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

When they say, “Be on the right side of history,” we remind them by saying: “This statement of yours is ambiguous. What we understand from it is that we have to be completely upon the path of the Prophet, and not the path of those who advocate progress, morality, what is acceptable, or what will be accepted by future generations based on their views. Rather, all these matters must be determined based on the unadulterated path of the Messengers of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them. In this regard, we remind you of some of the following facts:”

Tawhid – The Original Religion and Path of Humankind and Jinn

Allah, The Most High, stated:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

مَآ أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلْقُوَّةِ ٱلْمَتِينُ

And I did not create the jinns and humans except to worship Me. I desire not from them any provision, and nor do I desire that they feed Me. (On the contrary), it is Allāh who is the Great Provider, the possessor of mighty strength. [Adh-Dhariyat 56-58] [a]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

And verily, We have sent among every nation a Messenger (saying): Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) from all false deities, i.e. do not worship anything besides Allah. ” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [An-Nahl. 36]

Allah said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Al-Baqarah. 213]

Allah said:

وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ

Mankind were but one community (i.e. on one religion – Islamic Monotheism), then they differed (later), and had not it been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, it would have been settled between them regarding what they differed]. [Yunus. 19]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:

Between Nuh and Adam, all of them used to be upon the true path [worshipping Allah alone], then they differed and started worshipping idols, false deities and images, then Allah sent Messengers with clear proofs and evidences. [b]

Shirk first started amongst the people of Nuh when they exaggerated (the status) of the righteous people and turned away from the call of their Prophet [Nuh] out of pride. They said: “You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa’, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya’uq, nor Nasr”. [Nuh. Ayah 23]

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

It has been narrated from Ibn Abbas that these were the names of pious people amongst the people of Nuh, and when they died, Shaytan inspired their people to (prepare) and place idols at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names. They did so, but did not worship them until those people (who initiated them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people began worshipping them”. [c]

All prophets and messengers were Muslims as they submitted to Allah and worshipped Him alone without ascribing partners to Him in worship. Read here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/10/18/one-must-call-himself-a-muslim-if-he-truly-follows-the-path-of-the-prophets-and-messengers/

This is the faith that Allah designated for both humanity and Jinn, aligning perfectly with the sound innate disposition. Allah said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ ٱللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So, set you “O Muhammad” your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism, worshipping Allah alone by devoting all forms of worship purely for Him. The natural state which Allah determined and upon which He created and moulded mankind. Let there be no change in the creation of Allah “Islamic Monotheism. That is the straight religion, but most of men do not know. [Ar-Rum 30]

Iyaa Ibn Himar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

Verily, my Lord has commanded me to teach you what you do not know, from what he has taught me this day, “All wealth I bestowed upon them is lawful. I have created all of My servants inclined to worship me alone, but devils come to them who turn them away from their religion. They outlaw what has been made lawful for them, and they command them to associate partners with Me for which no authority has been revealed”. Verily, Allah looked at the people of the earth and He detested all of them, Arabs and non-Arabs alike, except for remnants of the people of the Book”. [Ṣaḥīh Muslim 2865]

All of humanity, the descendants of Adam and Hawa, were created with the purpose of worshiping Allah alone. Throughout history, Allah has sent messengers to guide us back to this divine path whenever we have strayed, often due to the deceptions of shaytan. In light of this truth, the only course left for us is to follow the final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In this context, concepts like colonization or decolonization become irrelevant; what truly matters is the religion established by our Creator. Ultimately, individuals have been given the free will to choose to submit to Islam, worship Allah alone and follow His last Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They are not forced or coerce, but if they choose other than Islam, they have made a choice for which they will be held accountable in the Hereafter. Allah said:

لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in all false deities and believes in Allah (by worshipping Him alone), he has indeed grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Al-Baqarah 256]

Allah said:

وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ ٱلْإِسْلَٰمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. [Aal Imran 85]

Therefore, what is essential to understand is that an individual faces a choice: to either adhere to the traditions of ancestors after the arrival of the Prophets and Messengers or to wholeheartedly submit to the path of Prophets and Messengers, with Muhammad being the final Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them. True beliefs must align with the revelations given to the Prophets and Messengers, rather than the customs of forebears that contradict their teachings. Sadly, some African Americans and African intellectuals have attempted to muddy this straightforward issue. As African Muslims, we are called to follow the path of the final Prophet in both belief and practice, just like any Muslim around the globe. Cultural customs from any group, whether Arab or non-Arab, are acceptable as long as they do not conflict with the final divine message. It is perfectly fine for individuals from different backgrounds to adopt and celebrate the cultural practices of others, provided these do not contradict the final revelation. We will share insights from scholars on this topic shortly, but for now, it is crucial to reiterate that one must choose between the path of the final Prophet or the ancestral traditions that stand in opposition to divine guidance. Historically, the latter has been a common fallacy among nations when Messengers urged them to return to the right path.

Al-Allamah Salih al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Indeed, polytheistic (practices and beliefs) have become rife within this Ummah due to detachment from (he teachings of)the Qur’an and the Sunnah, blindly following ancestors without proper guidance, elevating the status of deceased figures by constructing (shrines and tombs) over their graves, and due to being ignorant of the Islam that Allah instructed His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, as Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The very foundations of Islam will crumble one by one when a generation arises that is unaware of the ignorance that preceded Islam.” Furthermore, the proliferation of Shubhah—doubts that masquerade as truth but are fundamentally false—has led many astray. Among these misconceptions is the argument used by those who engage in Shirk, both in the past and present, claiming legitimacy by adhering to the beliefs of their forefathers. Allah said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا وَجَدْنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا عَلَىٰٓ أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَٰرِهِم مُّقْتَدُونَ

And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps.” [Az-zukhruf 23]

Therefore, following ancestors is only praiseworthy if they were upon the truth. Allah [The Most High] said that Yusuf, peace be upon him, said:

وَٱتَّبَعْتُ مِلَّةَ ءَابَآءِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ مَا كَانَ لَنَآ أَن نُّشْرِكَ بِٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ ذَٰلِكَ مِن فَضْلِ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ

And I have followed the religion of my fathers, – Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah, nor worship Him). [Yusuf. 38]

This doubt was embedded in the souls of the polytheists and they utilised it to oppose the call of the Prophets. Allah said:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
فَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَؤُا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ مَا هَٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتَفَضَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَنزَلَ مَلَٰٓئِكَةً مَّا سَمِعْنَا بِهَٰذَا فِىٓ ءَابَآئِنَا ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ

And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him (Islamic Monotheism). Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His Punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?” But the chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said: “He is no more than a human being like you, he seeks to make himself superior to you. Had Allah willed, He surely could have sent down angels; never did we hear such a thing among our fathers of old]. [Al-Muminoon. 23-24]

So, they used as proof that which their ancestors were upon to oppose that which their Prophet Nuh brought. Allah informed us that the people of Sali said to him: “Do you (now) forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped?”[Hud. 62]

The people of Shu’aib said: “Does your Salat (prayer) (i.e. the prayers which you offer has spoiled your mind, so you) command that we leave off what our fathers used to worship]. [Hud. 87]

Allah informed us about Ibraheem and his people when he silenced them with clear proofs: “What do you worship?” They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted”. He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so”. [Ash-Shu’ara 70-74]

This is the nature of disbelief! Its people do not have any proof by way of which to repel the truth except these flimsy proofs. [d]

The Majority Has – Most of The Time – Being Upon Guidance 

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُ ۥدَ مِنَّا فَضۡلاً۬ۖ يَـٰجِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَهُ ۥ وَٱلطَّيۡرَۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ ٱلۡحَدِيدَ
أَنِ ٱعۡمَلۡ سَـٰبِغَـٰتٍ۬ وَقَدِّرۡ فِى ٱلسَّرۡدِۖ وَٱعۡمَلُواْ صَـٰلِحًاۖ إِنِّى بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ۬
وَلِسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ ٱلرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَہۡرٌ۬ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَہۡرٌ۬ۖ وَأَسَلۡنَا لَهُ ۥ عَيۡنَ ٱلۡقِطۡرِۖ وَمِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ مَن يَعۡمَلُ بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِۖۦ وَمَن يَزِغۡ مِنۡہُمۡ عَنۡ أَمۡرِنَا نُذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ
يَعۡمَلُونَ لَهُ ۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ۬ كَٱلۡجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ۬ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍۚ ٱعۡمَلُوٓاْ ءَالَ دَاوُ ۥدَ شُكۡرً۬اۚ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ

And indeed We bestowed grace on David from Us (saying): “O you mountains. Glorify (Allah) with him! And you birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him.’’ Saying: ‘’Make you perfect coats of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work you (men) righteousness. Truly, I am All-Seer of what you do.’’ And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till mid noon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). “Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks!” But few of My slaves are grateful. [Sabah. 10-13]

ٱعۡمَلُوٓاْ ءَالَ دَاوُ ۥدَ شُكۡرً۬اۚ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ

Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks! But few of My slaves are grateful.

Meaning, the majority of humankind are not grateful to Allah for the blessings bestowed on them nor are they grateful due to the punishments that are averted. As for Shukr (gratefulness), it is the heart’s acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings and to utilise them in obedience to Allah and not in disobedience. [1]

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ
تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ

Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not? Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance). And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Al-A’raf. 100-100-102]

أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ

Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?

Meaning, Allah, The Most High, informs those who inherit the earth -in succession- from those who preceded them that He destroyed their forefathers due to their sins, yet they commit the same sins that were committed by their forefathers! Do they not take heed that had Allah willed He would punish them due to their sins because this is how Allah deals with mankind – both the previous nations and those who inherited the earth after them. Allah warned those who inherited the earth from the previous nations, but they did not take heed, sent them reminders but they did not reflect and showed them guidance through signs [i.e. revelations through the Prophets and Messengers, as well as miracles within universe and themselves] but they did not follow guidance, so Allah punished them by sealing their hearts – neither did truth enter their hearts nor did good reach their hearts; nor did they give an attentive ear (to the truth); rather they only heard that which established the proofs against them.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance).

Meaning, messengers came and called them to that which will lead to happiness (in the life and the next), and those messengers were given manifest signs and clear evidence to clarify the truth, but the people did not listen and were not benefited. And because they belied those manifest signs and clear proofs after being well aware of them, Allah prevented them from accepting the sound and infallible creed ordained by Him. This was punishment on them because they rejection the truth, just as Allah said in Surah Al-An’aam Ayah 110:

وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفۡـِٔدَتَہُمۡ وَأَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ كَمَا لَمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَنَذَرُهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ

And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly].

Then Allah said:

وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ

And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).

Meaning, the majority of the nations to whom Allah sent Messengers were not true to their covenant; neither were they steadfast nor did they adhere to the commands of Allah, nor did they submit obediently to the commands of Allah which the Messengers ordered them to obey; rather they followed their desires, except a very few of them. The majority of them turned away from guidance out of arrogance, so Allah sent them various types of punishment. [2]

Allah, The Most High, said in Surah Saad Ayah 24:

وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ

And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds] – Meaning, because oppression is one of those habits [i.e. evil habits] of the soul.

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ

Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds.

Meaning: Their Iman and righteous deeds prevents them from committing oppression.

[وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ – And they are few]. [3]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers (of people upon such and such ideas, views, beliefs, way of life, etc), while saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity because many people of the past were destroyed due to this.

Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated to you to examine yourself, take account of yourself, and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed just as Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Al An-aam 116]

Allah said:

وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ

And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly. [Yusuf  103]. [4]

 

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

When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts there is a disease saw that the party of Allah [i.e. the believers] were small in number and the enemies of Allah were numerous, they thought that victory would be for those who were huge in number. Allah said that the hypocrites said:

غَرَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمۡ

These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion. [Al-Anfaal 49]

So, Allah informed (them) that victory is achieved by placing one’s trust and reliance upon Allah and not due to being huge in number because Allah cannot be defeated; rather Allah is All-Wise and He aids those who deserve help, even if they are weak. Allah is the All-Wise and All-Mighty, and this necessitates that He will aid the party that truly relies upon Him. [5]

Abu Shaamah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When the command to adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jamaa’ah was upon- the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood. [6]

 

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said:

وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ

And when they speak, you listen to their words. [Al-Munaafiqoon. 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [7]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give a detailed explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritising necessities. Therefore, due to this Allah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allah [The Most High] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ

Mankind was one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allah’s Shari’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them, He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. [Al-Baqarah. 213]

Therefore, Allah, The Most High, designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’an being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ. [8]

The Bad Behaviour of Most of The Elite and Intellectuals In Various Societies 

Allah said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوۡمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ عَذَابَ يَوۡمٍ عَظِيمٍ۬
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّا لَنَرَٮٰكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

Indeed, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people and he said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!” The Mala [the notables, leaders and chiefs] amongst his people said, “Verily, we see you in plain error”. [Al-A’raf.  59-60]

Allah said:

وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمۡ هُودً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّا لَنَرَٮٰكَ فِى سَفَاهَةٍ۬ وَإِنَّا لَنَظُنُّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ

And to ‘Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Will you not fear (Allah)?” The Mala [notables, leaders and chiefs] who disbelieved among his people said: “Verily, we see you in foolishness, and verily, we think you are one of the liars.” [Al-A’raaf. 65-66]

Allah said:

وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمۡ صَـٰلِحً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡڪُم بَيِّنَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ‌ۖ هَـٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ ءَايَةً۬‌ۖ فَذَرُوهَا تَأۡڪُلۡ فِىٓ أَرۡضِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬ فَيَأۡخُذَكُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬
وَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ إِذۡ جَعَلَكُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ عَادٍ۬ وَبَوَّأَڪُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِن سُهُولِهَا قُصُورً۬ا وَتَنۡحِتُونَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ بُيُوتً۬ا‌ۖ فَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَعۡثَوۡاْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُفۡسِدِينَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَڪۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ لِمَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُمۡ أَتَعۡلَمُونَ أَنَّ صَـٰلِحً۬ا مُّرۡسَلٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ‌ۚ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرۡسِلَ بِهِۦ مُؤۡمِنُونَ
قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَڪۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ كَـٰفِرُونَ

And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother Salih (Saleh). He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of the coming out of a huge she-camel from the midst of a rock) from your Lord. This she-camel of Allah is a sign unto you; so you leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should seize you. “And remember when He made you successors after ‘Ad (people) and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth.” The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of those who were arrogant among his people said to those who were counted weak – to such of them as believed: “Know you that Salih (Saleh) is one sent from his Lord.” They said: “We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent.” Those who were arrogant said: “Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in.” [Al-A’raf. 73-78]

Allah said:

وَإِلَىٰ مَدۡيَنَ أَخَاهُمۡ شُعَيۡبً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡڪُم بَيِّنَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّڪُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡڪَيۡلَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ وَلَا تَبۡخَسُواْ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشۡيَآءَهُمۡ وَلَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بَعۡدَ إِصۡلَـٰحِهَا‌ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن ڪُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ
وَلَا تَقۡعُدُواْ بِڪُلِّ صِرَٲطٍ۬ تُوعِدُونَ وَتَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَتَبۡغُونَهَا عِوَجً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ إِذۡ ڪُنتُمۡ قَلِيلاً۬ فَكَثَّرَڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ
وَإِن كَانَ طَآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنڪُمۡ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦ وَطَآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ لَّمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ فَٱصۡبِرُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَحۡكُمَ ٱللَّهُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۚ وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡحَـٰكِمِينَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ لَنُخۡرِجَنَّكَ يَـٰشُعَيۡبُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَكَ مِن قَرۡيَتِنَآ أَوۡ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِى مِلَّتِنَا‌ۚ قَالَ أَوَلَوۡ كُنَّا كَـٰرِهِينَ

And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)].” Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers. “And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him. and seeking to make it crooked. And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. And see what was the end of the Mufsidun (mischief-makers, corrupts, liars). “And if there is a party of you who believes in that with which I have been sent and a party who do not believe, so be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of judges.” The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of those who were arrogant among his people said: “We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu’aib, and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you (all) shall return to our religion.” He said: “Even though we hate it! [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 86-88]

Allah said:

قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَسَـٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ –
يُرِيدُ أَن يُخۡرِجَكُم مِّنۡ أَرۡضِكُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَاذَا تَأۡمُرُونَ

The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “This (i.e. Prophet Musa) is indeed a well-versed sorcerer; he wants to get you out of your land, so what do you advise?” [Al-A’raf.  109]

Allah said:

وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوۡمَهُ ۥ لِيُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ‌ۚ قَالَ سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَنَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ وَإِنَّا فَوۡقَهُمۡ قَـٰهِرُونَ

The Mala (leaders, notables and chiefs) of Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) people said: “Will you leave Musa (Moses) and his people to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?” He said: “We will kill their sons, and let live their women, and we have indeed irresistible power over them.”Al-A’raf. 127]

Allah said:

ثُمَّ أَنشَأۡنَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ قَرۡنًا ءَاخَرِينَ
فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا فِيہِمۡ رَسُولاً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَأَتۡرَفۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَا هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يَأۡكُلُ مِمَّا تَأۡكُلُونَ مِنۡهُ وَيَشۡرَبُ مِمَّا تَشۡرَبُونَ
وَلَٮِٕنۡ أَطَعۡتُم بَشَرً۬ا مِّثۡلَكُمۡ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذً۬ا لَّخَـٰسِرُونَ
أَيَعِدُكُمۡ أَنَّكُمۡ إِذَا مِتُّمۡ وَكُنتُمۡ تُرَابً۬ا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَنَّكُم مُّخۡرَجُونَ
هَيۡہَاتَ هَيۡہَاتَ لِمَا تُوعَدُونَ
إِنۡ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنۡيَا نَمُوتُ وَنَحۡيَا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمَبۡعُوثِينَ
إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ڪَذِبً۬ا وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱنصُرۡنِى بِمَا كَذَّبُونِ
قَالَ عَمَّا قَلِيلٍ۬ لَّيُصۡبِحُنَّ نَـٰدِمِينَ
فَأَخَذَتۡہُمُ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ غُثَآءً۬‌ۚ فَبُعۡدً۬ا لِّلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

Then, after them (i.e. the people of Prophet Nooh), We created another generation. 32. And We sent to them a Messenger from among themselves (saying): “Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His Punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?”

وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ

And the Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of his people, who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Hereafter, and to whom We had given the luxuries and comforts of this life, said: “He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink. “If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily! You indeed would be losers. “Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)? “Far, very far is that which you are promised. “There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! And we are not going to be resurrected! “He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allah, but we are not going to believe in him.” He said: “O my Lord! Help me because they deny me.” (Allah) said: “In a little while, they are sure to be regretful.” So As-Saihah (torment – awful cry, etc.) overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead plants. So away with the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, disobedient to His Messengers, etc.). [Al-Muminoon. 31-41]

Allah said:

وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمۡتُ لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرِى فَأَوۡقِدۡ لِى يَـٰهَـٰمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلطِّينِ فَٱجۡعَل لِّى صَرۡحً۬ا لَّعَلِّىٓ أَطَّلِعُ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَـٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّى لَأَظُنُّهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ
وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ هُوَ وَجُنُودُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَظَنُّوٓاْ أَنَّهُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا يُرۡجَعُونَ
فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُ وَجُنُودَهُ ۥ فَنَبَذۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡيَمِّ‌ۖ فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ ڪَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَدۡعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ لَا يُنصَرُونَ
وَأَتۡبَعۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬‌ۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ هُم مِّنَ ٱلۡمَقۡبُوحِينَ

Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “O Mala (leaders, chiefs and notables)! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilah (God) of Musa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Musa (Moses)] is one of the liars.” And he and his hosts were arrogant in the land, without right, and they thought that they would never return to Us. So We seized him and his hosts, and We threw them all into the sea (and drowned them). So behold (O Muhammad ) what was the end of the Zalimun [wrong-doers, polytheists and those who disbelieved in the Oneness of their Lord (Allah), or rejected the advice of His Messenger Musa (Moses)]. And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped. And We made a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be among Al-Maqbuhun (those who are prevented to receive Allah’s Mercy or any good, despised or destroyed, etc.). [Al-Qasas. 38-42]

Allah said:

وَعَجِبُوٓاْ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ هَـٰذَا سَـٰحِرٌ۬ كَذَّابٌ
أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأَلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدًا‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ عُجَابٌ۬
وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱمۡشُواْ وَٱصۡبِرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ۬ يُرَادُ
مَا سَمِعۡنَا بِہَـٰذَا فِى ٱلۡمِلَّةِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا ٱخۡتِلَـٰقٌ

And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad ) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say: “This (Prophet Muhammad ) is a sorcerer, a liar. “Has he (Muhammad) made the aliha (gods) (all) into One Ilah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!” And the Mala (leaders, notable and chiefs) among them went about (saying): “Go on, and remain constant to your aliha (gods)! Verily, This is a thing designed (against you)! We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention!] [Saad. 4-7]

Allah said:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِى قَرۡيَةٍ۬ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتۡرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرۡسِلۡتُم بِهِۦ كَـٰفِرُونَ
وَقَالُواْ نَحۡنُ أَڪۡثَرُ أَمۡوَٲلاً۬ وَأَوۡلَـٰدً۬ا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ

And We did not send a warner to a township, but those who were given the worldly wealth and luxuries among them said: “We believe not in the (Message) with which you have been sent.” And they say: “We are more in wealth and in children, and we are not going to be punished.” [Saba. 34-35]

Every Town Had Its Wicked Figureheads And Plotters Against The Messengers And Their True Followers!

Allah said:

 وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ وَمَا يَمۡڪُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

And thus We have set up in every town the greatest of its criminals to plot therein. But they plot not except against their ownselves, and they perceive (it) not. [Al-An’aam. 123]

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا

And thus We have set up in every town the greatest of its criminals.

Meaning: Those figureheads whose crimes were great and whose transgressions were severe.

[لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ -to plot therein]

Meaning: Through deception, calling to the path of shaytan and waging war – through speech and deeds- against the Messengers and their followers. However, their plots and machinations only backfired on them. This is because they plotted and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.

Likewise Allah set up great ones amongst the leaders of guidance and the most virtuous of them, who opposed those criminals, refuted their statements and strove against them in the path of Allah. They followed the paths leading to the path (of Allah) and Allah aided them. Allah gave them an acute discernment and kept them steadfast. So the days of victory and defeat alternated between them and their enemies, until the affair came to its final end-victory and triumph (for the believers) and the good final end is for the Muttaqoon (i.e. the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. [9]

Allah said:

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡ‌ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [An-Nahl. 26-27]

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]:

The Mufassiroon say that this refers to Namrud who built a tall tower in order to climb – as he claimed – the heavens and fight its inhabitants.

فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ

But Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them.: The Mufassiroon say: Allah sent a wind which flung the top of the tower to the sea and the rest was destroyed. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, from where they thought they were safe.

[ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace]: Meaning, disgraced with punishment. [An Excerpt from ‘Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer By Imaam Ibn Al- Jawzi]

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: Meaning plotted against their Messengers, employed various types of tricks in order to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards [by way of arguments, views etc] on their plots. [فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building]– Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation [فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them] -Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, that is because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established.

This is one the best of parables regarding how Allah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they pondered and reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, made up principles and rules for it based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, employed tricks to bring discomfort to the Messengers and inflict harm on them and those who followed them, but their plot became a source of evil against them, so their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allah said: [ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ – But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Surah Faatir: Ayah: 43]

This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allaah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them]. [10]

Allah said:

إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا يَسۡتَضۡعِفُ طَآٮِٕفَةً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ يُذَبِّحُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَيَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon]. [Al-Qasas. 4]

[وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا – and made its people sects]- Meaning: Different group that were organised and distinguished, and he utilised each group in that which he desired in his kingdom. [11] He made them into sects and different groups to serve him and they went along with what he wanted and obeyed him. [12]

He made them into different distinct groups, dealt with them based on his evil desires and subjugated them as he wanted by means of his power and authority. [13]

He divided them into different sects and they went along with him in everything he desired of evil and corruption, or he used some as a means to get others to obey him; or he made them into different distinct groups under his service and used every group in some type of work, such as construction, tillage, earthwork [drilling etc] and other burdensome work, and whoever did not work was beaten, so they served him by doing so; or he made them into sects and incited hatred and enmity between them, so that they do not come to an agreement [or become united in their stance against him]. [14]

[ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ – Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon]- Meaning: Those whose intention is neither to rectify the religious nor worldly affairs, and this was from his corrupt behaviour in the earth; [15] committing unlawful killing and being disobedient to Allah. [16]

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 may manifest due to what it is in reality, what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known due to 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. [17]

The Difference Between Desire For Righteous Leadership and Pursuit of Leadership For Exaltedness In The Earth

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

The difference between the desire for righteous leadership as opposed to merely desiring leadership: It is the difference between exalting the command of Allah and being sincere to Allaah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfilment of desires. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allaah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; [loves that] Allaah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allaah, and [that] the servants should obey Allaah’s commands and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allaah and sincere to Allaah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allaah. So he loves to be [an upright] leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous. Therefore, if this servant -[i.e. this person] who calls to Allaah- loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes [of the people], revered and beloved in their hearts and is one followed amongst them, so that he is trusted by them and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, then this [desire of his] does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. That is because the caller to Allaah loves that Allaah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means by way of which [people] are aided to [obey Allaah, single out Allaah in worship and follow the Messenger]. And due to this, [when] Allah mentioned those chosen slaves of His- whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him- He mentioned them with the best of their deeds and characteristics, and then said:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious. [Al-Furqan. 74]

So they ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with [others] upon obedience [to Allah and His Messenger], and that is to call them to [sound] leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah [The Most High] said:

 وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [Surah as-Sajdah. Verse 24]

Therefore, in their supplication -[in Surah Al-Furqaan Ayah 74]- to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which [sound] leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from [merely] seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, [such as] exaltedness in the earth; enslavement of the hearts to them, attachment to them and aiding them in all their goals, whilst they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption-which none can enumerate except Allah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [18]

[a]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/51_56

[b] Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer

[c] Al-Bukhaari 4920

[d] An Excerpt from “Muhaadaraat Fil Aqeedah Wad-Dawah” 1/18-20. Slightly paraphrased

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan.

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’.

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan’.

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412-416.

[5] Zaadul Ma’aad 3/181

[6] Al-Baa’ith Alaa Inkaaril Bid’ah Wal-Hawaadith’ page 22

[7]: قم المعاند – 2/547

[8] Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18

[9] Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan.

[10] Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan.

[11] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’.

[12] An Excerpt from ‘Fat-hul Qadeer 4/209’

[13] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’.

[14] An Excerpt from ‘Ruh Al-Ma’aanee’ 11/64-65 By Al Allamah Al-Alusi.

[15] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’.

[16] An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer’.

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

[18] An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489’.