Part 10

So full meaning is “may Allaah forgive your previous sins and guide you to what is good and correct in future, and protect you from sins in future, this is the case if the term rahmah (mercy) is used on its own. If however the term maghfirah (forgiveness) is used along with it, then maghfirah means forgiveness of ones previous sins, whereas rahmah (mercy) will refer to the granting of what is good and protection from sins in future. So the words of the author, rahimahullaah, show the care and concern which he has for the reader, and that he intends and desires good for him. That it is obligatory upon you to have knowledge of four matters (7): (i) Knowledge, which is knowledge and awareness of Allaah (8), and knowledge of His Prophet (9), ________________________________________________________ These matters which the author, rahimahullaah, mentions comprise the whole of the deen, and should be given great attention due to their tremendous benefit. “Ma’rifatullaah” – Knowledge and awareness of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, with the heart, with such knowledge and awareness that it makes the person accept whatever He has prescribed and laid down, and causes him to submit to that, and to judge by the Prescribed Laws (Sharee’ah) which His Messenger Muhammad came with. The servant increases in knowledge and awareness of His Lord by considering the clear signs pertaining to the deen found in the book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and in the Sunnah of His Messenger, and also by considering the signs which Allaah has provided for us in the creation. So whenever a person examines and considers these signs he will increase in his knowledge and awareness of His creator and His God, who alone has the right to all his worship. Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says “And on the earth there are signs for those with certain belief, and also in your own selves. Will you not then consider?” [surah adh Dhaariyaat: 20-21] Knowledge about His Messenger Muhammad which is such that it makes the person accept whatever he brought – the guidance and the deen of truth – and such that he affirms and attests to the truth of whatever he informed us of; complies with whatever orders he gave; avoids whatever he forbade; judges by the revealed laws (Sharee’ah) which he came with; and is fully pleased with his judgement. Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic says “But no, by your Lord, they do not have Belief until they make you (Muhammad) judge in all matters of dispute between them, and they fine no resistance in themselves against your decisions, and accept them with full submission.” [surah an Nisaa’: 65] “The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allaah (His Words, the Qur’aan) and His Messenger, to judge between them, is that they say: "We hear and we obey." And such are the prosperous ones (who will live forever in Paradise).” [surah an Noor: 51] “… (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [surah an Nisaa’: 59] “…let those who oppose the Messenger's commandment (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (unbelief, hypocrisy or heresy) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.” [surah an Noor: 63] Imaam Ahmad, rahimahullaah, said “Do you know what the Fitnah is?