Skip to main content

[4] Muhammad Bin Kab, Rajaa Bin Haywah and Saalim Bin Abdillah: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

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

Sufyan Bin Uyaynah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Upon assuming the position of Khaleefah, Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [may Allah have mercy upon him] reached out to Muhammad Bin Kab, Rajaa Bin Haywah, and Saalim Bin Abdillah [may Allah have mercy upon them] and said, “You witness the trial I face and it has fallen upon me, therefore, what do you advise?” Muhammad Bin Kab said, “Regard the elderly as your own father, treat the youth as your brother, and care for the young ones as your own children; therefore, be good to your father, maintain strong bonds with your brother, and be compassionate towards your child”. Rajaa said, “Wish for the people what you wish for yourself, detest for them what you detest for yourself, and interact with them in a manner that you would appreciate in return.” Saalim said, “Focus on one matter by diminishing the desires of worldly life and let your natural inclination lead you to contemplate death.” Umar proclaimed, “Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah”.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 9. Pages 193-202. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif and Daar ibn Hazm. 9th Edition. 1414 AH (1994)

Imam Ibn Baz on the Manhaj of Correcting the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160003&articlePages=1#:~:text=The%20followed%20path%20with%20the,is%20directed%20towards%20the%20good.

Is the Tyranny of the Rulers a Reason for Rebellion? The Duty of a Muslim Towards the Muslim Leaders in Light of the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and the Scholars of the Salaf.
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

To be continued InShaaAllah

[3] Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: “The worst scholars are those who approach (visit) the rulers”. What is the level of authenticity of this hadith?

Response: I do not know about its authenticity, and if it were authentic, then it would imply an evil visit. If it is authentic, then it signifies a visit driven by vain desires, material wealth, and alignment with falsehood. (But), if the scholars neglect the rulers, they will become corrupt. If the scholars neglect the rulers and isolate them, the state of affairs will become corrupted, and the rights of the people will be violated. Therefore, goodness and Maslahah (i.e. what will bring about welfare and repel harm) is that the scholars visit and guide the rulers, and the rulers seek Tawjeeh (guidance) from them, Irshaad (the upright path to follow in all affairs), advise them regarding the avoidance of injustice, support the oppressed, and prevention of injustice against them, just as the scholars -from the time of the companions to the present day ours- visit them. As for the scholars abandoning and boycotting the rulers, and not visiting them, this is wrong – a blunder, and only those who do not know public welfare would suggest such a course of action. [paraphrased]

ما صحة حديث: شرار العلماء الذين يأتون إلى الأمراء؟
الجواب:
ما أعرف له صحة، ولو صح فالمقصود زيارتهم الخبيثة، لو صح، فالمراد بالزيارة التي للشهوة، والمال، والموافقة على الباطل.
وإذا أهمل العلماء الأمراء؛ فسدوا، إذا أهمل العلماء الأمراء، وانزووا عنهم؛ فسد الأمر، وضاعت الحقوق، فالمصلحة، والخير في أن يزورهم العلماء، ويرشدوهم، ويطلبوا منهم التوجيه، والإرشاد، والنصيحة عن الظلم، ونصر المظلومين، وإزالة الظلم عنهم، كما زارهم العلماء سابقًا من عهد الصحابة إلى يومنا هذا.
أما كون العلماء يتركونهم، ويهجرونهم، ولا يزورونهم؛ فهذا خطأ، هذا غلط، لا يقوله إلا الجهلة الذين لا يعرفون المصالح العامة

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/1913/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1

 

Imam Ibn Baz on the Manhaj of Correcting the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160003&articlePages=1#:~:text=The%20followed%20path%20with%20the,is%20directed%20towards%20the%20good.

Is the Tyranny of the Rulers a Reason for Rebellion? The Duty of a Muslim Towards the Muslim Leaders in Light of the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and the Scholars of the Salaf.
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

To be continued InShaaAllah

The Three Exceptional Worldly Blessings – [Must reflect on the adversity being encountered by our Palestinian bothers and sisters]

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

Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world”’.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

This hadeeth shows that those blessed with safety in the lands, physical health, houses to dwell in, and daily nourishment have indeed been blessed with a complete (worldly) blessing. Therefore, it is obligated for (them) to thank Allah constantly. This hadeeth shows that what suffices a person’s needs is a bounty and a blessing for which he must thank Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]. A person may strive to gather a lot of wealth, but he was created to worship Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] in the manner (commanded, legislated) by Allah and His Messenger [i.e. based on what is legislated and commanded in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah). If a person does this, then indeed he will achieve and attain success; but if not, he will fail and incur loss. Therefore, is there one who will receive admonition?!

This hadeeth shows that to be blessed with safety in one’s religion, honour, wealth and blood is (something very) valuable. These are among those matters whose establishment- in a society- will bring about a good life and security, but if security is not present, chaos will unravel in the society, the powerful will overpower the weak and the oppressor will overpower the oppressed, thus there will be an evil state of affairs and maybe evil consequences. Therefore, any society or land that has been bestowed a ruler amongst the Muslims and granted security in a region under his ruler-ship, it is obligatory to obey him (i.e. obey the ruler of the land in what is good and not to rebel against him, even if he has shortcomings) and he should be aided by the other lands as much as one is able. And what is seen as a fact in relation to this (hadeeth) is that whoever is blessed with enough food and drink, a dwelling place, means of transportation, security in his place of residence and good physical health, it is as if he has been given the entire world. Therefore, he should be thankful to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] for that until he meets Allah- [i.e. until death comes to him].

An Excerpt from “Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad”. 1/335

A Robust Admonition by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Shared By Abu Maryam [Tariq Al-Kashmeeri] 13 Years Ago

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

Our beloved Salafi brother and friend Abu Maryam [Tariq Al-Kashmiri (may Allah preserve him)] posted – at Salafitalk.net in 2011-an admonition by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him]
An Advice And A Reminder For All Those Who Speak In The Name Of Salafiyyah

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhali [may Allah preserve him] said:

All praise is for Allah and may the peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his companions, and whoever follows his guidance. To proceed:

This is advice and a reminder for all those who speak in the name of as-Salafiyyah, but when the Imtihaan (test) comes and when spears and arrows are directed at its liver by Ahlul-Makr (the people of vile deception), the Ahlul-Fitan (the people of trials and tribulations) and the troublemakers, we do not find them being from its army nor from those who fight for it but rather we find from them oddity and strangeness. Indeed there has appeared from those who claim Salafiyyah – who wait in ambush of it and its people – stances and actions which are in opposition to Salafiyyah, its Manhaj, and its foundational principles which cause the hair upon the head to turn white (with grief).
From those positions and stances:

 

1) – Defence of the People of Major Innovations, such as al-Hulool, Wahdatul-Wujood (the Unity of Existence), Wahdtul-Adyaan (the Unification of Religions), Ukhuwwatul-Adyaan (the Brotherhood of all religions), Masaawatul-Adyaan (the equality of all religions) as well as many forms of Shirk and superstitions. And bearing witness for them that they are indeed from Ahlus-Sunnah, rather the affair has reached such that some of their heads commend the haughty insolent despotic elders of the Raafidah and Soofees, and describe them with statements such as “indeed they are trustworthy scholars” and praise their methodologies (Madhaahib). Moreover, despite all of that his ignorant followers still support him.

 

2) – Waging a wicked and oppressive war upon Ahlus-Sunnah, smearing them and marring their Manhaj and principles.

 

3) Inventing principles that conflict/contradict the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah and their methodology to wage war against Ahlus-Sunnah and in defence of the people of those major innovations. For example [from those innovated principles]:

a) “We correct but we do not disparage”. [Footnote 1]

b) Also: “The vast all-embracing Manhaj which accommodates Ahlus-Sunnah – according to their own technical term – and also accommodates the whole of the Ummah” but rather it encroaches and restricts Ahlus-Sunnah and their Manhaj and principles.

c) The Manhaj of al-Mawaazanaat. [Footnote 2]

d) Taking the Mujmalaat (the general spurious statements) of the people of misguidance upon their Mufassilaat (clear specific/detailed statements), whilst it is clear that these Mufassilaat (detailed statements) were held by them before these Mujmalaat (spurious/general statements). And other such principles that Ahlus-Sunnah have condemned and clarified their falsehood and deviation. [Footnote 3]

 

4- And to evade (at-tamallus) the truth and to be firm upon their falsehood, they have contrived:

a) The [false] principle – (It’s not obligatory upon me).

b) The [false] principle – (It does not Yaqanee (satisfy, convince, persuade) me.

c) And waging war against the foundational principle of al-Jarh al-Mufassar (the detailed disparagement/criticism).

d) And the rejection of the report of trustworthy narrators (At-Thiqaat).

e) And putting the condition of having a consensus [of the scholars] in tabdee (pronouncing a person to be an innovator) of any innovator. Even if/no matter if the proof and evidences have been established which necessitates/obligates their tabdee, and no matter what the status/level of the one who rules with that tabdee and even if they are many; if one person from the people of desires opposes them, then this tabdee is dropped (becomes null and void).

f) They have fabricated/contrived a principle to as-Subb (revile and insult) the companions of Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam) with the vilest of revilements and insults by describing them as al-Guthaa-iyyah (scum). When requested to excuse themselves from that they said: (It is not revilement, it’s not revilement.) And they said: (if this wording emanated from a Sunni then it is not revilement and if it came from a Raafidee then it becomes revilement and insult.) And they have been staunch upon this since 1424H up until this day.

These principles have become the fountains of Fitan (trial and tribulation) like pieces (sudden amassing of clouds) of the dark night. Accompanying all these calamities is arrogance, obstinate opposition, and haughtiness towards those who advise them and clarify their deviation and their mixed-up confusion. Whilst with all these calamities, afflictions, and other than that we still find those who commend them and declare that they indeed are from Ahlus-Sunnah. The following are Prophetic Narrations I gathered together to remind those people so that perhaps they will remember and withdraw from that which they are upon.

1- On the authority of Qais bin Abee Haazim, who said: Aboo Bakr [may Allaah be pleased with him] stood up and praised Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] and extolled Him, and then said: O people, indeed you recite this Ayah (Qur’anic verse): [يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا ٱهْتَدَيْتُمْ َ – O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves, [do righteous deeds, fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden) no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 105]; and you put it in its improper place, for indeed I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam) say: “When the people see an evil (al-Munkar) and do not change it, all of them are about to be punished by Allaah altogether.” [I]

2- Also on the authority of Hudhaifah bin al-Yamaan [may Allaah be pleased with him] that the Prophet [SallAllaah alaihi wasallam] said: “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, certainly you will order with the good and forbid the evil, or else a punishment of Allah is about to be sent upon you from Him and then if you were to supplicate to Him He will not respond to you.” [II]

3- And on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood -[radiyallaahu anhu]- that the Messenger of Allaah [sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam] said: “There is not a Prophet that Allaah sent to a nation before me except that he had Hawariyyoon (helpers) and companions who would betake with his Sunnah and follow his command. Then after them came people who would say (speak with) that which they do not do, and they do that which they are not ordered with; so whoever fights them with his hand then he is a believer, and whoever fights them with his tongue then he is a believer and he who fights them with his heart then he is a believer, and there is not even a mustard seeds amount of faith (Eemaan) left after that”. [III]

In these Ahadeeth is the clarification from the Messenger of Allaah -[sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] – regarding the danger of al-Munkaraat (the evils) of innovations and sins. Its danger and evil punishment is not just confined to those who perpetrate it, but rather it includes whoever Yudaahin (flatters and compromises) with its people and is amicable with them, and also it encompasses and includes more so whoever defends them (innovations) and its people. The affair becomes even more severe if he wages war against whoever forbids it (innovations) from the people of the truth, those well established within the boundaries set by Allaah, those who war against the people of Misguidance and Fitan (turmoil and trials).

4- On the authority of Nu’man bin Basheer -[radiyallaahu anhumaa]- the Prophet -[sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] – said: “The example of al-Mud-hin (the compromiser) Allaah’s Hudood (orders and limits) and (in comparison to) the one who violates them (Allaah’s limits and orders) is like example of people who drew lots for (seats on) a ship. Some of them were on its lower part and others were on its upper part. So those that were on its lower part would pass by those in the upper one with the water which troubled them (the people in the upper part). Then one of them (the people in the lower part) took an axe and started making a hole in the bottom of the vessel. The people of the upper part came and said: ‘What is wrong with you?’ He replied, “You have been troubled much by me and I have to get water.” Now if they prevent him from doing that they will save him and themselves, but if they leave him (to do what he wants), they will destroy him and themselves”. [IV]

Al-Mud-hin (the Compromiser): He is the flatterer who sees and hears al-Munkaraat (the evil) from the innovations and other than it and does not forbid it. Rather he flatters and compromises with those who fall into it, perpetrate it, and defend it. So how about if he goes beyond that to defend them, beautify their image (present them in favourable light) and bear witness for them that they are from Ahlus-Sunnah?! So how will he be, if he transgresses beyond all that by forsaking those who forbid it, making the people think that they (Ahlus-Sunnah) are not upon the truth and are opposers to the correct Manhaj?!

These stances encourage the perpetrators of these evils to remain upon their misguidance; it compels people with weak personalities to have a good suspicion of them and to plunge them into their outstretched arms, and to aid and defend them. [These are] the affairs which lead many people to turn away from the Manhaj of the Salaf as-Saalih in many different countries. It is incumbent upon this type [of people] to fear Allaah. They should look again at and revise their stances with seriousness and sincerity. They should comprehend the dangerous effect resulting from their stances; which they will asked about in front of Allaah The Mighty and Majestic ý on the day when no soul will be able to benefit another whatsoever. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon them to look again to their Bitaanah (close friends and companions) with seriousness for indeed the matter is dangerous. And I remind you of the statement of Allah [The Most High]: [ٱلْأَخِلَّآءُ يَوْمَئِذٍۭ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ – Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun (pious)]. [Surah Az-Zukhruf. (43)]

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ ٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ

O you Who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allaah even against yourselves, your parents, or your kin. [Surah an-Nisa: 135]

And [I also remind you] with the statement of the Messenger of Allaah [Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] The Deen (Religion) is an-Naseehah (sincerity and sincere advising), the Deen (Religion) is an-Naseehah (sincerity and sincere advising)”; he said it three times. They said: “To whom or the Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “To Allaah, to His book, to His Messenger, to leaders of the Muslims and their common people.”

I remind you with the Hadeeth of the virtuous Companion Jareer bin Abdullah al-Bajalee [radiyAllaahu anhu] on the authority of Ziyaad bin ‘ilaaqah who said: I heard Jareer bin Abdullah stand and deliver a khutbah on the day al-Mugheerah bin Sh’ubah died saying: “Upon you is the taqwa (fear) of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, sobriety and tranquility until the (new) Ameer comes for indeed he will come now”. Then he said: “Seek forgiveness for your Ameer for indeed he used to love pardoning (others)”. And he said: “To proceed: then indeed I came to the Messenger of Allaah -[Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] – and I said to him: “I want to pledge allegiance to you upon Islaam. So he put a condition upon me that I should (sincerely) advise every Muslim. So I gave him the pledge of allegiance upon that and by the Lord of this Masjid indeed I am to all of you a (sincere) advisor.” Then he sought Allah’s forgiveness and descended (from the pulpit). [V]

I remind them of that which is in these Aayaat and Ahadeeth regarding the obligation of establishing sincerity to Allah [i.e. by worshipping Allah in truth etc], sincerity to His Book [i.e. by believing in it and that it is the speech of Allah sent down, and it is not created, etc], sincerity to His Messenger [i.e. by testifying in truth and based on the absolute certainty that he is Allah’s Messenger, etc], sincerity to the rulers of the Muslims [i.e. by believing in their right to rulership, obeying and listening to them in that which is good, advising them in private, etc] and sincerity to the common people [i.e. by dealing with them, calling them to the path of Allah, etc]. [Footnote 4] And with that which they contain from the obligation of forbidding the evil and the severe threat for those who do not establish these obligations and do not forbid the evil. And I say to them as Jareer said: “By the Lord of this Masjid, indeed I am to all of you a sincere advisor.” But rather I say, “By the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, indeed I am to them a (sincere) advisor”.

I remind them of the statement of Anas [radiyallaahu anhu] “Indeed, you do actions which in your eyes are considered finer than the hair, whilst we used to consider them during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah [salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] to be from al-moobiqaat (the destructive/deadly sins).” [VI]

And from my advice to them is that they should study the Manhaj of the Salaf as-Saalih from its sources and adhere to it and implement it upon themselves and others. I ask Allaah that He grants them insight into that which they are ignorant of and thus erred in or did with deliberate intent. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

Written by:
Rabee’ Bin Haadee ‘Umayr al-Madkhalee
9/2/1432H

———————————————-

Footnote 1: https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/NDV180008.pdf

Footnote 2: https://abuiyaad.com/r/muwazanah

Footnote 3: Shaykh Rabee’ On Mujmal and Mufassal : The Deceptions of al-Ma’ribee: https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm/sad/…/nbq/frm/images/nbq/downloads/pdf/sad/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV18&articleID=NDV180006&articlePages=1

Footnote 4: See explanation of the forty hadith of An-Nawawi by Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] titled: Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharhi Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah. pages 112-121. 1st Edition 1429AH (2008)


[I] This Hadeeth is Saheeh (Sound Authentic). It is reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (1/5), Aboo Dawood in his Sunan Hadeeth (4338, Ibn Maajah in his Sunan, [Chapter] Regarding the Fitan, Hadeeth (4005) and is also reported by other Imaams].

[II] This Hadeeth is reported by at-Tirmidhee in al-Fitan, Hadeeth (2169) and he said: This Hadeeth is Hasan (Good). But there is a weakness in its chain of narration. It is also reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (5/388). And at-Tirmidhee declared the hadeeth Hasan due to it having two witnessing (supporting) narrations with a similar meaning which have a weakness in their Isnaad (chain of narration). One of them [witnessing narrations] is the Hadeeth of Aishah – radiyallaahu anha – reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (6/159), the second of the two is the hadeeth of Aboo Hurairah – radiyallaahu anhu – reported by al-Bazzaar in his Musnad (8508) and al-Khateeb in his at-Taareekh (13/92). Based upon the various routes (chains) the grading of this hadeeth is raised to the level of Hasan li-gayrihi. Al-Allaamah al-Albaanee has declared it to be Hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami (6947).

[III] Reported by Muslim in [the Book of] al-Eemaan Hadeeth (50), Aboo Awaanah (1/35, 36) and Ibn Mandah in al-Eemaan (page 183, 184).

[IV] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, [the Book of] Shahaadaat (Witnesses), Hadeeth (2686), Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (4/268,269), at-Tirmdihee in al-Fitan (2173), Ibn Hibbaan as in al-Ihsaan (297, 298). The wording of this Hadeeth with Imaam Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee is: The example of the one who abides by Allaah’s orders and limits in comparison to al-Mud-hin (the compromiser) of Allaah’s Hudood (orders and limits) is like the example of people who drew lots for (seats on) a ship at sea. So some of them attained the upper part of it and the others got the lower part. Then those on the lower part climb up/ascend to draw water to drink and they pour it upon the people on the upper part. The people on the upper part said: “We will not let you ascend and harm us.” So those on the lower part said: “Then indeed we will have to bore into the bottom of the ship to get water to drink.” If they prevent them and forbid them from doing that they will all be saved and if they leave them they will all drown.

[V] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Chapter: the statement of the Prophet [Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] -: “The Deen is sincerity to Allaah, His Prophet, the leaders of the Muslims and their common people” and the statement of Allaah the Most High: [ إِذَا نَصَحُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ – if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger], Hadeeth (58). And Imaam Ahmad (4/357). And also reported by al-Bukhaaree in [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Hadeeth (57), and Muslim in [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Hadeeth (56) both of them reported it in summarized form].

[VI] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in [the Book of] Heart-Softening narrations (ar-Riqaaq), Hadeeth (6492), Ahmad in his ‘Musnad’ (3/157) and Aboo Y’alaa in his ‘Musnad’ Hadeeth (4207) and (4314).

Allah’s aid is sought! Indeed, many changes have taken place by way of deviation and other painful affairs, and afflicted many. We ask Allah to keep us safe and guide everyone who has fallen into those calamities and has not yet returned to what is correct and praiseworthy. We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

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

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ

 وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public; And I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger; And I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty; And I ask you for blessings that never ceases; And I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends; And I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; And I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquility etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me); O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Eemaan, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [Sunan An-Nasaa’ee’ Number 1305 & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah Number 1301]

Some steps of many haters in their pursuit of personal goals!

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

Imam Al-Bukhaari [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

باب فِي تَرْكِ الْحِيَلِ وَأَنَّ لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى فِي الأَيْمَانِ وَغَيْرِهَ

Chapter: Avoiding the use of tricks. And everybody will get the reward according to his intention in Imaan (belief) and other than it.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو النُّعْمَانِ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ وَقَّاصٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ يَخْطُبُ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ وَإِنَّمَا لاِمْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، وَمَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَى دُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوِ امْرَأَةٍ يَتَزَوَّجُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ

Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he intended. So, whoever emigrates for Allaah and His Messenger, then his emigration will be for Allaah and His Messenger, and whoever emigrates to take a worldly benefit or for a woman to marry, then his emigration will be for what he emigrated for”. [Al-Bukhaari Number 6953]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no place for trickery in Ibaadaat [acts of worship] nor in Mu’aamalaat [mutual dealings]. Therefore, it is obligatory to approach affairs through their appropriate paths [i.e. carrying out deeds without tricks or ulterior motives]. [(1)]

Shaikh Uways At-Taweel [may Allah preserve him] wrote recently as follows:

From history, many of the haters follow the following steps…والله أعلم

1) Starts as a personal issue (or masked as one) or personal endeavours for position.

2) Then attacks those individuals they have personal hatred for.

3) Then attacks anyone close or they assume is close to them through social media via soliloquies or vague speech.

4) Starts searching (التتبع)for mistakes of the above individuals(that are salafees)

5) Starts taking any mistake/ slip and make this the main issue.

6) Targets some of the salafees hoping to massage their egos and get their support.

7) If the splitting doesn’t work .. openly works with *anyone* that will fulfil point number one.

May Allah protect us and aid us in cleaning our hearts from any hatred or غل for any salafee upon correctness. [end of quote]

We ask Allah:

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

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/12/29/o-allaah-rectify-my-religion-for-me-which-the-safeguard-of-my-affairs-a-tremendous-supplication/


[(1)]: An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min Ta’leeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ 4/353. footnote 1. slightly paraphrased

[4] “I have asked People of Knowledge and I have a Fatwa”. [Provide full details and manner in which you posed the question, in order to establish clarity]

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

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked about those people who say, “I have heard some of the scholars saying such and such, or given a Fatwa”, then he [i.e. the one who attributes such a statement to a scholar or scholars] uses this as a basis for his statement or action.

Respond: Lying about the scholars in affairs related to the Shariah is a great danger, and due to this, it has been reported in a hadeeth that he [Allah’s Messenger – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] said, “Whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally), then let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire”. [Al-Bukhaari 107]

Therefore, telling lies about the scholars in affairs related to the Shariah [i.e. falsely saying that they said this or that, or gave a Fatwa about this or that] is a great danger because it is tantamount to lying about the Shariah. Some people, – may Allah guide them – when their soul finds something suitable and he knows that people will not accept (what he will say or do), he chooses a scholar whom the people trust and then forges a false statement about the scholar – whether he is right [i.e. regarding the statement or deed he wants the people to accept and for which he sought to transmit a forged statement] or upon falsehood. [Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 224.Paraphrased]


 

[1] “I have asked People of Knowledge and I have a Fatwa, and I am acting on the verdict”. [Examine these statements based on sound proof]

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

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated:

At present when someone desires something, he says, “Such and such a person has given a verdict on this” without considering whether it has a basis in the Book and the Sunnah. You say to him, “This verdict is wrong”, he says, “It has nothing to do with me as long as the verdict was given by such and such”. If the verdict is not in agreement with his desires, he says, “This verdict is not correct or it is a harsh one”. They gather lies, and the mistakes of the scholars in a book, present and spread it amongst the people with their assumptions, saying, “The religion of Islam is easy. It does not make things difficult for the people”. When it is said to them, “Examine it (i.e. these verdicts) under the Book and Sunnah”, they say, “These are statements of the scholars”. Is the scholar greater than the Book and the Sunnah? Are his statements not to be examined under the Book and the Sunnah!? This is how the people of desires behave, and Allah’s Refuge is sought. They are those who “took their Rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah”. When they are forbidden from Bidah which Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] warned against, they say, “Such and such a person acts upon this and he is a scholar or that he is a righteous person”, “This is acted upon by the people of such and such a country and they are righteous and pious”. We say, righteousness and piety do not suffice, rather there has to be conformity to the Book and the Sunnah. Therefore, to take the statements of the scholars and (devout) worshippers as sound legal verdicts without examination under the Book and the Sunnah was a way of the people of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance [Footnote a], and they are those who took their rabbis and their monks as lords besides Allah. [Footnote b] [1]

—————————-

Footnote a: Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated: Al-Jaahiliyyah is derived from al-Jahl (ignorance). It is an absence of knowledge, and the intent behind it is the state of affairs before Islam.

They were in a state of ignorance in all aspects (of life) and the greatest of that was concerning worship and creed. They used to be upon the creed of Shirk..

The Jaahiliyyah Aamma (The pre-Islamic ignorance that was widespread in the world and touched every aspect of life) has ceased to exist, but it remains with some people or some of the tribes, or in some of the lands. This is Jaahiliyyah Juz’ee (aspects or traits of pre-Islamic Ignorance). As for the Jahiliyyah Aamma, this has ceased to exist after the advent of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], but some traits of pre-Islamic ignorance remain with some of the people due to the statement of the Prophet “Among my people, there are four characteristics that belong to the pre-Islamic period which they do not abandon: boasting of high rank, reviling other peoples’ genealogies, seeking rain by stars, and wailing (i.e. for the dead)”. [reported by Muslim] This remains, but it is a trait. As for the Jaahiliyyah Aamma, it has ceased to exist. Therefore, it is not permissible to say that the people are in Jaahiliyyah. Some say, “(The people) are in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance that is more severe than the one before the advent of the Prophet”. The meaning of this (statement of theirs) is a denial of what the Messenger brought – a denial of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the abundant knowledge in our hands. This is a mistake, the people are not in Al-Jaahiliyyah, but there remain some of the traits in some individuals, some nations, and tribes, but this is a specific Jaahiliyyah. Therefore, it is incumbent to be acquainted with this affair. [2]

Footnote b: Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] quotes Al-Allaamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] as follows: Then Shaikhul-Islaam mentioned the saying of Allaah: [اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ – They have taken their “ahbaar” and “ruhbaan” as lords besides Allah..] [at-Tawbah: 31]

The “Ahbaar” are the scholars, and the “Ruhbaan” are the general worshippers – and the habit of the people is to refer back to these two groups and take to their speech and opinions. Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, rebuked the unbelievers because they took the Ahbaar and Ruhbaan (the scholars and worshippers) as Lords besides Allaah whereby they made them as legislators of Religious Law (i.e. the Revelation). They would make halaal for them that which Allaah had made haraam, so they would then consider it to be halaal. And they would make haraam for them that which Allaah had made halaal, so they would then consider it to be haraam. This however does not necessitate, in an absolute sense, exiting from Islaam, rather this point it requires further explanation. So sometimes the one who falls into this reaches the point whereby he exits Islaam, and this is when they take them as legislators of Religious Law (i.e. the Revelation). So they take their legislation and they give it precedence over an above that which Allaah has legislated in His Book, and that which the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam) legislated, and they believe that this legislation that is not from Allaah and His Messenger is equal to Allaah’s Legislation or an increase upon it.

However, if they seek verdicts (fatwas) from them and they issue fatwas making haraam what is halaal, or making halaal what is haraam. So they obey them in making haraam the halaal matters, and making halaal the haraam matters by way of acting upon those verdicts – and the people obey them whilst they know they are sinning and they affirm the fact that it is a sin, yet they still follow them but they know internally what is halaal is halaal and what is haraam is haraam. This is then a major sin. https://abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-an-najmees-kitaab-at-tawheed-chapter-5-the-explanation-of-tawheed-and-the-shahaadah-laa-ilaaha-illallaah/


[1] An Excerpt from "Sharh Masaa'il Al-Jaahiliyyah. pages 74-77

[Ref 2: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2013/09/updated-the-people-used-to-ask-about-the-good-hudhaifah-radiyallaahu-anhu/

[3] Manhaj principles remain intact, whilst some say about the warning against Abu Makkah’s companion – [Muhammad Abdur-Razzaaq]- ”You’re warning against him openly, instead of advising first in private”

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

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “If a man commits evil openly, it is obligatory to denounce him openly, and this is not tantamount to backbiting him. It is obligatory to chastise him openly with what would prevent him from (the evil), such as boycotting and other than that”. [1]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: “When should advice be given in private or openly?”

Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so; but if the sin is committed in secret, the advice can only be given in secret. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly, – seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”. [2]

It was said to Imam Al-Albaanee [may Allah have mercy upon him]: “The statement of some people or the stipulation of some of them is that it is more correct that advice must be given before refutations are printed- a copy must be sent to the one refuted so that it can be looked into. They say this is from the methodology of the pious predecessors”.

Response: This is not a condition, but if it is possible and it is hoped that affinity will be attained from this approach – in order not to announce the affair amongst the people, then this is undoubtedly a good thing; but as for making it a condition first and foremost, and secondly, making it a general condition, there is no wisdom in this at all. People, as you all know, are like mines of gold and silver (a), so whoever you know – about him – that he is with us on the path- upon the (sound) methodology and that he accepts advice, then you write to him without making his mistake known, and at least in your view this is good. But this is not a condition, and it would have been impossible (to implement fully) even if it were a condition. How would get his address and how would you be able to correspond with him? Also, will he send you a response or not? These are completely speculative affairs. This condition is very difficult to fulfil, and therefore the issue is not taken as a condition. [3]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] was asked: “Our Shaikh, one of the affairs that have become circulated and have aroused an intense feeling among the Salafis, is that there are people who claim that advice is obligatory before warning. Is there a statement you can give in this matter?”

Response: I answered this question before – may Allaah bless you. We have been put to trial with these types of affairs, so you find a person spreading falsehoods, lies, and slander against others- both about individuals and in general; and if you give him advice or (respond with) criticism or something, he says, “Why did they not warn me, why did they not advise me, and why did they not explain to me”. (These statements of this person are) corrupt excuses. We seek from these people to repent to Allah and return to the truth with complete good manners and humility, and to leave such excuses. Assume that this one made a mistake and did not speak, and did not advise you, then (still) return to the truth and reprimand him thereafter. As for spreading (trouble) amongst the people and persisting in your falsehood and your mistakes, and saying, “They did not do and they did”, this is empty talk. It is obligated to a believer to return to Allah (in obedience, repentance, etc). You publish your mistakes in books, tapes, etc. If you hid your mistakes and committed them in the darkness of your house – (known only to) you and Allah, then this person discovers you, he would advise you – between you and him (only). As for disseminating your statements and (publicising) deeds in the world, then someone comes and publishes- meaning, replies to you (or rebuts you), there is nothing wrong with this -May Allah bless you. Leave these excuses (arise) from many of the people of falsehood who are rebellious in falsehood and stubbornness. [4]

Muhammad first fell into the Fitna of the Musaafiqah – extremism, [Footnote a] and now he is openly calling to the gatherings organised by the blazing hizbiyyoon of Greenlane. [Footnote b] Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “The basis, origin of all theoretical knowledge and every wilfully chosen action are the thoughts (khawaatir) and ideas (afkaar). For they necessitate conceptions (visualisations, imaginations) [in the minds], and these conceptions invite towards iraadaat (i.e. the desires, will, intent for something), and these iraadaat require the occurrence of the action. And the frequent repetition of the occurrence of this action then leads to a habit. Hence, the rectitude of all of these steps lies in the rectitude of the (initial) thoughts and ideas, and the corruption (of all these steps) lies in them also…” [5]

When Shaikh Abu Khadeejah warned against Muhammad’s path, his companion Abu Makkah went into a frenzy, however, look at his present state of affairs while he calls to the gatherings of the Mumayyi’ah of Greenlane?!

——————————————————————-

Footnote a:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Abu_Makkah_Muhammad_Hajiaden_Watery_Manhaj_Flaccid_Constitutions_v1_280723_post.pdf

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Makkah2.pdf

 

Footnote b:

https://abukhadeejah.com/but-shaikh-so-and-so-went-to-their-conference-so-they-must-be-good-right-shaikh-ubaid-answers/


[1] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 28/217

[2] Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993

[a] Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “People are like mines of gold and silver; those who were excellent in Jahiliya (during the days of ignorance) are excellent In Islam, when they have an understanding (in the religion), and the souls are troops collected together and those who had a mutual familiarity amongst themselves would have affinity amongst them, and those who opposed one of them, would be at variance with one another”. [Saheeh Muslim 2638]

[3] Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor. Number 63

[4] https://rabee.net/alfatawi/%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AE%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AC-%D9%88%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D8%B7/

[5] https://www.salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=14&Topic=1153

 

[7] Remind those who praise or retweet without clarity that illegal partisans and their apologists do capture the hearts of unsuspecting tweeters with tweets regarding good manners

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

One of the plots and deceptions employed by Shaytaan is to entice a servant of Allah towards sinful behavior by using good manners, friendliness, and cheerfulness, so a person is approached in this manner by someone whose evil one cannot escape except with a smirk, frowning and turning away from him. The enemy (shaytaan) makes it fair-seeming to him to approach this person with a warm demeanor, a pleasant countenance, and charming words, thus establishing a bond with him. However, once he desires to distance himself from this person, he finds himself incapable of doing so. The enemy (shaytaan) persists in his efforts until he attains his objective, thus he cunningly manipulates a servant of Allah through the guise of good behavior and a pleasant countenance. Hence, the knowledgeable scholars concerning the (ailments, weaknesses, and strengths) of the heart advised that one should turn away from the advocates of Bidah- neither greeting nor displaying a friendly demeanor towards them, and instead meeting them with a frown and turning away. [1]

The Stance of As-Salaf As-Saalih [The Pious Predecessors] Against Ahlul Bidah

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, “Do not sit with the people of desires, because indeed it causes sickness of the heart”. [2]

Sallaam Ibn Abee Mutee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: A man from the people of (vain) desires said to Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee, “O Abaa-Bakr! I want to ask you about some statement”. Ayyoub walked away and started gesturing with his finger, saying, “Not even half a statement”. [3]

Shu’aib [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated: I said to Ibn Seereen, “What is your view with regards to listening to the people of (vain) desires (i.e. ahlul bidah)?” He said, “We neither listen to them nor honour (them)”. [4]

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad said, “Whoever sits with a person of bidah has not been given wisdom”. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan commented on this statement, saying,”He (i.e. the one who sits with a person of bidah) is deprived of wisdom, and wisdom is understanding of the religion ordained by Allah. The one who sits with ahlul bidah is deprived of understanding of the religion as punishment for him”. [5]

Allah [The Most High] said: [وَلَا تَرۡكَنُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ فَتَمَسَّكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ – And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you]. [Surah Hud: Ayah 113]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said: The word [ظلم –wrong] can be disbelief, bidah and immoral behaviour because (ظلم) can apply to all [i.e. in different contexts]. Therefore, we refrain from inclining towards the evildoers, the people of bidah, the Kuffaar, the secularists and other than them. And we protect ourselves, our Aqeedah, the Iemaan and the sound religion which Allah has bestowed on us. It is enough for us to remember that the Salaf [pious predecessors] fled from temptations- neither mixing nor sitting and debating with the people of temptation. Even amongst them, such as the likes of Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee and Ibn Seereen did not listen to the speech of those (people of bidah). And when Ibn Seereen was asked, “Why do you not speak? Why do you not listen to them?” He said, “Indeed, my heart is not in my hands! I am not in control of my heart, I fear for myself that I may be misguided”. So the likes of these Imaams feared temptation and deviation for themselves, but you the needy one possess that bravery to enable you to challenge ahlul bidah….!!! Many people say, “We sit with ahlul ahwaa (i.e. the people of vain desires) and we take (from them), we distinguish between truth and falsehood, we take what is truth and abandon falsehood”, whilst he (i.e. the utterer of this speech) is a needy one (in knowledge and Imaan) who can neither distinguish between truth and falsehood nor is he in control of his heart. How many young people have been put to trial through this satanic view and thus he is degraded, reverted on his heels (into misguidance) and depraved? He falls prey in the arena of the people of temptation! Therefore, it is obligated to a student of knowledge not to ((regard) himself safe from ahlul bidah because he is not more knowledgeable than Ayyoub and Ibn Seereen, nor can he reach their station (in knowledge, piety etc) and those who followed them. [6]

Imaam As-Saabooni [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

They [i.e. Ahlul Hadeeth] hated Ahlul-Bid’ah – those who initiated into the religion what is not from it. They neither loved them nor kept company with them. They neither listened to their speech nor sat with them. They neither argued with them about the religion nor debated with them”. Al-Allaamah Rabee [may Allah preserve him] stated after quoting this statement: “How is this (the case)? Is this (view initiated) from themselves or guidance from Allah and His Messenger, and that which the pious predecessors adhere to? Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He] warned against Ahlul Bidah and clarified for us that they are people of (vain) desires and that they follow Mutashaabihaat (i.e. texts that are not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are referred back to other texts to be explained) and they abandon the Muhkamaat (i.e. very clear texts). Aa’isha [may Allah be pleased with her] said: The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] recited this Ayah:

هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

It is He Who has sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [this Qur’an]. In it are Verses that are (entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkaam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraa’id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudood (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others are Mutashaabihaat (i.e. not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are to be referred back to the Muhkamaat to be explained]. So, as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking its ambiguous meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allaah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘’We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding.’’ [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 7]   She said: The Messenger said, “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named (as having deviation from the truth)] so beware of them”. [Bukhaari Number 4547]

Allah clarified that they (i.e. ahlul bidah) harbour (vain) desires and deviation, and that they intend to misguide themselves and other people! They desire temptation and intend to misguide the people, and that is why the Messenger mentioned them and described their condition to us. He said, “Indeed there will appear a people out of my Ummah in whom desires will run through them just as rabies runs through a dog”.

Ahlul Sunnah – no doubt – hate Ahlul bidah and Imaam (As Saabooni)] mentioned a number of them [i.e. senior scholars of ahlul hadeeth] that they all agreed upon hating (Ahlul bidah). However, amongst them [i.e Ahlul bidah] there are du’aat [callers to their bidah]- they are neither to be sat with nor debated with, except in cases of necessity and for a Maslahah [i.e. a carefully assessed benefit identified by rightly guided scholars amongst the scholars], (otherwise), it is not permissible to enter into debate with them. It is not permissible to enter into a specific debate with the Rawaafid if you are weak (i.e. in knowledge and character), except if one is a man who is firmly grounded in knowledge and religion, (very proficient in) establishing proofs, clever and a possessor of (force and strength that enables him to easily excel in debate with the clear proofs without being affected by doubts). Then if he sees a benefit in debating them, he debates them. [وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ – and argue with them in a way that is better]. This is the legislated debate. Allah did not close the issue of debate completely, therefore, if we have a way of establishing the proof and guiding the people to good, we follow it. The one who is debated with may not benefit but others may benefit.

As for the weak one, then no (i.e. he does not engage in debate). Even amongst the scholars, there is one who is weak and led to be mistaken through Shub’hah [i.e. a statement or affair that resembles the truth but is falsehood in reality]. He may be a scholar but his character is weak, so he becomes weak in the presence of Ahlul bidah, even if they are younger than him and lesser in knowledge! Indeed, it has happened to many of those who ascribe to the Sunnah and Hadeeth due to their weakness and opposition to the methodology of the pious predecessors. Al Bayhaqqi was from the seniors of Ahlul hadeeth and their scholars and was deceived by some of the Ashaa’irah such as Ibn Fawrak and his ilk, so he fell into Ash’ariyyah! How many among the youth- in this era – have been ruined at the hands of Ahlul bidah?! How many youths, middle-aged men, and graduates from universities have been deceived by Ahlul bidah, and thus they fall into their arms?! They are deceived by the parties (of illegal partisanship) and thus fall into their arms! Why is this? Because they did not act upon the statement of the Messenger, “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named (as having deviation from the truth) so beware of them”. The strong one calls Ahlul bidah, he calls the Christians; there has to be Dawah in the path of Allah and there have to be strong scholars who disseminate the religion of Allah, and when necessary, they debate so that the proofs are established and benefit one who is to benefit. [7]


[1] Ighaathatul Laffaan 1/140

[2] Reported by: Imaam Al-Aajuree in Ash-Shari’ah 1/453

[3] Reported by Imaam Al-Aajuree in Ash-Sharee-ah 1/440

[4] Siyar A’laam Nubulaa 4/611

[5] It’haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/318

[6] An Excerpt from (الذريعة إلى بيان مقاصد كتاب الشريعة ) Vol 1 pages 192-193. Slightly paraphrased

[7] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Aqeedah As-Salaf Ashaab Al-Hadeeth’ pages 301-304′. slightly paraphrased

Being older than others in our communities does not, in and of itself, make us one of “The Elders”

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

Sahl Bin Abu Hathma and Rafi’ Bin Khadij reported that Abdullah Bin Sahl Bin Zaid and Muhayyisa Bin Mas’ud Bin Zaid went out and as they reached Khaibar they were separated. Then Muhayyisa found Abdullah Bin Sahl having been killed. He buried him and then came to Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him].

They were Huwayyisa Bin Mas’ud and ‘Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl, and he (the latter one) was the youngest of the people (those three who had come to seek an interview with the Prophet) began to talk before his Companions (had spoken). Thereupon Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The eldest one (in age should speak)”. So, he kept quiet, and his companions (Muhayyisa and Huwayyisa) began to speak, and he (Abdur-Rahmaan) spoke along with them and they narrated to Allah’s Messenger the murder of Abdullah Bin Sahl. Thereupon he said to them, “Are you prepared to take fifty oaths so that you may be entitled (to blood-wit) of your companion (or your man who has murdered)?” They said, “How can we take an oath on a matter which we have not witnessed?” He (the Prophet) said, “Then the Jews will exonerate themselves by fifty oaths”. They said, “How can we accept the oaths of people who are unbelievers?” When Allah’s Messenger saw that, he paid his blood-wit. [Sahih Muslim 1669]

After three Ahaadeeth were quoted – including the above one regarding the murder of Abdullah Bin Sahl, Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “These three Ahaadeeth are the same as those before them in clarification of giving precedence to people of virtue, knowledge, and those of old age over those younger than them, giving concern to the affair by placing them in their deserved position in which Allah has placed them, as has preceded in the statement of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], “The one who is well grounded in Allah’s Book and is distinguished among them in recitation should act as Imam for the people, and if they are equally versed in reciting it, then the one who has most knowledge regarding Sunnah; if they are equal regarding the Sunnah, then the earliest one to emigrate; If they emigrated at the same time, then the oldest one in age. No man must lead another in prayer in the latter’s house or where (the latter) has authority, or sit in his place of honour in his house, except that he permits you or with his permission”. [1]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The apparent context of the hadith is that the three came to Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] to relate the news, so Muhayyisa wanted to speak because he was the one who had the story and knew about it, and Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl did not speak because he was not present, or because he was the youngest of the people, or because the intent was to mention the case without making a claim; otherwise who would have had more right to speak? It would have been Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl, Abdullah’s brother because he is his heir. Muhayyisa and Huwayyisa are cousins ​​of the murdered, but why did Muhayyisa want to speak even though he was lesser than a brother in relationship? That is because he had the story and knew about it. And why did Abdur Rahmaan not speak? It was either because of his young age or because he was sufficed with the statement of Muhayyisa due to him being the witness of the incident or because the intent was to mention the case and not the claim, otherwise if the intent was the claim, then Abdur Rahmaan Bin Sahl would have been the most entitled to speak, then Huwayyisa and then Muhayyisa”. [2]

First, what we want to emphasise here is that, in terms of age comparison, being older than someone else does not automatically make us one of the “elders” in your community. While one may be older and perhaps more experienced than those around him in some important matters, that does not automatically make him one of “The Elders of a Community” because that comes with other specific matters. As for the behaviour expected from a Muslim towards others, Al-Allaamah Rabee bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said, “The student of knowledge should respect the elders, honour his contemporaries and shows mercy to those below his age”. [3] In essence, “the elders of communities ” are people who have reached the age of 50 and above, both inside and outside of the community. Here, we don’t mean elders in terms of knowledge; rather, we mean elders in terms of age and they are the ones we refer to as Shaikh in age. “Shaikh is the one whose age has become manifest and gray hair has appeared. It was said, ‘he is a Shaikh (when one reaches) 50 until the end of his life’, and it said, ‘he (is a person who has reached) 51 until the end of his life’. It was said, ‘It is from 50 to 80′”. [4] Also, the term can be used to refer to a righteous man, as Abdur Rahmaan Bin Abee Haatim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: I heard my father saying, “Hajjaaj Bin Firaasatah is a righteous Shaikh – one devoted to worship”. [5]

Second, as for when the term is used to refer to a person of knowledge, Raaghib Al-Isfahaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “It is said about the one who is aged ‘The Shaikh’. And it may be used among us regarding someone who has a lot of knowledge because one of the affairs related to a Shaikh is that he has a lot of experience and knowledge”. [6] However, someone who is under 50 may be called a “Shaikh” because of their understanding of the Shariah. Many of us are well aware of the fact that Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [may Allah have mercy upon him] was a Shaikh even before he turned 40. Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him] and other elder students of knowledge can give you an insight into the knowledge of this virtuous Shaikh because they knew him well.

Third, Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], and from their elders. If knowledge comes from their young ones, then that is when they will be ruined”. [7]

Ibn Qutaybah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The intent behind this statement is that the people will not cease to be upon good as long as their scholars are Shaikhs and not young because the Shaikh (in most cases) have lost the pleasure-seeking of youth, its intensity, haste, and foolishness. He is accompanied by experience and insight, so (in most cases) neither ambiguity enters his knowledge nor is he overcome by (vain) desire, nor inclined towards covetousness, nor does Shaytan make him slip as he does to a young person. Age accompanies composure, dignity, and veneration, but the young people may be subject to these matters that the Shaikh is safe from, which if they enter a young person, he issues a fatwa and thus destroys him and others”. [8] However, this is not absolute regarding the young ones because there were a group of the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een who taught and gave verdicts at a young age, whilst the elders were present, but the likes of these people are hard to find among those who came after them. So, if they are found and are known for being upright- upon a sound [guidance], possess knowledge, and their firmness is manifested, whilst there are no elders to be found, then knowledge of the Shariah is acquired from them if they are free from Fitnah! Therefore, the intent is not that the knowledge possessed by the young person is boycotted, whilst the elders are present; rather the intent is that the people are placed in their rightful positions. [9]

Finally, Ahlus Sunnah always return to their senior scholars in times of adversity, as Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillah Al-Jaabiri [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “When the people of virtue and righteousness were faced with adversity and an intricate affair, they would go to the Senior people of knowledge to ask them and seek a Jawaab Ash-Shaafee Al-Kaafee [i.e. an appropriate answer that would bring about the rectification of the religious affairs and preservation of the well-being of the people based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah]. This is a followed path –beginning since the era of the Prophet’s companions, then the Imaams of the Taabi’een, and then –after them- the people of knowledge, virtue, religion, and Iemaan. And beautiful is what Ibn Mas’ud said, ‘The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and their elders; but if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be ruined'”. [10]

Read:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/12/15/1-returning-to-the-scholars-a-well-known-affair-among-the-senior-and-jenior-salafi-students-in-the-west/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/12/17/2-returning-to-the-scholars-how-old-were-you-in-2004/


[1] Paraphrased https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/2335/128-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%84-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D9%88%D9%87%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85%D9%89%D8%B0-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%AD-%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7

[2] https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=33690

[3] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 123

[4] Lisaan Al-Arab 8/174

[5] Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel 3/164

[6] Al-Mufradaat Fee Ghareeb Al-Qur’aan

[7] Tabaraareen “Al-Mujam Al-Kabeer” 8510

[8] Naseehah Ahl Al-Hadeeth By Al-Baghdaadee. page 8

[9] Awaa’iq at-talab 29-35

[10] الطيب الجني على شرح السنة للإمام المزني – page 19.