Advice of Al-'Allāmah Zayd bin Muhammad bin Hadi Al-Madkhali (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ) To His Son Ash-Shaykh Abu Hātim Ali bin Zayd Al-Madkhali (حفظه الله)

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In the name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

To the Honourable, Abu Hātim Ali bin Zayd Al-Madkhali, may Allah grant him success to that which pleases Him,

Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

After the greeting;

We hope for you (to achieve) success and guidance in (this) life and after death, in knowledge and deed. My advice to myself and you (is as follows):

Firstly: Be among the strangers who are upon correctness (and righteousness) when the people have become corrupt.

Secondly: Safeguard your prayers, both Friday prayer and congregational prayers, with utmost care and concern.

Thirdly: Leave your beard (to grow) as a (religious) duty, reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) and opposing the enemies of the Deen of Islam - with the knowledge that we do not know if our lives will be long or short? What is important is a good ending with good deeds.

Fourthly: Abandon western clothing and hairstyles; and wear the Qamees (i.e the thobe) and Saraweel (trousers) above the ankles - you will live obedient (to Allah) and content, and die - if Allah wills - happy, pleasing (Allah) and (Him) being pleased with you.

Fifthly: Control your tongue and imprison it, except in the remembrance of Allah and what is connected to that, and what is a must (to say).

Sixthly: Preserve some of the morning and evening Athkaar, for indeed they are a strong fortress against calamities and destruction. A servant is weak and must turn to his Lord, The Powerful, for His protection, Exalted be He in His Highness.

Seventhly: Safeguard (your) time at work and (maintain) good manners within the limits of Islamic legislation with teachers and colleagues - you will attain the good of this world and the hereafter; for good manners almost brings about all goodness.

And finally: Be mindful (and prepare) for (your) coming before Allah, and do what brings you closer and nearer to His pleasure; Allah is the best protector and is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

And peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Your father, who fell short in your rights, Zayd bin Muhammad Al-Madkhali (29.06.1415 AH).

[Majmu'Rasāil of the Honorable Shaykh Zayd bin Muhammad bin Hadi Al-Madkhali (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ) - p. 690-689].

© AlWaraqat (eng)