Skip to main content

Historical and Contemporary Antisemitism – Brief Dialogue with Julio Levit Koldorf

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذَا قُلۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡدِلُواْ وَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۖ

And when you testify, be just, even if (it concerns) a near relative.

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

When you testify by way of a statement to judge between people, differentiate between them in a discourse, and speak regarding matters and circumstances, be just in your speech, adhere to truthfulness regarding those you love and those you hate, be fair and do not conceal what needs to be made clear because it is forbidden and tantamount to injustice to divert (from justice and fairness) when speaking against the one you hate. [1]

This article serves as a brief response to claims regarding the injustices experienced by Jews. The writer asserts that “an overt and unrelenting antisemitism emanating from the Islamic world persists, rooted in cultural and historical animosity towards Jews and the Jewish state.” While several assertions are made, this specific statement is tantamount to accusing the Ummah of racism without proof. Furthermore, the concept of historical animosity, particularly when associated with allegations of antisemitism or racism requires careful consideration of both sides. It is vital to investigate what may be misinterpreted or overstated as antisemitism, as well as to reflect on historical events that could have been neglected due to emotional biases or inaccuracies in the representation of facts. Therefore, it is important to critically assess these claims to foster a fair and balanced discussion.

Julio Levit Koldorf stated: “The world will denounce historical antisemitism but will engage in contemporary Antisemitic conspiracy theories”. [end of quote]

Response: As adherents of Islam – the final, infallible revelation, we hold that both historical and contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism are unequivocally impermissible, as Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, clearly prohibited all forms of racism. The atrocities committed against the Children of Israel by Fir’awn stand as a grave injustice, and likewise, the wrongful taking of any Jewish life in Europe or elsewhere today is equally abhorrent. This principle extends to the unlawful killing of any non-Jew throughout history and in our current times, which is fundamentally wrong. Allah, The Exalted, said:

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [Al-Ma’idah. 32]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This means that the killer has no justification to kill, and none should kill another person unless he has a justified reason (i.e. based on the law of the land) to do so. If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, then this implies that he does make a distinction between the one He killed and other than him; rather he would commit this act whenever his evil calls him to that. Therefore, his bold attitude that led him to kill is as if he has killed all humankind. On the other hand, if a person saves a life and does not kill – whilst his soul calls him to do so – due to fear of Allah, then this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind, because the fear of Allah he possesses stops him killing one who does not deserve to be killed. [1]

Julio stated: “The world seems to have mastered the art of honoring Jews as historical martyrs while vilifying them as contemporary villains. How is it that a near-universal consensus exists – shared even by their adversaries – that Jews have been perennial victims throughout history? Across epochs and geographies, from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, Jews have faced relentless persecution, whether under the guise of religious, racial, or ethnic-national antagonism”. [end of quote]

Response: As Muslims, our focus is on venerating the Muslims from Bani Israel—the true followers of Prophets Musa, Harun, Isa, Yahyah, Zakariyyah, Danyal, Yusha Bin Nun, and others, peace and blessings of Allah be upon the. Our Lord has commanded us to show reverence for these figures. However, when discussing the Jews who endured persecution at the hands of the Nazis, we categorically denounce all acts of murder, regardless of the victims’ identities. In any historical instance of violence, we condemn the wrongdoers. This matter is separate from critiquing certain Zionists for the ongoing oppression they impose on Palestinians, which positions them as the transgressors in this narrative. Julio articulated that there exists a prevailing agreement regarding the historical victimization of Jews, however, while it is undeniable that Jews, akin to various other groups, have faced oppression, it is equally important to recognise that, like all nations, they too have endured consequences for their transgressions. In this regard, Jews are not distinct from others in the broader narrative of human experience. Allah said:

وَقَضَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لَتُفۡسِدُنَّ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَّتَيۡنِ وَلَتَعۡلُنَّ عُلُوًّ۬ا ڪَبِيرً۬ا

And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Scripture, that indeed you would do mischief on the earth twice and you will become tyrants and extremely arrogant! [Al-Israa. 4]

Meaning: We have declared, made a covenant with them and told them in their book that corruption will certainly occur from them on earth twice through committing sins, showing ingratitude to Allah for His Blessings, exalting themselves on earth and being arrogant therein; and that when one of these two (occasions) come to pass, Allah will give power to their enemies and take revenge on them, and this is an admonition and warning to them so that they may return to obedience and take heed”.

فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ أُولَٮٰهُمَا بَعَثۡنَا عَلَيۡڪُمۡ عِبَادً۬ا لَّنَآ أُوْلِى بَأۡسٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ۬ فَجَاسُواْ خِلَـٰلَ ٱلدِّيَارِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ وَعۡدً۬ا مَّفۡعُولاً۬

So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled. [Al-Israa. Ayah 5]

Meaning, the first of the two occasions during which they become corrupt; if such corruption occurred among them, We sent on you – by way of our all-encompassing divine will and decree- recompense (punishment) at the hands of those people with courage, large numbers, and armed, so, Allah gave them victory over you. They killed you, took your children away, plundered your wealth, invaded and destroyed your homes, entered the Sacred Masjid (Baytul Maqdis), and violated it. It must happen due to a reason from themselves. The Qur’an commentators differed regarding the identity of these people who were sent to overpower them, but they agreed that they were unbelievers. Either they were from the people of Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, or elsewhere, whom Allah gave (the strength) to overpower the Children of Israel when their sins became rife, they abandoned much of their Shariah, and transgressed in the land.

ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَا لَكُمُ ٱلۡڪَرَّةَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَأَمۡدَدۡنَـٰكُم بِأَمۡوَٲلٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أَڪۡثَرَ نَفِيرًا

Then We gave you once again, a return of victory over them. And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in manpower. [Al-Israa. Ayah 6]

Meaning, (gave you victory) against those who overpowered you, so you expelled them from your land; increased your sustenance and number, and gave you strength over them because of your righteous deeds and submission to Allah.

إِنۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِنۡ أَسَأۡتُمۡ فَلَهَا‌ۚ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ لِيَسُـۥۤـُٔواْ وُجُوهَڪُمۡ وَلِيَدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدَ ڪَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَلِيُتَبِّرُواْ مَا عَلَوۡاْ تَتۡبِيرًا

(And We said): ‘If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, then it is (to your own selves).’ Then when the later promise came to pass (We enabled your enemies) to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you) and to enter the Mosque (of Jerusalem), as they had entered it the first time, and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction. [Al-Israa. Ayah 7]

“If you do good, you do good for your own selves” because the benefit will return to you, even in this world [before the hereafter] as you witnessed when he aided you against your enemies. “And if you do evil, then it is [to your ownselves]”, meaning, the harm will return upon yourselves, as Allāh showed you by empowering the enemies [against you].

“Then when the later promise came to pass”- meaning, the next time you spread corruption on earth, we make your enemies overpower you. “to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you)”- Meaning, given victory over you, capture you, and enter the Sacred Masjid as they entered it the first time, and what is meant by the Mosque is Baytul Maqdis. “and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction”- Meaning, destroy your homes, Masjids and crops.

عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يَرۡحَمَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنۡ عُدتُّمۡ عُدۡنَا‌ۘ وَجَعَلۡنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ حَصِيرًا

(Thereafter Allāh said): ‘Perhaps your Lord may show mercy to you (if you repent), but if you return (to your sinful ways), then We shall return (to punishment). And we have made Hell an enclosure for the disbelievers. [Al-Israa. Ayah 8]

Within these verses (Al-Israa 7) (al-Israa 8) is a warning to this Ummah (of Muhammad) against committing acts of disobedience lest what afflicted the Children of Israel afflict them as well. The Sunnah (way, rule) of Allāh is one, it does not change or become altered. Whoever looks [and reflects] upon the empowerment of the disbelievers and oppressors over the Muslims will come to know that this was due to their sins, as a punishment to them. [And also to make them realise] that if they enact and establish the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of His Messenger, He will grant them firm authority in the land and aid them against their enemies. [2] [End of quote]

Julio stated: “Across epochs and geographies, from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, Jews have faced relentless persecution, whether under the guise of religious, racial, or ethnic-national antagonism”. [end of quote]

Response: The issue of Jewish oppression, irrespective of its location, is unequivocally condemned whenever evidence is provided to substantiate such occurrences. It is equally important to examine the events that precipitated this oppression, allowing us to understand the full context and identify both the instigators and the victims involved. Moreover, regardless of the complexities of the situation—whether certain Jews were culpable or whether others acted against them without provocation—attacking individuals based on their race or ethnicity remains both unlawful and immoral in the Sight of the creator. Such actions are condemned, irrespective of the race that suffers oppression or violence.

Julio stated: “The narrative of Jewish victimhood is affirmed by academia, intellectuals, and leaders across political, religious, and social spheres. It is even acknowledged that Jews, despite being subjected to the most inhumane tortures, humiliations, and slander, have disproportionately contributed to the advancement of human civilization relative to their numbers. Paradoxically, this recognition disintegrates when Jews reside in their own state. There, they magically become all the antisemitic tropes from the past: When Jews live in Israel, all the conspiracies become true. This authorizes an ancient, visceral hatred with renewed vigor”. [end of quote]

Response: This principle extends beyond the global Jewish community, encompassing numerous nations throughout history. Similarly, the contributions to civilisation are not exclusive to Jews; Muslims and various other groups have also played significant roles. Regarding the matter of slander, the assertion remains overly broad, thus, it would be prudent to specify the allegations made against Jews, allowing others to scrutinise each one, thereby enabling us to dismiss falsehoods while acknowledging any criticisms that are substantiated by fact. Also, this victimhood whenever established with proof cannot be employed to deflect accountability for the injustices that certain Zionists have perpetrated against Palestinians over the past seven decades. Their actions, which include violence, land appropriation, and the degradation of Palestinians, render it a misstep to correlate historical occurrences with the present circumstances, as the contexts are fundamentally different. Furthermore, no sensible person would contest the right of Jews to exist, yet no just individual would endorse the unfounded assertions of Zionism, which lack substantial evidence or divine validation for their claimed entitlement to the land. Thus, the resentment directed towards certain Zionists is rooted in their actions, which are as as clear as the sun at noon.

Julio stated: “How is it possible that the world, which decries historical defamations against Jews, now tolerates contemporary misrepresentations and conspiracies targeting them? These narratives proliferate not only in fringe discourse but are propagated by international organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and even institutions like the United Nations. Such bias also permeate the foreign policy stances of ostensibly progressive nations, including Spain and Ireland”. [end of quote]

Response: What are these allegations, conspiracies and inaccuracies? The onus of proof lies with those making the claims. Even if these assertions are substantiated with undeniable clarity, it does not absolve Netanyahu and his associates of their culpability in the atrocities occurring in Palestine. Regarding the writer’s concerns with Amnesty, such matters are irrelevant, as the global community is already well aware of what is taking place in Gaza.

Julio stated: Ignored evidence- “Meanwhile, overt and unrelenting antisemitism emanating from the Islamic world persists, rooted in cultural and historical animosity toward Jews and the Jewish state. This deep-seated hostility remains an undeniable factor in the perpetuation of anti-Jewish sentiment on the global stage. THE ABSURDITY of it all. History provides irrefutable evidence of Jewish suffering and victimhood. Scholars universally agree on the horrors inflicted on Jewish communities during the Middle Ages, the Inquisition, the pogroms, and, of course, the Holocaust. Yet, when it comes to the plight of Jews in the 20th-century Middle East or their fight for survival in the wars of 1948, 1967, or 1973, suddenly the jury is still out. The same intellectual rigor applied to condemning historic antisemitism vanishes in the face of modern events”. [end of quote]

Response: The Muslim Ummah, along with numerous non-Muslims, condemn the actions of certain Zionists who persist in their oppression of the Palestinian people. What lies at the heart of this historical animosity? The Quran recounts the narratives of historical Jews without casting blame upon all of them; indeed, many chose to embrace Islam willingly. Notably, one of the Prophet’s wives was of Jewish heritage. The Jewish community in Madinah during historical times entered into agreements with the Prophet, and conflicts arose when these agreements were breached. The crux of the matter lies not in anti-Jewish sentiment, but rather in anti-Zionist sentiment, despite the efforts of some to conflate the two issues. The plight of the Palestinian people has been meticulously chronicled by scholars and honest historians, revealing the profound suffering and victimization they have endured for over seven decades. This acknowledgment does not diminish the historical grievances against those who persecuted Jews during the Middle Ages or the atrocities inflicted by the Nazis. However, it is essential to substantiate any claims of anti-Semitism with concrete evidence for proper assessment; otherwise, broad assertions lack efficacy. Both historical and modern anti-Semitism are unequivocally condemned, just as the injustices faced by Palestinians from seventy years ago continue to be denounced in our contemporary discourse.

Julio stated: “What’s worse, this selective memory has paved the way for a grotesque inversion of history. Somehow, the wars of annihilation launched by five Arab nations in 1948 are forgotten. The genocidal ambitions of the PLO and Hamas are sanitized. And the Nakba, [catastrophe] the term Palestinians use to describe the 1948 War of Independence] – unquestionably born out of the Arab aggression – is reframed as a Jewish crime”. [end of quote]

Response: The initial inquiry to consider is how the Zionists were able to seize land and property even prior to the onset of these conflicts. It is widely recognized that they persist in claiming territories that rightfully belong to others, indicating that the issue is not one of selective memory; rather, it is those who choose to overlook this reality who exhibit such memory. This so-called war of independence can be viewed as a venture driven by Christian Zionists, who, adhering to outdated and misinterpreted religious texts, believed that aiding the Jews in returning to Palestine was a way to fulfill the promise of regaining the sacred land. Moreover, it is an undeniable fact that certain Zionists have been implicated in acts of genocide, and it is crucial to acknowledge that Jews are not the sole victims of systemic persecution. Additionally, Gaza and the West Bank do not belong to any Zionist, whether from a religious or historical standpoint. This is not a matter of reinterpreting history; it is a documented reality of how land was appropriated, with the assistance of Christian Zionists, and this practice continues today. However, it is important to clarify that not all Jews should be held accountable; rather, the focus should be on those Zionists who perpetuate the oppression of Palestinians. [Refer to Footnote a]

Julio stated: “This distortion extends throughout the Islamic world in such a way that antisemitism is not merely tolerated but institutionalized. Consider the recent incident in the Maldives, where the government sought to ban all Israeli passport holders. Only when it was realized that this would inadvertently affect Arab-Israeli Muslims did it backpedal. The message could not be clearer: The boycott wasn’t against Israelis; it was against Jews”. [end of quote]

Response: We doubt it very much that anyone who claims that your distortions apply to all Jews will not be labeled as anti-Semitic, yet your misrepresentations of Muslims are not considered anti-Islam or anti-Muslim? Can you provide evidence of institutionalized anti-Semitism? Furthermore, any Muslim nation that restricts citizens under Netanyahu’s government is typically reacting to anger towards Zionists or is following a boycott initiated by its leaders. This tactic is used by various countries under different circumstances, but it does not compare to the extreme violence, siege, starvation, and genocide occurring in Gaza, which is evident to all, including Jews who condemn the atrocities committed in the name of self-defense by Netanyahu’s administration.

Julio stated: “Such blatant hostility is mirrored in Western academia and media. The BBC, for example, refuses to connect the dots between historical antisemitism and the current demonization of Israeli academics eagerly deconstructs colonialism, racism, and systemic oppression but seems incapable of acknowledging the same forces of history when manifested against Jews. Antisemitism gets a free pass when cloaked in the language of anti-Zionism. The hypocrisy is galling. In Europe, Jewish communities lament how their governments “respect dead Jews more than living ones.” Memorial plaques, concentration camp visits, and solemn speeches about “learning from history” abound. But when it comes to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Jewish communities today, this moral clarity evaporates. Dead Jews are revered as tragic symbols; living Jews are treated as inconvenient reminders of society’s dysfunctional failures”. [end of quote]

Response: Any claims substantiated by clear evidence of antisemitism, devoid of exaggeration or misrepresentation, will be accurately labeled as such—antisemitism or racism. There no veiling under the guise of anti-Zionism, as the actions of Zionists are widely recognized, and numerous Jewish individuals openly denounce them. Furthermore, it may be worthwhile to take your concerns to the attention of the descendants of those Western Christian Zionists who played a role in the appropriation of Palestinian land. The more pressing issue, however, lies in the profound absence of empathy towards the Palestinian people.

Julio stated: Organizations, political leaders, and the media to embrace narratives that were once confined to the fringes of extremist ideologies. When Amnesty International labels Israel an “apartheid state,” it conveniently ignores the Arab-Israeli citizens who serve in the Knesset, the judiciary, and even the military. When the UN obsessively condemns Israel while ignoring genocides elsewhere in the world, it sends a chilling message: Jewish sovereignty is uniquely illegitimate. Moreover, its disintegration is morally legitimized. [end of quote]

Response: The deeply flawed reasoning that has allowed the genocidal rhetoric of Netanyahu and his associates to flourish is alarming. The true extremist ideologue is none other than Netanyahu and those who share his views. [Footnote b]

Julio stated: “WE ARE NOT witnessing a new phenomenon but rather the latest iteration of an ancient social pathology. Antisemitism always thrives in emotional contradiction and irrationality. Jews were vilified as both capitalists and communists, as both powerless parasites and dangerous overlords. Now, they are both the ultimate victims of history and the ultimate perpetrators of modern injustice, at the same time”. [end of quote]

Response: The contention is redirected towards you, highlighting that the plight of the Palestinians today is not an isolated incident; rather, it is the most recent installment in a longstanding social dilemma that has persisted for seventy years. While Antisemitism is undeniably repugnant, there are certain Zionist factions that attempt to exploit it, masking their transgressions and flourishing amidst a climate of emotional upheaval and irrationality, exhibiting violence and a complete disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people. The emphasis here transcends the realms of capitalism and communism, focusing instead on the grave oppression and genocide unfolding in Gaza.

Julio stated: To those who gladly consume these contradictions: Who still cannot connect the dots? Who fails to see the link between these centuries’ old tropes and the modern demonization of Israel? It is not ignorance that fuels this hypocrisy. It is willful blindness. It is far easier to condemn the sins of the past than to confront the prejudices of the present. It is more convenient to mourn dead Jews than to stand up for living ones. And it is politically expedient to single out Israel for criticism while ignoring the atrocities of its neighbors. The dots are there for anyone willing to see them. But as long as society continues to indulge in selective morality, as long as it tolerates antisemitism disguised as political critique, the cycle of hypocrisy and hatred will persist. [end of quote]

Response: It is essential to eliminate both Zionism and anti-Semitism without needing to connect any dots. The hypocrisy of Zionists claiming a moral high ground while continuing to harm Palestinians is not rooted in ignorance, but in a deliberate refusal to see the truth. We denounce the injustices of both the past and the present, holding accountable those who have oppressed Jews and others, as well as those currently perpetrating violence, whether they are Zionists, Muslims, or others. The evidence is clear for all to recognize, yet as long as Zionists engage in selective morality and support Netanyahu’s extreme actions, which are cloaked in a guise of divine justification for violence against Palestinians, the cycle of hypocrisy and genocide will continue. This does not mean we overlook the atrocities committed by others against unarmed civilians under Netanyahu’s administration. [Footnote c]

The History of Zionist Aggression

The Deir Yassin Massacre: Took place on April 9, 1948, near Jerusalem, during which between 107 to 254 Palestinians were massacred at the hands of the extremist “Stern” gang.

The Nasr al-Din Massacre: Took place in April 1948. Al-Lajjun Massacre: Took place on April 13, 1948, in a Palestinian Arab village in the Jenin District, where the Zionist Haganah gang attacked it and killed 13 people.

The Saliha Massacre: Took place in May 1948, during which 75 Palestinians were massacred.

The Abu Shusha Massacre: Took place on May 14, 1948, near the village of Deir Yassin, and claimed the lives of (50) citizens, including women, men, children, and the elderly.

The Beit Daras Massacre: Took place in northeastern Gaza on May 21, 1948.

The Tantura Massacre: Took place on May 22, 1948, in the occupied city of Haifa, and claimed the lives of about (200) Palestinians.

The Lydda Massacre: Took place on July 12, 1948, in the occupied city of Lydda, and resulted in the massacre of about (500) Palestinians, including (150) who were massacred inside the city’s Grand Mosque. The Zionists threw many of them alive into the town’s wells.

The Dawayima Massacre: Took place on October 29, 1948, when a battalion from the terrorist “Lehi” organization led by Moshe Dayan attacked the village and then began searching homes and shooting at its residents. Entire families were exterminated in the massacre, which resulted in the killing of 200 men, women, and children.

The Zionist massacres did not stop after the Nakba of 1948, but rather their frequency, intensity, and brutality increased in light of the use of more lethal and destructive weapons. Among the most prominent of these massacres were: The Sharafat Massacre, which took place in February 1951, in which 11 Palestinians were massacred, and the rest of the village’s people were displaced. The Bethlehem Massacre took place in January 1952, in which 10 Palestinians were massacred. The Qibya Massacre took place on October 14, 1953, in the village of Qibya, east of Jerusalem, during which (67) Palestinians were massacred, most of whom were women and children, and during which 56 homes were destroyed. The Qalqilya Massacre took place on October 10, 1956, when the occupation forces attacked citizens in the city of Qalqilya in the West Bank, during which about seventy citizens were massacred.

The Kafr Qasem Massacre took place on October 29, 1956, in which 49 Palestinians were massacred, including 11 children, when they were all returning home from work. The Khan Yunis Massacre took place on November 3 and 12, 1956, in which between 280 and 500 Palestinians were massacred.

In 1970, Zionist aircraft struck Bahr al-Baqar Primary School and Abu Zaabal factories, killing more than 150 Egyptian students and workers. In 1980, the extremist Jewish organization Kach attempted to blow up Al-Aqsa Mosque, and a shipment of explosives weighing 120 kg was discovered. The Sabra and Shatila massacre took place in September 1982. This massacre lasted three days, and its direct perpetrators were members of the Lebanese Phalange forces allied with the Zionists led by Ariel Sharon. The Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre took place on February 25, 1994, when a Zionist named “Barog Goldstein” stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, and fired bullets and bombs at the worshipers. This massacre resulted in the massacre of 29 Palestinians. The Qana Massacre took place on April 18, 1995. [compiled from various old Arab Newspapers]

It is important to reiterate that this does not imply any lack of condemnation for the murders carried out by Muslim individuals and groups; on the contrary, such acts are unequivocally condemned. Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him] stated: Upon this, to answer the eternally unanswered question of Piers Morgan, “Do you condemn Hamas?”, we condemn everyone who opposes the Divine Legislation by killing innocent civilians, including non-combatant men, the elderly, women, children, priests, monks and the likes, no matter who they are, Muslim or non-Muslim, whether ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, Boko Haram or Benjamin Mileikowsky, the IDF, Settlers and their likes. https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

—————————————–

Footnote a:

The Early Development and Evolving Impact of Christian Zionism on Some Prominent European Political Elites

 

The Promised Land: A Brief Examination from a Religious and Historical Perspective

 

Footnote b:

Justifying Genocide and Slaughtering of Women and Children in Holy War: Rabbi Eliyahu Mali
https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

Just Rules of Fighting in the Sharīʿah of Islām Compared to Genocidal, Ethnic-Cleansing, Tribal-Vengeance Doctrines and Excesses of Trojan-Horse Muslim Extremists | AbuIyaad.Com

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

Footnote c:

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

https://abuiyaad.com/a/how-islam-saved-jews

https://abuiyaad.com/a/prophet-dealings-jews

Alliance with the Kuffār is of two types, misunderstanding this affair leads people astray: At-Tawallī and Al-Mawālāt: Allegiance with Unbelievers due to Love of Unbelief, and Allegiance with Unbelievers due to Desire of Wordly Gain

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies.

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm


[1] Tafsir As-Sadi
[2] Tafsir As-Sadi

 

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allah said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Read:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

[3] Shubhah: the singular of Shubuhaat

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

Narratives of ‘Digital Tyranny’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


[1] Ṣaḥih Muslim 1841

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

[3] Al-Bukhaari 6136]

[4] Sahih At-Tirmidhi Number 2407

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

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

[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

The Power of Language: Preserving Islamic Identity Amid Cultural Distortion

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

One of the general fundamental principles (in Islam) is to know that words are two types- words that are mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and it is obligated to every believer to affirm them- affirm what Allah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allah and His Messenger have negated. The words affirmed by Allah is truth and the ones Allah negated are (negated) in truth because Allah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words of the divine Islamic legislation are sanctified and it is part of perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the (sound meanings) which the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated, because obligated to us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded. As for the words that are neither found in the Qur’an and Sunnah nor did the pious predecessors hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. If its intended meaning agrees with the (creed, revelation, commands, prohibitions etc) conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition, it is rejected. [1]

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

Indeed, Allah created (Jinn and humankind) and gave them an innate disposition to recognise Tawhid, obey Him and worship Him alone; but they differed – some of them believed and others disbelieved. Allah said:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ فَمِنكُمۡ ڪَافِرٌ۬ وَمِنكُم مُّؤۡمِنٌ۬‌ۚ

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

Allah wishes belief and well-being for them, but shaytan and the callers to evil wish disbelief and evil for them. Allah [The Exalted] said:

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

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

Due to this, Allah sent the Messengers, revealed the Books and established His proofs, thus, there are those amongst humankind who accept the truth and embrace faith by choice, and there are those who reject the truth and embrace disbelief by choice. Indeed, Allah has laid down the differences between the believers and unbelievers in this life and the next, and He forbade that the two groups are made equal. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] has set out recompense and judgment for each of the two groups in this life and the next. He has given a distinguished name to every group, such as [Mumin – believer], [Kaafir- disbeliver], [Barrun- upright/righteous one], [Faajir – evildoer], [Mushrik- Polytheist], [Muwahhid- Monotheist], [Faasiq- sinner], [Munaafiq- hypocrite], [Mutee’un – an obedient one] and [Aasee- a disobedient one]. And He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] forbade that equality is made between these differing names and attitudes. Allah said:

أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱجۡتَرَحُواْ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن نَّجۡعَلَهُمۡ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ

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

Allah said:

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

Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidoon (those who associate partners in worship with Allaah and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the pious ones, as the Fujjaar (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)- Meaning, we have not made them equal because that does not befit Allah’s Justice.

Should we abandon the words (Kufr, Shirk, Kuffaar and Mushrikeen) found in the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Books of Islamic creed? This will be a violation of the Book and the Sunnah, and an opposition to Allaah and His Messenger. By changing the real meanings of the Shariah terms, we will be from those who distort the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Messenger. Then what defence can be given for (such a crime)? Is it to please the unbelievers?! The unbelievers will never be pleased with us until we abandon our religion. Allah [The Exalted] said:

[وَلَن تَرۡضَىٰ عَنكَ ٱلۡيَہُودُ وَلَا ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Never will the Yahood nor the Nasaaraa (i.e. those who deviated after the departure of Musa and Isa)] be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) till you follow their religion].

Allah said: [ وَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَآءً۬‌ۖ – They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another)].

If the intention of those who call for the substitution of the Shariah terminologies is to show gentleness to the unbelievers and to have good dealings with them, then this cannot be (done) by changing such Shariah terminologies; rather it can only be (done) through what Allah has legislated regarding their affair. This comprises of the following affairs:

To invite them to Islam – the religion Allah has ordained for all of humankind. Allah said:

ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِ‌ۖ وَجَـٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ

Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islaam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur’an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better]. Therefore, we invite them (to Islam) for their rectification and happiness in this life and the next.

To make peace with them if they seek that. Allah said:

[وَإِن جَنَحُواْ لِلسَّلۡمِ فَٱجۡنَحۡ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ – But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower].

Similarly, to make peace with them if the Muslims are in need of making peace, and when there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in making peace, just as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] made peace with the unbelievers at Hudaibiyyah. And by virtue of peace, diplomacy is (established) between them and the Muslims.

Not to be hostile towards them without due right. Allah said:

وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّڪُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ ٱعۡدِلُواْ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah].

To behave well towards those of them who behave well towards the Muslims- those who neither kill nor drive Muslims out of their homes. Allah said:

لَّا يَنۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ –

Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.

To have permissible beneficial dealings with them; in trade, exchange of beneficial information and utilization of the worldly sciences, and things that are of benefit in our lives.

To fulfil contacts made with them, and to honour the blood, wealth and rights of the Mu’ahideen (i.e. those non-Muslims who have a treaty with the Muslims) because it is binding upon them to (fulfil their covenants with the Muslims) and the Muslims are to (fulfil their covenants with them). Allah said: [فَمَا ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ لَكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَقِيمُواْ لَهُمۡ‌ۚ – So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them].

And the ones forbidden to be killed are the Muslim and the Mu’ahid [i.e. the non-Muslim who has a treaty with the Muslims]. And indeed the Prophet said about the killing of a Mu’ahid, “Whoever kills a Mu’ahid will not even smell the fragrance of paradise and its fragrance can be smelled from the distance of forty years away”. [Bukhari: No: 3166]

And whoever kills a Mu’ahid by mistake, it is as if he has killed a Muslim by mistake. He must pay blood money as expiation. Allah said:

وَإِن ڪَانَ مِن قَوۡمِۭ بَيۡنَڪُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُم مِّيثَـٰقٌ۬ فَدِيَةٌ۬ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ۬ مُّؤۡمِنَةٍ۬‌ۖ

And if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation (blood money – Diya) must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed]. [Footnote a]

Finally, I advise these ones [those who called for a change of the Shariah terminologies] to repent to Allah. They should not enter into an affair which they have neither mastered nor is it [something] they have specialised in, because that would be tantamount to speaking about Allah without knowledge. Indeed, Allah stated:

[وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ – And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge.

Allah said:

قُلۡ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ ٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡہَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَٱلۡإِثۡمَ وَٱلۡبَغۡىَ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَأَن تُشۡرِكُواْ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا وَأَن تَقُولُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.

Allah placed speaking about Him without knowledge at a level above shirk due to its seriousness. And if it the case that these ones are aware of the subject matter regarding specialist knowledge and that a person cannot enter into that which is not his domain, just as one does not enter into the affair of medicine because it is not his domain, then why do they enter into the affairs of the sharee’ah, rather they enter into the most serious affairs of the sharee’ah, and that is the subject matter of creed, even though it is something they are not specialised in. I do not desire anything from this [speech] except to give advice and clarification. [2]

Indeed, language is a significant blessing from Allah; consequently, Muslims should not permit anyone to misuse it in order to distort the beliefs and thoughts of the Ummah.

Allah, as He said:
وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلۡقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَـٰفُ أَلۡسِنَتِڪُمۡ وَأَلۡوَٲنِكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلِمِينَ

And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.[Surah Ar-Rum. Ayah 22]

Truly, the Qur’an provides a clear illustration of righteous individuals who were granted authority by Allah in both the East and the West, benefiting His slaves, like Dhul Qar’nayn [peace be upon him]. They stood in stark contrast to those who, in their cruel and heartless actions, inflicted untold suffering upon their fellow beings in the vast lands of Africa and beyond, for an agonizing span of four centuries. Even today, these oppressors shamelessly exploit and subjugate their victims through unjust and inhumane post-colonial agreements. Allah says about Dhul-Qarnayn:

ثُمَّ أَتۡبَعَ سَبَبًا
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ بَيۡنَ ٱلسَّدَّيۡنِ وَجَدَ مِن دُونِهِمَا قَوۡمً۬ا لَّا يَكَادُونَ يَفۡقَهُونَ قَوۡلاً۬

Then he (Dhul-Qarnayn) followed (another) way, until he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word. [Al-Kahf. 92-93]

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: They could not understand due to their foreign language, their foreign way of comprehending, and the manner in which their hearts perceived matters. Nevertheless, Allah granted Dhul-Qarnayn [peace be upon him] the means to the knowledge through which he comprehended the language of these people and facilitated communication between them. Consequently, they complained to him regarding the harm perpetrated by Gog and Magog, two big nations descended from Adam [peace be upon him]. Allah said:

قَالُواْ يَـٰذَا ٱلۡقَرۡنَيۡنِ إِنَّ يَأۡجُوجَ وَمَأۡجُوجَ مُفۡسِدُونَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَهَلۡ نَجۡعَلُ لَكَ خَرۡجًا عَلَىٰٓ أَن تَجۡعَلَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَهُمۡ سَدًّ۬ا
قَالَ مَا مَكَّنِّى فِيهِ رَبِّى خَيۡرٌ۬ فَأَعِينُونِى بِقُوَّةٍ أَجۡعَلۡ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَبَيۡنَہُمۡ رَدۡمًا
ءَاتُونِى زُبَرَ ٱلۡحَدِيدِ‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا سَاوَىٰ بَيۡنَ ٱلصَّدَفَيۡنِ قَالَ ٱنفُخُواْ‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَعَلَهُ ۥ نَارً۬ا قَالَ ءَاتُونِىٓ أُفۡرِغۡ عَلَيۡهِ قِطۡرً۬ا
فَمَا ٱسۡطَـٰعُوٓاْ أَن يَظۡهَرُوهُ وَمَا ٱسۡتَطَـٰعُواْ لَهُ ۥ نَقۡبً۬ا
قَالَ هَـٰذَا رَحۡمَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّى‌ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُ ۥ دَكَّآءَ‌ۖ وَكَانَ وَعۡدُ رَبِّى حَقًّ۬ا

They said, “O Dhul-Qarnayn! Indeed, Gog and Magog [Yajuj and Majuj] are spreading corruption throughout the land. Should we pay you tribute, provided that you build a wall between us and them?” He said, “What my Lord has provided for me is far better. But assist me with resources, and I will build a barrier between you and them. Bring me blocks of iron!” Then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountains, he ordered, “Blow!” When the iron became red hot, he said, “Bring me molten copper to pour over it”. And so they could neither scale nor tunnel through it. He said, “This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will level it to the ground. And my Lord’s promise is ever true”. [Surah Al-Kahf. 92-98] [3]

Behold the illustration of how those exceptional individuals harnessed their talents for the betterment of society, instead of resorting to savagery, theft, pillaging, killing, and degradation. This stands in sharp opposition to the savagery exhibited by the French colonisers, who were notorious for their extreme cruelty, exploitation, and injustice during the periods of conquests and domination. Those seeking information on this topic will discover a plethora of resources available. In recent times, following the decision of certain former Muslim colonies to remove French as their official language, a language that was imposed upon them by their colonial predecessors as a means to indoctrinate and wage an ideological battle against Muslims, some French academics have displayed fits of anger and frustration. It is possible that they feared the unraveling of one of the schemes devised by their monarch, Louis IX. In 1250, this monarch was taken captive during his participation in a crusade against the Egyptian Muslims. After a substantial ransom was paid, he was eventually released from imprisonment. Nevertheless, during his time in confinement, he utilised his time to devise plans against Islam and its followers. These schemes included the substitution of the physical conflict between Christians in the Western world and Muslims with a battle of ideologies and cultural dominance. Additionally, he aimed to equip the West with the means to undermine the beliefs of Muslims and tarnish Islam’s image in the world. [4]

As educators of children, it is an arduous task to combat this ideological onslaught, especially when the deceivers manipulate language—employing words and phrases that can embody both truth and falsehood, or terms that carry specific meanings yet are wielded without clarity, independence, or precision. In instances where a single term may convey multiple interpretations, they exploit this ambiguity for their own ends. Similarly, two words may share partial meanings, yet they deliberately obscure the more distinct realities that would otherwise delineate truth from falsehood. Furthermore, in circumstances where a term transforms alongside the traditions and bad behaviour of society, a new challenge may emerge when those very words, which once represented no harm, become associated with meanings and behaviour that the Creator does not permit.

One of the most formidable challenge we encounter as educators in the realm of some social sciences, particularly those encompassing both virtue and vice, lies in the nuanced terms shaped by contextual interpretations. These terms, susceptible to manipulation by those with ulterior motives, can be wielded to convey a multitude of meanings – upright and corrupt. Such individuals endeavour to compel educators to embrace all interpretations concurrently, a notion that starkly contradicts the foundational principle of accurate designation rooted in the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. In this sacred framework, each meaning is meticulously assigned a distinct designation, accompanied by its commendable and condemnable attributes as delineated by divine legislation. However, any attempt to do so is labelled intolerance.

There is no doubt that upright Muslim educators have encountered pivotal events during the past 400 years, which significantly shaped the emergence of some upright reformers. Throughout this period, they have observed a deliberate attempt – by French neocolonialists to maintain the agenda of severing the ties of Muslim identity by systematically erasing its religious and cultural heritage that aligns with Islamic tenets, all orchestrated through an educational framework tailored to serve un-Islamic goals. Consequently, those who have been educated under this paradigm have experienced a troubling stagnation and a notable cultural decline, particularly in the fields of education and pedagogy. This decline stands in stark contrast to a rich educational discourse rooted in sound beliefs and the enduring principles of Shariah.

However, the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah, throughout the ages, have consistently acknowledged the imperative of countering the detrimental effects of this phenomenon and the spread of un-Islamic ideas. They have championed educational reform and the refinement of pedagogical practices, alongside advocating for both religious and societal transformation. Drawing upon the rich tapestry of Islamic intellectual heritage, these scholars have utilised the Islamic educational legacy as a beacon for future advancement. Their efforts have borne remarkable fruit, exemplified by figures such as Shaikh Al-Islam, Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, who called for a revival of authentic beliefs and the methodology of the righteous predecessors—principles that once served as the bedrock of strength and progress. Furthermore, the role of the family in this educational paradigm is paramount, wielding the authority and legitimacy to shape the psychological, emotional, and cognitive development of the child. The child is viewed as the cornerstone of the Islamic civilizational endeavor, grounded in emotional values that reflect sound beliefs, adherence to the Sunnah, intellectual freedom within the parameters of the infallible Shariah, and a profound sense of responsibility. These values were vital in molding our social consciousness and safeguarding our Islamic identity, principles, and sacred tenets. Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated:

The rectification of every nation and its (upright) ascendancy is tied to the soundness of its creed and views; therefore, due to this reason, the Message of the Prophets, peace be upon them, was convyed to rectify the creed [of the people]. Thus, the first thing every Messenger said to his people [was]: [ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ- Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]. [Surah Al-A’raaf’ Aayah 59]

[وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)]”. [Surah An-Nahl’ Aayah 36]

And this is because Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections] created the Khalq [i.e. Jinn and Mankind] to worship Him alone and not to associate anything as a partner with Him, just as [Allah (The Most High)] said:

[وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ -And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)]. [Adh-Dhaariyaat. 56] [5]

Consequently, the absence of a clearly articulated educational policy rooted in the principles of the righteous predecessors precludes any possibility of change, advancement, or societal well-being. There is, therefore, a persistent demand for a comprehensive reform of the education system, emphasizing the need to adapt to contemporary developments while consistently implementing measures that uphold sound beliefs and fidelity to the authentic Sunnah. This does not imply a rejection of modern methods aimed at improving performance and ensuring convenience.

In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize that the guidance of a principled educator is essential for achieving a harmonious agreement on the development of cohesive reform initiatives, firmly anchored in an authentic Islamic paradigm. This approach must also be adaptable enough to address the nuanced, contemporary challenges posed by non-Islamic cultural influences, all while embracing the advantages offered by scientific and technological progress. Neglecting the Islamic sciences in favour of the worldly sciences will not liberate us from the intellectual domination that persists in numerous Muslim regions. As Imam As-Sadi, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, wisely articulated:

Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls [i.e. upon excellent traits, manners, dealings, characteristics, sound creed etc] which are the determinants of [sound] rectification and success. What the Religion of Islaam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is the rectifier of the creeds and manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts , urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity. The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam.

Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify (some) matters based upon that which people know in detail, it will still not be equal to the knowledge of the Messengers. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature. [6]

He also said: Industrialisation and modern inventions: Everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and [virtuous] manners, then indeed -in this era-, it has greatly declined. So, when this industrial advancement is devoid of religion and Iman, it became a great harm from two angles: Firstly: It beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided, for indeed a person might be from the most skillful in affairs related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in affairs related to the deen, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next. Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of Deen, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them, killing, destruction and other affairs related to it. Its regulators [or overseers] and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life, rather they have not ceased moving from one misrable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows that [to be the case]. Therefore all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying [Allah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc] [7]

The conscientious educator is acutely aware that the cultural setbacks experienced by certain Muslim nations have caused numerous young Muslim teachers to stray from the robust principles that could restore the Islamic educational framework to its illustrious past. While it is frequently asserted that colonialism has unleashed a multitude of ills, the teacher who remains in denial must recognize that the true challenge lies in the deviation from the teachings of the righteous predecessors. As Imam Malik, may Allah bestow His mercy upon him, wisely articulated: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the pious predecessors] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part.’’  [8]

Nevertheless, in addition to the ongoing appeal for a revival of the principles established by the righteous predecessors in all facets of life, and despite the resistance encountered from both some non-Muslims and uninformed Muslims, reformers will arise every century. The Prophet – peace and blessings be upon him- said, “Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it”. [9]

“Allah will raise for this Ummah”– Meaning, the Ummah Al-Ijaabah (the Muslims).

“At the end of every hundred years”– Meaning, at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, while ignorance and innovation in religious matters is rife.

“One who will revive its religion for it”– Meaning, a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and distinguish it from Bidah. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of Bidah will be overcome and degraded. This reviver is none else but a scholar who has a sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdom of the religion, and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [10]

And Allah knows best

—————————————

Footnote a:

Living With non-Muslims in the West with fine conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]:

Living With Non-Muslims In The West: With Fine Conduct

Informing The Authorities of Terrorist Plots – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]:

Informing the Authorities of Terrorist Plots—By Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah (may Allaah preserve him)

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies.


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

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Bayan Li-Akhta’i Ba’dil Kuttaab. 2/177-180

[3] An Excerpt From Tafseer As-Sadi

[4] خطة لويس التاسع – page 6

[5] An Excerpt from ‘Muhaadaraat Fil Aqeedah Wad-Da’wah’ 1/7

[6] Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen 49-50

[7] Al-Adilladul Qawaati Wal Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. 45-46]

[8] Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

[9] Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud. Hadith Number 4291.

[10] An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. 11/259-260

 

Pan-Africanism, Blackness, and Whiteness on the Scales of Divine Guidance

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

Tawhid – The Original Religion and Path of Humankind and Jinn

Allah, The Most High, stated:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

مَآ أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلْقُوَّةِ ٱلْمَتِينُ

And I did not create the jinns and humans except to worship Me. I desire not from them any provision, and nor do I desire that they feed Me. (On the contrary), it is Allāh who is the Great Provider, the possessor of mighty strength. [Adh-Dhariyat 56-58] [1]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

And verily, We have sent among every nation a Messenger (saying): Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) from all false deities, i.e. do not worship anything besides Allah. ” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [An-Nahl. 36]

Allah said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Al-Baqarah. 213]

Allah said:

وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ

Mankind were but one community (i.e. on one religion – Islamic Monotheism), then they differed (later), and had not it been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, it would have been settled between them regarding what they differed]. [Yunus. 19]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:

Between Nuh and Adam, all of them used to be upon the true path [worshipping Allah alone], then they differed and started worshipping idols, false deities and images, then Allah sent Messengers with clear proofs and evidences. [2]

Shirk first started amongst the people of Nuh when they exaggerated (the status) of the righteous people and turned away from the call of their Prophet [Nuh] out of pride. They said: “You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa’, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya’uq, nor Nasr”. [Nuh. Ayah 23]

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

It has been narrated from Ibn Abbas that these were the names of pious people amongst the people of Nuh, and when they died, Shaytan inspired their people to (prepare) and place idols at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names. They did so, but did not worship them until those people (who initiated them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people began worshipping them”. [3]

All prophets and messengers were Muslims as they submitted to Allah and worshipped Him alone without ascribing partners to Him in worship. Read here:

All The Prophets and Messengers Were Muslims

This is the faith that Allah designated for both humanity and Jinn, aligning perfectly with the sound innate disposition. Allah said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ ٱللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So, set you “O Muhammad” your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism, worshipping Allah alone by devoting all forms of worship purely for Him. The natural state which Allah determined and upon which He created and moulded mankind. Let there be no change in the creation of Allah “Islamic Monotheism. That is the straight religion, but most of men do not know. [Ar-Rum 30]

Iyaa Ibn Himar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

Verily, my Lord has commanded me to teach you what you do not know, from what he has taught me this day, “All wealth I bestowed upon them is lawful. I have created all of My servants inclined to worship me alone, but devils come to them who turn them away from their religion. They outlaw what has been made lawful for them, and they command them to associate partners with Me for which no authority has been revealed”. Verily, Allah looked at the people of the earth and He detested all of them, Arabs and non-Arabs alike, except for remnants of the people of the Book”. [Ṣaḥīh Muslim 2865]

All of humanity, the descendants of Adam and Hawa, were created with the purpose of worshiping Allah alone. Throughout history, Allah has sent messengers to guide us back to this divine path whenever we have strayed, often due to the deceptions of shaytan. In light of this truth, the only course left for us is to follow the final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In this context, concepts like colonization or decolonization become irrelevant; what truly matters is the religion established by our Creator. Ultimately, individuals have been given the free will to choose to submit to Islam, worship Allah alone and follow His last Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They are not forced or coerce, but if they choose other than Islam, they have made a choice for which they will be held accountable in the Hereafter. Allah said:

لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in all false deities and believes in Allah (by worshipping Him alone), he has indeed grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Al-Baqarah 256]

Allah said:

وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ ٱلْإِسْلَٰمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. [Aal Imran 85]

Therefore, what is essential to understand is that an individual faces a choice: to either adhere to the traditions of ancestors after the arrival of the Prophets and Messengers or to wholeheartedly submit to the path of Prophets and Messengers, with Muhammad being the final Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them. True beliefs must align with the revelations given to the Prophets and Messengers, rather than the customs of forebears that contradict their teachings. Sadly, some African Americans and African intellectuals have attempted to muddy this straightforward issue. As African Muslims, we are called to follow the path of the final Prophet in both belief and practice, just like any Muslim around the globe. Cultural customs from any group, whether Arab or non-Arab, are acceptable as long as they do not conflict with the final divine message. It is perfectly fine for individuals from different backgrounds to adopt and celebrate the cultural practices of others, provided these do not contradict the final revelation. We will share insights from scholars on this topic shortly, but for now, it is crucial to reiterate that one must choose between the path of the final Prophet or the ancestral traditions that stand in opposition to divine guidance. Historically, the latter has been a common fallacy among nations when Messengers urged them to return to the right path. Al-Allamah Salih al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Indeed, polytheistic (practices and beliefs) have become rife within this Ummah due to detachment from (he teachings of)the Qur’an and the Sunnah, blindly following ancestors without proper guidance, elevating the status of deceased figures by constructing (shrines and tombs) over their graves, and due to being ignorant of the islam that Allah instructed His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, as Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The very foundations of Islam will crumble one by one when a generation arises that is unaware of the ignorance that preceded Islam.” Furthermore, the proliferation of Shubhah—doubts that masquerade as truth but are fundamentally false—has led many astray. Among these misconceptions is the argument used by those who engage in Shirk, both in the past and present, claiming legitimacy by adhering to the beliefs of their forefathers. Allah said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا وَجَدْنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا عَلَىٰٓ أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَٰرِهِم مُّقْتَدُونَ

And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps.” [Az-zukhruf 23]

Therefore, following ancestors is only praiseworthy if they were upon the truth. Allah [The Most High] said that Yusuf, peace be upon him, said:

وَٱتَّبَعْتُ مِلَّةَ ءَابَآءِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ مَا كَانَ لَنَآ أَن نُّشْرِكَ بِٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ ذَٰلِكَ مِن فَضْلِ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ

And I have followed the religion of my fathers, – Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah, nor worship Him). [Yusuf. 38]

This doubt was embedded in the souls of the polytheists and they utilised it to oppose the call of the Prophets. Allah said:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
فَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَؤُا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ مَا هَٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتَفَضَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَنزَلَ مَلَٰٓئِكَةً مَّا سَمِعْنَا بِهَٰذَا فِىٓ ءَابَآئِنَا ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ

And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him (Islamic Monotheism). Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His Punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?” But the chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said: “He is no more than a human being like you, he seeks to make himself superior to you. Had Allah willed, He surely could have sent down angels; never did we hear such a thing among our fathers of old]. [Al-Muminoon. 23-24]

So, they used as proof that which their ancestors were upon to oppose that which their Prophet Nuh brought. Allah informed us that the people of Sali said to him: “Do you (now) forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped?”[Hud. 62]

The people of Shu’aib said: “Does your Salat (prayer) (i.e. the prayers which you offer has spoiled your mind, so you) command that we leave off what our fathers used to worship]. [Hud. 87]

Allah informed us about Ibraheem and his people when he silenced them with clear proofs: “What do you worship?” They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted”. He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?” They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so”. [Ash-Shu’ara 70-74]

This is the nature of disbelief! Its people do not have any proof by way of which to repel the truth except these flimsy proofs. [4]

Therefore, a sensible individual understands the reasons behind the misdirection of nations, which often stems from prioritizing the traditions of their ancestors over the teachings of Allah’s Messengers. If you were to inquire about the beliefs of our ancestors from 2000 years ago, we would struggle to categorize them as polytheists, Christians, or Jews. However, what we do know with absolute certainty is that Allah sent Messengers to every nation, including Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, who preached the oneness of Allah, Tawhid. Following his time, Allah sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to both Arabs and non-Arabs, addressing all of humanity and even the Jinn. If you were to ask again about the faith of our forefathers during Muhammad’s era, we could only guess based on the historical accounts regarding that region of West Africa. However, what we do know is that Allah sent Muhammad as the final Messenger, and many sincere followers of the Scriptures acknowledged his Prophethood and accepted Islam. This historical fact is well established. Subsequently, Islam spread throughout Africa, leading to our birth into Muslim families by the Will of Allah. Islam is practiced independently of ancestral customs that contradict divine revelation. This approach does not equate to succumbing to Arab colonialism. Whether it stems from African, Arab, European, or any other cultural background, any practice that stands in opposition to divine revelation is not embraced.

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said,

“Indeed, Allah [The Most High] has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose”. [5]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward”. Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, then it is obligatory upon him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds”. [6]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

“It is obligated to every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation (to be judged), so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people”. [7]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The customs cannot make something that is not legislated (in the divine revelation) as something legislated, because of Allah’s statement: “It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc.) that you enter the houses from the back”. [Surah Al-Baqarah. 189], despite the fact that it was something they took as their custom and considered it to be an act of righteousness. Whoever takes something as a custom and believes that it is an act of righteousness, then it should be presented to Allah’s divine legislation [i.e. to be judged]”. [8]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

“Extremism in relation to customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. As for if the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs”. [9]

It’s undeniable that Allah sent Prophets and Messengers and provided Scriptures to lead humanity, culminating in the final message delivered by Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them. Various nations, tribes, and clans accepted Islam, with non-Arabs emerging as significant leaders and scholars. Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh, may Allah safeguard him, stated:

“When the Muslims conquered the different regions of the earth and Islam spread, the affair became as if it started from the non-Arabs, until the people of Persia and other non-Arabs became the scholars and the Imams of the mosques, and people acquired knowledge from them. It is recorded in Islamic history that many non-Arabs led the Muslims in knowledge, in issuing religious verdicts and many affairs. Take for example Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy on him, who was not an Arab, and Imam Al-Bukhari [may Allah have mercy on him] and how his book became an upright example, and there’s none amongst the Muslims except that he (or she) knows Imam Abu Abdillah Muhammad Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Bukhari. And consider other examples – besides Al-Bukhari and Abu Hanifah – amongst the Imams of Islam.

So when Islam came with its implementation, it abolished the differences that were initiated by the people and those non-Arabs became the leaders and Imams of the Arabs; why? Because they carried the religion, raised the banner of pure Islamic monotheism – there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and because there is no distinction in virtue between a non-Arab and an Arab, except through fear of Allah. When the Muslims disciplined themselves with Islam, there was no dispute between them regarding social class by way of that pre-Islamic dispute and distinction, because indeed neither did they accept leadership nor give precedence to anyone based on this; rather they accepted everyone because people are equal in this affair. Quraish’s rulership, the Umayyad rulership and the Abbasid rulership ended; then the rulership of the Mamluks arose and thereafter the rulership of Banee Uthman – meaning in the beginning when it was upright; so the Muslims obeyed them and they became the leaders and rulers, because the Muslims saw that there was welfare for the people in doing so (based on the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and understanding of the Sahabah). Therefore, class differentiation and its practice was abolished from the beginning; rather no one had any reservation in implementing Islam. So, Islamic history attests to the implementation of this great principle [i.e. sound equality]”. [10]

The subsequent decline and stagnation can be attributed to a deviation from the fundamental tenets of Islam, which has given rise to numerous challenges, including tribalism and various societal dilemmas. Read:

The State of the Ummah: Causes that led to its Weakness and the Means of Rectification (eBook)

However, it is essential to recognise that Muslim scholars have remained acutely aware of these issues throughout Islamic history and continue to engage with them in contemporary discourse. The blame does not lie with Islam itself, despite the misguided assertions of some ignoramuses and certain pan-Africanists advocating for a so-called decolonisation of religion. Such claims reveal a profound ignorance, as they overlook the original faith bestowed by the Creator and fail to address the true root of the problem: a departure from pure monotheism and the teachings of the Prophets, the last of whom is Muhammad. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that regardless of an individual’s chosen faith, they will be held accountable for their choices after the Prophets and Messengers have conveyed the message of Islamic Monotheism. However, any form of oppression against people is unequivocally condemned regardless of the race, social status or religion of the victims. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah, The Almighty, said: “O My servants, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and I have forbidden it among you, so do not oppress one another”. [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2577]

The Messenger said: “Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.” [Muslim 1844]

It is of utmost significance that any sense of injustice directed towards our race, clan, tribe, or nation does not disrupt our bond with Allah as Muslims. We must resist the allure of pan-Africanist ideologies that may lead us astray and jeopardize our eternal well-being under the guise of pride. Instead, let us embrace a path of piety rooted in the final revelation, for it is the true avenue to salvation. Allah said:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

O mankind, We have created you from a male (Ādam) and female (Eve) (making you all of equal lineage) and We made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (and fulfil each other’s rights). Verily, the most honourable of you with Allāh is the most pious of you (and not the noblest in lineage or most affluent) (so do not be boastful and belittle others). Indeed, Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Aware.[11]

Allah said:

تِلْكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلْءَاخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the pious.[Al-Qasas 83]

Those who depart from this world while associating partners with Allah in worship or rejecting Allah and His final Messenger, without repentance, will face eternal failure. Allah has stated:

إِنَّهُۥ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَىٰهُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. [Al-Ma’idah 72]

Allah said:

وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ ٱلْإِسْلَٰمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. [Aal Imran 85]

Indeed, there is nothing wrong with either a Muslim or a non-Muslim standing up against oppression and exploitation. Therefore, we assert without hesitation that Africa has the right to call for an end to the post-colonial oppressive systems, just as they stood resolutely against the brutality and greed of colonialists during the colonial period. We agree wholeheartedly that Africa should not be subjected to exploitation through so-called financial aid, foreign military bases, sanctions, debt, NGOs, unequal trade, loans, and so forth. We also support the view that both African and Asian nations have the right to seek liberation from oppression through debt restructuring, strategic partnerships, diversified economies, de-dollarization, fair negotiations, food security, Agro-processing, solar energy, information technology, state-owned mines, pharmaceuticals, and more. It is a fact that other nations have pursued these initiatives for their economic stability, and similarly, Africa and others have the right to do the same. This is simply common sense and does not necessitate adherence to pan-Africanism or any other ideology that contradicts the final revelation ordained by the Creator, for which He will reward or punish humanity and Jinn in the Hereafter. Thus, we clearly state that the oppression and exploitation of African or Asian countries must cease. Our responsibility as African Muslims is to call our societies to Tawhid and Sunnah, following the path of the righteous predecessors, while also addressing any injustices faced by people. All praise is due to Allah for guiding us to Islam, which is indeed enough as a blessing. And Allah knows best.

Read: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/16/the-uncivilised-third-world-and-developing-countries/

With regards the concept and Blackness and Whiteness any Muslim with the least insight knows what the Creator has stated, such as the Ayah:

وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلۡقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَـٰفُ أَلۡسِنَتِڪُمۡ وَأَلۡوَٲنِكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلِمِينَ

And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people of sound knowledge.[Surah Ar-Rum. Ayah 22]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

O mankind, We have created you from a male (Ādam) and female (Eve) (making you all of equal lineage) and We made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (and fulfil each other’s rights). Verily, the most honourable of you with Allāh is the most pious of you (and not the noblest in lineage or most affluent) (so do not be boastful and belittle others). Indeed, Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Aware.

https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/49_13

Without delving too deeply, there is an ongoing conversation among humanity, alongside many other discussions, about the concepts of whiteness and blackness. As someone from a family that is quite diverse in terms of African inter-tribal blood relations with the Fulani, Mandinka, Wollof, Aku, Sereer, Hausa and others, it is remarkable how Islam has brought us together to the point where our tribal origins are the last thing on our minds. Furthermore, some of our family members, including cousins, nieces and nephews, uncles, and children, are married to individuals of White English descent, Irish descent, Pakistani descent, German, Swedish, Caribbean descent, Kurdish descent, Hispanic descent and so on. And among our close brothers in Islam, there are those married to Indians, Turks, Banghalis, Chinese, Yeminis, Iraqis, Morroccans, Algerians etc. Therefore, we are indeed very diverse, alhamdulillah.

In light of the discussions among people regarding whiteness and blackness, we chose to examine the issue briefly. Whiteness, as some describe it, is a field of critical study that has emerged from Critical Race Theory. It investigates whiteness not as a biological fact but as a socially constructed racial category and a system of privilege. This field explores how the notion of whiteness has been historically influenced by social, economic, and political forces, creating unseen advantages for white individuals and establishing a racial hierarchy that positions whiteness as the societal norm. The theory scrutinizes how this racialization operates, sustains power dynamics, and affects lived experiences, challenging the often-overlooked privileges and standards associated with being white.

In this context, we assert that any race that has held dominance over others, be it black, white, or Asian, has established social systems that grant privileges to some while leaving others disadvantaged. Moreover, even within the tribes of particular nations, there exists oppression and discrimination. Consequently, every occurrence of structural inequality is supported by either prejudice, tribalism, clanism, or racism, none of which align with the teachings of the noble prophets. Thus, we declare that Islam abolishes all of this. Refer to this article – starting on page 10 – which discusses the Conditions Leading Up to the Arrival of the Final Messenger, the Elimination of Social Class Conflict, and the Abolishment of Structural Inequality.

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-precise-scrutiny-of-Human-Rights_1.pdf

Regarding blackness, some authors do not refer to it as something linked to individuals whose ancestors originate from Africa; instead, they approach it as a cultural phenomenon of being Black. This is because they argue that one can be African American without being Black, just as one can be both African American and Black. They contend from a cultural standpoint that Blackness encompasses a multitude of meanings across the past, present, and future, making it impossible to encapsulate in mere words. It represents a culture, a style, an unwritten constitution, a perspective, a way of life, an expectation, an emotion, a source of motivation, a catalyst for change, radicalism, potential, history, current reality, and future possibilities; it embodies everything. For instance, some might say: I was born to Black parents in a Black neighborhood in the Black city of Atlanta. From an early age, I was immersed in the civil rights movement and its key figures. Some individuals argue that that the notion of “blackness” (referring to black skin) has been utilised to describe both external and internal traits of a “black group” (or “race”). This study outlines the evolution of this concept from ancient times, through the Middle Ages, and into modernity, where it laid the groundwork for developing race theories.

After reviewing various points in this subject on Whiteness and Blackness, I encountered several disturbing racist notions, which, when examined more closely, appear to originate from mere misguidance and a straying from Allah’s path. The two verses mentioned at the start of this article are adequate for believers to grasp that virtue is not defined by race; rather, it is based on piety and righteous deeds, as found in Surah al-Hujurat ayah 13. Thus, there is no need to refer to any of those comments about Blackness and Whiteness, as they are merely expressions of racist ideology. It is also crucial to recognize that, in response to racism, some black individuals have resorted to labeling white people as devils. This clearly stems from misguidance. The solution is simple: we must return to the Creator’s path, who created us from one male and one female, forming us into nations and tribes, and stated that the best among us are those who exhibit piety, end of discussion, with no need for theories or counter-theories regarding Blackness and Whiteness. Nonetheless, this does not imply that we should become complacent when any individual or group from a particular race commits acts of injustice against another race purely based on a flawed sense of racial superiority.

Furthermore, we do not endorse any cultural practices, whether labeled as Whiteness or Blackness, that are in conflict with Allah’s Shariah. In this context, we reject everything that opposes Allah’s Shariah, including any pan-Africanists whose views extend beyond what is prescribed by the Creator in one’s quest for justice.

We express our gratitude to Allah for leading us to Islam and for the blessing of having relatives from diverse clans, tribes, nations, and skin tones. This includes our cousins, wives, in-laws, children, and grandchildren, along with our brothers in Islam from various backgrounds, some of whom have the fairest complexions while others possess a range of skin tones. The one thing that brings us together is Islam.

And Allah knows best.


[1]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/51_56

[2] Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer

[3] Al-Bukhaari 4920

[4] An Excerpt from “Muhaadaraat Fil Aqeedah Wad-Dawah” 1/18-20. Slightly paraphrased

[5] Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud. Hadith Number 5116. Declared ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al-Albaanee

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim – (The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness). Hadeeth Number 2699; Vol 17 page 18

[7] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 6/510

[8] Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 2/299

[9] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7

[10] https://youtu.be/wRkeYjcJ728?si=V1cqv_4t4vL_uoVd

[11]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/49_13

Voices for Justice: Confronting Hard Truths with Richard Marceau and Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Allah said:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَآءَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ ٱعْدِلُوا۟ هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Al-Ma’idah 8]

Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 135]

In an article at the Jerusalem Post, Richard Marceau and Arsen Ostrovsky emphasised the urgent need for decisive and effective measures to combat antisemitism, rather than simply offering words of support and condemnation. We wholeheartedly share their strong belief that all forms of racism must be vigorously opposed and eliminated from every aspect of society. No individual or group should face injustice, whether they are Muslims, Christians, Jews, or belong to any other community. It is also crucial to remember that no one should be held accountable for the actions of an individual or a group within their race or religious affiliation. Allah said:

أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ
وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ
وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُۥ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ
ثُمَّ يُجْزَىٰهُ ٱلْجَزَآءَ ٱلْأَوْفَىٰ

That no bearer will bear the burden (of the crime and sin) of another. And that there shall not be for man except what he strives for (with his own deeds, good or bad). And that his striving will soon be seen (on the scales of his deeds on the Day of Judgement). Then he will be recompensed with the fullest and most complete of recompense. [1]

We want to emphasise to both Richard and Arsen that whenever antisemitism is clearly identified without any misinformation or exaggeration, it must not only be condemned but also eliminated. This principle applies equally to all forms of injustice and racist behaviour. In this article, we will address their statements and reiterate that criminal acts, regardless of who commits them, must be eradicated.

They stated: Today, pro-forma condemnations of antisemitism, while welcome, are entirely meaningless in the absence of urgent and tangible action. [end of quote]

Response: Antisemitism must be decisively eliminated through concrete measures, just as the enduring brutality, theft, and hubris associated with Zionism, which has persisted for more than seven decades, must also be eliminated.

They stated: In a few days time, on January 27, we will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. [end of quote]

Response: The documentation of any acts of murder against Jews or any other group throughout history is a grave crime in the Sight of Allah. This includes the ongoing brutality that has persisted in Palestine for over 70 years, which we have witnessed just in the past two years.

They stated:  However, the Holocaust did not begin with the crematoriums of this singular place of evil. That is where the road of life for Jews ended. Rather, it began with words, unbridled hate, and the singling out and dehumanization of an entire group of people. [end of quote]

Response: We understand the deep pain caused by the horrific actions of the Nazis, and we acknowledge the suffering that has resulted from those crimes. However, it is also important to reflect on the events we have seen over the past two years, where the actions taken by the Zionist army, led by Netanyahu, in the name of retaliation and self-defense against the Palestinians, have roots that extend beyond the atrocities of the past. These actions can be traced back to unjust claims, a sense of entitlement, and the dehumanization of an entire people by certain factions within Zionism.

Some Instances of Historical Zionist Brutality Towards Palestinians

The Deir Yassin Massacre: Took place on April 9, 1948, near Jerusalem, during which between 107 to 254 Palestinians were massacred at the hands of the extremist “Stern” gang.

The Nasr al-Din Massacre: Took place in April 1948. Al-Lajjun Massacre: Took place on April 13, 1948, in a Palestinian Arab village in the Jenin District, where the Zionist Haganah gang attacked it and killed 13 people.

The Saliha Massacre: Took place in May 1948, during which 75 Palestinians were massacred.

The Abu Shusha Massacre: Took place on May 14, 1948, near the village of Deir Yassin, and claimed the lives of (50) citizens, including women, men, children, and the elderly.

The Beit Daras Massacre: Took place in northeastern Gaza on May 21, 1948.

The Tantura Massacre: Took place on May 22, 1948, in the occupied city of Haifa, and claimed the lives of about (200) Palestinians.

The Lydda Massacre: Took place on July 12, 1948, in the occupied city of Lydda, and resulted in the massacre of about (500) Palestinians, including (150) who were massacred inside the city’s Grand Mosque. The Zionists threw many of them alive into the town’s wells.

The Dawayima Massacre: Took place on October 29, 1948, when a battalion from the terrorist “Lehi” organization led by Moshe Dayan attacked the village and then began searching homes and shooting at its residents. Entire families were exterminated in the massacre, which resulted in the killing of 200 men, women, and children.

The Zionist massacres did not stop after the Nakba of 1948, but rather their frequency, intensity, and brutality increased in light of the use of more lethal and destructive weapons. Among the most prominent of these massacres were: The Sharafat Massacre, which took place in February 1951, in which 11 Palestinians were massacred, and the rest of the village’s people were displaced. The Bethlehem Massacre took place in January 1952, in which 10 Palestinians were massacred. The Qibya Massacre took place on October 14, 1953, in the village of Qibya, east of Jerusalem, during which (67) Palestinians were massacred, most of whom were women and children, and during which 56 homes were destroyed. The Qalqilya Massacre took place on October 10, 1956, when the occupation forces attacked citizens in the city of Qalqilya in the West Bank, during which about seventy citizens were massacred.

The Kafr Qasem Massacre took place on October 29, 1956, in which 49 Palestinians were massacred, including 11 children, when they were all returning home from work. The Khan Yunis Massacre took place on November 3 and 12, 1956, in which between 280 and 500 Palestinians were massacred.

In 1970, Zionist aircraft struck Bahr al-Baqar Primary School and Abu Zaabal factories, killing more than 150 Egyptian students and workers. In 1980, the extremist Jewish organization Kach attempted to blow up Al-Aqsa Mosque, and a shipment of explosives weighing 120 kg was discovered. The Sabra and Shatila massacre took place in September 1982. This massacre lasted three days, and its direct perpetrators were members of the Lebanese Phalange forces allied with the Zionists led by Ariel Sharon. The Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre took place on February 25, 1994, when a Zionist named “Barog Goldstein” stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, and fired bullets and bombs at the worshipers. This massacre resulted in the massacre of 29 Palestinians. The Qana Massacre took place on April 18, 1995. [2]

They stated: Eighty years after we collectively said ‘Never Again,’ here we are – yet again – with antisemitism and Jew-hatred surging unabated in Canada and Australia, and cannot help but ask, what lessons – if any – have been learned from history? [end of quote]

Response: More than seventy years have passed since the Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, have been calling for an end to murder and injustice. Despite these persistent voices, which include many non-Muslims, there has been little impact on the actions of Zionists. While it is crucial to eliminate antisemitism in every nation, we continue to witness the ongoing brutality from Zionists since 1948. This leads us to question what, if anything, has been learned from the suffering of the Palestinians, especially as we observe similar excesses being committed by Zionists in the past year.

They stated: Both countries, once seen as beacons of tolerance and oases of peace for Jews, have become unrecognizable today, with almost daily reports of Jewish schools targeted with gunfire, Synagogues firebombed, and Jewish-owned businesses vandalized, while our students are hounded on campuses, widespread violent attacks in the streets, and Jews being increasingly ostracized and excluded from public spaces.

To say the statistics are alarming would be an understatement. It has been nothing short of an unrestrained tsunami of Jew hatred. [end of quote]

Response: Antisemitism needs to be swiftly eliminated as soon as its signs and consequences become evident, without any exaggeration. Every instance of such attacks should be confronted with unwavering resolve and strength. However, when we consider these incidents in relation to the widespread death and devastation in Gaza, they appear as insignificant as a single white hair on a completely black bull or stallion. Thus, it is imperative that we address both issues: the scourge of antisemitism in any place and the relentless brutality of Zionism. To assert that the brutality exhibited by Zionists over the last 70 years is alarming barely scratches the surface. It has manifested as a megatsunami of Zionist arrogance, entitlement, and brutality.

They stated: In Canada, antisemitic incidents have surged by 670% in the past year, while in Australia, likewise, there has been a 700% increase since the Hamas-led October 7 massacre, with the Jewish community in both countries feeling relentlessly under siege. Even more troubling is that many of these incidents go unreported.

Leading Jewish communal organizations, including ours, have been unwavering, fighting back, advocating to all levels of government to face this scourge. Regrettably, the governments have failed to heed these repeated warnings. [end of quote]

Response: If these numbers hold true and aren’t inflated, it’s clear that an immediate emergency response and protection are essential. Should these attacks against Jews in Europe and elsewhere stem directly or indirectly from the atrocities committed by Hamas against innocent civilians and non-combatants, then the offenders have only made the situation worse. Just as Hamas faces condemnation for their actions on October 7th, so too should Netanyahu’s Zionist associates be held accountable for their war crimes.

Read here: .https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

We would like to emphasise, once again, the strong insights shared by Prince Turki al-Faisal, may Allah safeguard him, which can be found in the following link:

They stated: Today, pro-forma condemnations of antisemitism, promises of action, and reiteration that this new strain of the world’s older hatred does not represent the values of both countries, whilst welcome is entirely meaningless in the absence of urgent and tangible action. [end of quote]

Response: We wholeheartedly concur with this assertion. When instances of antisemitism are unmistakably recognised and decisive measures are not implemented, we must also hold accountable those who neglect to act firmly against any form of racial hatred. This issue transcends the values of individual nations; antisemitism is a profound wrongdoing and a serious offense in the Sight of Allah, just as the Zionist oppression over the past seven decades is a grave sin, war crimes and genocide in His sight. Zionist violence in recent times has escalated to a point that can be described as genocide, overshadowing the brutal massacres of earlier periods.

They stated: What should be done

A much more aggressive legal approach also needs to be added.

In Canada, lawsuits targeted Toronto Metropolitan University and unions, while court injunctions were sought and obtained to protect synagogues, Jewish schools, and Jewish community centers. In Australia, legal proceedings have also been initiated against the University of Sydney, under racial vilification laws, paving the way for the first broad class action lawsuit tackling post-October 7 campus antisemitism, with new laws also introduced against doxing, the display of neo-Nazi material and ensuring that glorifying and praising acts of terrorism are criminal offenses under Commonwealth law. [end of quote]

Response: It is crucial to ensure that all institutions are safeguarded against acts of vandalism and antisemitism, regardless of whether these acts occurred before or after October 7. There is no room in our society for Nazis or terrorism. At the same time, the ongoing violence and oppression faced by Palestinians at the hands of Zionist forces deserve a more urgent attention and action, as this has been a reality for over 70 years. Just as those who celebrate acts of terrorism against Jews or any other group must be held accountable, so too should Netanyahu and his associates face justice for their actions and rhetoric in Gaza over the past two years, which are as evident as the midday sun.

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza
https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print
https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies

They stated: There must also be a recognition that chanting phrases like “Globalize the Intifada” or “Free Palestine” are not calls for peace, and do not depend on ‘intent’ or ‘context’, but are a clear and unmistakable incitement to violence, directly targeting Jews. This should be codified into law.

Moreover, we should consider whether non-citizens who commit acts of antisemitism and terror should be deported. There can be zero tolerance or place for such hatred in our democratic societies. [end of quote]

Response: It is essential to acknowledge that statements like “You must remember what Amalek has done to you,” made by Netanyahu in his calls for retaliation and self-defense, or the assertion that Zionists possess an inherent right to Palestine, along with the expansion of settlements on Palestinian territory, do not promote justice or peace. Instead, they reflect a troubling sense of impunity, bolstered by support from Christian Zionist leaders and demagogues. Such rhetoric not only incites further oppression but also serves as a dangerous blueprint for targeting those who courageously oppose Zionist actions aimed at perpetuating this unjust situation. It is imperative that nations with courageous leaders codify laws that reject Zionist oppression. Additionally, these countries should evaluate the situation of Jews whose ancestry is not linked to Palestine, particularly when they engage in acts of terrorism against Palestinians and demand that they are deported back to their countries of origi. There must be a firm stance against such criminal behavior and the impunity that often accompanies it.

They stated: Political leaders must also understand that when they effectively throw Israel under the bus in the international legal arena, such as the United Nations and the international courts in The Hague, for their own domestic expedience, this leads to a more pervasive discourse on Israel and a direct correlation in the surge of antisemitism, as does repeatedly singling out the State of Israel for opprobrium, lecturing and differential treatment at home. This only emboldens perpetrators of antisemitism with a warped sense of justification to carry out their attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions.

The sad truth is that once great democracies, Australia and Canada, have failed to protect their Jewish communities. [end of quote]

Response: Zionists must recognise that their relentless efforts to label every individual or organisation as antisemitic for firmly demanding an end to over seventy years of oppression and land theft against the Palestinians only serve to undermine the high moral ground they claim. By establishing lobbies within European parliaments and governments, they seek to obstruct the quest for justice and decency. This approach distorts the narrative surrounding the prolonged suffering inflicted by Zionist actions and correlates directly with the ongoing violence, land theft, and an inflated sense of entitlement. Furthermore, the tendency to accuse others of antisemitism when confronted with calls for ethical conduct only strengthens the resolve of Zionists to perpetuate their oppression. We unequivocally denounce antisemitism when clearly identified, just as we denounce the unchecked impunity that has characterized over seventy years of Zionist actions. It is imperative that every nation upholds its duty to safeguard its citizens from the scourge of racial hatred and the desecration of their properties. In the same vein, it is equally essential for nations to unequivocally condemn the actions of Zionists and to urgently call for an end to the enduring brutality that has persisted for over seven decades.

They stated: Unremitting campaign of terror:

Today, whereas the world’s only Jewish state has been forced to defend itself from Hamas and existential wars being waged by Iran and their terror proxies, another unremitting campaign of terror has been unleashed upon the Jewish communities of Canada and Australia.

Many Jews are increasingly asking if they are still welcome in the countries they have called home for generations, or if they have been abandoned by the political leadership and society at large.

Britain’s former Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, once noted that a society that has no space for Jews has no space for humanity. As we look ahead to 2025, and on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz death camp, both Australia and Canada must therefore ask if they still have space for Jews and what kind of societies they wish to have. [end of quote]

Response: The subtitle “An unending campaign of violence and intimidation by Zionists over the past seven decades” serves as a response to the preceding subtitle “Unremitting campaign of terror”. Currently, the Zionist regime stands as the sole regime compelled to confront its over 70 years of transgressions and to halt its prolonged pattern of severe aggression against a population whose welfare has been profoundly jeopardised. This situation has been exacerbated by the continuous use of justifications that further diminish their aspirations for safety and dignity. In this context, a new wave of violence and intimidation has been directed at the Palestinian people, framed as acts of self-defense and retaliation. Regarding Hamas, while the actions taken against unarmed civilians and non-combatants on October 7 are indefensible, it is important to recognise that they also serve as a strategic instrument for the Israeli right. Furthermore, both Hamas and Zionist actions have faced condemnation, a sentiment eloquently expressed by Prince Turki al-Faisal, may Allah protect him.

The remarks made by this Rabbi prompt a profound reflection on the nature of humanity within a regime that has persistently engaged in the theft of property and the brutalisation and dehumanisation of another people. Such a regime, devoid of compassion, cannot claim to embody the essence of humanity. Just as it is imperative to safeguard the rights of all citizens in a country, including Jews, so too must we extend that protection to the Palestinians, who have endured over seven decades of relentless Zionist oppression. The Palestinians continue to yearn for liberation from this merciless regime, much like the liberation that Jews experienced from the Nazis. It is incumbent upon all nations to advocate for the freedom of the Palestinians from Zionist control, and it is essential for societies to reflect on whether they will persist in demanding an end to this brutality, and to consider the kind of generation they aspire to nurture.

The primary objective of this brief article is not to contest any group’s right to exist within humanity, nor to endorse the oppression of any individual. Rather, it aims to reveal an alternative perspective to that which the two authors sought to convey. While their concerns regarding antisemitism are valid, as is the concern for all forms of racism, the quest for justice must encompass all individuals, irrespective of their status as victim or oppressor. Additionally, the resolution for the Palestinian people, after divine intervention, rests with the upright Muslim scholars and the leaders of Muslim nations. Consequently, this response to the authors does not propose solutions but rather highlights their failure to adequately address the injustices faced by Palestinians. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah said: “O My servants! I have forbidden injustice for Myself and I have forbidden it among you, so do not oppress one another”. [3]


[1]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/38
[2] Compiled from various old Arab Newspapers
[3] Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim 2577

Louis René Beres: Please Offer Clarity, Not Half-Truths

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَلَا تُجَٰدِلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ

And argue not with the people of the Scripture, unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with Allah revelations), except with such of them as do wrong. [Al-Ankabut 46]

In an opinion piece published in the Jerusalem Post by Louis Rene Beres, the focus was on the threat posed by Jihadist groups following the political changes in Syria. The author explored some of the Jihadists’ beliefs, particularly their interpretation of Jihad. While the writer aimed to highlight the dangers of Jihadist violence, the discussion fell short in providing detailed analysis and clarification on crucial points. Additionally, there was a noticeable lack of comparison between the actions of Jihadists and Netanyahu’s Zionist gang where it might have been relevant. It seems Louis chose not to make this comparison, as the central theme of the piece suggests that the primary issue is Jihadi violence rooted in religious beliefs, as indicated by the title, “Dying to kill Jews, other infidels: The jihadi way to conquer mortality.”

Criticism of the Jihadists and warnings about their approach is correct, as all of them, even those that do not pose an immediate military threat to Muslim governments, are indeed quite dangerous. However, the conversation is missing a clear explanation and clarification of the sacred texts referenced, which allows for various interpretations or may be dismissed by pro-Jihadists as lacking solid evidence. Therefore, we will analyse each statement made by Louis where there might be misunderstandings, misconceptions, ambiguity, exaggeration, or a failure to recognise the similarities in specific contexts between the actions of Jihadists and Zionists.

Louis stated: Following the collapse of Bashar al Assad’s regime in Syria, jihadi terror groups are being refashioned and reconfigured across the Middle East. [end of quote]

Response: It remains unclear what specific research Louis has undertaken or whose findings are being referenced in relation to this development. However, it is widely acknowledged that the proponents of Bidah are adept at seizing opportunities, particularly the Khawarij, in times of political turmoil. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “There will emerge from the east some people from my nation who recite the Quran, but it will not go beyond their throats. Every time a faction of them emerges it will be cut off”. The Prophet repeated it twenty times, adding, “Every time a faction of them emerges it will be cut off, until the False Messiah emerges from their remnants”. [1] The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also said: “The Dajjal would be followed by seventy thousand Jews of Isfahan wearing Persian shawls”. [2]

It is, therefore, no astonishment to us when the Khawarij, whom we can also refer to as Jihadists, or certain factions within the Jewish community, such as the Zionists, instigate trials and tribulations.

Louis stated: Though there are evident and substantial differences between these groups, they all share a single overriding objective. This common objective is not geopolitical advantage or national self-determination, but “power over death.” Whatever else differentiates jihadi terror group ideologies and tactics from one another, all Islamist groups seek personal redemption through “sacred violence.” [end of quote]

Response: This why the upright scholars of Islam referred to them as Ahlul Bidah Wal Furqah- the advocates of religious innovation and discord, akin to the factions within Zionism and globalism, which, despite their internal differences, are unified by a singular ambition for dominance at any cost and by any means necessary. It is essential to recognise that the perpetrators of such violence extend beyond these Jihadi factions; the Zionists, too, bear the weight of culpability, having engaged in acts of brutality for over seven decades. While the Jihadists justify their violence through distorted texts and exaggeration, figures like Netanyahu similarly invoke religious texts to legitimise their own acts of aggression. [Footnote a]

Louis stated: In essence, jihadist terror is a convenient form of religious sacrifice. Moreover, the jihadi rallying cry, “We love death,” is common to both Sunni and Shia insurgents. In shrieking this perverse cry, no fundamental differences arise between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, Houthis in Yemen and Hamas/Fatah in Gaza/West Bank. [end of quote]

Response: Jihadist terror signifies a significant deviation from the authentic teachings and practices of the Prophet, extending beyond the realm of mere religious sacrifice. The pious predecessors revered martyrdom, yet they never resorted to the methods employed by today’s Jihadists. Moreover, the mention of Sunni and Shiite insurgencies merely reflects the phenomenon of khuruj, [Footnote b] regardless of the individual’s declared affiliation. Additionally, the identification with Sunniyyah has become a refuge for Jihadists and others who mislead unsuspecting Muslims, while also being exploited by certain demagogues, ideologues, and sensationalists in the media to tarnish the pristine methodology of the Prophet and his companions. It is imperative to clarify this matter, ensuring that pure Sunniyyah is distinguished from Bidah and the paths of those who advocate for innovation in the religion of Islam. [Footnote c]

The jihadi factions emerging in the West Bank, despite their misguided approach to resisting Zionist forces, are undeniably a direct consequence of the brutalities inflicted by Zionism. The Houthis, characterized as Rafidah and Khawaarij, [Footnote d] alongside Hamas, serve as strategic instruments for the Israeli Right. [Footnote e] While Louis astutely recognises the shared characteristics among these divergent groups and sects, it is essential to acknowledge that the jihadists in Palestine are fundamentally a product of Zionist oppression. Consequently, the turmoil we witness is rooted in Bidah, Zionism, and brutality.

Louis stated: Nonetheless, all jihadi forces seek “martyrdom” in order not to die. This is the case even though virtually all terrorist leaders in Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Fatah enthusiastically prescribe martyrdom for their followers, but not for themselves. [end of quote]

Response: Martyrdom in Islam transcends the confines of the battlefield. [Footnote f] It is essential to recognize that the pursuit of martyrdom in combat must align with the righteous path established by the Prophet, as interpreted and enacted by the Sahabah. The teachings and rulings concerning jihad are well-documented within Islamic tradition, and they should not be shaped or interpreted through the lens of the actions, rhetoric, or ideologies of contemporary jihadists. [Footnote g]

Historically, monarchs, sultans, and emperors actively participated in battles alongside their troops until the very end. In contrast, contemporary heads of state do not engage in physical combat. The reasons for this shift are widely recognized and do not require further discussion. Furthermore, it is important to note that the Jihadists have no legitimate authority to engage in warfare or issue directives. Rather, they are categorized as Khawarij, extremists who adhere to misguided beliefs and innovations in religion. Similarly, while they conceal themselves and incite others to violence, Zionist leaders also command their military forces to execute operations under the pretext of self-defense and retaliation. This has led their armies to engage in actions that have been labeled as genocide. Jihadists find support primarily among those they have misled through slogans and distorted interpretations of texts. In contrast, Zionists have garnered backing from individuals who either feel a historical sense of guilt for past injustices against Jews or those who align with their geopolitical interests in the Middle East. Additionally, some supporters are motivated by distorted beliefs regarding the coming of the Messiah. This support for Zionist agendas has persisted for many years. [Footnote h]

Louis stated: Despite the easily discoverable commonalities of jihadi terror, the evolution of Palestinian criminal violence against Israel displays a unique historical narrative. The original fraternity of Palestinian terrorist groups contained extraordinarily disparate bedfellows. At that time, Israel’s “liquidation” (the primal term used most frequently in the terrorist lexicon) justified all manner of indiscriminate harms. Virtually every Arab enemy of Israel was urged to join in the obligatory war against “Zionists.” Even Marxists and similarly flagrant “unbelievers” found welcome under the same operational tent. [end of quote]

Response: Similarly, the evolution of criminal violence perpetrated by Zionist settlers against Palestinians presents a distinct historical narrative, despite the readily identifiable similarities between Zionist and Globalist transgressions. Zionist transgression is well-known.

Few Examples of Zionist Aggression

The Deir Yassin Massacre: Took place on April 9, 1948, near Jerusalem, during which between 107 to 254 Palestinians were massacred at the hands of the extremist “Stern” gang.

The Nasr al-Din Massacre: Took place in April 1948. Al-Lajjun Massacre: Took place on April 13, 1948, in a Palestinian Arab village in the Jenin District, where the Zionist Haganah gang attacked it and killed 13 people.

The Saliha Massacre: Took place in May 1948, during which 75 Palestinians were massacred.

The Abu Shusha Massacre: Took place on May 14, 1948, near the village of Deir Yassin, and claimed the lives of (50) citizens, including women, men, children, and the elderly.

The Beit Daras Massacre: Took place in northeastern Gaza on May 21, 1948.

The Tantura Massacre: Took place on May 22, 1948, in the occupied city of Haifa, and claimed the lives of about (200) Palestinians.

The Lydda Massacre: Took place on July 12, 1948, in the occupied city of Lydda, and resulted in the massacre of about (500) Palestinians, including (150) who were massacred inside the city’s Grand Mosque. The Zionists threw many of them alive into the town’s wells.

The Dawayima Massacre: Took place on October 29, 1948, when a battalion from the terrorist “Lehi” organization led by Moshe Dayan attacked the village and then began searching homes and shooting at its residents. Entire families were exterminated in the massacre, which resulted in the killing of 200 men, women, and children.

The Zionist massacres did not stop after the Nakba of 1948, but rather their frequency, intensity, and brutality increased in light of the use of more lethal and destructive weapons. Among the most prominent of these massacres were: The Sharafat Massacre, which took place in February 1951, in which 11 Palestinians were massacred, and the rest of the village’s people were displaced. The Bethlehem Massacre took place in January 1952, in which 10 Palestinians were massacred. The Qibya Massacre took place on October 14, 1953, in the village of Qibya, east of Jerusalem, during which (67) Palestinians were massacred, most of whom were women and children, and during which 56 homes were destroyed. The Qalqilya Massacre took place on October 10, 1956, when the occupation forces attacked citizens in the city of Qalqilya in the West Bank, during which about seventy citizens were massacred.

The Kafr Qasem Massacre took place on October 29, 1956, in which 49 Palestinians were massacred, including 11 children, when they were all returning home from work. The Khan Yunis Massacre took place on November 3 and 12, 1956, in which between 280 and 500 Palestinians were massacred.

In 1970, Zionist aircraft struck Bahr al-Baqar Primary School and Abu Zaabal factories, killing more than 150 Egyptian students and workers. In 1980, the extremist Jewish organization Kach attempted to blow up Al-Aqsa Mosque, and a shipment of explosives weighing 120 kg was discovered. The Sabra and Shatila massacre took place in September 1982. This massacre lasted three days, and its direct perpetrators were members of the Lebanese Phalange forces allied with the Zionists led by Ariel Sharon. The Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre took place on February 25, 1994, when a Zionist named “Barog Goldstein” stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, and fired bullets and bombs at the worshipers. This massacre resulted in the massacre of 29 Palestinians. The Qana Massacre took place on April 18, 1995. [3]

There is no doubt that groups have come together, albeit through flawed methods, to challenge Zionists, while Zionists have united various sects and factions to invade Palestine. Today, different Jewish groups exist in Palestine, and nearly all, with a few exceptions, are complicit in the ongoing oppression. Certain Zionists find common ground with various allies, including figures like Tommy Robinson, to advance their objectives. In a similar vein, jihadists, driven by their flawed principles, are anticipated to forge alliances as well. However, Louis has not specified which Marxists have aligned themselves with jihadist factions. The concept of unholy alliances is familiar to those acquainted with Bidah, yet history also reveals instances where Jews collaborated with polytheists in efforts against the final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Allah said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْجِبْتِ وَٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَهْدَىٰ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ سَبِيلًا

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture? They believe in Jibt and Taghut and say to the disbelievers that they are better guided as regards the way than the believers (Muslims). [Nisa 51]

Louis stated: Things are now different. The jihadi terrorist fight is now openly oriented to the idea of “holy war” as religious sacrifice. This unhidden orientation is relentless, persistent, and conspicuously barbarous. The October 7, 2023 Hamas rape and murder of Israeli and other noncombatants is the most obvious case in point. In explaining such egregious crimes, history deserves pride of place. [end of quote]

Response: The institution of holy war, or Jihad, within Islam does not endorse the actions described, irrespective of who commits them. A rational individual cannot justify the events of October 7, which targeted non-combatants, nor can they accept any mistreatment of combatants that deviates from the principles outlined in Islamic law. This matter has been thoroughly discussed in the provided link. https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

While the events of October 7 were undeniably brutal, they pale in comparison to more than seventy years of Zionist violence, both within prison walls and beyond. It is essential to recognize that all acts of atrocity, irrespective of their nature or perpetrator—be it Jihadists, Zionists, globalists, Ba’athists, or others—deserve unequivocal condemnation.

Louis stated: Speaking on official Palestinian Authority TV, on November 7, 2014, a senior Fatah official blessed all Islamic killers of Israelis: “Jerusalem needs blood in order to purify itself of Jews.” Two days later, on November 9, PA television honored these same killers as follows: “Greetings and honor to our heroic martyrs… We stand submissive and humbled by what you gave and sacrificed.” Then on November 14, the PA Ministry of Religious Affairs summarized in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida: “Jerusalem needs sacrifices and blood.” [end of quote]

Response: Violence begets further violence. Should these assertions reflect the belief that non-combatants and unarmed civilians are to be harmed, no individual well-versed in the true essence of Islam would condone such actions. Yet, we find analogous declarations made by Zionists. Explore further on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/01/15/must-take-a-look-at-what-is-happening-in-their-own-backyard-first/

Louis stated: BUT WHO, exactly are these prospective “martyrs?” The deepest roots of jihadi terror originate from cultures that embrace religious views of sacrifice. In these cultures, the purpose of sacrifice extends far beyond any presumed expectations of civic necessity. Rather, this rationale goes to the innermost heart of individual human fear; that is, to the palpable and universal dread of personal death. [end of quote]

Response: The concept of sacrifice within religious contexts transcends mere martyrdom in the battlefield; it permeates every facet of faith, influencing personal conduct and interactions with others. A quintessential illustration of this principle can be found in the lives of Muhammad and his companions. Any deviation from their established path cannot be deemed a true sacrifice; instead, it veers into the realms of extremism or negligence. In Islam, life, death, and sacrifice hold significant meanings, yet they are distinctly separate from the narratives espoused by Jihadists and insurgents. The quest for death driven by extremism aligns with the ideologies of the Khawaarij and the Muta’assibah or Saffakoon among the Jews. “They were a group whose thought was close to that of the Pharisees, but they were very aggressive and believed in assassinating anyone who disagreed with them. They were called Saffaakoon (Those eager to commit Murder). They committed pillage, plunder, and transgressed against everyone who accepts submission to others besides them. Hostility occurred between them and the Pharisees because the Pharisees submitted to the Romans. Some of the researchers consider them to be from the political or nationalistic sects, even though their movement started within a religious framework, but great was their crimes which they committed from one place to another”. [4]

Louis stated: Jihadi enticements are not hard to appreciate. The promised reward for those who sacrifice for jihad is salvation. Says the Qur’an (Sura 2:154): “Do not think that those who are killed in the way of Allah are dead, for indeed they are alive, even though you are not aware.” [end of quote]

Response: Firstly, Jihadi enticements are easy to appreciate by those who do not understand the conditions of Jihad nor the creed and methodology of the pious predecessors, nor are they honestly clarified by those demagogues, ideologues and rabble-rousers who know what Islam truly stands for, but they deceitfully use the Jihadists to slander or blame Islam. The promise of reward in Jihad is not for the one who enters into it with ignorance and transgression. This verse is free from the extremism and misguidance of the Jihadists, instead was revealed regarding those who performed Jihad in obedience and adherence to the Sunnah of the Messenger, and it is something hoped by all those who embark upon Jihad when the Muslim rulers call them to Jihad after its conditions are met. For further clarity, we’ll quote the translation of the verse from the noble Qur’an by Al-Allamah Taqiyuddin Al-Hilali and Dr Muhsin Khan, may Allah have mercy upon them, as well as the commentary by Imam al-Baghawi, may Allah have mercy upon him. Allah said:

وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ لِمَن يُقْتَلُ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتٌۢ بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَشْعُرُونَ

And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah, “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, but you perceive (it) not. [Al-Baqarah 154]

The verse was revealed concerning the martyrs of Badr, who numbered fourteen individuals—six from the Emigrants and eight from the Helpers. People would often say that those who were killed in the path of Allah had passed away, leaving behind the comforts and pleasures of this world. In response, Allah, Almighty revealed the following:

ولا تقولوا لمن يقتل في سبيل الله أموات بل أحياء ولكن لا تشعرون

And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah, “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, but you perceive (it) not.

Similarly, Allah stated regarding the martyrs of Uhud:

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتًۢا بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision. [Aal Imran 169]

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The martyrs are alive in the presence of Allah, and their sustenance is presented to their souls, bringing them joy, just as the torment is shown to the souls of the people of Pharaoh morning and evening, causing them distress. [5]

This verse, therefore, cannot be appropriated by Jihadists, as it was revealed concerning individuals who engaged in Jihad rooted in the authentic tenets of the faith, rather than the misguided innovations and deviations espoused by the Khawarij and Jihadists. Reflect on this once more. https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

Louis stated: In the Islamist Middle East, where theological doctrine divides humankind into the dar al-Islam (world of Islam) and the dar al-harb (world of war), acts of terror against “unbelievers” have long been defended as an expression of sacredness. For jihadi fighters, individual sacrifice ultimately derives from a feverishly hoped-for conquest of personal death. By adopting atavistic practices, the jihadist expects to achieve an otherwise unattainable immortality. Usually, there is also the expectation of a variety of more sensual or lascivious seductive benefits. [end of quote]

Response: This assertion can only be articulated by one of three individuals: either one who wishes to misrepresent Islam, or someone who intentionally disseminates half-truths, or perhaps an individual merely echoing what they have heard without true understanding, feigning knowledge they do not possess. Firstly, humanity is categorised as Allah has ordained, into believers in Him and the Messengers and those who either disbelieve in Allah and the Messengers, or those who disbelieve in His Messengers. Allah said:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ فَمِنكُمْ كَافِرٌ وَمِنكُم مُّؤْمِنٌ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do.

Secondly, territories are classified into three distinct categories: Dar Al-Islam, Dar Al-Kufr, and Dar Al-Harb, with not every Dar Al-Kufr qualifying as Dar Al-Harb. It is a well-established fact among those who engage in the study circles of scholars and their students that a clear distinction is made between “dar al-harb [a territory in conflict with Muslims]” and “dar al-kufr [a territory of disbelief].” Dar al-kufr refers to a region governed by disbelievers, who enforce their own laws and systems. In contrast, dar al-harb denotes a territory ruled by disbelievers, devoid of any treaty, covenant, or peace agreement with Muslim governments. A land may be classified as “dar kufr” yet not as “dar harb” if a covenant or peace agreement exists between Muslims and that territory, stipulating a mutual commitment to avoid conflict until it becomes unavoidable. [Footnote i]

Without a clear understanding of the distinctions between Darul Kufr, Darul Harb, and Darul Islam, the insidious narratives propagated by deceitful writers, demagogues, ideologues, and jihadists would flourish unchecked. These jihadists exploit their misleading narratives, weaving together selective verses to misrepresent their violent actions against both non-Muslims and fellow Muslims. Meanwhile, unscrupulous writers seek to depict Islam as a faith bent on the annihilation of non-believers. In this context, the proponents of Bidah serve as instruments for these manipulative figures. The aspirations for conquest and martyrdom cannot be built upon Bidah, no matter how it is cloaked in the guise of sacredness or promises of eternal rewards. It was imperative that Louis elucidate the definitions of Darul Kufr, Darul Islam, and Darul Harb, emphasising that only legitimate rulers, equipped with the authority of governance, possess the right to declare war or peace in Islam—not jihadists or insurgents. Furthermore, any individual who identifies as a Muslim and breaches a covenant established by Muslim leaders with other nations commits a grave sin; should they harm a non-Muslim under a pact of safety, the consequences are well known. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever killed a Mu’ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)”. [6]

Louis stated: For jihadists, there are certain aspects of sacrificial terror that ought never to be overlooked. This two-sided nature of terror/sacrifice – the sacrifice of “The Jew” and the reciprocal sacrifice of “The Martyr” – is explicitly codified, within the Charter of Hamas and elsewhere, as a “religious problem.” Always, for the Islamist terrorist, the true enemy is “The Jew,” not “The Israeli.” [end of quote]

Response: Terrorism, regardless of the target—be it a Muslim, Christian, Jew, Israeli [Footnote j], Hindu, or any individual—is unequivocally denounced. The identity of the perpetrator, whether a Zionist, Muslim, Christian, or any other, holds no significance in the face of such heinous acts. This is why when certain segments of the biased media persistently inquired about the condemnation of Hamas for the attacks on October 7th, the discerning senior students of knowledge unequivocally articulated Islam’s firm position against all who perpetrate such heinous acts, stating: “Our condemnation is on the basis that such actions are unjust and oppose Divine Legislation and not because of the race or ethnicity or religion of the perpetrators, and thus we are able to maintain moral consistency and integrity. This is unlike Western politicians who are able to swiftly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and support Ukraine (the invaded and occupied in this case) with money and weapons for resistance, but unwilling to condemn the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gazans, while supporting the Mileikowsky regime with bombs, missiles and military hardware to facilitate the execution of that genocide and ethnic cleansing”. [7]

Louis stated: Earlier, Yasser Arafat’s appointed clergy, preaching on the Temple Mount, affirmed an immutable religious precept: “Palestinians spearhead Allah’s war against the Jews. The dead shall not rise, until the Palestinians shall kill all the Jews….” [end of quote]

Response: Should such a declaration be made, despite the absence of concrete evidence or citation from Louis, it remains utterly intolerable and deserving of condemnation, akin to the abhorrent genocidal rhetoric espoused by Netanyahu and other Zionist figures, which is rightly denounced by all individuals possessing a modicum of decency.

Louis stated: Today, when jihadists of any type plan specific tactics of suicide terrorism – that is, when leaders give orders from Turkey, Qatar, Lebanon, Yemen, etc. for “believers” to make sacrifices of themselves – they leave nothing about immortality to chance. Because dying in the act of killing “infidels,” “apostates,” and “unbelievers” is certain to buy freedom from the penalty of dying, these jihadists can conquer mortality by killing themselves. [end of quote]

Response: It is important to avoid ambiguity in discussions like these. Louis should explicitly state which orders were issued for specific incidents. While it is true that terrorism exists in various countries, including those mentioned, we must refrain from vague statements or speculation. What we can assert with certainty is that since 1948, Zionists have engaged in acts of terrorism, as previously noted, under the supervision of their leaders. However, this acknowledgment does not mean we should ignore the atrocities committed by Muslims against unarmed civilians and non-combatants in Palestine or elsewhere. Regarding the sacrifices mentioned, Louis has not provided specific details or evidence about who issued these orders, making it difficult to discuss them further. Claims about killing infidels, apostates, and unbelievers have already been discussed under the subject matter of war and peace. Additionally, discussions about mortality in the afterlife is affirmed because every believer in Allah and His final Messenger is granted eternal life in paradise, even some of them face punishment for sins lesser than major polytheism and disbelief. Conversely, disbelievers face eternal consequences. Furthermore, we have already referenced the meaning of verse [2:154], emphasising those who genuinely adhere to its teachings, rather than interpreting it through the lens of the jihadi narrative that Louis briefly mentions, without clearly differentiating it from the legitimate jihad prescribed in Islam.

Louis stated: IT’S A grand and incomparable bargain, one that deserves much closer note in Jerusalem (and Washington). For Palestinian jihadists in particular, homicide-suicide represents not only the transient “death” of heroic Muslims, but also the required annihilation of a religiously despised Jewish state. Accordingly, the promised bargain is a “win-win” for all jihadi “warriors.” [end of quote]

Response: It’s important to recognize that jihad comes with its own set of rules, and those who break them are responsible for their actions. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that violence often leads to more violence. While the actions taken by some Palestinians in their struggle against Zionism may seem extreme, it’s essential to consider the far more egregious reality of the 70-year occupation and the suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

Louis stated: Root problem of terror in the Middle East

Though not yet widely understood, the root terrorism problem in the Middle East is jihadi death-fear and the consequent compulsion to sacrifice certain despised “others.” In turn, this often-overriding compulsion stems from the doctrinal belief that killing unbelievers and being killed by unbelievers represents the best available path to personal immortality. [end of quote]

Response: Contemporary terrorism stems from various factors, but at its core lies a lack of genuine devotion rooted in the pure teachings of the prophets. Before the desire for death arises in this context, it is essential that certain ideas take shape, even if those beliefs are often distorted or misapplied. It is not only irrational but also deeply troubling to suggest that the act of killing non-believers is the ultimate route to achieving personal immortality. This perspective overlooks the fundamental truth that Allah created both believers and non-believers, and it is solely His authority to determine who lives and who dies. This narrative should not be propagated based on extremist motivations but should reflect the understanding of the Sahaabah. The Prophet engaged with Jews, Christians, and polytheists, adhering strictly to the commands of his Lord. Additionally, another significant issue is the ongoing brutality faced by Palestinians at the hands of Zionists for over 70 years, who deny them dignity and the right to self-determination. The events leading up to 1948 were also instigated over many years by Christian Zionists to serve their agenda. [Footnote k]

Louis stated: To counter such belief, Israel must think in terms of desacralizing its relentless Islamist adversary and convincing him/her that ritualistic murders of Jews will lead not to paradise and limitless lascivious pleasures, but, as the Qur’an also says, to untold “terrors of the grave.” [end of quote]

Response: The unspoken horrors of the afterlife await those whom Allah has chosen to punish. However, the faithful believer in Allah and His final Messenger shall ultimately find their way to paradise, even if they face retribution for sins that are not as grave as major polytheism or disbelief. In stark contrast, the disbeliever in Allah or His Messenger, or a disbeliever in both of them, is destined to dwell in the flames for eternity. It is quite remarkable that Louis chose not to elaborate on the Islamic teachings regarding the verses misinterpreted by extremists, nor did he seek to liberate Islam from such a misguided approach. Instead, he merely alludes to the repercussions of malevolent actions in the Barsakh. Thus, Louis selectively quoted what served the interests of the Zionists, failing to discern between truth and falsehood in every matter, and did not challenge the Zionists for their misdeeds in the article we are addressing, unless such critiques have been articulated elsewhere unbeknownst to us.

Louis stated: For all jihadi terrorists, the violence-based struggle against Israel and America has never been about land, “settlements” or “self-determination.” Always, it has been about God and immortality. In this regard, Israel and the United States should be reminded that there can be no greater “political” power on earth than “power over death.” This is the case even though any such ultimate power is obviously a contradiction in terms.

In the ongoing reconfiguration of Islamist terror groups following Bashar Assad’s fall in Syria, all of these groups will share a presumed stake in expanding terror violence. Going forward, therefore, Israeli planners will need to factor such adversarial commonality into their counter-terrorism protocols. Pertinent decision-makers will need to understand that transient name changes of regional jihadi organizations are of secondary significance. Whatever the apparent differences between HTS and its predecessors, all groups will continue to embrace terrorism as religious sacrifice. [end of quote]

Response: The ongoing struggle marked by violence stems from the relentless force of Zionism, which has subjected the Palestinian people to suffering for over seven decades. This is compounded by the destructive influence of kharijism, which spills blood across both Muslim and non-Muslim territories, alongside the insatiable greed and hubris of globalism and neocolonialism that have supplanted traditional colonial practices. The concepts of God and immortality have become mere slogans, wielded to rationalise heinous acts. However, Allah, His Messengers, and the divine truth of His religion remain untouched by the machinations of Zionists, kharijites, and globalists. The cycle of murder and devastation is a direct consequence of straying from the path of obedience to Allah and His Messenger.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim articulated this profound truth:

Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawheed, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it- he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great. [8]

Louis stated: In the ongoing reconfiguration of Islamist terror groups following Bashar Assad’s fall in Syria, all of these groups will share a presumed stake in expanding terror violence. Going forward, therefore, Israeli planners will need to factor such adversarial commonality into their counter-terrorism protocols. Pertinent decision-makers will need to understand that transient name changes of regional jihadi organizations are of secondary significance. Whatever the apparent differences between HTS and its predecessors, all groups will continue to embrace terrorism as religious sacrifice. [end of quote]

Response: The emergence of present day kharijites and Jihadists, with their varied slogans and affiliations, is an inevitable phenomenon, much like the persistent brutality, land appropriation, and propaganda associated with Zionism. While the jihadi factions in Syria are a relatively recent development, the oppressive actions of Zionists have been a longstanding issue for over seven decades. We denounce all forms of violence and extremism. Perhaps, one of the most compelling admonitions on this subject comes from Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah protect him. Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

And Allah knows best

——————————————————-

Footnote a:
https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza
https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print
https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies

Footnote b:
https://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend=

The Islamic Condemnation of Extremism and Terrorism. An eBook presentation for non-Muslims and for Da’wah.

The Khawarij Past and Present: ISIS Daesh in Iraq & Syria: Ibn Kathir (died 774 AH): If The Khawarij Ever Gained Strength in Iraq and Syria, There Would Be Mass Killing

Why do these militant Khawārij look upon the rest of humankind and see them as worthless scum who can be killed without regard?

Footnote c:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/01/05/sunni-shia-divide-a-brief-rebuttal-to-david-ben-basat-at-the-jerusalem-post/

Footnote d:

Who Are The Militant Hoothees?! They Are The Raafidah of Yemen!

Footnote e:
https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right

Footnote f: The martyrs are of five kinds: one who dies of plague; one who dies of stomach ailment; one who is drowned; one who is buried under debris and one who dies fighting in the way of Allah. [Sahih Muslim 1914

Footnote g:

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam

Footnote h:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/13/the-initial-rise-and-gradual-impact-of-christian-zionism-on-some-european-political-decision-makers/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/10/08/an-overview-of-christian-zionism-in-america-since-the-arrival-of-the-puritans/

American Christian Zionists’ Media Initiatives Aimed at Influencing Public Opinion, With a Brief Mention of The Concept of Greater Israel

Footnote i:

The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death (Islam 1.11)

Are Treaties With The Jews, the State of ‘Israel’ and other Non-Muslims Permitted? Is it Allegiance? Is it Apostasy?

Footnote j: http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

Footnote k: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/13/the-initial-rise-and-gradual-impact-of-christian-zionism-on-some-european-political-decision-makers/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/10/08/an-overview-of-christian-zionism-in-america-since-the-arrival-of-the-puritans/

American Christian Zionists’ Media Initiatives Aimed at Influencing Public Opinion, With a Brief Mention of The Concept of Greater Israel

[1] Sahih Ibn Majah 174

[2] Sahih Muslim 2944

[3] Compiled from various old Arab Newspapers

[4] Al-Faslu Fil Milal Wal-Ahwaa Wan-Nihal. 1/177-179 By Ibn Hazm. Publisher: Daar Al Jeel 1405AH.

[5] Tafsir Al-Baghawi

[6] Sahih al-Bukhari 6914

[7]https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

[8] Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526]