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Brief Response to a South African Archbishop’s Rotten, Snarky and Extremely Vile Statement

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

قُلْ يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَا تَغْلُوا۟ فِى دِينِكُمْ غَيْرَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوٓا۟ أَهْوَآءَ قَوْمٍ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ وَأَضَلُّوا۟ كَثِيرًا وَضَلُّوا۟ عَن سَوَآءِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture! Exceed not the limits in your religion (by believing in something) other than the truth, and do not follow the vain desires of people who went astray in times gone by, and who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the Right Path.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 77]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَلَمْ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ عِوَجَا
قَيِّمًا لِّيُنذِرَ بَأْسًا شَدِيدًا مِّن لَّدُنْهُ وَيُبَشِّرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا حَسَنًا
مَّٰكِثِينَ فِيهِ أَبَدًا
وَيُنذِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوا۟ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَدًا
مَّا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنْ عِلْمٍ وَلَا لِءَابَآئِهِمْ كَبُرَتْ كَلِمَةً تَخْرُجُ مِنْ أَفْوَٰهِهِمْ إِن يَقُولُونَ إِلَّا كَذِبًا

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad) the Book (the Quran) and has not placed therein any crookedness. [He has made it] straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward, in which they will remain forever; and to warn those who say, “Allah has begotten a son (or offspring or children).” No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. Mighty is the word that comes out of their mouths [i.e. He begot (took) sons and daughters]. They utter nothing but a lie. [Surah Al-Kahf. Ayaat 1-5]

There is no question that after attributing a son to Allah, all that might be expected from those Christian leaders who openly advocate Kufr and Shirk as well as seek to appease militant secularists is further corruption, deceit, sin, and transgression. Desmond Tutu was one of those misguided leaders, and it is stated that he said, “I will never worship a “homophobic God” and would rather go to hell” or “I would refuse a homophobic heaven”.

Therefore, we must define the term “homophobe” in order to expose the blatant untruth that this obstinate ignoramus was trying to convey. First, “With regard to terms that are neither mentioned in the Qur’an nor the Sunnah nor are they the subject of agreement among the righteous predecessors as to whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not obligatory for anybody to agree with either position until the term’s intended meaning is clarified. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the (revelation, instructions, prohibitions, etc) communicated by Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning contradicts the (revelation, commands, prohibitions, etc), it is rejected”. (1)

What is Homophobia? George Weinberg – one of the proponents of corruption who coined this phrase – said, “I coined the word homophobia to mean it was a phobia about homosexuals” or as others say, “Harmful or unfair things a person does base on a fear or dislike of gay people or queer people”. [End of quote]

Indeed, those who believe in Allah and the final Messenger do not fear homosexuals; rather, they fear the fact that homosexuality is a major sin in the Sight of Allah. However, just because believers in Allah and His final Messenger despise sin and persistent sinners does not mean that they are beyond the reach of justice when dealing with sinners such as homosexuals, drunkards, thieves, fornicators, adulterers, liars, pedophiles, slanderers, usurers, and callers to misguidance. Shaikh Abdul Waahid- Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated in an article of his regarding the consequences of homosexuality, “This is the view of all of the famous scholars and jurists of Islam in line with the punishment dealt to the people of Lūt (in the Qur’an) and the hadīth of the Prophet. A Muslim, regardless of which country he lives in, is not allowed to physically harm those he regards to be sinners, nor incite others to do so. Vigilantism goes against Islamic teachings because it creates an anarchic, unjust, and disorderly society”. (2)

Indeed, those who concocted the term “Homophobia” cannot distort reality by attempting to defend homosexuality and depict believers as weirdos for rejecting what the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all His Messengers have forbidden; rather attempting to twist reality would unveil another affair about the liars. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Changing the images and names of forbidden things while their true aims and realities remain is an increase in the corruption for which they were forbidden, in addition to attempting to deceive Allah and His Messenger; and (it is tantamount to) attributing plotting, deception, fraud, and hypocrisy to Allah’s Shari’ah and the religion He has ordained”. (3)

Allah [The Exalted] stated about the obstinate disbelievers in the time of noble Prophet Lut [peace be upon him]:

وَمَا ڪَانَ جَوَابَ قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓاْ أَخۡرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرۡيَتِڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ أُنَاسٌ۬ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ

And the answer of his people was only that they said: “Drive them [i.e. the believers] out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)!” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Ayah 82]

[أَخۡرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرۡيَتِڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ أُنَاسٌ۬ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ – Drive them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)!] – Meaning, (expel) Lut and those who practise his faith because they refrain from having sexual relations with men. “(Expel them) because they want to be pure by abstaining from sexual intercourse with men and anal sex with women,” Mujaahid [may Allah have compassion on him] stated. Qataadah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “They blamed them for that which is not blameworthy”. (4)

Nothing can change our Creator’s declaration that something is unlawful, even if all the sinful ones among humankind and Jinn seek to beautify it. No psychiatrist or psychologist can change the fact that homosexuality is contrary to the innate, upright natural disposition. Read the articles:

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/homosexuality-transgender-quran-bible-sodom-lot/

http://www.islamhomosexuality.com/hs/
https://archive.org/details/islam-homosexuality-book
The awful secret about the consequences of homosexual (gay) sex – Australian Federation for the Family: https://www.ausfamily.org/resources/sexual-behaviour/the-gay-sex-secret-homosexuals-want-no-one-to-know

The only harmful option available for the callers to corruption is to beautify corruption to one another, as Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّ۬ا شَيَـٰطِينَ ٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلۡجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعۡضُهُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ زُخۡرُفَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ غُرُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ‌ۖ فَذَرۡهُمۡ وَمَا يَفۡتَرُونَ

And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies- Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinns, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications. [Surah Al-An’aam. Ayah 112]

Finally, Desmond’s statement about refusing to worship a homophobic god is typical of his type because, in the first place, his religious beliefs have always been predicated on disbelief and insulting the Creator. Allah [The Exalted] stated:

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلْمَسِيحُ ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَقَالَ ٱلْمَسِيحُ يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ
لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَٰثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّآ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا۟ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
أَفَلَا يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَهُۥ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

They have certainly disbelieved those who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord, and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers. Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 72-74]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The son of Adam tells a lie against Me, though he hasn’t the right to do so. He abuses me though he hasn’t the right to do so. As for his telling a lie against Me, it is his saying that I will not recreate him as I created him for the first time. In fact, the first creation was not easier for Me than the new creation. As for his abusing Me, it is his saying that Allah has begotten children, while I am the One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need, I beget not, nor was I begotten, and there is none like unto Me.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 4974]

We ask Allah to protect us and our families from the callers to misguidance Aameen.

[Ref 1: Excerpt from Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah. Pg 17]
[Ref 2: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/lgbtq-homosexuality-gay-muslims-and-islam/%5D
[Ref 3: Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan 1/505]
[Ref 4: Tafseer Al-Baghawee]

[3] Ideologues hiding behind journalism

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ

They want to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths [i.e. the Qur’an, the pure Islamic monotheism, and the guidance Allah sent Muhammad with] but Allah will not allow it except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers hate (it). [Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 32]

Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: They wish to destroy the guidance and religion of truth that Allah gave His Messenger through their arguments and fabrications, so their example in this is that of someone who attempts to put out the light of the sun or the moon by blowing at them, but this (person) can never succeed in doing so. (1)

Jason Burke wrote:

Let’s start by stating that nobody has the authority to change the names and descriptions that Allah has given to the various individuals and groups among human beings and the Jinn. Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] said: Indeed, Allaah created the Jinn and humanity and endowed them with the intrinsic ability to identify Tawheed, submit to Him, and worship Him alone. However, some of them believed, while others did not.

Allah said:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ فَمِنكُمۡ ڪَافِرٌ۬ وَمِنكُم مُّؤۡمِنٌ۬‌ۚ

He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers.

While Shaytaan and the proponents of evil wish them disbelief and evil, Allah wishes them Imaan and well-being. Allah [The Exalted] said:

يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمۡ وَيَہۡدِيَڪُمۡ سُنَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬
وَٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَيُرِيدُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلشَّہَوَٲتِ أَن تَمِيلُواْ مَيۡلاً عَظِيمً۬ا

Allaah wishes to make clear (what is lawful and what is unlawful) to you and to show you the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance, and Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise. Allaah wishes to accept your repentance, but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away from the Right Path.

And because of this, Allah sent the Messengers, revealed the Scriptures, and established His Proofs; as a result, there are people who choose to accept the truth and embrace faith, as well as others who choose to reject the truth and embrace unbelief. Indeed, Allah has established the distinctions between believers and unbelievers in this life and the hereafter, and He forbade that the two groups be made equal. And in this life and the hereafter, Allah has outlined recompense and judgment for each of the two groups. He has given each group a distinctive name, such as Mumin for the believer, Kaafir for the disbeliever, Barrun for the upright (righteous one), Faajir for the evildoer, Mushrik for the polytheist, Muwahhid for the monotheist, Faasiq for a sinner, Munaafiq for the hypocrite, Mutee’un the obedient one and Aasee for the disobedient one. He also prohibited equating these disparate identities and attitudes. Allah said:

أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱجۡتَرَحُواْ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن نَّجۡعَلَهُمۡ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ

Or do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds?!

Allah said:

أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ كَٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ كَٱلۡفُجَّارِ

Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidoon (those who associate partners in worship with Allah and commit crimes) on earth?! Or shall We treat the Muttaqoon (the pious ones), as the Fujjaar (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)?!

That is to say, we have not made them equal since doing so would not comport with Allah’s justice.

Should we renounce the terms Kufr (disbelief), Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah), Kuffaar (unbelievers), and Mushrikeen (polytheists) found in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the Books of the Islamic creed? This will be against Allah and His Messenger and a violation of the Book and Sunnah. We will be associated with those who distort the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Messenger if we alter the true meanings of the Shari’ah terms. What defence is then available for (such a crime)? Is it to please the unbelievers? As long as we maintain our religion, the non-believers will never be happy with us. Allah said:

وَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَآءً۬‌ۖ

They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another). (2)

Regarding Jason’s claim that “Sudan will also ban the practice of takfir by which a Muslim can be declared apostate by another and so subject to a potential death sentence,” the statement definitely needs clarification and detail because while it is true that a Muslim can declare another Muslim to be apostate and subject to the prescribed punishment, the question is who among the Muslims has the authority to do so! Indeed, Ahlus Sunnah are fully aware that Takfeer can only be made by the upright scholars of the Islamic world—those who fear Allah and refrain from speaking unless they are well-informed. Find out who can make Takfeer and its guiding principles here:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/MNJ090006.pdf

Read further here: On Those Who Ought To Declare Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment, according to Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan:

http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Apostasy – [Unveiling Another Path of The Criminals and Opponents of The Messengers]: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/06/11/islams-unapologetic-position-on-apostasy-unveiling-another-path-of-the-criminals-and-opponents-of-the-messengers/

Regarding the quote from Jason that reads, “The Takfir of others became a threat to the security and safety of society,” it is clear that the act of false (or unjustified) Takfir against a Muslim is a dangerous matter. All Muslim rulers must take action to shut this terrible door in order to stop the contemporary Khaarijites from using Sayyid Qutb’s, Usama Bin Ladin’s, and Ayman Az-Zawahiri’s evil ideology to overthrow Muslim governments and incite violence.

Shaikh Falaah Ismaa’eel [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: In order to comprehend their danger, it merits noting what Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] wished if he were to encounter them and what he would do to them, despite the fact that they hail from the Ummah and from the people of the Qiblah, that he would slaughter them in a manner comparable to that of Aad and Thamood; especially when one considers what Allah’s Messenger said concerning dogs, “Had dogs not been a community amongst the communities, I would have commanded that all of them be killed”. (see footnote I) Therefore, a sensible person examines and considers what the Messenger of guidance and mercy wanted to do to these Khawaarij, notwithstanding their commitment to worship, prayer, fasting, and Qur’anic recitation, in comparison to what he prevented himself and others from doing to dogs. Indeed, this is strong evidence of the peril posed by the persistence of this idea [i.e., Fasle Takfeer] and this kind of people in the Ummah [i.e., the Khawaarij], since they weaken the Ummah and keep it preoccupied with [internal issues, strife, etc.] (3)

Footnote I: “Had dogs not been a community amongst the communities, I would have commanded that all of them be killed”.

Al-Khattaabee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “This statement means that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] hated that a community among the communities and a species among the creation would vanish until they all ceased to exist because, in reality, none of Allah’s creatures exist without some kind of purpose or benefit guiding their existence. Since there is no way to eliminate all of them in this situation, kill the evil ones among them – the black dog – leave the others so that you might use them as guard dogs”. [An Excerpt from Ma’aalim As-Sunan 4/132] [NB: Only the authorities in the Uk are allowed to take the life of an animal and any individual who does so will be found guilty of animal cruelty]

Dogs we can keep: Abdullah Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, “Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock or a dog that is trained for hunting, two qiraats [i.e. great reward] will be deducted from his reward each day’”. [Bukhaari 5163 and Muslim 1574]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “As a result, there is no need to have a dog to guard a house if it is in the heart of a metropolis. Therefore, having a dog for this reason in such circumstances is forbidden and unlawful, and it reduces a person’s reward by one or two qiraats each day. However, it is acceptable to have a dog to protect the home and those living there if the house is in a rural area and nobody is home. It is more crucial to protect a household’s residents than its animals or agricultural produce”. [An Excerpt from Majmoo Fataawa Ibn Uthaymeen 4/246]

The Hunting Dog

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَآ أُحِلَّ لَهُمۡ‌ۖ قُلۡ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتُ‌ۙ وَمَا عَلَّمۡتُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَہُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ فَكُلُواْ مِمَّآ أَمۡسَكۡنَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱسۡمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡهِ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ

They ask you [O Muhammad)] what is lawful for them [as food]. Say: “Lawful unto you are At-Tayyibat [all kind of Halal (lawful-good) foods which Allah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, and fruits, etc.)]. And those beasts and birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching them [to catch] in the manner as directed to you by Allaah; so eat of what they catch for you, but pronounce the Name of Allah over it, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Swift in reckoning”. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 4]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Indeed, Allah declared the prey of the untrained hound to be dead meat and forbidden to consume, whereas He declared the prey of the trained hound to be permissible. This is evidence of the nobility of knowledge as Allah did not declare any prey other than that of the trained hound to be lawful. The trained and untrained hound would have been the same if it weren’t for the fact that knowledge and teaching have a unique distinguished virtue and nobility. [An Excerpt Mihtaah Daarus Sa’aadah. 1/55]

https://abukhadeejah.com/dog-as-pets-guard-dogs-sheepdogs-hunting-hounds/

Ref 1: Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdeeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer

Ref 2: An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Ba’dil Kuttaab. 2/177-180

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Naz’atut Takfeer. Pages 24-25. slightly paraphrsed]

Who are the four kings that ruled the eastern and western regions of the earth?

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Sin.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ أَنۡ ءَاتَٮٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكَ إِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّىَ ٱلَّذِى يُحۡىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا۟ أُحۡىِۦ وَأُمِيتُ‌ۖ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡتِى بِٱلشَّمۡسِ مِنَ ٱلۡمَشۡرِقِ فَأۡتِ بِہَا مِنَ ٱلۡمَغۡرِبِ فَبُهِتَ ٱلَّذِى كَفَرَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

Have you not seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 258]

[أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ – Have you seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)]- Meaning, he argued with Ibraaheem, and this person – based on what a group of the scholars stated- was Namrood. Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, “The Kings who ruled the eastern and western regions of the earth were two believers and two disbelievers: the two believers were Prophet Sulaymaan and Dhul Qarnayn, and the two disbelievers were Namrood and Bukhtanasar”. Ibn Qutaybah said, “Namrood argued with Prophet Ibraaheem because he was given a kingdom, so he became self-amazed and amazed with his kingdom. (1)

[أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ – Have you seen (contemplated with your heart and eyes) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)]- Meaning, his insolence, ignorant attitude and obstinacy, and arguing regarding that which there is no doubt?! Nothing led him to this behaviour except because that “Allah had given him the kingdom”, so he transgressed and rebelled, and considered himself as one in control of those under his authority, which led him to argue with Prophet Ibraaheem about Allaah’s Lordship and claimed that he can do the same thing as Allaah does. Prophet Ibraheem said to him, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death” – Meaning, Allaah alone is in absolute control of everything; then Ibraaheem mentioned two specific affairs – life and death, because they the greatest things in Allaah’s absolute control. That is because granting life is the beginning of the worldly life and death is the beginning of that which is to occur in the afterlife. So, the one who sought to ague against Ibraaheem said, “I give life and cause death”, but never said, “I am The One Who gives life and death”, because he could not claim that he was not in need of anyone to interfere in the affair; rather he only claimed that he could do what Allaah does by killing someone and sparing someone’s life. Prophet Ibraaheem saw the fallacy in his argument and his utterence of speech that is not even worthy of being a Shubhah (i.e. an ambiguity portrayed as wholesome truth) let alone a proof, so he said to him, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east”- Meaning, Ibraaheem mentioned something that can be clearly seen and affirmed by everyone including this disbeliever; “Then cause it you to rise from the west”- Meaning, this compelled him to bring proof if he was truthful in his claim. So, when Ibraaheem uttered this to him about which he neither had the ability to present an ambiguity to make Ibraaheem’s proof look confusing nor could he find something to disparage it, he was utterly defeated – lost for an answer, his proof cut off and his ambiguous statement toppled. (2) He Who brings life and death (Allaah) has absolute control over the existence and creates everything is in it, including absolute control of its planets and their movements. The sun rises everyday from the east, so if you were god, as you claim, who gives life and cause death, then make the sun rise from the west. (3) This is the situation of an obstinate falsifier who wants to confront truth and overcome it, because he will be defeated and subdued. This is why Allaah said: [وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ – And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.)]; rather He abandons them to their disbelief and misguidance. (4)

The Greatest King of all Time (Prophet Sulayman), The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Upright Scholar, The If’reet and The Intelligent Queen!

The Greatest King of all Time (Prophet Sulayman), The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Upright Scholar, The If’reet and The Intelligent Queen!

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer- By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: Tafseer Ibn Katheer]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

Neither tell us how to live our lives nor what to do with our wealth and business transactions!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Shirk, Sin.

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

We Will Not Abandon Our Way of Life Nor Cease Dealing With Our Wealth How We Want, Even If You Think We Are Wrong! – An Inheritance from the ancient deniers of the path of the Messengers

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِلَىٰ مَدۡيَنَ أَخَاهُمۡ شُعَيۡبً۬ا‌ۚ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَلَا تَنقُصُواْ ٱلۡمِڪۡيَالَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ‌ۚ إِنِّىٓ أَرَٮٰڪُم بِخَيۡرٍ۬ وَإِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ عَذَابَ يَوۡمٍ۬ مُّحِيطٍ۬ (٨٤) وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ أَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡمِڪۡيَالَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَبۡخَسُواْ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشۡيَآءَهُمۡ وَلَا تَعۡثَوۡاْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُفۡسِدِينَ (٨٥) بَقِيَّتُ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن ڪُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۚ وَمَآ أَنَا۟ عَلَيۡكُم بِحَفِيظٍ۬ (٨٦) قَالُواْ يَـٰشُعَيۡبُ أَصَلَوٰتُكَ تَأۡمُرُكَ أَن نَّتۡرُكَ مَا يَعۡبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَآ أَوۡ أَن نَّفۡعَلَ فِىٓ أَمۡوَٲلِنَا مَا نَشَـٰٓؤُاْ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ ٱلۡحَلِيمُ ٱلرَّشِيدُ (٨٧) قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ۬ مِّن رَّبِّى وَرَزَقَنِى مِنۡهُ رِزۡقًا حَسَنً۬ا‌ۚ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنۡ أُخَالِفَكُمۡ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنۡهَٮٰڪُمۡ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ إِنۡ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا ٱلۡإِصۡلَـٰحَ مَا ٱسۡتَطَعۡتُ‌ۚ وَمَا تَوۡفِيقِىٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ‌ۚ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلۡتُ وَإِلَيۡهِ أُنِيبُ (٨٨) وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ لَا يَجۡرِمَنَّكُمۡ شِقَاقِىٓ أَن يُصِيبَڪُم مِّثۡلُ مَآ أَصَابَ قَوۡمَ نُوحٍ أَوۡ قَوۡمَ هُودٍ أَوۡ قَوۡمَ صَـٰلِحٍ۬‌ۚ وَمَا قَوۡمُ لُوطٍ۬ مِّنڪُم بِبَعِيدٍ۬ (٨٩) وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّڪُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى رَحِيمٌ۬ وَدُودٌ۬ (٩٠) قَالُواْ يَـٰشُعَيۡبُ مَا نَفۡقَهُ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّمَّا تَقُولُ وَإِنَّا لَنَرَٮٰكَ فِينَا ضَعِيفً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَوۡلَا رَهۡطُكَ لَرَجَمۡنَـٰكَ‌ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيۡنَا بِعَزِيزٍ۬ (٩١) قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ أَرَهۡطِىٓ أَعَزُّ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱتَّخَذۡتُمُوهُ وَرَآءَكُمۡ ظِهۡرِيًّا‌ۖ إِنَّ رَبِّى بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ۬ (٩٢) وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡمَلُواْ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِڪُمۡ إِنِّى عَـٰمِلٌ۬‌ۖ سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ مَن يَأۡتِيهِ عَذَابٌ۬ يُخۡزِيهِ وَمَنۡ هُوَ كَـٰذِبٌ۬‌ۖ وَٱرۡتَقِبُوٓاْ إِنِّى مَعَڪُمۡ رَقِيبٌ۬ (٩٣) وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا نَجَّيۡنَا شُعَيۡبً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ بِرَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَّا وَأَخَذَتِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ فِى دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ جَـٰثِمِينَ (٩٤) كَأَن لَّمۡ يَغۡنَوۡاْ فِيہَآ‌ۗ أَلَا بُعۡدً۬ا لِّمَدۡيَنَ كَمَا بَعِدَتۡ ثَمُودُ (٩٥)

And to the Madyan (Midian) people (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (God) but Him, and give not short measure or weight, I see you in prosperity; and verily I fear for you the torment of a Day encompassing. And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption. That which is left by Allah for you (after giving the rights of the people) is better for you, if you are believers. And I am not set over you as a guardian. [Hud. 84-86]

They said: “O Shu’aib! Does your Salat (prayer) (i.e. the prayers which you offer has spoiled your mind, so you) command that we leave off what our fathers used to worship, or that we leave off doing what we like with our property? Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!” (They said this sarcastically). [Hud 87]

Commentary on Aayah 87: They said this to mock at their Prophet and to making it known that there was no way they would accept his call. The meaning of their speech is that he nothing necessitates that you forbid us from what we want to do, except that you pray to Allah and worship Him; so if that is that is the case, is it incumbent on us to abandon what our forefathers used to worship due to a statement that has no evidence other than that it agrees with what you hold? So, how can we follow you and abandon the path of our forefathers, who possessed wisdom and sound reasoning? Likewise, your statement does not necessitate that “we leave off doing what we like with our property”, and that we give full weight and measure, and fulfil the rights that are obligated in that; rather we will not cease to do what we want because it is our wealth and you have no jurisdiction in that. So, due to this, they said mockinly, “Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!”- Meaning, “are you the one who is forbearing, a possessor of dignity and good character, and that neither is anything uttered by you except guidance towards upright conduct nor do you command except upright conduct,and you do not forbid except misguidance! The affair is not like that”. Their intent by way of this speech is that he is that his character is the opposite of these two characteristics, and that he is foolish and astray.

He said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself (shall I corrupt it by mixing it with the unlawfully earned money). I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you. I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power. And my guidance cannot come except from Allah, in Him I trust and unto Him I repent. [Hud 88]

Commentary on Aayah 88: [يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي – O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord]- Meaning: I am upon certainty and tranquillity regarding the correctness of [the Message] I have brought. [وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا – and He (Allaah) has given me a good sustenance from Himself]- Meaning: Allaah has given me various types of wealth. [وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]- Meaning: I do not wish to forbid you from [the evil practice of giving lower in weight and Measure by way of cheating in business transactions], yet I myself do the same and eventually you will charge me for doing so; rather I will not forbid you from an affair except that I will be the first person to hasten to abandon it; [إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ – I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power]- Meaning: I do not have any other intentions [goals or aims] other than to rectify your state of affairs and the things that are of benefit to you. And because this statement of Shu’aib contains something which may indicate that he is attributing piety to himself, he repels it with the statement [وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – And my guidance cannot come except from Allah]-Meaning: The ability I have to do good and to refrain from evil is a bestowal from Allaah [The Most High] and it is neither due to my strength nor power; [عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ – in Him I trust and unto Him I repent]- Meaning: I rely on Allaah in all my affairs and suffice myself with Him. I turn to Allaah in all the various acts of worship He has commanded me to draw close to Him by performing good deeds. By way of these two affairs- seeking aid and assistance from Allaah, turning to Him in repentance, complete submission and obedience- a person’s state of affairs becomes upright, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah: [فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ– So worship Him (O Muhammad) and put your trust in Him].

And O my people! Let not my Shiqaq cause you to suffer the fate similar to that of the people of Nuh (Noah) or of Hud or of Salih (Saleh), and the people of Lout (Lot) are not far off from you! And ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn unto Him in repentance. Verily, my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Loving.” [Hud 89-90]

They said: “O Shu’aib! We do not understand much of what you say, and we see you a weak (man, it is said that he was a blind man) among us. Were it not for your family, we should certainly have stoned you and you are not powerful against us.” He said: “O my people! Is then my family of more weight with you than Allah? And you have cast Him away behind your backs. Verily, my Lord is surrounding all that you do. And O my people! Act according to your ability and way, and I am acting (on my way). You will come to know who it is on whom descends the torment that will cover him with ignominy, and who is a liar! And watch you! Verily, I too am watching with you.” And when Our Commandment came, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us. And As-Saihah (torment – awful cry, etc.) seized the wrong-doers, and they lay (dead) prostrate in their homes. As if they had never lived there! So away with Madyan (Midian)! As away with Thamud! (All these nations were destroyed). [Hud 91-95]

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

How Many Mummies Will They Discover and What Should It Remind Them?!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In the Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Exlated] stated:

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ حَقَّتۡ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُ‌ۚ فَسِيرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُكَذِّبِينَ

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).” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 36]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ۬‌ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَأۡخِرُونَ سَاعَةً۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَقۡدِمُونَ – And every nation has its appointed term; when their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 34]

Reported in the news – (Rajab 4, 1444 Al-Khamees – Corresponding 26th January (Thursday) 2023) – that so called Egyptologists discovered Hekashepes, a 4,300-year-old mummy. This mummy – as they believe – may be the oldest and most complete mummy found in Egypt to date. Among other tombs found was one belonging to Khnumdjedef, an inspector of officials, a supervisor of nobles and a priest during the reign of Unas, last pharaoh of the fifth dynasty. It was decorated with scenes of daily life. Another tomb belonged to Meri, “keeper of secrets and assistant to the great leader of the palace. However, the Muslim should pay close attention to the clarification in this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/04/22/one-of-the-corrupt-goals-behind-the-attention-given-to-artifacts-by-al-allaamah-rabee-bin-haadee/

The Permanent Committee, the Fiqh Council and the Major Scholars on Masonic Secretive Organizations and Their Globalist Agendas

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

The Permanent Committee,
the Fiqh Council and the Major
Scholars on Masonic Secretive
Organizations and Their
Globalist Agendas

secret_societies

Kankurang Rite In Gambia and Senegal!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Kankurang Rite In Gambia and Senegal- A Call to Superstition In Some African Muslim Countries With The Approval of UNESCO Under The Guise of Promoting Cultural Heritage!

The Kankurang is an initiatory rite practised throughout the Manding provinces of Senegal and Gambia, mainly corresponding to the Casamance, and in the city of Mbour. According to tradition, the origin of the Kankurang is to be found in the Komo, a secret society of hunters whose organization and esoteric practices contributed to the emergence of the Manding.

The central character in the Kankurang, is an initiate who wears a mask made of the bark and red fibre of the faara tree and is clothed in leaves, his body painted with vegetable dyes. He is associated with circumcision ceremonies and initiatory rites. His appearance is marked by several ritual stages: the designation of the initiate who will wear the mask and his investiture by the elders, his retreat into the woods with the initiates, the vigils and processions through the hamlet of the new initiates. The whole ritual generally takes place between August and September. The Kankurang always parades surrounded by former initiates and the villagers who respectfully follow his behaviour and gestures, and perform dances and songs. His displays are punctuated with a staccato dance as he wields two machetes and utters piercing cries. His followers, armed with sticks and rhun palm leaves, beat out the rhythm with their choruses and tom-toms.

The Kankurang is the guarantor of order and justice as well as the exorcist of evil spirits. As such, he ensures transmission and teaching of a complex collection of know-how and practices underpinning Manding cultural identity. A ritual that has spread to other communities and groups of the area, it is the occasion for young circumcised boys to learn the rules of behaviour for the ordering their community, the secrets of plants and their medicinal values, and hunting techniques. Their traditional practice is in retreat because of the rapid urbanization of most regions of Senegal and Gambia and the decreasing extent of sacred forests, which are transformed into cultivated land. As a result, the ritual is trivialized and the Kankurang authority is undermined. [Source: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/kankurang-manding-initiatory-rite-00143%5D

Fearful children nearby run inside their homes as the scary figure approaches, grunting. Others, more curious, risk a closer look at the man dressed to represent the spiritual figure.

Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolises the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil.

He explained that the Kankurang is a spirit and humans don’t have his power, but during the ceremonies some men dress like the Kankurang to drive away evil from the boys.

The Kankurang rite was recognised in 2005 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which proclaimed it a cultural heritage.

“This is the culture we have. And me, I’ll always work for the culture to survive,” Mr Jallow said. “As far as I’m alive, I will never leave my culture.” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-31/kankurang-initiation-rite-teaches-boys-respect-in-gambia/100583804%5D

 

Observations and Comments

Quote: “According to tradition, the origin of the Kankurang is to be found in the Komo, a secret society of hunters whose organization and esoteric practices contributed to the emergence of the Manding”.

Comment: If what is stated above – regarding the origin of this secret society – is true and they were animists or ascribed to other non-Muslim groups, then indeed we expect this type of behaviour; but if the initiators of this rite ascribed to Islam, then indeed there is no secrecy or secret organization in Islam. Shaikh Dr Abu Iyaadh Amjad Rafiq [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “The Islām of the Prophets and Messengers is founded upon the Tawḥid (Monotheism) of Allāh which is the uniqueness of Allāh, 16 the Lord of Ādam, Noah, Abraham, Ismaʿīl, Isḥāq, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Muḥammad. This uniqueness is with respect to: a) His Lordship over creation, in that there is no creator, owner and regulator besides Him, b) the realities of His names and attributes, in that there is no likeness between His essence, names and attributes and those of His creation and c) His sole right to worship in that the worship of created things is the greatest injustice and a violation of the order, precision and justice upon which the universe was created. The world is not rectified except through this Tawḥid of Allāh, the Mighty and Majestic, and for this did Allāh send Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, ʿĪsā and Muḥammad and all other Messengers. Built upon this foundation of Tawḥīd, and branching from it, the legal rulings of Islām protect the rights of men with regards to their souls (life), minds (intellect) possessions (wealth), lineage and honour. These legal rulings are a perfection of the foundation and can never stand in isolation from it. Thereafter, Islām is marked as a whole – in its beliefs, acts of worship, dealings, morals, manners and all of its rulings – with simplicity, clarity and openness. There is no concept of hidden, mystical knowledge for the intellectual elite, because Islām is for all people, the young, the old, the intelligent, the unintelligent, the strong and the weak, the black and the white, the brown, red and yellow”. [Source: A Study of Bāṭinī Movements. pages 12-13]

Quote: “The central character in the Kankurang, is an initiate who wears a mask made of the bark and red fibre of the faara tree and is clothed in leaves, his body painted with vegetable dyes. He is associated with circumcision ceremonies and initiatory rites. His appearance is marked by several ritual stages: the designation of the initiate who will wear the mask and his investiture by the elders, his retreat into the woods with the initiates, the vigils and processions through the hamlet of the new initiates”.

Comment: If those who initiated these rituals were animists or ascribed to other non-Muslim groups, then one has no doubt that it was one of their un-Islamic cultural practices; but if those who initiated these practices ascribed to Islam, then indeed neither wearing a mask made of bark and red fibre of the faara tree and clothed in leaves nor body painted with vegetable dyes are mentioned in the Sharee’ah texts in association with circumcision in Islam. Circumcision is an act of worship in Islam, therefore nothing else is associated with it except what is legislated in the Sharee’ah. Al-Allaamah Abdul Musin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23] And the noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718] And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected]. [أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم – page 4-5]

Quote: “The Kankurang is the guarantor of order and justice as well as the exorcist of evil spirits. As such, he ensures transmission and teaching of a complex collection of know-how and practices underpinning Manding cultural identity”.

Comment: If these Kankurang proponents ascribed to Islam, then indeed those who follow their path are reminded of the fact that Allaah is the only guarantor of perfect order and justice through that which He revealed to His Messengers. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritising necessities. Therefore, due to this Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allaah [The Most High] said: [ كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ -Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213] Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ”. [Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Everyone with a bit of (sound) intellect knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs are completely corrupted”. [A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

As for exorcism or incantations, it is allowed if performed in a manner that is free from Shirk. Auf Bin Malik Al-Ashja’ee [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “We practised incantation in the pre-Islamic days and we said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! What do you hold about this affair? He said, ‘Let me know your incantation. There is no harm in the incantation which does not contain Shirk’”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 2200]

However, we do not know which words or statements these people use in their exorcisms (incantations etc) – whether they contain Shirk or not; therefore we suffice ourselves with the Sunnah. Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: Eleven Ways to Perform Ruqyah on Yourself for Sickness, Evil-Eye, Possession, Madness and Magic: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/nine-ways-to-perform-ruqyah-on-yourself-for-ailments-evil-eye-jinn-magic-etc-ruqyah-series-2/

Quote: “A ritual (i.e. Kankurang) that has spread to other communities and groups of the area, it is the occasion for young circumcised boys to learn the rules of behaviour for the ordering their community, the secrets of plants and their medicinal values, and hunting techniques”.

Comment: As mentioned earlier, if those who initiated this ritual ascribe to Islam, then there is no proof in the Sharee’ah to associate these rituals with circumcision. As for boys learning good manners and behaviour, then indeed the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger suffices the Muslim. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا

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

Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to say: Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the greatest criterion [i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn] and all affairs are presented to him [i.e. for judgement and judged] based on his manners, path and guidance; so whatever is in agreement with this is truth, and whatever is in opposition is falsehood. [Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’ page 8]

Therefore, any rules regarding behaviour and good manners must be confined within the Sunnah of the Messenger, and no cultural practice, custom or tradition should be followed if it opposes the Sunnah of the Messenger. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allaah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people”. [ Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The customs cannot make something that is not legislated (in the divine revelation) as something legislated, because of Allaah’s statement: [وَلَيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرُّ بِأَن تَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا – It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc.) that you enter the houses from the back] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 189], despite the fact that it was something they took as their custom and considered it to be an act of righteousness. Whoever takes something as a custom and believes that it is an act of righteousness, then it should be presented to Allaah’s divine legislation”. [Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 2/299]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “Extremism in related to customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. As for if the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7]
As for medicine extracted from plants and herbs, then indeed we have all benefitted from it when we were children in Gambia. Our grand mothers – in particular – were experienced in this field. Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Allaah did not send down any disease except that he also sent its cure’” In another narration, the Messenger said, “One who has knowledge of it knows it, and one ignorant of it is ignorant”. [Sunan Ibn Mājah 3438 and declared authentic by Imaam Albaanee in Sisilah As-Saheehah 4/208]

Quote: “Fearful children nearby run inside their homes as the scary figure approaches, grunting. Others, more curious, risk a closer look at the man dressed to represent the spiritual figure”.

Comment: If those who initiated this ritual ascribe to Islam, then those who follow their path are reminded of the fact that neither children nor adults are to be subjected to fear – whether out of joking or not. The Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim”. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud 5004]

Quote: “Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolises the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil”.

Comment: Indeed, none can protect from evil except Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Removal of harm is only in the hand of Allaah. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلۡمُضۡطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكۡشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجۡعَلُڪُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ۬ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any true (god) besides Allah? [Surah An-Naml. Aayah 62]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [قُلِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَلَا يَمۡلِكُونَ كَشۡفَ ٱلضُّرِّ عَنكُمۡ وَلَا تَحۡوِيلاً – Say (O Muhammad): “Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like angels, Iesa (Jesus), ‘Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person.”] [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 56]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[ قُلۡ أَفَرَءَيۡتُم مَّا تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِنۡ أَرَادَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ هَلۡ هُنَّ كَـٰشِفَـٰتُ ضُرِّهِۦۤ أَوۡ أَرَادَنِى بِرَحۡمَةٍ هَلۡ هُنَّ مُمۡسِكَـٰتُ رَحۡمَتِهِ – Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?] [Surah Az-Zumar. Aayah 38]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ۬ فَلَا ڪَاشِفَ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ – And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 17]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ – And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 107] Therefore, read here – by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah – https://www.abukhadeejah.com/to-seek-refuge-with-other-than-allaah-is-from-shirk-shaikh-ahmad-an-najmees-kitaab-at-tawheed-chapter-12/

Quote: He explained that the Kankurang is a spirit and humans don’t have his power, but during the ceremonies some men dress like the Kankurang to drive away evil from the boys.

Comment: Indeed, we are well acquainted with this claim about spirits, super natural beings and their miracles! Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The Khawaariq [Phenomena attributed to something beyond what is usual or what normally happens] by way of which the devils misguide the children of Aadam – such as when the devils take the image of a person who is absent or has passed away and what is similar to this – has misguided many of those who ascribe themselves to the Muslims or to the people of the Scripture. They base this on two affairs: “Firstly, that whoever from whom these khawaariq occurs is a Wali, and according to the term of the Christians he is a Qadees A’dheem – a great saint! Secondly, that the one from whom these khawaariq occurs is therefore infallible- everything he narrates is truth and everything he commands is justice”.

However, it can definitely be the case that neither did a phenomena outside the norm – whether unrelated or related to sound knowledge and piety – occur from such a person nor a phenomena outside the normal related to deeds of the devils; rather the person merely carried out the tricks of the liars and wicked sinners. The tricks of the liars and wicked sinners are numerous indeed, so one thinks that they are amazing affairs outside the norm, however neither is that the case nor is it something similar to the tricks of the monks. Some people have written books regarding the tricks of the monks, such as the trick reported about one of them changing water into oil- that when the oil is in the interior of the lighthouse, the water gradually reduces and thus the oil floats [or pops up] on the water, so those who are present think that the water has changed into oil. The likes of this affair are numerous from the tricks of those Christians, because all that those Christians possess – those who altered the religion of the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – of activities that are attributed to something out of the norm are either from the devils or they are tricks, and there’s nothing in them related to the miracles of the righteous people.

Likewise, the people of deviation- those who seek to alter the religion of Muhammad – adopt a religion that is not legislated by Allaah and His Messenger, then they make it a path of worship and give it precedence over the path that is legislated by Allaah and His Messenger. For example, they give precedence to listening to sounds from the tambourines and the shrill flutes over listening to the book of Allaah, so one of them goes into a state of ecstasy and a satanic trance through which he becomes muddled up with shaytaan until he speaks in a language he does not know. Then when he returns to his senses – just as when a jinn speaks through the tongue of the one who is possessed and after informing the people of that which is in his heart and soul, which is from the Shaytaan, and the shaytaan leaves him -, he cannot repeat what he said at first.

Those who deviate from the straight path alter the religion of the Messengers – either the religion of the Messiah or seek to alter the religion of Muhammad, and amongst the likes of such people are the people who deviate from the straight path, the people of misguidance, the disbelievers, the polytheists, apostates and other than them, such as the likes of Musaylimah the liar, Al-Aswad Al-Unzee, Al-Haarith Ad-Dimashqee, Baabaa Roomee and other than them amongst those who engaged in activities that are considered to be outside the norm [i.e. so called miracles] but [in reality] are related to the deeds of the devils.

As for the tricksters, they are numerous and they are not Awliyaa of Allaah, rather their so called amazing activities that are outside the norm, if not related to the satanic deeds of the soothsayers and the magicians, then they are tricks. They deliberately lie and deceive unlike those connected to the devils, because amongst them is he who deceives, so one thinks that what he does is from the miracles of the righteous people, just as amongst them is one who knows that what he does is from the devils, but he does so in order to achieve his goals.

The intent behind this discussion is that many of the activities that are considered to be outside of the norm [i.e. so called miracles] are either satanic deeds or tricks, so one thinks that they are the true miracles of the righteous people, for indeed that which whose cause is based on Shirk and wicked deeds can only be from the devils, such as when a person associates partners with Allaah by invoking the stars, or invokes a person- whether such a person is dead or absent, or he makes an oath through unknown words and statements whose meanings are not known, or he knows that they are names of devils, or seeks aid through lewd conduct and oppression, then such deeds – considered to be outside of the norm that emanates from this – are from the devils.

The righteous people have miracles such as the miracles of the pious people of this Ummah [may Allaah have mercy upon them], the miracles of the disciples of the Messiah [may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messiah, and may Allaah have mercy upon the disciples] and other than them amongst those who were upon the correct and unaltered religion of the Messiah. However, the occurrence of miracles at the hands of the righteous people does not necessitate that they are infallible like the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them]; rather it maybe that a righteous man- a Wali – has miracles, but despite this he mixes up by error and makes a mistake in that which he thinks or what he is made to hear or see, or what he sees, or what he understands from the revealed Scrippure. And because of this, the statements of those other than the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them] can either be accepted or rejected [i.e. based on evidence], but as for the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them], it is obligated on a person to affirm truthfully everything they have related regarding the affairs of the unseen and obey them in everything they command. And due to this, Allaah [The Exalted] obligated on a person to believe in everything the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them] brought and did not obligate on a person to believe in everything that comes from others. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمۡ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۡهُمۡ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 136]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
لَّيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّواْ وُجُوهَكُمۡ قِبَلَ ٱلۡمَشۡرِقِ وَٱلۡمَغۡرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلۡبِرَّ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةِ وَٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ

It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets. [Suraah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 177]

And because of this the Muslims are all in agreement that the one who disbelieved in a single Prophet whose Prophethood is well known, then he is a disbeliever- an apostate. There is no distinction between one Prophet from the other- by believing in some and disbelieving in others. Allaah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَنَڪۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٲلِكَ سَبِيلاً
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ حَقًّ۬ا‌ۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابً۬ا مُّهِينً۬ا

Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayaat 150-151] [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 284- 287. Slightly paraphrased

Quote: “The Kankurang rite was recognised in 2005 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which proclaimed it a cultural heritage”.

Comment: Obviously, one expects that UNESCO would recognise this ritual because one of its visions is to promote shirk in Muslim countries under the guise of cultural heritage. Muslims are commanded to reject all un-Islamic practices and rituals, especially when Shirk, kufr, Bidah and superstition is involved. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَآ إِكۡرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ‌ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشۡدُ مِنَ ٱلۡغَىِّ‌ۚ فَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ يُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتُ يُخۡرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ‌ۗ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut (i.e. all false dieties) and believes in Allah (i.e. worship Allaah alone based on the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet), then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false deities, idols and other things invoked besides Allaah etc), they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 256-257]

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari [may Alaah preserve him] said: And from which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two affairs: Clarification of the truth and refuting falsehood and its people. The affirmation of this (affair) becomes manifest to the one who contemplates on the statement of Tawheed [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and by way of explanation. The saying of the slave (i.e. the Muslim) لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people-those who deify others besides Allaah. And the statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. And it (means) that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner. Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messengership of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that and thus deifies him; or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messengership. [Source:المقالات الشرعيّة pages 14-15]

Quote: “This is the culture we have. And me, I’ll always work for the culture to survive,” Mr Jallow said. “As far as I’m alive, I will never leave my culture.”

Comment: We say to utterer of this statement: If you ascribe to Islaam, then indeed it is obligated on you to follow the authentic Sunnah of your Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be up[on him], abandon every bidah, un-Islamic custom and cultural practice. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Aal Imran. Verse 31]

A Muslim does not adhere to pre-Islamic or un-Islamic cultural practices. Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [sanctuaries of Makkah and Medeenah]; a person who seeks that the traditions of the pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on this hadeeth as follows: These three deeds are from the major sins. The first major sin is Al-Ilhaad Fil Haram [i.e. deviating from right conduct in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah]. Ilhaad means to deviate from the truth [and enter into] falsehood, and supporting falsehood in order to obliterate the truth. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] censured the Mulhideen Fil Haram [i.e. those who deviate from right conduction in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], saying: [وَمَن يُرِدۡ فِيهِ بِإِلۡحَادِۭ بِظُلۡمٍ۬ نُّذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ – And whoever intends evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 25]

Allaah promised them [a severe punishment] due to the mere fact they intend evil actions therein [i.e. in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], then how about perpetrating such deed! Indeed that would be a more severe sin, a more frightening state and a more severe punishment. This is a proof regarding the virtue of the sanctuaries of the Haram- that it is a sacred land chosen by Allaah and He made it a place where virtuous acts of worship are performed, [such as] the Hajj which is one of the pillars of Islaam. Allaah gave this place virtues that cannot be enumerated, such as the increased reward attached to good deeds [performed in Makkah and Madeenah] and gave this land virtue over all other lands of the earth.

The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Eemaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to Bidah over [the authentic] Sunnah that guides to the straight path.

The third major sin is to seek to shed somebody’s blood without any right – meaning: seeking to shed the blood of a Muslim without right and doing so based on oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime, just as the Prophet said, “The extinction of the whole world is less significant to Allaah than killing a Muslim [i.e. unlawfully]”. And he [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated regarding the rights of the Ka’bah, “How great you are and how great is your sanctity! But the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the sight of Allaah”. It is not permissible to transgress against the Muslims and the believers – males and females- in the sanctuaries of [Makkah and Madeenah] or in other places due to the great sin and punishment which results from that. [Source: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]

We ask Allaah to distance us and all Gambian Muslims from this kankurang ritual, protect us from Shirk, religious innovations, unlawful pre-Islamic cultural practices and customs. And may Allaah protect us and all Muslims – in different parts of the world – from deviation, and guide the non-Muslims to the path of the final Messenger and seal of the Prophets Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] Aameen.

Back to Basics Revision – [The First Condition of The Shahaadah] – 1

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

The first condition of the [Shahaadah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah] is “Knowledge that necessitates a negation of Ignorance”. This means that one should know its meaning, what it negates and affirms, what it demonstrates in reality regarding the Oneness of Allaah, devotes all acts of worship to Allaah alone, sincerely devote all aspects of the religion to Allaah alone and disbelieve in everything that is worshipped besides Allaah. Therefore, “Knowledge that negates Ignorance” necessitates sound knowledge and an upright understanding of the statement [Laa Ilaaha Illal laah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah] by way of which one is removed from the path of the ignorant ones, because this statement does not benefit the one who utters it without knowledge. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ‌ۗ – So know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. (Surah Muhammad. 19)]. So in this verse, Allaah mentioned knowledge first because it is the foundation. (1)

The one who makes this testimony requires knowledge and truthfulness, and must act upon what he has testified to. The scholars say that knowledge of this testimony removes a person from the path of those Christians [who strayed after the departure of Prophet Eesaa (peace be upon him)] – those who act but have no knowledge, and from the path of those Jews [who strayed after the departure of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)] – those who have knowledge but do not act, and truthfulness removes a person from the path of the hypocrites- those who claim that they believe but they have no certainty.

A person cannot be from the adherents of Tawheed [pure Islamic Montheism] until he fulfils the two pillars of Laa Ilaaha Illal laah: [لا إلهَ – There is no deity worthy of worship (i.e. Negation)] and [إلاَّ اللَّه – Except Alaah (i.e. Affirmation)]. The negation has to be comprehensive and the affirmation has to be specific – a comprehensive negation of all worship that is devoted to others besides Allaah and specific affirmation that only Allaah has the right to be worshipped. If a person utters the negation without the affirmation, then he is not an adherent of pure Islamic monotheism, and if he affirms without uttering the negation, then he is not an adherent of pure Islamic monotheism. If a person were to negate only by saying [لا إلهَ – There is no deity worthy of worship], then he is an atheist, and if he were to affirm that Allaah has the right to be worshipped without negating by saying that others do not have a right to be worshipped, then he is a polytheist. Therefore, one cannot be an adherent of Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism] until he testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.

And due to the mighty affair of this testimony [لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah], it is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ – alone, without partner]. The affirmation is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ – alone] and the negation is emphasised through the statement [لاَ شَرِيكَ له – without partner]. (2)

Then Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لِذَنۢبِكَ – And ask forgiveness for your sin]- Meaning, seek Maghfirah from Allaah [i.e. that Allaah erases your sins, hide them for you and protect you from the evil consequences of sins (3)], employ the means of attaining Maghfirah such as repentance and supplicating for Maghfirah, perform good deeds and abandon sins etc. [وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ‌ۗ – And for believing men and believing women]- Meaning, because indeed due to their Eemaan, every Muslim [male Muslim] and Muslimah [female] owe them rights and one of those rights they are owed is that one supplicates for them and ask Allaah to forgive them (i.e. erase their sins). (4)

[Ref 1: Source: Explanation of Important Lessons For The Muslim Ummah. pages 46-47. Maktabah Malik Al-Fahad 1436AH. (2015)]

[Ref 2: Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 2]

[Ref 3 See Majmoo Al-Fataawaa Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah 14/140]

[Ref 4: Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

NEW VIDEO! Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Fatawa-Rulings, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Sin, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question: 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 Saalih (Al-Fawzaan) towards this?

 

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawahmanchester.com/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online

 

One of The Many Calamities of The Deceased Ikhwaani Innovator In Religious Affairs- Yusuf Al-Qaradaawee!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

https://video.link/w/7p35d

The Ikhwaani (see footnote a) Innovator in religious affairs, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi – (see footnote b) – stated, “Brothers, before I leave this place of mine, I would like to make a statement about the results of the Israeli elections. (see footnote c)

The Arabs were pinning all their hopes on Peres’s success. This is what we praise regarding Israel, we hope that our country will be like this country. Due to a group of few people one is removed (i.e. from office). It is the people who rule, there are no four nines or five nines that we know in our country- 99% out of a hundred. If Allaah had presented Himself to people, He would not have taken this percentage. What is this lying, cheating and deception, we salute Israel for what it has done”.

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on this statement of Yusuf Al-Qaradaawi as follows: I say this statement about elections in one of the countries and it was mentioned that a man got ninety-nine of the seats; then he (i.e. the utterer of this statement) said that “If Allaah had presented Himself to people, He would not have taken this percentage”. I seek refuge with Allaah. It is obligatory that he repents- repent from this, otherwise he is an apostate, because he declared the creation greater than the Creator, therefore, it is obligated on him to repent to Allaah – Allaah accepts repentance from His servants; otherwise it is obligated on the Muslim ruler to strike his neck (i.e. execute him for apostasy by the Muslim ruler). (see footnote d)

Footnote a: http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm

Footnote b: Why mention Al-Qaradaawi by name? https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/01/16/is-it-necessary-to-mention-the-names-of-the-deviants-when-refuting/

Footnote c: The Interplay Between Democracy, Tahazzub (Illegal Partisanship), Deception, Greed and Khurooj (Rebellion):https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/04/10/the-interplay-between-democracy-tahazzub-illegal-partisanship-deception-greed-and-khurooj-rebellion/

Footnote d: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan On Those Who Ought To Pronounce Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Apostasy – [Unveiling Another Path of The Criminals and Opponents of The Messengers]

Finally, read: Readings in Qaradawism

http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160001&pfriend=
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160002&articlePages=1
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160003&articlePages=1
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160004&articlePages=1