1 00:00:02,940 --> 00:00:05,460 Peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy and blessings. 2 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:12,700 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 3 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:17,460 And the fullest, most perfect blessings and peace. 4 00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:19,820 Upon the one sent as a mercy to the worlds. 5 00:00:21,380 --> 00:00:25,600 And upon his family and all his Companions. As for what follows: 6 00:00:27,380 --> 00:00:34,440 This is the second session of this scholarly course. 7 00:00:36,620 --> 00:00:43,900 We have titled it Reflections on Surat al-Kahf. 8 00:00:49,040 --> 00:00:55,460 We have already spoken about some of Surat al-Kahf's virtues and objectives. 9 00:00:58,000 --> 00:01:00,800 Among the virtues of Surat al-Kahf. 10 00:01:01,340 --> 00:01:07,360 And among its overarching aims is protection from trials. 11 00:01:09,100 --> 00:01:12,536 And the overarching principle is that 12 00:01:12,620 --> 00:01:20,500 The greatest protection from trials is reading the Quran with reflection. 13 00:01:21,920 --> 00:01:28,890 And understanding the Quran as the Companions of Allah's Messenger ﷺ did. 14 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:37,440 Rather, only those who turn away from the Quran plunge into trials. 15 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:42,440 Or turn away from reflecting on the Quran. 16 00:01:43,940 --> 00:01:50,100 or turns away from the Companions' (RA) understanding of the Qur'an. 17 00:01:53,140 --> 00:01:56,200 Therefore, in describing the Khawarij 18 00:01:57,600 --> 00:02:01,316 As mentioned before, it was said of them. 19 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:05,880 "They recite the Qur'an; it goes no farther than their throats." 20 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:12,700 Another trait of theirs was that none were among or with them. 21 00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:18,240 not even one from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. 22 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:25,440 And Surah al-Kahf has a special feature in this regard. 23 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:32,000 It is narrated from Abu al-Darda' (RA). 24 00:02:32,920 --> 00:02:35,860 The Prophet ﷺ said. 25 00:02:37,180 --> 00:02:45,000 "Whoever memorizes ten verses from al-Kahf's start is safe from Dajjal." 26 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:48,400 Narrated by Muslim. 27 00:02:49,820 --> 00:02:58,500 "Whoever memorizes ten verses from al-Kahf's start is safe from Dajjal." 28 00:03:00,420 --> 00:03:05,200 Here, some scholars explained hifz as ordinary memorization. 29 00:03:07,620 --> 00:03:14,560 And some scholars explained it as reading it and reading it often. 30 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:23,280 And the Prophet ﷺ said about the Dajjal: 31 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:31,400 "Whoever among you meets him, read the first verses of al-Kahf to him." 32 00:03:33,900 --> 00:03:37,240 It was narrated from al-Nawwas ibn Sam'an that he said. 33 00:03:38,280 --> 00:03:44,240 The Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned the Dajjal and said. 34 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:51,940 "If he emerges while I am with you, I will oppose him for you." 35 00:03:53,140 --> 00:03:59,500 "If he emerges when I am not with you, each man must fend for himself." 36 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:03,320 And Allah will take care of every Muslim after me. 37 00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:09,616 "He is a young man with tight curls; his eye protrudes." 38 00:04:09,700 --> 00:04:15,120 "I liken him to 'Abd al-'Uzza ibn Qatan." 39 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:24,040 "So whoever among you meets him, read the first verses of al-Kahf to him." 40 00:04:25,360 --> 00:04:26,560 And in another narration. 41 00:04:27,760 --> 00:04:32,060 "Read the opening of al-Kahf over him." 42 00:04:32,920 --> 00:04:36,200 "For they are your protection from his trial." 43 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:44,940 So reading the opening of al-Kahf protects from the Dajjal's trial. 44 00:04:46,460 --> 00:04:52,900 Muslim also narrates that they are the last ten verses of al-Kahf. 45 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:57,840 And we already saw in the hadith of Abu Sa'id RA. 46 00:04:58,560 --> 00:05:03,640 Whoever reads ten verses from its end. 47 00:05:03,740 --> 00:05:07,240 If the Dajjal appears, he will not overpower him. 48 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:14,200 And in another narration: whoever reads ten verses from its end. 49 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:18,500 Then if the Dajjal emerges, he will not harm him. 50 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:24,920 So this surah contains protection. 51 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:32,460 from one of the greatest trials: the trial of al-Masih al-Dajjal. 52 00:05:34,780 --> 00:05:38,380 Al-Shafi'i RH said. 53 00:05:39,260 --> 00:05:46,100 It has reached us that whoever reads al-Kahf escapes Dajjal's trial. 54 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:54,100 And I prefer sending many prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ in every state. 55 00:05:55,400 --> 00:06:01,536 And on Friday and its eve, this is even more recommended. 56 00:06:01,620 --> 00:06:06,324 So I also prefer reading al-Kahf. 57 00:06:06,964 --> 00:06:13,024 on Friday eve and day, due to what was reported about it. 58 00:06:14,584 --> 00:06:22,654 Ishaq ibn Ibrahim said: I went out with Abu Abdullah, meaning Imam Ahmad RH. 59 00:06:23,284 --> 00:06:27,044 to the mosque—that is, on Friday. 60 00:06:27,884 --> 00:06:34,504 He said: I heard him recite Surat al-Kahf twice. 61 00:06:35,944 --> 00:06:41,904 Ibn Taymiyyah RH said: Reciting Surat al-Kahf on Friday. 62 00:06:42,784 --> 00:06:48,654 There are reports on this mentioned by the scholars of hadith and fiqh. 63 00:06:49,524 --> 00:06:52,984 Hence, from all that preceded. 64 00:06:54,384 --> 00:07:01,464 The believer sees the importance of reciting Surat al-Kahf on Friday. 65 00:07:02,464 --> 00:07:07,724 How beautiful, perfect, and sweet. 66 00:07:08,744 --> 00:07:16,704 For every believer to memorize this surah for its goodness and blessings. 67 00:07:18,144 --> 00:07:25,544 So one can recite it even in places where reading is hard. 68 00:07:26,764 --> 00:07:30,604 Such as when one is in the car or the like. 69 00:07:32,144 --> 00:07:37,284 It also shows the importance of reading it constantly. 70 00:07:38,464 --> 00:07:43,940 reflecting on it and drawing out its lessons. 71 00:07:44,024 --> 00:07:46,444 and discovering its lights. 72 00:07:47,224 --> 00:07:51,724 And we will stop at reflective points. 73 00:07:53,464 --> 00:07:55,444 with this noble surah. 74 00:07:56,684 --> 00:08:01,220 And we will follow the two earlier methods. 75 00:08:01,304 --> 00:08:07,344 mentioned in the first session on reflecting on the Quran. 76 00:08:08,444 --> 00:08:10,524 the method of overall reflection. 77 00:08:11,744 --> 00:08:13,844 and the method of partial reflection. 78 00:08:15,204 --> 00:08:20,904 As I said before, we will try to make this an exercise. 79 00:08:22,944 --> 00:08:29,184 for reflecting on the Quran in a sound manner. 80 00:08:34,924 --> 00:08:38,984 And we will involve the brothers and sisters in this as well. 81 00:08:39,804 --> 00:08:43,924 Therefore I ask the brothers and sisters. 82 00:08:45,324 --> 00:08:49,684 both those attending and those following remotely. 83 00:08:51,004 --> 00:08:56,784 I ask them to write one reflective insight. 84 00:08:59,284 --> 00:09:01,644 from Surah al-Kahf. 85 00:09:03,004 --> 00:09:07,780 and phrase it well. 86 00:09:07,864 --> 00:09:10,094 in no more than three lines. 87 00:09:11,864 --> 00:09:17,424 along with writing the name and type of course attendance. 88 00:09:17,664 --> 00:09:21,804 whether it is in person or remote. 89 00:09:23,244 --> 00:09:27,504 Then send it via the posted link for questions. 90 00:09:31,044 --> 00:09:34,084 And I will review them if Allah ﷻ wills. 91 00:09:37,764 --> 00:09:43,644 And if this course material is printed. 92 00:09:44,844 --> 00:09:51,184 I will add it in an appendix to the book. 93 00:09:53,184 --> 00:09:56,284 under the sender's name. 94 00:09:58,604 --> 00:10:02,864 so I may have the honor of seeing my brothers' names there. 95 00:10:04,784 --> 00:10:09,564 in a book that bears my name if Allah ﷻ wills. 96 00:10:09,684 --> 00:10:13,060 And if time becomes available at the end of this course. 97 00:10:13,144 --> 00:10:21,040 if we complete the intended material before the post-Isha session tomorrow. 98 00:10:21,124 --> 00:10:26,680 we will read some of these reflections if they reach us. 99 00:10:26,764 --> 00:10:29,340 The point of this is that we share. 100 00:10:29,424 --> 00:10:34,744 and that you train in the intended form of reflection. 101 00:10:35,624 --> 00:10:40,144 And we begin with an overall reflection on Surat al-Kahf. 102 00:10:42,004 --> 00:10:46,984 Overall reflection means engaging the mind. 103 00:10:48,644 --> 00:10:53,364 to know the surah's main themes. 104 00:10:53,504 --> 00:10:56,644 and its overall objectives. 105 00:10:58,084 --> 00:11:00,764 and relating that to the surah's verses. 106 00:11:02,864 --> 00:11:06,104 And we have some points on this. 107 00:11:07,224 --> 00:11:12,044 The first point concerns one objective of Surat al-Kahf. 108 00:11:14,164 --> 00:11:18,484 To show that Allah ﷻ created mankind in order to test them. 109 00:11:21,144 --> 00:11:26,420 So man must face trials. 110 00:11:26,504 --> 00:11:28,694 And man will not be left untested. 111 00:11:30,564 --> 00:11:34,704 As Allah ﷻ said: "Alif, Lam, Meem." 112 00:11:35,984 --> 00:11:41,684 "Do people think they will be left to say, 'We believe,' and not be tried?" 113 00:11:42,724 --> 00:11:45,860 "And We surely tested those before them." 114 00:11:45,944 --> 00:11:51,524 "So Allah will surely make known the truthful and the liars." 115 00:11:53,224 --> 00:11:59,760 And He said: "We will surely test you until We know who strives among you." 116 00:11:59,844 --> 00:12:03,704 "and the patient. And We will test your affairs." 117 00:12:04,884 --> 00:12:12,044 Allah ﷻ pointed to this great purpose in Surah al-Kahf. 118 00:12:12,128 --> 00:12:16,648 in His ﷻ statement in the seventh verse. 119 00:12:16,788 --> 00:12:20,388 "Indeed, We made whatever is on earth an adornment for it." 120 00:12:21,468 --> 00:12:24,828 "that We may test them as to which of them is best in deed." 121 00:12:26,288 --> 00:12:29,528 The whole worldly life. 122 00:12:33,528 --> 00:12:36,868 With all it contains, it is a test. 123 00:12:39,888 --> 00:12:44,508 So Allah ﷻ tests people through other people. 124 00:12:46,048 --> 00:12:52,788 As our Lord, Allah ﷻ, said: "And thus We test some through others." 125 00:12:54,128 --> 00:13:00,248 Allah ﷻ said: "We made some of you" a trial for others. Will you endure?" 126 00:13:01,008 --> 00:13:02,768 "And your Lord is Ever-Seeing." 127 00:13:04,448 --> 00:13:10,548 Allah ﷻ tests people with wealth, by giving and by withholding. 128 00:13:12,388 --> 00:13:18,424 Allah ﷻ said: "Know that your" wealth and children are a trial." 129 00:13:18,508 --> 00:13:21,068 "And that with Allah is great reward." 130 00:13:22,768 --> 00:13:26,288 Allah ﷻ tests people with good and evil. 131 00:13:27,308 --> 00:13:33,948 Allah ﷻ said: "We test you" with evil and good; to Us you return." 132 00:13:35,488 --> 00:13:43,408 Allah ﷻ tests His servants with the claims of human and jinn devils. 133 00:13:44,548 --> 00:13:51,668 Allah ﷻ said: "To make what Satan casts a trial for diseased hearts." 134 00:13:52,388 --> 00:13:58,008 "and those whose hearts are hard. Indeed, wrongdoers are in deep discord." 135 00:13:59,168 --> 00:14:05,448 Allah ﷻ tests His servants with blessings and hardship. Allah ﷻ said. 136 00:14:06,188 --> 00:14:09,608 “When adversity touches man, he calls upon Us.” 137 00:14:09,708 --> 00:14:16,404 "Then when We grant him Our gift, he says, 'I got it by knowledge.'" 138 00:14:16,488 --> 00:14:20,807 “Rather, it is a trial, but most of them do not know.” 139 00:14:21,548 --> 00:14:26,164 And when the believer realizes that Allah is testing him. 140 00:14:26,248 --> 00:14:29,708 through what is in this world and what is upon the earth. 141 00:14:30,928 --> 00:14:34,108 He focuses on doing good well. 142 00:14:35,568 --> 00:14:40,968 And he realizes with certainty the pleasantness of worldly life. 143 00:14:41,088 --> 00:14:47,908 As worldly life, it is only a complement, not a foundation. 144 00:14:49,828 --> 00:14:55,148 So he is patient in obeying Allah and in shunning disobedience to Him. 145 00:14:56,148 --> 00:14:58,008 And he is patient with Allah's decrees. 146 00:14:59,228 --> 00:15:04,168 This surah contains various kinds of trials. 147 00:15:07,548 --> 00:15:13,208 In the story of the Cave, people are tested by people. 148 00:15:16,248 --> 00:15:23,288 There is testing in religion, and by many opponents to guidance. 149 00:15:25,148 --> 00:15:31,568 So it becomes clear who clings to the truth because it is the truth. 150 00:15:33,268 --> 00:15:40,348 And who obeys most people and goes along with most people. 151 00:15:41,588 --> 00:15:46,344 So the People of the Cave were but youths. 152 00:15:46,428 --> 00:15:51,708 This is a plural form for few, showing they were no more than nine. 153 00:15:53,628 --> 00:15:59,888 They knew the truth and monotheism and opposed their people. 154 00:16:01,928 --> 00:16:05,248 In this, since their people were polytheists. 155 00:16:09,288 --> 00:16:14,808 And they realized that majority is not a sign of truth. 156 00:16:17,748 --> 00:16:21,884 Rather, what counts is clear authority and manifest proof. 157 00:16:21,968 --> 00:16:24,388 And this is a very important issue. 158 00:16:25,888 --> 00:16:29,287 People, in and of themselves. 159 00:16:31,148 --> 00:16:36,148 Whether many or few, they are not a sign of truth. 160 00:16:37,508 --> 00:16:45,888 Rather, the sign of truth is clear authority and manifest evidence. 161 00:16:48,368 --> 00:16:56,884 So whoever possesses authority, proof, and manifest evidence. 162 00:16:56,968 --> 00:16:59,528 He is the ummah, even if alone. 163 00:17:01,928 --> 00:17:08,068 Many people today say that a certain creed is held by most Muslims. 164 00:17:10,568 --> 00:17:14,528 This shows that it is correct. No, by Allah, this is no proof. 165 00:17:17,208 --> 00:17:25,074 Some people, when you mention the partisans, say most Muslims love them. 166 00:17:25,158 --> 00:17:29,884 Most Muslims are with them, and most Muslims dislike what you say. 167 00:17:29,968 --> 00:17:33,014 And this proves they are right, and that you are wrong. 168 00:17:33,098 --> 00:17:34,908 No, by Allah, this is no proof. 169 00:17:36,888 --> 00:17:42,534 The proof is clear authority and manifest evidence. 170 00:17:42,618 --> 00:17:44,308 Allah ﷻ said of the People of the Cave. 171 00:17:45,008 --> 00:17:47,788 "We narrate to you their story in truth." 172 00:17:48,528 --> 00:17:52,608 "They were youths who believed in their Lord, and We guided them more." 173 00:17:53,508 --> 00:17:56,328 "And We made their hearts firm when they stood." 174 00:17:56,908 --> 00:18:00,644 "They said: Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth." 175 00:18:00,728 --> 00:18:06,548 "We will never call upon any god besides Him. We'd say grave error." 176 00:18:08,648 --> 00:18:14,416 "These, our people, have taken gods besides Him." 177 00:18:14,500 --> 00:18:17,820 "Why do they not bring clear authority for them?" 178 00:18:18,700 --> 00:18:21,740 "Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah?" 179 00:18:28,980 --> 00:18:37,520 So then: the trial by people. 180 00:18:39,020 --> 00:18:42,320 And the trial of many opponents. 181 00:18:43,500 --> 00:18:50,600 In the trial of religion, safety lies only in clinging to proof. 182 00:18:51,900 --> 00:18:57,980 and to the manifest authority and the clear evidence. 183 00:19:01,220 --> 00:19:02,560 And in Surah al-Kahf. 184 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:10,580 There is a trial in the story of the People of the Cave. 185 00:19:11,500 --> 00:19:13,680 It is the trial of superfluous knowledge. 186 00:19:15,220 --> 00:19:20,170 that adds no faith and brings no worldly good. 187 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:26,440 Knowledge with these two qualities. 188 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:33,480 It neither increases faith nor brings worldly good. 189 00:19:34,440 --> 00:19:39,360 is superfluous knowledge, and a person may be tested by it. 190 00:19:42,180 --> 00:19:50,040 People may admire it and be distracted from useful knowledge. 191 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:58,940 The remedy and success in this trial lie in not being occupied by it. 192 00:20:00,100 --> 00:20:06,780 at the expense of the key matters of useful Sharia and worldly knowledge. 193 00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:11,320 Allah ﷻ says in verse twenty-two. 194 00:20:12,840 --> 00:20:15,860 "They will say: Three; their dog was the fourth." 195 00:20:16,780 --> 00:20:20,196 "And they will say there were five, the sixth of them was their dog." 196 00:20:20,280 --> 00:20:22,615 "Guessing at the unseen." 197 00:20:22,699 --> 00:20:26,660 "And they will say there were seven, and the eighth of them was their dog." 198 00:20:28,020 --> 00:20:34,240 "Say: My Lord knows best their number. None knows them but few." 199 00:20:34,940 --> 00:20:39,780 "So do not argue about them except outwardly." 200 00:20:39,900 --> 00:20:43,420 "And do not ask any of them about them." 201 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:52,160 So even though Allah ﷻ informed us of their number. 202 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:04,760 He did so by saying, "They say: seven, and the eighth is their dog." 203 00:21:06,580 --> 00:21:10,440 And He did not say, "guessing at the unseen," as before. 204 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:14,040 So we knew that this was the number. 205 00:21:14,140 --> 00:21:20,996 Yet Allah said, "Do not argue about them except outwardly." 206 00:21:21,080 --> 00:21:24,600 "And do not ask any of them about them." 207 00:21:25,520 --> 00:21:30,640 Preoccupation with the number of the People of the Cave has no benefit. 208 00:21:32,100 --> 00:21:35,060 Rather, it is superfluous, remote knowledge. 209 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:39,760 And the method followed in matters like this is this. 210 00:21:41,220 --> 00:21:46,576 "Do not argue about them except outwardly." 211 00:21:46,660 --> 00:21:52,180 So one should only engage in proven, beneficial knowledge. 212 00:21:53,440 --> 00:22:00,920 It is knowledge based on proof and on what is beneficial. 213 00:22:02,260 --> 00:22:07,700 Rather, dear ones, the matter goes beyond the issue of knowledge. 214 00:22:08,380 --> 00:22:12,440 It is broader than that; it is a way of life. 215 00:22:13,860 --> 00:22:20,136 A person should not occupy himself, mind, and heart. 216 00:22:20,220 --> 00:22:24,080 with what is neither established nor beneficial. 217 00:22:27,100 --> 00:22:31,916 It is a way of life: what harms people most. 218 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:37,760 and distracts them from their interests: meddling in others' affairs. 219 00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:42,280 Or with what does not benefit them. 220 00:22:43,880 --> 00:22:49,380 Or with what cannot be proven by demonstrable evidence. 221 00:22:50,860 --> 00:22:54,840 So the way of life is to keep yourself away from this. 222 00:22:56,300 --> 00:22:59,840 and not occupy yourself with such things. 223 00:23:03,420 --> 00:23:09,740 And in Surah al-Kahf there is man's trial by worldly adornment. 224 00:23:10,880 --> 00:23:17,800 through wealth or status versus being with the righteous. 225 00:23:19,480 --> 00:23:21,700 So a person stands between two paths. 226 00:23:22,980 --> 00:23:30,580 Either he chooses the adornment of this world, its people, and all in it. 227 00:23:30,700 --> 00:23:35,740 or else he is with the people of righteousness and guidance. 228 00:23:40,460 --> 00:23:41,320 His soul 229 00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:46,900 will long for worldly life and be tested by it. 230 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:56,360 Success in this trial comes by being with the righteous. 231 00:23:57,900 --> 00:24:01,300 Whoever is with them, his heart finds rest. 232 00:24:02,740 --> 00:24:07,920 His condition is set right, and his path to Allah improves. 233 00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:20,272 The righteous: if you sit with them, you benefit; if heedless, they remind you. 234 00:24:21,812 --> 00:24:24,792 And if you resolve to do good, they help you. 235 00:24:29,512 --> 00:24:33,452 So being with them is better than the bloom of this world. 236 00:24:36,432 --> 00:24:38,942 And better than what is in this world. 237 00:24:40,672 --> 00:24:44,272 Allah ﷻ said in verse twenty-eight. 238 00:24:45,552 --> 00:24:51,372 "Be patient with those who call on their Lord morn and eve." 239 00:24:52,292 --> 00:24:53,692 "Seeking His Face." 240 00:24:54,752 --> 00:25:00,032 "Do not let your eyes pass beyond them, desiring worldly adornment." 241 00:25:01,012 --> 00:25:03,952 "And do not obey one whose heart We made heedless of Our remembrance." 242 00:25:04,812 --> 00:25:08,172 "Who follows his desire, and whose affair was in neglect." 243 00:25:10,132 --> 00:25:13,952 In this world, a person must have a companion. 244 00:25:15,012 --> 00:25:21,312 A companion pulls you along, and a close friend conforms. 245 00:25:23,012 --> 00:25:24,612 And these verses contain 246 00:25:25,912 --> 00:25:28,412 The criteria for choosing a friend. 247 00:25:30,812 --> 00:25:35,432 How do I choose my friend? These are the criteria. 248 00:25:36,512 --> 00:25:39,152 That he be upright in his religion. 249 00:25:41,032 --> 00:25:47,432 Affirming his Lord's oneness, and sincerely obedient to Him. 250 00:25:49,892 --> 00:25:53,912 And not one who follows his desires. 251 00:25:55,532 --> 00:25:58,032 And chasing after his cravings. 252 00:25:59,792 --> 00:26:07,152 And not one who is lost, devoid of the good of both worlds. 253 00:26:08,852 --> 00:26:16,852 These are the criteria for choosing a friend indicated by this verse. 254 00:26:19,232 --> 00:26:26,152 In the story of the two men, note we're still on the general theme: trial. 255 00:26:28,212 --> 00:26:33,032 In the story of the two men, there is the trial of worldly life. 256 00:26:35,612 --> 00:26:41,692 What Allah grants a person in it— what effect does that have on him? 257 00:26:43,372 --> 00:26:46,192 Does he then humble himself? 258 00:26:47,812 --> 00:26:53,318 And know with certainty that all bounty is from Allah. 259 00:26:53,402 --> 00:26:56,092 Without Allah, he would not be provided. 260 00:26:57,292 --> 00:27:03,512 No matter how intelligent or noble he is? 261 00:27:05,252 --> 00:27:09,312 Or, Allah forbid, is he deluded by it? 262 00:27:10,512 --> 00:27:15,272 Does he admire worldly glitter and become arrogant? 263 00:27:16,452 --> 00:27:22,492 and attributes attaining it to his knowledge, wit, or skill. 264 00:27:25,032 --> 00:27:31,692 It also shows the outcome of both. Allah ﷻ said: 265 00:27:32,812 --> 00:27:35,968 "Present to them the example of two men." 266 00:27:36,052 --> 00:27:39,352 "We gave one of them two vineyards of grapes." 267 00:27:40,452 --> 00:27:45,492 "And We bordered them with palm trees and placed crops between them." 268 00:27:46,652 --> 00:27:52,868 "Each of the two gardens yielded its fruit and failed in nothing." 269 00:27:52,952 --> 00:27:57,952 "And We caused a river to gush forth between them, and he had fruit." 270 00:27:59,832 --> 00:28:03,972 "So he said to his companion while arguing with him." 271 00:28:04,112 --> 00:28:08,512 "I have more wealth than you and am mightier in men." 272 00:28:11,012 --> 00:28:17,492 So he grew deluded and arrogant, overbearing, not humble. 273 00:28:19,072 --> 00:28:22,212 "And he entered his garden while wronging himself." 274 00:28:23,012 --> 00:28:27,468 "He said, 'I do not think this will ever perish.'" 275 00:28:27,552 --> 00:28:30,948 "Nor do I think the Hour will come." 276 00:28:31,032 --> 00:28:37,412 "And if I am returned to my Lord, I will find a better return than this." 277 00:28:37,732 --> 00:28:40,612 Meaning: if I am returned to my Lord, as you claim. 278 00:28:44,012 --> 00:28:51,568 Then I will surely find something better than this here on earth, in his delusion. 279 00:28:51,652 --> 00:28:54,792 His companion said to him as he argued with him. 280 00:28:54,912 --> 00:28:59,492 Do you disbelieve in the One who made you from dust, then from a drop. 281 00:28:59,592 --> 00:29:02,072 Then fashioned you into a man?” 282 00:29:02,172 --> 00:29:08,312 “But as for me, He is Allah, my Lord. I associate none with Him.” 283 00:29:09,532 --> 00:29:12,872 “Why, when you entered your garden, did you not say? 284 00:29:13,052 --> 00:29:16,052 As Allah willed. There is no power except with Allah. 285 00:29:17,832 --> 00:29:20,472 He guided him to the path of what is right. 286 00:29:22,292 --> 00:29:28,112 And to disavow his own power and strength except by Allah ﷻ. 287 00:29:28,852 --> 00:29:32,452 “If you see me less than you in wealth and children. 288 00:29:33,232 --> 00:29:37,392 “It may be that my Lord will give me better than your garden.” 289 00:29:37,912 --> 00:29:44,352 “And send on it a calamity from the sky, leaving slick bare soil.” 290 00:29:45,752 --> 00:29:48,782 He reminded him that Allah was the One who provided for him. 291 00:29:50,032 --> 00:29:55,932 And that the One who gave is able to take back, Allah ﷻ. 292 00:29:57,952 --> 00:30:02,432 “Or its water may sink away, and you will never be able to find it.” 293 00:30:02,832 --> 00:30:08,772 And his fruits were ruined, so he wrung his hands over what he spent on it. 294 00:30:08,872 --> 00:30:11,272 It had collapsed on its trellises. 295 00:30:11,692 --> 00:30:15,772 And he said, “I wish I had not associated anyone with my Lord.” 296 00:30:16,212 --> 00:30:22,051 And he had no supporters to help him other than Allah, nor save himself. 297 00:30:22,372 --> 00:30:28,036 There, true authority belongs to Allah. He is best in reward and outcome. 298 00:30:29,796 --> 00:30:35,992 And in the story of Moses AS with Khidr AS is the test of knowledge. 299 00:30:36,076 --> 00:30:43,096 Yes, a servant may be tested by knowledge, even by its scarcity. 300 00:30:44,276 --> 00:30:47,276 And he may be tested by its abundance. 301 00:30:49,736 --> 00:30:56,516 So it becomes clear how a servant acts when knowledge is scarce. 302 00:30:57,636 --> 00:31:01,016 And what he does when knowledge is abundant. 303 00:31:02,936 --> 00:31:09,676 Does he keep to what he knows, or does he go beyond it? 304 00:31:11,336 --> 00:31:17,096 So what he knows leads him to say what he does not know. 305 00:31:18,136 --> 00:31:21,076 And this is an affliction for many students of knowledge. 306 00:31:22,416 --> 00:31:27,652 When he gains a little knowledge and speaks to people. 307 00:31:27,736 --> 00:31:31,556 Then when people ask him, he is shy to say, 'I do not know.' 308 00:31:36,976 --> 00:31:41,336 So he starts issuing fatwas by his opinion, not his knowledge. 309 00:31:42,676 --> 00:31:48,396 This is the path to ruin. We seek refuge in Allah ﷻ from it. 310 00:31:50,416 --> 00:31:56,492 Likewise, if the seeker of knowledge acquires much knowledge. 311 00:31:56,576 --> 00:31:59,916 then he is tested by the abundance of knowledge. 312 00:32:00,756 --> 00:32:05,536 Will he admire himself for that or not? 313 00:32:07,036 --> 00:32:09,336 The path to be taken in this. 314 00:32:10,196 --> 00:32:15,536 And success in it is for a person to be keen to seek knowledge. 315 00:32:16,876 --> 00:32:23,636 And know for certain: above every knower is one more learned. 316 00:32:25,856 --> 00:32:32,516 And however much knowledge he gains someone is more learned than him. 317 00:32:34,176 --> 00:32:40,696 So let him not admire his knowledge. Nor stop seeking knowledge. 318 00:32:43,516 --> 00:32:47,816 Rather, he must keep to the inkwell until he reaches the grave. 319 00:32:50,396 --> 00:32:57,096 Among the flaws of some seekers of knowledge. 320 00:32:58,316 --> 00:33:05,076 When he gains some knowledge he becomes too proud to learn. 321 00:33:06,716 --> 00:33:10,496 He says: I am a scholar. I am a preacher. 322 00:33:11,476 --> 00:33:16,356 How can I go and sit with the students? How can I seek knowledge? 323 00:33:18,256 --> 00:33:22,616 Perhaps he tells himself: I am like this scholar. 324 00:33:23,976 --> 00:33:29,196 He knows, and I know. So how can I go seek knowledge? 325 00:33:31,556 --> 00:33:35,656 A seeker of knowledge is alive as long as he seeks knowledge. 326 00:33:36,296 --> 00:33:39,976 If he thinks he has finished, then he is finished. 327 00:33:44,596 --> 00:33:50,976 If he thinks he is done seeking, then he truly is finished. 328 00:33:52,916 --> 00:34:01,112 A seeker of knowledge stays well as long as he knows he needs to learn. 329 00:34:01,196 --> 00:34:06,596 And if a person realizes that for every knower, someone knows more. 330 00:34:07,376 --> 00:34:10,416 That will move him to seek knowledge. 331 00:34:11,196 --> 00:34:18,796 and keep seeking knowledge until he dies as a seeker of knowledge. 332 00:34:20,156 --> 00:34:22,416 That calls him to humility. 333 00:34:24,056 --> 00:34:30,096 For no matter how much he knows what he does not know is more. 334 00:34:30,776 --> 00:34:32,496 And others know more than he does. 335 00:34:36,656 --> 00:34:42,296 And likewise in the story of Musa AS with al-Khidr AS. 336 00:34:43,635 --> 00:34:46,876 There is a trial in accompanying scholars. 337 00:34:49,356 --> 00:34:53,596 and the need for patience in learning. 338 00:34:54,856 --> 00:35:01,256 and not rush in seeking knowledge until the teacher explains to him. 339 00:35:05,016 --> 00:35:08,556 The seeker of knowledge greatly needs patience. 340 00:35:10,176 --> 00:35:15,916 He must be patient on the path for obstacles are many. 341 00:35:18,036 --> 00:35:20,656 and be patient in attendance. 342 00:35:22,736 --> 00:35:25,216 and be patient in keeping his heart present. 343 00:35:28,776 --> 00:35:35,996 and be patient with his teacher and not rush matters. 344 00:35:38,476 --> 00:35:40,136 when the teacher is teaching him. 345 00:35:41,996 --> 00:35:44,336 Rather, be patient till the teacher explains. 346 00:35:45,696 --> 00:35:47,316 Without patience, one is denied. 347 00:35:49,156 --> 00:35:51,696 Whoever is not patient is deprived. 348 00:35:53,056 --> 00:35:54,596 Allah save us from deprivation. 349 00:35:56,376 --> 00:36:01,936 In the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, who was a righteous king. 350 00:36:03,196 --> 00:36:06,556 Allah gave him many kinds of knowledge. 351 00:36:07,736 --> 00:36:10,856 By which he knew the lands of the earth. 352 00:36:12,396 --> 00:36:18,296 And Allah gave him authority over the east and west of the earth. 353 00:36:19,856 --> 00:36:23,112 And in his story is the test. 354 00:36:23,196 --> 00:36:31,364 A test of authority, responsibility, and care: 355 00:36:31,448 --> 00:36:37,768 Does he strive in it and seek what benefits those in his care? 356 00:36:38,608 --> 00:36:40,988 And what makes those in his care happy? 357 00:36:41,868 --> 00:36:48,288 So he is among the successful, and that strengthens his authority? 358 00:36:50,008 --> 00:36:51,628 Or is it the opposite? 359 00:36:54,088 --> 00:36:57,138 And all of us, O brothers, have responsibilities. 360 00:36:59,248 --> 00:37:02,408 And we have those in our care, and we are tested by it. 361 00:37:03,928 --> 00:37:08,294 It is not only the ruler, but the father and the mother. 362 00:37:08,378 --> 00:37:11,928 The worker, the employee, and the manager. 363 00:37:16,368 --> 00:37:21,678 We are tested by this responsibility. Do we strive in it? 364 00:37:23,428 --> 00:37:30,088 And do we try to do what is best and make those in our care happy? 365 00:37:35,508 --> 00:37:42,668 Or—Allah protect us— do we deceive those in our care? 366 00:37:45,128 --> 00:37:46,248 And not strive for them? 367 00:37:47,788 --> 00:37:51,588 Nor do we advise them. 368 00:37:53,468 --> 00:37:56,928 This is the first point in overall reflection. 369 00:37:59,308 --> 00:38:02,508 It concerns trials. 370 00:38:05,028 --> 00:38:11,628 The second overall objective of Surah al-Kahf. 371 00:38:12,428 --> 00:38:16,208 It explains the means of safety from trials. 372 00:38:24,748 --> 00:38:34,388 Among them are indeed means of safety from the evils of all trials. 373 00:38:36,768 --> 00:38:42,958 By Allah's leave, they protect a person from all trials. 374 00:38:44,828 --> 00:38:50,128 And he is spared the evils of all trials. The chief ones are these. 375 00:38:51,828 --> 00:38:55,488 The first is reading the Quran with reflection. 376 00:38:57,168 --> 00:39:01,008 That removes doubts from hearts. 377 00:39:02,908 --> 00:39:10,708 The more a person does this, the more darkness leaves his heart. 378 00:39:11,768 --> 00:39:13,984 We already mentioned that 379 00:39:14,068 --> 00:39:19,188 Reading Surah al-Kahf protects from misleading trials. 380 00:39:20,728 --> 00:39:25,568 The second means is avoiding people of fitan. 381 00:39:28,028 --> 00:39:32,588 And blocking the ways by which their doubts reach the heart. 382 00:39:34,008 --> 00:39:40,688 So do not keep their company, read their material or listen to them. 383 00:39:43,128 --> 00:39:47,288 Just as the believing youths did. 384 00:39:50,968 --> 00:39:58,428 Conversely, keeping company with the righteous, learning from them. 385 00:40:00,548 --> 00:40:06,188 In that is safety from misguiding trials. 386 00:40:07,548 --> 00:40:10,128 And protecting lands from the evils of trials. 387 00:40:11,648 --> 00:40:17,068 Allah ﷻ said about the People of the Cave, that they said: 388 00:40:18,368 --> 00:40:24,884 When you withdraw from them and what they worship besides Allah, go to the cave 389 00:40:24,968 --> 00:40:27,588 Your Lord will spread His mercy for you. 390 00:40:28,268 --> 00:40:31,828 And make your affair easy for you. 391 00:40:33,408 --> 00:40:38,988 The third reason for safety from all the evils of trials. 392 00:40:40,248 --> 00:40:46,468 It is turning to Allah with much du'a and pleading. 393 00:40:52,988 --> 00:40:58,448 For du'a brings every good and repels every evil. 394 00:40:59,128 --> 00:41:02,388 Allah ﷻ said: When the youths took refuge in the cave 395 00:41:03,088 --> 00:41:07,838 They said: Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself 396 00:41:08,708 --> 00:41:11,748 And set our affair aright for us. 397 00:41:14,488 --> 00:41:21,548 These reasons, as I said, are causes of safety from trials. 398 00:41:22,348 --> 00:41:25,948 Surah al-Kahf points to all of them. 399 00:41:28,348 --> 00:41:34,048 And among the causes are some that protect from certain trials. 400 00:41:35,728 --> 00:41:43,908 Among the causes of safety from worldly delusion and arrogance. 401 00:41:45,808 --> 00:41:50,488 Humility, and training oneself. 402 00:41:50,808 --> 00:41:54,848 And training oneself to be humble. 403 00:41:57,348 --> 00:42:00,048 And striving against oneself to be humble. 404 00:42:01,728 --> 00:42:08,688 Likewise, realizing that power belongs to Allah and is through Him. 405 00:42:11,208 --> 00:42:16,448 That power belongs to Allah and is through Him, for Allah is the Strong. 406 00:42:17,428 --> 00:42:24,748 And no creature has any power except through Allah ﷻ. 407 00:42:26,328 --> 00:42:30,688 And the third matter is this realization. 408 00:42:30,888 --> 00:42:34,828 That what is with Allah is better than the world and all it holds. 409 00:42:36,588 --> 00:42:43,248 Realizing that what is with Allah is better than the world and all it holds. 410 00:42:44,548 --> 00:42:47,344 As we saw in the story of the two men. 411 00:42:47,428 --> 00:42:50,548 His companion said to him while conversing with him. 412 00:42:50,648 --> 00:42:57,068 “Do you disbelieve in the One who made you from dust, a drop, then a man?” 413 00:42:57,208 --> 00:43:02,188 "But as for me, He is Allah, my Lord. I associate no one with my Lord." 414 00:43:03,228 --> 00:43:07,148 "Why, when you entered your garden, did you not say, 'What Allah willed?'" 415 00:43:07,268 --> 00:43:13,168 No power except through Allah. You may see me less than you in wealth and children. 416 00:43:14,088 --> 00:43:20,928 And Allah ﷻ says, "He had no band to help him besides Allah." 417 00:43:21,028 --> 00:43:26,128 "Nor could he defend himself. There the authority is Allah's, the True." 418 00:43:26,628 --> 00:43:31,068 "He is best in reward and best in outcome." 419 00:43:32,668 --> 00:43:38,484 Perhaps I'll stop at this point, and we'll pray 'Isha, Allah willing. 420 00:43:38,568 --> 00:43:43,228 Then we'll return to complete the third session. 421 00:43:43,748 --> 00:43:51,108 I ask Allah ﷻ to reward you well for attending and for your patience. 422 00:43:51,728 --> 00:43:58,408 And make what we say beneficial for us, and make our Lord pleased with us. 423 00:43:58,848 --> 00:44:02,308 And Allah Most High knows best. May Allah bless our Prophet ﷺ.