What is the meaning of the verse: “It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah.” (Qur'an, 35:28) A – What this noble verse means is that only the scholars completely fear Allah Almighty – but scholars of what? This verse is speaking of those who have knowledge of Allah Almighty, of His Shariah, and of His verses, and not those who have technical or scientific knowledge. Only scholars of religion, who know Allah's verses, can fear Allah Almighty as He deserves to be feared and worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped, as opposed to an ignorant person who knows nothing about Allah Almighty. Such a person does not fear Him. The more a person has knowledge of Allah Almighty, the more will he fear Him, and the more upright will he be in his application of the religion. – Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 7, pg. 146 Why does Allah Almighty mention wealth before children? Q- In the Qur'an, why is wealth always mentioned before children, despite children being worth more to a father than his wealth? And what is the wisdom behind this? A – This is because wealth helps one to fulfill unlawful desires. The temptations of wealth are greater. Although a person may be tried with regard to children, and he may disobey Allah because of them, but the temptations from wealth are more and worse. Allah says: “And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us (i.e. pleases Allah). (Qur'an, 34:37) He also said: “Your wealth and your children are only a trial.” (Qur'an, 64:15) And: “Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah.” (Qur'an, 63:9) – Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 7, pg. 105 Bad dreams Q- I often dream about white rice, please tell me the interpretation of this? A – I dont know the interpretation of the dream. However, because of the many questions (people ask) about dreams, I do wish to say to my brothers that the Prophet (peace be upon) taught us what to do when we have a bad dream. We should seek refuge with Allah three times from the cursed Shaytan, spit three times to our left, and say: “Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaytan, in order that he may cause grief to the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits.” (Qur'an, 58:10) He should not tell anyone about it, and turn from the side he was sleeping on to the other side. If he stands, performs ablution, and pray two units of prayer, this is even better. If we follow these instructions from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) bad dreams will not harm us no matter how terrifying they may be. – Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh A l-Uthaymeen; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 8, pg. 132 __
