Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar – Lesson 6

 

Most valuable and revered listeners!

 

Dear friends,

 

In this lesson we’ll talk about the voices that came from unseen places following Al-Imam Al-Azam’s demise. This time, a person amongst our elders narrated: “Abu Hanifa was buried in the tomb. Three day in a row had we heard the following couplets: ‘The Fiqh is gone. Amongst you, there is no Faqih (Expert in Fiqh) Person. Fear Allah, and be his successor! When the night had pressed down, Numan, who passed it with worship passed away.’” He said the above words were heard, from unseen places. Since no one was seen uttering those couplets, the elders judged that the couplets were uttered by the Jinn. The true meaning behind that is this. These reports are noteworthy lessons so that people may appreciate the importance of the Ilm (knowledge) and âlims (Islamic scholars) in the world. They are manifestations of a noteworthy lesson. The grand imams and âlims (Islamic scholars) had paid obeisance to Al-Imam Al-Azam when he was alive. They continued to do so by visiting his tomb after he died. Many âlims (Islamic scholars) and people going through a tough time have been paying visit to Abu Hanifa’s tomb. It was seen that they were rescued by Allah Ta’ala (c.c.) from those hardships. When Imam-i Shafi’i was present in Baghdad, he used to visit Abu Hanifa’s tomb frequently. According to Imam-i Shafi’i this is the reason: “Whenever I desired for a wish, I would visit Abu Hanifa’s tomb, perform two rakat (unit) of namâz (prayer) for Allah (c.c.), and pray in there. And so, Allah Ta’ala (c.c.) saw my needs swiftly. And my wish comes true.” May Allah (c.c.) bless their souls plentifully. For the âlims (Islamic scholars) who deal good deeds with their Ilm (knowledge) are invaluable. Just like Imam Al-Nawawi stated in his book, “Al Minhaj”, and like some Mutakallims (Scholar of Kalam) commemorated, Imam-i Shafi’i visited Abu Hanifa’s tomb, performed the dawn-namâz (prayer), but did not do the Qunut Prayer. When they asked Imam-i Shafi’i, “Why didn’t you do the Qunut Prayer?”, he answered: “I had left the Qunut Prayer due to my manners and respect.” Because he knew Abu Hanifa’s knowledge and opinion about the Qunut. According to some narrations, in his visits: “Just like he left the Qunut Prayer, he also did not utter the Basmala openly.” That statement also shows his respect towards Al-Imam Al-Azam, his understanding of Ilm (knowledge), and the Hanafi School. Because, as the knowledge of the scholars rises, they appreciate each other better.

 

Dear friends!

 

During Abdullah ibn Mubarak’s visit of Abu Hanifa’s tomb, he said while sobbing: “İbrahim en-Nehai and Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman passed away. They left you as their successor. O, Numan!” – That grand âlim (Islamic scholar) said while crying in front of Al-Imam Al-Azam’s tomb. – May Allah (c.c.) rest your soul. After your demise, no one could become your successor.” In other words, he said no one could replace him. There are numerous scholars in the world, but people like him are scarce. So, Ibn Mubarak sobbed, and said: “It is not possible for them to be your successor in matters of Zuhd (ascetism) and Taqwa (piety). May Allah succeed them.” Ibn Mubarak, again, said that no one could replace Al-Imam Al-Azam in terms of Zuhd (the act of always worships, the act of staying away from worldly endeavours).

 

So, valuable friends,

As you know, if Almighty Allah (c.c.) guided a person, that person will become one of the most prominent of those whom Allah (c.c.) bestowed good things. The person who is blessed with Fiqh Ilm (knowledge) by Allah (c.c.), is blessed with guidance. Let us talk about the dreams Al-Imam Al-Azam saw, and the dreams people saw following his demise. Al-Imam Al-Azam saw Almighty Allah (c.c.) in his dreams ninety-nine times.

 

Dear friends,

Abu Hanifa said, “If I see Him for the hundredth time, I will make a wish for the salvation of the creatures of Allah.” (How will the creatures be saved from the torture in the day of judgment, or Qiyamah.) He conveyed his famous tasbih (utterance) in his one hundredth dream to us. That famous utterance is this: “Sübhânel ebediyyû’l ebed. Sübhânel vâhidil ehad. Sübhânel ferdis samed. Sübhâne râfiis semâi bi ğayri amed. Sübhâne men besata’l arda âlâ mâin fecemed. Sübhâne men hâlekâl halka fe ahsâhum aded. Sübhâne men kasemel erzakâ ve lem yense ehâd. Sübhânellezî lem yettehîz sâhibeten ve lâ veled. Sübhânellezî lem yelid ve lem yûled. Ve lem yekûl lehû küfüven ehâd. Sübhâne men yerânî ve ya’rifû mekânî ve rezakanî ve lâ yensânî”

 

(Dakika: 10:37)

Almighty Allah Ta’ala (c.c.) bestowed His favour upon Al-Imam AL-Azam.  The ones who miss their Rabb (means Master, the Supreme Being, the word refers to Allah (c.c.)) very much  with their heart’s eye are given these bestowments. The one who saw that dream is a Faqih (Expert in Fiqh). Let’s see what Ibn Sirin said upon the above situation. He said: “I swear to Allah (c.c.) that the Messenger of Allah’s Ilm (knowledge) will rise in such a way in that person’s hand that no one has ever achieved before. That person’s name will spread to the east, west and everywhere. For he scattered the knowledge he had to the four direction.”  In other words, the individual who spread his wisdom to the world is Al-Imam Al-Azam.

 

Friends,

 

Let’s continue where we left; as you know, the Imam saw a dream. And he was given good news by a hadith of the Prophet (s.a.v). The hadith goes: “That person, will spread the Ilm (knowledge) in such a way that his antecedents weren’t able to do.” We had narrated that hadith before. Hence, now, we’re only remembering it. Ibn Kaysan narrated: – May Allah (c.c.) bestow much rahmat (blessing) on all our âlims (Islamic scholars). – “I saw Allah’s Apostle in my dream. Behind him were standing Abu Bakr (r.a.) and Umar (r.a.). I spoke to them, ‘I wish to ask something to the Allah’s Apostle?’ They answered, ‘Ask, but do not raise your voice.’ Then I asked about Abu Hanifa’s Ilm (knowledge).” – You should pay attention now, because he is asking questions the Prophet, with Abu Bakr and Umar were standing behind the Prophet. Who was Ibn Kaysan asking? He was asking to our Beloved Prophet (s.a.v). In the above quote he asked to our Prophet (s.a.v) about Al-Imam Al-Azam’s Ilm (knowledge). – Allah’s Apostle (s.a.v) commanded: “He has Khidr Alayhissalam’s Ilm (knowledge).” In other word’s Al-Imam Al-Azam had Khidr Alayhissalam’s Ilm (knowledge), too. There’s also Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Islamic Sharia, which Al-Imam Al-Azam profoundly has. In respect to the above hadith’s importance, let’s repeat. Ibn Kaysan narrated, “I saw Allah’s Apostle in my dream,” he said. Now, pay attention the quote. A person who saw Allah’s Apostle in his dream, definitely sees him but no one else. For the evil Shaitan (Iblis) cannot appear in Muhammad’s (s.a.v) form. Ibn Kaysan continued, “Behind him were standing Abu Bakr (r.a.) and Umar (r.a.). I spoke to them, ‘I wish to ask something to the Allah’s Apostle?’ They answered, ‘Ask, but do not raise your voice.’ Then I asked about Abu Hanifa’s Ilm (knowledge). For I did not accredit him much.” Beware, that man is not even amongst who like Al-Imam Al-Azam much. Even though he wasn’t, our Prophet (s.a.v) commanded him: “Abu Hanifa has Khidr Alayhissalam’s Ilm (knowledge).” Al-Imam Al-Azam, means the Head-Awliya (Islamic Saint) of all Awliya Schools. Al-Imam Al-Azam means, ‘The Great Imam’.  Let us try to better comprehend this. (r.a.). In Ibn Kaysan’s dream, three stars falling one after the other were seen. The first star Abu Hanifa, he passed away. Pay attention where we are getting at. The second was Mis’ar ibn Kidam, and the third was Sufyan al-Thawri, they both died after Abu Hanifa. When they informed Muhammed bin Mukatil, he sobbed and said: “Âlims (Islamic Scholars) are the stars of the earth.” Look, with demise of each âlim, (Islamic scholar) falls a star from the sky.

 

Imam-i Abu Yusuf (r.a.), narrates the Imam saw such dream: “In Al-Imam Al-Azam’s (r.a.) dream it was the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah). Our Beloved Prophet was standing at the helm of the Hawd al-Kawthar (Pond of Abundance). To the left of our Beloved Prophet (s.a.v) stood Ibrahim Alayhissalam, he had laid his head on our Beloved Prophet’s chest. Next to him stood Abu Bakr.” Imam-i Abu Yusuf says: “Moreover, 17 people were counted amongst the sheikhs. Near the Hawd al-Kawthar (Pond of Abundance) there were people holding pots. He wanted to drink from the Hawd (Pond) to gain our Prophet’s favour. They said to him, “We will ask the Allah’s Apostle.” They did, he allowed. Then they gave him a cup, full of Kawthar (abundance).” – Pay attention because they are making Al-Imam Al-Azam drink from the Hawd al-Kawthar (Pond of Abundance). “Just like all the ashab (companions) drank, I drank, too. But the cup wasn’t even half empty.” – In other words, he is saying the cup stayed full even though he drank. – “The water of al-Kawthar was whiter than milk, sweeter than honey and cold as snow.” So, the grand imam, Abu Yusuf narrated. He reported the above narration from Al-Imam Al-Azam.

 

Amongst the Eptal (Islamic saints, holy people) some of them saw Imam-i Muhammad ibn Hassan in their dreams (Rahmatullah i alayhim ajmain). “Kaddesallahu esrarehüm,” which roughly translates as, “May Allah render their hearts sacred.” To Imam-i Muhammad, (r.a.) they asked, “How did Allah (c.c.) treat you?” Imam-i Muhammad replied: “Allah (c.c.) commanded, ‘If I were to torture you, I would not fill your mind with Ilm (knowledge).’ Then I asked Him Abu Yusuf’s position. Allah (c.c.) said, “His position is also by my side” When I said, “What about Abu Hanifa?”, He said, “His position higher than all of you.”

 

(Dakika: 20:07)

 

Those were the dreams of grand âlims (Islamic scholars). Amongst the grand of the Mufassirs (author of a tafsir of the Qur’an) is Muqatil ibn Sulayman. Someone attended his lecture circle (class) and said: “In my dream, a tall person wearing a white outfit descended from the sky. He stood upright on the tallest minaret of Baghdad. Twice did he announce people lost something.” Muqatil replied: “If your dream is true, then the world shall lose its greatest âlim (Islamic scholar).” Immediately after, they received the news of Abu Hanifa’s, namely Al-Imam Al-Azam’s demise. See, the news also came from the skies. At first, Muqatil wished the news weren’t true then he said, “The one who resolved many hardships of the Ummah of Muhammad passed away.” –  İnnâ lillahi ve innâ ileyhi râci’ûn. Roughly, “Indeed we are servants of Allah Ta’ala, and after our demise we shall indeed return again, to Him, via resurrection and neşr.” (Surah Al Baqarah, Ayat 156) –

 

Venerable friends,

 

Abu Muaz Fazli Ibn Halit En-Nahli narrates: “I saw Allah’s Apostle in my dream,” – In other words, he said he saw our Prophet (s.a.v). – “I asked him, ‘What are your commands as regards to Abu Hanifa’s Ilm (knowledge).’” Look, our Beloved Prophet says the following, “The Ilm (knowledge) people are in need of is his Ilm (knowledge),” and gave the good news.

 

So, dear friends,

 

Many thanks and praises be on Allah (c.c.) for He bestowed Al-Imam Al-Azam’s knowledge to us and for He made us appreciate Al-Imam Al-Azam. Elhamdülillah lekel hamdü hatta ferda ve lekel hamdü iza râdike ve salli ve sellim ve barik âlâ Muhammed. May Allah (c.c.) bestow his rahmat (blessing) upon all Islamic scholars until He said, “I consented.” In the second narration from our Prophet (s.a.v): “The Ilm (knowledge) people are in need of is his Ilm (knowledge),” he commanded. You can find that record in al-Manaqib (book) of al-Makki. Müsebbet bin Abdurrahman from Basra said: “In the Sacred Mosque in The Holy City of Mecca, I was sleeping between the stone pillars of  Rukun and Maqam. In my dream I saw the Messenger of Allah. To him I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! What do you command as regards to the Ilm (knowledge) of the person appeared in Kufa, named Numan ibn Thabit, called Al-Imam Al-Azam?” That report is from our Prophet (s.a.v), too. Let’s read what our Prophet (s.a.v) said: “Benefit from his Ilm (knowledge), do good deeds with it. What a great person is he!” he commanded. It is evident that Al-Imam Al-Azam and the âlims (Islamic scholars) of the Hanafi School profoundly understood and comprehended the Almighty Islam and its divine evidence. Same goes for other valuable âlims (Islamic scholars) too.

 

Valuable friends,

 

The person who saw that dream said: “I saw that dream near dawn. I stood up. And said, ‘I am among the ones who finds Abu Hanifa repulsive.” So, the person who saw that dream didn’t like Abu Hanifa. He also said, “Immediately after the dream I did repent and asked to Allah (c.c.) for forgiveness.”

Some of the Imams of the Hanbali School also saw the Messenger of Allah in their dreams. One of them said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah in my dream. I said to him, ‘Tell me about madhabs.’ He commanded, ‘There are three madhabs.’ Upon which I thought Abu Hanifa would be excluded because he acted on r’ay (roughly, opinion). Then the Prophet started with him and said, ‘Abu Hanifa, Shafi’i and Ahmad.’ At that time, he said ‘Four,’ and included ‘Malik’ too. Upon that I asked, ‘Which are good?’ He said, ‘According to my superior opinion, Ahmad’s Madhab,’ he commanded.’” Warning: Some envious people assumed people saw the opposite of what we commemorated about the Imam.

 

Dear friends, take a glance at the world and see how many crazy people there are. There is Zubair Ibn Ahmet, the owner of a dream which contradicts the purpose we have. Zubair saw the Messenger of Allah in his dream. To Allah’s Messenger’s left was standing Abu Hanifa, Imam-i Shafi’i was standing to his right. Our Beloved Prophet turned to his left and read this: ‘Then rather than they, we entrusted it to a people that shall not deny Prophets and books.’ That ayat is Al A’nam 89. Then he turned right and, “Those Prophets are the ones Allah guided to the true path. You shall follow their path, too,” he said. So, according to that dream, Muhammad read Al-A’nam Surah 90^th Ayah. That dream is incorrect. The reason for which is explained below.

 

Valuable friends, true dreams are self-evident just like the dreams some people wish to distort. Abu Hanifa said: “If there are two mujtahids performing an ijtihad, both are correct, truth is one.” However, Imam-i Shafi’i said: “If two mujtahids perform an ijtihad, then one is correct, the other is faulty. But the fault of the faulty shall be forgiven.” When he asked: “What do you command in this matter?” The Messenger of Allah replied: “Even though they are different in words are they both carry meanings that are close to each other.” He asked: “O, Messenger of Allah! Which should we follow, Abu Hanifa’s School or Shafi’i School? The Messenger of Allah commanded, “They both are haqq (true).” Now, dreams like the one above is haqq (true). There’s also this hadith, “Disputes (ihtilaf) of my Ummah are rahmat (blessing).” The disputes among âlims (Islamic scholars) in their scholarly contests are rahmat (blessing). Yes, Al-Imam Al-Azam, namely Abu Hanifa, and Islamic scholars of Hanafi School never issued a religious verdict without basing them on Al-Qur´an Al-Karim, Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas, primary and auxiliary evidence. Their source was primarily Al-Qur´an Al-Karim and Sunnah. Yes, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: “There were people envying Abu Hanifa.” They couldn’t bear with him. Because Al-Imam Al-Azam is a grand âlim (Islamic scholar). Not everyone can tolerate that. There were many who envied him. They were attributing things he lacked. They were making up stories which did not suit him, and spread it.

 

(Dakika: 30:41)

 

Dear friends, as you well know, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr was too a revered individual, too. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: “Al-Imam Al-Azam is a grand and respected person, who profoundly had authorisation about every subject.” A hafiz and an expert hadith scholar declared narrations of a recorder null and void by basing them on reasons such as sinfulness, deceit and falsehoods. That is the meaning of this for the unenlightened.

So, friends, Al-Imam Al-Azam is a respected individual who reached the Sahabah Period, and lived in the Tabi’un Period. That is why he is profound at knowing Hadith-i Sharif’s in the level of verbs, utterances and proposals too. Because, amongst the madhabs (schools), Al-Imam Al-Azam is the closest mujtahid to our Prophet (s.a.v). Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said the abovementioned quotes, then he exemplified his words by conveying what people said about Imam-i Malik, ibn Ma’in’s words about al-Shafi’i, and similar reports, before ending his words with the following poem of Poet Hasan Bin Hami. The following is the translation of the poem: “O, the one who bumped his head to a mountain, intending to shatter it! Mind your head, for the mountain needs no pity. Only your head that will shatter.” In other words, the ones speaking ill about grand âlims (Islamic scholars), like Al-Imam Al-Azam, are similar those who bump their heads to a mountain, with the intention of shattering the mountain. The mountain will be fine, but those people’s heads shall shatter. Who can evade people’s tongues? The gossip the people make, is there an end to it? O, Imam! With qualities the Nüceba (Wali servants of Allah) found superior Allah rendered you virtuous, they envy that. They cannot endure you. So, there are envious people even in the face of the greatest ones of the people. They knew they won’t reach this level by working hard, that was the reason they were jealous. The folk was his enemy, he had many other enemies too.

 

Dear friends, “If you discover someone has Ilm (knowledge), learn from them.” It was reported Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said: “If you discover someone has Ilm (knowledge), learn from them.” Be mindful about the words Faqihs (Experts in Fiqh) utter about one another. Because amongst them envy and hostility are much more present than other people. In other words, people with bad intentions, and the ones who can’t act with their knowledge cannot withstand high and grand Zahid (first Zahids appeared in the Tabi’un era, they are scholars who are known by their piety and devotion) Âlims (Islamic scholars). Because of that, just like it was mentioned in the Medzub: In Maliki School testimony of hadith scholars, against one another, is not valid. Because, “the envy and hostility among âlims (Islamic scholars) are very strong,” they said. Al-Imam Al-Azam did not have that envy. He never talked behind someone’s back. His only endeavour was being a servant to Allah (c.c.), Ilm (knowledge), and enlightening the humanity with wisdom. There are, of course, humane traits which everyone has. Truly innocent are only the Prophets.

 

Beloved friends, “People’s honour and dignities are similar to one pit of fire, amongst many. Those standing at the helm of those fire pits are judges and muhaddiths (hadith scholar),” said a grand person. Who said that? Shaykh al-Islam Takiyüddin İbn-i Dakik-ul-İyd (r.a.). In other words, Shaykh al-Islam Takiyüddin said the above quote. What he said was, do not speak behind people’s backs, “People’s honour and dignities are similar to a pit of fire, amongst many,” he said. So, don’t meddle with no one’s dignity, honour and reputation. And when it comes to âlims (Islamic scholars), do not even open your mouth. Just look at the scholarly documents. It was said: “Those standing at the helm of those fire pits are judges and muhaddiths (hadith scholar),” The above quote refers only to judges who don’t act justly and hadith scholars who don’t act with their knowledge. Al-Dhahabi says: “I know no century that those who lived in did not suffer from this matter. Except for the times of Prophets and Siqqids (people who are faithful to their words). Taceddin es-Subkî (r.a.) says: “O, the one who demanded guidance (to true path)! The thing you need is having respect for all previous imams. Mind your manners when it comes to Islamic scholars. Unless you know something with utter certainty, do not assert allegations about them. You will not gain benefit, for your strength is not enough to appeal them.” Do you have enough power to judge grand âlims (Islamic scholars)? Have you attained that status? You were not created for dealing with secrets of people. Be busy with the things you need. Leave fruitless endeavours. Some people wish to convey such sayings in order to render someone superior to another. But you should avoid that. The things happened between Abu Hanifa and Sufyan al-Thawri, what occurred between Imam-i Malik and İbn Abu Zi’b, the incidents took place between Ahmet ibn Salih and Imam Nesai, what is between Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Harisi al-Muhasibi, the word between Takiyüddin Salih and Izzettin ibn Abdussalam are all examples to abovementioned situation.

 

(Dakika: 40:17)

 

Just like there’s no point mentioning these occurrences, being busy with such endeavours may lead one to destruction. Because the disputes between âlims (Islamic scholars) are scholarly competitions. No one has the right to meddle with those disputes. And all of the abovementioned are great imams (r.a.). May Allah (c.c.) bestow his rahmat (blessing) and forgiveness upon all of them. Just as we can’t comprehend some of the words, they said for one another, we can also not bear the weight they will put on our shoulders. Taceddin es-Subkî (r.a.) was warning the whole world. For that, our duty is to say “May Allah (c.c.) be pleased with them,” while commemorating them, and keep our mouths shut about the disputes occurred between them. Because they were in a scholarly competition. May Allah be pleased with every one of them. Such disputes also occurred between Sahabah-i Kirâm (The Chosen Companions). The path we follow regarding those should be same, too. May Allah (c.c.) bestow many rahmat (blessing) upon the âlim (Islamic scholar) who warned us and other Islamic scholars (âlims), too. Taceddin es-Subkî had recorded the abovementioned quotes in his book “Tabakat uş-Şâfi’iyye”. Thus, it is revealed that the ones who said, “Abu Hanifa opposed the hadiths,” made a mistake.

 

Dear friends, Abu Hanifa is a revered person who had climbed to the summits of Ilm (knowledge). Is it even possible to suggest things like, “He opposed authentic hadiths,” about him?  One must profoundly research scholarly documents with their conscience and think fairly before speaking. Therefore Al-Imam Al-Azam commemorated this ayah: “Vel Fâkran mâ teyesserâ min-û,” which roughly translates as, “Recite from Quran what is easy for you in namâz (prayer).” (Surah Al-Muzammil – 20^th Ayah). But the other following is a Hadith-i Sharif: “Lâ selâte limen lem yekra’ bi Fatihâti’l kitab,” which means, “Prayers of the one who reads not Fatihatu’l Kitab are invalid.” Now the above quote is a Hadith-i Sharif. It is present in Al-Fath Al-kabr. Proof is for the complainant, oath is for the defendant. Proof is for the complainant, oath is for the defendant. Now, let us have a brief look. Islamic scholars have to evaluate the words of Qur’an and Hadith-i Sharifs profoundly. And for they have to use all their determination and strength for that effort, they are called “mujtahids.” Yes, the reason Al-Imam Al-Azam, namely Abu Hanifa, left the reports narrated by one person is that they didn’t fit the hadith methods, and there are also the justifications we presented. Do not be one of them whose feet slipped and deviated from the true path. Otherwise, you will take your place among the failed ones, and commemorated by your evil.” The above quote is also an advice. They shot their deadly arrows after commemorating him with evil traits, they wanted to lower his dignity. They worked for removing love of Abu Hanifa from his peers, and successors. They tried to harm the reputation of the Hanafi School, and people’s trust in Abu Hanifa. Beware! Nonetheless what they did had no effect. Against all odds, the Imam succeeded even better. Allah Ta’ala exalted Abu Hanifa and his deeds due to his devotion to divine revelation. The strength of human is not enough to defame a person exalted by the aid of Allah Ta’ala’s endless treasure. And no one can block these blessings, too. No one can give what Allah hadn’t given; No one can prevent His giving. May Allah Ta’ala render us amongst those who follows the jurisprudence of the mujtahids. May Allah (c.c.) forbid us from becoming a stubborn and arrogant person who tramples down the truth, and the jurisprudence of the mujtahids. May He render us among those who acknowledge the rights of the righteous. İnayetini lâyıkı veçhile – meaning, May He never deprive us from deserving his rahmat (blessing). May Allah also never withhold his rahmat (blessing) from the âlims (Islamic scholars) who resemble the North Star, using which people had found their path. May He also render the slanders of the evil people unsuccessful. Bigots and slanderers becoming successful is unthinkable. Allah Ta’ala commanded in Al-Qur’an Al-Karim that the pioneers of the next generations should be praised with prayers. Their successors say the following: “Memorise this ayah (verse) of Al-Qur’an Al-Karim, and recite it.” Recite it often. “Rabbenâğ firlena veli ihvani nel lezine sebekû bil imani ve lâ teca’l fil kulûbina ğıylel lillezina amenü Rabbenâ înneke raufur Rahim.” May Allah (c.c.) help us becoming one of those who prayed like that. For we love them very much. A person gathers up with whom he loves. Include us into their group. Include us among who served them. In the abovementioned word of ayah, Allah (c.c.) says: “Our Lord! Rabbena! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in faith. Forgive their sins. Do not put in our hearts any rancour towards those who believe. O, Lord! You are the Most Kind, the Most Compassionate.”

(Dakika: 49:54)

Amenna and Saddaknâ. Âmin, âmin, âmin. O, Lord! Thanks, and praises be upon You in the way that suits Your glory and attributes. Numerous gratitude to you. Include us in the group of Walis (Islamic Saints) who remember you with gratitude, and search You via the truth. Good wished and prayers, and endless blessings be upon the Master of the Universe, our Beloved Prophet, the Glorious Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (sall-Allâhu Ta’ala alaihi wa sallam), members of his household, his followers. Countless rahmat (blessings) be upon them. So long as there are people commemorating You in our prayers; the unwary shall live on as long they forget. So long as there are people commemorating You in our prayers we will prevail. So long as the unwary forget you, they will fail. The hodja prays in Arabic: “Subhane rabbike rabbil izzeti amma yesifûn; veselamun alel murselin, vel hamdülil lahi rabbil alemîn.”

 

Valuable friend!

We will try to convey to you some discovery notes from Al-Imam Al-Azam’s Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar, with our helplessness, unwariness and ignorance. As you know, Al-Imam Al-Azam shall enlighten the entire world with his Ilm (knowledge). His Ilm (knowledge) is spread to the entire world. Now, let’s count a few of his scholarly works. There is Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar, Al-Fiqh al-Absat, Aalim wa’l-muta‘allim, er-Risale, el-Vasiyye, Numaniye, and al-Musnad. In Al-Imam Al-Azam’s ecole (school) which enlightened the world, many mujtahids were raised. He is such a mujtahid of the Almighty Islam religion. He is one of the greatest mujtahids. Ebul Münteha, for example, is one of our valuable âlims (Islamic scholars) who conveyed information about Al-Imam Al-Azam and wrote commentaries on his scholarly works. He is another valuable Ottoman Islamic Scholar (âlim). Ebul Münteha is an estimable and revered individual who lived in the periods in which Islam Din (religion) ruled the world, and the empire state was established. May Allah (c.c.) bestow his indefinite rahmat (blessings) upon him, and all our âlims (Islamic scholars). Thanks, and praises be upon Almighty Rabb (Lord) eternally, until He said, “I consented.” Good wishes and prayers be upon Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.v). May Almighty Allah bless our Glorious Prophet (s.a.v), and members of his household, and his companions forever. May Allah (c.c.) bestow his rahmat (blessings) on every Islamic Scholar (âlims). May Allah (c.c.) guide all believers and Muslims to the path of being a true Muslim and bestow such endeavours to them.

 

Dear friends,

 

We will now talk about subjects like, “What is Islamic faith,” “In what way should it be,” and “How do we protect that faith,” by looking into Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar. Iman (faith) should eternally shimmer in one’s heart. What is the Iman (faith) that is valid in Islam? Al-Imam Al-Azam answered questions such as: “What is the Islamic Iman (faith) which is based on primary evidence in Al-Qur´an Al-Karim and the Sunnah?” Al-Imam Al-Azam manifested the scholarly proofs of the following subjects about Iman: eternally protecting it, being an owner of an Iman (faith) which complies with Islam. May Allah (c.c.) render the Iman (faith) of the entire Ummah-i Muhammad real and valid, which lasts forever and ever. The reason for us to carry Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar in our hands, and convey discovery notes from it is this: “For the people whose faith is in danger should be relieved from that danger. People’s faiths, should be valid and last forever. People should be saved dangers which will render their faith invalid. We will offer you discovery notes from Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar in order to manifest the evidence regarding the above matters. And we will continuously pray for Al-Imam Al-Azam and other Islamic scholars (âlims).

 

Valuable friends,

 

As you know, Tawhid is Al-Imam Al-Azam’s central core upon which he rests his entire faith. What is Tawhid? Tawhid, is oneness of Allah (c.c.). Tawhid means isolating Allah (c.c.), namely Cenab-i Haqq from imaginary and delusional attributes which mind creates. Allah Ta’ala (c.c.) and Taqaddas (free from imperfection) is One, but that is not related with the numerical value. The has no correlation whatsoever with number “1.” Allah (c.c.) has no partner or similar in His name and attributes. Almighty Allah is already One with His almighty attributes and entire being. Besides, all Muslims have to profoundly discover Tawhid Iman (faith), namely Allah’s (c.c.) oneness, with Kelime-i Tawhid (word of unity). Al-Imam Al-Azam is one of the greatest discoverers of Tawhid. The true definition of the fundamentals of Tawhid and having faith in it starts with the following: You will have faith in Almighty Allah. But how? At first, you will deeply recognize His almighty attributes, and names. Then you will say: “I have believed in Allah (c.c.), His Angels, Books, Prophets, and our resurrection after our demise. I have believed that the fate (qadar), with its good and bad, comes from Allah (c.c.).” Beware! You shall not say, “I will believe or I hope I believe etc.,” “I have believed,” you shall say. Your heart shall approve, your tongue shall utter! Now, how did you believe in Allah Ta’ala? How should you believe in Him? How did you believe in His Angels, His Books, and Prophets? How did you believe in resurrection after demise, did you look at the primary evidence in Al-Qur´an Al-Karim and the Sunnah? You shall say: “I have believed that the fate (qadar), with its good and bad, comes from Allah.” You shall say, “I have believed.” And you shall have profound knowledge in these matters, which will rely on primary evidences.

 

(Dakika: 59:52)

 

Now, let’s say you believed in Allah (c.c.), but you uttered words or performed acts which are unsuitable to Allah’s attributes, His beauty, His personal (zati) and inherent (subuti) attributes, and His glory. And let’s say that penetrated your Iman (faith). That is a dangerous situation so you must be cautious. – Editors note: Allah has two types of attributes, personal (zati) and inherent (subuti). Among His personal attributes are the existence, eternity, infinity, oneness and uniqueness. Among His inherent attributes are, life, knowledge, hearing, seeing, will, power, creation etc.” – We have to have true information, and true Iman (faith). Haqq (true) Ilm (knowledge) and Haqq Iman (faith) must be complete within us. Al-Imam Al-Azam is the author of Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar. His School is a School of Iman, which came to the world’s rescue. That is the School which manifested Al-Imam Al-Azam’s evidence, via scholarly documents.

 

Gabriel Alayhissalam came to our Beloved Prophet (s.a.v). He asks him some questions such as: “What is Iman (faith)? What is Islam? What is Ihsan (perfection)? And his companions were sitting beside our Prophet. Look, Gabriel Alayhissalam asked, our Prophet replied. Now, what we’re conveying are fundamental knowledge regarding Islam and Iman (faith). Gabriel asked about Islam and Iman (faith). Let’s start, the first question is, “What is Iman?” Our Prophet (s.a.v) said, “Iman is believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His Apostles, Resurrection, and to believe that fate, with its good and bad, comes from Allah,

 

So, dear friends,

 

Es-Semi: The One that hears everything. Indeed, Allah is the Hearer, and the Seer (Al-Mu’min, 20^th verse). Umar ibn al-Khattab (Radiyallahu Anhüm, Erdahüm Ecmain), utters the questions Gabriel Alayhissalam asked to our Prophet, and the answers of Allah’s Apostle, in a Hadith-i Sharif  narrated by the Sahih-i Muslim (hadith collection). And the question about Islam was asked, “What is Islam?” Muhammad replied, “Islam starts with believing there’s no divine other than Allah, and by witnessing that Muhammad is Allah’s Glorious Apostle, and Messenger. Continues with, performing namâz (prayer), paying the zakat (charity), observing fasts during the month of Ramadan, and to go the pilgrimage to Mecca if one can afford.”

 

Valuable friends,

 

These questions about Islam were answered by our Prophet (s.a.v). These were asked to lay the foundations. You must fulfil these questions. How did you believe in Allah (c.c.)? How did you recognize the prophethood of the Prophet? How did you acknowledge? We need scholarly documents regarding these questions. For that, ‚Iman‘ is believing in Allah (c.c.), His angels, books, Apostles, the day of resurrection, and qadar (fate), and that the good and the bad all comes from Him. Therefore, you shall have profound knowledge of these fundamental concepts. Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar manifests the scholarly documents related with the faith which sheds light on the humanity. Al-Imam Al-Azam is the leading Islamic scholar, and author of Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar, which also included the following question, “What is Ihsan (perfection)?” Gabriel Alayhissalam asked our Prophet, “What is Ihsan?” Our Prophet answered: “Ihsan, is worshipping Allah as if you see Him, for if you don’t see Him then truly He sees you.”

 

O, beloved friend! Allah (c.c.) sees all. Everything and us; He sees and hears our hearts. Remember Allah (c.c.) before starting a work. How the deepest respect towards Allah (c.c.). You are helpless, unable to see. But He sees you. Know that He sees you, knows you, and hears you. Know Almighty Allah’s omnipotence. And know that He rules the entirety of all realms. Know that Allah covers everything, He is beyond time and space. Know that everything is sieged by Allah’s Ilm (knowledge), know that he grasps all with his rahmat (blessing). Forget not that He has everything under his rule with His unlimited power. Cleanse your heart with your deepest respects to Him. Forget not that Almighty Allah looks into your heart. Prepare your heart, and conscience. When you have a visitor, you rush to clean your house. But you don’t care when Allah (c.c.) looks into your heart. Remember His words. You should start a work with decency and good manners, and remember that you are in Allah’s presence. Show that profound respect only to Allah (c.c.). For Allah, you shall have respect to His Messenger, His Almighty Quran, all believers and Muslims, and after the Prophet the foremost Islamic scholars, and every creatures of Allah (c.c.). You shall act in a way that complies with Allah’s (c.c.) rulings, and the proper degree Islamic sharia allows. Understand that proper degree and comprehend it well. Fiqh Ilm (Islamic Jurisprudence) is that degree. Fiqh is the scholarly document of the degrees of the Sharia law. Fiqh is both the degree and the documents. Fiqh manifests Al-Qur´an Al-Karim’s superior verdicts, and commands. Fiqh Ilm (knowledge), Faqihs (Experts in Fiqh), Islamic scholars shows you how to implement them. They will show you the values of Islam which Muhammad (s.a.v) implemented. You must do that with Fiqh Ilm (knowledge). Without Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Islam is not comprehended. That is the reason why Al-Imam Al-Azam wrote Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar. Now, let’s have a look at questions regarding the topic we were discussing. They asked to our Prophet (s.a.v), “When will the Qiyamah break out?” Our Prophet (s.a.v) said: “The one who was asked is not more knowledgeable in this matter than the one who asked.” In other words, no one else knows when the Qiyamah will break out except for Allah (c.c.). Or Allah doesn’t let it to be announced. But there is news about the signs that will appear when Qiyamah is near. Nonetheless, no one can know the time of Qiyamah except for Allah (c.c.).

Gabriel Alayhissalam, asked a question to our Prophet again, “This time, tell me about the signs of Qiyamah,” he said. The Prophet counted the following among many signs, “Slave girls giving birth to their masters. And seeing poor, naked, barefoot shepherds of sheep competing in making tall buildings,” he said. The person who asked the questions (Gabriel) departed upon hearing that answer. But there’s this, Gabriel had arrived in the form of a human, Dihyah Kalbi, then he departed. Our Prophet, “O, Umar! Do you know who that person who asked questions?” Umar replied: “Allah and his Messenger knows.” Umar did not say “I know.” Because, Gabriel arrived in the form of a human, and no one knew that was Gabriel. Our Beloved Prophet (s.a.v) said, “Indeed was he Gabriel Alayhissalam. He had arrived to teach you about your din (religion). He asked me, and I replied so that the ashab (companions) may learn.” “He had arrived to ‘teach you about your din,’ he said.

 

(Dakika: 1:10:13)

Beloved friends, we will know recognize Almighty Allah by His names and attributes. But first, you must pay attention to this topic. We will recognize Allah Ta’ala via Glorious Qur’an’s Ilm (knowledge). We will comprehend his oneness profoundly. “Gûl hü vallâhü ehad.” We will understand the meaning of the afore quote from Al-Ikhlas Surah. Among Almighty Allah’s attributes are the existence (wujud), eternity (qidam), infinity (baka), uniqueness (wahdaniyat). There are also the following. Allah is not like any other created beings (Muhalefat al-hawadis). Self-dependence (qiyam bi nafsihi), life (hayah), knowledge (ilm), hearing (semi’), seeing (basar), will (irada), power (kudrah), speech (kalam), creation (taqwin), revival (ihya), bringing death (imata), sustaining (tarziq), creating the thing He wants (halk). In other words, creating, sustaining the life, providing people (rizq), and bringing death are amongst Almighty Allah’s glorious attributes. For that, we must surely recognize Almighty Allah by His glorious attributes, splendid names. And Indeed we, the humanity shall start a work with true knowledge. And we shall never forget our helplessness, and that we are mortals.

Now, as you know, believing in angels is a requirement, in other words, after believing Allah (c.c.), you shall also believe in angels. Believing in angels is one of the fundamentals of iman (faith). Allah has endless number of servants who are called angels which he created from light. The number of angels is only known to Allah (c.c.). Allah Ta’ala has countless angels that no one can count. Now, angels are lovely and spiritual beings created from a luminous. Many of our Islamic scholars had described them as such. There are angels who dissociated themselves from everything, devoted to Allah with love. It is their duty to praise and worship Allah Ta’ala. There are angels who say, “Subhan Allah and Ta’ala, Subhan Allah,” – roughly translates as, “Glorified is Allah, the Exalted, Glorified is Allah!” There are angels who absolve Allah from imperfections and praise, and sanctify him. There are two types of angels afore mentioned angels are Illiyin (angels of heaven), and Mukarrebun angels (who protect humans). In other words, there are many assigned angels to accomplish some goals both on land and in the heaven. There are again, mudebbirat angels, they are always on duty both on land and in the heaven.

 

Friends,

 

Among the angels there are some messengers who carry Almighty Allah’s divine revelation, and His commands about prophethood, from the divine realm to the earth. Denying angels, constitutes the denial of all religions and Prophets. For angels conveyed Al-Qur’an Al-Karim and other divine books to their respected Prophets. That is the duty of Gabriel Alayhissalam. There are countless armies of angels under his command. For that, just like it was in Umar’s hadith and Al-Imam Al-Azam’s expressions, believing in angels is a requirement after believing in Allah. There are many ayat (verses) which inform us about the existence of angels. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.v) saw the angels numerous times. Some of the companions saw them, too. Our Beloved Prophet (s.a.v) said to Umar, “Do you know the person who asked that question and departed?” Then our Prophet replied: “That was Gabriel, he had arrived to teach you about your din (religion).” Look, the angel sat to the middle of the ashab (the companions) in the form of a human. His knees touched our Prophet’s knees, and he asked questions to our Prophet, and the ashab (the companions) witnessed the event. The companions saw him in the human form. But he was Gabriel Alayhissalam. Only Prophet Muhammad (s.a.v) saw Gabriel Alayhissalam in his true form. Muhammad saw Gabriel on the Jabal al-Nour, when he first received the divine revelation. He saw him once in the horizon, and again, in the Mi’raj. If there is more, only Allah (c.c.) and his Messenger know. Only two of the wings of Gabriel were covering the east and the west. Muhammad (s.a.v) saw he had 600 wings. Yet two of them were enough to cover the east and west. Now, we are talking about Gabriel Alayhissalam here, not everyone has the chance to seem him in his true form. Muhammad (s.a.v) was blessed with this opportunity, amongst many. In Al-Qur’an Al-Karim, the angels were briefly stated. Amongst angels there are some who help the believers in their battles against their enemies. This situation is valid as it is stated in the following ayat (verses), Al-Anfal Surah 9^th Ayah and, Ali ‘Imran Surah 123^rd to 125^th Ayat (verses). There are also angels who implement the divine sentences given to those who don’t believe in Allah. The afore statement is also available in some ayat (verses), for example Al-Baqarah Surah 210th Ayah, and others. Angels pray for humans for them to find the true path. Look, there are also angels who pray for humans. There are also Hafaza (The Guardian angels). They are called, Kiraman Katibin (Honourable Recorders). They are honourable recorder angels who record people’s good and evil deeds. That again is mentioned in Surah Al-Infitar and Surah An’am. There are angels called  Munkar and Nakir, who question the dead in their graves. There are also Hadith-i Sharifs that announce these angels, which you will in our upcoming lessons. There are four archangels, Gabriel Alayhissalam, Mika’il Alayhissalam, Israfil Alayhissalam, and lastly Azrael Alayhissalam. They are the four archangels. There are some angels appointed as Prophets of angels, Surah Al-Isra 95^th Ayah. It is possible to find many verses about angels when we look into Al-Qur’an Al-Karim even briefly. There are also many valuable books written about this topic. Now, Insha’Allah Ta’ala, our next lesson will be about believing in Allah’s books. May Almighty Allah (c.c.) place us among his servants whose knowledge is profound, and deeds are good. May he place us among those whose iman is eternally good, and never fades. May He place us among who has done every deed with goodness, and has good deeds. Glorious Islam was bestowed for the salvation of the entire humankind. And Islamic scholars (âlims) are the shimmering stars of Ilm (knowledge). Countless thanks and praises to Almighty Lord! Good wishes and prayers to our Beloved Prophet! May Allah bestow infinite rahmat (blessings) upon Islamic scholars (âlims). May Allah be pleased with the entirety of our Beloved Prophet’s ashab (companions). No matter how much faithful believer and Muslim are there in the world, greetings to all of you! Almighty Islam is brought to us as a blessing for all humanity, to guide them to the true path. May Allah (c.c.) bestow them guidance of Islam. Everyone shall become a Muslim and be saved. Islam is universal. Islam is the din (religion) of the start and the end. Islam is the order which Allah established. Allah is the owner of all humanity and all universe. Separatism and such concepts are made up by people. People disrupted the peace and unity. Take a glance at every truth! Almighty Islam, calls all humanity to being united under the flag of Tawhid Iman (oneness of Allah). Islam calls to solidarity, to unity of Allah, peace and harmony, and brotherhood. Islam calls all humanity to the salvation. May Almighty Allah take you in amongst the saved ones.

(Dakika: 1:22:03)