Monday, June 6, 2016
Q&A: The Meaning of Al-Matloub Al-Khabari in Defining the Daleel
Answer to Question: The #Meaning of Al-Matloub Al-Khabari in #Defining the #Daleel
To: Abu Hanifah
(Translated)
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Question:
As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu, to the eminent Ameer, May Allah preserve you and keep you well,
It was mentioned in respect to the definition of the Adillah (evidences) of Usool: They are that which through which ‘Ilm (knowledge) is reached of a Matloob Al-Khabari… And in was mentioned in respect to the definition of the Adillah Al-Furoo’ (branch evidences): That which is reached by a correct view/examination of them to a Matloob Khabari… End. What is meant by “Al-Matloob Al-Khabari”?
Does the ‘Amaarah’ (sign/indicator) include the Mas’alah (issue) which the Daleel has indicated to with a Qatiy Dalaalah (definite meaning) and upon a Mas’alah that has been indicated by a Daleel that is Dhanni (indefinite) in its meaning (Dalaalah) after the exertion of the effort to understand the Daleel and deduce its Dalaalah (meaning) for that issue? Jazak Allahu Khair.
Answer:
Wa Alaikum us Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu,
The Daleel in accordance to the definition of the scholars of Usool is: “That by which it is possible to arrive by it to Al-‘Ilm (certain knowledge) of a Matloob Khabari” and according to the Fuqahaa it is: “That which it is #possible to arrive through a correct (Saheeh) view or examination to a Matloob Khabariy”.
The terminological convention (Istilaah) of “Matloob Khabari” in each of the two #definitions has been mentioned out of caution from the Matloob At-Tasawwuri… and to #understand the meaning of “Matloob Khabariy” the matter is referred back to the people who have set the terminological conventions in the case where they are differentiating between the two types of the ‘Matloob’: Al-Matloob At-Tasawwauri and Al-Matloob Al-Khabari… As for the Matloob At-Tasawwuri then it is the envisaging of the true reality (Haqeeqah) of a matter of thing within the mind with its definition…
For example: When you say “Al-Kawn” (the universe) as a singular word and you say “Makhlooq” (created) as a singular word, then your envisaging of the meaning of the universe and its essence or true intrinsic reality and your envisaging of the meaning of ‘created’ and its essence, falls under the Matllob At-Tasawwuri… Consequently, the Matloob At-Tasawwuri is by way of the Mufrad (singular word) …
However, after you have envisaged the meanings of these #singular worded expressions and you were to have attributed one of them to the other in an #attribution that includes belief (At-Tasdeeq) and denial (At-Takdheeb) like if you were to say for instance: “Al-Kawnu Makhlooq” (the universe is created) then in this case you would have attributed the Khabar (news) of “Al-Makhlooq” (created) to “Al-Kawn” (the universe) i.e. you have informed about the universe that it is created. Said differently, you have affirmed the issue and believed in it, meaning that you have passed #judgment upon it in respect to its truthfulness (Sidq). This then is the Matloob Al-Khabariy and it is called Matloob Khabariy because it comes by way of attributing the Khabariy in a Jumal Ismiyah or Jumlah Fi’liyah (Noun sentence or verb sentence). It is by way of the Murakkab (construct/composition i.e. of words put together in sentences) and not by way of the Mufrad (a singular word).
So for example, in respect to the statement ‘Al-Khamr (alcohol/intoxicants) is Haraam’ your knowledge of the individual words, each one by itself, would be a Tasawwur (envisagement). This means that you would know the meaning of ‘Al-Khamr’ in that it is an intoxicating drink. That definition does not mean that it is #Halaal or #Haraam i.e. it does not establish a ruling. Rather It only represents and envisagement within the mind… Similarly, to know the meaning of Haraam in that it means it is forbidden, by itself, this singular word does not mean a Hukm (legal ruling) but rather it is a definition and an envisagement within the mind…
The same applies to every individual word and so its definition by itself without connecting it to other than it represents a Matloob Tasawwuri.
If, however, one was attributed to another so you said ‘Al-Khamr Haraam’… Then if you have believed in this issue “Al-Murakkab” (that which is constructed or composed of more than one word) and then passed the judgment that the Khamr is really and actually Haraam, or if you have denied this issue in that the Khamr is not Haraam, then in both #circumstances this is called Matloob Khabari.
For example:
‘Zaid Qaa’im’ (Zaid is standing). If you knew the meaning of ‘Zaid’ and that it referred to a particular #person and that ‘Qaa’im’ meant standing upon the two feet, then this is called Tasawwur (envisaging). If you then judged that Zaid is standing i.e. you had affirmed and believed the contents of this issue, or that you judged that Zaid was not standing i.e. where you had denied the contents of this issue, then this would likewise represent a Matloob Khabari.
The Matloob Al-Khabari is therefore built upon two Tasawwur (envisaged) Matloobs. So first you envisage the true reality (Haqeeqah) of a matter in the mind i.e. you understand its reality. Then, you envisage the true reality (Haqeeqah) of another matter I the mind i.e. you understand its reality.
Then you attribute one of the matters to the other in a Khabriy (informing) attribution i.e. in a nounal or verbal sentence, and as such pass a judgment upon it in terms of affirmation or negation by Tasdeeq (affirmation/belief) or Takdheeb (denial/disbelief), in terms of it being correct or incorrect, in terms of implementation or non-implementation, this attribution is what is the Matloob Al-Khabari…
The Matloob Al-Khabari is by way of the Murakkab (composition i.e. of words put together in a sentence) and it is arrived to or reached by the Daleel (evidence), whether the Daleel was Qat’i (definite) or Dhanni (indefinite), ‘Aqli (rational) or Naqli (transmitted by text). So your statement: “Al-Kawn Makhlooq” (the universe is created) is a Matloob Khabari that has been arrived at by way of the Daleel… And you #statement: “Al-Khamr Haraam” (the intoxicating drink is Haraam) is a Matloob Khabari that has been reached and arrived at by way of the Daleel (evidence)… And your statement: “Zaid is standing” is a Matloob Khabari that has been arrived at by way of the Daleel (evidence).
As for the Matloob At-Tassawuri, then this is by the Mufrad (singular word) and it is not arrived at by the Daleel but rather it represents the understanding of the reality of the singular word and its meaning.
For example:
‘Al-Kawn Makhlooq’ (the universe is created) requires a Daleel to prove that because you will be asked: What is your evidence that the universe is created?... However, you will not be asked: What is the Daleel for the ‘Kawn’ (Universe)?... Because that doesn’t stand up… However, it is possible that you are asked: What is the meaning of ‘Al-Kawn’ (the universe) or what is the definition of the universe?
Based upon this it is said by the scholars of Usool within the definition of the Daleel (evidence): That which by it Al-‘Ilm (knowledge) is arrived of a Matloob Khabari… and according to the Fuqahaa: That which through a correct (Saheeh) view or examination in it leads to a Matloob Khabari… That is stated as a caution from the Matloob At-Tasawwuri because it does not require a Daleel but rather it just requires knowledge of the meaning or #knowledge of its reality.
As for your question about the ‘Amaarah’ (sign/indicator) … Then, the Fuqahaa do not differentiate between the Daleel and the Amaarah. That is because the Daleel in their view includes the Qat’i (definite) and the Dhanni (#indefinite) i.e. it applies upon the Qai’i issues (Masaa’il) and the Dhanni Masaa’il… As for the scholars of Usool, then there are from amongst them those who differentiate between the Daleel and the Amaarah. The Daleel in their view is that which alone can be Qat’iy. As for that which is Zhanniy (indefinite) then it is not called a Daleel but rather an Amaarah (sign/indicator) … Consequently, the Amaarah in accordance to the custom of the Usooliyeen (scholars of Usool) does not #apply to other than the Zhanni (indefinite) issues and does not cover the Qat’iy (definite) Masaa’il…
As a point of knowledge, the Amaarah in accordance to the Arabic language the ‘Amaarah’ is sometimes called ‘Alaamah’ if it was not #separable from the matter that it was indicating to like the Dalaalah (indication/meaning) of the ‘Alif’ and ‘Laam’ to indicate the ‘Ism’ (noun) as it does not separate from it and as such is an ‘Alaamah’ (sign) for or over it. If it is however separable from the matter that it has indicated to like the clouds in respect to the rain, then it is called ‘Amaarah’, whilst the Daleel is contrary to both the Amaarah and the ‘Alaamah.
Your brother,
Ata Bin Khalil Abu Al-Rashtah
26th Sha’ban 1437 AH
Corresponding to 02/06/2016 CE
Sunday, June 5, 2016
The New Moon of the Blessed Month of Ramadan Year 1437 AH Has Been Sighted
Book of Fasting: Al-Fitr (Breaking the fast)
Thursday, June 2, 2016
"Super Foods"...for Ramadaan
"Super Foods"…for Ramadaan
By Umme Faatimah (B.Dietetics Univ. of Pretoria)
The modern world has swept us off our feet in so many ways… our dressing, our lifestyles and most noticeably our eating habits. We have so casually adapted the western culture of unhealthy eating, moving further and further away from the Noble teachings of the Quraan and Sunnah of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him).
Yet, the newest nutritional research continues to discover the benefits of certain foods, labelled as "Super Foods". They have also unravelled the great benefits of certain eating habits, such as washing the hands before and after meals, eating with the hands, not drinking with meals…just to mention a few. However, all of this has already been outlined in the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah more than 1400 years ago.
We are certainly the losers if we do not make an effort to practice upon the Sunnah in our homes and kitchens. What better time to bring about these changes than now? Our beautiful Deen offers us the opportunity during the beautiful month of Ramadhaan, to bring about positive changes in our lives- changes that benefit us mentally, physically and spiritually which Insha Allah (Allah Willing) can be sustained for the future.
Physically, fasting gives the digestive system a much needed rest. Energy normally used for digestion is now directed to body detoxification, tissue repair and system healing.
With that in mind I have chosen to highlight just a few of the favourite foods of our The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). With the special month of Ramadhaan fast approaching, we can all ensure we have these foods on our shopping lists. InshaAllah, by us adopting the lifestyle of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we will be rewarded enormously… Ameen.
DATES
Dates are the most mentioned fruit in the Quraan. They are high in energy, fibre, iron, vitamins and minerals. The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)said: " The home with no dates is like the home with no food".(Hadith- Sahih Muslim)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)used to break his fast with fresh dates and a few sips of water. If he did not find fresh dates, he would use dried dates. He (pbuh) said: "When one of you breaks the fast let him do so with dates, for they are a blessing and if he cannot find dates then with water for it is a purification" (Hadith-Tirmidhi)
He often consumed dates with cucumber, butter, cream or bread. A dessert called "Haisa" made with ghee (butter), dates, cheese and yoghurt was also prepared.
Tips: At iftaar (breaking fast) time, dates can also be used to prepare date milkshakes, date chutney, date desserts as well as sprinkled over salads. For sehri (pre-dawn meal), dates can be used as a softened spread over bread or added into muffins, rusks etc.
OLIVE OIL
Dieticians and nutritionist the world over have been advocating the use of olive oil for its excellent cardio-protective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ongoing research is revealing more and more great benefits on the consumption and application of olive oil.
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)said: "Eat the olive and use it as an ointment as it comes from a blessed tree".(Hadith-Tirmidhi)
Tips: During Ramadhaan, olive oil is best used raw as a dip for breads or as a salad dressing. The lighter olive oils are well suited for cooking and baking purposes. Whole olives can be added to salads as well as de-pitted and added to breads, muffins, pies and pizzas.
BARLEY
A recent Readers Digest article highlighted barley as one of the five healthiest foods we tend not to eat. Yet it was barley that was one of the staple foods in the diet of our The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). Modern research is discovering that barley has a very high soluble- fibre content. This helps to keep the arteries clear and healthy. It has an extremely low glycaemic index (GI), which means it takes a longer time to digest, keeping one fuller for longer.
It is mentioned that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) consumed barley in the following ways:
SAWIQ – a coarse broth prepared from ground wheat and barley - very much like a haleem (soup)
THARID – Barley bread covered in gravy cooked with meat
TALBEENAH – A porridge prepared using barley and milk
A Hadith in Mishkaat narrates that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)never used sifted flour in his lifetime. We should take lesson from this, as we are all moving to consuming more refined and processed foods where all the beneficial nutrients have been stripped off. Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quraan grains with their husks, amongst His many gifts to us. Un-sifted flour as used by The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)contains all the valuable nutrients found in the bran and germ layers and has a lower GI.
Tips: During Ramadhaan, barley can be added to soups and broths or prepared as a drink by boiling and straining mixture. A hadith in Bukhari mentions that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) consumed "Sawiq" at iftaar. Barley flour can be used for preparing breads and rotis. Substitute 1.5 cups barley flour for every 3 cups regular flour. Cereals containing barley flakes like muesli can be purchased, or barley flakes can be added to biscuits, muffins, breads and other cereals.
Barley can be prepared as a filling porridge for sehri -Talbeenah. Soak 1-2 tablespoons whole barley overnight in a flask filled with rapidly boiling water. At sehri time, strain water out and prepare porridge with honey and milk. (Store bought "pearled barley" has been polished with some of the bran layer removed).
HONEY
Modern research has been abuzz with the myriad of health benefits associated with honey- anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, energising tonic….to name a few.Our beautiful Deen has encouraged the use of honey 1400 years ago. The Holy Quraan mentions"there comes forth from the bee's belly, a drink of varying colours, wherin is a healing for men".(Qur'an 16:68-69)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) further said " Make use of two cures- honey and the Quraan"(Hadith-Ibn Majah)
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) loved drinks that were sweet and cold and often consumed honey water.
Tips: Honey can be used to sweeten items like tea, fresh juices, milk drinks and cereals etc. Raw honey which is thicker and creamier has a lower GI, and can be mixed with cinnamon and used as a spread on toast for sehri.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
Grapes have been found to contain resveratrol- a powerful antioxidant that protects the body on a cellular level from damage. The seeds are rich in flavonoids which lower the risk of fatty plaque accumulation on the lining of blood vessels to the heart.
The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) loved eating grapes. Hadith in Abu Dawood mentions The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him )often consumed a drink "Nabeez"- prepared from soaked raisins. Nabeez can be prepared by soaking raisins after Esha (evening) prayer in clean water covered with a plate. The following morning the water can be drunk and the soaked fruit eaten or just use the blender to obtain a beautiful cloudy Nabeez. And, if you soak in the morning, drink in the evening. Nabeez should be consumed within twelve hours of soaking to prevent fermentation.
Tips: Nabeez or fresh grape juice can be prepared as a drink after Taraweeh (evening prayer in Ramadaan). Grapes can be served as part of salad or dessert. Raisins eaten with nuts can be enjoyed as a healthy munch after taraweeh salaat.
The Sunnah way of eating is the healthy way of eating. InshaAllah, let us all strive to revive and bring alive the Sunnahs of The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) in our homes this Ramadhaan. I have highlighted just a few. Make an intention to eat on the floor, share eating utensils and to fill a third of your stomach with water, a third with food and a third left for air.
Besides the immense health benefits outlined above our greatest rewards really lie in following the Sunnah, as it comes in Hadith mentioned by The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him):
" The person who follows my Sunnah is the one who truly loves me, and will be with me in Jannah" (Hadith-Tirmidhi)
Allah Ta'ala said to His Messenger (pbuh)"Say (to mankind), if you love Allah, follow me – Allah will love you and forgive your sins." (Qur'an:3: 31)
Wishing you all healthy eating, the Sunnah way………………….Ramadhaan Mubarak!