, illustrating his life, victory of Makkah and his demise. We learn of the emergence of an orphan who in very difficult circumstances achieved and accomplished so much that even many non-Muslims have hailed him as the greatest, single most influential human being in the entire history of mankind.

Some of the amazing lessons learnt from this exegesis are that in victory or following any personal accomplishment one should not gloat or be proud, rather one should be humble and hymn the glory of Allah. We learn that the Messenger Muhammad SAW had the miraculous ability to induce love after hate. His beautiful character inspired and continue to inspire people worldwide, resulting in multitudes embracing the religion of Allah.