Unsubstantiated Overseas Claims and Local Proxies

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

A Brief Reflection on the Occasional Shift from Unsubstantiated Overseas Claims on Twitter to Local Proxies

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The fact that a statement regarding something is lies and falsehood is sometimes known based on the statement in and of itself, its contradictions, perplexity and the manifestation of those clear indications which shows that it is lies. Lies might be manifested based on what it is in reality, manifested based on what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known based on the situation of the utterer of the lie, for indeed the one who is known for lying, wickedness and deception, his statements do not show anything else except a state of conformity with his deeds. He does not utter a statement or perform an action similar to that of a pious and truthful person – the one innocent of every evil, deception, lie and wicked behaviour; rather the heart, intention, statements and deeds of the truthful one have the same image; and the heart, statements, deeds and intentions of the liar have the same image. [1]

It used to be said that whoever perpetrates these three acts  will be haunted by them:

Rebellion against Allah’s commandments.

Allah said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا بَغْيُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِكُمْ

O mankind! Your rebellion (disobedience to Allah) is only against your ownselves. [Yunus 23]

Evil plotting

Allah said:

 وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ

But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Fatir. 43]

Breaking pledges

Allah said:

فَمَنْ نَكَثَ فَإِنَّمَا يَنْكُثُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ

Then whosoever breaks his pledge only breaks it to his own harm]. [Al-Fath: 10] [2] [end of quote]

We often observe that when some are challenged for making unsubstantiated claims from abroad via Twitter, they shift to other topics or become silent to avoid further scrutiny. Furthermore, this silence is a strategic move to avoid further self-contradiction while planning their next steps. At other times, the local proxies take up the task after it becomes very risky for their overseas counterparts. However, unless Allah guides a person to sincerely practice self-restraint, avoiding the truth and planning for future confrontation is detrimental. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ ۚ

But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it. [Fatir 43]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

…whoever plots against another with a forbidden plot, then indeed, Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, the Most High, will surely plan against him. And that (certainly) Allah will plan for the oppressed one if he exercises patience in facing the plot of the plotter against him and shows him kindness. (This is) because the believer – who relies on Allah – when plotted against by the people, then indeed, Allah, The Most High, will plan for him and aids (grants him victory, or the upper hand) without any might or power on his part.

May Allah Include Us Among Those Who Tremble at the Least Thought of Evil Plans Crossing Our Minds

[1] An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 2/469-470. Slightly paraphrased

[2] Kitab Uyoon Al-Akhbar 1/149 By Al-Allamah Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him.