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Month: July 2020

Does The Order of the Prophets in the Heavens indicate Levels of Virtue -Shaikh Rabee ibn Haadi

Question:

Our Shaykh may Allah preserve you- is it understood that the order of the prophets in the heavens (as in Hadith of the isra – see Sahih bukhari) is in accordance to their virtue over (another) ?

Answer:

No. No, this is not understood (from the Hadith).  As for Ibraaheem and Moosaa this is indicated; but as for other than them, then no. For indeed Eesaa is from the ulul azam and he was in the second (heaven), whilst Idris and Yoosuf are lesser than him in virtue.  This (Hadith) does not indicate a precise order.


Source: Fataawa Fil Aqeedah Wal-Manhaj pg. 10 Dar Al-Minhaaj

 

Clarification And Reminder Regarding The Purpose of This Website

Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullaah

Pray you are all well and may Allaah bless you. Aameen

Firstly, this website was set up to share Fawaa’id with our community by way of reminders as well as retweet Fawaa’id by other Maraakiz. Secondly, we often receive messages from brothers and sisters regarding articles on the website- either to correct spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Sometimes, we add the Arabic text and ask individuals in our community – [those who visit the website regularly] to help us improve the content of the article to the best of their ability. Baarakallaahu Feekum to everyone who brings our attention to these affairs. Thirdly, we also do receive questions, but neither do we answer questions nor allow anyone to do so on our behalf, rather all questions are forwarded to either the scholars or the well-known students of knowledge in one of the Maraakiz depending on the nature of the question or topic. Finally, under no circumstances is the content in this website to be given precedence over the articles and clarifications of the well-known students in the various Maraakiz nor compared with them; rather – as we have stated – the purpose behind salafidawahmanchester.com/ is to share Fawaa'id with our local community, make announcements etc Examples of such websites include: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/,  http://www.tawhidfirst.com/monotheism/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm, https://ah-sp.com/, the websites of the other students where they post clarifications, such as Al-Athariyyah [Ustaadh Uwais], Markaz Mu'aadh [Ustaadh Abdul Ilaah] and others.

Baarakallaahu Feekum.

[4] The Three Monotheistic Religions! [Brief Observations On This Statement Uttered By Writers Who Are Ignorant About Islaam And Misguided Modernists Speaking In The Name of Islaam]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.


Firstly: We repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/    https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians, [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposes it except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us, rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allaah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا  –  that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allaah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allaah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ  – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [Tafsir As-Sadi]


Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَقَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ وَلَدً۬ا

لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمۡ شَيۡـًٔا إِدًّ۬ا

تَڪَادُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ يَتَفَطَّرۡنَ مِنۡهُ وَتَنشَقُّ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَتَخِرُّ ٱلۡجِبَالُ هَدًّا

أَن دَعَوۡاْ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ وَلَدً۬ا

وَمَا يَنۢبَغِى لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا

إِن ڪُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ عَبۡدً۬ا

لَّقَدۡ أَحۡصَٮٰهُمۡ وَعَدَّهُمۡ عَدًّ۬ا

وَكُلُّهُمۡ ءَاتِيهِ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فَرۡدًا

And they say: “The Most Beneficent (Allaah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children). Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing.  Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allaah).   But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allaah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children).   There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allaah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender)”. [Surah Maryam. Aayaat 88-95]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَىٰ عَبۡدِهِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَلَمۡ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ عِوَجَاۜ

قَيِّمً۬ا لِّيُنذِرَ بَأۡسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا مِّن لَّدُنۡهُ وَيُبَشِّرَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ أَنَّ لَهُمۡ أَجۡرًا حَسَنً۬ا

مَّـٰكِثِينَ فِيهِ أَبَدً۬ا

وَيُنذِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَدً۬ا

مَّا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ۬ وَلَا لِأَبَآٮِٕهِمۡ‌ۚ كَبُرَتۡ ڪَلِمَةً۬ تَخۡرُجُ مِنۡ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ‌ۚ إِن يَقُولُونَ إِلَّا كَذِبً۬ا

All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad) the Book (the Qur’aan), and has not placed therein any crookedness. (He has made it) Straight to give warning (to the disbelievers) of a severe punishment from Him, and to give glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allaah Islaamic Monotheism), who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a fair reward (i.e. Paradise).  They shall abide therein forever.  And to warn those (Jews, Christians, and pagans) who say, “Allaah has begotten a son (or offspring or children).” No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. Mighty is the word that comes out of their mouths [i.e. He begot (took) sons and daughters]. They utter nothing but a lie.” [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 1-5]

Allaah stated about the Messiah [alayhis-salaam]:

ذَٲلِكَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ‌ۚ قَوۡلَ ٱلۡحَقِّ ٱلَّذِى فِيهِ يَمۡتَرُونَ

مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ۬‌ۖ سُبۡحَـٰنَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمۡرً۬ا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ ۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ

وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمۡ فَٱعۡبُدُوهُ‌ۚ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطٌ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٌ۬

فَٱخۡتَلَفَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِہِمۡ‌ۖ فَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن مَّشۡہَدِ يَوۡمٍ عَظِيمٍ

أَسۡمِعۡ بِہِمۡ وَأَبۡصِرۡ يَوۡمَ يَأۡتُونَنَا‌ۖ لَـٰكِنِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

Such is ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not (the Majesty of) Allaah that He should beget a son [this refers to the slander of Christians against Allaah, by saying that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allaah]. Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, “Be!” and it is.  [‘Iesa (Jesus) said]: ”And verily Allaah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allaah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets).” Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about ‘Iesa (Jesus)], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allaah] from the meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire). How clearly will they (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us! But the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers) today are in plain error”. [Surah Maryam. Aayaat 34-38]

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ لَا تَغۡلُواْ فِى دِينِڪُمۡ غَيۡرَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَهۡوَآءَ قَوۡمٍ۬ قَدۡ ضَلُّواْ مِن قَبۡلُ وَأَضَلُّواْ ڪَثِيرً۬ا وَضَلُّواْ عَن سَوَآءِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Exceed not the limits in your religion (by believing in something) other than the truth, and do not follow the vain desires of people who went astray in times gone by, and who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the Right Path. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 77]

When one ponders upon the condition of the Yahood and the Nasaaraa in comparison to that of the [rightly guided] Muslims, he finds that the Yahood are on one extreme in misguidance and the Nasaaraa are on another extreme in misguidance, and the [rightly guided] Muslims are upon the middle course.  Likewise, the [rightly guided] Muslims are upon uprightness in the affairs related monotheism, the Prophets, the Revealed laws, and in the affairs of Halaal, Haraam, Manners and other than that.

The Yahood liken Allaah to the creation by describing Him with (Attributes) of imperfection, which  the Lord [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] is totally free of; such as the statement of those amongst them who say that Allaah is Poor and Miserly, and that Allaah was overcome by fatigue after creating the heavens and the earth. The Nasaaraa liken the creation to the Creator with regards to the Attributes of Perfection that are specific to the Creator, and which none else has a likeness to besides Him (Alone); such as their statement that the Messiah is Allaah, and that he is the son of Allaah.  The Nasaaraa also ascribed attributes of imperfection to Godhead, which the Lord [Allaah] must be freed from.  They make lawful that which Allaah has forbidden, just as they have made swine lawful and other than it from the impure things; rather, they do not make anything unlawful (of those things that are to be declared unlawful), just as they have unlawfully prescribed the innovation of monasticism. They abolished that which Allaah has enjoined, just as they have abolished circumcision and other than it.  They abolished various forms of purification related to affairs of Ghusul, the removal of impurities and other than that. They enjoined that which is to be abolished, such as the man made laws which Allaah and His Prophets have not enjoined.

The [rightly guided] Muslims describe the Lord with what befits Him of Perfect Attributes.  They free Allaah from deficiencies that depict a likeness of Him to (others).  They describe Allaah with what He described Himself with, and with what His Messengers described Him with, without Tahreef [altering the meaning understood, and accepting such a meaning which the words may indicate in a doubtful sense], Tateel [negating the Attributes of Allaah] and Takyeef [attributing a state of being or likeness to the creation].  The [rightly guided] Muslims know that there is nothing like unto Allaah, neither with regards to His Essence and His Attributes nor His Actions, and they say: [أَلَا لَهُ ٱلۡخَلۡقُ وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ‌ۗ  – His is the creation and the command]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 54]

And just as none else besides Him creates, (also) none else besides Him commands; rather all the Religion belongs to Him.  He is the One worshipped (in truth), the One to be obeyed, and all worship is to be devoted to Him [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections].  There is no obedience to anyone except through His obedience, He is the One Who abrogates what He abrogated from His revealed laws, and it is not for anyone else to abrogate His revealed laws. The Yahood go beyond bounds with regards to avoiding the impure things and thus they declared unlawful the lawful and good things, and the Nasaaraa made lawful the impure things (i.e. swine). And Allaah has made lawful for the Muslims the good pure things in opposition to the Yahood, and He prohibited them the impure things in opposition to the Nasaaraa.

Indeed, Allaah sent His Messengers with Guidance and the Religion of Truth- guidance comprises of beneficial knowledge, and the Religion of Truth comprises righteous action in order that it may become dominant over all other Religions.  Dominance takes place through knowledge and (clarification through speech), in order to clarify its truthfulness and what it contains of guidance.  Dominance can take place by way of striving with the hand and weapons, in order to be aided in victory. [Ref 1: Read here about Jihaad: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/]

Indeed, Allaah manifested this dominance, because the Muslims are the people of the straight path- the straight path that Allaah has chosen for the Prophets, The Truthful Ones, The Martyrs, The Righteous Ones, and how excellent these companions are! The Yahood killed the Prophets and those who enjoined justice, and the Nasaaraa took their priests, monks and the Messiah (son of maryam) as lords besides Allaah.  The [upright] Muslims establish uprightness, they believe in Allaah, in His Angels, His Books and His Messengers.  They neither belie the Prophets nor insult them.  They neither go into excess regarding the status of the Prophets nor do they worship them.  Likewise, they neither diminish the rights of the people of knowledge nor do they go into excess regarding them. [End of quote] [Source: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. Pages 41-46. Slightly paraphrased]

Finally, we repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/ 

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

 

 

 

[3] The Three Monotheistic Religions! [Brief Observations On This Statement Uttered By Writers Who Are Ignorant About Islaam And Misguided Modernists Speaking In The Name of Islaam]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.


Firstly: We repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/    https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians, [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposed it except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us, rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allaah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا  –  that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allaah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allaah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ  – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [Tafsir As-Sadi]


Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah [The Most High] said:

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِۦ نُوحً۬ا وَٱلَّذِىٓ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ وَمَا وَصَّيۡنَا بِهِۦۤ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰٓ‌ۖ أَنۡ أَقِيمُواْ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ كَبُرَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ مَا تَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ‌ۚ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡتَبِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَہۡدِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ مَن يُنِيبُ

وَمَا تَفَرَّقُوٓاْ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡعِلۡمُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا كَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى لَّقُضِىَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُورِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ مُرِيبٍ۬

 فَلِذَٲلِكَ فَٱدۡعُ‌ۖ وَٱسۡتَقِمۡ ڪَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَقُلۡ ءَامَنتُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِن ڪِتَـٰبٍ۬‌ۖ وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

He (Allaah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islaam) which He ordained for Nooh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad), and that which We ordained for Ibraheem (Abraham), Moosaa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikoon, is that to which you (O Muhammad) call them.  Allaah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.  And they divided not till after knowledge had come to them, through selfish transgression between themselves.  And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord for an appointed term, the matter would have been settled between them. And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture [i.e. the Tauraat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] after them (i.e. Jews and Christians) are in grave doubt concerning it (i.e. Allaah’s true religion, Islaam or the Qur’aan). So unto this (religion of Islaam, alone and this Qur’aan) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islaamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allaah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allaah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’aan and the Books of the old from the Taurýt (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibraahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allaah is our Lord and your Lord.”42:13-15

Indeed, Allaah has ordained for us (Muslims) the same Religion which He ordained for Ibraaheem, Musa and Eesaa, and that we should establish this Religion and make no divisions in it; just as Allaah stated in another ayah:

فَأَقِمۡ وَجۡهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفً۬ا‌ۚ فِطۡرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيۡہَا‌ۚ لَا تَبۡدِيلَ لِخَلۡقِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيۡهِ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَلَا تَكُونُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ

مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ فَرَّقُواْ دِينَهُمۡ وَڪَانُواْ شِيَعً۬ا‌ۖ كُلُّ حِزۡبِۭ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ فَرِحُونَ

”So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islaamic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allaah Alone) Allaah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allaah’s Islaamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalqillaah (i.e. the Religion of Allaah Islaamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not.  (Always) Turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him; and perform As-Salaat (Iqaama-As-Salaat) and be not of Al-Mushrikoon (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, idolaters, etc.). Of those who split up their religion (i.e. who left the true Islaamic Monotheism), and became sects, [i.e. they invented new things in the religion (Bid’ah), and followed their vain desires], each sect rejoicing in that which is with it.” [30:30-32]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرُّسُلُ كُلُواْ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ وَٱعۡمَلُواْ صَـٰلِحًا‌ۖ إِنِّى بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ۬

وَإِنَّ هَـٰذِهِۦۤ أُمَّتُكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ وَأَنَا۟ رَبُّڪُمۡ فَٱتَّقُونِ

فَتَقَطَّعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَهُم بَيۡنَہُمۡ زُبُرً۬ا‌ۖ كُلُّ حِزۡبِۭ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ فَرِحُونَ

O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (legal) foods which Allýh has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.], and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do.   And verily! This your religion (of Islaamic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me.  But they (men) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its belief”. [23:51-53]

So, Allaah informed us about the splitting of those who inherited the Scripture, such as the splitting of the Jews and the Christians.  The Jews and the Christians split (into sects), such as the ‘Nastooriyyah’, the ‘Yaqoobiyyah’ and the ‘Malakiyyah’

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said: [ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُورِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ مُرِيبٍ۬  –  And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture [i.e. the Tauraah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] after them; that is those ones who split (their Religion), are in GRAVE DOUBT concerning it (i.e. Allaah’s true religion Islam or the Qur’aan). [42:13]

This is the general inclination of the Jews and the Christians; they are in grave doubt concerning Allaah’s true Religion. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said: [وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَى ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ فَٱخۡتُلِفَ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا كَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّہُمۡ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ مُرِيبٍ۬ – Indeed, We gave the Book to Moosaa (Moses), but differences arose therein, and had it not been for a Word that had gone forth before from your Lord, the case would have been judged between them, and indeed they are in grave doubt concerning it (this Qur’aan)]. [11:110]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

 وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّ‌ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينَۢا بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡهِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمً۬ا

But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of ‘Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts.  They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) ]: But Allaah raised him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allaah is Ever All Powerful, All Wise.” 4:157

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

فَلِذَٲلِكَ فَٱدۡعُ‌ۖ وَٱسۡتَقِمۡ ڪَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۖ

”So unto this (religion of Islaam, alone and this Qur’aan) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm)], as you are commanded (42:15), upon the Religion that Allaah has ordained for us (Muslims).  ”And Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm)], as you are commanded and follow not their desires” [42:15] ”And follow not their desires”: the Desires of the Jews and the Christians and that of the idol worshippers.

 And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَلَٮِٕنۡ أَتَيۡتَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِكُلِّ ءَايَةٍ۬ مَّا تَبِعُواْ قِبۡلَتَكَ‌ۚ وَمَآ أَنتَ بِتَابِعٍ۬ قِبۡلَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَا بَعۡضُهُم بِتَابِعٍ۬ قِبۡلَةَ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ وَلَٮِٕنِ ٱتَّبَعۡتَ أَهۡوَآءَهُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ‌ۙ إِنَّكَ إِذً۬ا لَّمِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other’s Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their DESIRES after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allaah), then indeed you will be one of the Zaalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) [2:145]

Similarly, it is forbidden to follow the desires of the idol worshippers as stated clearly in the statement of Allaah:

 قُلۡ هَلُمَّ شُہَدَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَشۡهَدُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَ هَـٰذَا‌ۖ فَإِن شَہِدُواْ فَلَا تَشۡهَدۡ مَعَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمۡ يَعۡدِلُونَ

”Say: “Bring forward your witnesses, who can testify that Allah has forbidden this. Then if they testify, testify not you (O Muhammad) with them. And you should not follow the vain desires of such as treat Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter, and they hold others as equal (in worship) with their Lord.”6:150

And regarding the statement: “But say: ‘I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’aan and the Books of the old from the Tauraat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibraaheem (Abraham)]’”. This ayah is truth, because Allaah commanded Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and all the creation (mankind and jinn) to have belief in all that Allaah has revealed.  Likewise, the statement: “And I (Muhammad) am commanded to do justice among you” is a statement is true, because Allaah commanded him (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to do justice among all the creation.

And regarding the statement: “Allaah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds”, this is a declaration of his (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) innocence from the idol worshippers and the People of the Book, and it is similar to the statement: “And if they belie you (O Muhammad), say: ‘For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!’”. [10:41]

Likewise, the statement: Say (O Muhammad): “O Al-Kaafiroon (disbelievers!) I worship not that which you worship, nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islaamic Monotheism).” [109:1-6]

Therefore, the statement in ( sura al-kaafiroon) are similar to the statement: “For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!” [10:41]

The above statement necessitate a declaration of his (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) innocence from their actions, and their declaration of innocence from his (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) actions.  That is because the letter ‘Laam’ in the Arabic Language demonstrates ikhtisaas (a specific or marked distinction between two affairs], therefore, the statement “To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islaamic Monotheism)”  establishes (the fact) that the Jews, Christians and Idol Worshippers are distinguished with the religion they follow, and I (Muhammad) do not participate in that. “For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!”10:41

This is why the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that the statement: “To you be your Religion, and to me be my Religion (Islaamic Monotheism)” [109:1-6] is a declaration of freedom from polytheism. [Reported by Imaam Abu Dawood-Kitaab al Adab, Hadith No: 5055]

The above ayah does not mean that Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was either pleased with the religion of the idol worshippers or that of the People of the Book as some the heretics think.  (Also) the above ayah is not a prohibition against fighting Jihaad [Ref 1] as some think and thus declared it abrogated; rather, this ayah is a declaration of Muhammad’s innocence from the religion of the Jews, the Christians and the idol worshippers.  And that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) will not be harmed by their actions, and that they will neither be rewarded through the actions that Muhammad performs in obedience to his Lord nor will they be benefited through it.   This affair (i.e. declaration of one’s freedom from the religion of the Jews, Christians and idolaters) is entirely clear and its abrogation is never accepted.  The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was neither pleased with the religion of the idol worshippers nor that of the Jews and the Christians, not even in the twinkling of an eye. The one who claims that Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was pleased with the religion of the disbelievers cited as his evidence the statement: ”Say (O Muhammad): ”O Al-Kaafiroon (disbelievers!) I worship not that which you worship, nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islaamic Monotheism).” [109:1-6]

Such a heretic thinks that the statement of Allaah: ”To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islaamic Monotheism)” means that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was pleased with the religion of the disbelievers.  Then (this heretic) claims that this ayah was abrogated, so it appears as if he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was pleased with the religion of the disbelievers.  This is an obvious lie and a fabrication against Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), because indeed, he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was never pleased with other than the Religion that Allaah (subhaanah) sent His Messengers with.  He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was never pleased with the religion of the disbelievers, neither that of the idol worshippers nor that of the Jews and the Christians.

The statement of Allaah: ”To you be your religion, and to me my Religion (Islaamic Monotheism)” is neither an indication that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was pleased with their religion nor is it an attestation of that for them; rather it is a declaration of his (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) innocence from their religion.  For that reason the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: Indeed, this sura is a declaration of innocence from shirk.” This is also similar to the statement: ”And if they belie you, say: ‘For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!’”10:41.

Likewise, the statement: ”So unto this (religion of Islaam, alone and this Qur’aan) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islaamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allaah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allaah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’aan and the Books of the old from the Tauraat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibraahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allaah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds.”42:15

And indeed, some of the people also think that the statement: ”To you be your Religion, and to me my Religion (Islaamic Monotheism) 109:1-6 means that, “I (Muhammad) have neither been commanded to fight nor prohibited from it [Ref 2], and neither have I negated nor affirmed that”; rather this (ayah) means that your Religion (O Disbelievers) is for you and you are distinguished with it, and I am innocent of it.  And for me is my Religion and I am distinguished with it, and you are innocent of it.  This is an entirely clear affair that can never to be abrogated under any circumstances, just as Allaah [The Exalted] stated about Al-Khaleel (Ibraaheem-alayhis-salaam):

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ

”And (remember) when Ibraaheem (Abraham) said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allaah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.”43:26-27

And the Aayah: ”And We have fastened every man’s deeds to his neck”. 17:13, meaning that man is tied to his good and bad (deeds). And the Aayah: ”No person earns any (sin) except against himself (only), and no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another”.6:164. And the Aayah: ”He (the person) gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned”. 2:286. And the Aayah: ”(And We said): “If you do good, you do good for your ownselves, and if you do evil (you do it) against yourselves.”17:7.

Allaah said to His Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]:

وَٱخۡفِضۡ جَنَاحَكَ لِمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

فَإِنۡ عَصَوۡكَ فَقُلۡ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡمَلُونَ

”And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.  Then if they disobey you, say: “I am innocent of what you do.” [26:215-216]

Therefore, when it is the case that Allaah has freed His Prophet from the sins of those believers amongst his followers who disobey him, then how can Allaah not free His Prophet from the disbelief of the disbelievers, who are severer in their disobedience and opposition? [End of quote. Source: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh pages 23-27. Slightly paraphrased]

Finally: Rebutting false ideas, creeds and beliefs does not necessitate bad dealings, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Read article:  https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Ref 1 and 2: Read here regarding Jihaad: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/


[2] The Three Monotheistic Religions! [Brief Observations On This Statement Uttered By Writers Who Are Ignorant About Islaam And Misguided Modernists Speaking In The Name of Islaam]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.


Firstly: We repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/    https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians, [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposed it except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us, rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allaah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا  –  that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allaah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allaah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ  – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [Tafsir As-Sadi]


Who Were Those Christian Witnesses Promised Reward In The Hereafter?

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِذَا سَمِعُواْ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰٓ أَعۡيُنَهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱكۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ

وَمَا لَنَا لَا نُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَنَطۡمَعُ أَن يُدۡخِلَنَا رَبُّنَا مَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

فَأَثَـٰبَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا قَالُواْ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ وَذَٲلِكَ جَزَآءُ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised.  They say: ”Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allaah and in that which has come to us of the truth (Islaamic Monotheism)? And we wish that our Lord will admit us (in Paradise on the Day of Resurrection) along with the righteous people. So because of what they said, Allaah rewarded them Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), they will abide therein forever. Such is the reward of good-doers. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayaat 83-85]

Therefore, Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] did not make a promise of reward in the Hereafter, except to those who believe in Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].  They are the ones about whom it is stated: [وَإِذَا سَمِعُواْ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰٓ أَعۡيُنَهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱكۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ – And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised.  They say: ”Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses”]. [Al-Maa’idah. Aayah83]

The witnesses are those who testify to Messengership of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. They bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is the Messenger of Allaah.  So, they are the witnesses being spoken about.  Allaah said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا لِّتَڪُونُواْ شُہَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ شَهِيدً۬ا‌ۗ

Thus We have made you [true Muslims – real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 143]

And for that reason, Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhu] and other than him stated [regarding the statement  (فَٱكۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ  – So write us down among the witnesses]- Meaning: “Write us down with Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and his ummah”.  All those who bear witness to the Messengers with affirmation are from THE WITNESSES, just as the disciples said: [رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلۡتَ وَٱتَّبَعۡنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱڪۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ – Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. Laa ilaaha illal-laa – none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 53]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱرۡڪَعُواْ وَٱسۡجُدُواْ وَٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ وَٱفۡعَلُواْ ٱلۡخَيۡرَ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

وَجَـٰهِدُواْ فِى ٱللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِۦ‌ۚ هُوَ ٱجۡتَبَٮٰكُمۡ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ مِنۡ حَرَجٍ۬‌ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمۡ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ‌ۚ هُوَ سَمَّٮٰكُمُ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ مِن قَبۡلُ وَفِى هَـٰذَا لِيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَتَكُونُواْ شُہَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ

And strive hard in Allaah’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islaamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islaam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibraahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allaah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’aan), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! [Surah Al-Hajj. Aayaat 77-78] [End of quote] [Source: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaab As-Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 2. Pages 46-47]

Finally, we repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read:https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/    https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

 


[1] The Three Monotheistic Religions! [Brief Observations On This Statement Uttered By Writers Who Are Ignorant About Islaam And Misguided Modernists Speaking In The Name of Islaam]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.


Firstly: We repeat once again the fact that rebutting false beliefs, ideas and views does not necessitate bad behaviour, rather Muslims are commanded to behave well towards others. Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/    https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians, [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposes it, except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us, rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allaah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا  –  that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allaah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allaah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ  – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [Ref 1]


The Christians wrote to Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] and claimed that Islaam considers all religions to be equal and that this has been mentioned in Suratul Baqarah as follows: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ وَٱلصَّـٰبِـِٔينَ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ – Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 62]

So, Shaikhul Islaam [rahimahullaah] replied to them saying: So, [according to them], this statement makes all the people equal- the Yahood, the Muslims and other than them. The response to this firstly is that there is no proof for you in this ayah regarding that which you seek.  Indeed, (the ayah) places you (Christians), the Jews and the Sabians on the same level.  You (Christians) are in agreement with the Muslims that the Jews became disbelievers after belying the Messiah and the Sabians became disbelievers after belying the Messenger sent to them.  Therefore, if it were the case that this ayah exalts  the Religion you are upon after the advent of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], then in it will also be praise for the Religion of the Jews, and both the Muslims and yourselves consider this to be falsehood.  So, if the Jews have not been praised in this Ayah after the abrogation and replacement of [their religion], then there will be no praise in it for the Christians after abrogation and replacement of [their religion]. Rather the meaning of the ayah is that those who believe in Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], and those Jews who followed Moosaa-  those who were upon his path before its abrogation and replacement; and the Christians who followed the Messiah- those who followed his path before its abrogation and replacement]; and the Sabians- the Sabian Monotheists, such as those amongst the Arabs and other than them who were upon the Religion of Ibraaheem, Ismaa’eel and Ishaaq before its abrogation and replacement, because the Arabs are from the children of Ismaa-eel and other than him from amongst those who were neighbours of the Baitul Ateeq (the ka’bah), which was built by Ibraaheem and Ismaa-eel), and they used to be Monotheists upon the religion of Ibraaheem up until one of the heads of the (Khuzaa-a clan) Amr Bin Luhai altered the religion of Ibraaheem with polytheism  and prohibited that which Allaah did not prohibit.  That is why the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi wasallam] said: “’I saw Amr Bin luhai dragging his guts in the hell fire for he was the first one who set out across the small sea and changed the religion of Ibraaheem”.   Likewise, there were those of the Children of Ishaaq who were upon the religion of Ibraaheem before the advent of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] and they used to be from  the favoured, praised ones.  Therefore the above mentioned and others like them are those who have been praised.  Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ وَٱلصَّـٰبِـِٔينَ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ – Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve]. [Surah Al-Baqarah Aayah 62]

Therefore, the People of the Scripture who (came) after the abrogation and replacement of (these Religions) are neither from those who believed in Allaah and the Last day nor from those who worked righteous good deeds.  Those people of the Scripture [who came after the advent of Muhammad] disbelieved because they either substituted the religion of the Messiah or belied him or belied Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in various affairs.  The Aayaat of the Qur’aan (about this affair) are clear and many, have been transmitted in abundance and are known by necessity in the Religion of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. However, these Christians approach the Qur’aan in the same way they approached the Torah and the Injeel. They make undue claims on the Muhkamaat [i.e. the texts] which do not carry except a single meaning, whilst clinging onto the Mutashaabih [i.e. the texts which must be referred back to the Muhkamaat for explanation], even though in them is there is that which is in opposition to what they desire. [Ref 2]

Finally: Refuting false ideas and claims does not negate living in harmony and peace with our non-Muslims, so must read the following articles:

Living With Non-Muslims In The West With Fine Conduct

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

http://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Living-with-Non-Muslims.pdf

Being Proactive to Protect Our Non-Muslim Neighbours

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/05/stance-proactive-order-protect-muslims-non-muslim-neighbours-inhuman-ideologies-devilish-acts-jihaadist-terrorists-sympathisers/


Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi, slightly paraphrased

Ref 2: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. Vol 2. Pages 51-52. Publisher ‘Daarul Hadeeth’ edition 1426AH – 2005. slightly paraphrased