Definitions:
At-Tabarruk means to seek blessings (barakah) in something. It is derived
from al-Barakah, which means, or is often translated as blessing.
Al-Barakah is explained by ‘ziyadah’ (increase) and
‘namaa’ (growth).
Hence someone who performs tabarruk is seeking an increase/growth in
something. The things for which growth and increase is desired are numerous:
possessions, wealth, strength, offspring, success, etc.
Reason For the Talk:
Abu Waaqid al-Laythee: "We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)
on the campaign to Hunain while we had just left disbelief (kufr) for Islaam.
The pagans had a sidrah (lote-tree) called ‘Dhat Anwat’ where they
would remain and hang their arms upon it. When we passed by it we said, ‘O
Messenger of Allaah, won’t you make for us another Dhat Anwat just like
their Dhat Anwat?’. The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Allaahu Akbar! By
the One in Whose Hand is my soul, verily these are the ways of the earlier
nations. You have said exactly as the Banu Israil have said to Musa, "Make
for us a god just as their Gods He (Musa) said, ‘Verily you are an
ignorant people’ (7:138)". Certainly, you will follow the ways of
those who went before you." [Tirmidhi – Sahih].
The Companions thought that
the tree can bring some benefit and repel harm, which is shirk. They sought
tabarruk through this tree. The last part of the hadeeth shows that this Ummah
will certainly follow the ways of those nations that came before it. Hence, the need to discuss this
topic.
The Talk
This increase and growth (ziyadah, namaa) can exist in a number of ways:
- In Places
- In Physical Essences (Bodies) i.e. Humans
- In the Characteristics and Attributes of things
This is in terms of the linguistic aspect. As for the Sharee’ah aspect,
then that will be discussed later inshaa’allaah.
1. Places
- And We have placed therein Mountains on top of it
and we have placed blessings (barakah) therein 41:10
- And then We made to inherit those who were weak and
oppressed the eastern and western parts of the earth, in which We had placed
blessing (barakah) 7:137
- We should have opened blessings (barakaat) for them
from the heavens and the earth 7:96
- And say (O Nuh), "O My Lord, cause me to land at a blessed place
23:29
2. Physical Essences
- And We blessed him and Ishaaq, and from their
offspring are those who do right and those who wrong themselves 37:113
- O Nuh, come down from the ship with peace from Us and blessings on you
and the people who are with you (and on some of their offspring) 11:48
3. Attributes of Things
- But when you enter the houses, greet one another
with the greeting from Allaah (As-Salaamu Alaikum), blessed and good 24:61
- And this is a Blessed Reminder which We have sent down. Will you then
deny it? [21:50]
So from the linguistic point of view, barakah, which is increase and growth,
can be found in one of the three ways mentioned above; in places, physical
essences or in the attributes of things.
The Sole Owner and Distributor of Barakah is Allaah
When one reflects upon the Qur’an one finds that it indicates that
barakah is from Allaah and is to be requested from Him, the Most High. It is
also He alone Who places it whomever He wills from His servants and in whatever
He wills from His creation.
- Blessed be Allaah, Lord of the Worlds 7:54
- Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the Dominion 67:1
- Blessed be He Who sent down the Criterion upon His
Slave 25:1
- Blessed be He who has placed in the heaven big
stars 25:61
- So Blessed be Allaah, the Best of all creators
23:14
- Blessed be the Name of Your Lord, the Owner of Majesty and Honour 55:78
And this is indicated by the fact that the word "tabaaraka" occurs
in the Qur’an being attached only to Allaah and nothing else. And this
shows that all the Barakah belongs to Allaah, that it all originates from Him
and that He gives Barakah to various categories from His creation.
The General (Restricted) and Absolute (Specific) Types of Barakah
The general restricted type of barakah is found in various things. Amongst
them:
1. The Rain is blessed since an increase in tillage, plants, crop and life in
general is obtained by it and there is also considerable growth on account of
it.
- And We sent down blessed rain from the sky and produced from it gardens
and grain that are reaped 50:9
The Understanding of Tabarruk with Ahl us-Sunnah
