Skip to main content

Author: Salafi Dawah Manchester

The Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Mental Health, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Video, Zuhd (Abstinence).

I am a man who is afflicted with many diseases of the heart, they include: bad thoughts of people, arrogance, and love of being heard and seen (showing off). I know that all of this is from the Shaytaan and I try to distance myself from this. However, Shaytaan lures me each time. What is your advice, O Shaykh Saaleh (Al-Fawzaan) towards this?

Answer

Allah, the Most High, has directed us with his statement:

“And if an evil whisper from Shaitan tries to turn you away (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [41:36]

So seek refuge in Allah from that.

Masjid Appeal 2024 👍

💸 Donate today – https://salafidawahmanchester.com/appeal2024

Please take this opportunity to begin this blessed month of Ramadhaan with good deeds and giving in charity, strive and gain reward from Allah – help donate and support this appeal.

💬 “Whoever builds a masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in jannah”.

Let’s all continue making the masjid the best it can be! May Allah bless and reward you all with much goodness.

[2] No justification of weakness, vain desires and sin in the name of difference of opinion

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The statement “there is no Inkaar (sternly manifesting one’s disapproval) in the issues of Khilaaf (differing)” has indeed become the greatest means to blocking the path to enjoining good and forbidding evil”. [1]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: If the utterer of the statement “there should be no Inkaar (i.e. sternly manifesting one’s disapproval) in issues of Khilaaf (i.e. differing)” intends the issues of khilaaf, this statement is false according to the consensus of the scholars. The Messenger’s companions and those who succeeded them did not cease showing disapproval of error regardless of who he (i.e. the person who made the mistake) was, even if he was the most knowledgeable and pious amongst the people. When it is the fact that Allah sent Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] with guidance and the true religion, commanded us to follow him and abandon that which opposes him, then part of the perfection of this affair is that whoever – amongst those scholars who err- opposes his path (i.e. in any affair), then such scholar is notified of his error and the error is rejected. However, if the utterer of the statement that “there is no Inkaar in issues of khilaaf” intends the issues of Ijtihaad about which there is no one view (opinion or stance) that stands out to be the one with more weight (or there is room to allow different views within the proofs), then his statement is correct. [2]

Some people are under the illusion that what is intended by this statement “there is a no Inkaar in issues of khilaaf” is that it is not permissible to show stern disapproval regarding any affair in which difference of opinion is held; so based on this (illusion of theirs), it becomes impermissible to disapprove of a Munkar (an evil) unless there is complete agreement in doing so. This is a wrong understanding that would necessitate a cessation of enjoining good and forbidding evil. What is correct regarding this statement “there is no Inkaar in issues of Khilaaf” is that there should neither be harshness in disapproval nor reprimand with regards to those issues about which there is no manifest proof to be taken as the final (affair). The basis upon which this is founded is that the issues of khilaaf are of two types: The type is those issues about which there is proof necessitating that it be taken as the final (decision); so here the proof must be taken and the other statement (opinion) in opposition is discarded. And whoever follows the statement (opinion) that is established to be in opposition to the proofs, then he is shown disapproval (i.e. clearly stated to him that what he holds is wrong without going into excess). The second type is those issues about which the proof has not been manifested to be taken as the final (decision). It is an affair in which the evidence is either at contention or the views are at variance. This is an issue of ijtihad, and there is neither disapproval nor reprimand against the one in opposition; rather advice is given for acquaintance with the statement (opinion) that carries more weight. This second type is what is intended by the statement “there is no Inkaar in issues of khilaaf”, which some people have understood in an unrestrictive manner. [3]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no excuse in the presence of Allah on the day of judgment for the one that the (authentic) Prophetic reports and narrations reached in a subject matter of the religion that are not opposed by any other texts – (i.e. texts that deal with the it based the Aam, Khaas, Mutlaq and Muqayyid, or dealt with based on the Muhkam and Mutashaabih etc), or its ruling – if he turns away from them”. [4]

We ask Allah:
اللّهُـمَّ رَبَّ جِـبْرائيل ، وَميكـائيل ، وَإِسْـرافيل، فاطِـرَ السَّمواتِ وَالأَرْض ، عالـِمَ الغَيْـبِ وَالشَّهـادَةِ أَنْـتَ تَحْـكمُ بَيْـنَ عِبـادِكَ فيـما كانوا فيهِ يَخْتَلِفـون. اهدِنـي لِمـا اخْتُـلِفَ فيـهِ مِنَ الْحَـقِّ بِإِذْنِك ، إِنَّـكَ تَهْـدي مَنْ تَشـاءُ إِلى صِراطٍ مُسْتَقـيم

O Allah! Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, The Knower of the seen and the unseen. You judge between Your slaves regarding in that which they differ. Guide me to the truth regarding that in which there is differing, by Your Will. Verily, You guide whomever you will to the straight path. [Saheeh Muslim 770]

The scholars say that these creations [i.e. Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, Israafeel, the heavens, and the earth] have been specifically mentioned, even though Allah is the Creator of all the creation, just as has been established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah with regards to the specific mention of every created thing that has a great and mighty status as one of Allah’s creation, such as the statement, “Lord of the Heavens and the Earth”, “Lord of the Supreme Throne”, “Lord of the Angels and Jibreel”, “The Lord of the two Easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two Wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter)”, “The Lord of Humankind”, “The King of Humankind”, “The Only True God of Humankind”, “The Lord of all Created Things”, “The Lord of the Prophets”, “The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth”, “The Originator of the Heavens and the Earth” etc. All these things and what is similar to them show Allah’s Greatness, All-encompassing Power, and absolute Sovereignty. [5]

In this supplication, one employs the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, pleasure, assistance, etc) through belief and affirmation that He is the Lord – in general and specific – of these three Angels, who have been given a means of giving life. Jibra’eel is given the responsibility to convey the revelation (to the Prophets) by way of which the hearts and souls are given that type of life that necessitates the presence of sound belief in the heart that leads to all righteous deeds. Meekaa’eel is given the responsibility to bring the rain by way of which the earth, the vegetation, and animals are given life, and Israafeel is given the responsibility to blow the trumpet by way of which the creation is resurrected after their death. Also employing the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, assistance, pleasure, etc) through belief and affirmation that Allah alone is the Originator of the heavens and earth, meaning, He is their Creator and the one who brought them into existence prior to their non-existence, and that He is the knower of the unseen and the seen- meaning, the hidden and apparent, and because He alone is the One Who judges between the servants in that which they differ, so that He guides you to the truth in that which they differ. As for guidance, it is knowledge of the truth together with having the intent to follow the truth and preferring it over other things. The guided person acts upon the truth and desires it, and it is the Greatest blessing of Allah bestowed on the servants. We ask Allah to guide us all to the straight path and grant us every good. [6]

Photography, Selfies, and Picture-making are from the Major Sins, Proven by the Authentic Narrations: Heads and Faces on Photos Should be Erased or Removed: That is the Sunnah.

https://abukhadeejah.com/photography-and-picture-making-adh-dhahabi/

The Prohibition of Al-Qaza’ ― A Type of Hairstyle Disallowed by Allah’s Messenger Where a Part of the Head is Shaved and Other Parts are Left Long… Imitating the Styles and Fashions of the Unbelievers.

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-prohibition-of-qaza-hairstyle-disallowed-by-allahs-messenger/

[1] An Excerpt from “As-Sayl Al-Jarraar”. 4/588

[2] An Excerpt from “Ad-Durar As-Saniyyah” 4/8

[3] An Excerpt from “Ibaaraat Moohimah”. page 25

[4] An Excerpt from “I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een” 3/300-301

[5] Sharh Saheeh Muslim 5/50

[6] An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar 3/139-140

[1] No justification of weakness, vain desires and sin in the name of difference of opinion

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Regarding the tendency to trim, cut or even shave beards and claiming that there is no harm, or posing for selfies and photos (like fashion models and actors) which they spread on social media (WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, etc); shaving the sides of the heads in the fashions of the kuffār; or wearing long trousers below the ankle-bones and claiming that “it is not done out of arrogance” and pursuing these affairs in the name of “difference of opinion between the scholars” and using that as a reason for allowance in these matters, Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him] responded:

In an age and society where people are inclined to disobedience, showing off, following lusts and falling into harām, the wise caller does not open for them a door that gives allowances to follow desires. Once this door is opened, over time Shaytān will lead them into open transgressions, cause them to lose all shame and modesty—you will not be able to distinguish between them and the kuffār (or fussāq) because their behaviour and outward appearance and conduct will be the same—wallāhul-musta’ān. The way of the cultivating parent and caller to Allah is to guide the people to the manners and character of the Prophets of Allah (‘alaihimus-salātu was-salām), not to search for allowances and justifications to imitate the habits of the unbelievers and enemies of Allah. This da’wah is built upon Tasfiyah and Tarbiyah (Purification and Cultivation)—not just one without the other.

We are not allowed to utilize the argument, “O but the scholars differ” to justify our positions. Furthermore, we are certainly not allowed to take a position that suits our desires and shahawāt, and then try and find “proofs” and scholars to justify it—that is not the way of Ahlus-Sunnah. In any case, difference of opinion is not a proof or justification for anyone to follow his desires, Al-Hāfidh Ibn Abdil-Barr (rahimahullāh) stated:

“Difference of opinion is not a proof with any of the people of knowledge from the scholars of the Ummah, except for the one who has no insight, has no knowledge and has no proof for his saying.” (Jāmi’ Bayān al-‘Ilm wa Fadhlihi, 2/229)

Furthermore, where is the proof for posing, showing off, lack of shyness, absence of humility, and following the fashions of the unbelievers in the character of the Prophets of Allāh (‘alaihimus-salātu was-salām)? They were the furthest from possessing these lowly traits.

We are living in a society that encourages and shamelessly promotes: immodesty, nakedness, displaying oneself, exploitation of women, following immoral fashions and customs, showing off and opposing the Prophetic manners in every manner possible. In this environment should we be encouraging our youth with allowances that lead to imitate these people further?! Where is our wisdom and our nurturing?

The cultivating teachers protect our youth and our communities from falling into these traps—not giving them excuses and reasons to lose their love and adherence to the way of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Salaf.

Pay attention to your communities—bring them closer to the Prophetic manners and conduct—don’t give them excuses to move away from that. Remember, what you teach them, they will pass to their wives, children and families—so it is a heavy trust and a great amānah before Allāh. And if you find it difficult, please leave it to those who are capable and who don’t fear the blame of the blamers. May Allah bless you. I remind you once again that this Da’wah is built upon the pillars of Tasfiyah and Tarbiyah—let us focus on both.

Should not come to Eid with Haram or Makruh sign on your head

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

One of the negative tendencies exhibited by those who claim that certain actions are only “Makruh” and not “Haram” is their habit of seeking out favorable Fatwas or exploiting the errors made by scholars on specific matters that align with their personal desires. For instance, when they wish to have a prohibited haircut or engage in similar activities, they often justify it by saying, “We or someone on our behalf asked the Shaikh, and he said it is permissible.”

Al-Allaamah Saalih al-Fawzaan was asked: What is the meaning of the principle, “The truth is not known by way of men, rather men are known by way of the truth?”

Answer: Its meaning is that we do not simply blindly follow anyone, as it is possible for someone to be blindly followed based on error. It is possible for the Mujtahid to be mistaken, as well as the one who makes a statement or holds an opinion, so we do not accept their statement or opinion simply because of their status or reputation. We do not say, “This is truth because so-and-so said it, and he is a knowledgeable scholar or a pious person.” We do not say this because even scholars are not infallible and they can make mistakes. Therefore, we recognise individuals based on their adherence to the truth – those who possess knowledge and rely on evidence. Those who do not give importance to evidence are not scholars, they lack understanding and knowledge, and their statements are not immediately accepted. It is essential that evidence is presented, so if the evidence supports what they say or hold, then it is considered truth. However, if they contradict the evidence, then their statement or opinion is rejected. If someone is a Mujtahid and makes a mistake, they are rewarded for their effort. But if they intentionally cling to error, they have committed a sin. [Paraphrased: Refer to video here: https://video.link/w/9famb]

The Prohibition of Al-Qaza’ ― A Type of Hairstyle Disallowed by Allah’s Messenger Where a Part of the Head is Shaved and Other Parts are Left Long… Imitating the Styles and Fashions of the Unbelievers. – Abu Khadeejah : أبو خديجة
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-prohibition-of-qaza-hairstyle-disallowed-by-allahs-messenger/

[4] Brother, such and such is only Makruh and not Haram

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: “A person commits forbidden actions because of their weak Iman and love for Allah. And when one engages in disliked actions, it is either because they don’t strongly dislike it or because they have a strong love for it that overpowers their dislike”. [1]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’loofaat and Awaa’id [habits practices, customs, etc] for other than the sake of Allah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allah alone, he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning so that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them. If he exercises a little bit of patience, it will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Seereen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that he heard Shurayh [may Allah have mercy upon him] swearing by Allah that A person does not abandon anything for the sake of Allah and finds a loss in that”. Their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] “Whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allah, it will be replaced with what is better”, this compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is the desire and yearning to get close to Allah, seeking after Allah’s pleasure, love of Allah, and the heart granted – by way of it- tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord [The Most High]. [2]

[1] Jaami Ar-Rasaa’il 2/290

[2] Al-Fawaa’id page 166

[3] Brother, such and such is only Makruh and not Haram

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, 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.

Imam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah 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”. [1]

Imam ash-Shaatibee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the attitude of the unjustified pursuit of concessions: “This arises from following one’s desires. Desire leads to a too easygoing 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”. [2]

Imaam Ash-Shaatibee [may Allaah 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”. [3]

Ibrahim Ibn Abee Ablah (died 152AH – may Allaah have mercy upon him) said, “He who carries the odd affairs of knowledge carries a lot of evil”. [4]

Abdur Rahmaan Bin Mahdi (died 198AH – may Allaah have mercy upon him) said, “The one who pursues the odd affairs of knowledge cannot be an Imam in knowledge”. [5]

Imam Ash-Shaatibee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If 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.” [6]

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

[2] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 5/84

[3] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 3/123

[4] Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 6/324

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

[6] Al-Muwaafaqaat 5/221

[2] Brother, such and such is only Makruh and not Haram

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in 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.

Ibn Al-Munir reported that his Shaykh Al-Qabbari used to say: “What is Makruh (disliked, detested) is a barrier between the servant of Allah and what is Haram (unlawful forbidden), so whoever engages in a lot of what is disliked might turn to what is forbidden. And what is permissible is a barrier between him and what is disliked, so whoever engages in a lot of it might turn to what is disliked”.

Fat’hul Baari By Imam Ibn Hajr 1/127

[1] Brother, such and such is only Makruh and not Haram!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, 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 Salih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] was asked:

What is the difference between [الحرام وعدم الجواز والمكروه – Al-Haram (unlawful, forbidden), Adamul Jawaaz (not allowed) and Al-Makruh (disliked, detested)]?

Response: The doer of Haram (is threatened with) punishment, and the one who refrains from it (is promised) reward. Makruh merits a reward for avoidance, but (the doer) is not (threatened with) punishment; however, it is more appropriate not to engage in it. Continuously doing what is Makruh does not straight away reach the level of Haraam, but it could serve as a pathway to it, therefore it is more appropriate to avoid. If it is established that it leads to Haram, then it becomes Haram.

[Al-Muntaqaa Min Fataawaa 3/78]

A visit to Shaikh Mustapha Mabram

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] says:

 فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Statement of the visitors as follows:

Alhamdulillāh this evening we’ve had a beneficial sitting with Shaikh Mustafa Mabram hafidhahullāh— Abu Ukkāshah, Abū Talhah Ibrāhīm, myself and some other brothers.

He admonished us regarding the Taqwā of Allāh, and not being from those who seek Uluww and Fasād in the Earth — rather that we should aim to worship Allāh upon piety and staying away from his prohibitions.

I asked the Shaikh regarding those who are easygoing with regards to the affairs that are Makrūh, and they say that “it’s not harām, just makrūh”.

He referred back to his original advice regarding Taqwā, and added to it this statement of Al-Hasan Al-Basri rahimahullāh:

ما زالت التقوى بالمتقين حتى تركوا كثيرا من الحلال مخافة الحرام

“Taqwā has not ceased within the Muttaqīn, so long as they abandon much of that which is halāl, out of fear of Harām.”

The Shaikh said: “It is unanimously agreed upon that the affairs that are Makrūh are to be abandoned.”

He also said: “Even if something is mubāh — much less Makrūh or harām — the khatīb, the dā’ī, and the one who has some stake in Da’wah should look at the ta’thīr (effect) that this action has upon him, and how he affects the people, and how his call affects the people. [Allah the Most High said]: ‘They will bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection, and also of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge.'”

“Even if it the evil effect does not affect you, or those around you, what about your offspring and the generations that come after you?”

“There are those who still have with them the remnants of Ikhwāniyyah. So they aim to appear to the kuffār as not being extreme, so they become lax regarding these issues and then accuse their brothers of Tashaddud!”

“They would have you looking like the kuffar, and I fear that they would have you resembling the “مغضوب عليهم” and the “ضالين” — either resembling them directly in their asl (origin). Or resembling those who resemble them from the Fasaqah (open sinners) amongst us — so they have resembled the far’ (branch).”

Abu Ukkāshah asked him about those who say that there is a Qā’idah that the origin as it relates to the forbiddances in the Sharī’ah when it comes to ādāb (etiquette) and clothing, is that it denotes Karāhah and not tahrīm, and that people use it to allow Qaza’ and Isbāl and so on.

He said: “If you want to be upon every evil then follow the license and mistake of every scholar.”

And he added to that mention of a book that gathered the allowances of the scholars and was presented to one of the rulers of the Salaf, as evidence for that ruler that should he desire to partake in these allowances, he had precedent from various scholars before him. Upon this, the ruler said: “If we were to do this we would fall into zandaqah (heresy).”

The Shaikh said: “There are those from the scholars — even though they are not to be considered and our scholars have overcome them — who allow the cutting of the beard. And there are some who say that it is permissible to eat with the left hand.”

And he said: “The People of Kūfah allowed Nabīdh, the people of Makkah allowed Sarf — and so on. By merely following them, they would be sinful.”

I asked: “So is this Qā’idah a Qā’idah in reality? Does it have a basis?”

He said: “No! This Qā’idah is not correct.”

Written by Abdullah Abdul-Wahid Alam
Tuesday 26th March 2024 — 17th Night Ramadan 1445

Present were:
– Abu Ukkāshah Abdul-Hakeem
– Zakariyyah Adam
– Abdullah Abdul-Wahid Alam

[1] “He has a large number of followers on social media” or “Many people retweet him”

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated: A large number of people around a person is not proof that such a person is virtuous because some of the Prophets were only followed by a few people. “A Prophet will come on the day of judgment with a few followers and a Prophet will come with no followers”. [Bukhaari 5705]. Therefore, does this mean that such a Prophet is not virtuous? Absolutely not! A person does not look at the large number of people who are present because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to Ali, “If Allah gives guidance to a single man through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels”. [Bukhaari 3009] [1]

The Shaikh also stated: Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah are not harmed by those who oppose them. If you are with them- all praise is due to Allah, they are pleased with this because they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you cannot harm them and due to this the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]said, “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be manifest upon the truth- not harmed by those who forsake them until the command of Allah comes to pass (i.e. the day of judgment) whilst they are upon the (truth)”. The one in opposition does not harm except himself. What is given consideration is not the large numbers; rather what is given consideration is to agree with the truth, even if a small number of people were upon it. And even if in some eras there is only one person (upon truth), he is the one upon truth and he is the Jamaa’ah. The Jamaa’ah does not necessitate large numbers; rather the Jamaa’ah is what is in agreement with the truth – in agreement with the Book and the Sunnah, even if those upon it are few. However, if many come together upon truth, then – all praise is due to Allaah- this is strength; but if the majority oppose it (i.e. the truth), we side with the truth even if only a few are upon it”. [2]

Imaam Abu Shaamah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “When the command to adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jamaa’ah was upon- the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and his companions [may Allah be pleased with them]- and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood”. [3]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers [of people upon such and such idea, view, belief, way of life, etc], whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity, for indeed many people of the past were destroyed due to this [i.e. blindly following the majority]. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated on you to examine yourself; take account of yourself and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allaah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed, just as Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An-aam Ayah 116]

And Allah [The Most High] said: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [4]

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Ayah 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [5]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ pages 97-98 Publisher: Ar-Risaalah Publishers 1st edition 1428AH (Year 2007). Slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14 -15

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

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

[5] قم المعاند – 2/547