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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا تَرۡكَنُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ فَتَمَسَّكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ

And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you]. [Hud: 113]

The word [ظلم –wrong] in can (mean) disbelief,  bidah, and [فسوق  i.e. sinful, immoral behaviour]. (It) can apply to all [i.e. in different contexts]. Therefore, we refrain from inclining towards the evil doers, the people of bidah, the unbelievers, the Ilmaaniyyoon and other than them. We protect ourselves, our creed, the Iman and the sound religion Allah has bestowed on us.

It is enough for us to remember that the Salaf fled from Fitan – not mixing, sitting and debating with the people of Fitan. Even among them, such as the likes of Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee and Ibn Seereen did not listen to the speech of those (people of bidah). When Ibn Seereen was asked,  “Why do you not speak, why do you not listen to them?” He said, “Indeed, my heart is not in my hands! I am not in control of my heart; I fear for myself that I may be misguided”. So, the likes of these Imams feared fitna and deviation for themselves, but you the Miskeen possess that bravery to enable you to challenge ahlul bidah….!!! Many people say, “We sit with ahlul ahwaa and we take (from them), we distinguish between truth and falsehood, we take what is truth and abandon falsehood”, while he (i.e. the utterer of this speech) is a Miskeen who can neither distinguish between truth and falsehood nor is he in control of his heart. How many young peeople have been put to trial through this satanic view,  thus degraded, reverts back on his heels (into misguidanc) and depraved, and Allah’s Aid is sought. He falls prey in the arena of the people of fitan! Therefore, it is obligated to a student of knowledge not to (regard) himself safe from ahlul bidah, for indeed he is not more knowledgeable than Ayyoub and Ibn Seereen, nor can he reach their station and those who followed them.

[Slightly paraphrased excerpt from “Adh-Dhari’ah Ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab Ash-Shariah 1/192-193” by Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khal, may Allah have mercy upon him]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al Fawzan commented:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

أيها القاضي بقم قد عزلناك فقم

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

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

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

 وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍ بِظُلْمٍ نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

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

Zandaqah: Heresy

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

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

A safeguard against hastiness in punishment

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَتَفَقَّدَ الطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِيَ لَا أَرَى الْهُدْهُدَ أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ الْغَائِبِينَ

لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا أَوْ لَأَذْبَحَنَّهُ أَوْ لَيَأْتِيَنِّي بِسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ

He inspected the birds, and said: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? “I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason.” (An-Naml 20-21)

“What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?”

Meaning: “Is it that I cannot see him because of me being unaware of his presence due to it being hidden among these numerous different groups, or because – with neither my permission nor command – it is absent?”

Thus, he got angry and issued a threat of punishment, and said:

لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُ ۥ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا

“I will surely punish him with a severe punishment” without killing it.

أَوۡ لَأَاْذۡبَحَنَّهُ ۥۤ أَوۡ لَيَأۡتِيَنِّى بِسُلۡطَـٰنٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

“or slaughter it, unless it brings me a clear reason”– Meaning, “(brings) a clear proof for being absent”.

This is from the perfection of his Wara [1] and equity because he did not merely make an oath to punish or kill it, as that can only be done if a sin or wrong doing was committed. It may be that there was a clear excuse for its absence, therefore he made this exception because of his Wara and sound perception. [An Excerpt from “Tafseer As-Sadi]

[1] What is (الوَرَعِ)? Al-Manaawee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said about (الوَرَعِ – Al-Wara): “It said that it is to abandon what causes you to doubt, negate what brings you blame (disgrace), and adhere to what is most reliable (certified).”

Source: at-Tawqeef Alaa Muhimmaat at-Ta’aareef. p. 336

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

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

Imam Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

O Muslims! Fear Allah, accept the advice of the sincere advisers and the admonition of the admonishers. know that this knowledge is religion, so beware of what you do, from whom you take your religion, the one you follow, and the one with whom your religion is safe, because indeed all the proponents of religious innovation are falsifiers, liars, and sinners. They are not cautious – neither do they pay attention nor do they fear, and together with that they are not to be trusted that they would not distort what you hear.

They say what they do not know with regards to what they disapprove and when proclaiming their lies; but Allah (knows, hears, and sees) what they do. Therefore, be cautious of them, trust them not, reject them, and avoid them because this is what your earlier scholars did and commanded, and likewise the righteous ones who came thereafter.

Be careful of opposing Allah and being the means to destroying the religion He has ordained – breaking its commands and prohibitions, nullifying and weakening it by respecting the innovators in religious matters and those who initiate that which is not from the religion, because you know what has been transmitted (i.e. the prohibitions) about respecting or exalting them. What can be greater respect and exaltation than acquiring your religion from them- following and believing them, drawing close to them, and assisting them in enticing the ones they entice and wooing to their views and the religion (i.e. religious innovations) they follow? This is sufficient to be regarded as associates of theirs in what they do.

Taareekh Dimashq 6/361

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

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

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

”If you see a man speaking well of Ibn Abee Du’aad, Al-Mareesee, Thumaamah, Abul Hudhail or Hishaam Al-Footee or any of their adherents, beware of him because he is an innovator.  These people were upon apostasy, so leave this man who spoke well of them and whomever he mentioned of them.”

“If you see a man speaking well of Ibn Abee Du’aad, Al-Mareesee, Thumaamah, Abul Hudhail or Hishaam Al-Footee….”

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

If you see a man commending the people of evil and the scholars of misguidance, such as these off shoots of the Jahmiyyah, then know that he is a sinful one, a corrupter and a misguided one. [This  is] because he does not praise them except that he loves them and approves of their path. And if you see a man commending Ahlus Sunnah, such as the likes of Imam Ahmad and Ibn Al- Mubaarak, and likewise commending the Scholars of the Taabi’een and those who came after them, then know that he is a person of goodness. [This is] because he commends not Ahlus Sunnah except that he loves the Sunnah and adheres to it.

This teaches us a lesson in (view of the fact that) some of the brothers or some of the students of knowledge commend some of the innovators (in religion) or the people of desires and deviated views, while not examining their views and orientations.  They attack and find fault with the people of khayr [i.e. those known to be upon upright path] because they lend an ear to those who find fault with them and believe them.  This is a severe danger. If you find fault with the people of khayr – the people of knowledge and Ahlus Sunnah- and commend the people of deviated views and orientations, then this is a severe danger even if you do not sit with them.  Therefore, this is from that which we should be mindful of, which many people have fallen into at present.


An Excerpt from ‘It-haaf Al-Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imam Al-Barbahaaree 2/237-238. slightly paraphrased

 

Love with Balance, Fight or Oppose with Fairness

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

The Importance of Upright Friendship

Allah said:
الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ

Bosom friends on that Day will be foes one to another except for the pious. [Al-Zukhruf 67]

Meaning on the Day of Judgment, those who established close friendships upon disbelief, disobedience to Allah and rejection (i.e. belied guidance), “Will be foes one to another” because their close friendships and love in the worldly life were for other than Allah, thus, they will turn into enmity on the Day of Judgment.

“Except for the pious”, who avoided Shirk and disobedience, for indeed their love for one another will endure and remain.

وَقَالَ إِنَّمَا ٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡثَـٰنً۬ا مَّوَدَّةَ بَيۡنِكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُ بَعۡضُڪُم بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيَلۡعَنُ بَعۡضُڪُم بَعۡضً۬ا وَمَأۡوَٮٰكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لَڪُم مِّن نَّـٰصِرِينَ

And (Ibrahim) said: “You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper.” [Al-Ankabut 25]

How can they attach themselves to someone who is aware that he will free himself from those who worshipped him and curse them?! [Tafsir As-Sadi]

Love and Hate Moderately

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Love your beloved one modestly, for it may be that he will become hated to you someday. And hate the one whom you hate modestly, for it may be that he will become your beloved one someday”.

Al-Allaamah Ibn Al-Atheer, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

“This means that you should love your beloved one with moderation and do not go beyond bounds. Do not go into extremes in your love and hate, for it may be that one day you’ll hate the one you used to love and love the one you used to hate. Therefore, neither exaggerate in your love and become regretful (in future), nor exaggerate in your hatred and thus become shy in the presence of the one you used to hate after you stop hating him”. [An-Nihaayah 5/284]

Treat Others Fairly

Abdullah Bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end whilst believing in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated”. [Ṣaḥih Muslim 1844]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This is from the Jawami al-Kalim of the Prophet [i.e. precise speech with a comprehensive meaning] and his amazing wisdom. It is obligatory to pay close attention to this important principle and that a person must not deal with the people except in a way he loves to be dealt with. [Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/196]

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

A Muslim is to give consideration to his Muslim brothers in the same way he would give consideration to himself- wishing for them the good he wishes for himself and hates that evil should touch them just as he hates that for himself. The one who loves that the people should approach him with good related to the worldly matters and the Afterlife, it is obligated to him to do the same for them, so that the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “You cannot (truly) believe until you wish for your brother what you wish for yourself” becomes a reality in his personality; and also the statement of the Prophet: “The believer in relation to another believer is like a structure, each part strengthening the other”, and also the statement of the Prophet, “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim”. Whoever is able to have these characteristics, then indeed he has established Iman (in this matter), good manners and dealings. [at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsila Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 2/29-33]

Sincere Advice

Sincere advice, especially when urgently needed, cannot be concealed even for the sake of close or real friendship

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

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked, “What do you say about an individual who advises people not to listen to refutations, and when asked why he took this stance, he answered, ‘The person who asked me about this was a common person, and he is unable to recite the Quran properly’. What is your comment on this? May Allah bless you”.

Answer: If he is a layman, he must be taught the Islamic creed and warned against ahlul bidah. Because the majority of ordinary people have become supporters of the people of bidah these days, it is necessary to warn them against (the people of bidah). Say to him, “So and so is on such and such bidah, and you will be harmed if you listen to him.” This is done so that they will not read (his books), listen to his audio tapes, and will be cautious of his statements. This layman needs someone to caution him and remind him of the principle, “This knowledge is religion so look at whom you take your religion from”. During these times, the common people are targeted by the people of bidah, who will tell you, “Do not let them read the books of refutations.” No. No. This will expose them (the people) to destruction. (1)

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, Al-was asked, “Is it permitted for us as students of knowledge to be silent about the Mubtadi’ah and to nurture the youth and students on the Salafi path without mentioning the names of the Mubtadi’ah?”

Answer: By Allah, if necessary, the Mubtadi’ah are to be mentioned by their characteristics as well as their names. If so and so has put himself forward for leadership, leading this Ummah and the youth to falsehood, he is to be mentioned by name. If there is a necessity, he must be mentioned by name. In this regard, one of the Salafis in Egypt used to teach, and he would just mention generalities (general descriptions without mentioning names), and the people did not understand these generalities. Following that, he began to openly mention the names of the groups and individuals, so they said, “O Shaykh! Why did you not teach us like this in the beginning?” He said, “I delivered many lessons to you, and I would say this and that (i.e. general descriptions without names)”. They said, “By Allah! We did not understand.” (2)

Al-Allamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] said:

The principle here is about warning against mistakes and deviance after identifying them as such. If the affair necessitates making known the name of an individual among the obstinate opponents so that beguilement does not occur through them, particularly those individuals with deviated views or deviation in behaviour and methodology, and they are well known among the people and a good opinion is held about them, there is no harm in mentioning them by their names and their methodology warned against. The scholars do research on the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and then mention the narrators and the criticism levelled against them. This is not done for the sake of personal (criticism), but rather to advise the Ummah in case they come across affairs from these individuals that are harmful to the Religion or lies against the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. Therefore, this principle is first and foremost about warning against mistakes. But the person who made such a mistake should not be named if doing so would either do more harm or if there is no benefit in doing so.

If the matter requires that his name be made known in order to warn the people about his methodology, this is an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, especially if he (the one warned against) is active among the people and they have a positive view of him and buy his books and audio tapes. Therefore, there has to be clarification and warning because silence will be harmful to the people. His affair has to be unveiled, however, it must be done as an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, and not for the purpose of defamation or to satisfy one’s desires.


[1]Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/273)

[2]Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/277)

[3] An Excerpt from “Al-Ajwibah Al Mufeedah”. Question number 66. Page 162. slightly paraphrased

Wagers allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows”. [Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud 2574]

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

“Wagers and gifts are only deserved in the context of horse and camel racing, as well as similar activities, and in archery, which is considered a form of combat preparation. This is because these activities serve as means of readiness in the fight against the enemy, and offering rewards for them encourages and motivates participation in jihad. However, engaging in races that do not pertain to military preparation or do not enhance one’s capability for Jihad is prohibited, and taking a reward for such races is not permissible.” [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated:

“If one of the participants or an outsider were to offer a reward, it would fall under the category of prizes. Such practices are prohibited, except in cases that yield benefits, such as competitions and contests, as indicated in the hadith: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels or horses or shooting arrows”. This is because offering money for purposes that do not serve a beneficial role in either religion or worldly matters is forbidden, even if it does not constitute gambling. [2]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Prophet permitted competitions involving rewards in three specific activities, while prohibiting them in others. This exception serves to distinguish these activities from gambling or its close resemblance, as competitions that involve a reward can lead to a situation where one party benefits at the expense of another, which is the essence of gambling. If one were to inquire why these three activities are allowed, the response is that they serve to support Jihad in the path of Allah. Camels are utilised to carry the belongings and weapons of the fighters, as well as to transport the fighters themselves. The arrows are employed by the combatants to defend themselves and to attack their enemies. Similarly, the horse is used for charging and retreating, making it a valuable asset in warfare and in the pursuit of jihad for the sake of Allah. [3] [End of quotes]

NB: Any specific alternative form of competition that could be viewed as supportive of Jihad [Footnote a] or advantageous in religious or worldly matters should be directed to scholars for a specific Fatwa. This is to prevent ourselves from making personal analogies that may lead to the endorsement of what is impermissible or the prohibition of what is permissible. Thus, it is incumbent upon us to seek the guidance of scholars where one believes there may be a justification for their intended actions.

Footnote a: Read: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/


[1] Ma’alim al-Sunan. (2/255)

[2] Majmu Al-Fataawaa 32/223]

[3]https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=33043 paraphrased

Caution to Ourselves, Our Children, and Companions: The Peril of Pushing Concessions Too Far

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

A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her,  reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did something and allowed his people to do it, but some people refrained from doing it. When the Prophet learned of that, he delivered a sermon, and after having praised Allah, he said, “What is wrong with such people who refrain from doing a thing that I do? By Allah, I know Allah better than they, and I am more afraid of Him than they.” [Al-Bukhari 6101]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father,  reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, Allah loves for you to take His concessions, just as He loves you to fulfill the things He has obligated.” [Sahih Ibn Hibban 354]

 

Unjustified Pursuit of Concessions and Odd Matters

Ibrahim Ibn Abee Ablah (died 152AH – may Allah have mercy upon him) said, “He who carries the odd affairs of knowledge carries a lot of evil”. [1]

Abdur Rahmaan Bin Mahdi (died 198AH – may Allah have mercy upon him) said, “The one who pursues the odd affairs of knowledge cannot be an Imam in knowledge”. [2]

Imam ash-Shaatibee, may Allah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the attitude of unjustified pursuit of concessions, “This arises from following one’s desires. Desire leads to a ‘too easy going attitude’ and the pursuit of concessions for oneself and others. So, you see him (i.e. such person) adopting that for himself or passing that judgment for his relative or friend, which he would not do for another person, due to the desire of that relative and friend”. [3]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “If a Mukallaf [i.e. the sane one who has reached the age in which the obligations of the Shariah are obligated to him or her] seeks after concessions in the Madhabs in every affair that is difficult for him and every statement that agrees with his desires, then he will remove himself from the firm handhold of piety and persist upon the pursuit of desires”. [4]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated regarding the attitude of the unjustified pursuit of concessions: “This arises from following one’s desires. Desire leads to a too easy going attitude and the pursuit of concessions for oneself and others. So, you see him adopting that for himself or passing that judgment for his relative or friend, which he would not do for another person due to the desire of that relative and friend”. [5]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said: “If a Mukallaf [i.e. the sane one who has reached the age when the obligations of the Shariah are obligated on him or her] seeks after concessions in the Madhabs in every affair that is difficult for him and every statement that agrees with his desires, then he will remove himself from the firm handhold of piety and persist upon the pursuit of desires”. [6]

“f desires enter (a person), it leads to following the ambiguous matters out of being eager to prevail and become victorious through establishing excuses in issues related to difference of opinion (or differing); but rather it leads to splitting, disharmony, enmity, and hatred due to the different desires and lack of (sound) agreement; however, the Shariah came to curtail (vain) desires completely. If some of the premises of the evidence were not established except through desires, it would not result except in following desires and that is contrary to the Shariah, and opposing the Shariah is not fr of the Shariah at all. Therefore, following desires concerning what one may regard to be adherence to the Shariah is tantamount to misguidance.”. [7]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

It is obligated to you to adhere to evidence and not (seek) concessions. Some of the pious predecessors said: “Whoever pursues concessions may fall into Zandaqah (hypocrisy or disbelief). Every Mad’hab contains some errors- some mistakes from some of its followers or from the Imam to whom it is attributed, who may have erred in some narrations or some hadiths were hidden from him. Therefore, a student of knowledge should not chase after concessions. If there is a difference of opinion on an issue and it is not one about which there is consensus, there are treatises among the people of knowledge, and the student of knowledge should (diligently) search for evidence and examine the more compelling statement or the one supported by stronger evidence, then he takes that which is established based on evidence and he does not chase after concessions. [8]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

The facilitation of ease is what aligns with the essence of the religion. From this, we know that when two scholars differ in their opinions and it is not clear which view carries greater weight, neither in terms of evidence nor derivation of proofs, and both are reputable scholars in their knowledge and trustworthiness and the evidence is not clear as well as the derivation of proofs, yet they hold differing views—one being more stringent than the other—whom should we follow? The response: We should follow the easier option and it is said (we follow) the more stringent one, as it is deemed more cautious. However, this statement requires further examination, as the most cautious approach would be what aligns more with the Shariah and the easier option would be what aligns more with the Shariah. [9]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

The jurists -may Allāh have mercy upon them, defined Muru’ah [manliness, sense of honour, honourable behaviour] in the Book of Testimonies, stating: “Doing what beautifies and adorns (a person’s character), while avoiding what may tarnish one’s character or reputation. This definition is general. Anything that beautifies and adorns you in the eyes of the people, and serves as a reason for praise for you, is considered Muru’ah, even if it does not fall under acts of worship. And everything opposite of this is contrary to Muru’ah. [10]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] was asked about those who follow the legislated Islamic concessions?

He replied: The religion is an Amaanah- an amaanah between the slave and his Lord. It’s obligatory that he fulfils it (the religious duties) as Allah and his messenger have commanded. Whoever performs the obligations, refrains from the prohibited affairs, (does) that which he is able from the Mustahabbaat (recommended deeds) and abandons the Makroohaat (disliked actions), this is the Amaanah between the slave and his lord. The concessions are only allowed when there is a need and necessity (to utilise) them. Utilise them in accordance with necessity- with a need for the concession. Just like the sick person combines between two prayers, performs Tayyamum if he cannot use water for purification and doesn’t fast in Ramadhaan (i.e. when travelling etc), and a traveler shortens the prayers. This is a religious concession used at the time of its requirement. As for using concessions in other than their correct place (i.e. situation), then this is not permissible. Allah did not permit that for him (in such situation). Indeed He (Allaah) only placed the concessions at specified times and situations, and they are not used in other than these (times and situations). Therefore, it is obligated to the Muslim that he fears Allah and that he establishes that which Allah has obligated to him. [11]

Reminder to Those Youth You Have Gone to Study And Are Teachers or Will Be Teachers In Future InShaAllah

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

“The loftiest ambition in pursuit of knowledge is to acquire knowledge from the Qur’an and the Sunnah- to be granted understanding by Allah [i.e. blessed to acquire sound knowledge and act upon it] and through the Sunnah of the Messenger, and acquaint oneself with the boundaries of the revelation [i.e. neither going into excess nor being lackadaisical]. And the most baseless ambition of the students of knowledge is to confine their ambitions in following the bizarre affairs and that which has neither occurred nor has it been revealed, or acquainting (oneself) with the differences of opinion and pursuing the statements of the scholars, whilst having no ambition to acquaint oneself with what is correct among those statements. Little is there to benefit from the knowledge of these people”. [12]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

We have decided to explain the book “Hilya Talib Al-Ilm” after consultations and suggestions from our students at the central Masjid. This is because if a student of knowledge lacks virtuous character, then there is no benefit in his pursuit of knowledge; instead it is obligated to a person that whenever he acquires knowledge of something related to virtuous deeds or acts of worship, he (strives) to implement it. If he does not do so, then he and the ignorant person will be the same; rather, the ignorant person may be in a better position because he deliberately abandons it  unlike the ignorant person. This is because the ignorant person may act if he knows unlike the one who knows yet does not follow. Therefore, I urge both myself and you to embody virtuous manners, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, and kindness to the best of our abilities. This is besides the great advice – fear of Allāh – about which Allāh says:

وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ

And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allah, and keep your duty to Him. [An-Nisa 131] [13]

Al-Allaamah Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, ay Allah have mercy upon him] said, “And know that some of the sincere ones fall into error by the will of Allah as a trial for others, as to whether they will follow the truth and abandon his speech, or be deceived by his virtuousness and lofty (status)? He (i.e. this sincere scholar) is excused; rather he is rewarded for striving to reach the correct verdict and his intention to reach good, and he is not degraded. However, the one who follows him (out of being) deceived by his great (status) without turning towards the real evidences in Allah’s Book (i.e. the Qur’an) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), he is not excused; rather he is upon a great danger”. [14]

 


[1] Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 6/324

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

[3] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 5/84

[4]Al-Muwaafaqaat. 3/123

[5] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 5/84

[6] Al-Muwaafaqaat. 3/123

[7] Al-Muwaafaqaat 5/221

[8] Paraphrased:

عليك أن تأخذ بالدليل، لا بالرخص، قال بعض السلف: من تتبع الرخص؛ تزندق، كل مذهب يكون فيه بعض الأغلاط، بعض الأخطاء من بعض أتباعه، أو من الإمام الذي هو منسوب إليه أنه غلط في بعض الروايات، وأنه خفي عليه بعض الأحاديث، فطالب العلم لا يتتبع الرخص.
وإذا كان في المسألة خلاف، ما هي بمسألة إجماع، فهناك رسائل بين أهل العلم، فطالب العلم يتحرى الدليل، وينظر في أقرب القولين، أو الأقوى للدليل، فيأخذ بما قام عليه

الدليل، لا بتتبع الرخص

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2138/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%A1

[9]  Paraphrased:

التيسير هو الموافق لروحِ الدِّينِ، مِن هُنَا نَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ إِذَا اخْتَلَفَ عَالِمِانَ فِي رَأْي ولم يتبين لنا الأَرْجَحُ من قوليها لا من حَيْثُ الدَّلِيلِ، وَلا مِن حَيْثُ الاسْتِدْلَالُ وكُلُّهُمْ عُلَماءُ ثَقَاتِ فِي عِلْمِهِمْ وَأَمَانَتِهِمْ، وَالْأَدلَّةُ لِيسَتْ وَاضِحَةً، وَالاسْتِدْلَالُ كَذَلِكَ، لكن اخْتَلَفَ رَأَيْهَا، أَحَدُهُمَا أَشَدُّ مِن الثَّانِي، فَمَنْ نَتَّبِعُ؟
الجواب: تَتَّبِعُ الأَيْسَرَ ، وقيل : الأَشَدَّ؛ لَأَنَّهُ أَحْوَطُ؛ وهذا القَوْلُ فِيهِ نَظَرُ؛ لأن
الأَحْوَطَ مَا كَانَ أَوْفَقَ لِلشَّرْعِ، وَالأَيْسَرُ هُوَ الأَوْفَقُ لِلشَّرْعِ

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 202. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal

[10] Paraphrased:

والمَرُوءَةُ حَدَّهَا الفقهاء . – رحمهم الله – في
كتاب الشهادات، فقالوا هي: فِعْلُ ما يُجَمِّلُهُ ويُزَيِّنُهُ، وَاجْتِنَابُ مَا يُدَنَّسُهُ وَيُشِيةٌ
وهذه عبارة عَامَّةٌ ، كُلُّ شَيْءٍ يُجَمِّلُكَ عِنْدَ النَّاسِ، وَيُزَيِّنُكَ وَيَكُونُ سَبَبًا للثَّنَاءِ عَلَيْكَ
فهو مَرُوعَةٌ، وإن لم يكن مِنَ العِبادات، وكلُّ شيء عَكْسُ ذلك فهو خلاف المروءة

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 7. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal. page 50

[11] Translated by Abu Aa’isha Amjad Khan. http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/13751

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

[13] Paraphrased:

فقد قَرَّرْنَا شَرْحَ كتاب «حِلْيَةُ طَالِبِ الْعِلْمِ»، بعد مُشَاوَرَةٍ واقتراح الطلبة لدينا في الجامع؛ وذلك لأنَّ طالب العلم إذا لم يَتَحَلَّ بالأخلاقِ الفَاضِلَةِ فَإِن طَلَبَهُ لِلْعِلْمِ لا فائدة فيه، لكن يَجِبُ على الإنسان كُلَّمَا عَلِمَ شَيْئًا مِن الْفَضَائِلِ أو العِبَادَاتِ أن يقوم به، فإذا لم يفعل فهو والجاهل سواءٌ، بَلِ الْجَاهِلُ أَحْسَنُ حَالًا منه، لأنَّه تَرَكَ الفَضْلَ عن عَمْدٍ بخلاف الجاهل، ولأنَّ الجاهل رُبَّمَا يَنْتَفِعُ إِذا عَلِمَ،
بخلاف من عَلِمَ ولم يَنتَفِعُ .
فلهذا أحثُّ نفسي وإِيَّاكُمْ على التَّحَلي بالأخلاقِ الفَاضِلَةِ، وَالصَّبْرِ والمُصَابَرَةِ، والعفو والإحسان، بقدر المستطاع، هذا بقطع النظر عن الوصية الكبرى، وهي الوَصِيَّةُ بتقوى الله – عز وجل، التي قال الله – تعالى – فيها
وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ

Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm page 7. 1st Edition 1434AH Rabi’ ul Awwal

[14] Raf’ul Ish-tibaah. page 152

 

[46a] Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

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

In the latter half of the 19th century, the Ottoman youth were affected by the French Revolution that led to democratic governance in France. They became affected by nationalism, secularism, and (wanted) the abolishment of rulership by one person (i.e. a person who wields absolute authority), as well as affected by the Italian nationalist movement under the leadership of (Giuseppe) Mazzini. The Ottoman Empire was being confronted with military and media campaigns aimed at weakening and fragmenting the State. Therefore, European nations utilised the circumtances of the Christians within the empire as an excuse to interfere.

Then in 1865, a group of educated Ottoman youth (met) to deceive themselves at a garden located in the outskirts of Istanbul known as Belgrade Forest. They discussed political topics and concocted the idea of setting up a secret assoiciation that was indentical to the “Young Italy association” initiated by the Italian leader (Mazzini) in 1831 for the unity of Italy under slogan of the Republic. They called their association “United Zeal” and among them was the poet Namiq Kamal, who later became very famous. They believed that their effort should be be devoted to acquainting the society with their political rights and how to attain it, since the desire of Christians for independence from the Empire cannot be warranted through foreign interference. Therefore, rescuing the state from its (continuous) decline necessitates the initiation of a democratic political system.

During that time period- in France – Mustapha Pasha, the Amir of Egypt, challenged Fu’aad Pasha out of a desire to become the supreme ruler of Egypt. He announced that he was part of the movement calling for constitutionalism in the Ottoman Empire. Three individuals among the revolutionary Ottoman journalists joined the Amir in Paris, namely: Namıq Kamal, Muhammad Diyaa, and Ali Sa’aawee. They established an organisation called the “New Ottomans Society”. One of the most prominent was Namıq Kamal, who was acquainted with Islamic civilisation, but influenced by the philosophers of the French Revolution, such as Rousseau. Namiq aimed to respond to three main questions:

  • The causes of the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
  • The means to stop this decline?
  • The necessary reforms to attain this goal?

His answers to the causes of the decline can be summarised as follows:

  • Economic and political.
  • Education as the way to help stop this decline.
  • A centralised constitutional state should be implemented as the main reformation initiative. He believed that the Reform Movement should replace the sovereignty of the sultans with the power of the Sublime Porte, meaning the grand viziers. However, the system initiated by the reforms was inferior, thus, the reforms did not achieve economic revival in the state, rather they paved the way for European countries to pry into the internal affairs of the Ottomans. He expressed the idea regarding natural rights and presented a draft constitution to Midhat Pasha, but was affected the Constitution of Napoleon III in 1852. He believed that this (initiative) was very appropriate for the circumstances of the Ottoman Empire at that time.

Sultan Abdul Hamid spoke about Namıq in his memoirs as follows:

“Kamal Bey was from many of those individuals who often associated themselves to the “New Ottomans. He was a very contradictory man; neither did his family life align with his personal life, nor did his literary life align with his intellectual life. You may be certain that a person is either able or unable to do something, but you can never ascertain this when thinking about Kamal Bey, because he himself is not acquainted with himself. You can say that he is one of those rare personalities with a split personality, each one different from the other depending on his mood. Those who are closely acquainted with him know that when he had a good relationship with the Şhiraa family, he wrote about Ottoman History; but when that connection was corrupted, he wrote: “Only a dog would trust the service of an unjust hunter.” Indeed, he is a man who changes as he wishes. He can be a very sincere person and you can make him -within hours – hold your views, but you’ll not be able to know the number of hours or days during which he would carry those thoughts. [End of quote] [Source: An Excerpt from “Ad-Dawla Al-Uthmaniyyah Awamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot 6/500-502]

Indeed, this section, and Allah’s aid is sought, reminds us of the danger of pursuing reformation through other than the path of the pious predecessors. Read in this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/10/22/quranic-and-prophetic-methodology-for-the-rectification-of-society-by-imam-abdul-aziz-bin-baz/

To be continued InShaAllah