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

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

Sufyan Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever lends an ear to a person of Bidah has left the protection of Allah and is entrusted to it”. (i.e. the bidah)

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

The narration about fleeing from ahlul bidah and not to sit with them, nor to accompany them has preceded, therefore, whoever accompanies them and listens to their statements and does not reject them, will be destroyed alongside them. It is not permissible for you to lend an ear to them while saying, “I am a believer with strong Iman and I am well acquainted with the Aqeedah, and they cannot have an effect on me”. This is self-deception – trial for the people, because being distant and not listening to their false statements is safety. As for lending your ear to them, you will become worthy of being put to trial alongside them.

And regarding Sufyan’s statement: “And is entrusted to it”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al Fawzan commented:

(This is) because Allah safeguards the one who seeks safety from Him, while the one who listens to bidah is worthy of being put to trial through it. He is entrusted to it and is removed from the Protection of Allah. [Source: It’haaf Al-Qaaree. 2/316-317]

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

Sufyan Ath-Thawree is one of the Imams of the Sunnah and illustrious figures of guidance. He may have derived this speech from the Messenger’s warning against sitting with evil people that would inevitably cause harm and lead to dangerous consequences. Whoever opposes the Messenger’s warning has exposed himself to evil and is entrusted to himself. It is said to the one who lends an ear to ahlul bidah, “Do not do this because indeed the Messenger forbade and warned you; the pious predecessors forbade and warned you about sitting with ahlul bidah and acquiring (knowledge) from them”.

So, once you say, “By Allah! I read, I listen, take truth and abandon falsehood”, similar to the well known principle at present though which many youth – who were following the path of the pious predecessors- have been made into a laughing stock; they came to them with this vile – corrupt – principle, saying, “Read from the books of Ikhwaan (1), the books of Tableegh (2), the books of ahlul bidah, Sufism (3) and the Rawaafid (4), accept the truth (from them) and abandon the falsehood. He (i.e. the one who reads etc) is a Miskeen (poor in his knowledge, resolve etc) – neither knows truth nor can distinguish between it and falsehood, thus, he approaches falsehood, considers it to be truth and accepts it; approaches truth, considers it to be falsehood and rejects it, and strays. Allah entrusts this person to himself, because had he adhered firmly to the Sunnah, listen to the Messenger’s guidance, the stance of the Messenger’s companions and the pious predecessors, preserves the good he has – meaning the Sunnah, he would have been saved; but he became deceived so Allah entrusts him to himself due to this self-deception and self-importance which some people embark upon. He depends on himself and considers himself a leader in knowledge, while he is an ignoramus, thus, he falls into the traps of people of misguidance- quickly deviates and become one of the people of misguidance because Allah forsakes and entrust him to himself.

And due to this, we say: the one who is not safe from falling into the traps of the people of misguidance, it is obligated to him to avoid the books of the people of bidah and (avoid) sitting with them, because indeed the Messenger warned against sitting with them and the pious predecessors warned against sitting with them, rather they held a consensus to boycott and ostracise them – not to expose oneself to them and their call, except the one who is well established in knowledge, the one with ability to establish the proof against them while being cautious, warning against sitting with them and not to incline towards them.

As for the weak – the Miskeen – who is shaken by the light wind and it makes him fall (i.e. the one who cannot repel the doubts of ahlul bidah), it is obligated to him to preserve the good that Allah has bestowed on him, because nothing can be equal to safety.

The one who has the ability and experience – able to call to the path of Allah with wisdom and persuade the people of falsehood, he embarks upon calling them, while not being in agreement with them, not sitting with them and flattering them; but rather he should be a Mujahid, a caller to the path of Allah, a sincere adviser, enjoining good and forbidding evil. This is one who embarks upon calling the people of falsehood (to truth) and clarifies the truth to them, then (if) one is guided, alhamdulil laah; but if not, he has established the proofs which Allah has obligated to the inheritors of the Prophets (i.e. the scholars) to establish.

The Prophets were callers to the path of Allah, they invited the unbelievers to (the truth) and called the sinners (to the truth), and you are one of the inheritors of the Prophets, therefore, call these (people) and establish the proofs against them, but we do not say that this task is for everyone – that every Tom, Dick, and Harry intermingles with ahlul bidah and advise them; rather we say that this is for the people of knowledge, those well established in knowledge, the strong ones. As for those other than them – the ignoramuses and the ones with weak personalities, we warn and tell them to be on guard against the outcomes that descend on the one who is deceived by himself, thus, he becomes one from ahlul bidah and misguidance. By Allah we know people from different Arab and Islamic countries who used to be upon good, then they were captured by this trick- meaning, read, read, take the truth and reject falsehood, and was not seen thereafter except that he was from the villains of ahlul bidah, waging war against ahlus sunnah, defending the people of falsehood. We ask Allaah for wellbeing. [Source: Awn Al-Baaree Bi-Bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharhus Sunnah Lil-Imaam Al-Barbahaaree. 2/ 970-972. slightly paraphrased]

Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyaad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Whoever sits with a person of bidah has not be granted wisdom”.

Al-Allamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The one who sits with ahlul bidah and incline towards them, there is no doubt that he is dim-witted and on the opposite side of wisdom. Sitting with ahlul bidah is dangerous, and we have mentioned to you several times the hadeeth: “The parable of good company and a bad company is only that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith”. (5) This is an urge (by way of a command) from the Messenger that one sits (with) the righteous – those who are free from misguidance and bidah, those who call to good, command good and forbid evil – warn against falsehood. These are ones to be accompanied, you will benefit from them in matters of sound creed, sound methodology, authentic narrations and (acquire) abundant good. As for ahlul bidah -and Allah’s Refuge is sought, you will find corrupt creed with them, fabricated narrations, baseless narratives and other calamities, which is the reason behind the deviation of many of those people who oppose the (sound Salafi Methodology).

By Allah, it is not appropriate for some scholars to sit with the people of desires because it may be that he has some knowledge, but shaky and weak in personality, thus, he strays through falsehood. By Allah, there is an example of this in history about a people who diverted from the truth (in some matters) even though they had knowledge. Among them was Al-Bayhaqi who was affected by Ash’ariyyah (6) and Abdur Razzaaq who was affected by at-Tashayyu (7)…many among them; rather many of those who were swept away by bidah, the reason was nothing else other than reading the books of ahlul bidah and sitting with the people of misguidance, thus many people in the Islamic societies deviated due to this intermingling, sittings, reading and what is similar to that.

When Ahlus Sunnah listened to their scholars, Allah protected them from being swept away by ahlul bidah, but when the scholars or some of the scholars fell short (or failed to act as required), authority lost, and the people became deceived by people of bidah and misguidance, the Islamic world was swept away by bidah. In the last century, ilhaad, Zandaqah, (8) communism, Baathism and secularism appeared, the people intermingled and strayed. The who intermingled with the heretics became a heretic, the one who intermingled with the callers to socialism became a socialist, the one who intermingled with the baathists became baathist, the one who intermingled with the Rawafid became Rafidi (9), the one who intermingled with the Soofiyyah became a Sufi, the who intermingled with the groups of illegal partisanship became an adherent to illegal partisanship (10) and so on. Had they held onto the likes of this Prophetic and Salafi guidance, Allah would have protected them, but they embarked upon error, so Allah entrusted them to themselves. [Awn Al-Baaree 2/ 2974-975]

Al-Allamah Salih al Fawzaan, May Allah preserve him, stated:

It is forbidden to visit the Mubtadi [an innovator in religious matters] and to sit with him, unless it is for the (purpose) of advice and rejection of what he is upon. This is because keeping his company has an evil effect and leads to spreading his enmity (i.e. his misguidance) to others. It is obligatory to warn against them and their evil if it becomes impossible to prevent them from practicing bidah. And if not, it is obligated to the scholars of the Muslims and those in charge of the affairs of the Muslims to prevent and restrain the Mubtadi’ah from their evil. This is because the danger they pose to Islam is great. It must be known that the nations of disbelief encourage the Mubtadi’ah to spread their bidah and aid them upon that to create divergent paths (i.e. disunite the word of the Muslims and create sects that are in opposition to the singular path of the pious predecessors in creed and Methodology). In this is termination of Islam and distortion of its image. And Allah knows best. We ask Allah to aid His Religion and make His Word Uppermost, and forsake the enemies. [Source: An Excerpt from “Al Irshaad ilaa Sahih Al-Ittiqaad War Raddu alaa Ahli Ash-Shirki Wal Ilhaad. Page 455]


1: http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm

2: What are the core mistakes of the Tablīghi Jamā’at? They claim that they do not promote grave worship and other innovations. How is going out to the people for da’wah wrong? https://abukhadeejah.com/mistakes-tablighi-jamaat/

3: The Origin of Early Sufism Is From Basrah, Iraq: http://www.ibntaymiyyah.com/articles/dgfil-the-origin-of-the-sufis-is-from-basrah-iraq.cfm

“The Reality of Sufism: It’s Beginnings and Rise in the Muslim Ummah.” – Lessons in Aqīdah and Da’wah of Shaikh Sālih al Fawzān lecture by Abu Khadeejah: https://www.salafisounds.com/the-reality-of-sufism-its-beginnings-and-rise-in-the-muslim-ummah-lessons-in-aqidah-and-dawah-of-shaikh-salih-al-fawzan-lecture-by-abu-khadeejah/

4: The Devil’s Deception Of The Rāfidah Shī’ah — Know Their Beliefs From Their Own Source References: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/

5: “The parable of good company and a bad company is only that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith”. The seller of musk will give you some perfume, you will buy some, or you will notice a good smell. As for the blacksmith, he will burn your clothes or you will notice a bad smell”. [Al-Bukhaari 5534 and Muslim 2628]

6: http://www.asharis.com/creed/

7: Tashayyu: Listen here – By Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, regarding why Imam Abdur Razzaaq, may Allah have mercy upon him, was affected by something Tashayyu:

أما عبدالرزاق الصنعاني -رحمه الله- فقد دخل عليه شيء من التشيع، وقد قيل له: من أين لك هذا؟ مع أن أستاذيك أصحاب سنة؟ فقال: أتى إلينا جعفر بن سليمان الضبعي، وكان ذا هدي وسمت حسن فتأثرنا به فدخل علينا شيء من التشيع، ولم يبلغ به الحال إلى أن يتنقص الأئمة والخلفاء الراشدين والصحابة، بل هو سني من أهل السنة.
وقد جاء في ترجمة عبدالرزاق أنه قال في كلام عمر أنه قال: لفاطمة: جئت تطلبين ميراثك من أبيك وقال للعباس: جئت تطلب ميراثك من ولد أخيك. فقال عبدالرزاق: أنظروا إلى هذا الأحمق لم يقل: جئت تطلبين ميراثك من رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم-.

فينظر هل ثبت عن عبدالرزاق أم لم يثبت، فإن ثبت فهو يعتبر خطأ لا يجوز أن يتبع عليه، وقد قال الإمام الذهبي: أن عمر تكلم بهذا الكلام بناء على قسمة الفرائض أن شخصا مات عن ابنة وعن عم، فما لكل واحد منهما؟ ولم يقصد أن يتنقص رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم- بأنه ليس نبيا ولا رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم-.

وأما الحاكم فقد جاء عنه بعض الانزواء وبعض الانحراف عن معاوية -رضي الله عنه-، وقد قال أبوطاهر عن عبدالله بن محمد الهروي أبي إسماعيل أنه قال: إمام في الحديث لكنه رافضي خبيث.

وقال أيضا كما في «العلل المتناهية» لابن الجوزي وقد ذكر حديث الطير أو حديثا غيره وذكر ابن الجوزي ما فيه من الضعف، ثم ساق بسنده إلى أبي طاهر المقدسي وهو محمد بن طاهر عن شيخه قال: لا يخلو الحاكم إما أن يكون جاهلا فهذا لا يؤخذ عنه العلم وإما أن يكون كذابا دساسا، وهذا أيضا لا يؤخذ عنه العلم.

والحق أنه لا يثبت لا ذا ولا ذاك، فالحاكم ليس بجاهل، عرفنا هذا من ترجمته، وعرف العلماء منزلته الرفيعة كما في «سير أعلام النبلاء» وفي «تذكرة الحفاظ» وفي «الإرشاد» للخليلي، فهو إمام متفق على جلالته.

فالحاصل أن بهما شيئا من التشيع لا يخرجهما إلى الرفض كما قال الحافظ الذهبي عند أن ذكر هذا الكلام عن أبي إسماعيل الهروي، قال: إن الله يحب الإنصاف ما الرجل برافضي ولكن به شيء من التشيع.

وقال المعلمي في «التنكيل» عندما ذكر كلام أبي إسماعيل الهروي: إمام في الحديث رافضي خبيث، قال المعلمي: لعل السجعة هي التي حملت قائلها إلى أن يقول ما قال. وما أشبهها بما كتب الصاحب بن عباد إلى قاض (بقم) -وهي بلدة كانت سنية ثم أصبحت رافضية- فكتب الصاحب بن عباد:

أيها القاضي بقم قد عزلناك فقم

فلما وصلت إلى القاضي تذكر ذنوبه ماهو الذي فعله؟ فلم يجد أنه أذنب ولا فعل شيئا، فقال: والله ما عزلتني إلا السجعة.

وأما عكرمة فقد رمي برأي الخوارج وليس بالقدر، فإن الذي رمي بالقدر هو قتادة، وقد دافع عن عكرمة الحافظ ابن حجر وبرأه وذكر في «فتح الباري» في الكلام على سبب نزول قول الله تعالى: ﴿إن الذين توفاهم الملائكة ظالمي أنفسهم قالوا فيم كنتم قالوا كنا مستضعفين في الأرض قالوا ألم تكن أرض الله واسعة فتهاجروا فيها فأولئك مأواهم جهنم وساءت مصيرا﴾ أنه قيل لعكرمة وقد سأله شخص: أأخرج مع هؤلاء الذين يخرجون؟ أي: للقتال، والقتال بين مسلمين، فقال له عكرمة: لا تخرج، ثم استدل بهذه الآية أي: لا تكثر سواد أهل الباطل ولا تخرج. قال: في هذا دليل على أن عكرمة لا يرى رأي الخوارج.

8: ilhaad: ilhaad: “Complete ilhaad” is to turn away from Islam completely and that is Major ilhaad, which exits a person from the fold of Islam, such as the ilhaad committed by communists, the idol worshippers and those similar to them. And Minor ilhaad does not exit a person from the Religion of Islam, such as turning away from some actions. Allah (The Most High) said:

 وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍ بِظُلْمٍ نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

And whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong, him We shall cause to taste a painful torment. For further details, see link: https://www.ajurry.com/vb/forum/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%80%D9%80%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%80%D9%80%D8%A7%D9%85/13722-%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%88%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%81-%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D9%85%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%9F?t=13326

Zandaqah: Heresy

9: The Devil’s Deception Of The Rāfidah Shī’ah — Know Their Beliefs From Their Own Source References: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/

10: Illegal Partisanship: To initate an idea that opposes the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, (establish) allegiance and enmity based upon it, this is illegal partisanship, even if is not initiated under an organisation. [Source: Kash As-Sitaar page 19-20 by al-Allamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him]

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

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

By Allah! Islam and the Muslims are not ruined except by these categories of (people) amongst the people of bidah and misguidance- the khawarij and those similar to them, and those who are worse, such as the rawaafid. The rawaafid are worse than the khawarij, and Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon (i.e. the sect -the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere) ally with them and they say: “They (rawaafid) are our brothers; the differing between us and them is like the differing between (Imaam) Maalik and (Imaam) Shaafi’ee” meaning: “The differing between us (i.e. Ikhwaan Muslimoon) and them (i.e. rawaafid shiites) is based on ijtihad, and if Imaam (Maalik) and (Imaam) Shafee’ee differ in (some) affairs, they are all rewarded; and if we (ikhwaan al-muslimoon) differ with the rawaafid shiites, then us and them are rewarded”.

O deceivers! The rawaafid (shiites) revile the Sahaabah and declare them disbelievers; they revile the wives of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; they say that the Qur’an is distorted; they have shir’kiyyaat (beliefs and acts of major polytheism) and they deify the leaders of the Prophet’s family. So does all of this not harm them (i.e. harm their claim to Islam)? Is this not irjaa?! (i.e. O Ikhwaanis! Is this alliance of yours with the rawaafid and that the differing between you and them is like the differing between Imaams Maalik and Shaafi’ee not Ir’jaa?!) [Adh-Dhari’ah 1/162]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him, stated:

The wars that take place between the Muslims and the splitting are only brought about by the people of desires, such as the Khawaarij, the Mutazilah and other than them! The people of desires are the ones who cause the fitnah—the Mutazilah, the khawaarij, the Rawaafid (Shiites) and other than them. Fitnah does not occur except from them and as a result of them. Who murdered Uthmaan (radiyallaahu-anhu)? Who murdered Ali (radiyallaahu-anahu)? Who were the ones that ignited the fitnah between the Muslims thereafter? It was no one else other than those people of desires. Who misled Al-Mamoon and those rulers who came after him to put Ahlus Sunnah to trial, until their Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (rahimahullaah) was beaten and imprisoned? It was no one else other than the people of desires. Who brought about the imprisonment of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) until he died in prison? It was no one else other than those people of desires! It is upon us to be cautious of these people because the end result of their fitnah leads to the splitting of the unity of the Muslims, rebellion against the Muslim rulers and splitting the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims, so that they become divergent groups and parties, which is the opposite of being one united Ummah. Paraphrased… listen to audio on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2016/02/reminder-ahlul-ahwaa-i-e-the-people-of-bidah-are-the-ones-who-start-the-wars/

Also read on this link at by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him

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

The Sab’iyyah, Raafidah and Khaarijiyyah: Historical and Contemporary Interplay Between Rafd and Khaarijiyyah: http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/fqfejnx-the-sabiyyah-raafidah-and-khaarijiyyah.cfm

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Ahlul Bidah are the ones who kindle trials and disorder.  They are a chaotic people and are deprived of safety and security.  They are a people of trials and disturbance as opposed to Ahlul Hadeeth Was-Sunan (i.e. those who steadfastly follow the ahaadeeth of the Prophet and his Sunnah). Have they (i.e. the people of Sunnah) committed what the people of bidah and trials have committed?! The people of bidah trespass- alongside enmity and innovation- whilst Ahlus Sunnah respond and defend (the religion).

عداء الماتريدية للعقيدة السلفية
1/26-27

Salafi Ideologies – a brief reminder to Ohad Merlin

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire. [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” [2]

In an article published at Jerusalem Post on January 18, 2024, and updated the following day, the writer named a particular individual, noting that this person “also faces attacks from anti-Islamist [refer to footnote a] actors who reject Salafi ideologies and based their disdain on his roles in several al-Qaeda offshoots”. [end of quote]

First, it is necessary to examine the definition of the term “ideology”. Whoever researches will find that deology, is a form of social or political philosophy in which practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones- a system of “ideas” that aspires both to explain the world and to change it; or a set of “opinions” or “beliefs” of a group or an individual. It can also refer to a set of “political beliefs” or a set of ideas that characterise a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies.

Secondly, every person with some knowledge of the infallible divine revelation- the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and implemented by the Sahabah – knows that the ideas of philosophy, theory, opinions, capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism originate from the inherently flawed nature of human thought. Thus, they are inherently debatable, with their inconsistencies and shortcomings clearly visible to everyone acquainted with them.

Thirdly, as for “belief”, it may be either fabricated or innovated by individuals who stray from the teachings of the Prophets, or they may be rooted in the pure, infallible final revelation – the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Thus, when the word “belief” is mentioned without clarifying its foundation, it becomes ambiguous. This is why we scrutinise the language and terminology used by ideologues, demagogues, journalists, or provocateurs when they seek to impose their flawed interpretations or judgments on Salafiyyah. Salafiyyah can never be categorised as an ideology or a set of ideas, as these can be contested, debated, or labeled as right or wrong. Instead, Salafiyyah represents the path of infallible revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Those who assert that ideology encompasses belief and then assess Salafiyyah by the same criteria as other beliefs either lack understanding of Salafiyyah or deliberately use ambiguous language to sow confusion. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The basis of Banee Adam’s misguidance is as a result of general terms and ambiguous meanings, especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, so how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [3]

One of the core principles in Islam is the understanding that words or terms fall into two categories: those found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, which every believer is required to affirm, and those that are negated by Allah and His Messenger. The terms affirmed by Allah represent the truth, while those He has negated are also rejected as false, since Allah speaks only the truth and guides us along the right path. The terminology of Shariah is sacred, and it is essential for one to seek the accurate meanings intended by the Messenger to affirm what he affirmed and reject what he negated. It is our duty to believe in and testify to everything he has conveyed and to follow his commands. Regarding terms that do not appear in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and where the early scholars have not reached a consensus on their affirmation or negation, individuals are not obligated to side with those who affirm or deny them until their intended meanings are clarified. If the intended meaning aligns with the revelations and commands of the Messenger, it is accepted; if it contradicts his teachings, it is dismissed. [4]

Salafi ideology, or rather the notion of multiple Salafi ideologies, does not exist. What truly exists is Salafiyyah, a path rooted in the infallible teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, as interpreted and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Any deviation from this path—whether in creed/belief, worship, or methodology—cannot be considered part of Salafiyyah, regardless of the claims made by various groups, individuals, or the author of the article in question. While innovations in religion are linked to ideologies, opinions and ideas of men, Salafiyyah is anchored in divine revelation as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Therefore, it is important that the author seeks knowledge before making statements. The sincere seeker of truth must refer to the following links:

The Salafi Call and Methodology- By Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.
http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

What is Salafism? Read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him.
https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

A response to Western academics who categorise Salafis into Quietists, Politicos and Jihadists – and why this is a false categorisation.

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-evils-of-modern-day-terrorism-and-its-roots-al-qaeda-isis-the-nusra-front-etc/


Footnote a: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/07/political-islam-and-islamists-the-manipulation-of-terminology-by-ideologues/

[1]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/23

[2]https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt

[3] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ 3/927

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17

The Sunni–Shia Divide Revisited: A Rebuttal to David Ben Basat at Jerusalem Post

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

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

As the (true) followers of the Prophets are characterised by their knowledge and commitment to justice, therefore, the discourse of the adherents of Islam and the Sunnah regarding disbelievers and those who engage in bidah must be grounded in knowledge and justice, rather than conjecture and desires. Due to this, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “There are three types of judges; one will enter Paradise, while two will enter the fire. A man who knows the truth and judges accordingly will enter Paradise; a man who knows the truth yet judges contrary to it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire”. When it is case that one who adjudicates matters of wealth, life, and honour is (threatened with) entry into the fire for failing to be a just scholar, then, what about the one who renders judgments without knowledge, particularly ahlul bidah, who address issues of faith, the core tenets of Iman, and knowledge regarding Allah, His Names, Attributes, and Actions, as well as other profound matters of knowledge. [1]

This article serves as a brief response to the assertions made by David Ben-Basat, who sought to articulate his understanding of the distinctions between Sunni and Shia, at least as reflected in this above post of his at the Jerusalem Post. However, it is imperative to emphasise that a more fitting title would be “the Distinction Between Islam and the Beliefs of the Rafidah”. This distinction arises from the fact that the tenets and practices of the Rafidah religion diverge significantly from those of Islam.

David stated: The conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims remains one of the central features shaping the political and religious dynamics of the Middle East.

Rooted in Islamic history since the 7th century, this divide has evolved into a broad political and ideological battle, exploited by regional powers such as Iran and Turkey to extend their influence, fueling clashes between the two sects. Islam is divided into two main branches: Sunni Muslims, who make up about 85% of the Islamic world, and Shia Muslims, who represent around 15%. [end of quote]

Response: The conflict between Islam and the religion of the Rafidah was first initiated by Abdullah Bin Sabah, a Jew from Yemen. Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghani, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The enemies of Islam, recognising their inability to eradicate this religion (Islam), strategically infiltrated it with disbelieving agents- individuals who masqueraded as Muslims, aiming to sow confusion, trials, and tribulations, while promoting polytheism by elevating the status of the righteous and venerating their graves (through beliefs and practices) not sanctioned by Allah. Consequently, the Ummah faced trials stemming from the schemes of Abdullah Bin Saba, who asserted that Ali Ibn Abee Talib, (the Prophet’s cousin), deserved worship alongside Allah. The followers of Abdullah Bin Saba became known as the Saba’iyyah, and later as the Rawaafid (Shiites), Ismaaliyyah (Shiites), Nusayriyah (Shiites), among others within the Baatiniyyah sect. [Footnote a] They engaged in the veneration of graves and their occupants, constructing places of worship and shrines at these sites. Through such actions, they revived the corrupt practices of those (particular) Jews, Christians, and idol worshippers who strayed from the true path of the Prophets of Allah. This illustrates how the worship of graves emerged within this Ummah through the practices introduced by the Rawaafid (Shiites). [2] Read: http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/bmfjr-a-brief-overview-of-the-doctrines-innovated-by-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi-which-became-the-foundational-beliefs-of-the-sects-of-the-shia.cfm

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Saba’iyyun are the companions of Abdullah Bin Saba, who said to Ali, “You are.. you are”- meaning, “You are the deity”. Hafidh Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Abdullah bin Saba was from the extremists amongst the heretics- misguided and misguiding others”. Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “He was originally from Yemen- a Jew who manifested Islam, travelled around the Muslim lands to turn them away from obedience to their leaders and to bring about evil between them, and he entered into Damascus for that reason”. Abu Ya’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Musnad from Al-Jalaas who said, “I heard Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, saying to Abdullah Bin Saba, “Indeed, there will be thirty liars at the approach of the hour and you are one of them”. Abdullah bin Saba had followers and they were called the Saba’iyyun. They believe that Godhead is with Ali. Indeed Ali burnt them with fire during his Khilaafah. And do not think that the followers of Abdullah Bin Saba have perished, (rather) there is that leader of misguidance -khumeini, who displays (so called) jealousy for Islam, yet he destroys its pillars. Some of the ignorant ones among the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon were deceived by Khumeini, and they used to mention him on the pulpits; but when the Book titled: Jaa’a Dawrul Majoos appeared, they were shaken. They kept quiet and did not praise Khumeini. Perhaps the Muslims will take a lesson from the story of Abdullah Bin Saba and be warned against the machinations and filth of the Rafidah because their call is based on deception.[3]

Furthermore, the assertion that Islam is bifurcated into two primary branches is fundamentally erroneous. The essence of the religion remains unified; guidance stands apart from misguidance, and truth is clearly delineated from falsehood. Therefore, any notion of division within the faith is unfounded. It is, in fact, those who have strayed from the righteous path who have caused fragmentation. Conversely, those who faithfully adhere to the authentic teachings of Islam remain united in their belief and methodology. It is imperative for those who have deviated from the true teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah to renounce their misguidance and return to the path of truth. Thus, anyone who innovates into the religion is rebutted and he is guilty of splitting. Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him) said:

The innovator in religious matters is the cause for the splitting, because splitting is connected to innovation in religion and unity is connected to the Sunnah. The obligation of refuting an opposer of the truth is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear, so (in this case) Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against an innovator in religious affairs and one who opposes the truth”. [4] For further insights on the various sects, please read below:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/ [Footnote b]

David said: Conservative Sunni rhetoric often regards Shias as heretics and even infidels, citing accusations like those against Aisha, the wife of the prophet Mohammed, of betrayal and attributing superhuman qualities to Shia imams, elevating them to a status comparable to that of the prophet himself. [end of quote]

Response: It is essential to recognise that dismissing the judgments against the Rafidah as mere rhetoric is a grave error, rooted in either misguidance or ignorance. These judgments are not mere expressions of persuasive language or the artful manipulation of words; they do not stem from the superficial techniques employed by rabble-rousers, demagogues, ideologues, or Zionists, nor do they represent eloquent discourse devoid of substance. Such a characterisation is more fitting for those who have introduced innovations into the sacred teachings of the Prophets, subsequently deriving their conclusions from these alterations. This path is reminiscent of those who strayed from the righteous ways of the noble Prophets Musa and Isa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, as well as those who have introduced erroneous beliefs and practices, including the Rafidah and the Khawarij. Rhetoric, therefore, is more aptly associated with these groups than with the judgments rendered by the upright scholars of Islam, which are firmly anchored in the infallible verses of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Furthermore, David’s stance raises questions about his honesty; he is either misrepresenting Ahlus Sunnah as those who unjustly accuse the Rafidah or he is exercising unnecessary caution due to his lack of understanding of Rafidah beliefs, leading him to label valid refutations as rhetoric and accusations. Regardless of David’s intentions, if the Rafidah come across his statements, they might either appreciate his assistance in their Taqiyyah or regard him as poorly informed. The Rafidah are well known for disparaging Aa’Isha, may Allah be pleased with her, and their contempt for most of the Prophet’s companions, all while deifying the Prophet’s family—a belief innovated for them by the Yemeni Jew Abdullah Bin Saba. [Footnote c]

David stated: Sunni conservatives base their views on classical fatwas, such as those by 13th-century theologian Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyyah, who declared Shias/Shi’ites to be more heretical than Jews, Christians, and idolaters, likening them to the Crusaders and Mongols of his era. These ideological differences have spiraled into political struggles, with each side vying to dominate the region’s key states. [end of quote]

Response: David’s statement clearly highlights his ignorance of the topic at hand. Indeed, scholars who lived centuries before Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him and all of them, denounced the Rafidah and labeled them as heretics. Some even went so far as to declare the Rafidah as disbelievers, asserting that their beliefs are deemed apostasy, polytheism, and disbelief according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Since Abdullah Ibn Saba concocted the beliefs and methodology of the Rafidah, the erudite scholars from each generation prior to Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah have confronted the Rafidah. Here are some significant examples.

Alqamah Ibn Qays An-Nakha’i [62AH], may Allah have mercy on him, a student of the Sahabi Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Indeed, this Shia sect has exaggerated in their veneration of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, just as the Christians have exaggerated in their veneration of Jesus, son of Mary, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” [5]

Talhah Ibn Musarraf [112 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“The women of the Rawaafid are not to be married, nor are their sacrifices permissible to eat, for they are people of apostasy.” [6]

Imam Malik Ibn Anas [179AH], may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“Those who insult the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, do not have a share or portion in Islam.” [7]

Imam Malik also said:

“Whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has no right to the spoils of war. Allah, the Exalted, said:

[للفقراء المهاجرين الذين أخرجوا من ديارهم وأموالهم يبتغون فضلاً من الله ورضواناً – (And there is also a share in the booty) for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking the bounty of Allah and His pleasure]. These are the companions of Allah’s Messenger who emigrated with him. Then Allah said: [والذين تبؤوا الدار والإيمان- And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the faith]. These are the Ansar. Then Allah further stated:

[والذين جاءوا من بعدهم يقولون ربنا اغفرلنا ولأخواننا الذين سبقونا بالإيمان – And those who came after them, say, “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethen who have preceded us in Faith].

The spoils of war are for these three groups. Therefore, whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not belong to any of these three groups and has no right to the spoils. [8]

Imam Abu Yusuf, may Allah have mercy upon him, the student of Imam Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I will not pray behind a Jahmi, nor a Rafidi, nor a Qadari.” [9]

Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“I have not seen anyone among the people of vain desires more deceitful in their claims or more prone to false testimony than the Rāfidah.” [10]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Al-Firyabi [212AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I see the Rāfidah and the Jahmiyyah as nothing but heretics.” [11]

Imam Al-Qasim Ibn Sallam [224AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I have interacted with people and engaged with the scholars of theological rhetoric, yet I have never encountered a group more repugnant, more despicable, weaker in argument, or more foolish than the Rawaafid. During my tenure as a judge in the border regions, I expelled three individuals from among them: two Rawaafid and one Jahmi, asserting that individuals like you should not reside among the inhabitants of the borders.” [12]

Imam Ahmad Ibn Yunus [227AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“We do not consume the sacrifice of a man who is a Rafidi, for in my view, he is an apostate.” [13]

Imam Abu Zur’ah Ar-Razi [264 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“If you see a man disparaging any of the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, know that he is a heretic. This is because for us the Messenger is truth and the Qur’an is the truth. The Qur’an and the Sunnah have been conveyed to us by the companions of Allah’s Messenger. Those who seek to undermine our witnesses aim to invalidate the Book and the Sunnah, and it is more appropriate to disparage them; they are indeed heretics.” [14]

Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Hatim, said that he inquired of his father, Abu Zur’ah, regarding the path of the Sunnah and the beliefs which the scholars have encountered in all regions. Among their remarks was: “Indeed, the Jahmiyyah are disbelievers, and the Rafidah have rejected Islam.” [15]

Imam Al-Barbahari [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Be aware that all deviant beliefs are reprehensible, leading to violence. The most despicable and heretical among them are the Rāfidah, the Mu’tazilah, and the Jahmiyyah, for they seek to lead people towards negation (of Allah’s Attributes) and heresy.” [16]

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi [597], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The excessive veneration of the Rāfidah for Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, led them to fabricate numerous hadiths extolling his virtues, many of which are detrimental and offensive to him. They have also introduced various jurisprudential opinions that are innovations in religion that contradict consensus. In numerous issues, which would require extensive elaboration, they have violated the consensus, and Satan has deceived them into fabricating these claims without relying on authentic sources or sound analogical reasoning. The repugnant (beliefs and practices) of the Rāfidah are too numerous to count.” [17]

The above are very few verdicts of the scholars, including the students of the Sahabah, throughout various generations that oppose the heretical Rafidah before the time of Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. Therefore, David ought to have conducted his research with integrity or chosen to avoid revealing his ignorance, as the adage states: “Silence beautifies the scholar and hides the ignorance of the ignoramus.”

David said: IRAN, AS the Shia stronghold, sees itself as the ideological leader of Shia Muslims worldwide. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, it has sought to expand its influence by creating a “Shia crescent” that includes Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, Iran’s heavy investment in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite regime in Syria has largely gone to waste, undermining its efforts. [end of quote]

Response: The term Shia Muslim remains a myth until the reality is established. Thus, we’ll quote a clarification by Al-Allamah Rabee in that regard. The Shaikh was asked: Our Shaikh, may Allah preserve you. The questioner says: What is the ruling on the common people of the Rawafid and how do we deal with them?

The Shaikh replied: The questioner differentiates between the common people and other than them. This is a good approach. The common people who neither speak ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor do they declare the companions to be disbelievers, nor do they believe that the Qur’an is distorted; however, they have some Rafd [i.e. beliefs of the rafidah] and some hatred for the companions without declaring them disbelievers and what is similar to (these deeds), these ones are misguided innovators in religious matters and we do not declare them disbelievers. (But) whoever joins their heretics in declaring the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be disbelievers, speaking ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, and the filthy belief that the Qur’an has been distorted, and that there is an addition and deficiency in it, this (person) is a disbeliever similar to the disbelievers of the Yahud and Nasara. There is no distinction between their common people and their scholars (in this affair).

Then the Shaikh was asked: How do we deal with them? He replied: Answer: If dealing with them is with regards to a worldly affair—business transactions and what is similar to that— it is permissible to trade with a Jew, a Christian and a Rafidi. However, as for co-operating with them in issues of religion, no. [وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ‌ۚ – Do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2] Instead, their scholars and callers are boycotted and they are warned against. [18]

It is evident, upon careful consideration of the preceding facts, that the so-called Islamic revival in Iran under Khomeini was, in truth, a mere Rafidah revolution. This upheaval elevated the Rafidah and their beliefs, which diverge significantly from true Islam. Khomeini and his fellow Rafidah leaders can be characterized as disbelievers and heretics. Allow me to elaborate:

Ayat Al-Shaytan Khomeini: Seeking Aid From the Dead (And Stones and Mud) Is Not Shirk

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/jmfhm-ayat-al-shaytan-khomeini-seeking-aid-from-the-dead-is-not-shirk.cfm

Reality of The Rafidah – By Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan and Al-Allamah Rabee

Footnote a:
http://www.shia.bs/series/the-founder-of-the-shia-sect-is-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi.cfm

Footnote b:
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/oeotc-glimpses-into-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-1.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/vqlrf-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-2.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/flqoi-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-4.cfm

Footnote c:

http://www.shia.bs/series/doctrines-of-the-shia-from-their-own-words-and-books.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tyxepnv-a-glimpse-upon-core-rafidi-doctrines-the-devils-deception-of-the-shia.cfm

The Devil’s Deception Of The Rafidah Shi’ah — Know Their Beliefs From Their Own Source References

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tzwqsen-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-1.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/bjjffuj-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-2.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/hofiyav-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-3.cfm


[1] Al-Jawab As-Sahih 1/107-108]

[2] Juhud Al-Ulama Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtal Aqaa’id Al-Quburiyyeen 1/19-25

[3] An Excerpt from Ilhaadul Khumeini Fee Ardil Haramayn. Pages 125-140

[4] Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As’la Al-Ashrah. p.43-44

[5] As-Sunnah 2/548 By Abdullah Ibn Imam Ahmad

[6]Al-Ibanah As-Sughra page 161 By Ibn Battah

[7] Al-Ibanah As-Sughra 162 and As-Sunnah 1/493 by Al-Khallal

[8] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 7/1268-1269

[9] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 4/733

[10] Sharh Usul al-Ittiqad 8/1457

[11] Sharh Usul Itiqad 8/1457

[12] As-Sunnah 1/499 by Al-Khallal

[13] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 8/459

[14] Al-Kifayah 49

[15] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 1/178

[16] Sharh al-Sunnah. 54

[17] Talbis Iblis. 136-137

[18] Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab Ash-Shariah 3/595

The Dam and The Rats

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

لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬ۖ كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ ۥ بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬
فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬
ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ
وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمۡ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلۡقُرَى ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَڪۡنَا فِيہَا قُرً۬ى ظَـٰهِرَةً۬ وَقَدَّرۡنَا فِيہَا ٱلسَّيۡرَۖ سِيرُواْ فِيہَا لَيَالِىَ وَأَيَّامًا ءَامِنِينَ
فَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَا بَـٰعِدۡ بَيۡنَ أَسۡفَارِنَا وَظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ أَحَادِيثَ وَمَزَّقۡنَـٰهُمۡ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ۬ شَكُورٍ۬

Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place, – two gardens on the right hand and on the left (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him, a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord. But they turned away (from the obedience of Allah), so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees. Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers). And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stages (of journey) between them easy (saying): “Travel in them safely both by night and day.” But they said: “Our Lord! Make the stages between our journey longer,” and they wronged themselves, so We made them as tales (in the land), and We dispersed them all, totally. Verily, in this are indeed signs for every steadfast grateful (person).

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Saba was a well-known tribe close to Yemen and their dwelling place was a township called Ma’rib. And one of blessings Allaah has bestowed upon the people – in general- and His kindness to them, and to the Arabs in particular, is that Allaah narrated – in the Qur’aan – the news regarding those who were destroyed and punished, who lived close to the Arabs and they saw its Aathaar [i.e. the signs left behind in the land to indicate their evil end]; and the people transmitted its news, so that it became easier to [believe and affirm] its truthfulness and closer [to the hearts and minds] as an admonition.

Allaah said: [لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬ – Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place]- Meaning: The place they lived. [The term  ‘Sign’ in this statement] are the blessings Allah bestowed upon them and averted calamities from them, which necessitated that they worship Allah alone and thank Him. Then Allaah [clarified and explained what] this sign was, saying: [جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬ – two gardens on the right hand and on the left]- Meaning: They used to have a huge valley to which came abundant rainfall. They built a robust dam that gathered the water and the rainfall used to come to it. It gathered abundant water over there, so they distributed it to their orchards, which were situated on the right and left of that valley. The two big gardens brought forth for them Thimaar [i.e. fruits and other produce from trees, plants] that was sufficient for them, which brought about – for them- a state of bliss and happiness. So, Allaah commanded them to thank Him for bestowing upon them His blessings which He facilitated for them in numerous ways as follows:

The two gardens from which came most of their nourishments.

Allah made their dwelling place good- its air was good, it had very little pollution and the land brought provision continuously.

Allaah promised them that if they are grateful to Him, He will forgive them and show them mercy, and this is why Allaah said: [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬ – a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord].

Due to the fact that Allah knew their need for trade and earnings in the blessed land- and what is apparent is that it was the surrounding towns of Sanaa [i.e. in Yemen] as stated by more than one of the Salaf, and it was stated that the blessed land was Shaam [syria]-, therefore, Allaah facilitated for them the means through which they got there with great ease, safely and without fear, and the adjacent towns between them and that blessed land; so that they encountered no difficulty in carrying provisions and merchandise. And due to this Allaah said: [وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمۡ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلۡقُرَى ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَڪۡنَا فِيہَا قُرً۬ى ظَـٰهِرَةً۬ وَقَدَّرۡنَا فِيہَا ٱلسَّيۡرَۖ –  And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stages (of journey) between them easy]- Meaning: Distances they were acquainted with and make [good plans for their journeys], so that they did not get lost on their way. [سِيرُواْ فِيہَا لَيَالِىَ وَأَيَّامًا ءَامِنِينَ – Travel in them safely both by night and day]- Meaning: With tranquillity during those nights and days, without fear. This was one of Allaah’s perfect blessings which He bestowed upon them by saving them from fear.

However, they turned away from the One [i.e. their Lord Allaah] Who bestowed those blessings upon them- turned away from worshipping Him alone, thankless for the blessings bestowed upon them and became unconcerned about them, until they asked and wished that the distance of their journeys between those towns [which was very easy] should be longer.

[وَظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ – And they wronged themselves]- Meaning: Due to their disbelief in Allaah and being ungrateful to Him for the blessings He bestowed on them, Allaah punished  them as a result of their transgression, took it away from them [i.e. the blessings] and sent them Sail Al-Arim  [a wild flood], which destroyed their dam, destroyed their gardens and orchards. So, those gardens that had amazing verdant plots and trees that bore fruits were substituted with trees that had no benefit.

And due to this Allah said: [وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬  – and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees]- Meaning: Brought little food that was not enough to suffice them. All these trees are well known and was a just recompense for their evil deeds. (1)

Story of The Dam of Ma’rib: The story of the dam is about the water which used to come to them from between two mountains, combined with water from rain falls and their valleys. Their kings built a huge, strong dam and the water reached a high level between the two mountains. Then they planted trees and got the best fruits that could ever be harvested, plentiful and beautiful. A number of the Salaf, including Qataadah [rahimahumullaah] mentioned that a woman would walk beneath the trees, carrying a basket or vessel – such as is used to gather fruit – on her head, and that fruit would fall from the trees and fill the basket without any need for her to make the effort to pick the fruit, because it was so plentiful and ripe. This was the dam of Marib, a land between which and San’a was a journey of three days. Others said that in their land there were no flies, mosquitos or fleas, or any kind of vermin. This was because the weather was good and the people were healthy, and Allaah took care of them so they that they worship Him alone.

Some including Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father], Wahb Bin Munabbih, Qataadah and Ad-Dahhaak [may Allaah have mercy upon them] said that when Allaah wanted to punish them by sending the flood upon them,  he sent animals from the earth to the dam, large rats which made a hole in it. (2) Wahb Bin Munabbih said, “They found written in their scriptures that the dam would be destroyed because of these large rats. So they brought cats for a while, but when the decree came to pass, the rats overran the cats and went into the dam, making a hole in it, and it collapsed”. (3) Qataadah and others said, “The large rat is the desert rat. They gnawed at the bottom of the dam until it became weak, then the time of the floods came and the waters rushed through the bottom of the valley and destroyed everything in their path- buildings, trees etc!” (4)

And just as they substituted beautiful thankfulness with that ugly ingratitude, those blessings were substituted with the things that have been mentioned. And due to this Allaah said: [ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ- Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers)]- Meaning: We do not recompense with this punishment, except to those who disbelieve in Allaah and are thankless for His blessings.

After that which befell them befell them, they scattered and split, even though aforetime they were together. Allah made them a story by way of which others spoke about them – stories people narrated at night, and people used to mention them in the parable [i.e. when talking about others], “They scattered like Saba”. Everyone used to speak about that which happened to them.

However, none learns a lesson regarding their affair, except those about whom Allaah said: [إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ۬ شَكُورٍ۬  – Verily, in this are indeed signs for every steadfast grateful (person)]- Meaning: Those who are patient when facing hardship and extreme difficulties, who persevere for the Sake of Allaah, grateful to Allaah for His blessings, affirm and acknowledge such blessings, praise the One who bestowed it upon them [i.e. Allaah] and utilise them in obedience to Allaah. When this type of person hears their story [i.e. the people of Sabah]- their behaviour and what happened to them, he knows that the punishment was a recompense for their ungratefulness, and that whoever commits the likes of that which they did will be treated in the same way. And that being grateful to Allaah for His blessings is a safeguard for those blessing and repels punishment; and that Allaah’s Messengers spoke the truth regarding that which they informed the people and that recompense is true, as its examples are seen in this worldly abode. (5)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It [i.e. Saba] was an Arab tribe named after a grandfather of theirs – a man with many children. It has been reported in a hadeeth that his children were ten in number- six stayed in Yemen and four in Shaam [Syria]. Then they spread in the earth and became numerous.

[لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬  – Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place]: [مَسۡكَنِ – Maskan- is that which a person lives in and lives there with tranquillity, such as houses, groves, orchards etc]. [ءَايَةٌ۬ – Aayah]- is a sign that shows something. The sign [i.e. the one mentioned in this Aayah] shows Allaah’s All-Encompassing Power, His blessings and [Perfect] Wisdom.

[جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬  – two gardens on the right hand and on the left]- Meaning: Gardens filled with trees. And if situated on the right and the left, it will possess a marvellous and attractive sight. They were a chain of gardens on the right and left. [كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ  – (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him]- Meaning: That which Allah has provided for you in the land of Saba.

Allaah placed numerous good in these two gardens and benefiting from them was very easy. [وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ-And thank Him (i.e. Allaah)]- Meaning: This is what was sought from them [i.e. to be thankful], and thankfulness is connected to the heart, the tongue and the limbs- to acknowledge that those blessings are from Allaah, praise Allaah for them and perform acts of obedience with your limbs, until you fulfil the obligation of thankfulness in the manner sought from you.

Thank Allaah for the blessings He has bestowed on you in the land of Saba. [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ – a fair land (i.e. Saba)]. This land had no predators, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, scorpions and snakes. A stranger would go pass the land and the lice on his clothes will die due to the good air [or weather condition]. [وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬  – an Oft-Forgiving Lord]- Meaning: Allaah is the Forgiving Lord – the forgiver of sins. Allaah granted them these two blessings: the blessing of a good dwelling place, and the blessing of forgiveness, safety from sins and its punishment in the afterlife; and the good land is a means of safety against evils in the worldly life.

This great Aayah shows Allaah’s All-Encompassing Power and His Perfect Wisdom in relation to the story of Saba in general, that they were blessed in their dwelling places, orchards, castles and other than that. But when they turned away, the situation changed. In this is a lesson and a sign from many different angles – a sign that shows Allaah’s All-Encompassing Power to the one who disobeys Allaah, a lesson for one who obeys Allaah and a sign that shows Allaah’s [Perfect] Wisdom.

Contemplate on this Aayah and you’ll find the different and various signs in it! It is a sign that shows Allaah’s All-Encompassing Power because He created for them those mighty orchards, and then substituted it with something else that was not equal to them in anything.

This shows the [Perfect] Wisdom of Allaah when He bestowed that good upon them- when they were [obedient, submissive etc] to Him, and then took it away from them when they turned away – turned away from worshipping Him due to pride. This is a sign to take a lesson from by the people who disobey Allaah, because in it is a warning that the cessation of Allaah’s blessings is due to their sins. It is a sign for those who obey Allaah when they take a lesson from it, that as long as they obey Allaah, then Allah’s blessings will be sent to them.

Those gardens brought forth its food in abundance and many other ways, because Allaah said to them [i.e. the people of Saba]: [كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ – Eat of the provision of your Lord].

It is obligatory to be grateful to Allaah because Allaah said [وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ – and be grateful to Him]. Sound intellect obligates gratitude just as it is obligated by the divine revelation. As for its obligation in the Sharee’ah, then the Aayaat of the Qur’aan commanding it are numerous. As for its obligation as [dictated or recognised] by sound intellect, then that is because sound intellect necessitates that whoever does good for you, then you should thank him. The one who is not thankful to Allaah will not be thankful to the people – Meaning: Everyone sees that it is wrong when a person does good to you, but you shun him and you do not thank him. All of us know that this is wrong and it is obligatory that you are thankful.

Also this shows that the lands are divided into two- good and bad, because Allaah said: [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ – a fair land]. And what type of good is in this land – is it the terrain [i.e. physical features], its air [or weather, climate] or its fruits? Answer: It includes all these three affairs.

Allaah said:[وَٱلۡبَلَدُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ يَخۡرُجُ نَبَاتُهُ ۥ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِى خَبُثَ لَا يَخۡرُجُ إِلَّا نَكِدً۬ا‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يَشۡكُرُونَ- The vegetation of a good land comes forth (easily) by the Permission of its Lord, and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but a little with difficulty. Thus do We explain variously the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people who give thanks]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 58]

Affirmation of Allah’s Lordship and His forgiveness, which is found in the statement: [وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬ – an Oft-Forgiving Lord].

[فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬ – But they turned away, so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees]. [Surah Saba. Aayah 16]

[فَأَعۡرَضُواْ – But they turned away]- Meaning: They turned away and disbelieved.

[فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ – so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam)]- Meaning: Because they turned away, We sent them the flood. This flood drowned their gardens and their wealth. This is Allaah’s way in dealing with His creation [i.e. the disobedient ones amongst mankind and jinn], just as Allaah [The Exalted] said [in another Aayah]:

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ قَرۡيَةً۬ ڪَانَتۡ ءَامِنَةً۬ مُّطۡمَٮِٕنَّةً۬ يَأۡتِيهَا رِزۡقُهَا رَغَدً۬ا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ۬ فَڪَفَرَتۡ بِأَنۡعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٲقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلۡجُوعِ وَٱلۡخَوۡفِ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 112]

[وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬ – and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees]- Meaning: The two previous gardens that had good fruits from which they ate and benefited through trade and other than that.

In summary: When these people turned away and were not thankful to Allaah, He sent the flood and thus their wealth was drowned and their buildings destroyed. Their two gardens were replaced with two other gardens that were neither equal nor could they be compared to that which they had before.

Benefits Derived From This Noble Aayah:

– A clarification of the situation of these people- that they replaced the blessings of Allaah with disbelief, even though it was incumbent upon them to be thankful to Allah and obey Him after they were given those blessings, but they turned away.

-Punishment against those who turn away [from obedience to Allaah] is based on that which Allaah’s Perfect Wisdom necessitates. And indeed Allaah has stated in another Aayah: [فَكُلاًّ أَخَذۡنَا بِذَنۢبِهِ- So We punished each (of them) for his sins]. Punishment is always given in a manner that fits the deed [i.e. the crime]. Thus, when these people became ungrateful and disbelieved due to those gardens [given to them], they were replaced with bad gardens.

– An affirmation of the ‘Reason or Cause’ which can be taken from the Aayah: [فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا – But they turned away, so We sent against them (i.e. the flood released from the dam)]. So, Allaah sent them [the flood] due to their turning away.

– Sins are a reason for the cessation of blessings, because Allaah said: [فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا – But they turned away, so We sent against them (i.e. the flood released from the dam)]. They were in a state of bliss prior to that, but when they turned away Allaah sent them this destructive flood. This has many other testimonies in the Qur’aan, and from them is the statement of Allaah:

[وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ قَرۡيَةً۬ ڪَانَتۡ ءَامِنَةً۬ مُّطۡمَٮِٕنَّةً۬ يَأۡتِيهَا رِزۡقُهَا رَغَدً۬ا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ۬ فَڪَفَرَتۡ بِأَنۡعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٲقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلۡجُوعِ وَٱلۡخَوۡفِ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ – And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 112]

Allaah said:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡہِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُواْ فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ
أَفَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَہُم بَأۡسُنَا بَيَـٰتً۬ا وَهُمۡ نَآٮِٕمُونَ
أَوَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَهُم بَأۡسُنَا ضُحً۬ى وَهُمۡ يَلۡعَبُونَ
أَفَأَمِنُواْ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they play? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allah. None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 96-99]

– Rain is blessing and mercy, but it can be a source of vengeance and punishment, because Allaah said: [سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ – Flood released from the dam]. Sail in origin is the gathering of rainwater until it begins to flow. Its origin is good, just as Allaah said: [أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ أَنَّا نَسُوقُ ٱلۡمَآءَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلۡجُرُزِ فَنُخۡرِجُ بِهِۦ زَرۡعً۬ا تَأۡڪُلُ مِنۡهُ أَنۡعَـٰمُهُمۡ وَأَنفُسُہُمۡ‌ۖ أَفَلَا يُبۡصِرُونَ  – Have they not seen how We drive water (rain clouds) to the dry land without any vegetation, and therewith bring forth crops providing food for their cattle and themselves? Will they not then see?] [Surah As-Sajdah. Aayah 27]. This [i.e. rainwater] is good, but sometimes it is a means of punishment.

– A clarification of the misguidance of those people who when afflicted with the likes of these calamities, such as floods and its like, it does not have an effect on them and they would say, “This is something that occurs naturally [i.e. it has no connection to the decree of a Creator nor is it due to sins etc]”. Indeed, these floods that cause destruction are nothing else but punishment from Allaah by way of which those punished are put to trial and those upon their way are deterred.

–  A clarification of Allaah’s All-Encompassing Power, because He sent them those floods which drowned their fruits and vegetation. And after [the destruction of those fruits and vegetation], bitter bad fruit, tamarisks and some few lote-trees grew [to replace them]. It was not lote-trees [i.e. in their abundance], rather it was few lote-trees, and their gigantic gardens were replaced with it.

– The Perfect Wisdom of Allaah in that He replaced those two gardens with another two gardens, because obedience to Allaah is light [i.e. guidance], uprightness and success, and it is appropriately recompensed with Allaah’s [Favours, Blessings etc]. Sinning is darkness [i.e. misguidance] and corruption, so it is appropriately connected to that bad replacement [i.e. the gigantic gardens that produced abundant good fruits were replaced with gardens that bore few fruits and were bitter].

[ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ – Like this We requited them (i.e. the people of Saba) due to their disbelief. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers)].

[ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ  – Like this We requited them due to their disbelief]- Meaning: Due to their disbelief, We recompense them with this recompense by drowning their wealth, destroyed their buildings and replaced their two gardens [i.e. the two gigantic, amazing and fruitful gardens] with two other gardens [i.e. the ones that produce bitter fruits]. [وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ – And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers)]

From The Benefits of This Aayah:

– Proof [to show that] Allaah does not recompense anyone with punishment except due to his deeds, as Allaah said: [بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ  – Due to their disbelief]

– An establishment of the Asbaab [Cause or Reason behind this punishment] because the Baa in this statement is Sababiyyah [i.e. the Baa attached to a word to show us the reason or cause behind something]

– The difference between the words [يَجْزِى  -Yaj’zee and [يُجَازِى  – Yu’jaa’zee. In this Aayah Allaah said: [وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ- Like this We requited them due to their disbelief]. [نَجْزِى ] refers to good recompense and [ نُجَازِى  ]- refers to punishment, and this is what some of the scholars say [may Allaah have mercy upon them]. So, when referring to good, we say [جَزَى ] and when referring to evil. we say [جَازَى ] (6)


[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: At-tabari 20/378-380]

[Ref 3: At-tabari 20/381].

[Ref 4: At-tabari 20/381]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Tafseer Surah Saba. Pages 126-137]

Ramifications of Theological Rhetoric

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

Yunus Ibn Abdil A’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I heard Ash-Shafi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying, “It would be better for a man to be tempted by everything Allah has forbidden, except for the sin of associating partners with Allah in worship, rather than involving himself in theological rhetoric. This is because I have encountered certain matters from the proponents of theological rhetoric that I never expected to encounter”. [1]

Ibn Aqeel [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is none more harmful to the Shariah than the innovators among the proponents of theological rhetoric and the ignorant Sufis”. [2]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the outcome for those who engage in theological rhetoric is uncertainty and perplexity, while the outcome for the followers of the Sofee paths is characterised by erratic and irrational behaviour along with false claims. The innovators in religious matters among the proponents of theological rhetoric have something of a resemblance to the Jews and those who innovate acts of worship in religious matters have something of a resemblance to the Christians [i.e. those Jews and Christians who deviated after the departure of their Prophets]. This is because the (proponents of theological rhetoric) deny the truth and are led to doubt, and those (who innovate acts of worship) believe in falsehood and are led to irrational behaviour. These are like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed by a great wave topped by another great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another; and those are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty one thinking it’s water until he comes up to it and discovers it’s nothing. [3]

The Shaikh also said: Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the people in their pursuit of knowledge and religion have two innovated paths and a path legislated in the Shari’ah. The path of Islamic legislation involves examining the teachings of the Messenger, utilising them as evidence, and implementing the necessary actions. Therefore, it is imperative to possess knowledge based on the teachings of the Messenger and to act upon them, and merely possessing one of these two is insufficient. As for the two innovated paths, one of them is the path of people who engage in innovated theological discourse and this path is fraught with falsehood. Many of its adherents neglect the obligations prescribed by Allah and His Messenger, leading them to remain in a state of corruption in knowledge and action. Consequently, these individuals deviate towards false Judaism. The second path is taken by people who adopt methods to enhance their spiritual well-being, namely the followers of the Sufi paths, who introduce new forms of worship. These individuals tend to deviate towards false Christianity as they claim that by purifying one’s soul according to their prescribed methods, one will effortlessly acquire extensive knowledge of religious sciences without learning. The worship practices of many of these people are innovated, rather, they contradict the teachings of the Messenger. As a result, they continue to engage in corrupt actions and corruption due to their lack of understanding of the Messenger’s teachings because they do not know what the Messenger conveyed. Neither Allah’s Messenger nor his companions followed the path of those who introduced innovations in religion, such as the proponents of theological rhetoric, nor the path of the proponents of innovated worship and Sufiyyah. Instead, he adhered to what Allah had sent him with, which is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. [4]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali was asked: May Allah reward you with good. This is also a question from the brothers who are present, saying: Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuhu. Virtuous Shaikh, is it permissible for me to learn (or study) theological rhetoric? Benefit me [i.e. with a response] and may Allah [The Exalted] reward you with good.

Answer: The knowledge of theological rhetoric is a corrupt knowledge and the pious predecessors – by way of consensus- declared that it is forbidden to study it due to the misguidance and evil consequences in it. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Neither does a dull-witted person benefit from it nor is an intelligent person in need of it”. An intelligent person does not need it because he is sensible in himself, in natural disposition and intellect; and a dull-witted person does not benefit from it. Even if he studied all the books of theological rhetoric, he would not benefit from it. Shaikh Al-Albani used to debate the scholars of theological rhetoric and they used to be like children in his presence, yet he never studied theological rhetoric, rather Allah granted him (sound) speech and knowledge, and there is no proof stronger than the proofs of the Kitaab [i.e. the Qur’an] and the Sunnah. The people of theological rhetoric are always defeated. By Allah, regardless of how much they (utilise) theological rhetoric and how strong they are in theological rhetoric, they are defeated in the presence of the methodology of the pious predecessors (which) is founded on the Book and the Sunnah. [5]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Ad-Daaraqutnee hated theological rhetoric, even though he never entered into it due to its evil consequences, monotonous speech without benefit, the doubts it presents in affairs that are already established based on certainty, the confusion it causes and leading to abandonment of the (authentic) narrations. There is nothing- from what I can see or what I hold more harmful to the Muslims in their creed than theological rhetoric and philosophy. Many of the senior scholars of theological rhetoric affirmed – at the end of their lives – that they wished to die upon the religion [i.e. the religion that conforms with what is found in the Qur’an, authentic Sunnah, and understanding of the pious predecessors] and return to their natural disposition [i.e. Islam as revealed in the authentic texts]. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that those it is feared the most will fall into misguidance are those scholars of theological rhetoric at the intermediate level because those who did not engage in it were safe from its evils, and those who engaged in it and reached a high level became acquainted with its corruption and falsity and left it. [6]


[1] Aqeedah Ash-Shaafi’ee. Page 86

[2] As-Sawaa-iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah 4/1346

[3] An Excerpt from “Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah”. Page 281. slightly paraphrased

[4] Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. 290-291. Slightly paraphrased

[5] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm page 347. Slightly paraphrased]

[6] Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm page 28. paraphrased]

Globalists Among Zionists and Rafidah – Reminder to Catherine Perez-Shakdam

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَٱعْدِلُوا۟ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ

And when you testify, be just, even if (it concerns) a near relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allāh. This is what He has instructed you so that you may remember. (1)

It is truly astonishing to hear the remarks from this individual at the Jerusalem Post regarding the Rafidah’s desire to spread their revolution. However, they conveniently overlook the fact that there are Zionists with similar ambitions, who have openly expressed this, no matter how ridiculous it may seem.

The Globalists Among The Zionists

Rotten Myth of a Religious Right-Wing Extremist and a Christian Zionist
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/06/18/rotten-myth-of-a-religious-right-wing-extremist-and-a-christian-zionist/

The Globalists Among The Rafidah

Iranian Shia Proxies: Hizbollah in Bahrain

https://abuiyaad.com/r/hidden-realities-hizbollah/p/5


(1)https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_152

Some Eristic Debates By Some Zionists and Christians Regarding Jesus Since The Outset of the Conflict in Gaza

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

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

“Jesus lived and died as a Jew”

“Jesus lived and died as a Jew”

Where was Jesus buried?! [Mr. Reich, “Speculation regarding Prophets is strictly prohibited.”

Where was Jesus buried?! [Mr. Reich, “Speculation regarding Prophets is strictly prohibited.”

Dialogue with Steven Drucker about Jesus’s birth and to whom he was sent

Dialogue with Steven Drucker about Jesus’s birth and to whom he was sent

They said, “We have killed the Messiah, son of Maryam, Allah’s Messenger” Part 1:

They said, “We have killed the Messiah, son of Maryam, Allah’s Messenger” Part 1

Sins are Major and Minor – Shaykh Fawzaan

إِن تَجۡتَنِبُواْ كَبَآئِرَ مَا تُنۡهَوۡنَ عَنۡهُ نُكَفِّرۡ عَنكُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَنُدۡخِلۡكُم مُّدۡخَلًا كَرِيمًا

If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise). An-Nisa’ 4:31

Allah’s statement contains a clear indication that sins are of different types: major and minor. Whoever avoids the major sins, Allah will pardon and forgive their minor sins. This is a promise from Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

وَنُدۡخِلۡكُم مُّدۡخَلًا كَرِيمًا

and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise). An-Nisa’ 4:31

This too is a promise from Allah. Within this verse lies a refutation of the methodology of the Khawarij and the Mu’tazilah, who claim that the perpetrator of a major sin exits the fold of Islam. In contrast, the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah is the truth—balanced, far removed from extremism, negligence, exaggeration (ghuloo) and transgression in the religion.

ٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَٰٓئِرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٰحِشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلۡمَغۡفِرَةِۚ

Those who avoid great sins (see the Quran, Verses: 6:152, 153) and Al-Fawahish (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) except the small faults, verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness. An-Najm 53:32

This verse is one of the evidences that sins are categorised as major and minor.

كَبَٰٓئِرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ

Major sins; refers to the various acts of disobedience which reach the level of a major sin.

Al-Fawahish is the plural of Faahishah and refers to sins that are especially abhorrent and repulsive.

His statement – the Most High – إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَۚ (except the small faults) refers to minor sins, which are expiated through various means, including:

• Abstaining from major sins, as mentioned in the verse.

• Performing the five daily prayers.

• Enduring calamities that befall a person—such as illness, disease, grief, and the loss of loved ones.

• Even something as small as a Muslim being pricked by a thorn, as is reported in the Hadith.¹

All of these affairs expiate minor sins, this is from the favours of Allah.

Additionally, He the Most High, said in another verse in Surah ash-Shoora,


وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَٰٓئِرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٰحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

And those who avoid the greater sins, and Al-Fawahish (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.), and when they are angry, they forgive Ash-Shura 42:37

This verse is another proof that sins are distinguished as major and minor.


Shaykh Fawzaan’s Sharh Kitab Al-Kabaa’ir pgs. 13-15

  1. Bukhari 5640, Muslim 2572

Clarification regarding Tijaniyyah – By Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Ifreeqee – Part 1

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

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Al-Afreeqee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijani) said in Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee: Indeed a single utterance of ‘Salatul Faatiha’ is equal to every ‘Tasbeeh’ (i.e. to say Subhaanallaah) that takes place in the ‘kawn’ (i.e. the entire existence or universe). [Source: Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee page: 96.طبع مطبعة التقدم العلمية الطبعة الأولى]

Response to the above claim of Ahmad Tijani:

Then Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahman stated:

I think the one who uttered this speech is not really aware who Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is! He is not really aware of what Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with and why Muhammad was sent.

Indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, definitely fulfilled the trust he was entrusted with; conveyed the message and strove in the path of Allah until he passed away.  He is the seal of the Prophets and the legislation (in belief and acts of worship) he conveyed abrogates every other law until the day of judgement. There is no human being who has ever brought anything similar to what the Messenger Muhammad  brought after he left this world. Whoever claims that there is a revelation or that he has received revelation after Muhammad, then indeed this is the greatest lie against Allah.  Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُڪُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ هَـٰذَا حَلَـٰلٌ۬ وَهَـٰذَا حَرَامٌ۬ لِّتَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ لَا يُفۡلِحُونَ
مَتَـٰعٌ۬ قَلِيلٌ۬ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper.  A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment.’’ [An-Nahl. 116-117]

The Prophet said:
وخير ما قلت أنا والنبيون من قبلي: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير

And the best thing said by me and the previous prophets is: ”There is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah, who is alone, having no partner. His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He is, of everything, All-Capable.”  [Silsilah As-Sahihah. Number: 1503]

Therefore, will anyone with a sound intellect affirm that a single utterance of Salatul Fatiha is better than a single Dhikr that has been transmitted from the Prophet with an authentic chain of transmission, let alone all the Adhkaar (supplications) that take place in the Kawn (i.e. the entire existence or universe)?  Do you not use your intellects?! O people! Did they [Adam, Nuh, Musaa, Eesaa and Muhammad (peace be upon them)] not used to remember Allaah? So is the innovator of this Tareeqah Tijaaniyyah better than these Prophets?

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijaani) stated in Al-Ifaadah (page: 80): ”Whoever does not believe that it (i.e. Salatul Fatihah) is from the Qur’aan will not receive a reward from it [i.e. he or she will not be rewarded for reciting Salatul Fatiha]”.

So we say: Whoever believes that (Salatul Fatiha) is from the Qur’an, then indeed he has committed clear disbelief because revelation is not sent down except to a Prophet. We do not find this (Salatul Fatiha) in the Qur’an; rather not even in a fabricated hadeeth attributed to Allah’s Messenger.  Is the one to whom ‘Salatul Fatiha’ was revealed a Prophet or a Wali?  If he is a Wali, then revelation is never sent down to a Wali.

The people in this Tijani path are two types of people: The first group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited the fold of Islam. (I) The second group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is not from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited from their Tijani path because there is no reward in it. (1)

Footnote I: Principles regarding Takfeer (i.e. the principles applied by upright scholars before removing a Muslim from the fold of Islam due to deviation.

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm ]

Knowledge of The Unseen – A Brief Rebuttal Against All The Extremist Sufis

Neither Do the Prophets, Messengers and Angels Possess Knowledge of Unseen nor Does Allah Reveal the Unseen to Anyone Else, Except What He Wishes to Inform the Prophets and Messengers

Allah (The Most High) said: [وَعِنْدَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ – And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He].

In his explanation of the above Ayah, Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, brought a number of robust proofs to demonstrate and establish that even the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- Allah’s Messengers and Angels-do not posses knowledge of the Unseen. The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Proof A: Aa’isha (may Allah be pleased with her] was falsely accused and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] did not know whether she was innocent or not until Allah informed him, saying: [ أُولَٰئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ- ‘Such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they say].

Proof B: Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him,  slaughtered a lamb for the angels, whilst not knowing that they were angels until they informed him that they were angels. Allah said that the angels said to him: [إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ    – We have been sent against the people of Lout (Lot). (11:70)]

Proof C: When the angels came to Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), he did not know that they were angels, and due to that Allah said: [عَصِيبٌ سِيءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ – He was grieved on their account and felt himself straitened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit lewdness with them). He said: This is a distressful day]. And because of this Allah said that lut said: [لَوْ أَنَّ لِي بِكُمْ قُوَّةً أَوْ آوِي إِلَىٰ رُكْنٍ شَدِيدٍ  – Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you). (11:80)]. He did not know the news the angels brought until they said to him: [إِنَّا رُسُلُ رَبِّكَ لَنْ يَصِلُوا إِلَيْكَ – Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord!]

Proof D: Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, lost his eye sight due to grieving for Yusuf (peace be upon him), whilst he was in Egypt.  He did not know anything about Yusuf until Allah reveal news about him.

Proof E: Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him), even though Allah gave him authority over the devils and subjugated the wind in his service, did not know about the people Bilqees until the Hud-hud came with news about them. Allah said that the Hud-hud said: [أَحَطْتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَجِئْتُكَ مِنْ سَبَإٍ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ  – I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news].

Proof F: Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) did not know that his son – who was drowned- was not from those members of his household who were to be saved, as Allah said that Nuh said: [رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِي وَإِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ   – O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true.(11:45)]

He did not know the reality of the affair until Allah informed him, saying:

[بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّي أَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ قَالَ يَا نُوحُ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْأَلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ  – He said: “O Nuh (Noah)! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant].

And indeed Allah (The Most High) also stated in Surah Hud about Nuh that he said to his people: [وَلَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِنْدِي خَزَائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ -And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, “Nor that I know the Ghaib (unseen)].

Proof G: And when Allah said to the Angels:  [هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ -Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful]; Allah said that the angels replied: [قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا  -They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us.

Therefore, it is very clear that the most knowledgeable amongst the creation, the Messengers and the Angels, do not know anything of the unseen except what Allah makes known to them. Allah (The Most High) informs His Messengers what He wishes from the knowledge of the Unseen, as Allah stated:

[وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْتَبِي مِنْ رُسُلِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۖ- Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases].

And Allah said: [إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ مِنْ رَسُولٍ  عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيْبِهِ أَحَد- (He Alone) the All-Knower of the Gha’ib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Gha’ib (unseen).” Except to a Messenger (from mankind)…(2)


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Anwaar Ar-Rahmaaniyyah Li-Hidaayah Al-Firqah At-Tijaaniyyah. Pages 14-16]
[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan’ pages 169-170’ Daar Hady An-Nabawiy’ 2nd ed. (1431AH -2010)]