Yasir Qadhi

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.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the most important topic related to the need for the cultivation of ultimate love for the Messenger of Allah and our Noble Prophet (SAW). It was narrated that Abd-Allah ibn Hisham said, "We were with the Prophet ﷺ when he was holding the hand of Umar ibn al Khattaab. Umar said to him: “O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “No, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, not until I am dearer to you than your own self.” ‘Umar said to him: “Now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Now (you are a true believer), O Umar.” One of the ways to love the Prophet ﷺ is to learn about the Prophet (SAW) by studying the Seerah. Numerous incidents from the Seerah are cited such as from the battle of Uhud,from the Boycott, from the Taif and many more. These stories highlight the noble character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The modesty, the honesty, the generosity and other amazing attributes of the Prophet ﷺ are illustrated using support of various anecdotes and it is truly amazing to listen to these and one is left mesmerised. The looks and beauty of the Prophet ﷺ also was the best that anyone had ever seen and numerous narrations certify this very fact as they describe him in the most eloquent manner.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi takes on the topic of the Tafseer of the Surah Yusuf. Surah Yusuf is the 12th chapter of the Quran and has 111 verses. Some of the verses are mentioned below and the Tafsir is mesmerising demanding an intent listen. Surah Yusuf was revealed when the Prophet ﷺ was surrounded by hardships and difficulties. The story has many benefits and makes the heart at peace. The initial letters used in the first verse are an indication of the miraculous nature of the Qur'an. Some of the verses of the Surah Yusuf are as below: Alif, Laam, Raa'. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book. [12:1] We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not. [12:3] Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we shall take every care of him. [12:12] So they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well: and We put into his heart (this Message): 'Of a surety thou shalt (one day) tell them the truth of this their affair while they know (thee) not.' [12:15] The matter that transpired behind these verses is explicitly delved into and acquaints us with numerous moral benefits and things we should refrain from doing.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi continues his Tafseer of the Surah Yusuf from verses 16 to 22. Then they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping. [12:16] They stained his shirt with false blood. He said: "Nay, but your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you, (for me) patience is most fitting: Against that which ye assert, it is Allah (alone) Whose help can be sought". [12:18] The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay (among us) honourable: may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Yusuf in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not. [12:21] When Yusuf attained His full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge: thus do We reward those who do right. [12:22]

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi continues his discussion on the next verses of Surah Yusuf beginning from verse 23 to 35: When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them: she gave each of them a knife: and she said (to Yusuf), "Come out before them." When they saw him, they did extol him, and (in their amazement) cut their hands: they said, "(Allah) preserve us! no mortal is this! this is none other than a noble angel!" [12:31] She said: "There before you is the man about whom ye did blame me! I did seek to seduce him from his (true) self but he did firmly save himself guiltless!....and now, if he doth not my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and (what is more) be of the company of the vilest!" [12:32] Then it occurred to the men, after they had seen the signs, (that it was best) to imprison him for a time. [12:35]

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi continues the Tafseer of Surah Yusuf from verses 35 to 53: He said: "Before any food comes (in due course) to feed either of you, I will surely reveal to you the truth and meaning of this ere it befall you: that is part of the (duty) which my Lord hath taught me. I have (I assure you) abandoned the ways of a people that believe not in Allah and that (even) deny the Hereafter. [12:37] "If not Him, ye worship nothing but names which ye have named,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah. He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not. [12:40] And of the two, to that one whom he consider about to be saved, he said: "Mention me to thy lord." But Satan made him forget to mention him to his lord: and (Yusuf) lingered in prison a few (more) years. [12:42] "Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human) soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful." [12:53]

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi continues the Tafseer of Surah Yusuf from verses 53 to 74: And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he said: "Bring unto me a brother ye have, of the same father as yourselves, (but a different mother): see ye not that I pay out full measure, and that I do provide the best hospitality? [12:59] Now when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother): So send our brother with us, that we may get our measure; and we will indeed take every care of him." [12:63] At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother's saddle-bag. Then shouted out a crier: "O ye (in) the caravan! behold! ye are thieves, without doubt!" [12:70] (The brothers) said: "By Allah. well ye know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!" [12:73]

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi takes on the topic of the Tafseer of the Surah Yusuf. Some of the verses are mentioned below and the Tafsir is mesmerising. And the king said: “Bring him to me! I appointed him exclusively for myself.” So when he had spoken with him, he said: “Surely you have an honorable position in our presence today, and you are safe (of a person).” (Yusuf) said: “Appoint me over the treasures of the land! Surely I am a good keeper, knowing well.” And (Yusuf) said to his young menservants: “Put their sum given for provision into their saddlebags that they may recognize it when they go back to their family, so that they may come back.” And when they opened their goods, they found their capital returned to them and they said: “O our father! What else can we desire? This is our capital returned to us, and we will bring food (again) for our family and guard our brother, and will have in addition the measure of a camel’s load. This is a small quantity.” (They) said: “What shall be then the requital of this, if you are liars?” Listen to the Shaykh's explanation of these beautiful ayaat of Surah Yusuf.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi completes the tafsir of the Surah Yusuf in this final part and it is indeed mesmerising to hear it. And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity), and they fell down in prostration, (all) before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfilment of my vision of old! Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all that He planneth to do, for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom. [12:100] Such is one of the stories of what happened unseen, which We reveal by inspiration unto thee; nor wast thou (present) with them then when they concerted their plans together in the process of weaving their plots. [12:102] There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it,- a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe. [12:111]

The lecture delves on one of the biggest battle that took place after Badr - the Battle of Uhud.  Shaykh Yasir attempts to elucidate vividly on the battle. The battle of Uhud was a war that was undertaken by the people of Mecca or the Quraysh to avenge Badr. the calamity and loss incurred by them ignited the battle of Uhud as a means of revenge. There were many reasons for this war which included religious, political, economic and social causes. The Battle of Uhud took place in Shawwal, 3H. The Quraysh set out for Uhud on the 7th of Shawwal, 3 H and reached there in a meagre 7 days. The geography of the mountain of Uhud is explained which is that it is not just one mountain but a whole series of mountains stretching over a mile long situated in the north or northwest of Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ  has said "Uhud is a mountain of Jannah". Why did the Prophet ﷺ go to Uhud? What was the military genius behind this decision? Shaykh Yasir unfolds the answers and we will be truly mesmerised by the reasoning. Eventually 700 muslims reached Uhud and they set up their camps. The Battle of Uhud is an excellent illustration of the trust and Iman one should have in Allah. Indeed when we have Allah on our side we can accomplish anything. In spite of being under armoured and lack of enough animals and everything against them, the Muslims under the able leadership of Prophet ﷺ displayed impeccable valour, strength, trust and Iman in Allah and they were rewarded generously .

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delivers a beautiful lecture on one of the most persistent topics in Islam that needs to be given prime importance and that is the topic of Husnu Akhlaq or good manners. What do u mean by Akhlaq? There are three categories in this regard: Akhlaq that is shown towards Allah Akhlaq that is shown towards others Akhlaq that is shown towards oneself. The Shaykh summarises the 7 simple blessings of Akhlaq in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. They are as follows: Comprehensive advice on perfection of good manners always, for instance,do not get angry. The advice given to Muadh Ibn Jabal on maintaining Taqwa and having the best manners side by side. No blessing is better than good manners. Good manners and long silence should always be advocate for a successful life. Having good manners is a sign of Iman. Allah loves those with good Akhlaq and there can be no better substitute for this love. Akhlaq is the weightiest thing in the Meezan after Iman (Taqwa). In a Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ has promised the person who shows impeccable akhlaq, the most proximity to him on the Day of Judgement. The main audience of the akhlaq is always one’s own family and hence it is binding upon us to show the most excellent example of Akhlaq amongst your loved ones.

Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi discusses the story of the man with the two gardens which is mentioned in Surah Kahf. Through this story, Allah gives us the parable of this world with the Akhirah. The story gives us the lesson that the ultimate world is the hereafter. This story is about the fitnah of the pleasures of this world which caused the man with two gardens to be arrogant and undeterred by the presence of the actual Jannah in the Hereafter. The man falsely believed that all his wealth was his effort and good luck and that he was better than his friend. Allah says that his arrogance and delusion is what brought him down and the destruction of the garden is the ultimate proof of that. Because of his belief that his wealth would remain in continuity, he remained ignorant and so involved in this world that he made the mistake of even assuming that he would get even something better in the actual Jannah too since Allah has been happy with him. But he is humbled by his friend who reminds him of the feebleness of this creation and how temporary it is. He also admonishes him for indulging in Shirk by taking credit for his garden. Rather it was Allah alone who could give the creation whatever he chose to give.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi implores upon us through this lecture to stand strong in the times of fitnah and with the help of Sabr, to glide through the difficult times and do not lose Iman. We are reasserted with the fact to be firm on the straight path and to remember that one enters Jannah only after encountering Fitnah. The concept of fitnah is entirely dependent on the concept of shariah. Without one, the other cannot thrive. We maintain the principles of Shariah always, then Fitnah will die a natural death and vice versa. For this to materialize, we need to make Dua, remain firm in religion, perform good deeds, learn and teach the religion and most importantly, exercise patience from the beginning till the end of Fitnah. Numerous hadiths have been told to make us understand the concept of Fitnah completely and also in the Qur'an,Surah Asr summarises the fitnah concept most appropriately. Anas ibn Malik RA said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The people will see a time of patience in which someone adhering to his religion will be as if he were grasping a hot coal.” We should change individually to change the Muslim ummah collectively. We are a part of the bigger puzzle and we can and should bring about the revolution of change in the community.

The topic of the shameful slander of Aisha RA is up for discussion by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi in this interesting lecture. The story of the Ifk or slander is explicitly cited in a hadith from Al Bukhari that is elaborately long and is referenced in first person by Aisha RA herself. It involves a lost necklace, a sahaba by the name of Safwan bin Muattal RA and the rumour inflicter - Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul. What transpired in that event? Why did this slander go beyond control? Do listen intently to fully comprehend the actuality of the incident and consequently, put all false stories to rest.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves deeper into the reason behind the slander of Aisha RA which was the need for revenge by the hypocrites after Allah had exposed them in Surah Munafiqun. Abdullah ibn Ubayy capitalised on the opportunity the minute he saw it and sought to get even through Aisha RA. Three sahabah made it even more difficult as they were prime factors in the spreading of this disgusting rumour and they were -Mistah (Aisha's RA second cousin), Hamala bint Jahsh, Hasani bint Thabit. Testimony is sought from Ali RA and Usama bin Zaid RA by the Prophet ﷺ and each of them suggest the Messenger of Allah what they think. Then the help of Bareerah, the maid servant of Aisha RA is called for in citing details on the matter that transpired that night. The end to these false rumours and the horrendous slander of Aisha RA came in the form of Allah’s intervention through verses and revelation to the Prophet ﷺ. The first section of Surah Nur is a firm declaration on the punishment that shall be meted out for slandering. This story reasserts the honorable and high stature of Aisha RA. She is the mother of the believers and is pure, the daughter of the pure, and she is the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. Her purity and dignity has been verified by Allah SWT and one who does not uphold this  is not from among the Muslims.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates in immense detail the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah which is a monumental and historic event in the life of our beloved Prophet ﷺ and what we can extrapolate, inculcate and imbibe in our daily existence from the happenings of this turning point of an event in the history of Islam. What is noteworthy is how the Muslims got an opportunity to unexpectedly extract benefits from the clenches of a certain defeat. In 6H, the Prophet ﷺ dreamt that he and his followers were entering Makkah and performing Tawaf. Hence, he declared his plan to visit Makkah to perform Umrah. In order to avoid confrontation of any sort, the Prophet ﷺ changed the route of Taneem to a lesser-known place called Hudaibiyah. The Makkans sent Urwah bin Mas'ud to negotiate with the Prophet ﷺ, in their bid to stop him from entering Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ later sent Uthman bin Affan RA who had good contacts in Makkah for a counter negotiation. But they captured him and spread a rumor that Uthman has been killed.  The people rushed to take an oath of allegiance on the calling of the Prophet ﷺ and within a short span of time, news reached Makkah that 1400 volunteers were ready to fight the Makkans. This scared the Makkans so much so that they agreed to discuss terms of peace with him.They also released Uthman and sent Suhayl bin Amr Al-Thaqafi to negotiate the terms of peace with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The following were the terms of the Treaty called the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: In the name of Almighty Allah. These are the conditions of peace between Muhammad, son of Abdullah, and Suhayl Ibn Amr the envoy of Makkah: There will be an armistice between the two parties and no fighting for the next 10 years. Any person or tribe who wishes to join Muhammad and to enter into any agreement with him is free to do so. Likewise any person or tribe who wishes to join the Quraysh and to enter into any agreement with them is free to do so. If any Makkan went to Madinah, then Muslims would return him to Makkah, but if any Muslim from Madinah went to Makkah, he would not be returned. If any young man, or one whose father is alive, goes to Muhammad without permission from his father or guardian, will be returned to his father or guardian. But if anyone goes to the Quraysh of Makkah, will not be returned. This year the Muslims will go back without entering Makkah. But next year Muhammad and his followers can enter Makkah, spend three days and perform the Umrah. The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated exemplary patience by accepting all these terms as dictated. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah had numerous benefits for the Muslims due to the farsightedness of the Prophet ﷺ: The Makkan leadership recognized Prophet Mohammed ﷺ as a leader of Madinah. The Treaty terminated the hostile behavior of Quraysh against Muslims.  Muslims were equally allowed to make alliances with other tribes.  10 years armistice with Quraysh provided a unique opportunity to preach Islam and to deal with their rivals in other parts of the peninsula.  Regarding performing Umrah this year, Muslims received a written guarantee to perform it next year peacefully. When the Prophet ﷺ returned from Hudaibiya, he received the Divine Revelation that Allah SWT had put a seal of honor on this Treaty and called it "Fatah Al-Mubeen" (Manifest Victory) in the Qur'an. He also rewarded His pleasure to those who took oath of allegiance under a tree called Bait Ridwan and termed that Allah’s protection was upon the hand of the Prophet ﷺ.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the topic of the Sunnah and the Hadith and we are acquainted with numerous aspects related to it such as the legal status of the Sunnah, importance of the Sunnah, the proofs that depict Sunnah as the source of law and so on and so forth. What does one mean by Sunnah and Hadith? Sunnah has been defined in various ways by different scholars: The scholars of Fiqh define Sunnah as an act which is not obligatory but if done, it will be rewarded. The scholars of Hadith define Sunnah as the actions, statements, tacit approvals and the actual characteristics of the Prophet ﷺ. The scholars of Aqeedah define Sunnah as what is believed and followed in Islam. What does one mean by Hadith? According to the shariah, Hadith is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ. Sunnah is preserved in the form of Hadith. There are 7 proofs which explicitly illustrate the importance of following the Sunnah and that it is something that we cannot do absolutely without. They are as follows: The infallibility of the Prophets. The role and purpose of sending of the Prophet ﷺ. The obedience of the Sahabas to the Prophet ﷺ in any given circumstance which Allah has praised in numerous verses in the Qur'an. The Quran contains verses that emphasize: Belief in the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ as the explainer of the Qur'an. The revelation of the Quran and Hiqma (wisdom) which is in reality the Sunnah. Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ is obligatory. Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ showcases your true love for Allah. The status of the Prophet ﷺ and the etiquette that he must be shown. The Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ that mention the importance of following his Hadith. Some among them are as follows: The Prophet ﷺ says he has been given something else with the Qur'an which shows that his Sunnah is also an integral part of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ told the sahabas to preserve the Sunnah and forbade them from lying about it. Application of basic common sense which makes us comprehend that when even the basic pillars of faith cannot be accomplished without the assistance of the Sunnah, then how can the rest of the things pertaining to Islam see the light of the day without the application of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Unanimous Consensus also reasserts the fact that Sunnah has to be followed.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explains and touches base on the topic of Usool Al Hadith in the second part of the three part series. The process of consolidation of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ was established during the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime. The concept of travelling in the quest for knowledge made a primary base for the preservation of Sunnah. Muwatta Imam Malik wrote the first physical book of hadith almost 120 years after the death of the Prophet ﷺ. Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim have all the Hadith inside them of pure authenticity. The main 6 works of the Sunan are the following: Sahih Bukhari Sahih Muslim Sunan al-Nasa'i Sunan Abu Dawud Sunan al-Tirmidhi Sunan Ibn Majah Mishkat al-Masabih , Forty Hadith of An Nawawi, Riyad As Saliheen, Kanz -ul- Ummal are the most common referenced books for Hadith. But they are not the books with Isnad. For the Isnad, one has to go back to the Sahih books.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the Usul Ul Hadith in this final part of the series. Conditions of Hadith: It must have a continuous Isnad. Isnad decides the authenticity of any Hadith. Adalah - honesty and integrity The person must have precise and accurate memory - Dabt. The hadith should conform to similar hadiths narrated on the same topic whose chains are stronger. It cannot have any hidden defect. Tahdhib al-Kamal, Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, Taqrib al-Tahdhib are some of the major books related to hadith and the origins of the same are introduced to us aptly. What is the opinion on the Daeef hadith? There are three opinion son the same: Accept them. You accept them but with certain conditions. It should not be touched.