Tag: Hereafter

Forbidding what is Wrong is Part of Iman

by Viewpoint, posted in Hadith, Imam al-Nawawi, Iman, maruf, munkar, Qadi ‘Iyad

It must be known that this aspect of Islam, i.e. the enjoining of what is right and forbidding of what is wrong, has largely been neglected for a very long time and very few aspects of it remain. Yet it is very important, indeed it is the principle that ensures society remains on the right course. When evil spreads, punishment is inflicted on the good and the bad alike. Unless people stop injustice, Allah may well extend his punishment to all of them. He says: ‘Let those who would go against His bidding beware, lest some affliction or painful suffering befall them’ (24:63). Its benefit is great indeed, particularly because it has been largely neglected, and a person who seeks success in the life to come and hopes to earn Allah’s pleasure should be keen to undertake this duty.

Imam Ghazali on the ‘Ulamā’ of the Hereafter, the Teachers of Falsehood and Avoiding Rulers

by Viewpoint, posted in Hadith, Imam Ghazali, Rulers, Scholars

“Another characteristic expected of the scholar is that he keeps away from the rulers and, as long as he can help it, not to come near them at all, and rather avoid their company despite any efforts on their part to seek him out, because the world is attractive and inviting while the power to dispense with its riches is in their hands. To associate with them, therefore, would necessarily involve the scholar in seeking their approval and winning their hearts, although they are unjust and unrighteous. It is, then, the duty of every religious man to censor them by exposing their tyranny and decrying their practices. For he who frequents their palaces will either seek their favour and consequently forget the blessings which Allah has bestowed upon him, or hold his peace and allow their misdeeds to go uncensored, thereby courting their favour.”