Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles - By Abu Idrees

Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles - By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

- The origin of these three principles.
- An overview of the structure of the book.
- A brief biography of Shaykh Muḥammad b. Ibrāhīm Āl ash-Shaykh (رحمه الله), and how his explanation of Thalāthatul-Uṣūl was compiled. 
- The importance of leading by example and creating an environment of knowledge for our children.
- Statements from Shaykh Ibn Bāz (رحمه الله) on the importance of studying this book.
- The intent of studying this book and the necessity of living by the principles explained therein.
- Encouragement to memorise the text of the book.
- The reason for choosing this explanation. 


Question: Does a person memorise Qur’ān at the same time [Thalāthatul-Uṣūl]?

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1 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

[13/05/2024] [LESSON 2] Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

- Text: بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ - In the Name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
- The meaning of the word ‘basmalah’ and clarification regarding the meaning of ‘mufti’. 
- The reason the author began with the basmalah. 
- Examples of the Messenger ﷺ beginning with the basmalah in his letters to the kings and leaders of his time.
- Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalī (رحمه الله) on the intent of beginning the book with the basmalah. 
- Text: اِعْلَمْ - Know
- The reason for using this word. 
- Text: رَحِمَكَ اللهُ - May Allāh have mercy upon you
- The good character of the Shaykh [Muḥammad b. ‘Abdul-Wahhāb (رحمه الله)] and his care for the Muslims.
- The difference between raḥmah (mercy) and maghfirah (forgiveness). 
- Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) on an effect of sins that remains.
- Text: أَنَّهُ يَجِبُ عَلَيْنَا تَعَلُّمُ أَرْبَع مَسَائِلَ - that it is obligatory upon us to learn four matters
- Those whom it is obligatory upon to learn these matters.
- The meaning of taklīf/mukallaf. 
- The definition of ‘al-Wājib’. 
- Text: الأُولَى: الْعِلْمُ - The First Matter: Al-‘Ilm (Knowledge)
- The two categories of knowledge. 
- The difference between Farḍ al-‘Ayn and Farḍ al-Kifāyah.
- The great virtue of seeking knowledge over other acts of worship [i.e. non-obligatory acts of worship]. 
- Text: وَهُوَ مَعْرِفَةُ اللهِ - and that is knowledge and awareness of Allāh
- The only means of learning about Allāh.

2 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

LESSON THREE: Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

- Text: وَهُوَ مَعْرِفَةُ اللهِ - and that is knowledge and awareness of Allāh
- Understanding that knowledge in Islām is “Allāh said” and “the Messenger of Allāh said”, and a statement from Imām Aḥmad in this regard.
- Proof that knowledge of Allāh (سبحانه وتعالى) only comes by way of the Qur’ān and Sunnah. 
- Text: وَمَعْرِفَةُ نَبِيِّهِ - and knowledge and awareness of His Messenger 
- The obligation of having knowledge of the Prophet ﷺ, and what that entails. 
- Clarification regarding the origin of the principles and conditions found in the books of the scholars.
- Six conditions of the testimony “Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh”.
- Proof that the Prophet ﷺ was sent to everyone upon the earth.
- The falsehood of those who claim to worship Allāh by way of the Books of old. 
- Text: وَمَعْرِفَةُ دِينِ الإِسْلامِ بالأَدِلَّةِ - and knowledge and awareness of the religion of Islām with the proofs
- The intent of this statement. 
- The level of knowledge that is obligatory upon every Muslim. 
- Explanation of the general and specific meaning of Islām. 
- Proof that Islām is the only religion that is accepted after the coming of the Messenger Muḥammad ﷺ. 
- The falsehood of the argument that we have to look into the books of the other religions in order to know the Qur’ān is the truth.

3 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

[LESSON FOUR] Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

Shaykh Muḥammad ibn Sālih Al-Uthaymeen’s رحمه الله explanation:

“Knowledge of the Religion of Islam with its proofs” ‎- وَمَعْرِفَةُ دِينِ الإِسْلامِ بالأَدِلَّةِ

⁃ The general and the specific meaning of Islam

⁃ Clarification of who can be called a Muslim and can the Jews and Christians be called Muslims?
⁃ Whoever follows the Prophet Muhammad is classed as a Muslim and the one who opposes him is not a Muslim.
Shaykh Ubayd al Jaabiri’s رحمه الله explanation:
“Knowledge of the Religion of Islam with its proofs” ‎- وَمَعْرِفَةُ دِينِ الإِسْلامِ بالأَدِلَّةِ
⁃ A very important principle regarding the origin of worship and the origin of worldly affairs is derived from this which everyone should know:
⁃ Examples and applications of the above principle

⁃ Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah’s رحمه الله wording/ statement of the above principle
⁃ Shaykh Ubayd رحمه الله brings further principles to reinforce the meaning of the above principle by bringing the important narration of Ali Ibn Abi Taalib
⁃ Further emphasis is shown through the statement of Imaam Malik: Everyone’s speech can be accepted and rejected except the person in this grave (and he pointed to the grave of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم)
⁃ How does a Salafi measure people’s statements and actions? By measuring against the Quran and the Sunnah and the Ijma of the Salafus Sālih
⁃ Explanation of “with its proofs’
⁃ What are the conditions of an act of worship for it to be accepted
Mufti Muhammad Ibn Ibrāhīm’s رحمه الله explanation of:
“Action upon it”

-Parable of Knowledge and Action with a tree and its fruits
Shaykh Zayd al Madhkhali’s رحمه الله explanation of:
“Action upon it”
⁃ The importance of knowledge and acting upon it and the severe rebuke of those who don’t act upon their knowledge
⁃ He draws the comparison between the Jews and Christians and offers further explanation of this from the Quran about the Bani Isrā'īl.
⁃ Knowledge is the key to piety and the door to all good
⁃ Tremendous Narration of Abu Darda رضي الله عنه whilst he was in Damascus of a man that came from Madinah seeking a hadeeth from the Prophet ﷺ “Whoever treads a path seeking knowledge Allah makes the path easy for him…”Highlighting the importance of seeking knowledge and the superiority of the scholars
⁃ The correlation between having a sincere intention and striving hard to seek knowledge with how much knowledge an individual can attain

4 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

[LESSON FIVE] Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

 
Points covered in LESSON FIVE:

Text: “العمل به - Acting upon it” (Cont.) by Shaykh Fawzan
– Importance of knowledge followed by action 
– Explanation of the last ayah of Surah Al-Fātihah regarding those who have knowledge and do not act upon it and those who act without knowledge
– Text: “الدعوة اليه - Calling to it”
– The prerequisites of giving Da’wah
– Shaykh Zayd Al-Madhkhali (رحمه الله) explains that the best of mankind are those who learn knowledge and those who act upon it and call to it.
– Shaykh Ubayd (رحمه الله)
– The importance of a person calling to Allah after He has blessed them to have knowledge and to act upon it.
– How the Scholars always attribute the Tawfeeq and khayr that the servant has, back to Allah 
– Attributes and etiquettes of the callers to Allah:
1. Devotion to guide the people and to convey the Deen of Allah
2. Rifq (gentleness)
3. Ḥikmah (wisdom)
4. Good admonition
5. Address and reason with them with that which is better and good – encouragement with good and warning from the evil in its proper place
6. Understanding of the commands and prohibitions
7. Clarifying the truth to the people and encouragement towards it and clarifying and warning against falsehood with proofs
8. A person should not be distraught with the one that Allah doesn’t guide 
9. Readiness to counter the doubts of people of falsehood and desires and be strong in refutation (knowledge, evidence, proofs etc.)
– Example from the time of the Prophet ﷺ regarding a tree called Dhat Anwat
– Shaykh Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) highlights the various methods of how Da’wah is given
– Which method did the Messenger ﷺ utilize the most?
– How the caller should engage with those who he is calling to and what he should avoid.
– The great impact and effect of Q&As when giving Da’wah and teaching.
– The Hadith of the one who was made the flag bearer at the Battle of Khaybar and its relation to the virtues of giving Da’wah

5 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

11 Points 07 and 08 by Shaykh Rasheed Barbee

Points covered in LESSON 13:

The Text: Secondly: Allāh is not pleased that anyone should be made a sharer in worship along with Him, neither any Angel brought near, nor any Prophet sent as a messenger, and the proof is the saying of Allāh, the Most High: 
{And the places of worship are for Allāh alone, so do not invoke anyone along with Allāh} [Surah Al-Jinn: 18]

– Explanation of Shaykh Fawzān:
If shirk is mixed with any form of worship, then it is nullified.

– Evidence from the Qur’ān explaining the above principle.

– Worship can only be called worship except that it includes tawheed.

– Examples from the Qur’ān where Allāh commands with worship and prohibits from shirk in the same verse.

– Correct worship necessitates the disbelieving of Taghūt.

– Explanation of Shaykh Zayd al Madhkhalī: Definition of worship derived from Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah’s statement.

– Whoever directs worship to other than Allāh and brings partners to Allāh has fallen into shirk.

– Explanation: If a person falls into shirk will they be forgiven?

– Definition of Taghūt derived from Ibn al-Qayyim statement.

– Emphasis for students of knowledge to check their hearts and actions so their good actions do not get mixed with acts of shirk.

– What the Messenger of Allah ﷺ feared the most for his Ummah – minor/ lesser shirk – showing off.

– Clarification of the different situations regarding seeking Allāh’s aid and seeking aid from the creation.

– Explanation of Mufti Muhammad Ibn Ibrāhīm Aal Ash-Shaykh:

Explanation of the two categories of calling (Du’ā): Du’ā of worship and Du’ā of request.
– Explanation of Shaykh Uthaymeen:

If Allah dislikes something then the believer should dislike it too.
Jannah is unlawful for the one that dies upon shirk

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13 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

[Lesson 15] Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

Points covered:

The Third: That whoever is obedient to the Messenger ﷺ and singles out Allāh with all worship, upon Tawhīd, then it is not permissible for him to have friendship and alliance with those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger, even if they are those most closely related to him, and the proof is the saying of Allāh, the Most High: You will not find a people who believe in Allāh and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger, even if they are their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kinsfolk. Rather Allah has decreed true Faith, for their hearts and strengthened them with proof, light and guidance from Him; and He will enter them into the gardens of Paradise beneath whose trees rivers will flow, and they will dwell therein forever. Allāh is pleased with them and they with Him. They are the Party of Allāh. Indeed the party of Allah are the successful. (Surah Mujadilah: (58):22)

Shaykh Fawzan’s Explanation of this point 

– Recap of the different meanings of “Ruḥ”

– Linguistic meaning of “Jannah”

– The description of Jannah and the reason for its name

– The reality of Jannah for the Believers – there will be no fear nor concerns for them

– Explanation of “…Allāh is pleased with them and they with Him…”

– Important point: what you trade for Allāh’s sake, is never lost

– Definition of the Party of Allāh “Hizbullah” and the Party of Shaytan “Hizbushaytan”

– How to be from the Party of Allāh and not from the Party of Shaytan

– Clarification of how to have the correct understanding of Wala and Barā, specifically in how we disassociate ourselves from the disbelievers

– List of points on how we should interact and behave with the disbelievers:
• Calling them to Islam - The importance and the reward of calling disbelievers to Islam
• ⁠Permissibility of negotiating peace treaties
• ⁠It is obligatory for the child to be dutiful to disbelieving parents
• ⁠Permissibility of trade and exchange with disbelievers

– Discussion of boycotting as a means of aiding the Muslims and harming the disbelievers

– List of permissible dealings with the disbelievers specifically the People of the Book:

• Marrying their women (with conditions)
• ⁠Eating their meat
• ⁠Being good to your neighbours 
• ⁠Impermissibility to treat
     them ⁠unjustly

– The principle of Barā (disassociating/ freeing oneself) applies to those who oppose the Quran and Sunnah, from the People of Innovation with various examples mentioned.

– Advice to the new Muslim/ newcomer regarding how we should understand this principle from the example of the Messenger ﷺ

15 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

[Lesson 16 | 30/09/2024] Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles – By Abu Idrees Muhammad Khān حفظه الله. Lesson series at Masjid As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah, Aston, Birmingham, UK.

Points covered in LESSON 16:

– Know, may Allāh direct you to obedience to Him, that the true and straight Religion, the way of Ibrāhīm, is that you worship Allāh alone making the religion purely and solely for Him. This is what Allah commanded all the people with, and it was for this that He created them. Allāh, the Most High, says: {I did not create jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me alone} [Surah Al-Dhariyat (51): 56]

– Explanation of Mufti Muhammad Ibn Ibrāhīm Aal Ash Shaykh

– Explanation of the Meaning of “Hanafiyyah” (true and straight religion) from the Quran

– Linguistic meaning of Hanafiyyah

Different descriptions of the meaning of Hanafiyyah
– Imam Qurtubi’s explanation of the reason for the use of the word “Ibaadah”

– Fiqh Scholars’ definition of Ibaadah

– Ibnul Qayyim’s beautiful statement regarding the two pillars of Ibaadah

– The definition and explanation of Ikhlas (sincerity)

– Linguistic meaning of Deen

– Legislative/ Islamic meaning of Deen

– The reason for the creation of Jinn and Mankind

– Ibn Abbas’ رضي الله عنهم explanation of “worship Allah” - it means that you have to single Allāh out alone in worship

– The true meaning and the reality of being called a worshipper

16 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

Thalathatul Usool | Abu Idrees | 13/01/2025

– The Text: So if it said to you: How did you arrive at this knowledge of your Lord?” Then say: “Through His signs and those things which He has created; and from his signs are the night and the day, the sun and the moon; and from that which He has created are the seven heavens, and the seven earths, and all those within them, and whatever is between them.”
 
Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibrahīm’s رحمه الله  Explanation:
– Meaning of Ayāt (signs) linguistically.
– Principle: Every single sign of Allah and His creation is a proof and indication of the oneness of Allah.
– The types of signs: Universal Signs and examples.
– Explanation of the signs: night and day, sun and the moon showing that Allah is the Originator and the Creator.
Shaykh Fawzan’s حفظه الله explanation:
– Everything that we see in existence of the creation was at one time not in existence and Allah originated it.
– No one from the creation created it and no one would dare to claim to be the creator.
– Allah says: Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. Surah Hajj: 73
– The categories of Ayāt (signs) that show the existence and perfection of Allah indicating that He deserves to be worshipped:
1) Universal signs that can be seen
2) The verses from the Qur’an
3) Miracles of the Prophets
– What do these signs indicate and their comprehensive benefits.

Question: How do we give da’wah to non-Muslims and non-Salafi family?


22 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

Abu Idrees | Thalathatul Usul | 27/10/25

The Text: “…and the sun and the moon and the stars are subservient and subject to His command. Certainly creation and commandment are His alone. Exalted is Allah the Lord of all creation.”
Explanation of Shaykh Fawzan:
– Linguistic breakdown of the ayah “Certainly creation and commandment are His alone.”
– The two categories of commandment with examples.
– The difference between creation and commandment and the correct understanding of this is a refutation of the Jahmiyyah.
– The trial of Imam Ahmad regarding the Qur’an and it is not created.
– Meaning of “Tabaarak” and it is exclusively used for Allah.
– Definition of Barakah (blessings).
– The importance of attributing and understanding that all blessings are granted by Allah alone.
– Self amazement and being a student of knowledge do not come together.
The Text: The Lord is the one who is worshipped, and the proof is the Saying of Allah, the Most High, “O mankind, single out your Lord with all worship; He who created you and all those who came before you, so that you may be of those who seek to avoid Allah’s anger and punishment, those whom Allah is pleased with. He who has made the earth a resting place for you and has made the sky a canopy, and set down the rain from the sky, and brought out with it crops and fruits from the earth as provision for you. So do not set up rivals with Allah in your worship whilst you have no Lord besides Him.” [Surah al-Baqarah (2):21-22]
Shaykh Fawzan's explanation:
– Only Allah is deserving of being worshipped and it is not enough to acknowledge that He is the Lord, but you have to acknowledge that He deserves to be worshipped and you have to act upon it.
– The three categories that Allah has placed mankind in the beginning of Surah Baqarah: Believers, Disbelievers and the Hypocrites and their descriptions.
– Explanation of the above verse.
– The Text: Ibn Kathīr رحمه الله said: The creator of these things is the One Who deserves to be worshipped.”
– Linguistic meaning of Ibadah (worship).
– The two categories of Ibādah:
1. General worship for all of His creation; who are the slaves of Allah.
2. Specific worship by the Believers.
– Shariah definition of Ibādah from various scholars such as Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah, Ibnul Qayyim
and others.
– Worship is upon the heart, the tongue and the limbs with examples.
– Recommendation of reading ‘Ubudiyah of Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah in which he explains the types of worship and how different groups have gone astray in regards to their understanding of Ibādah.

13 Explanation of the Three Principles by Abu Idrees

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