Yasir Qadhi

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi talks about two topics - the wisdom behind a delayed response and the relationship of Dua with Qadr. Every Dua is responded to and as opposed to what we normally assume. Some wisdom behind a delayed response are as follows: Allah is the Malik. Man does not have a right over his Creator. A delay in response is a trial. Allah is the Most Wise. The matter might bring evil. Allah’s Choice is better than the choice of the servant. Man does not know the result of his Dua. Trials bring one closer to Allah. Dua is the means that one uses to achieve the desired goals that one has, and this means in no way contradicts the destiny that has been written for that person. Divine Decree or Qadr cannot be made as an excuse to not make Dua. Dua is intrinsically related to Qadr so much so that it is a part of Qadr.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi gives an amazing lecture on the tree of Iman that reaps numerous fruits and benefits. Important fruits and benefits of Iman: Entry into Paradise (Jannah) - Allah has explicitly conveyed to us the message that Jannah is only for Muslims and not for the Kafir. Protection from Hell (Jahannam) - whoever passes the bare minimum of Iman, he shall bypass Jahannam. Good deeds rewarded in Hereafter - this is not the same for the Muslim who was only interested in worldly affairs. He didn't ask for the rewards in the hereafter and hence, his good deeds will be granted in this life only and will be left high and dry in the hereafter. Forgiveness of sins - having firm Iman is a catalyst to forgive our sins and misdeeds. Allah will defend us if we ensure we are blessed with a strong interest in Iman. Fearing nobody except Allah - courage - having Iman blesses us with courage and fortitude that makes us fear no one. Finding comfort in one's faith (Islam) - faith is synonymous with calming the psyche, battling negativity in our lives in the face of trouble and calamity and the with it comes the comfort of religion and also the belief that there is no soothing mechanism better than this. A winner in every situation (never a loser in any situation) - when mankind is blessed with good, he thanks Allah and when he is in the face of a calamity, he maintains Sabr and shows perseverance. Finding a way out in every difficulty . Raises a person's rank in this world and Hereafter. May Allah keep us steadfast in our goals towards reaffirmation of Faith.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into a complete, precise and elaborate discussion on the famous book - Kitaab At Tawheed which was written by Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab.  The book is considered as the spearhead in the renovation of Islam devoid of Shirk and innovations. What is meant by Tawheed? Shaykh Yasir elaborates on the linguistic and Islamic meanings of this profound word based on the contents of the book and makes for a very informative listen. There are three types of Tawheed: Tawheed Ar Ruboobiyah. Tawheed Al Uloohiyyah. Tawheed Al Asma Wa Sifat We also are acquainted with the definition for Shirk and the different manifestations of the same. Also, we are made aware of what is the trait that defines a Muslim and what are the characteristics of Jinns. Moreover, the concept of Taghut is one which receives explicit treatment and we are clear on the topic via numerous analogies.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi begins the lecture with chapter of two of the book, Kitaab At Tawheed,on the topic of Tawheed with regards to the excellence and superiority of Tawheed in that if someone is able to perfect his Tawheed, then all his sins are forgiven. Allah SWT said: "It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshiping other besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are guided ones."   We are acquainted with the concept of Zulm and how avoiding it, perfects our Tawheed. Anas RA said: He heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ saying: "Allah SWT said: “O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with the world full of sins, and meet Me without making anything partner to Me (Shirk), I would come to you with a similar amount of forgiveness." This chapter of the book deals with numerous topics that highlight the concept of Tawheed. Of them are: Abundance of Allah's favour. Tauhid recompenses sins. The Hadith narrated by Ubadah bin As-Samit RA and how this Hadith clearly elaborates on the meaning of La ilaha illa Allah . There are seven earths like seven heavens which are comprised of all kinds of creatures. Confirmation of the Attributes of Allah and reflection and consideration of the shared characteristics of Muhammad ﷺ. Knowing the merits of belief in Paradise and Hell. Knowledge that Al-Mizan (the Scale) consists of two sides. What is meant by the mention of the "Face" (of Allah). The chapter 4 deals with the fear of Shirk. Jabir RA narrated that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: "Whoever meets Allah (on the Day of Judgement) not having associated anyone with Him (in worship), shall enter Paradise; and whoever meets Him having committed Shirk in any way will enter the Hell-fire." Fear of Shirk (polytheism), showing off (Riyaa) being a type of Shirk ,falling into minor Shirk (Riyaa) being more fearful to the righteous and pious people than other matters (because of the ease, one can fall into it due to its being so subtle) and many other points are brought to the fore in this particular lecture.

The Call to testify that there is nothing deserving of Worship in truth except Allah makes up the beginning of this lecture of Shaykh Yasir Qadhi on the next chapter of the book - Kitab At Tawheed. Ibn Abbas RA narrated: When Allah's Messenger ﷺ sent Mu'adh RA to Yemen, he said, "You will come upon the People of the Book, let your first act be to call them to testify that -There is nothing worthy of worship in truth but Allah." Numerous pointers to gain from chapter 5 -  the need to stress upon sincerity of intention, for many who supposedly call to the truth merely call to themselves, Calling people to Allah with sure knowledge is obligatory,  being free of any blasphemy towards Allah, the need to spend Zakat (obligatory charity), the need to beware of the supplication of the oppressed and how it is devoid of any barrier to the supplication of the oppressed one (to be accepted) and many more such topics. Chapter 6 deals with an explanation of Tawhid and the Testimony: La ilaha illa Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "He who professed that there is no God to be worshipped but Allah and made a denial of everything which the people worship besides Allah, his property and blood become inviolable, and his affair rests with Allah." This chapter deals with concepts related to the meaning of La ilaha ilIa Allah and how it is insufficient to simply understand its evident meaning and words, to acknowledge it, or even to call on none other than Allah, Who is Alone and without partners but also rejects all else that is falsely worshipped besides Allah. Chapter 7 deals with adopting Shirk via means of a ring, twine or similar items for prevention of Harm or Affliction. Uqbah bin Amir RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever wears talisman or an amulet would never see his wish fulfilled by Allah. And whoever hangs a sea shell would never get peace and rest." In an another version the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said: "Whoever wears a talisman has committed Shirk (polytheism)." The points highlighted in this chapter are related to the strict forbiddance of wearing rings, twines etc,the intense disapproval of whoever does the same, the declaration that whoever attaches something to himself will have that thing put in charge of him and the proof of the recitation of the verses of the Qur'an by Hudhaifa RA dealing with the major Shirk to condemn minor Shirk.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi moves on to discuss chapter 8 of the book that deals with Ruqa (incantation), Talismans and Amulets. Abdullah bin Ukaim narrated, "Whoever uses, attaches or wears a talisman to himself, will have that talisman put in charge of him.” This chapter explicitly sheds light on the topics such as incantations (Ar-Ruqa) and amulets (At- Tama'im), the explanation of bewitchment (At-Tiwalah), the benefits of reciting an incantation (Ruqyah), using words of truth, for seeking protection from evil eye or scorpion bite and that it is not like Shirk, the reward of a person who cuts off an amulet of someone and many more such relevant details are brought to the fore. Chapter 9 deals with the issue of seeking blessing through a tree, a Stone, or the likes of it. We are provided with explanation of the verse 19 of Surah An-Najm, the two types of Shirk - major and minor, to put an end to all possible ways leading to Shirk (polytheism), prohibition of any resemblance with the people of ignorance (disbelievers) and many more such similar topics. Chapter 10 deals with the topic of slaughtering for other than Allah SWT.we are acquainted with an explanation of the verse: "Verily my prayer, my sacrifice..." and of the verse: "Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice to Him only.",the beginning of the principle of cursing from those who sacrifice to other than Allah, the different situations and actions when done in which a person is deemed cursed and much more. Chapter 11 deals with making no animal sacrifice for Allah in a place where sacrifice is made for other than Allah . here we see that disobedience of Allah leaves impressions on the earth as does obedience, how vows can be specified for a particular place so long as that place is free from anything that would prohibit doing so, how it is prohibited to fulfill the vows in a place where disbelievers had celebrated any of their recurring festivities even it was stopped since a long time and how there is no valid vow in disobedience to Allah.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi begins the discussion by divulging details on chapter 12 which is on the topic pertaining to vowing to other than Allah being an act of Shirk .Since it is approved that making a vow is an act of worship to Allah, then directing a vow to other than Allah is committing Shirk. Any vow based on disobedience (to Allah the Almighty) is impermissible. Chapter 13 elaborates on seeking refuge in other than Allah being a part of Shirk.An explanation of the verse from Surah Al-Jinn is given and how dependence on others to seek refuge is ultimately Shirk itself though one may have gained some worldly benefit from it such as prevention from a harm or evil. Chapter 14 deals with seeking help in other than Allah (Istighatha) or to invoke other than Him being an act of Shirk. To attach supplication or invocation with seeking assistance (Istighatha) through conjunction and calling others for help besides Allah is of no benefit in this world and it is disbelief (Kufr). Chapter 15 elaborates on the story of Uhud, the details on the Qunut (supplication) of Allah's Messenger ﷺ in the prayer (against someone) and saying Amin of the Companions RA behind him, the meaning of the statement of Allah: "He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them" and many more such topics. Chapter 16 deals with what the Lord has said. Here numerous topics are discussed some of which are related to the explanation of the Verse 34:23 which is a proof for the invalidation of Shirk, and how Jibreel AS is the one who conveys the revelation to wherever Allah commands, the eavesdropping of heavenly discussion by devils, the state of standing of Jinns atop of one another, falling down of shooting stars, affirmation of the Divine Attributes of Allah, the trembling and shaking of the heavens is due to the fear of Allah and that the angels fall down in prostration for Allah.

Chapters 17, 18 and 19 are elaborated upon in this lecture of the book by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi. Chapter 17 deals with the topic of intercession. Here various topics are discussed such as  the descriptions of rejected and affirmed intercession, the "Greatest Intercession" being the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ, description of what the Prophet ﷺ will do on the Day of Judgement and how he will not begin by making intercession but will prostrate and when he is given permission he will intercede, the blessed  and the happiest of people who will be blessed with the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ, failure of intercession who committed Shirk and much more. Chapter 18 deals with the topic of how Allah guides whom He wills. Here we are acquainted with numerous topics among which are explanations of many verses such as : "Verily, you (O Muhammad) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided ones." (28:56) ,the eagerness and intense desire of the Prophet ﷺ to convert his uncle to Islam, the harmful influence that evil companions can have on people, the harm of over praising ancestors and important personalities, how the arguments of falsifiers are the arguments of Jahiliyyah and much more. Chapter 19 deals with the topic - Excessive Dogma in the Righteous Persons is the Root Cause of Infidelity of Mankind and its deviation from True Religion. Here the topics brought to the fore deal with the explanation of the verse in Surah Nuh (71:23), how human nature towards the truth weakens in the heart while falsehood increases, confirmation of the sayings of righteous predecessors that heresy (Bid'ah) is the main cause leading to Kufr (disbelief) , excess and exaggeration (in the righteous ones) is prohibited, and knowledge of what it leads to, the harm of seclusion at the grave even with the intention of performing a righteous deed, the prohibition against statues and the wisdom in destroying them and many more such points.

The podcast discusses the prohibition of worshiping at graves, emphasizing the severity of the sin and the dangers of idol worship. It explores the Prophet's concern about his grave becoming an idol and highlights the importance of proper etiquette when visiting graves. The episode also warns against falling into idol worship and emphasizes the consequences of disobeying Allah.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi gives profound explanations on chapters 24 till 27 from the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 24 deals with the topic of sorcery or As-Sihr. The topics on which light is shed are - explanation of the verse in Al-Baqarah (2:102), explanation of the verse in An-Nisa (4:51), the meaning of Al-Jibt and At-Taghut and the difference between the two,sorcerers or magicians being disbelievers (Kafir), the sorcerers and magicians should be executed and no repentance is accepted and similar topics. Chapter 25 deals with the topic of the types of sorcery. Here we get acquainted with the following topics: Al-lyafah, At-Tarq, At-Tiyarah are three kinds of Al-Jibt (sorcery). Al-lyafah, and At-Tarq are explained. Astrology too is a kind of sorcery. Tying knots and blowing over them is also sorcery. An-Namimah (tale bearing, backbiting) is also a form of sorcery. Chapter 26 deals with the topic of soothsayers and the likes of them. here the following points are considered: Belief in a Kahin and faith in the Qur'an cannot coexist. Declaration that to do so (i.e. believe in a Kahin) is disbelief. Mention of the one whose fortune is told, of the one for whom an omen is sought, of the one for whom sorcery is done. Mention of the one who learns Abjad (use of alphabet in soothsaying or astrology) and the difference between the Kahin and the 'Arraf. Chapter 27 deals with the topic of curing through magical spells (An-Nushrah). Here some of the topics that come to the fore are -  the prohibition of An-Nushrah and the difference between the prohibited and what is permitted for the removal of such problems.