askmefiqh

This short video is a summarized explanation of the first statement of the book "Sharh as Sunnah" (explanation of the Way) by Imam al Barbahari. The word "Sunnah" means the way, and practice and comprehensive belief system of the prophet Muhammad (upon whom I invoke peace and blessings). Specifically, it means those actions, statements and beliefs which were revealed to guide a worshiper to connect to The Creator. These teachings of Muhammad at a theological level are the same as the teachings of Jesus and Moses and Adam, upon whom I invoke peace and blessings. There is no Islam (submission to God) without following these revealed teachings.

Summary of the explanation of the second statement by al imam al Barbahari in his treatise 'Sharh us Sunnah' (explanation of the way). This second statement emphasizes obedience to the leader; the misguidance of revolt/coup/division; and adherence to the community which is established upon authentic revealed guidance. These principles are from the necessary foundation in the study of Islamic theology.

We have seen an increase in demonstrations and protests against racism, 'implicit bias', corruption or tyranny across the west BLM and Antifa, and the middle east experienced the Arab spring, and the Awakening uprisings. Such mass mobilization begin with sincerity, but result in more harm than benefit; secondly, these movements are in policy deficit. In the west, such movements lack rational plans for positive, realistic reform which are consistent with the protected freedoms in the U.S. or other democratic constitutions. In the middle east, such demonstrations negate the Sunnah, the well-worn path established through Divine revelation. The common result in the West and the Middle east is chaos, and destabilization-- a gift to subversive communist/leftist ideologues. What is the first method to rectify this? First prayer for guidance of the leader, and the safety and stability of the nation and the people, and second reforming the faith, character and practice of the self to contribute something positive to the community. Positive reform is not by violent compulsion or manipulation of a public narrative through lies and suppression of truth like is done by Al shabab, Al Qaeda, Antifa etc.... rather, reform begins with faith, and self-rectification, and establishing a life in service and submission to The Creator "Allah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that - then those are the defiantly disobedient," [Qur'an, 24:55]

We all sin; in fact it is part of the perfection of God's plan that we err, and we slip from grace, even as Adam had. We view repentance as a regular part of life, and an act of worship. And The Divine Creator loves when we return to Him seeking Mercy.