The Advice Of Prophet Yahya Ibn Zakariya (AS) : Explained By Ibn Al-Qayyim

This book is an explanation by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim of the advice of Prophet Yahya (Alayhe As-Salaam) for Bani Israel (the Children of Israel), which is narrated in a profound and comprehensive hadith collected in Jami' At-Tirmidhi (no. 3102).

Prophet Yahya (Alayhe As-Salaam) gathered the Children of Israel in Jerusalem; until they filled the masjid to capacity, sitting upon its balconies. He addressed them, saying,

"Indeed Allah has commanded me with five commandments to abide by, and to command you to abide by.

The first of them is that you worship Allah and not associate anything with him. The parable of the one who associates others with Allah is that of a man who buys a servant with his own gold or silver, then he says to him: 'This is my home and this is my business so take care of it and give me the profits.' So he takes care of it and gives the profits to someone other than his master. Which of you would live to have a servant like that?

And Allah commands you to perform Salah (prayer), and when you perform Salah (prayer) then do not turn away, for Allah is facing the face of His worshipers as long as he does not turn away.

And He commands you with fasting. For indeed the parable of fasting, is that of a man in a group with a sachet containing musk. All of them enjoy its fragrance. Indeed the breath of the fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk.

And He commands you to give charity. The parable of that, is a man captured by his enemies, tying his hands to his neck, and they come to him to beat his neck. Then he said: 'I can ransom myself from you with a little or a lot' so he ransoms himself from them.

And He commands you to remember Allah. For indeed the parable of that, is a man whose enemy quickly tracks him until he reaches an impermeable fortress in which he protects himself from them. This is how the worshiper is; he does not protect himself from Shaytan except by the remembrance of Allah."

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wassalam) said:

"And I command you with five that Allah commanded me: Listening and obeying, Jihad, Hijrah, and the Jama'ah. For indeed whoever parts from the Jama'ah the measure of a hand-span, then he has cast off the yoke of Islam from his neck, unless he returns. And whoever calls with the call of Jahiliyyah then he is from the coals of Hell."

A man said: "O Messenger of Allah! Even if he performs Salah (prayer) and fasts?"

So he (Sallallahu Alayhe Wassalam) replied "Even if he performs Salah (prayer) and fasts. So call with the call that Allah named you with: Muslims, believers, worshipers of Allah."

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wassalam) mentioned within this great hadith those matters which every Muslim must memorise and comprehend. This narration includes those matters which will save the individual from Shaytan and achieve success and safety in this world and in the Afterlife.

Details

Title: The Advice Of Prophet Yahya Ibn Zakariya (AS) : Explained By Ibn Al-Qayyim
Author: Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim
Translator: Rasheed Barbee
Compiler: Rasheed Barbee
Publisher: Authentic Statements Publications - USA
Pages: 62
Volumes: 1
Size:  15.3 cm x 22.6 cm
Binding: Paperback
Edition Number: 1st
Year Of Publication: 2019
Weight:  0.11 kg

About Author

The author, Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751H), was one of the most prolific scholars of Islam. His inimitable and distinct understanding of Qur'an and and Hadith was acknowledged by his peers, while his commentaries and interpretations remain unique in accuracy. He studied under Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah for sixteen years and accompanied him up and till his death; learning a great deal of knowledge from him. He authored over sixty works, covering a multitude of Islamic sciences; many of his writings are characterised by their touching address to the heart and soul. He was deeply pious and took great care in how he utilised his time.