Yasir Qadhi

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi moves on to discuss chapters 28 to 30 from the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 28 deals with what is said regarding belief in omens (At- Tataiyur). The main points of consideration are - repudiation of contagion of disease, of any bad omen (no At-Tiyarah), of Hamah (Omen in the night-bird), of any bad omen in the month of Safar, declaration that At-Tiyarah is Shirk and explanation of blameworthy and condemned At-Tiyarah. Chapter 29 deals with what is said regarding astrology (At- Tanjeem). Here we are acquainted with facts relating to the wisdom of creating the stars and the refutation of those who claim otherwise, the difference of opinions regarding study of the lunar phases and the punishment promised for those who believed in any aspect of sorcery though knowing fully well that sorcery is falsehood. Chapter 30 deals with seeking rain through the lunar phases. Here we gather information regarding explanation of the verses in Al-Waqi 'ah (56: 75-82), the four undesirable customs of the pre-Islamic period, the Kufr (disbelief) contained in some of them and many more such relevant topics.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the explanations of chapters 31,32 and 33 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 31 deals with the important topic of the love for Allah. Here numerous topics make the cut such the explanation of the verse in AI-Baqarah (2:165) and in At-Taubah (9:24), how we must love Prophet Muhammad ﷺ more than ourselves, families, and wealth, how Iman has a sweetness that is sometimes tasted by a person and sometimes not, how no one can get the friendship of Allah and relish of Iman until and unless he possesses four "actions" of the heart -love for the sake of Allah, hate for the sake of Allah, friendship for the sake of Allah and enmity for the sake of Allah, the threat of punishment for the person who loves more the "eight" than his religion which means his ancestors, descendants, brothers, spouses, clan, wealth, trade and habitat and that whoever takes a partner (to Allah) for whom he has as much love as he has for Allah, has committed major Shirk. Chapter 32 deals with how we should fear Allah Alone. Topics that have been discussed in detail are - explanation of the verse in Al-'Imran (3:175), At- Taubah(9:.18) and in Al-'Ankabut (29: 10), how there is a fluctuation in the Faith, the signposts of a decline in the strength of Iman, the reward of a person who fears Allah Alone with utmost sincerity and the punishment of a person who does not have fear of Allah. Chapter 33 deals with the topic of putting our trust in Allah alone. Here the pointers of prominence are -  Having trust (Tawakkul) in Allah, is a religious duty, trust upon Allah (Tawakkul) is a condition of Faith (Iman), explanation of the verse in Al-Anfal (8:2),in Al-Talaq (65:3), the importance of the words, "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves deep into chapters 34,35,36 and 37 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 34 deals with how feeling secure against the Plan of Allah contradicts Tawhid. Here we come across numerous facets related to this topic such as - the severity of punishment promised for the one who thinks himself safe from the Plan of Allah and the severe punishment promised for the one who despairs of the Mercy of Allah. Chapter 35 deal with how a part of Iman (Belief) in Allah is the forbearance with what Allah has decreed. We realise the intensity of punishment promised to those who slap the cheeks in anguish and tear the clothes and call to the ways of the Days of Ignorance, the sign that Allah wants good or bad for His slave, the sign of love of Allah for His worshiper. Chapter 36 deals with forbiddance of show off. We gather info on the explanation of the verse in Sural Al-Kahf (18: 110) and the fear the Prophet ﷺ had of Riya', for his Companions and how he explained Riya' by expressing the state of a person performing prayer for Allah, but he improves his rendering of the Salat when he knows that others are looking at him. Chapter 37 deals with how it is of Shirk to perform a (righteous) deed for worldly reasons. The topics discussed in this chapter are - man's desire for the worldly gains on the pretext of the acting for the Hereafter, the praise upon the Mujahid and much more.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi provides an in depth analysis of chapters 38, 39, 40 and 41 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 38 tells us that whoever obeys the Scholars and the Rulers, forbidding what Allah has made permissible and permitting what He has made forbidden, has certainly taken them as Lords (besides Allah). The topics that are addressed here are - pointing out the meaning of worship that was initially denied by Adi RA and how conditions have changed to the point that the worship of monks has become the best of deeds under the name of Al-Wilayah (sainthood), while the worship of learned men in religion is considered knowledge and understanding. Chapter 39 deals with seeking judgement from anyone other than Allah and His Messenger being an act of hypocrisy.the topics discussed are - explanation of the verse in An-Nisa' (4:60), the verse in Al-Baqarah (2:11),the verse in Al-A’raf (7:56), the verse in Al-Ma'idah (5:50), the difference between true lman, and the false and feigned Belief, the incidence of Umar RA with the Munafiq (hypocrite) and how nobody attains lman (Belief) until his all desires are in accordance with what Allah's Messenger ﷺ came with. Chapter 40 is about those who denies any of the Names and Attributes of Allah. We come across discussions on topics such as - the denial of any of the Names or Attributes of Allah casts out one from Iman, mentioning the reasons which lead to the denial of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ even unintentionally. Chapter 41 is about recognizing the Grace of Allah, yet denying it which amounts to disbelief. We are made aware of the recognition of the blessings and description of their denial.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi illustrates explicitly the meaning in the chapters 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 42 deals with explanation of the verse - Allah the Almighty said: "Do not set up rivals (Al-Andad) unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped)." [2:22]. We realise that to swear by other than Allah truthfully (believing such) is a far greater sin than to swear by Allah to a lie and also fathom the difference between the conjunctions 'wa' (and) and 'thumma' (then). Chapter 43 acquaints us with what is said about the One who is not satisfied with an Oath taken by Allah's Name. It is impermissible to make an oath by forefathers and also find out about what is the punishment for the person who is not satisfied by an oath made by Allah's Name. Chapter 44 is about - How it is to say "What Allah may will and you ﷺ may will" and a comprehensive explanation is provided for the same. Chapter 45 deals with people who curse Time being the ones who have wronged Allah. The topics of importance here are -  cursing Ad-Dahr (the time) is forbidden and abusing Ad-Dahr (the time) is in fact to wrong Allah. Chapter 46 talks about how it is to be named "Judge of Judges" and the likes of it. Prohibition of applying the title 'king of kings' to anyone is a must and also that  Allah is the Most High and Unapproachable in His Greatness and without any shortcomings (unlike the worldly 'king'). Chapter 47 deals with the need for respect for the Names of Allah and changing one's name for the sake of that.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi makes us comprehend aptly about chapters 48 and 49 of the book Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 48 talks about those who make fun of anything where mention is made of Allah or the Qur'an or the Messenger ﷺ and they are the ones who have committed Kufr or disbelief. We are made aware of how there is a difference between backbiting and admonition, and loyalty to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ and also an understanding of the difference between forgiveness which Allah loves and severity in dealing with the enemies of Allah. Chapter 49 deals with the issue of how it is to say - "This wealth is the result of my labour and knowledge" and how this is against Tawhid. Verses of the Qur'an are sought to seek clarifications about this grave error we do.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explains the chapters 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 50 looks at the issue of every name which leads to the service of other than Allah being prohibited. It implies that any name which implies worship of others than Allah is forbidden. Chapter 51 reasserts the fact that the most beautiful Names belong to Allah SWT and that we must call Allah by His Names. We are also explicitly instructed to shun the ignorant, evil apostates. We are also made aware of the punishment promised for the person who commits apostasy. Chapter 52 lays stress on the fact that we should not say As-Salam (Peace and Security) upon Allah. The Shaykh provides the explanation of As-Salam (the peace) and how As-Salam (the peace) is a greeting or salutation. As-Salam is not proper to use for Allah - the reason being Allah Himself is As-Salam (the Peace).   Chapter 53 tells us whether it is alright to say: "O Allah, forgive me if You wish." The Prophet ﷺ said to make the appeal with firm determination,asking whatever you can of Allah - the reason that nothing is too much for, or beyond Him. Chapter 54 sheds light on the topic of forbiddance of saying: "My slave-boy" or "My slave-girl." Chapter 55 delves details on the topic of the one asking with the Name of Allah is not to be rejected. Chapter 56 talks about nothing but Paradise be asked for by Allah's Face. Chapter 57 deals with what is the ruling on saying: "If only such and such..." there is clear forbiddance of saying, 'If when something adverse happens to you and the reason is that in doing so, we open the way for the work of Satan.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with chapters 58 to 60 that deals with the prohibition of cursing natural occurrences like wind, temperature and more as this would indicate direct cursing of Allah, Nauzubillah. Abu’l Mundhir Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘Do not curse the wind. If you dislike what you see of it, then say, “O Allah, we ask You for the good of this wind and the good of what is in it and the good of what it is ordered to do. We seek refuge with You from the evil of this wind and the evil of what is in it and the evil of what it is ordered to do.” We should not be angry at Allah’s Decree but rather, we should be content and patient about it. Of the aspects of Qadr, we should believe firmly in the Qadr of Allah. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates on the topic of Qadr and we get acquainted with the three types of Qadr.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi provides great details on the chapters 61 and 62 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed. Chapter 61 deals with what punishment is in store for the picture-makers. there is intense condemnation of those who make pictures because it constitutes not having proper regard for Allah. There is also firm declaration of the power and ability of Allah and the incapacity and weakness of those (who attempt to create). The picture-makers will get the most severe punishment (on the Day of Judgement). Allah will create a soul in place of every picture and the maker of that picture will be punished by it in Hell. Chapter 62 discusses how it is forbidden to take oaths frequently.there is admonishment to protect oaths. There is also a threat of severe punishment for those who do not buy or sell without swearing.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses chapters 63 till 67 of the book - Kitaab At Tawheed in this final part of the series. Chapter 63 deals with the topic of the Protection of Allah's Covenant and the Protection of His Prophet's ﷺ covenant and what is the difference between the two. Chapter 64 deals with what it is to swear and to take Oath (binding) upon Allah. We have been severely warned against taking an oath binding on Allah and that how the Hell-fire is closer to us than the laces of our shoes and so is the Garden (Paradise). Chapter 65 discusses the topic - None asks Intercession of Allah before His creation. The Prophet's ﷺ disapproval and rebuke on saying: "We seek intercession of Allah upon you." is elaborated upon. The Prophet ﷺ did not disagree by the request for his intercession before Allah. We are also acquainted with the meaning of Subhan Allah. The Muslims asked the Prophet ﷺ to pray for rain. How it came about makes for an interesting listen. Chapter 66 deals with what the Prophet ﷺ did to safeguard Tawhid and how he closed the paths to Shirk. He has given a stern warning to people against exaggeration and what one should say if it is said to him: "You are our master." Chapter 67 provides a clear explanation of the verse - "They made not a just estimate of Allah..."  Numerous facts come to the fore, some of which are - mentioning of the two Hands of Allah and the heavens in the Right Hand and the earth is in the Left, the mention of the tyrants and the arrogant ones along with that, the statement that the comparison of the seven heavens and earths would be as small in Allah's Hand as a seed of mustard in one of yours, the greatness of the Kursi (Allah's Footstool) in relation to the heavens, the greatness of the Throne (Arsh) in relation to the Kursi and that the Kursi, water, and Throne exist separately, the distance between one heaven to the next heaven and the distance between the seventh heaven and the Kursi,the distance between the Kursi and the water, the fact that Allah's Throne is above the water and Allah is above the Throne (Arsh), the distance between heaven and the earth, the sea (Bahr) above the seventh heaven being equal to the distance of 500 years between its lowest and highest depth. And Allah knows best.