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Author: Abdullah Jallow

An Introspective Scrutiny of the Conscience – Before Sunrise – Through Some Admonitions of the Virtuous

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

When a person does not act on the truth he is in need of- neither affirming nor loving it, he is an oppressor against himself. When he affirms or loves falsehood, and follows his desires, he is an oppressor against himself.

Oppressing oneself occurs due to following conjecture and what the soul desires, and this can occur through following one’s views and desires.

Bidah is the basis of evil and that is to give precedence to one’s intellect over the divin text and choosing one’s desires over the fulfilment of a command; and following guidance is the basis of good, as Allah, The Most High, said:

فَإِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّڪُم مِّنِّى هُدً۬ى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشۡقَىٰ
وَمَنۡ أَعۡرَضَ عَن ذِڪۡرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ مَعِيشَةً۬ ضَنكً۬ا وَنَحۡشُرُهُ ۥ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ

Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” [Ta Ha. 123-124] [1]

Al-Allamah Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The human being does not hate truth due to considering it to be falsehood; rather he loves truth through his Fitra and loves falsehood due to his desires and lusts. The shift towards success or loss defends on what he gives preference to. Allah said:

فَأَمَّا مَن طَغَىٰ
وَءَاثَرَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ
وَأَمَّا مَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ وَنَهَى ٱلنَّفۡسَ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ

Then, for him who Tagha (transgressed) and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), Verily, his abode will be Hellfire; But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode. [An-Naazi’aat. 37-41] [2]

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

The servant does not embark upon that which he has been forbidden except through two ways- either due harbouring evil thoughts about his Lord that if he were to obey Allah and preferred Him, Allaah will not grant him that which is better from the lawful things; or he acknowledges that (Allaah will grant him something better than the forbidden thing he wants) and that whoever leaves something for Allah’s sake, Allaah will replace it with something better; but lusts overcomes his patience and desires overcomes his intellect. The first affair is due to weakness in knowledge and the second a weakness in intellect and insight. [3]

Illegal Partisanship

A person sees that acknowledging the truth would necessitate an acknowledgment that he was upon falsehood. A person is nurtured upon a religion, creed, school of thought or views acquired from his nurturer and teacher, which he considers to be the truth and followed it for a long time.

Then when it becomes clear to him that (such religion, creed, view or school of thought) is false, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge, just as when his forefathers, ancestors or the one he follows are upon a (particular) way and then its falsity is clarified for him. This is because he sees that their deficiencies necessitate his own deficiencies and acknowledgement of their misguidance or errors necessitates his own deficiencies.

In this era of ours, you even see a woman who comes across an issue related to the religion – in which there is a difference of opinion between the mother of the believers Aa’isha and others amongst the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, so she defends Aa’isha’s position solely due to the fact that Aaisha is a woman like her. When she presumes and then claims that Aa’isha is correct and those men who oppose her position are mistaken, in this is an affirmation of Aa’isha’s virtue over those men, which then becomes a virtue for women unrestrictedly and she receives some of that. And through this appears – to you – the underlying reasons behind the bigoted partisanship of an Arab to an Arab, a Persian to a Persian, a Turk to a Turk and other than that. [4]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

How many a person knows about love of Allah, its rulings and all the affairs it necessitates, but his heart is deprived of it?! And how many a servant (of Allah) knows and bears witness to the pre-decree of Allah and the excellence of sufficing oneself with Him, but when that which has been decreed takes place in opposition to what he desires, you see him anxious- having no tranquility and certainty, nor repose?! And only the one whose heart has acquired knowledge and awareness of Allah in truth is at ease with the fact that Allaah is sufficient for him, whilst submitting to His judgements regardless what the state of affairs may turn out to be.  And how many a person knows the rulings of trade and its details, but at the time of dealing, buying and selling, he does not deal in a beautiful manner with others?!  So, do not be deceived when you know something that you will be attributed to it. This is why it is obligated on a person to ask Allaah for beneficial knowledge- knowledge that produces [righteous] deeds.  And Allaah knows best. [5]

One day Sufyaan Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, sat and spoke, while Sa’eed Ibn As-Saa’ib at-Taa’ifee, may Allah have mercy upon him, was present in the gathering; so Sa’eed started weeping until Sufyaan felt sorry for him. Then Sufyaan said to him, “O Sa’eed! What makes you weep when you heard me mentioning the good people and their deeds?” He said, “O Sufyaan! What should prevent me from weeping, for when the stations of the good people are mentioned, I am not from them’. So Sufyaan said, ‘You have a right [or it is befitting that] you weep”. [6]

[1] Sharh al-Hadith “Allaahummah Innee Zalamtu Nafsee Katheeran. page 66.

[2] At-Tankeel Bimaa Fee Ta’neeb Al-Kawtharee Minal Baatil. 2/179 with the checking of Imam al Albaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[3] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’d. page 78

[4] Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyaa al-Mu’allimee. 11/294

[5] Majmu Al-Fawaa’id Waqtinaas Al-Awaabid. Faa’idah Number 14

[6] Muhaasabah An-Nafs page 76- By Ibn Abee Dunya, may Allah have mercy upon him.

An Incident at Fustat: When Status Meets Truth, Humility as the Scholar’s Test and Shield

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Featured, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Arabi Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani, may Allah have mercy upon him, told me more than once:

“I arrived in Fustat one day, then I went to the gathering of Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, and there I witnessed a statement that he uttered to the people. And that which he stated – in the first gathering when I sat with him – was that ‘The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, طلق – i.e. he did divorce, ظاهر – i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and آلى – i.e. he made an oath to abandon his wives for a month”.

When he (i.e. Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari) left, I followed him until I reached his house with a group of people; then he sat with us in the vestibule and acquainted them with my affair because he saw a stranger [i.e. I (Muhammad Bin Qasim)] and did not know the person among those who came to him before. When most of them departed from him, he said to me, “I see that you are a stranger; do you have anything to say?” I said, “Yes”. He said to his companions, “Excuse him from having to speak in your presence”, so, they got up and I stayed alone with him. I said to him, “I attended your gathering today so that Allah may bless me (with some of the knowledge you possess), and I heard you say, ‘Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month and what you said was true; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and what you said was true, and you said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ظاهر i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, but this never happened and can never be correct to say that it happened because Az-Zihaar [i.e. to say to one’s wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’ (i.e. unlawful for me to approach)] is an evil statement and false speech, and this can never be uttered by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. He hugged and kissed my forehead, and said, “I repent from this statement. May Allah reward you on my behalf as a good teacher”.

I departed from his presence, and the next day I went early to his gathering, but he was in the Central Masjid before me and was sitting on the pulpit. When I entered the Masjid and thus he saw me, he called out at the top of his voice (saying), “Welcome, my teacher. Make room for my teacher”. So, the people turned towards me and their eyes stared at me! O Abu Bakr! And you know me – meaning, he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani) was indicating to Ibn Al-Arabi about his extremely shy character because when someone greeted him by surprise, he would feel shy – due to his extreme shyness – and turned red as if his face was painted with Gulnaar (pomegranate blossom). He (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim) continued, “People hastened towards me, raising their hands towards me (i.e. acknowledging me) and nudging me until I reached the pulpit, and I did not know in which part of the earth I was due to my extreme shyness (i.e. shocked), whilst the Masjid was overcrowded with people and I sweated due to shyness. Then the Shaikh turned towards the people and said to them, ‘I am your teacher and this is my teacher! Yesterday, I told you that Allah’s Messenger آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and ظاهر i.e. he once uttered the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and neither did a single one of you give me the correct understanding nor respond to me, but he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qaasim) followed me to my house and said such and such to me. I repeat (i.e. right now) what took place between him and I, repent from yesterday’s statement, and return to the truth. Whoever hears it from those who were present, let him not rely on what he says, and let the one who is present convey this affair to the absent one. May Allaah reward him with good’”. Then he (i.e. Shaikh Abee Al-Fadl) started supplicating a lot and the people responded with Aameen.

Ibn Al-Arabi stated – after narrating this incident- “So look – may Allah have mercy upon you – at this firm adherence to the religion and an acknowledgment of the people of knowledge given by this man – whose leadership was manifest and whose worth was well known- to a stranger whom he neither knew nor where he came from! Follow his example and you’ll be led aright”. [Ahkam Al-Qur’an 1/248-249]

———————————

Zihaar: Allah [The Exalted] says:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُظَـٰهِرُونَ مِنكُم مِّن نِّسَآٮِٕهِم مَّا هُنَّ أُمَّهَـٰتِهِمۡ‌ۖ إِنۡ أُمَّهَـٰتُهُمۡ إِلَّا ٱلَّـٰٓـِٔى وَلَدۡنَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّہُمۡ لَيَقُولُونَ مُنڪَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَزُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِنَّ

Those among you who make their wives unlawful (Az-Zihar) to them by saying to them “You are like my mother’s back.” They cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an evil statement and a lie. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Ayah 2]

Two Timeless Traits That Have Always Defined Ideal Role Models

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Two Timeless Traits That Have Always Defined Ideal Role Models—No Matter the Era and Competition For Global Influence

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah (leader), Qanitan (obedient), Hanifan (one who worshipped Allah alone), and he was not one of the Mushrikeen (polytheists and those who associate partners with Allah in worship). [An-Nahl. 120]

Ibrahim, peace be upon him, is the leader of the Hunafaa (the adherents to Tawhid) and this is why Allah said to him: [إِنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا – Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of humankind]. [Al-Baqarah. 124]

It is a tradition among people to align themselves with prominent figures, particularly those they deeply respect. Therefore, if an individual claims that their chosen leader is an Imam (a virtuous guide), it is important to recognise that no Imam surpasses Prophet Ibrahim (following Prophet Muhammad). Allah has made declarations regarding Prophet Ibrahim:

وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُۥ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself]! [Al-Baqarah. 130]

When an individual relies this as evidence to assert that the person they follow is an Imam, it is essential to scrutinise the Aqeedah (Islamic Creed) of that individual whom they elevate to the status of Imam. This evaluation should be conducted in accordance with the Qur’an to determine if he belongs to the adherents of Tawhid. Should someone attempt to validate the position of Imam as a form of proof, it is imperative that this proof entails a thorough examination of the Aqeedah of the individual designated as Imam, assessed against the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, to ascertain whether he embodies the principles of Tawhid. Furthermore, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said regarding the Prophet:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzab. 21] (1)

Prophet Saul, peace be upon him

Allah, The Exalted, stated about the Children of Israel:

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا قَالُوٓا۟ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ ٱلْمَالِ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةً فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُۥ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them, “Indeed Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you.” They said, “How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth.” He said: “Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 247]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

He [Talut] was given deep insight and physical strength through which he was qualified for his position as king because if he has deep insight and the ability to implement the right decision, he will be able to fulfil this role in the most perfect manner; but if he lacked one of the two, he would not be able to do his job properly. If he was physically strong but lacked deep insight, a king would be unsuccessful in running the affairs of the kingdom because his strength would not be utilised wisely. If he had deep insight but did not have the strength to implement any decisions, his insight would not benefit him because he would not be able to achieve anything. [2]

The Goal Behind Leadership

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 Allah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfilment of desires. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; [loves that] Allah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allah, and [that] the servants should obey Allah’s commands and keep away from what Allah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allah and sincere to Allah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allah. 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 of Allah who calls to the path of Allah- 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 Allah loves that Allah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means by way of which [people] are aided to [obey Allah, single out Allah 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 هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ 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 pious. [Al-Furqan 74]

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. This is because a trustworthy leader in the religion cooperates upon obedience and the call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah 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.). [As-Sajdah 24]

Thus, in their supplication to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides, 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, exaltedness in the earth, enslavement and attachment of the hearts to them, and aiding them in all their goals, while they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption – (the extent) which none can encompass (in their knowledge) 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. [3] [end of quote]

In light of this matter, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has left us with clear guidance on how to deal with rulers. Just as we are not infallible, rulers too will err. Therefore, as our relationships with one another across various walks of life are determined by divine revelation, so too is our relationship with those in authority guided by divine revelation. Please read further below:

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Furthermore, we are bound by a covenant to uphold while coexisting with non-Muslim governments, and we do not follow the path of the khawarij in our interactions with non-Muslims, nor do we act in a treacherous manner. This is neither a passive view nor a compromise, as the radicals attempt to portray, rather, it is rooted in Islamic law because Islam is perfect way of life that establishes justice and well being for all. Read below by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

https://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

https://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

 

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed’. Lesson 1 By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him.

[2] Tafsir As-Sadi

[3] An Excerpt from Ar-Ruh. 487-489

[18] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Categories.

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

Boycotting The Senior Heads

Al Uqaylee, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported with an established chain of transmission to Mu’ammil Ibn Ismaaeel, may Allah have mercy upon him, who said:

Abdul Azeez Ibn Abee Rawwaad died and was brought for the Janaazah prayer; then, he was placed at the door of Safaa, while the people were making Tawaaf. Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, came along, so the people said: “Ath-Thawri has arrived; Ath-Thawri has arrived!” So he came along (i.e. walked along) until he went past the rows- while the people looked at him; (then) he went past the Jazaanah and did not pray (i.e. did not pray the Janaazah prayer of Ibn Abee Rawwaad). The reason behind this was because Ibn Abee Rawwaad used to hold the view of Ir’jaa”. [1]

 

The Excellence of Scholars Who Take Up The Communal Obligation of Warning Against Misguidance 

Abu Salih Al-Farraa’u, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“I narrated something regarding the fitna to Yusuf Ibn Asbaat from Wakee, may Allah have mercy upon them, so he (Yusuf) said: ‘That one is like his Shaikh; meaning Al-Hasan Ibn Yahyah (i.e. this Hasan Ibn Salih was influenced by some of the views of the khaarijites). I said to Yusuf, ‘Do you not fear that this is tantamount to back biting?’ He said, ‘Why, O idiot? I am better for these people than their fathers and mothers. I forbid the people from acting upon what they have innovated, so that they do not follow their footsteps in sin and the one who praises them is the most harmful to them'”. [2]

 

The Harm of The Deviated Ones

Abul Wafaa Ibn Aqeel Al-Faqee said, our Shaikh Abul Fadl Al-Hamdaani said:

“The innovators (in) Islam and the fabricators of Hadeeth are worse than the Mulhiddoon, because the Mulhiddon aim to corrupt Islam from the outside, while these (people) want to corrupt it from within. They (i.e. the innovators and the fabricators of hadeeth) are similar to the people of a country who try to corrupt its state of affairs and the heretics are similar to those who lay a siege from the outside; so the ones from within (i.e. the innovators and fabricators of hadeeth) open the fortress. Therefore, they are more harmful to Islam than those who do not (attribute) themselves to it outwardly”. [3]

[1] Reported by Uqaylee in the introduction of Ad-Du’afaa (3/6) in the biography of Abdul Azeez Ibn Abee Rawwaad Al-Atkee (who died in the year 159)

[2] Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 7/361

[3] Reported by Ibnul Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, in Al-Mawdoo’aat 1/44

The Silent Admission of Willing Murderers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Death, Fitnah, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Silent Admission of Willing (Intentional) Aware, Rational Rule-Breaking Murderers Without Evidence of a Legally Defined Self-Defense Case When the Strong Influence of Taqwah Is Absent to Restrain the Wicked Soul

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in his Tafsir of Ayah 32 in Surah An-Nisaa about the one who kills without a justified reason:

فلما تجرأ على قتل النفس التي لم تستحق القتل علم أنه لا فرق عنده بين هذا المقتول وبين غيره، وإنما ذلك بحسب ما تدعوه إليه نفسه الأمارة بالسوء. فتجرؤه على قتله، كأنه قتل الناس جميعا. وكذلك من أحيا نفسا أي: استبقى أحدا، فلم يقتله مع دعاء نفسه له إلى قتله، فمنعه خوف الله تعالى من قتله، فهذا كأنه أحيا الناس جميعا، لأن ما معه من الخوف يمنعه من قتل من لا يستحق القتل

When he had the effrontery to kill a soul that does not deserve to be killed, it is known that (or it implies that) for him (i.e. the murderer) there is no distinction between this one who is killed and other than him (i.e. another person not murdered yet), rather,  that (i.e. his deed of unlawful killing) is due to what his evil soul calls him to. Thus, his dareness to kill him is as if he has killed all humankind.

On the other hand, the one who saves a life, meaning, spares the life of someone and does not kill him, while his soul entices him, but fear of Allah, The Most High, prevents him from killing, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind, because the fear (of Allah) with him prevents him from killing the one who does not deserve to be killed.

An Excerpt from “Tafsir As-Sadi”. Paraphrased

 

NB: In all of this, it’s important to remember certain points that are present in the final divine revelation and in the different Tafaaseer of the Qur’an, including Tafsir As-Sadi.

The murderer is dealt with along with the rights of the victim and their family through legal means. Vigilantism is not allowed under any circumstances.

The doors of repentance are still open for the murderer even though the legal consequences are still in place from the beginning to the end through the courts.

All of this is outlined in Shariah law regarding crimes.

Within a month – in a Time Period of Impunity – a Close Companion Spoke to Us About the Mentalities and Shared Six Admonitions

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Death, Featured, Fitnah, Jannah (Paradise), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Muttarrif Bin Abdillah, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to say:

“People’s intellects are in accordance with (circumstances) of their era”.

[Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 4/188]

 

First Reminder:Allah Never Commits Injustice!

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَاعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Himself a great reward. [An-Nisaa 40]

Allah, The Most High, informs us of the perfection of His justice and grace, as well as being far removed from everything that is in opposition to this, whether it is minor or major injustice. He says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ

Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant).

Meaning, He neither diminishes the good deeds of His servant nor increases their sins, as He said (in Surah Az-Zalzalah):

فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَه

So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.

“But if there is a good deed done, He doubles it”.

Meaning, multiplied up to tenfold or even more, depending on the deed, its benefit, the situation of the doer, their level of sincerity, love for Allah, and the perfection of the deed.

“And (He – Allah) gives from Himself a great reward”.

Meaning, not only the reward for the deed itself but also guidance towards other good actions and the provision of abundant blessings and goodness. [1]

 

Second Reminder: Anyone who gives up something for Allah’s sake will be given something better in its place!

This matter is found in many places in the Qur’an. Allah mentioned it in relation to the first immigrants who left their homes, wealth, and loved ones behind for the sake of Allah, thus, Allah substituted that for them with increased provision, honour, and authority in the worldly life.

When Ibrahim, peace be upon him, disassociated himself from his people, his father, and that which they worshipped other than Allah [i.e. departed after his father threatened to stone him for rejecting the idols], Allah bestowed on him Ishaq, Yaqub, and righteous offspring. When Sulayman, peace be upon him, was diverted from remembering Allah by his horses, he got rid of them, thus, Allah substituted them.

فَسَخَّرۡنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجۡرِى بِأَمۡرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيۡثُ أَصَابَ
وَٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٍ۬ وَغَوَّاصٍ۬

So, We subjected to him the wind; it blew gently by his order whithersoever he willed. And also the Shayaateen (devils) from the jinn (including) every kind of builder and diver. [Sa’d. 36-37]

When the people of the cave [i.e. the young men mentioned in Surah Al-kahf] separated themselves from their people and what they worshipped other than Allah, Allah bestowed His Mercy on them, facilitated means of success and tranquillity for them, and made them a guide for the misguided.

And (regarding) Maryam, peace be upon her, Allah said:

وَٱلَّتِىٓ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا وَٱبۡنَهَآ ءَايَةً۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

And she who guarded her chastity (virgin Maryam), We breathed into (the sleeves of) her (shirt or garment) (through our Ruh Jibraa-eel), and We made her and her son (Eesa) a sign for the Aalameen (mankind and jinn)]. [Al-Anbiya. Ayah 91]

Whoever gives up what their Nafs call them to – the vain desires, Allah will replace it for them with His love, repentance to Him, and what is better from that which is gathered for them of the pleasures of this life. (2)

 

Third Reminder: Whoever Abandons What is Beneficial Will Be Put to Trial With What Is Harmful!

This is found in a number of verses, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahman (Allah), they were put to trial with the worship of images (idols).

When they displayed haughtiness and claimed that the Messengers were (only) humans (i.e. therefore they are not obliged to follow the Messengers), they were put trial with submission to everything that made (their) intellect and religion unstable.

When Iman was clearly shown to them (i.e. the disbelievers) at the first instance and they recognised it, but then turned away from it, Allah – Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections- turned away, afflicted and sealed their hearts.  Thus, they did not believe until they perceived the painful punishment.

After the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, they were punished- Allah allowed their hearts to stray (due to their own wrong doing) and became confounded in their path (of misguidance).

When they belittled the signs of Allah and His Messengers, Allah belittled them with a humiliating punishment. When they displayed haughtiness, Allah humiliated them in this life and the next.

When they forbade that Allah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allah and strive for their ruin, it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ
فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous”.  ‘Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”. [at-Tawbah. Aayaat 75-77]

The verses that convey this meaning are numerous and in them is that a servant (of Allah) was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after being acquainted, or he renounced it after following it, thus he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allah says about the Yahud [i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Messengership, but turned away from it wilfully]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulayman.  [Al-Baqarah. 101-102]

They abandoned the most sublime, the most beneficial and the most truthful of the Books (i.e. the Qur’an), thus Allah put them to trial with following that which is the most debased, most untruthful, and most harmful. Those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger abandon spending their wealth in obedience to Allah, and (instead) spend it in obedience to Shaytan. (3)

 

Fourth Reminder: Sin Breed Other Similar Sins!

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one”. The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits.

If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. (4)

 

Fifth Reminder: None Can Guide You Except Allah!

“Whoever Allah misguides, then none can guide him”.

This occurs based on Allah’s Perfect Wisdom and Just Decree, as recompense for one’s wickedness (a); due to a hidden plot in one’s heart (b); due one turning away from guidance and behaving as if he does not know Allah’s guidance (c); turning away from Allah’s reminder, which he revealed to his Messenger, turning away from understanding it and not pondering upon it, and that which Allah intends by way of it, thus, Allah leaves such a person with his devil as a punishment – the devil that follows him. So, this devil becomes his ally. (d) This because none submits to Allaah sincerely and truthfully, and performs the deeds of the people of Jannah, except that Allah will never abandon him. (e) Such a person (i.e. the misguided one) was not compelled to go astray, instead he made a choice, but his choice is under the Will of Allah. We do not know what was in the hearts of those who deviate, thus, Allah deviated their hearts; but we know – with absolute certainty – that Allah passes Just Judgments and He does not do injustice to anything; rather, it is the people who wrong themselves. (f)

Sixth Reminder: Keep On Asking Allah!

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Sahih Muslim 2720]

(1) An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

(2) An Excerpt from ‘Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-Tafseeril Quraan’ page 164. By Imam As-Sadi

(3) An Excerpt from ‘Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’an’ Pages 96-97 By Imam As-Sadi

(4) Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)

(a) Tafsir As-Sadi, Surah Israa. Aayah 5

(b) Sharh Arba’een page 87-88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003) by Shaikh Uthaymeen

(c) Zaad Al-Maseer. Tafsir Surah Az-Zukhruf Ayah 36

(d) Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee 136-137. By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim.

(e) Sharh Arba’een page 88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003)- By Shaikh Uthaymeen.

(f]) Sharh Al-Arba’een pages 55-56- 1st edition 1428 (2007)-by Shaikh Salih Aala As-Shaikh, may Allah preserve him.

One of the Most Absurd Psychological Projections and Propaganda Methods of All Time

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Fitnah, History of Islam, Mental Health, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Qur'aan, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin.

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

One of the Most Absurd Psychological Projections and Propaganda Methods of All Time, Engineered to Rewrite Reality

Allah, The Most High, said

وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ ۖ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَن يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ

Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “Leave me to kill Musa (Moses), and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)! I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!” [Ghafir 26]

 إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَنْ يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ

“I fear that he may change your religion” which you are following ;

  أَوْ أَنْ يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ

“or he may cause mischief to appear in the land”.

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

وهذا من أعجب ما يكون، أن يكون شر الخلق ينصح الناس عن اتباع خير الخلق هذا من التمويه والترويج الذي لا يدخل إلا عقل من قال الله فيهم

This is the most astonishing (i.e. in a negative way) situation imaginable, where the worst among creation advises the people against following the best of creation (in his time). This illustrates a degree of deception and propaganda that cannot enter except the minds of those about whom Allah said:

فَٱسْتَخَفَّ قَوْمَهُۥ فَأَطَاعُوهُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا فَٰسِقِينَ

Thus he [Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] befooled and misled his people, and they obeyed him. Verily, they were ever a people who were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Az-Zukhruf 54]

An Excerpt from “Tafsir As-Sadi”

[17] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Marwadhee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, I said to Abu Abdillah (i.e. Imam Ahmad- may Allah have mercy upon him), “What do you think- a man preoccupies himself with fasting, prayers (i.e. optional fasting and prayers) and refrains from speaking against Ahlul Bidah?” He frowned and said: “If he fasts, prays and secludes himself from the people (i.e. he performs optional fasts, prayers and stays away from the people, except when he has to mix with them), he only benefits himself; but if he speaks (i.e. against ahlul bidah), he (benefits) himself and others, and that is better.[1]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah:

Exposing the faults of these ones (i.e. the misguided beliefs and actions of Ahlul Bidah), clarifying their disgraceful acts and their principles is from the best of Jihad in the path of Allah. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Hassan Ibn Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, “The Ruh Al-Qudus (i.e. Jibreel) will continue to support you, so long as you are defending Allah and His Messenger”. He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, (also said to Hasan): “Lampoon them (i.e. Quraish) and Jibril (Gabriel) is with you”. “O Allah! Aid him (i.e. Hasan) with the Ruh Al-Qudus as long as he is defending Your Messenger”. He stated about Hasan’s rebuke against Quraish: “By Allah! It will hurt them more than arrows”.

Thus, how can this not be from Jihad in the path of Allah when it is the case that many of these interpretations (i.e. those uttered by the deviants) are in opposition to the path of the pious predecessors – the Sahabah, the Taab’ieen, Ahlul Hadith and the Imams of Islam – whom Allah granted honour and are mentioned with good praise by the Ummah- and are tantamount to jesting with the texts and harbouring evil suspicion towards them (i.e. the texts), which is a type of the evil speech that was uttred by those who slandered the Messenger and his religion. This is because these false interpretations contain false claims and what is apparent from the speech of its utterer is slander; something that is impossible to ascertain, disbelief, misguidance, Tashbeeh, Tamtheel or deception; then he (i.e. the deviant utterer of such statements) changes them into meanings whose intended aim behind such words is known to be a type of intentional usage of words to cause ingenuity in ascertaining their sound meanings and to cause beguilement, which does not occur from one who intends to give sincere advice and sound clarification. Therefore, defending the speech of Allah and that of His Messenger is from the best of deeds, the most beloved to Allah and the most beneficial for the servant. [2]

Shaikh Al-Islam clarified the misguidance and bidah of some of the extreme Soofees, saying:

It harmful (effects) on the Muslims is greater than the harm of poison they eat, while being unaware of it. The harmful effects of their bidah and misguidance on the Muslims is greater than the harm (perpetrated by the) thieves and deceivers whom they are not aware of being thieves and deceivers. This is because the severest the harm of the thieves and deceivers can be is that it causes the death of a person or loss of his wealth, which is a worldly affliction and may be a means of receiving Allah’s mercy in the afterlife. As for these ones (i.e. the extreme Soofiyyah), they inculcate the (beliefs and acts) of disbelief and hearsay through the sound path of Prophets and the friends of Allah (i.e. they make the people believe that their beliefs, acts of disbelief and hearsay are based on the path of the Prophets and the close friends of Allah). They portray themselves as strivers in the path of Allah, but inwardly they are from those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger. They manifest the statements of the disbelievers and the hypocrites through the statements of the true friends of Allah (by way of forgery and manipulation), thus, a man joins them, while thinking that he will be from the believers and the friends of Allah, but ends up being a hypocrite and an enemy of Allah. [3]

[1] Tabaqaat Al-Hanaabilah 2/216

[2] As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 1/301-302

[3] Majmu 2/360

[16] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If a man commits evil openly, it is obligatory to denounce him openly, and this is not tantamount to backbiting him. It is obligatory to chastise him openly with what would prevent him from (the evil), such as boycotting and other than that. [1]
Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “When should advice be given in private or openly?”
Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so; but if the sin is committed in secret, the advice can only be given in secret. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly, – seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”. [2]
It was said to Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, “The statement of some people or the stipulation of some of them is that it is more correct that advice must be given before refutations are printed- a copy must be sent to the one refuted so that it can be looked into. They say this is from the methodology of the pious predecessors”.
Response: This is not a condition, but if it is possible and it is hoped that affinity will be attained from this approach – in order not to announce the affair amongst the people, then this is undoubtedly a good thing; but as for making it a condition first and foremost, and secondly, making it a general condition, there is no wisdom in this at all. People, as you all know, are like mines of gold and silver [a], so whoever you know – about him – that he is with us on the path- upon the (sound) methodology and that he accepts advice, then you write to him without making his mistake known, and at least in your view this is good. But this is not a condition, and it would have been impossible (to implement fully) even if it were a condition. How would get his address and how would you be able to correspond with him? Also, will he send you a response or not? These are completely speculative affairs. This condition is very difficult to fulfil, and therefore the issue is not taken as a condition. [3]
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “Our Shaikh, one of the affairs that have become circulated and have aroused an intense feeling among the Salafis, is that there are people who claim that advice is obligatory before warning. Is there a statement you can give in this matter?”
Response: I answered this question before – may Allah bless you. We have been put to trial with these types of affairs, so you find a person spreading falsehoods, lies, and slander against others- both about individuals and in general; and if you give him advice or (respond with) criticism or something, he says, “Why did they not warn me, why did they not advise me, and why did they not explain to me”. (These statements of this person are) corrupt excuses. We seek from these people to repent to Allah and return to the truth with complete good manners and humility, and to leave such excuses. Assume that this one made a mistake and did not speak, and did not advise you, then (still) return to the truth and reprimand him thereafter. As for spreading (trouble) amongst the people and persisting in your falsehood and your mistakes, and saying, “They did not do and they did”, this is empty talk. It is obligated to a believer to return to Allah (in obedience, repentance, etc). You publish your mistakes in books, tapes, etc. If you hid your mistakes and committed them in the darkness of your house – (known only to) you and Allah, then this person discovers you, he would advise you – between you and him (only). As for disseminating your statements and (publicising) deeds in the world, then someone comes and publishes- meaning, replies to you (or rebuts you), there is nothing wrong with this -May Allah bless you. Leave these excuses (arise) from many of the people of falsehood who are rebellious in falsehood and stubbornness. [4]
[1] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 28/217
[2] Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993
[a] Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “People are like mines of gold and silver; those who were excellent in Jahiliya (during the days of ignorance) are excellent In Islam, when they have an understanding (in the religion), and the souls are troops collected together and those who had a mutual familiarity amongst themselves would have affinity amongst them, and those who opposed one of them, would be at variance with one another”. [Saheeh Muslim 2638]
[3] Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor. Number 63

[1] O Mumayyi’ah! Dr. Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli’s Ambiguities Are Not a Safe Haven

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Categories, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli stated that it is obligatory to know that Ahlus Sunnah are the people (who) comply with Islam completely in creed and (good) manners, and that from lack of understanding is to think that indeed a Sunni or Salafi is the one who actualises (establishes) the creed of Ahlus Sunnah without (having) concern for (good) Islamic manners and etiquettes, and not fulfilling the rights of others etc.

Then Dr Ar-Ruhayli quoted a statement of Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, in Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah concerning matters that Ahlus Sunnah call to such as enjoining good and forbidding evil, performance of the Hajj, Jihad, the Juma’ah (prayer) and the Eid prayer alongside the rulers whether they (i.e. the rulers) are righteous or sinful.

Also that Ahlus Sunnah preserve the congregational (prayers), give sincere advice to the Muslim Ummah and believe in the statement of the [Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]: “A believer is like a structure (or building) for another believer, some parts of which support the other parts.” Then the Prophet clasped his fingers together to explain] and the statement of the [Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]: “The mutual love, mercy and affection between the believers are like one body; if one limb is hurt the whole body becomes restless with fever”.

And that Ahlus Sunnah advice (people) to exercise patience during times of calamity and to be grateful in times of ease, and being pleased with what has been pre-decreed. They call to noble manners and good deeds, and they believe in the meaning of the statement: “The most perfect believer is the one with the best manners”.

They (Ahlus Sunnah) urge (people) to keep ties with the one who cuts you off and give to the one who denies you (something). They command (people and themselves) to treat parents with kindness and respect, to keep the ties of kinship and treat neighbours with kindness. They forbid boasting and conceit; transgression and attacking others – whether due to right (i.e. in seeking after a right of theirs) or without right. They command (people and themselves) with noble manners and forbid lowly manners. All they say and do in this regard is carried out whilst adhering to the Book and the Sunnah etc.

Response:

Concerning Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli’s statement that from lack of understanding is to think that indeed a Sunni or Salafi is the one who actualises (establishes) the creed of Ahlus Sunnah without (having) concern for (good) Islamic manners and etiquettes etc, Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, replied to him, saying that the one who establishes (fulfils) the creed of Ahlus Sunnah and follows their methodology – (and establishes correct) alliance and disassociation (based on this methodology), but falls short in his manners, he does not exit the fold of Ahlus Sunnah and enter into the fold of Bidah. We do not know from Ahlus Sunnah (i.e. their Imams, Scholars and notables – the Salaf and khalaf) that they declared a person an innovator due to his shortcomings related to good manners. Even if a follower of the Sunnah fell into some sins, he does not exit the fold of the Sunnah.

And besides this, Ahlus Sunnah of this era are like their predecessors, for they believe in the sound issues of creed and follow the great paths of the Islamic legislation. They establish these great deeds (i.e. they strive in establishing those affairs mentioned by Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah) and noble manners, which the sects of Fitan and misguidance cannot catch up with them in that regard. However, the people of Fitan and slander hurl accusations at them- out of oppression and transgression- that they do not possess good manners or that they are deprived of good manners. This criminal act carried out to oppose Ahlus Sunnah is not something that has occurred in this era, rather it is a repetition of the fabrications of the people of falsehood-the Mutazilah and other than them- and foremost among them were An-Nidham and Al-Jahiz. These fabricators (i.e. Al-Jaahiz and An-Nadh-dhaam) of lies against Ahlus Sunnah of old and Ahlus Sunnah of the present era are the vilest people with regards to their manners through lies, deceptions and slanders in their statements and actions. These evil manners are possessed by Ahlus Sunnah’s adversaries in this era, but they are merely inheritors (i.e. they inherited these evil manners from the old adversaries of Ahlus Sunnah), especially those who wear a false gown of Salafiyyah in this era- those we have referred to in this research (i.e. Al-Maribi, Al-Halabi, and their ilk). [1]

On page 26: Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Unfortunately there are a people who conceal refutations (directed at) the people of falsehood and error.  They are excited to ally with them and defend them, while they are harsh and disapproving towards those who refute falsehood and error.  They betray them (i.e. those who refute error) with a severe betrayal and make people think that this (deed of theirs is) softness and wisdom, while it is from the severest types of calamity and trials-the (very) affair that emboldens the people of falsehood to persist in their falsehood and spread their trials and tribulations worldwide. If only this type of (people) realised the dangerous end results of their stances, (so) we ask Allah to (grant) them guidance and clear-sightedness and to realise their obligation with regards to aiding the Dawah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and not fearing the blame of the blamers. [2]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, discussed something regarding refutation and who is worthy of carrying it out against a person who opposes the truth, because Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli laid down conditions whose fulfilment would be impossible in many Muslim lands. Dr Ar-Ruhayli stated that refutation is to be carried out by a scholar who is firmly grounded in knowledge- the scholar who knows the subject matter of the refutation in detail, its legislated evidences, the statements of the scholars regarding it, the extent of a disputant’s opposition against the truth, the origin (or basis) of the disputant’s doubts, the refutations of the scholars against the doubt and benefiting from the statements of the scholars in that regard. Also, it is obligatory that the refuter clearly distinguishes (or makes the affair distinct) through strong proofs in order to establish the truth in order to remove the doubt – utilising precise expressions so that nothing appears to the refuter or he understands something which the disputant does not intend. If this is not the case (i.e. if these conditions are not fulfilled according to Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli), then great harm will occur through the one who embarks upon refuting, but did not fulfil these conditions.

Then Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded to Dr Ibraaheem as follows:

Well done to Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli for stating that refutation should be carried out by a scholar who is firmly grounded in knowledge, but the fulfilment of all those characteristics is neither found in every refuter nor in every refutation; therefore, if we were to make it a condition for every refuter and every refutation, corruption will appear and all the Ummah will be overcome except an odd number of people”.

Then, the Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“It is ascertained that the fulfilment of these conditions cannot be achieved (i.e. in every refuter and refutation) because you cannot find Salafi scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge in the majority of the Muslim lands, but there are students of knowledge. However, despite this, Allah has benefitted (the people and the lands) through these students with regards to the spread of Tawhid, refutations against the Shirkiyyaat, bidah and superstitions”.

Then, the Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“And I ask Dr Ibrahim, if there is a land or lands where there is widespread bidah and evil deeds, the bidah of at-Ta’teel (negation of Allah’s Attributes), the Bidah of the Qadariyyah, the bidah of Irjaa, the bidah of Shirk related to the graves (i.e. seeking intercession from the dead in the graves or calling upon them), consumption of alcohol and violating women’s honour, however, there is no Salafi scholar or scholars (in those lands) who are firmly grounded in knowledge and do not fulfil those conditions (i.e. the conditions stated by Dr Ibraaheem), but there are students of knowledge who have read Usool Ath-Thalatha, Kashf Shubuhaat and Kitaab At-Tawheed of Imam Muhammad Bin Abdil-Wahhab, Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah and Al-Hamawiyyah of Shaikh Al- Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Umdah Al-Ahkaam of Imam Abdul-Ghaniy Al-Maqdisiy or Bulugh Al-Maram of Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr, then would it not be obligatory that they reject these evils in accordance with the knowledge they possess, or is it obligated to them to keep quiet due to the fact that they are not firmly grounded in knowledge etc…..? I believe that indeed Dr Ibraaheem will answer that it is obligated to them to reject these evils and put a stop to them in accordance with the knowledge and ability they possess, in fulfilment of Allah’s (command):

وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful ones. [Aal Imraan. 104]

And in fulfilment of the Messenger’s (command), “Whosoever of you sees an evil deed, then let him (stop) it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then let him (stop it) with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart (i.e. hate it, consider it to be wrong and keep away from it) and this is the weakest of Iman”.

Therefore, whoever among them (i.e. those students of knowledge) has Sultan (i.e. authority, knowledge or allowed within the law of the land ), it is obligated to him to stop these evils with his hand and tongue. The one who does not have Sultan, it is obligated to him to stop these evils with his tongue, his pen (i.e. through writing) or his stature (amongst the people). I do not think that either a scholar or a student of knowledge would be in opposition to this. I believe that if those students of knowledge whom I have described (i.e. the ones who find themselves in those lands in which such evils are present) remain silent about stopping those evils, they would be included in the statement of Allah:

لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَىٰ لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ
كَانُوا لَا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَن مُّنكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. [Al-Maa’idah. 78-79] [3]

Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli carried on with his discussion and this time he addressed the subject matter of refutation, the refuter and the one refuted from another angle- stating that in a refutation, consideration has to be given to the differences between those in opposition to the truth, such as the level of the error, and the religious and worldly status of the Mukhaalif (i.e. the one who is upon an error that is in opposition to the truth).

Dr Ibraaheem also stated that consideration should be given to what triggered (or caused) the Mukhaalafah (i.e. the mistake or error that is in opposition to the truth), as to whether it was due to ignorance, or due to desires and innovation, or due to incorrect use of words (expressions etc), or due to a slip of the tongue, or due to being influenced by a Shaikh or the people of the country, or due to at-Taweel (erroneous or false interpretation of the texts), or other than these many reasons that are in opposition to the Islamic legislation. Then Dr Ibraaheem stated that the one who does not make a note of these different affairs and take them into consideration whilst engaged in refutation, he may either fall into some negligence or exaggeration-making his speech either not beneficial to others or end up having little benefit.

Response:

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded to the above statement of Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli, saying that this entire statement is based on [Ijmaalaat –generalities], thus, we hope that Dr Ibraaheem will explain these generalities, give examples and establish proofs for them; but if not, many of the readers will fall into confusion. The one who approves these statements (i.e. those restrictions whose necessary explanations, examples and proofs have not been provided by Dr Ibraaheem) will refrain from giving sincere advise due to the presence of those (unwarranted) restrictions (stated by Dr Ibraaheem in the subject matter of refutations).

Then Shaikh Rabee stated: Is it that if a scholar or a student of knowledge sees a people making [Istighaatha- beseeching for help from other than Allah (in that which only Allah can do) and offering sacrifice to those beseeched besides Allah], and so on; is it then obligated to him (i.e. that scholar or student of knowledge) to know the differences between those people who are committing that deed and what led them to that deed? (i.e. does this scholar or student firstly have to know their different statuses in the religion and their worldly status, and what led them to that evil before rejecting the deed and explaining that what they are doing is wrong etc ?!) Does the book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger demonstrate this? Allah, The Most High, said:

فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

(And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. [4:59]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whosoever of you sees an evil deed, then let him (stop) it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then let him (stop it) with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart (i.e. hate it, consider it to be wrong and keep away from it) and this is the weakest of Iman”.

The Messenger did not bring any of those restrictions that have been mentioned by Dr Ibraaheem. And despite the numerous books of the Salaf and the numerous statements in them about refuting bidah and evil affairs, we do not find intense restrictions in them.

Yes, it is incumbent that the refutation carried by a scholar is based on evidences from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, together with an appropriate manner fit for the purpose, which may either require leniency and gentleness (sometimes) or force against the one who is haughty and obstinate (at other times). Both these approaches do not negate wisdom, for indeed wisdom is to place something in its rightful place. However, this does not make it obligated on the refuter to know what led to the bidah or the act of disobedience because that is only known to Allaah. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

”I have not been ordered (by Allah) to search the hearts of the people or cut open their bellies (i.e. to seek after what is hidden, when it is the fact that those things are only known to Allah)”[Al-Bukhaari 4351]

Amir Al-Mumineen Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good.”

Therefore, it is incumbent to make matters easy for the callers to Allah and those who defend Allah’s religion (i.e. do not place unwarranted restrictions in front of them when they refute the opposers of truth). The Messenger said:  ”Make things easy for the people, and do not make things difficult for them and give them glad tidings and do not repel them.” [Al-Bukhari’ 69]

Just as the callers to Allah should facilitate ease [i.e. within the boundaries of the Islamic legislation], likewise ease should be facilitated for them [i.e. within the boundaries of the Islamic legislation] when they disapprove of evil. They are not to be accused of Tashaddud [i.e. that they are over-stringent, when it is the case that the one who accuses them has provided no evidence to justify his accusation] and Ghluww [i.e. that they are extreme- going beyond the boundaries of the Islamic legislation, when it is the case that the one who hurls this accusation at them has provided no evidence to justify his accusation], which they are being accused of at present by this accuser [i.e. Al-Halabi, Al-Maribi etc] in order to oppose and revile Ahlus Sunnah. It is not permissible to place obstacles in front of Ahlus Sunnah, which will weaken their resolve in spreading the truth and defending it. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “‘You have indeed been sent to make things easy, and you have not been sent to make things difficult.” [Abu Dawud Number 380]

Placing numerous heavy restrictions in front of those who refute the people of desires and misguidance is from the severest types of making affairs difficult and the furthest from facilitating ease. [4]

Dr Ibraaheem also argued that one of the mistakes that are rife is that when a scholar refutes a Mukhaalif, or issues a Fatwa as a warning against a mistake, many of the students of knowledge who ascribe to the Sunnah would seek from (other) students and the scholars to clarify their stance towards that refutation or fatwa, rather the affair has reached a state in which even the small students of knowledge and the common people are asked to determine their stance towards the refuter and the one refuted, then based on this, they would determine loyalty, disassociation and boycotting, until maybe some of the students boycott their Shuyukh whom they have benefitted from in knowledge and sound creed for many years; and maybe the trial reaches the houses, so you find a brother boycotting his brother and a son disrespecting his parents; and maybe a wife is divorced and the little children are separated due to this (trial).

As for when you look at the society, you find that they are divided into two parties or more- every party pursues the other with rebuke and making it binding to boycott the other group. All this (fitnah) between those who ascribe to the Sunnah- those amongst whom one group was unable to rebuke the Aqeedah of the other and the soundness of its Manhaj before the occurrence of this differing. The basis of this (problem) is either due to ignorance in exceeding the boundaries of the Sunnah and the principles regarding the manner in Ahlus Sunnah should show disapproval (against a mistake) or due to desires.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded to Ibraaheem as follows:

It was obligated to Dr Ibraaheem, those scholars who remained silent and other than them – (i.e. those knew about the fitnah) – to confront this trial or trials and strike at the place it was rooted. The painful situation (which Dr Ibraaheem) describes should make him and others ready to stand up and fulfil this (communal obligation-Fard kifaa’iy- by refuting the initiator of the fitnah). It is plausible that the cause of this great Fitna and what has come about by way of it resulted from the silence of those who refused to fulfil this communal obligation, whose goal has not been fulfilled through the refutation issued by one person….

Then Al-Allamah Rabee stated that Dr Ibraheem should contemplate on the Fiqh of those Ahlus Sunnah who have preceded and their togetherness in fulfilling this great obligation! Imam Ibnul Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated while disapproving of Ahlul Bidah in Madaarij As-Saalikeen, “And due to this, the Salaf’s and Imams’ disapproval of Bidah was severe and they spoke out (loudly) against its people from the various regions of the earth. They warned against their fitnah with a more severe warning and did so to an extent that was not the same as their disapproval against lewd acts, oppression and aggression, because the harm of bidah, its destructive (effects) and negation (of the religion) is more severe.

Then Al-Allamah Rabee asked Dr Ibraaheem about this Fard Kifaayah in relation to Jihad [Footnote A]-that for example Jihad is from the Furood al-Kifaayaat (Communal obligations), thus, if one person goes for Jihad in order to repel a threat faced by Islam and the Muslims, will the legislated Islamic goal of this Jihad be fulfilled by one person; or if hundreds of people went but neither the legislated Islamic goal is fulfilled nor is the threat repelled, then would it be permissible for the scholars to remain silent in such circumstances; or is it obligatory that they exhort the people to go for Jihad in order to fulfil this communal obligation, because there has to be sufficient numbers of people to fulfil this (Communal) obligation in order to put a stop to the threat face by the rest of the Muslims? And if this sufficient numbers that are required to carry out this obligation is not reached, then indeed all the Muslims are regarded to be sinful in such a case and held responsible for the harm that comes to Islam and the Muslims.

Likewise, this (i.e. the availability of sufficient numbers to fulfil this communal obligation) is the same thing stated with regards to enjoining good and forbidding evil, because there has to be sufficient numbers to prevent the Fitnah, if one, ten or twenty are unable to do so. Therefore, it becomes clear (from the above example) that many of the students- those who ascribe themselves to the sunnah- who seek from the Scholars to clarify their stances have sought after something appropriate and correct if there is a sound reason for seeking after it. It is not to be regarded a mistake (as Dr Ibraaheem claims) and the mistaken one is the one who declares those students to be mistaken. The silence of the scholars at the time of a need or necessity to clarify the truth is tantamount to concealment of the truth and it is from those grave mistakes that will result in corruption, trials, splitting of the people into two groups, two parties, boycotting one another and so on…..

Then Al-Allaamah Rabee finally stated that it was obligated to Dr Ibraaheem to clarify the affair of the oppressive obstinate one who initiated this dreadful fitnah, which has reached this grave state described by (Dr Ibraaheem), so that the people- especially the common people- would be upon clear-sightedness in their religion, and so that they adhere to the truth and reject falsehood, and so that their loyalty and disassociation is established upon clear-sightedness. [5]

Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli, may Allah grant him the Tawfiq to rectify his ambiguities, stated:

It is obligatory to preserve the status and acknowledge the position of those scholars of Ahlus Sunnah who are known for their sound creed and Ijtihaad in aiding the Sunnah. It is not permissible to diminish their worth; declaring them innovators; accusing them of (following) desires or bigoted partisanship merely due to their mistakes in Ijtihad.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, responded once again by pointing out to Dr Ruhayli that this statement of his is indisputable (in the view) of Ahlus Sunnah regarding those who are known for their sound creed and ijtihad in aiding the Sunnah- even though errors may occur from them in the intricate issues of the religion and those matters whose reality or evidence is not apparent to some people; however their status is preserved and their positions acknowledged. No one speaks ill of them except a person of desires just as is the case with the people of desires.

However, if the deviation is related to the manifestly clear issues, such as when this claimant to the Sunnah:

Defends the people of bidah and misguidance- those who propagate the falsehood of Wahdatul Wujood, the negation of Allah’s Attributes, revilement of the companions of the Messenger, the eternity of the souls and other than these clear issues of misguidance;

or he defends- by way of lies and treachery- those who hold the view regarding Wahdatul Adyaan etc and other manifest matters of misguidance, which are even rejected by (other) people of bidah and misguidance;

and in addition to this, he wages war against Ahlus Sunnah-seeking to devalue their scholars, considers them to be extremists and that they are from those who utilise odd speech when confronting the people of misguidance and when refuting their innovations;

innovates false principles in order to contradict the Usul of Ahlus Sunnah- [such as the false principle “we rectify mistakes but we do not refute.” And some of them say: “we rectify mistakes but we do not destroy.” And the false principle: ‘I am not obliged (or obligated)]- by way of which they seek to reject truth that is clear as the sun;

and he also applies the term ‘Ahlus Sunnah Wal -Ittibaa’ to the people of bidah and the misguided paths that include Shirk, Bidah and Wahdatul Wujood;

describes Ahlus Sunnah with the words scum, vile, extremists, blind followers, bigots and other wicked speech against Ahlus Sunnah; and in addition, he describes the Sahaabah with the word ‘Ghuthaa- scum’ and does not consider this description to be revilement if it is uttered by the likes of himself…..

(Then), with regards to this category of people whose state of affairs is as such, it is not permissible for a sane person- who is acquainted with the Sunnah and honours the Sunnah- that he considers such people to be from Ahlus Sunnah; or asking the people to preserve their status and acknowledge their ranks; or forbids the people from declaring them innovators; or forbids the people from accusing them of following desires and bigotry, despite the fact that their evil desires, misguidances trials and illegal partisanship to the senior people of misguidance are all manifest, while on the other hand their war against Ahlus Sunnah is clear and manifest, for indeed Ahlus Sunnah and their Imams declare (a person) an innovator due to (matters) that are far lesser than these calamities.

And we find Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying about the one who reviles Ahlul Hadeeth: “(He is a) heretic, a heretic!’’  Ahlus Sunnah stated about this ruling of Imam Ahmad -and from them Shaikh Al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, who stated with emphasis: “This is because he (Ahmad) knew its significance”. Imam Abu Zur’ah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever diminishes the worth of a single one among the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a heretic”. Ahlus Sunnah transmitted this statement and no one opposed it. And here are the books of Creed and the books of Jarh Wat-Tadeel in the presence of the people.

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا
يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise). [Al-Ahzaab. 70-71] [6]

To be continued InShaAllah

[Footnote A] Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

All quotes paraphrased

[1] Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal’ pages 20-21.

[2] Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehah Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhaylee Min Al-Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal. page 26

[3] An Excerpt from “Bayan Maa Fee Nasihati Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Al-Ikhlaal’ pages 48-50

[4] Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal’ pages 50-53

[5] Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem ar’Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal’ pages 62-63

[6] Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal. Pages 63-64