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Author: Abdullah Jallow

Wagers allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows”. [Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud 2574]

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

“Wagers and gifts are only deserved in the context of horse and camel racing, as well as similar activities, and in archery, which is considered a form of combat preparation. This is because these activities serve as means of readiness in the fight against the enemy, and offering rewards for them encourages and motivates participation in jihad. However, engaging in races that do not pertain to military preparation or do not enhance one’s capability for Jihad is prohibited, and taking a reward for such races is not permissible.” [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated:

“If one of the participants or an outsider were to offer a reward, it would fall under the category of prizes. Such practices are prohibited, except in cases that yield benefits, such as competitions and contests, as indicated in the hadith: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels or horses or shooting arrows”. This is because offering money for purposes that do not serve a beneficial role in either religion or worldly matters is forbidden, even if it does not constitute gambling. [2]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Prophet permitted competitions involving rewards in three specific activities, while prohibiting them in others. This exception serves to distinguish these activities from gambling or its close resemblance, as competitions that involve a reward can lead to a situation where one party benefits at the expense of another, which is the essence of gambling. If one were to inquire why these three activities are allowed, the response is that they serve to support Jihad in the path of Allah. Camels are utilised to carry the belongings and weapons of the fighters, as well as to transport the fighters themselves. The arrows are employed by the combatants to defend themselves and to attack their enemies. Similarly, the horse is used for charging and retreating, making it a valuable asset in warfare and in the pursuit of jihad for the sake of Allah. [3] [End of quotes]

NB: Any specific alternative form of competition that could be viewed as supportive of Jihad [Footnote a] or advantageous in religious or worldly matters should be directed to scholars for a specific Fatwa. This is to prevent ourselves from making personal analogies that may lead to the endorsement of what is impermissible or the prohibition of what is permissible. Thus, it is incumbent upon us to seek the guidance of scholars where one believes there may be a justification for their intended actions.

Footnote a: Read: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

[1] Ma’alim al-Sunan. (2/255)

[2] Majmu Al-Fataawaa 32/223]

[3]https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=33043 paraphrased

Caution to Ourselves, Our Children, and Companions: The Peril of Pushing Concessions Too Far

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her,  reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did something and allowed his people to do it, but some people refrained from doing it. When the Prophet learned of that, he delivered a sermon, and after having praised Allah, he said, “What is wrong with such people who refrain from doing a thing that I do? By Allah, I know Allah better than they, and I am more afraid of Him than they.” [Al-Bukhari 6101]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father,  reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, Allah loves for you to take His concessions, just as He loves you to fulfill the things He has obligated.” [Sahih Ibn Hibban 354]

 

Unjustified Pursuit of Concessions and Odd Matters

Ibrahim Ibn Abee Ablah (died 152AH – may Allah have mercy upon him) said, “He who carries the odd affairs of knowledge carries a lot of evil”. [1]

Abdur Rahmaan Bin Mahdi (died 198AH – may Allah have mercy upon him) said, “The one who pursues the odd affairs of knowledge cannot be an Imam in knowledge”. [2]

Imam ash-Shaatibee, may Allah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the attitude of unjustified pursuit of concessions, “This arises from following one’s desires. Desire leads to a ‘too easy going attitude’ and the pursuit of concessions for oneself and others. So, you see him (i.e. such person) adopting that for himself or passing that judgment for his relative or friend, which he would not do for another person, due to the desire of that relative and friend”. [3]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “If a Mukallaf [i.e. the sane one who has reached the age in which the obligations of the Shariah are obligated to him or her] seeks after concessions in the Madhabs in every affair that is difficult for him and every statement that agrees with his desires, then he will remove himself from the firm handhold of piety and persist upon the pursuit of desires”. [4]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated regarding the attitude of the unjustified pursuit of concessions: “This arises from following one’s desires. Desire leads to a too easy going attitude and the pursuit of concessions for oneself and others. So, you see him adopting that for himself or passing that judgment for his relative or friend, which he would not do for another person due to the desire of that relative and friend”. [5]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said: “If a Mukallaf [i.e. the sane one who has reached the age when the obligations of the Shariah are obligated on him or her] seeks after concessions in the Madhabs in every affair that is difficult for him and every statement that agrees with his desires, then he will remove himself from the firm handhold of piety and persist upon the pursuit of desires”. [6]

“f desires enter (a person), it leads to following the ambiguous matters out of being eager to prevail and become victorious through establishing excuses in issues related to difference of opinion (or differing); but rather it leads to splitting, disharmony, enmity, and hatred due to the different desires and lack of (sound) agreement; however, the Shariah came to curtail (vain) desires completely. If some of the premises of the evidence were not established except through desires, it would not result except in following desires and that is contrary to the Shariah, and opposing the Shariah is not fr of the Shariah at all. Therefore, following desires concerning what one may regard to be adherence to the Shariah is tantamount to misguidance.”. [7]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

It is obligated to you to adhere to evidence and not (seek) concessions. Some of the pious predecessors said: “Whoever pursues concessions may fall into Zandaqah (hypocrisy or disbelief). Every Mad’hab contains some errors- some mistakes from some of its followers or from the Imam to whom it is attributed, who may have erred in some narrations or some hadiths were hidden from him. Therefore, a student of knowledge should not chase after concessions. If there is a difference of opinion on an issue and it is not one about which there is consensus, there are treatises among the people of knowledge, and the student of knowledge should (diligently) search for evidence and examine the more compelling statement or the one supported by stronger evidence, then he takes that which is established based on evidence and he does not chase after concessions. [8]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

The facilitation of ease is what aligns with the essence of the religion. From this, we know that when two scholars differ in their opinions and it is not clear which view carries greater weight, neither in terms of evidence nor derivation of proofs, and both are reputable scholars in their knowledge and trustworthiness and the evidence is not clear as well as the derivation of proofs, yet they hold differing views—one being more stringent than the other—whom should we follow? The response: We should follow the easier option and it is said (we follow) the more stringent one, as it is deemed more cautious. However, this statement requires further examination, as the most cautious approach would be what aligns more with the Shariah and the easier option would be what aligns more with the Shariah. [9]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

The jurists -may Allāh have mercy upon them, defined Muru’ah [manliness, sense of honour, honourable behaviour] in the Book of Testimonies, stating: “Doing what beautifies and adorns (a person’s character), while avoiding what may tarnish one’s character or reputation. This definition is general. Anything that beautifies and adorns you in the eyes of the people, and serves as a reason for praise for you, is considered Muru’ah, even if it does not fall under acts of worship. And everything opposite of this is contrary to Muru’ah. [10]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] was asked about those who follow the legislated Islamic concessions?

He replied: The religion is an Amaanah- an amaanah between the slave and his Lord. It’s obligatory that he fulfils it (the religious duties) as Allah and his messenger have commanded. Whoever performs the obligations, refrains from the prohibited affairs, (does) that which he is able from the Mustahabbaat (recommended deeds) and abandons the Makroohaat (disliked actions), this is the Amaanah between the slave and his lord. The concessions are only allowed when there is a need and necessity (to utilise) them. Utilise them in accordance with necessity- with a need for the concession. Just like the sick person combines between two prayers, performs Tayyamum if he cannot use water for purification and doesn’t fast in Ramadhaan (i.e. when travelling etc), and a traveler shortens the prayers. This is a religious concession used at the time of its requirement. As for using concessions in other than their correct place (i.e. situation), then this is not permissible. Allah did not permit that for him (in such situation). Indeed He (Allaah) only placed the concessions at specified times and situations, and they are not used in other than these (times and situations). Therefore, it is obligated to the Muslim that he fears Allah and that he establishes that which Allah has obligated to him. [11]

Reminder to Those Youth You Have Gone to Study And Are Teachers or Will Be Teachers In Future InShaAllah

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

“The loftiest ambition in pursuit of knowledge is to acquire knowledge from the Qur’an and the Sunnah- to be granted understanding by Allah [i.e. blessed to acquire sound knowledge and act upon it] and through the Sunnah of the Messenger, and acquaint oneself with the boundaries of the revelation [i.e. neither going into excess nor being lackadaisical]. And the most baseless ambition of the students of knowledge is to confine their ambitions in following the bizarre affairs and that which has neither occurred nor has it been revealed, or acquainting (oneself) with the differences of opinion and pursuing the statements of the scholars, whilst having no ambition to acquaint oneself with what is correct among those statements. Little is there to benefit from the knowledge of these people”. [12]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

We have decided to explain the book “Hilya Talib Al-Ilm” after consultations and suggestions from our students at the central Masjid. This is because if a student of knowledge lacks virtuous character, then there is no benefit in his pursuit of knowledge; instead it is obligated to a person that whenever he acquires knowledge of something related to virtuous deeds or acts of worship, he (strives) to implement it. If he does not do so, then he and the ignorant person will be the same; rather, the ignorant person may be in a better position because he deliberately abandons it  unlike the ignorant person. This is because the ignorant person may act if he knows unlike the one who knows yet does not follow. Therefore, I urge both myself and you to embody virtuous manners, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, and kindness to the best of our abilities. This is besides the great advice – fear of Allāh – about which Allāh says:

وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ

And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allah, and keep your duty to Him. [An-Nisa 131] [13]

Al-Allaamah Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, ay Allah have mercy upon him] said, “And know that some of the sincere ones fall into error by the will of Allah as a trial for others, as to whether they will follow the truth and abandon his speech, or be deceived by his virtuousness and lofty (status)? He (i.e. this sincere scholar) is excused; rather he is rewarded for striving to reach the correct verdict and his intention to reach good, and he is not degraded. However, the one who follows him (out of being) deceived by his great (status) without turning towards the real evidences in Allah’s Book (i.e. the Qur’an) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), he is not excused; rather he is upon a great danger”. [14]

 

[1] Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 6/324

[2] At-Tamheed 1/64 by Ibn Abdil Barr

[3] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 5/84

[4]Al-Muwaafaqaat. 3/123

[5] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 5/84

[6] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 3/123

[7] Al-Muwaafaqaat 5/221

[8] Paraphrased:

عليك أن تأخذ بالدليل، لا بالرخص، قال بعض السلف: من تتبع الرخص؛ تزندق، كل مذهب يكون فيه بعض الأغلاط، بعض الأخطاء من بعض أتباعه، أو من الإمام الذي هو منسوب إليه أنه غلط في بعض الروايات، وأنه خفي عليه بعض الأحاديث، فطالب العلم لا يتتبع الرخص.
وإذا كان في المسألة خلاف، ما هي بمسألة إجماع، فهناك رسائل بين أهل العلم، فطالب العلم يتحرى الدليل، وينظر في أقرب القولين، أو الأقوى للدليل، فيأخذ بما قام عليه

الدليل، لا بتتبع الرخص

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2138/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%A1

[9]  Paraphrased:

التيسير هو الموافق لروحِ الدِّينِ، مِن هُنَا نَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ إِذَا اخْتَلَفَ عَالِمِانَ فِي رَأْي ولم يتبين لنا الأَرْجَحُ من قوليها لا من حَيْثُ الدَّلِيلِ، وَلا مِن حَيْثُ الاسْتِدْلَالُ وكُلُّهُمْ عُلَماءُ ثَقَاتِ فِي عِلْمِهِمْ وَأَمَانَتِهِمْ، وَالْأَدلَّةُ لِيسَتْ وَاضِحَةً، وَالاسْتِدْلَالُ كَذَلِكَ، لكن اخْتَلَفَ رَأَيْهَا، أَحَدُهُمَا أَشَدُّ مِن الثَّانِي، فَمَنْ نَتَّبِعُ؟
الجواب: تَتَّبِعُ الأَيْسَرَ ، وقيل : الأَشَدَّ؛ لَأَنَّهُ أَحْوَطُ؛ وهذا القَوْلُ فِيهِ نَظَرُ؛ لأن
الأَحْوَطَ مَا كَانَ أَوْفَقَ لِلشَّرْعِ، وَالأَيْسَرُ هُوَ الأَوْفَقُ لِلشَّرْعِ

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 202. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal

[10] Paraphrased:

والمَرُوءَةُ حَدَّهَا الفقهاء . – رحمهم الله – في
كتاب الشهادات، فقالوا هي: فِعْلُ ما يُجَمِّلُهُ ويُزَيِّنُهُ، وَاجْتِنَابُ مَا يُدَنَّسُهُ وَيُشِيةٌ
وهذه عبارة عَامَّةٌ ، كُلُّ شَيْءٍ يُجَمِّلُكَ عِنْدَ النَّاسِ، وَيُزَيِّنُكَ وَيَكُونُ سَبَبًا للثَّنَاءِ عَلَيْكَ
فهو مَرُوعَةٌ، وإن لم يكن مِنَ العِبادات، وكلُّ شيء عَكْسُ ذلك فهو خلاف المروءة

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 7. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal. page 50

[11] Translated by Abu Aa’isha Amjad Khan. http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/13751

[12] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. Page 99

[13] Paraphrased:

فقد قَرَّرْنَا شَرْحَ كتاب «حِلْيَةُ طَالِبِ الْعِلْمِ»، بعد مُشَاوَرَةٍ واقتراح الطلبة لدينا في الجامع؛ وذلك لأنَّ طالب العلم إذا لم يَتَحَلَّ بالأخلاقِ الفَاضِلَةِ فَإِن طَلَبَهُ لِلْعِلْمِ لا فائدة فيه، لكن يَجِبُ على الإنسان كُلَّمَا عَلِمَ شَيْئًا مِن الْفَضَائِلِ أو العِبَادَاتِ أن يقوم به، فإذا لم يفعل فهو والجاهل سواءٌ، بَلِ الْجَاهِلُ أَحْسَنُ حَالًا منه، لأنَّه تَرَكَ الفَضْلَ عن عَمْدٍ بخلاف الجاهل، ولأنَّ الجاهل رُبَّمَا يَنْتَفِعُ إِذا عَلِمَ،
بخلاف من عَلِمَ ولم يَنتَفِعُ .
فلهذا أحثُّ نفسي وإِيَّاكُمْ على التَّحَلي بالأخلاقِ الفَاضِلَةِ، وَالصَّبْرِ والمُصَابَرَةِ، والعفو والإحسان، بقدر المستطاع، هذا بقطع النظر عن الوصية الكبرى، وهي الوَصِيَّةُ بتقوى الله – عز وجل، التي قال الله – تعالى – فيها
وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 7. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal

[14] Raf’ul Ish-tibaah. page 152

 

[46a] Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

In the latter half of the 19th century, the Ottoman youth were affected by the French Revolution that led to democratic governance in France. They became affected by nationalism, secularism, and (wanted) the abolishment of rulership by one person (i.e. a person who wields absolute authority), as well as affected by the Italian nationalist movement under the leadership of (Giuseppe) Mazzini. The Ottoman Empire was being confronted with military and media campaigns aimed at weakening and fragmenting the State. Therefore, European nations utilised the circumtances of the Christians within the empire as an excuse to interfere.

Then in 1865, a group of educated Ottoman youth (met) to deceive themselves at a garden located in the outskirts of Istanbul known as Belgrade Forest. They discussed political topics and concocted the idea of setting up a secret assoiciation that was indentical to the “Young Italy association” initiated by the Italian leader (Mazzini) in 1831 for the unity of Italy under slogan of the Republic. They called their association “United Zeal” and among them was the poet Namiq Kamal, who later became very famous. They believed that their effort should be be devoted to acquainting the society with their political rights and how to attain it, since the desire of Christians for independence from the Empire cannot be warranted through foreign interference. Therefore, rescuing the state from its (continuous) decline necessitates the initiation of a democratic political system.

During that time period- in France – Mustapha Pasha, the Amir of Egypt, challenged Fu’aad Pasha out of a desire to become the supreme ruler of Egypt. He announced that he was part of the movement calling for constitutionalism in the Ottoman Empire. Three individuals among the revolutionary Ottoman journalists joined the Amir in Paris, namely: Namıq Kamal, Muhammad Diyaa, and Ali Sa’aawee. They established an organisation called the “New Ottomans Society”. One of the most prominent was Namıq Kamal, who was acquainted with Islamic civilisation, but influenced by the philosophers of the French Revolution, such as Rousseau. Namiq aimed to respond to three main questions:

  • The causes of the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
  • The means to stop this decline?
  • The necessary reforms to attain this goal?

His answers to the causes of the decline can be summarised as follows:

  • Economic and political.
  • Education as the way to help stop this decline.
  • A centralised constitutional state should be implemented as the main reformation initiative. He believed that the Reform Movement should replace the sovereignty of the sultans with the power of the Sublime Porte, meaning the grand viziers. However, the system initiated by the reforms was inferior, thus, the reforms did not achieve economic revival in the state, rather they paved the way for European countries to pry into the internal affairs of the Ottomans. He expressed the idea regarding natural rights and presented a draft constitution to Midhat Pasha, but was affected the Constitution of Napoleon III in 1852. He believed that this (initiative) was very appropriate for the circumstances of the Ottoman Empire at that time.

Sultan Abdul Hamid spoke about Namıq in his memoirs as follows:

“Kamal Bey was from many of those individuals who often associated themselves to the “New Ottomans. He was a very contradictory man; neither did his family life align with his personal life, nor did his literary life align with his intellectual life. You may be certain that a person is either able or unable to do something, but you can never ascertain this when thinking about Kamal Bey, because he himself is not acquainted with himself. You can say that he is one of those rare personalities with a split personality, each one different from the other depending on his mood. Those who are closely acquainted with him know that when he had a good relationship with the Şhiraa family, he wrote about Ottoman History; but when that connection was corrupted, he wrote: “Only a dog would trust the service of an unjust hunter.” Indeed, he is a man who changes as he wishes. He can be a very sincere person and you can make him -within hours – hold your views, but you’ll not be able to know the number of hours or days during which he would carry those thoughts. [End of quote] [Source: An Excerpt from “Ad-Dawla Al-Uthmaniyyah Awamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot 6/500-502]

Indeed, this section, and Allah’s aid is sought, reminds us of the danger of pursuing reformation through other than the path of the pious predecessors. Read in this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/10/22/quranic-and-prophetic-methodology-for-the-rectification-of-society-by-imam-abdul-aziz-bin-baz/

To be continued InShaAllah

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Articles, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khal, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The final affair of ahlul kalam [the proponents of theological rhetoric] is a state of doubt and confusion, and the final affair of the people of the Sofee paths is a state of wild irrational behaviour and false claims. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

And because of this, the innovators of Ahlul Kalam have something of resemblance to the Jews and those who innovate acts of worship have something of resemblance to the Christians (Footnote a) The final affair of ahlul kalam is a state of doubt and confusion and the final affair of those who innovate acts of worship is a state of wild irrational behaviour and false claims. This is because these ones [i.e. ahlul kalam] deny the truth, thus it leads them to doubt and those ones [i.e. those who innovate acts of worship] believe in falsehood and it leads them to a state of wild irrational behaviour. These ones [i.e. ahlul kalam] are like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another; and those ones [i.e. those who innovate acts of worship] are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it and finds it to be nothing”. (1)

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

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

“The people in their pursuit of knowledge and religion have two innovated paths and a path legislated in the Shariah. The path of the Islamic legislation is to look at that which the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, brought, utilise it as evidence and act upon that which it necessitates, therefore, there has to be knowledge based on that which he [i.e. the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] came with and to act upon it, and only one of them is not enough. This path is built upon the sound intellectual proofs and the sound proofs that are based on absolute certainty (in conformity with the revelation). This is because the Messenger clarified the sound intellectual proofs whose limits are determined by the (infallible) divine texts and the Messengers clarified the sound rational proofs which the people are in need of, just as Allah put forth in the Qur’an every kind of similitude. This is the straight path which Allah commanded His servants to ask Him to guide them to.

As for the two innovated paths, one of them is the path of the people of innovated theological speech and views, because indeed there is much falsehood in this. Many of its people become negligent with regards to deeds commanded by Allah and His Messenger, so they remain upon corruption in knowledge and deeds. These people stray towards false Judaism. (Footnote b)

The second is the path of people who employ ways of strengthening the soul, the people of the Soofi paths and innovated acts of worship. These ones stray towards false Christianity, because they say that if a person purifies his soul based on the manner in which they have stated, the sciences of the religion will come to him in abundance without learning. The acts of worship of many amongst these people are innovated; rather they are in opposition to that which the Messenger came with, thus they remain upon corruption in their deeds and corruption due to deficiency in knowledge, since they do not know what the Messenger came with. These people often malign one another and every group speaks ill against the other, while each of them claims to be following the Messenger; however, what the Messenger came with is neither in agreement with what these ones say and what those ones say. Allah said:

مَا كَانَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ يَہُودِيًّ۬ا وَلَا نَصۡرَانِيًّ۬ا وَلَـٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفً۬ا مُّسۡلِمً۬ا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ –

Ibrahim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism – to worship none but Allah Alone) and he was not one who associated partners to Allaah in worship]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 67]

Neither Allah’s Messenger nor his companions were upon the path of the people who innovate in religion – the proponents of Theological Rhetoric and Views; nor the path of the people who innovate in religion amongst the proponents of innovated worship and Soofiyyah; rather he was upon that which Allaah sent him with based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah”. (2)

—————————————-

Footnotes a & b: Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

When it is case that the true followers of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, are people of knowledge and justice, therefore the speech of the people of Islam and the true adherents to the Prophetic Sunnah regarding the unbelievers and the proponents of religious innovations has to be based on knowledge and justice, and not conjecture and what the soul desires. And due to this the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The judges are three: one will go to Paradise and two to Hell. A man who knows the truth and judges with it will enter paradise; a man who knows the truth but judges with the opposite of it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire’’. [Reported by Imaam Abu Dawud 3573]

And when it is the case that the one who judges between the people in matters related to wealth, blood [i.e. murder cases, physical violence etc] and honour will enter the hell fire if he is not a just scholar, then how about the one who passes judgements – without knowledge and justice – on creeds, religions, the fundamentals of belief,  divine knowledge and the general fundamental principles related to different subject matters, as is the case with the people of Bidah and vain desires – those who follow the ambiguous doubtful matters, abandon those explicitly clear texts that have transmitted by the Prophets, cling to matters that share an ambiguous similarity through mere analogy and opinions, and then present matters whose differences can neither be reconciled nor equated, just as is the case with the unbelievers and all the people of bidah and vain desires, who liken the creation to the Creator [i.e. they give the creation the Perfect Attributes that only belong to the Creator], and liken the Creator to the creation [i.e. by describing the Creator with the imperfect attributes of the Creation], and then they put forward an evil similitude for Allah by way of thoughtless and confusing speech. This is because the false religion of the Christians is an innovated religion- innovated after the departure of the Messiah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and altered the religion of the Messiah through it, thus, they deviated from the Messiah’s path and remained upon that which they innovated.

Then when  Allah, The Most High,  sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they disbelieved in him, thus, their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways: substitution of the religion of the first Messenger [i.e. the Messiah] and belied the second Messenger [i.e. Muhammad], just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief  in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews greater than what the Jews deserve, because the Jews (i.e. those who disbelieved in the Messiah) claimed that he was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allah informed us about them: [وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 156]

However, the Christians claimed that the Messiah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is Allah, therefore the strife between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, as Allah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad, the protege of Zaid Bin Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bi  Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father,  that when the Christian delegation of Najran came to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing”, thus, he disbelieved in Isa and all the Injeel”. Then a man from the people of Najran said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, thus, he wilfully denied Musa’s Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allah revealed:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they reject in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Isa whilst they had the Torah in which Allah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Isa and in the Injeel. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬  – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing];  Qatadah said regarding this verse: “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.  [وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]; Qatadah said regarding this verse, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished with, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of the things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Isa. So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went into extremes in declaring the Jews as unbelievers and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, as Allah said to the Messiah:

إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ

I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Aal Imraan. 55]

Allah said:

قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Eesaa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah As-Saff. Aayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership. This is because the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allah’s Shariah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’an was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allah said: [أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Al-Ankabut. 51]

The Qur’an is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’an is greater than it. And this is why the  Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee – the (Ethiopian) king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”.

Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil – who was one of Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] came to you, who was sent to Musa. I wish I were young till when your people expel you [i.e. from Makkah]”. Allah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, for nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day [when you start calling to Islam], then I would support you strongly”. [Al-Bukhari]

And this is why Allah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’an together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ

قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Al-Qasas.  48-49]

Allah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Torah and the Qur’an. Then Allah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [An Excerpt from Al-Jawab As-Sahih Liman Baddala Deen Al-Masih 1/26-30]

(1) Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Page 281

(2) Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. 290-291. Slightly paraphrase]

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The people extensively read books that contained deviant viewpoints and the libraries were decaying and being filled with misguidance and Bidah. Nonetheless, they [those who object when one reads the books that contain refutations] refrained from speaking in this manner. However, as people started to (follow) the teachings of Allah’s Book and the Sunnah based on the methodology of the Pious Predecessors and discovered books that warned them against Bidah and misguidance, they [those who object] said, “Do not busy yourselves on these matters, do not neglect knowledge”. These refutations are part of acquiring knowledge. By Allah! To be acquainted with guidance (and distinguishing) it from misguidance, recognising good and (distinguishing it) from evil, are knowledge that will safeguard a person, as Hudhaifah [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “The people used to ask the Messenger about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil out of fear of falling into it”. The books of the proponents of Bidah and misguidance should be made known through the books that debunk them. Many young people were ruined when deprived of the likes of these books that protect them. These books [of refutations] offer a shield of protection for the youth. [1]

The Shaikh was asked: What is your view about the one who says “Speaking a lot about about Manhaj [methodology] makes the heart become hardened?”

Response: Speaking a lot about (sound) methodology and studying it hardens the heart, but advocating fictitious (beliefs, deeds, ideas, views), bidah, misguidance, and the ideas of the khawaarij softens the hearts?! The call to (sound) methodology – the call to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], and everything they contain about correct beliefs, acts of worship, deeds, and rectification of the (Islamic) methodology is a significant matter that should be (emphasised).

The misguided (beliefs, methodologies, etc) are plentiful, and no matter how much someone speaks, their efforts are insufficient compared to what is needed. Currently, we speak about the (sound) methodology, but has it reached all Muslims? However, speech based on the path of the Tableeghees, the Ikhwaanees, the proponents of misguidance, the proponents of Bidah, fictitious views, and (deviant) political views soften the heart! Is this statement correct?! This is the speech of the foolish ones – those who are tired of the true Islamic methodology approach, so they speak such falsehoods that obstruct (people) from the path of Allah. [2]

[1]An Excerpt from “Juhoodul Allaamah Rabee Al-Madkhali Fee Naqdi Shubuhaatil Hizbiyyeen. page 80-81

[2] An Excerpt from Juhoodu Al-Allaamah Rabee Al-Madkhali Fee Naqdi Shubuhaatil Hizbiyyeen’ page 77-78

A brief assessment of Julian Wood’s signpost of ethical superiority

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Articles, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ قَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَن كَثِيرٍ قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ

يَهْدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَهُۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

O people of the Scripture! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad ) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Quran). Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism). [Al-Ma’idah 15-16]

In this short response, we are not looking to debate democracy and the numerous writings surrounding it – both in favour and against. Instead, our goal is to simply remind Julian Wood that the noble prophets Musa and Harun, along with all the prophets of Bani Israel, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, did not govern by what Julian appears to take pride in, that the Zionist State is the sole democracy in the region they’ve named as the Middle East. Once again, the matter at hand is not about discussing democracy, as there is plenty of literature on both sides of the argument. Rather, what is being presented as a sign of moral superiority was not the path followed by Bani Israel. Thus, our only inquiry is whether Julian truly follows the Prophets of Bani Israel, as this would require adherence to the noble prophet Isa, peace be upon him, first, and finally submission to the path of the final prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. However, before we delve into that, we will briefly outline what all the prophets of Bani Israel adhered to prior to the arrival of Muhammad. https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/06/21/they-were-not-governed-by-netanyahus-ideas/

Secondly, let’s find out if Julian is a true follower of the prophets of Bani Israel, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

When it is case that the true followers of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, are people of knowledge and justice, therefore the speech of the people of Islam and the true adherents to the Prophetic Sunnah regarding the unbelievers and the proponents of religious innovations has to be based on knowledge and justice, and not conjecture and what the soul desires. And due to this the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The judges are three: one will go to Paradise and two to Hell. A man who knows the truth and judges with it will enter paradise; a man who knows the truth but judges with the opposite of it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire’’. [Reported by Imaam Abu Dawud 3573]

And when it is the case that the one who judges between the people in matters related to wealth, blood [i.e. murder cases, physical violence etc] and honour will enter the hell fire if he is not a just scholar, then how about the one who passes judgements – without knowledge and justice – on creeds, religions, the fundamentals of belief,  divine knowledge and the general fundamental principles related to different subject matters, as is the case with the people of Bidah and vain desires – those who follow the ambiguous doubtful matters, abandon those explicitly clear texts that have transmitted by the Prophets, cling to matters that share an ambiguous similarity through mere analogy and opinions, and then present matters whose differences can neither be reconciled nor equated, just as is the case with the unbelievers and all the people of bidah and vain desires, who liken the creation to the Creator [i.e. they give the creation the Perfect Attributes that only belong to the Creator], and liken the Creator to the creation [i.e. by describing the Creator with the imperfect attributes of the Creation], and then they put forward an evil similitude for Allah by way of thoughtless and confusing speech. This is because the false religion of the Christians is an innovated religion- innovated after the departure of the Messiah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and altered the religion of the Messiah through it, thus, they deviated from the Messiah’s path and remained upon that which they innovated.

Then when  Allah, The Most High,  sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they disbelieved in him, thus, their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways: substitution of the religion of the first Messenger [i.e. the Messiah] and belied the second Messenger [i.e. Muhammad], just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief  in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews greater than what the Jews deserve, because the Jews (i.e. those who disbelieved in the Messiah) claimed that he was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allah informed us about them: [وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 156]

However, the Christians claimed that the Messiah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is Allah, therefore the strife between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, as Allah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad, the protege of Zaid Bin Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bi  Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father,  that when the Christian delegation of Najran came to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing”, thus, he disbelieved in Isa and all the Injeel”. Then a man from the people of Najran said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, thus, he wilfully denied Musa’s Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allah revealed:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they reject in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Isa whilst they had the Torah in which Allah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Isa and in the Injeel. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬  – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing];  Qatadah said regarding this verse: “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.  [وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]; Qatadah said regarding this verse, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished with, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of the things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Isa. So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went into extremes in declaring the Jews as unbelievers and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, as Allah said to the Messiah:

إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ

I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Aal Imraan. 55]

Allah said:

قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Eesaa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah As-Saff. Aayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership. This is because the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allah’s Shariah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’an was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allah said: [أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Al-Ankabut. 51]

The Qur’an is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’an is greater than it. And this is why the  Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee – the (Ethiopian) king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”.

Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil – who was one of Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] came to you, who was sent to Musa. I wish I were young till when your people expel you [i.e. from Makkah]”. Allah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, for nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day [when you start calling to Islam], then I would support you strongly”. [Al-Bukhari]

And this is why Allah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’an together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ

قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Al-Qasas.  48-49]

Allah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Torah and the Qur’an. Then Allah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [End of quote: An Excerpt from Al-Jawab As-Sahih Liman Baddala Deen Al-Masih 1/26-30]

In the brief discussion above, the main goal is to remind Julian that all of them- Netanyahu’s gang, the Evangelists, the Christian Rightists and Neocons are not true followers of the Prophets. Therefore, our conversation is entirely religious, based on the infallible texts we have shared earlier. Thus, Julian is claiming a moral superiority that no prophet of Bani Israel ever used as a basis for moral authority. By stating all of this, we aim to bring Julian back to common sense and reality.

Finally, we are instructed to treat Jews, Christians, and others with justice, and to coexist with them in a respectful manner, even though many in Palestine support the genocidal maniac Netanyahu and his IDF. We also denounce antisemitism just as we denounce over seventy years of Zionist brutality. May Allah guide Julian Amin.

Must Read:

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

https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism

https://abuiyaad.com/w/antisemitism-ernest-renan

https://abuiyaad.com/a/muhammad-semitic-prophet

Rotten Myth of a Religious Right-Wing Extremist and a Christian Zionist

The Pursuit of Two Scholars That Led to Tremendous Good

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

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

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated why he wrote Al-Wasitiyyah:

The reason for writing this book was that one of the judges of Waasit came to me- a Shaikh called Radiyyuddeen Al-Waasitee from the followers of the Shaafi’ee Madhab. He came whilst on his journey and was one of the good people and an adherent to the religion. He complained about the overwhelming ignorance and wrongdoing in his land – under the rulership of the Tartars – and asked me to write for him an Aqeedah that would be a fundamental support for him and his household; but I asked him to excuse me from this request. I said to him, “The scholars have written various books of Aqeedah, so take from the books written by the Imams of the Sunnah”, but he insisted and carried on urging me, and said, “I do not want except a book of Aqeedah written by yourself”. Thus, I wrote this Aqeedah for him whilst I was sitting after Asr”.

In that one sitting after Asr prayer, Shaikh Al-Islam wrote – accurately – this Aqeedah and fulfilled what the requester desired. Shaikh Al-Islam said, “Many copies of this book spread in Egypt, Iraq and other places”. This is the reason why Shaikh Al-Islam wrote the book.

The need to clarify the Aqeedah – making it clear to the people and attaching them to their Creator and Lord, their Master and Protector, through the sound Aqeedah and upright Iman- is the matter through which degeneration and deviation in society would be cured.

This is because the greatest cause of degeneration in society is due to lack of (truly) knowing Allah, His Greatness, Exaltedness and Perfection, and what the hearts should contain regarding Allah’s Exaltation. It has been said, “The one who knows Allah more will fear Him more”. But when a person’s knowledge about Allah is weak, then various deviations and corruptions appear amongst the people. Therefore, the Aqeedah is the cure and medication that will bring about safety. If the Aqeedah is sound, the deeds will be upright, behaviour will become good and the souls will be satisfied. Contemplate this in relation to the affair of this righteous judge and the situation in his land, such as his mention of the spread of ignorance, rife wrong doing and corruption, thus, he went to find a solution to these problems by asking Shaikh Al-Islam to write a book on creed. When you look at the state of affairs in our time, you’ll see this widespread and painful state of affairs in many societies; therefore, people are greatly in need of concentrating on Aqeedah, learning Aqeedah, nurtured upon Aqeedah, and spreading Tawheed, and Iman. This judge saw that Aqeedah is the solution and cure, and he acknowledged Shaikh Islam’s leadership in knowledge, religion, piety and great station, so he sought from him and insisted until Shaikh Al-Islam agreed to write this book. (1)

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

The rectification of every nation and its [upright] ascendancy is tied to the soundness of its Aqeedah and Afkaar [views or thoughts]; therefore, due to this reason, the Message of the Prophets came to rectify the creed [of the people]. Therefore, the first thing every Messenger said to his people was:

ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ

Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]. [Al-A’raaf. 59]

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)]”. [An-Nahl 36]

And this is because Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections] created the Khalq [i.e. Jinn and Mankind] to worship Him alone and not associate anything as a partner with Him.

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [Adh-Dhaariyaat. 56]

Ibadah [worship] is a right due to Allah [alone] which His slaves must fulfil, just as the Prophet said to Mu’adh Bin Jabal: “O Mu’adh, do you know what is the right of Allah upon His servants?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Prophet said, “To worship Him alone and to associate none in worship with Him. And do you know what is their right upon Him?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Prophet said, “Not to punish them if they do so.” [Bukhari]

The is the first and foremost Right [or obligation] without exception. Nothing else precedes it nor is precedence given to the rights of anyone over it. Allah said:

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنًا‌ۚ

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents]. [Al-Israa. 23]

قُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ أَتۡلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّڪُمۡ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ‌ۖ أَلَّا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents. [Sural Al-An’aam’ Aayah 151] (2)

Allamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

(You) should know that sound knowledge does not contain any harm. Conversely, ignorance does not hold any benefits. This is because every piece of sound knowledge has a benefit that is connected to matters related to the Afterlife, the affairs of life, or human perfection. However, in certain sciences, it may be mistakenly assumed that harm can arise or that the knowledge is not beneficial due to a failure to consider the necessary conditions that must be observed in acquiring knowledge and by the scholars (themselves) because every branch of knowledge has its limitations, and these boundaries should not be exceeded. It is erroneous to believe that knowledge can surpass its intended purpose, just as it is incorrect to assume that mainstream medicine can cure all ailments. In reality, certain diseases cannot be cured through (medical) treatment. Among them is one who thinks that knowledge is above its rank in honour, just as one thinks that jurisprudence is the most honourable of all sciences absolutely, but that is not the case, as the knowledge of pure Islamic monotheism is more honourable without exception.

Among them is intending through knowledge other than its purpose, such as the one who learns for the sake of wealth or prestige. The purpose of sciences of the religion in and of themselves is not to earn wealth, but rather acquaintance with facts and refining morals. Therefore, he who pursues knowledge of the religion for the sake of professionalism is not a scholar, but rather he is someone who feigns resemblance to the scholars. The scholars of Transoxiana revealed and stated this when they were informed of the construction of schools in Baghdad; so, they held gatherings of religious knowledge and stated: “The people with lofty aspirations and the pure souls used to preoccupy themselves with it, whose intent or (goal) behind the pursuit of knowledge was because of its nobility and perfection (attained) through it, so they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge. However, if it becomes a means of earning, the mean (vile) and lazy people will approach it and this will be a reason for its disappearance, thus the sciences of wisdom are abandoned, even though they are noble in and of themselves”. (3)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Among the people are those who have vast knowledge but (afflicted with vain) desires, and Allah’s refuge is sought (against this)! He issues religious verdicts based on what pleases the people, and not based on what pleases Allah. This one is called the scholar of the Ummah (or the people). The scholars are three types: the scholar of the religion, the scholar of the state (government), and the scholar of the Ummah. The scholar of the religion is the one who propagates the religion of Islam, issues religious verdicts based on the religion of Islam, knowledge, and what the Shariah establishes, and does not care whether it agrees with the desires of the people or not. The scholar of the state (or government) is the one who looks at what the state (or government) wants and issues a religious verdict based on what the state wants, even if that involves distorting Allah’s Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger. As for the scholar of the Ummah (or the people), he is the one who looks at what pleases the people. If he sees that the people are on something, he issues a religious verdict based on what pleases them, then he attempts to distort the texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah to make it agree with the desires of the people. We ask Allah to make us and you from the scholars of the religion who act upon it”. (4)

Amr Bin Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying, “If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward”. [Bukhari Number 7352]

A Few Points From This Hadeeth: [I] A Mujtahid is not deprived of reward. [II] The judgement of a non-Mujtahid is different from that of a Mujtahid. Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah stated that the one who speaks about the religion without knowledge and out of ignorance (is guilty of) lying and sinning. [III] The one who intentionally speaks to oppose the truth is threatened with entry into the fire of hell, as opposed to the affair of the one who speaks based on permissible Ijtihaad, for indeed he strives, fears Allah as much as he is able, desires to seek knowledge as much as he was able, speaks for the sake of Allah, knows the stronger proof and speaks based on that. This person is given two rewards if he is correct, but if he is mistaken, he receives one reward. [IV] A Mujtahid can be correct or mistaken. (5)

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

We often see a man who holds a belief that aligns with truth and correctness. However, when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him- one who is inclined towards something of the innovated matters in the religion, and especially if that person holds a position of leadership or worldly wealth, not to mention a king, he agrees with him, strengthens, supports and aids him against others. The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritising worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. (6)

Al-Allamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is prohibited for a mufti to assist or guide an inquirer to his goal in matters that involve evading an obligation, permitting a forbidden act, or engaging in deceit or trickery. Instead, the mufti should possess a keen awareness of the cunning and deceitful nature of individuals and their circumstances, and should not assume the best of them. Instead, one must be cautious, perceptive, and knowledgeable about the circumstances and affairs of people, supported by an understanding of the Sharia. Without such awareness, one may stray from the right path and make others stray. There are many issues that may appear attractive on the surface but conceal repugnant injustice. The superficial observer focuses solely on the outward appearance and concludes its acceptability, while the insightful individual examines its intent and underlying essence. The former is easily misled by superficial issues, much like an ignorant person is deceived by the allure of money. In contrast, the latter reveals the falsehood, akin to a critic exposing counterfeit currency. How often does a person present falsehoods through eloquent language and polished expression, making them appear as truths? Conversely, how frequently does genuine truth get misrepresented as falsehood due to poor articulation and lack of insight? Anyone with even a modicum of discernment and experience can easily recognize this reality; in fact, it reflects the common behaviour of many individuals. Due to its prevalence and notoriety, there is no need for examples. The one closely examines all the false statements and the Bidah will find that their proponents often present them in appealing themes, using language that may be accepted by those unaware of their true nature. The intent in this discussion is that it is not permissible for anyone to issue fatwas based on prohibited tricks, neither assist in this nor guide others towards them, as this would contradict Allah’s command. (7)

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

When it is case that the true followers of the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them] are people of knowledge and justice, therefore the speech of the people of Islam and the true adherents to the Prophetic Sunnah regarding the unbelievers and the proponents of religious innovations has to be based on knowledge and justice, and not conjecture and what the soul desires. And due to this the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The judges are three: one will go to Paradise and two to Hell. A man who knows the truth and judges with it will enter paradise; a man who knows the truth but judges with the opposite of it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire”. [Reported by Imam Abu Dawud 3573]

When it is the case that the person who adjudicates amongst the people in disputes over wealth, blood (such as murder cases, acts of physical violence, etc.), and honour is (threatened) with entry into hell if he is not a just scholar, then what about the one who makes judgements – without knowledge and justice – on creeds, religions, fundamentals of belief, divine knowledge, and general fundamental principles relating to many subject matters, as is the case with Ahlul Bidah Wal Ahwaa [the proponents of religious innovations and followers of vain desires] who follow ambiguous doubtful matters, abandon those explicitly clear texts that the Prophets have transmitted, cling to affairs that share an ambiguous similarity through mere analogy and opinions, and then present affairs whose differences cannot be reconciled or equated, just as is the case with the unbelievers and all the proponents of religious innovation and followers of desires, who liken the creation to the Creator [i.e. they give the creation the Perfect Attributes that only belong to the Creator], and liken the Creator to the creation [i.e. by describing the Creator with the imperfect attributes of the Creation], and then they put forward an evil similitude for Allah by way of thoughtless and confusing speech. This is because the false religion of the Christians is an innovated [or concocted] religion- innovated after the departure of the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and altered the religion of the Messiah through it; so they deviated from the Messiah’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, path and remained upon that which they innovated. (8)

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

We do not say that there are people of Ijtihaad amongst ahlul bidah because they are followers of desires, and Allah and His Messenger have testified to this. The misguided innovator stirs up discord and errs, and then says to you, “This is Ijtihaad”. When Hikmatiyaar and the misguided parties (in Afghanistan) murdered Shaikh Jameel Ur-Rahmaan, they said, “This is Ijtihaad”. They (ahlul bidah) do not fall into an affair of misguidance or a calamity except that they say, “This is Ijtihaad”. This is (tantamount) to diluting Islam, falsehood, misguidance, bidah and confounding truth with falsehood when the mistakes of the (qualified scholars of Ijtihaad)- for which they are rewarded- are placed at the same level with Bidah about which the Messenger declared to be destined for the hell fire. (9)

[1] Sharh Aqeeqah Al-Waasitiyyah Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr, hafidhahullah.

[2] Al-Muhadharat Fil Aqeedah 6/17

[3] An Excerpt from “Abjad Al-Uloom” 1/77-78

[4] An Excerpt from “Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen” 4/307-308

[5] Al-Arba’oona Hadeethaa Fee Usoolil Fiqh. pages 32-33]

[6] An Excerpt from Adabud Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Pages 93-95.

[7] An Excerpt from Dakhr Al-Muhtee Min Aadaab Al-Muftee 121-122

[8] Al-Jawaabus Saheeh 1/26-30

[9] An Excerpt from ‘Ajwibatul Allaamatush Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhalee Alaa As-ilah Abee Rawaaha Al-Manhajiyyah page: 20]

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

It is necessary to bring together the disparager and the disparaged, the refuter and the refuted, and to seek judgment in the (presence) of the scholars. It is not permissible to pass judgement on the refuted and disparaged person in absentia:

This is one of the Shubuhaat (1) of Adnan Ar’ur, when he used to demand (or request) from Shaikh Rabee, may Allāh have mercy upon him, to seek judgement (together with him) in the (presence) of Al-Allamah Al-Uthaymin, may Allāh have mercy upon him, concerning the Mukhaalafaat and Dalaalaat (2) for which he was criticised. He used to falsely accuse the scholars – who denounced him due to the observations they made regarding his falsehoods – that they pass judgment on him in absentia, meaning  before Al-Muhakamah (i.e. that in order to make a judgement against him, both him and his opponent must be present in the presence of a scholar), and according to him, this is not permissible.

Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali, may Allāh have mercy upon him, was asked, as found in his treatise “Dar Baghi Adnan” about this Shubha (3): “What is your opinion regarding Adnan’s speech as follows: ‘Among the matters that are universally agreed upon by the nations- Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians – is that during judicial rulings and judgement, it is incumbent to hear from both parties. It maybe that he did not intend this, maybe he did not desire it, maybe it is a slip of the tongue, maybe it is a Shami expression which is different from a Saudi, maybe it is a Maghribi expression which is different from a Mashriqi. (4) When a man rejects Niyyah [i.e. intention which is a requirement in acts of worship] in Islam, then a judgment is issued without hearing the other side, (leading to accusations of) disbelief; how is (this) disbelief? Meaning, what is its ruling (i.e. the ruling on rejecting Niyyah in islam)? A disbeliever! So how can one judge, be pleased with and accept that a person has rejected Niyyah in Islam merely based on a phone call from an unknown person. Masha-Allah, masha-Allah, (is this) based on knowledge and piety; masha Allah, based on understanding?! Someone on the phone from Europe is talking about a well-known person who is a pioneer in Dawah and lives among them, so what prevented them from verifying this issue?

Al-Allamah Rabee, may Allāh have mercy upon him, replied:

Indeed, we are profoundly flabbergasted by this man’s hotchpotch in his speech about the scholars, his belittling of them and his self-aggrandizement in this instance. We are profoundly flabbergasted that he conflates judicial rulings with fatwas, so, at times considering their responses as fatwas and at other times as judicial decisions. This is a strange hotchpotch and an atrociously flawed argument on his part. Sadly, he has placed himself in the position of mentoring senior scholars- members of the Council of Senior Scholars- who have devoted their lives to knowledge, fatwas, and judiciary rulings. They know what is required of them when a questioner asks them questions and when they issue rulings. In any case, it can be understood from his speech (i.e. Adnan) regarding judicial rulings that it is not permissible to issue rulings on someone who is absent under any circumstances.

This speech is false. There are numerous situations where a judgment can be made on a person who is absent and it is not a condition that he should be present, nor is a judge obliged to hear from both parties. This matter is well-established and its proof is that Hind bint Utbah said to the prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, “Indeed, Abu Sufyan is a stingy man and he does not give us what suffices me and my children, can I take from his wealth?” He (i.e. the prophet) said: “Take from his wealth that which suffices you and your children”. [Al-Bukhari 5364 and Muslim 1714]

He did not say: “Where is Abu Sufyan? Where is he, bring him to me so that he hears this speech?” Allāh’s messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, passed a judgement on him while he was absent. He allowed this woman – the wife of Abu Sufyah – to take from his wealth even without his consent. This is a ruling on an absent person. In the Mad’habs of Ahmad, Shafi’i, and Malik, and other than them among the scholars of the Ummah, is that in matters regarding the rights of the people and mutual dealings, it is permissible to make a judgement on the one who is absent.

Here, I reference what Al-Bukhari has stated. He said: “Chapter: Judgment on the one who is absent” with his chain of narration to Urwah, from Aisha that Hind said to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, “Indeed, Abu Sufyan is a stingy man and I am in need from his wealth”, so he said: “Take what suffices you and your children in a reasonable manner”. Al-Hafidh (i.e. Ibn Hajr) said about the statement “(Judgement) on the one who is absent”, meaning, (concerning) the rights of the children of Adam, but not Allāh’s rights, based on the consensus (of the scholars that this applies) even if evidence is established against an absent person regarding theft, for instance, financial judgments that is other than the judgment of cutting the hand. Ibn Battal said: “Malik, Al-Layth, Al-Shafi’i, Abu Ubaid, and others have permitted judgments on the absent person”.

Ibn Abd al-Barr said: “the comprehensive nature of judicial rulings in lawsuits”. Judgment can be made against an absentee with regards to rights, mutual dealings, debts, and all rights, with the exception of real estate because no judgement is made about it, except if the person’s absence is prolonged and it harms his opponent. If this becomes the case, a judgement is made. This is the Mad’hab of Malik. When it is the case that it is permissible to pass a judgment on a dead person, judgement on an absent person is even more permissible. Also, in the Mad’hab of Imam Ahmad, judgement on an absent person is permissible”. The author of “Al-Mughni” reported a difference of opinion on this matter, then he (concluded that what) carries more weight is the permissibility (of passing judgement on an absent person) and he used as evidence the hadith of Aa’isha in the story of Hind, while also pointing out contradictions in Abu Hanifa’s stance.

Adnan neither knows the value of the scholars nor the value of knowledge, nor does he know the conditions of Fatwa. Despite this, he behaves arrogantly towards the scholars and makes them the most ignorant people. So, all the nations make it a condition with regards to judicial rulings and lawsuits that the judge should hear from both parties; all the nations, in Adnan’s view, are acquainted with this, Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians, while these scholars are ignorant of these matters that are known to the nations of disbelief.

Then the questioner said: May Allāh protect you. What is your view on his earlier statement where he said that perhaps it wasn’t intended that way, it could have been a slip of the tongue, or that the expression might differ between Syrian and Saudi dialects, or even between Moroccan and Eastern expressions, thus, one passes a judgement without hearing the other side in the matter of disbelief. How can that be considered disbelief, meaning, when a man rejects the Niyyah in Islam?

Shaikh Rabee- may Allāh have mercy upon him – responded: This man has elevated himself and his speech to a status unprecedented by anyone else. Scholars listen to the speech of a scholar or someone other than him, clarifies for him that it is a mistake, and then criticises. (For instance), one narrates a hadith and makes a mistake, he (another person) says: “So and so has made a mistake, so and so has misperceived, so and so makes a lot of mistakes, so and so narrates munkar hadith”. He does not summon this narrator and say: “Maybe you intended such and such; inform me of what you intended, perhaps you intended such”. (Rather), he passes judgement on his speech that it is an error. He reads a book, then finds an error in it, he authors volumes to debate this scholar regarding what he considers as mistakes, and none says that (one uses) this method mentioned by Adnan.

Ash-Shafi’i engaged in discussions with Malik and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, the companion of Abu Hanifa, regarding statements they made and rulings they issued. No one said to him: “Why did you approach Muhammad ibn al-Hasan or why did you not engage in discussion with Malik during his lifetime. Why? Why? Why?” No one says this, except the ignorant and the dull-witted who utter the likes of this speech, and put forward such objections. The Salaf used to critique people regarding their beliefs, their statements, and their actions, and they considered this as part of enjoining good and forbidding evil. They would issue fatwas based on the statements they received, and no one says they did not summon the speaker and say, “What did you intend, this or do you intended such and such”.

An Excerpt from Juhud Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali Fee Naqd Shubuhat Al-Hizbiyeen An Manhaj An-Naqd Inda Ahli As-Sunnah As-Salafiyyeen 165-170. Compiled by Shaikh Ahmad Az-Zahrani, may Allah preserve him.

[1] Shubuhaat: doubts or ambiguities that are made to resemble truth but are falsehood in reality

[2] Mukhalafaat: deeds, beliefs, or methodologies that are opposition to what is right in the divine legislation. Dalaalaat: deeds, beliefs or methodologies that are tantamount to misguidance in religious practice.

[3] Shubhah: the singular of Shubuhaat

[4] Shaam: includes countries like Syria, Lebanon, Palestine etc. Maghrib: includes Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia etc. Mashriqh: includes Egypt, Sudan, etc

A Detailed Explanation on the Ruling of Image Making – By Shaikh Mustapha Mubram

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

A Detailed Explanation on the Ruling of Image Making- By Shaikh Mustapha Mubram, may Allah preserve him

PDF Link Below

A Detailed Explanation on the Ruling of Image Making

 

Narratives of ‘Digital Tyranny’

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations.

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

Narratives of ‘Digital Tyranny’ as Instruments of Destabilisation in Muslim Countries

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Verily, the leader is a shield behind whom they fight and he protects them. If he commands fear of Allah and justice, he will have a reward. If he commands something else, it will be against him”. [1]

“The leader is a shield”, meaning, he is like a shelter because he prevents the enemy from harming the Muslims, preventing people from (harming) each other, and safeguarding the Muslim nation, and the people fear his authority. “Behind whom they fight”, meaning, they fight next to him against the non-believers (i.e. those non-Muslim nations that declare war against Muslim nations), the insurgents, the Kharijites, and all those who commit corruption and injustice. [2]

Undoubtedly, it is common knowledge that the advent of social media has brought forth a plethora of technological marvels, enabling individuals to engage, connect, and disseminate their creations with a diverse array of individuals hailing from various backgrounds. However, this invaluable medium of communication has regrettably fallen victim to the machinations of unscrupulous, malevolent, and cunning individuals, particularly those who orchestrate and wield influence over the discourse on social media platforms to sow discord within Muslim nations. In a matter of mere moments, they disseminate fabricated information far and wide, effortlessly translating it into numerous languages, both within their own circles and beyond, all under the guise of championing the concept of free speech. Henceforth, those who possess sound comprehension of the final infallible divine revelation do not under any circumstances predicate the notion of free speech upon the opinions of men; instead, they harbour a profound apprehension towards the repercussions of one’s words in both this life and the hereafter. They do not gauge the boundaries of free speech by the confines set forth by social media platforms; rather, they vigilantly shield themselves against any form of discourse that may precipitate ruin in this life and the next. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt his neighbour, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should utter what is good or keep silent.” [3] He also said, “When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: “Fear Allah for our sake, (for) we are with you; if you are upright, we will be upright; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked”. [4]

Due to the rampant misuse of the privilege of free speech and freedom of expression through various social media networks and platforms, many Muslim authorities have emphasised the imperative of digital sovereignty, irrespective of any opposition they may encounter from tech conglomerates. They firmly believe in their right to restrain the influence of those who endeavour to disrupt the tranquillity of their lands under the guise of freedom, liberty, and free speech. It is abundantly evident to discerning individuals that the internet and social media have revolutionised numerous aspects of our lives, as they wield immense power to shape how people communicate and interact. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that these platforms can be exploited to manipulate human behaviour and emotions, destabilise nations, and exert an un-Islamic sway over public opinion.

Those who have mastered the art of sophistry, concealment, and misrepresentation proclaim, “Let not the rights of the populace be violated, nor their access to information be curtailed.” Yet, behind this facade of freedom of thought, they cunningly exploit their media platforms to cast a repugnant shadow upon sound beliefs and morality that are firmly grounded in the infallible final divine revelation. They employ captivating slogans and deceptive tactics to distort the true essence of sound beliefs, leading unsuspecting readers and listeners astray from the very truth that should awaken them to their fallacy. They bombard them relentlessly with a deluge of ambiguous information, leaving them ensnared in a perplexing state of doubt. These cunning individuals express their disapproval as Muslim countries and leaders strive for digital independence to safeguard their nations – vociferating, disseminating misinformation, and falsely accusing them of digital tyranny, as the Muslim leaders obstruct their channels of influence through which they sow discord, provoke the gullible, tarnish the morals of the Muslim youth, and undermine the stability of the Muslim countries. They say that Social Media Platforms serve as a gateway to foster communication and enable individuals to explore beyond their immediate cultural boundaries. Nevertheless, this technological advancement has inadvertently provided a platform for certain cunning ideologues, demagogues, militant secularists and liberalists, and instigators to effortlessly reach the susceptible populace in Muslim nations. This unrestricted access has, at times, granted them the power to sway public sentiment and lead astray a multitude of individuals.

Undoubtedly, the unrestricted availability of information often leads to confusion among individuals, making it difficult for them to accurately differentiate between falsehood and truth, clarity and ambiguity. Similar to how the Khawarij (ISIS and other terrorist groups) exploit Social Media Platforms to mislead young Muslims, certain ideologues, demagogues, rabble-rousers and their followers exploit these platforms to corrupt the minds of Muslim youth under the guise of free speech and liberty. Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated, “The social structure of this country (Saudi Arabia) will be destabilised if its security is lost, then where would the Islamic world proceed? Due to this, the adversaries of Islam conspire against this country day and night, as you all know, sometimes scheming to sow seeds of doubt regarding its creed and propagate repugnant views among the offspring of the Muslims to instill idleness, extremism, or taking up arms, wield explosives, or to cause destruction; sometimes by corrupting manners, promoting forbidden activities and desires among the Muslim youth to corrupt their manners and strip them of their religious (convictions) under the guise of freedom of expression and other false statements”. [5]

This is how certain ideologues and their counterparts orchestrate and govern the discourse on social media, exerting their dominance over the dissemination of news to further their own agendas. They display a complete disregard for the number of individuals who may be sacrificed, as long as their own safety remains intact and beyond the reach of any Muslim governments seeking justice. Consequently, it is understandable why certain Muslim governments endeavour to establish provisions to protect their “digital sovereignty” and suppress the corrupt influence wielded by these individuals. They possess the rightful authority to regulate and determine what measures will safeguard the prosperity of their nations and establish the necessary guidelines. Muslim leaders are justified in intervening when certain individuals misuse media outlets to sow discord, disrupt peace, and threaten security. They have the authority to restrict access to these platforms, enforce compliance, and require data to be stored within Muslim territories to prevent any abuse of freedom of speech.

It is truly astonishing to witness the audacity of certain opportunistic ideologues and demagogues who have the nerve to lament about other nations hacking their networks and destabilising their crucial political institutions, all the while being guilty of the very same offense! It is simply mind-boggling how these individuals dare to complain about other nations expanding their influence, exploiting the divisions among their own citizens, and launching attacks on their social fabric based on race, gender, class, and religion when they (themselves) are guilty of perpetrating such crimes! The sheer hypocrisy is astounding! Furthermore, it is astonishing how these individuals have the gall to complain about a strategy being employed to destabilise their own country and exacerbate existing divisions when they are guilty of employing the very same strategy! It is a clear case of double standards and hypocrisy. This is one of their objectives on social media platforms, whilst awaiting the emergence of their pawns and internal plotters, who cunningly propagate slogans in the name of so-called liberty and freedom of expression. Subsequently, the gullible masses fall prey to their deceitful and embellished catchphrases. Both the Khawarij and certain ideologues, demagogues, globalists, and agitators have exploited social media networks and platforms to incite Muslims to take to the streets, thereby causing the ignorant among us to unwittingly dismantle our homelands. Hence, one must not be swayed by the alluring proclamations of these internal conspirators, regardless of how they adorn their rhetoric. Allah says:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Al-Baqarah. 204-206]

Despite the elucidations and admonitions provided by the senior Salafi scholars concerning the pernicious nature of the internet, orchestrated by those who exploit it to instigate discord among Muslim nations, certain duplicitous ideologues and demagogues are expeditious in their condemnation of Muslim governments when they expunge certain prominent video-sharing and microblogging platforms. Imagine the potential harm that could arise when corrupt individuals and troublemakers are given unrestricted access to a Muslim nation with approximately 34 million internet subscribers, 33 million users on various social media platforms, and 12 million individuals on a microblogging platform. It is truly heartening for believers when Muslim authorities take decisive action to shut down any network that promotes discord, violence, and chaos under the guise of peaceful protest and freedom of speech. The protection of the religion, lives, mental well-being, dignity, and resources of the Muslim community should always take precedence over financial gain, opinions that go against Islamic teachings, the supposed right to freedom of expression, and the alleged freedom of peaceful assembly. May Allah bestow more wisdom and firm resolve to the Muslim rulers in the fight against those who manipulate the public through language, gestures, and visuals – overwhelming individuals with content that undermines the morals ordained by Allah and substituting them with ideas that lead to disbelief, polytheism, vain desire, deviance, and corruption under the guise of digital freedom; endorsing wickedness and falsehood through rhetoric, all the while concealing righteousness and truth.

Indeed, it is truly pleasing to the hearts to see some telecommunication companies and phone operators in Muslim countries opting for locally developed apps over foreign ones. This move not only ensures the safety of citizens’ data within the country but also helps in prosecuting those who break the law, particularly those who incite social unrest. The Muslim authorities are to be commended for enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding personal data, and upholding digital sovereignty to prevent malicious external forces from exploiting the data for their agendas. It is truly fascinating to witness the stark contrast in reactions when non-Muslim nations take measures to safeguard their national security, foreign policy, and economy by imposing restrictions on foreign apps and technologies. These nations recognise the imperative need to shield their internet-connected banks, trading systems, oil and water pipelines, dams, hospitals, and other vital infrastructures. Surprisingly, the naysayers and troublemakers remain conspicuously silent during these endeavours. However, their voices suddenly become amplified and filled with outrage when Muslim nations adopt similar measures. It seems that their discontent stems from the fact that they aspire to exploit social media platforms for purposes of cultural crusade. Nevertheless, certain Muslim nations and leaders have chosen to disregard the rhetoric of these detractors, as they comprehend the inherent risks associated with relying solely on foreign technology. Placing absolute reliance on such matters would entail the management of crucial infrastructure and communication systems that are entirely situated within foreign data centers and subject to foreign laws. Hence, it would be preposterous for anyone to criticise Muslim rulers for their pursuit of digital sovereignty, a path – inShaaAllah- that safeguard Muslim nations.

Similarly, it brings immense joy to one’s heart when some Muslim Governments expound upon the imperative nature of possessing cyber and electronic weaponry. This is because these formidable tools, when strategically employed, possess the capability to neutralise the ballistic missiles of hostile and aggressive proxies of the Rafidah and others during periods of strife, effectively incapacitating their Defence Industry and military command and control networks, thereby rendering the hostile enemy powerless by the Will of Allah. This noble initiative reminds us of the advice of Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, regarding the dangerous causes of weakness. These causes include the negative consequences and implications that arise from weakness in the face of the enemy, as well as delays in taking action. It also involves inclining towards forbidden desires, being preoccupied with distractions that hinder us from the path of Allah and guidance, and lacking preparation in terms of industry and weaponry to effectively combat the enemy. The Imam emphasized the importance of industry in Muslim countries, highlighting the need for preparation and strength to deter enemies. Individuals must be self-sufficient and well-prepared so that enemies are aware of their capabilities and are deterred from aggression. It is also important to maintain physical fitness and avoid excessive luxury, to be ready for any potential conflict. Cooperation between the state and the people is essential in obeying Allah and His Messenger, as well as in making necessary preparations for defense, as stated in the Quran: [وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ – And make ready against them all you can of power]. [Al-Anfal. 60]

It is obligatory to make physical preparations – to equip ourselves with defensive and military gear, as well as other necessary equipment, to rely solely on what Allah has bestowed upon us and not be dependent on what our adversaries possess. Engaging in combat with the weapons our enemies possess is exceedingly challenging to attain because if the enemy obstructs our access to weaponry, how can we effectively fight in addition to poor insight and insufficient knowledge? [6]

The main duty of carrying out this endeavour rests on the shoulders of Muslim governments and their representatives, not on Hizb at-Tahreer or other extremist factions such as ISIS. The Muslim rulers, may Allah bless them with a firm resolve, have diplomatic relationships with other nations, and we beseech Allah to bless them with triumph in their efforts to protect Islam and the Muslim populace. May Allah pardon our faults and oversights. Ameen.

Must read on these links articles by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihaad in our times and the guidelines of Jihaad according to Islam
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

[1] Ṣaḥih Muslim 1841

[2] Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/193. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[3] Al-Bukhaari 6136]

[4] Sahih At-Tirmidhi Number 2407

[5] http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/2529. paraphrased

[6]https://binbaz.org.sa/discussions/42/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B6%D8%B9%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%89%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AC paraphrased