An Explanation Of Riyadh Al Saliheen by Muhammad ibn Salih Utliaymeen

Verily all Praise is for Allah, we praise Him, we seek His assistance, and we appeal for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls, and from the evil of our actions. Whosoever Allah guides, there is none to lead him astray, and whosoever Allah leads astray, there is none to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allah alone, without [any form of] associate. I testify that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.

o NobleReader:

Between your hands is an English rendition of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Tlthaymeen's explanation of Al-Imam Al-Nawawee's masterpiece Riyadh al-Saliheen. The text of the original Arabic exposition.i despite it's current state of incompletion is a work voluminous in number, incorporating seven books to date. I have therefore resolved to translate individual chapters, adhering to the mode of arrangement in the original work. I intend upon completion of each chapter, to make the work available for publication, Insha 'allah. Hence, before you is a translation ofthe inaugural chapter entitled 'Al-Ikhlaas and the Derivation of Al-Niyyeh;' followed by the second chapter entitled 'Al­ Tawbah' (Repentance). It was after considerable deliberation that I deemed it appropriate to embark upon an English translation of this not inconsiderable work. The need for a accompanying authoritative and authentic explanation impelled the translator to select this work which includes the original text of the traditions and an exposition of their meaning. The presence of an explanation provides provision for the reader to obtain an invaluable fortune by acquiring the understanding of both the apparent and obscure, intrinsic and divergent nature of the Prophetic traditions. For the Messenger ofAllah (rl-'J~.\.IJ-') was furnished with the miracle of laconic and concise speech, the unique ability to articulate in a few words an extensive meaning.6 Riyadh al-Saliheen is a book which is not in need of any introduction or identification, for it is one which has been universally accepted, celebrated and extolled by the Islamic Ummah, from the point of compilation to our time today. It has been recognised and accredited with appellation and eulogy, by virtue of it's content and mode of arrangement. It is sufficient to note the one who observed: Indeed it is an exalted book, no individual can remain content without it.7 Although several explanations of the original text are available, the present exposition was deemed suitable because it has been prepared and presented for the general Muslim populace. Hence, it facilitates the establishment of a firm link between the Prophetic tradition and the practical life of a Muslim. This is particularly apparent in the citation of divergent points, relevant and probative to those conditions observed in the Muslim world today.

Furthermore, Shaykh ibn 'Uthaymeen has avoided the use of expression and language, archaic and obscure, thus facilitating it's understanding and legibility to the lay person in addition to the learned. However, additional annotation was considered desirable in order to eliminate any form of confusion and ambiguity encountered in translation. Accordingly, pointers of clarification and explanatory notes have been inserted where deemed necessary, selected from sources acknowledged to be authentic and authoritative. These pointers have been placed amongst the footnotes and are distinguished by the symbol: [TN]. Inclusion of additional material extracted from various other contemporary explanations of Riyadh al-Saliheen has occurred upon the path of completion. Particular emphasis has been placed upon the work entitled 'Bahjah al­ Naazhireen Sharh Riyadh al-Saliheen.: authored by Saleem al-Hilaalee. Furthermore, particular consideration has been placed upon the inclusion of explanatory notes with reference to precepts of belief ('Aqeedah). This has occurred by virtue of the inseparable link between the belief and action of the Muslim, as evidenced by the numerous Prophetic traditions cited within these two chapters. I have therefore concentrated upon, and selected notes from the work entitled: 'Sharh al- 'Aqeedah al-Waasiteeyah,' authored by Shaykh Muhammad al-Salih al-'Uthaymeen. It is an exposition which has been praised and recommended by Scholar and student alike, by reason of it's fluent and uncomplicated presentation of what can often be deemed a complex discipline. Prophetic traditions have been quoted in both the Arabic and English languages, thus enabling the work to be used as a means of reference. All the references mentioned refer to the Arabic works, unless it has been specifically mentioned otherwise. In addition, it is hoped that the publication of a work comprising of an exposition impels the reader to assimilate knowledge and understanding in a coherent, organised fashion. Furthermore, to understand the various Islamic sciences pertinent to the fundamentals ofthe Deen, in a complete as opposed to a haphazard manner. It must be noted that this work ought not to be construed as a translation, literal in conception, rather as a conveyance of the intended textual meaning of Shaykh ibn 'Uthaymeen's exposition (may Allah protect him). This explanatory mode of translation has been adopted for the reasons enumerated below [1] An academic and pragmatic obligation upon the translator to produce a work, fluent and intelligible in the English language, unrestricted by the unavoidable incoherence encountered in an attempt to pursue a literal mode of translation. This is particularly pertinent as the syntax ofthe two languages is diametrically opposing. Accordingly, a particular emphasis has been placed upon the concept of communicating the intended textual meaning of the book in a manner which ought to facilitate it's comprehension and understanding. Thus enabling the translation to be of a practical as opposed to a theoretical source of benefit to the English speaking reader. Diametrically opposing the all too frequent concept of merely translating the Arabic text into the English language, heedless and ignorant of whether or not it has been written in a fluent and natural fashion. An anomaly which regrettably afflicts many works of translation encountered today. [2] An obligation to render and convey the mode of expression and style of explanation of the original Arabic script, feasible only by the avoidance of a translation, literal in purpose. [3] An ardent desire to furnish the English speaking student with a work, authoritative in source and comprehensive in content. Intentional avoidance of translating extracts or works, archaic III language, obscure in meaning, and abstruse in composition has occurred' Works which ought to impel those seriously desirous of extracting their immense inherent benefit to exert themselves in a diligent and industrious manner. To adhere to the correct methodology in studying those works, traversing upon those paths leading to the purified fountains of knowledge, and quenching their thirst therein. Under the guidance, instruction, and supervision of those whom Allah the Exalted has ennobled, those whom Allah the Majestic has bequeathed the mantle of the Prophetic Vocation and Tradition, hoarding their treasures of knowledge, their pearls of wisdom, and their jewels of understanding ­ embellishment and decoration for His Sublime Deen.

I beseech our Lord that He establishes us upon the radiant path of knowledge and understanding, the straight path, devoid of deviation or distortion. The one traversed and illuminated by our Pious Predecessors and those who followed them in righteousness and piety:

I ask that He the Exalted, purifies our hearts in order that we may be placed amongst those whose faces shall be illuminated by His Countenance, and not amongst those who are condemned in His Messenger's admonition:

I ask that He the Majestic, facilitates our yearning to acquire knowledge in order that we may fulfil our beloved Prophet's declaration:

I ask that He the Beneficent, awakens in our hearts and intellects a sincere yearning to become acquainted with His Deen. To understand and comprehend, to memorise and implement, to convey and disseminate, in a manner not inconsistent to the methodology employed by our Righteous Predecessors, thus ensuring our deliverance from a tribulation which was foretold by his (ﷺ)

noble Companion (may Allah be pleased with him):

My final invocation - Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May the peace and salutations of Allah be upon His Messenger Muhammad, his righteous Companions, and those who followed them upon the straight path. May His peace and blessings be upon those who continue to remain steadfast until the establishment of the Hour.