In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Sultan Abdul Aziz (1277 – 1293 AH / 1861 – 1876)
He ascended to the throne following his brother in the late year of 1277 AH. During his reign, a revolution erupted in the island of Crete, which was suppressed in 1283 AH /1863. The Suez Canal was inaugurated in 1385 AH / 1869, and during the early years of his rule, the Judicial Regulations magazine and the Maritime Trade Law were published. He traveled to Europe and contemplated taking advantage of the rivalries among European nations; however, he discovered that they were united in their opposition to the Ottoman Empire, viewing it as an Islamic state. The Europeans could not shake off the deep-seated animosity rooted in their history, although they often disagreed among themselves based on their individual interests.
They were determined to exert pressure on the Ottoman government to continue its reform efforts and purported advancement along Western lines, European thought, and secular principles. Sultan Abdul Aziz was committed to following the path established by his father, Mahmud II, and his brother, Abdul Majid. He retained all officials responsible for implementing the reforms. Among the most significant administrative reforms during his reign was the enactment of the Provincial Law in 1281 AH (1864). Additionally, a Supreme Judicial Court, known as the Council of Judicial Decisions, was established. In 1385 AH (1868), a State Council modeled after the French system was created, referred to as the Council of State, which had the crucial responsibility of discussing the budget.
In the field of education, a secondary school was established in 1285 AH /1868, known as “Galatasaray.” The curriculum offered at this institution was superior to that of other secondary schools, with all subjects taught in French, except for the Turkish language. The primary objective of founding this school was to produce a group of young individuals capable of fulfilling public service roles. The student body comprised individuals from various religious backgrounds, predominantly Muslims, but also included Greeks, Armenians, who were Christians, as well as a number of Jews. In fact, the school attracted a significant number of students, reaching a total of 600 in 1869, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Despite the reform measures implemented during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz, European nations deemed them insufficient as evidence of the Ottoman Empire’s genuine desire for reform. They believed that the efforts to improve the conditions of Christian subjects and to eradicate the widespread corruption within the administrative and governmental systems were inadequate. Many contemporary observers in Europe viewed these corrupt practices as a significant threat that could ultimately lead to the collapse of the state. [Footnote a]
Many English contemporaries, along with others, believed that the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire had become inevitable due to its failure to adopt European reform methods. In 1865, British Foreign Secretary Lord Clarendon stated that the only way to improve the situation of the Ottomans was to completely remove them from existence. This sentiment underscores the animosity that Christians held towards the Ottoman Empire, which had previously defeated them, particularly following the conquest of Constantinople. [Footnote b] The Ottoman Empire failed to adopt European reform principles due to the complete disconnection between European ideals and the principles of the Ottoman state, which were derived from the Book of Allah and the teachings of His Messenger.
The Deposition of Sultan Abdul Aziz:
He had traveled to Europe, where he observed the collusion among European nations against the Ottoman Empire. He sought to take advanatge of the existing conflicts of interest between Western European countries and Russia to benefit the Ottoman state. Consequently, he began to frequently invite the Russian ambassador to Istanbul. This action alarmed the European powers, leading them to spread rumours about his extravagance and wastefulness. Ultimately, Mehmed Pasha succeeded in deposing him and, along with his associates, orchestrated his assassination in the year 1293 AH / 1876. Medmed Pasha was a member of the Donmeh Jews, [Footnote c] and Masonic propaganda promoted him throughout the Arab and Western regions as a great hero and the champion of reform and freedom within the Ottoman Empire, earning him the title of “Father of the Constitution.” His supporters utilised various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts, to elevate his status, leading him to attain high-ranking positions such as the governorship of Syria and Iraq, as well as the Grand Vizier, the highest office in the Ottoman Empire. Subsequently, he began to undermine and sabotage the system, driven by his Jewish and Masonic affiliations. He, along with the global Masonic network of Donmeh Jews, established the “Committee of Union and Progress,” which adopted the same emblem as Masonry and set its headquarters in Blanick. Eventually, some of his actions were revealed to Sultan Abdul Hamid, who subsequently arrested him, dismissed him from his position, and later exiled him. [Footnote d]
The assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be attributed to his outright rejection of Western constitutions and customs that were incompatible with Islamic values. He made significant strides in reforming the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the military sector. He strengthened the army by replacing outdated weaponry with modern arms, sourcing the necessary equipment from the finest weapon manufacturers in Europe. Additionally, he implemented military organization based on contemporary standards and established military units composed of members from various tribes and provinces, equipping forts and castles with the most advanced artillery available.
The Ottoman Empire’s artillery became a benchmark for advancement, thanks to the reforms implemented by Dar al-Madani al-Tubkhana, where modern equipment and machinery were introduced. This transformation enabled the production of all types of new weaponry. Additionally, significant improvements were made in the naval sector, with Ottoman experts replacing foreign specialists despite their objections and those of their countries. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire emerged as one of the leading maritime powers globally. He initiated the dispatch of naval missions abroad, procured armored vessels, and established several factories for their production, as well as for machinery and boilers. The Izmit manufacturing facility regained its former glory, while numerous shipyards were renovated. He also founded the Journal of Judicial Regulations and worked diligently to uphold justice, holding accountable high-ranking officials such as Khosrow Pasha, Atif Pasha, and Tahir Pasha. This commitment to justice and reform was evident to the public, but it did not sit well with European nations, which preferred a state of oppression that would hasten the empire’s decline.
Furthermore, he implemented financial reforms, mandated a balanced budget, abolished outdated financial lists, and settled the state’s debts, leading to a monetary system and a more organized financial situation. European nations were alarmed by the rapid actions taken by this sultan, which disrupted their plans to eliminate the “sick man” of the East. Consequently, they devised a conspiracy to depose and subsequently assassinate him. The origins of the conspiracy surrounding the assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be traced back to a well-orchestrated plan devised by the consuls and representatives of European nations in the Ottoman capital. They executed this plan through their agents, who were influenced by their ideologies, including prominent figures in the government. Notably, the Freemason operative known as Mehmed Pasha admitted during his trial to his involvement in the deposition and murder of Sultan Abdul Aziz, a fact that is historically recognized and documented in various records.
An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/435-438
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Footnote a: This tactic is widely recognized as one employed by the opponent, who instigates internal conflict and subsequently presents itself as a benefactor or rescuer, similar to a fireman arsonist.
Footnote b: Read on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Part-One_Our-Ottoman-Brothers_Ascendancy-And-Decline.pdf
Footnote c: One of the works written on this subject matter is the book title: “The Secret Jews” by Joachim Prinz 1973. ISBN 0-394-47204-7
Footnote d: The author offers limited information in this section about the degree of this individual’s participation in the sultan’s assassination. However, regardless of his level of involvement or collaboration with external enemies of the state, the seriousness of taking a Muslim’s life is well-known. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The murder of a believer is a greater tragedy to Allah than the end of the world”. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1395]
And We bestowed upon him (i.e. Prophet Ibrahim) Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nuh (Noah), and among his progeny Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Ayub (Job), Yusuf (Joseph), Musa (Moses), and Harun (Aaron). Thus do We reward the good-doers. And Zakariya (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. And Isma’il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas’a (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lout (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times). And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a Straight Path. This is the Guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves. But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them. They are those whom We gave the Book, Al-Hukm (understanding of the religious laws), and Prophethood. But if these disbelieve therein (the Book, Al-Hukm and Prophethood), then, indeed We have entrusted it to a people (such as the Companions of Prophet Muhammad) who are not disbelievers therein. They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance. Say: “No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur’an). It is only a reminder for the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” [Al-An’aam. 83-90]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The Messengers are the most judicious among all of creation without exception, and their followers constitute the next most judicious group. Among the adherents of the scriptures and the great legislated laws, those who follow the Messengers are deemed the most judicious, with Muslims ranking highest among them. Among Muslims, the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, are regarded as the most judicious, followed closely by those who emulate their faith precisely. Furthermore, the people who steadfastly adhere to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet and the sound reports passed down from him are considered the most judicious within the Muslim Ummah after the companions and those who have followed their example.
The clear proof to demonstrate that the Messengers are the most judicious among the entire creation is that the beneficial knowledge they conveyed, the righteous deeds, and beneficial guidance for both this life and the hereafter, have not been conveyed by others or even something close to it. There is nothing – from any perspective – that emerged from other judicious people that can be compared to what the Messengers conveyed concerning beneficial knowledge, righteous deeds and actions, and the beneficial matters of true well-being in both the present world and the afterlife. Whoever reflects on their life stories, both specific and general, their patience and perseverance, their abstention from the fleeting pleasures of this material world, their fervent desire to seek Allah’s pleasure and the eternal rewards promised in the hereafter, their pure manners, their unparalleled truthfulness among all beings, possessors of the purest hearts and souls, custodians of the greatest trust (namely, divine revelation and prophethood), the most honourable companions one could have, the purest in their inner-most conscience and their private matters, would not doubt that they are the most judicious among Allah’s creation without exception. It is undeniable that those who closely follow their example will inherit a greater share of judiciousness than others. [1]
Patience
Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:
Allah tested Prophet Ayyoub, peace be upon him, and Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, when he lost his two sons [Yusuf and Binyameen- peace be upon them] as well as the effects of the severe grief in his heart. Allah said:
And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [Yusuf 84]
Allah tested Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during the early years of his (Prophethood) and obligated to him to call his people to abandon the Shirk and the misguidance they were nurtured upon by their forefathers. He made that clear to them in private and public- day and night. He approached them in their hangouts, gatherings, and towns, and carried on doing so for nearly 13 years whilst they inflicted severe harm on him, even though before this he lived for 40 years or more without being harmed. He was from a noble, honoured, and respected tribe – a noble, honoured, and respected household. He grew up with noble manners due to which he was honoured and respected by the people, but despite this, he was very modest.
The one with these qualities received severe harm and faced extreme hardship. This harm intensified with mockery- this one spat in his face and that one attempted to place his feet on his neck while he prostrated to his Lord (in prayer), and another person placed the intestines of a camel on his back while he prostrated, and such and such person grabbed the collar of his garment to strangle him. His uncle (Abu Lahab) followed him wherever he went and warned against him, saying, “He (i.e. Muhammad) is a liar. He is insane”. The foolish were incited against him and they pelted him with stones until blood flowed from his two feet. Others boycotted him and his close relatives – for a long time – so that they died out of hunger. Some people tortured his followers with various types of torture, and amongst them were those who were forced to lie down on the sand during the hottest time of the day and were denied water. One of them was burnt with fire until the only thing that extinguished the fire was the fat on his back. A woman amongst them was tortured, but when they realised that she would not renounce Islaam, they stabbed her in her private area and murdered her. All this torture was not due to anything else other than the fact that the Messenger was calling them to remove them from the darkness of Shirk and enter them into the light of Islaam- to remove them from corruption and enter them into upright conduct, distance them from the anger of Allah and guide them to the means of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and remove them from the path of eternal punishment and guide them towards the path of permanent bliss. However, they did not pay attention to this although its proofs were very clear; rather the only thing that concerned them was that he was calling them to other than what they desired.
Also, Allah tested the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through the death of his parents when he was very young, then the death of his grandfather, the death of his uncle who used to protect him, and the death of his wife who used to console him. The calamities did not cease, even though he is the leader of the children of Adam and the most beloved person to Allah.
Therefore, ponder on all of this to know – based on true knowledge – that the mutual rivalry – in which we engage and greedily exert ourselves to acquire the enjoyment of the worldly life – is nothing compared to attaining Allah’s Pleasure and eternal bliss in paradise. As for the misery and hardships of the worldly life which we flee from, they are nothing compared to Allah’s displeasure, His anger, and eternal punishment in the hell fire. Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A person amongst the inhabitants of Hell – who lived the most enjoyable life amongst the people of the world – would be dipped in fire only once on the Day of Resurrection and then it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you find any comfort, did you happen to get any material blessing?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, my Lord’. Then a person amongst the people of the world would be brought – who lived the most miserable life (in the world) – from amongst the inhabitants of Paradise and he would be dipped once in Paradise, and it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you face any hardship? Or had any distress fallen to your lot?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, O my Lord, never did I face any hardship or experience any distress’”. [Sahih Muslim. 2807] [2]
Sovereignty
The Greatest King of all Time Prophet Sulayman, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his father and all the Prophets
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:
If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, 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, 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]
Jane stated: “Israel is not a political issue; Israel is a Biblical issue – because this is God’s nation, and the Jewish people are His people”. [end of quote]
Response: The pious among the Children of Israel, as mentioned in the unadulterated Torah and Injeel, are recognized. Therefore, the reference to the Children of Israel in these scriptures pertains to a Biblical context rather than Zionism, as noble Musa and other Prophets of Bani Israel were not Zionists. Furthermore, we are all servants of Allah, and any nation that adheres to the sound teachings of His Prophets and Messengers honoured in His Sight. However, those who reject the message after the arrival of any Prophet or Messenger cannot be His chosen nation. A significant portion of Bani Israel turned away from the noble Prophet Eesa and the final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, along with all the other Prophets. Visit website: https://www.islammoses.com/im/
Regarding the statement that Israel is not a political matter, it seems that Jane may either be discussing modern politics and Zionism or referring to the unaltered teachings of the Torah and Injeel as practiced by the noble Prophets of Bani Israel. If her focus is on current events and what is termed the state of Israel, it is clear that its foundation is built upon misinterpreted texts and the principles of Zionism. Conversely, if she is alluding to the guidance of the ancient Prophets of Bani Israel, it is evident that their leadership and guidance was rooted in piety across all aspects of life. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Bani Isra’eel used to be ruled and guided by prophets. Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What do you order us (to do)?” He said, “Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 3455]
Imam Ibn Hajr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Whenever corruption appeared amongst them, Allah sent a Prophet to rectify their affairs and put an end to that which they changed in the rulings of the Torah”. [2]
Jane stated: Whether you are living in Finland, Venezuela, Belgium, America, Argentina or Japan – it doesn’t matter where you’re living; there is not one person or family who goes through life without extreme hardship, pain and trauma. Whether it’s an ugly divorce, being sick with cancer, betrayal, bankruptcy, accident, major surgery, the loss of a child, the loss of a loved one, abuse or rape, whatever it is, people are suffering the same in Israel. [end of quote]
Response: No matter our location, we all encounter life’s challenges and shifts in circumstances. For over seventy years, Palestinians have endured profound suffering. This acknowledgment does not diminish the pain experienced by others, whether Jewish or non-Jewish. However, it is undeniable that since the conclusion of the Second World War, no group has faced greater hardship and adversity than the Palestinians under successive Zionist administrations.
Jane stated: Whatever hardship you are going through that is breaking you to the core and has you weeping on the floor or not being able to get out of bed – whether you are living in Australia or Norway, no matter what you can possibly go through of horrific things in your life, we all suffer in some manner. It is a common denominator of our mortality on this earth. [end of quote]
Response: This statement holds true universally, yet no group has faced greater oppression and brutality since the Second World War than the Palestinians, subjected to the actions of successive Zionist administrations.
Jane stated: Now imagine, on top of whatever hardship you are going through anywhere around the world, you are being told by the whole world that you are “illegally occupying” your homeland. [end of quote]
Response: This above statement aligns perfectly with our expectations as Jane began to weave her narrative. The land is not the eternal possession of either the Zionists or Bani Israel. Read below:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
Jane stated: You are occupying someone else’s “country” that actually is non-existent – geopolitical fiction, actually, and for that fictional reason, it’s okay to murder you. For that same reason, you, your child, wife, or husband are brutally butchered in your home, run down while waiting at a bus stop, murdered in front of a supermarket, or shot while sitting on a bus. [end of quote]
Response: You are occupying territory that was previously home to inhabitants long before the noble Yusha Bin Nun, peace be upon him, arrived with a group of the upright believers, not the Zionists. This land is not imaginary or nonexistent; it is a tangible reality. Please take a moment to read the information below once more: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
The act of murdering non-combatants and unarmed civilians, irrespective of the location or the identity of the perpetrator—be they Muslim, Jew, or Christian—has been unequivocally denounced in the verse we referenced, along with its interpretation by Imam As-Sadi at the outset of this brief article.
Jane stated: The worst things people can experience happen to Israeli civilians – but why? The most horrific terror attacks that you can possibly imagine continue to happen – buses and cafes are being blown up, people are being stoned as they drive in their vehicles – which has just happened three days in a row, and a toddler was actually injured here in Israel. Countless thousands and thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones are flying into Israel as her enemies continue their efforts to murder you and anyone else who calls Israel their home. [end of quote]
Response: Violence begets violence, and malevolence fosters more malevolence. The actions of the Zionists have devastated Gaza, leaving it in ruins and resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands under the guise of retaliation and self-defense—an assertion that no rational individual can endorse. This cycle of aggression is bound to escalate, tragically impacting innocent lives who bear the brunt of the horrors inflicted by Hamas on civilians and non-combatants on October 7th, as well as the disproportionate response from the Zionists. Furthermore, this is compounded by their ongoing land appropriation and brutality towards the Palestinians over the past seven decades. We once again share the poignant statement from Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah protect him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w
Furthermore, allow me to present a glimpse into the historical context of Zionist violence:
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]
Jane stated: It is horrific when you have to run for your life into bomb shelters, and old ladies living on the fourth floors of apartments that do not have an elevator – are not being able to come down to get into a bomb shelter. Imagine the terror as you bring your toddlers out in the middle of the night, running for cover as you try to shield their tender lives, because numerous countries are firing missiles, drones and rockets – all because they want to kill you just for you being Jewish and living in your own country. [end of quote]
Response: The plight of those who have been forced to flee for their lives for more than seventy years even more harrowing, especially when confronted by a Zionist army. It is indeed tragic that elderly women must navigate life on the fourth floor without elevators, unable to reach bomb shelters. Now, consider the even graver situation of those Palestinian elderly women who are left vulnerable to deadly Zionist airstrikes, with no refuge in sight. We can picture the sheer terror of a parent carrying a toddler through the chaos of the night, desperately seeking safety to protect their precious child. Now, amplify that fear to encompass the Palestinian toddlers who are exposed to the devastating impact of Zionist bombs, and the horror they experience when their families are obliterated without any shelter. We must reiterate to Jane that violence begets violence. Those who identify with Islam and target non-combatants and unarmed civilians deserve unequivocal condemnation. However, the strongest denunciation should be directed at the successive Zionist administrations and their military forces, who have perpetuated a campaign of terror for over seventy years. Additionally, the claim that the land belongs solely to one group has already been addressed on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
Jane stated: The more subtle battles you face each day are things like your manufactured or homemade products being boycotted just for living in Judea and Samaria. In the political arena, your leaders are being named as war criminals when they are just defending you and your country. Then you have to watch millions of people walking in protests on the streets of cities all across the world while calling for the annihilation of you and your wife and your children, your grandchildren – staring in unbelief as you watch them walking and chanting in the streets as they call for robust support of these modern-day Nazis. [end of quote]
Response: We have consistently expressed our disapproval of sensationalism; it is imperative that we engage in discussions grounded in facts rather than resorting to dramatization and appealing for sympathy at the cost of fairness. The decision for any state or organization to boycott the Zionist government is a personal choice, irrespective of an individual’s circumstances under the Zionist administration. Read:
In the realm of politics, few groups have a more storied legacy of political support than the Zionists. [Footnote a] Furthermore, the leaders within the Zionist movement bear responsibility for the accusations leveled against them, irrespective of those they profess to protect. The right to self-defense and retaliation does not excuse acts of aggression and violence; indeed, it is even more troubling when such conduct is endorsed by declarations from Zionist figures. Read below:
Jane stated: However, the air is silent because there is not one word of shock, outrage, or anger for the hostages of October 7, 2023, to be released. In Israel, there are survivors among your people who have gone through the horrors of the Holocaust – and against all they endured, these brave souls came back as prophecies were fulfilled. Today, we see the Jewish people come home to their ancestral homeland with connections that reach back to thousands of years. Then the October 7 massacre happened, and some of those survivors perished at the hands of this new generation of Nazis.
This event in Israel was the biggest onslaught against the Jewish people since World War Two happened. Your soul feels violated as you are forced to watch people glorify and celebrate that horrific day, and on top of that – the world expects you to show restraint to feed your enemies and give them water and electricity to the people who are cheering when your people are being murdered. [end of quote]
Response: Netanyahu and Hamas share culpability for this malevolence, despite the fact that Hamas was absent when the Zionists initiated their acts of brutality more than seventy years ago. Nevertheless, Hamas serves as a strategic instrument for the Zionists.
https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right
Those who endured the horrors of the Holocaust and have recently faced violence deserve our compassion, and it is imperative to clarify that no one should justify acts of violence that target non-combatants and unarmed civilians, regardless of their background as Holocaust survivors or otherwise. Such acts of brutality are unequivocally condemned. However, we must also consider the plight of the thousands of Palestinians whose families—spanning three or four generations—have been decimated by Zionist bombings. What of those Palestinians whose legacy is one of displacement and profound suffering passed down through generations? While the events of October 7th are rightly condemned and should never be repeated, we must also reflect on the more grievous reality: the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians over the past year. Furthermore, what implications are you suggesting regarding access to electricity and water? We shall refrain from commenting on your statement, as this issue has been widely discussed globally, and anyone with a sense of decency understands the moral complexities involved.
Jane stated: So, think about your circumstances – no matter what hardship you’re going through around the world, you don’t have to endure such horror and abuse. Can you imagine – no – unless you live here, you can’t. Millions of Israelis have PTSD; they are deeply traumatized. Such is the very soul of Israel, with so much pain and grief. [end of quote]
Response: Certainly, it is essential for us to reflect on our situations and extend our compassion to every non-combatant and unarmed civilian, irrespective of their faith or social standing, who has faced oppression or violence. Our hearts go out to all those caught in the turmoil instigated by Netanyahu and Hamas, whether they identify as Jews, Christians, or Muslims. The impact of this trauma will undoubtedly resonate among non-combatants on both sides, a reality that Prince Turki al-Faisal unequivocally denounces. Let us take a moment to listen once more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w
Jane stated: But for such a time as this – you – good, loving, history-understanding people, and especially Christians – the Bible-believing people who understand the truth, the facts, the history – you are obligated for such a time as this to stand up and speak up like Queen Esther did for her nation, the Jewish people who are constantly forced to defend their very existence, and their right to live in the great nation of Israel.
Israel has to constantly defend why they are demolishing the homes of terrorists who have murdered Jews, while on the other side of the coin, you watch YOUR government (and many others around the world) pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into arch-terrorist Abu Mazen/ Mahmoud Abbas – a terrorist in a suit – who is paying a reward to the vile terrorists who are murdering Jewish children and adults. [end of quote]
Response: Those who uphold the truth do so without bias in their defense of it. We shall unite to condemn wrongdoing and champion justice, grounded in the final and infallible divine revelation. This is not a matter of seeking assistance at the cost of fairness, irrespective of the audience being addressed. Truth should not be selectively presented to undermine the rights of others or manipulated through the rhetoric of propagandists among Christian Zionists or various political lobbies worldwide. Instead, it must be conveyed and substantiated through concrete evidence, which have been observed over the past 70 years of oppression. The Jewish community, like any other, has at times faced persecution for their steadfast commitment to the truth during the presence of their Prophets, while at other times they have borne the repercussions of their misdeeds. A nation’s greatness is not defined by its identity or a purported special status in the Sight of Allah; rather, it is their actions, whether in alignment with or in defiance of divine revelation, that truly reflect their moral standing. Allah said:
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. Ayah 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”. [a]
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. [b]
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. [c]
(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] [d]
“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]. [e]
“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. [f]
(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] [g]
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. [h] [End of quote]
However, no matter the consequences endured by Jews, Muslims, Christians, or any other group, such circumstances do not excuse the actions of wrongdoers during these events. It is widely recognized that those who retaliate or seek vengeance against a collective often include individuals who will engage in excessive violence, an act that has never been endorsed by any Prophet of Allah. Consequently, those who take the lives of innocent Jews must be deemed malevolent, and their heinous actions should be unequivocally condemned. Likewise, Jews who perpetrate similar acts deserve condemnation without hesitation, even if they attempt to invoke the specter of anti-Semitism, as is often the tactic employed by Netanyahu and his associates to deflect accountability for their atrocities against Palestinians.
Jane stated: In order to seek the release of Israel’s precious and innocent civilians and soldiers who were kidnapped and dragged into the dungeons in Gaza, Israel has been forced to release cold-blooded terrorists who blew up cafes, blew up buses, and murdered Jews in the most heinous ways possible. [end of quote]
Response: We reiterate our call to avoid sensationalism and instead advocate for discourse grounded in truth. Every human life holds immense value, as highlighted by the verse from the Qur’an at the outset of this article. The abduction of innocent civilians has been unequivocally denounced by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, irrespective of whether they are confined in opulent residences or dark dungeons. The act of kidnapping is reprehensible in itself, even if the victim is treated with undue reverence. Yet, we must also consider the Palestinian prisoners who have been released in dire health, sharing harrowing stories of torture and brutality inflicted by Zionist prison guards. The destruction of buses and cafes is a despicable act, regardless of the victims, but even more egregious is the systematic eradication of three generations of Palestinians, transforming Gaza into a landscape of devastation visible to all.
Jane stated: Meanwhile, the world only mentions that they are Palestinian prisoners – who are “victims” in their own right and refuse to share the real reason they are prisoners, with terrible stories of the gruesome terror attacks they have committed. Where is the moral compass for the rest of the world when there are still hostages left inside Gaza being brutalized, tortured, and starved? All this while the world only cares about Israel, no longer letting aid into the Gaza Strip to feed the terror organization called Hamas.
Apparently, that’s more important to the world than the hostages who are still held in Gaza, all the families who are mourning their loved ones, or all the families who have lost a precious one in terror attacks even before or after October 7. We had one yesterday where terrorists were firing into the vehicle of an 18-year-old man who was shot in his arm. [end of quote]
Response: Your assertion that “the world” perceives these individuals as innocent suggests a universal consensus. Yet, without specific details regarding the crimes attributed to each prisoner, we cannot engage in conjecture about their classification as terrorists. Should you provide the particulars of their offenses, it is clear that Prince Turki Al-Faisal has unequivocally denounced all acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam, as well as those framed as resistance or self-defense. Consequently, it cannot be said that the entire world views them merely as prisoners, especially when their actions are scrutinized by figures like Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who holds firm stances against both Hamas and Zionist actions. The moral compass remains consistent among those who value truth and fairness, as they do not adhere to double standards. Furthermore, the plight of innocent hostages and victims on both sides has also drawn condemnation from Prince Turki Al-Faisal. Thus, the claim that no one cares about the suffering of one side is sensationalist, and it is unacceptable to justify the suffering of Palestinian children under the pretense of punishing Hamas. We extend our sympathies to all those grieving for their loved ones, whether they are in the hands of Hamas or the Zionists, and we empathize with all who have endured pain due to the actions of both parties. However, it is the successive Zionist administrations that warrant the most condemnation for their relentless campaign of brutality over the past seventy years.
Jane stated: So again, let me repeat – whatever trauma, hardship, devastation, or grief you are going through, people are going through the same here in Israel, but on top of that, they have all the rest of these horrible and unjust issues to deal with on a daily basis. Let that sink in for just a moment because unless you live here, you can’t imagine what it’s like. So, for such a time as this, we are called to “comfort, comfort My people” and to stand united with Israel, the nation that God singled out from all the nations. He put the borders down and His Name down on this piece of land. God said, “I will plant them here, never to be uprooted again.” But uprooting and annihilation is what the world wants, they want to divide the Holy Land for their own profit, they dare to touch the apple of God’s eye, and they are okay with the murder and the slaughter of the Jewish people. Rockets, shootings, ramming attacks with cars and trucks, stabbing, axe attacks, machete attacks, bombings – you name it – it happens here. And yet, the world has more sympathy for these modern-day Nazis and their supporters – shame on you! And I want to encourage you as we just celebrated Purim: Stand with Israel, stand for truth, stand for justice, come against the lies when you see your government is supporting Mahmoud Abbas – a terrorist in a suit, or when you see your government is supporting UNWRA who is doing nothing good – nothing but indoctrinating children with hatred towards the Jewish people and they becoming the next generation of Hamas terrorists. UNWRA workers are Hamas terrorists! [end of quote]
Response: Indeed, it is essential for us to contemplate the anguish experienced by individuals across the globe, irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, or faith. The Palestinian people, in particular, endure daily hardships that are unparalleled in the aftermath of the Second World War. Let us take a moment to truly grasp this reality; unless we have lived under the oppressive conditions imposed by Zionist forces, we cannot fully comprehend their suffering. In these challenging times, we are called to extend our compassion to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as well as to all those who have faced adversity at the hands of both Zionists and Hamas, as eloquently expressed by Prince Turki Al Faisal. Regarding the notion of being a nation chosen by God until the end of time, this belief stems from a misinterpretation of sacred texts, which the final revelation contradicts, indicating that the idea of being the sole chosen people – until the end of time – among all nations is unfounded.
The violence, including shootings, vehicular assaults, stabbings, and axe attacks, is a manifestation of the turmoil instigated by Zionists since their brutal treatment of Palestinians, their expulsion from ancestral lands, and the appropriation of territory under the guise of a divine entitlement. Historically, Jews and Muslims coexisted harmoniously in this region before the advent of the Zionist agenda. Therefore, our compassion must encompass all victims affected by the circumstances fostered by Zionist actions and the tactics employed by Hamas, which have only exacerbated the crisis. The true disgrace lies with those who instigated this chaos and those who respond in a manner that makes the situation worse. We refuse to align ourselves with Israel or any party based on falsehoods, unfounded claims, or sensational narratives; instead, we will uphold the truth as expressed by Prince Faisal Al-Turki. We stand firmly against the killing of children and non-combatants, regardless of their faith—be it Muslim, Jew, Christian, or otherwise. Allah said:
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. [An-Nisaa. 135]
[d, e, g & h]: Translator: Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him]:
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/7
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/8
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-804356
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Christian Europe and its Church did not waste much time in capitalising on the circumstances of modernisation and reforms. Just seventeen days after the issuance of the decree, the first missionary expeditions departed from Marseille towards the Ottoman capital, carrying with them their hostile ideas towards Muslims and the Quran, which they accused of prohibiting education. The influence of these reforms quickly spread to the semi-autonomous Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire. In Tunisia, Muhammad Bey issued the “Ahd al-Aman” in 1857, based on the following principles.
Human beings can only achieve success if their freedom is guaranteed and justice serves as a protective barrier against aggression.
Complete security.
Absolute equality before the law for both Muslims and non-Muslims:
Foreigners should enjoy the same rights as Tunisians, be allowed to engage in various types of business, and possess ownership rights. Egypt followed a similar path, with these laws being enacted in Istanbul, Tunisia, and Egypt.
The modernisation efforts, initially a European desire supported by certain elite groups, evolved into official laws in which the Sultan committed to implementing necessary reforms to Westernise Islamic society. The conflict shifted from external pressure on the Ottoman state to an intense internal struggle, characterised by a clash between authorities that opted for, or were compelled to adopt, Western institutions and a society that resisted these changes, relying on scholars, jurists, and preachers who strongly opposed the modernisation movement on the grounds that it contradicted Islamic law. [Footnote a]
One of the most notable features of these reforms was that:
The initial official documents did not derive their authority from Islamic law; instead, they were based on a secular source of legislation inspired by European constitutional experiences. These documents included Western concepts such as “nation,” as reflected in the text, rather than using the term “Ummah.” This marked a significant step towards the separation of religion from the state. [Footnote b]
The concepts of “full security declaration,” “covenant of safety,” and “Council of Representatives,” along with other elements inspired by Western experiences, facilitated a form of legitimacy for the ongoing oppression of the general populace. Additionally, they paved the way for a class of Western merchants and missionaries to align Ottoman society with Western laws and missionary ideologies.
The constitutional framework established by Khedive Ismail and Hayreddin Pasha in 1876 marked a significant milestone in Islamic history. For the first time, a constitution inspired by the French, Belgian, and Swiss models—secular and civil in nature—was implemented within an Islamic state.
The reforms implemented by the Ottoman Empire officially set it on a path toward its decline as an Islamic state. The secularisation of laws, the establishment of institutions operating under civil regulations, and the departure from Islamic legislation in areas such as trade, politics, and economics undermined the Empire’s legitimacy in the eyes of Muslims. Furthermore, the Empire faced internal adversaries, as European encroachment in cultural, economic, and political spheres, coupled with the skepticism of Muslims and religious scholars regarding the state’s actions, initiated a conflict that would persist beyond the fall of the Ottoman Empire and continues to this day.
It is crucial to acknowledge what transpired. Sultan Abdul Hamid II documented his historical testimony in his memoirs, illustrating his efforts to save the Ottoman Empire as it faced significant challenges and was under siege. He was a ruler who understood the true nature of the modernisation movements, which were labeled as the “Reform Movement” to disguise their genuine intentions of aligning the Ottoman state with the West. Consequently, he faced opposition from constitutionalists and the Donme Jews, leading to his eventual deposition. In the later years of his reign, he wrote as a ruler stripped of his will, revealing the realities of renewal and reform:
“The changes they advocate for under the guise of reform will ultimately lead to our decline. One must question why our adversaries, who have made a pact with malevolence, specifically recommend this course of action. It is evident that they are fully aware that reform is a malady rather than a remedy, and it poses a significant threat to the very existence of this empire. If we are to consider implementing any reforms, we must take into account the prevailing conditions within the country and refrain from evaluating the situation based solely on the intellectual standards of a small group of officials. Additionally, we must acknowledge the skepticism of the scholarly class towards all things European. The Europeans mistakenly believe that the only path to salvation lies in wholly adopting their civilization. There is no doubt that our model of development differs from that of Europeans. We must evolve under natural conditions and through our own efforts, while also taking advantage of external circumstances in specific situations. It is profoundly unjust to be accused of opposing everything that originates from the West”.
The balance of justice has accurately assessed the Ottoman reform movement and the ways to benefit from Western civilization. I believe it is beneficial for the esteemed reader to understand Islam’s stance on Western civilization as well as other pre-Islamic cultures, and to explore how one can derive advantages from these civilizations.
The utilization of Western civilization, along with others, can be categorized into three types:
First: The adoption of industries, their foundations, scientific discoveries, experimental sciences, military advancements, and natural sciences such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and astronomy. This should be done after careful examination and purification from any influences of ignorance, and then restructured within a framework that aligns with Islamic principles. These elements fall into two categories: one that is obligatory to acquire and adopt, particularly those that are critically needed by Muslims, or those without which certain obligations cannot be fulfilled, such as weaponry and military systems relevant to the call to Islam and jihad. Therefore, anything that Muslims require—within permissible limits—in this area should be embraced and utilized, as Muslims have a rightful claim to it. [Footnote c]
The establishment of an Islamic state necessitates the use of permissible means, which include complete caution and full awareness. Allah has mandated that Muslims take necessary precautions, remain vigilant, and be self-sufficient, avoiding reliance on what is held by non-believers, regardless of the circumstances. [Footnote d]
The second point concerns imitation in acts of worship, beliefs, principles, concepts, perceptions, and philosophical views regarding the universe, life, and humanity, which are related to faith. These matters lack detailed explanation and are unequivocally prohibited. Seeking guidance from non-believers in these areas can lead to apostasy or disbelief if the imitator believes in their validity and adheres to them. At the very least, it is considered sinful due to ignorance of their true nature. [Footnote e]
The third point concerns the imitation of morals, behavioral patterns, etiquette, culture, thought, and artistic production, among other aspects. These matters may either conflict with the fundamental principles and rules of Islam or involve practices that the Sharia prohibits emulating from non-Muslims, rendering them impermissible. Alternatively, they may pertain to issues whose rulings are unclear, which at the very least makes them undesirable. Conversely, what is deemed a virtue within that civilization—though it is quite rare—might be permissible.
(Imam) Muhammad Amin Al-Shanqiti, in his work “Adwa’ Al-Bayan,” critiques the stance of Muslims towards Western civilization, stating that empirical evidence clearly indicates that Western civilization encompasses both beneficial and harmful aspects. The beneficial aspects are primarily material, showcasing advancements across various fields, which are evident and require no further explanation. The benefits it has provided to humanity are immense, particularly in terms of physical existence. Conversely, the harmful aspects stem from a complete neglect of the most crucial element of all goodness, which is the religious education of individuals and the refinement of their morals. He then stated, after discussing the ruling on benefiting from the useful aspects of it:
“The Messenger ﷺ benefited from the directions of a disbeliever, who, despite being a disbeliever, directed him on the path during the migration. This evidence clarifies that the appropriate stance of Islam and Muslims towards Western civilization is to strive to acquire its material advancements while being cautious of the rebellion it has fostered against the Creator of the universe, may He be exalted. This approach would lead to success in both this world and the Hereafter. Unfortunately, most individuals reverse this issue, adopting moral decline, detachment from religion, and distancing themselves from obedience to the Creator, without reaping any material benefits. Consequently, they lose both this world and the Hereafter, which is indeed a manifest loss”.
The wave of Western imitation surged powerfully during the period of decline and weakness within the Ottoman Empire, as destructive forces conspired against it from both within and outside. Faced with a sense of inferiority compared to the emerging Christian nations, the Ottoman state began to emulate these countries and adopted their new innovations. This coincided with a stagnation in Muslim thought and a departure from the original divine guidance. Consequently, they unwittingly drew from non-believers without understanding the reasons behind the advancements of those nations, failing to pursue genuine efforts to catch up through self-reliance and the contributions of the Muslim community.
A powerful wave of blind imitation began to surge, driven by irrational desires and internal deviations, as well as cunningly orchestrated efforts from abroad. Consequently, Islamic countries started to follow this path one after another, beginning with Turkey, followed by Egypt, the Levant, then Tunisia, Iran, and India.
A thorough examination of the history of nations and an analysis of their conditions reveal that imitation occurs between different nations and groups, leading to similarities, interactions, and amalgamations that weaken the distinctiveness and independence of the imitating nation. This results in a fragile national identity. According to the divine order established by Allah in creation, a weaker, subjugated nation often admires a stronger, dominant one. Through this admiration, it adopts the morals, behaviors, and lifestyles of the stronger nation, eventually extending to the imitation of its beliefs, ideas, culture, literature, and arts. Consequently, the imitating nation loses its intrinsic qualities and, if it had a civilization, it becomes dependent on others.
If the subjugated nation does not take initiative to rectify its situation and liberate itself through its own efforts and struggle against the burden of blind imitation, it will inevitably face decline, enslavement, and the complete loss of its identity. This will lead to severe social ailments such as humiliation, feelings of inferiority, and a lack of self-confidence. Additionally, it will result in political and economic dependency, as well as a pervasive sense of defeatism. For divinely guided nations with a sacred mission, such as the Islamic nation, imitating others diverts them from their true purpose.
It diverts their efforts and energies away from the path of Allah, burdening them with innovations, superstitions, and systems and laws not ordained by Allah. This leads them to ultimately abandon their mission and, consequently, to pledge allegiance to disbelievers and tyrants. Such actions signal the impending wrath and punishment of Allah, as illustrated in the stories of numerous nations in the Quran. [Footnote f]
An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/422-434
Footnote a: Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
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 [upon righteousness], 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 Allah 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 Islam.
Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which [some] people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. 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 Allah, 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. [An Excerpt from Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. pages 45-50]
Footnote b:
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: What is intended by ‘Separation between religion and Siyaasah’ is that the ruler can do what he wants based on what he thinks is a means of fulfilling (responsibilities related to) affairs of the state, whether it agrees with Shariah or not; or even if what he does is based on the judgement of the religion, because the meaning of separation is to distinguish between two things and give them specific definitions. Therefore, in relation to this, the ruler looks at what he considers to be beneficial even if it opposes the Shariah. There is no doubt that this is a false and sinful statement, because the religion itself is Siyaasah and Siyaasah itself is the religion, but what we mean by Siyaasah is the Siyaasah that is based on equity and not oppression. The religion of Islam came to bring about wellbeing [and upright conduct] for the people in their behaviour towards their Lord and between themselves. It establishes the Rights of Allah, rights for the people- rights for parents, relatives, wives and the Muslims – in general. And even for non-Muslims, Islam has given them rights that are well-known to the scholars. It laid down the means and conditions for war and peace making, punishments for crimes – some of which are determined by way of specific texts and some are left to the jurisdiction of the ruler, as well as other affairs which clearly shows that Islaam in its entirety is Siyaasah. The root of this word Siyaasah is Saa’is and that is the person who is responsible for looking after the affairs of animals – fulfilling that which brings them wellbeing and repelling that which will harm them. This is Siyaasah. We find this meaning when we contemplate on affairs of the religion, and that Allaah has legislated – for the servants – things without which humans will not be able to establish [a fruitful, stable, orderly, safe] life, and forbade them from things that will corrupt their state of affairs – either affecting everyone or specific individuals. Therefore, in reality the entire religion is Siyaasah. And we are certain that anyone who separates Siyaasah from the Religion and establishes Siyaasah based on what he sees fit and what he forbids, then indeed his Siyaasah is corrupt, and it will cause more harm than good. If it rectifies one affair based on his limited [or deficient] opinions, then indeed it greatly corrupts from another angle. So, this makes it incumbent that one contemplates on the state of affairs of those who base their Siyaasah on their desires and opinions, and became distanced from the religion of Islaam, you will find -after contemplating – that either all that Siyaasah is corrupt or most of it, and that if it rectifies an affair from one angle, it corrupts from another angle. So, based on this, separation between Siyaasah and Religion is a sinful deed and it is obligated on the one who seeks to rectify himself and others that he does so only based on the religion of Islaam. [https://binothaimeen.net/content/7366 Paraphrased]
Footnote c: Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Industrialization 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 sound religion and faith, 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 religion, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next.
Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of sound religion, 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 miserable 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 [Allaah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc. [An Excerpt from Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. pages 45-50]
Footnote d: Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:
Allah [The Exalted] said:
وأعدوا لهم ما استطعتم من قوة ومن رباط الخيل ترهبون به عدو الله وعدوكم
And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Ayah 60]
Allah commanded (Muslim rulers) to prepare everything that is feasible in terms of power, including political and mental fortitude, industries, weaponry, and everything else that is used to bolster (Muslim forces) and terrify enemies- all activities related to military strategy, military arts, diverse weapons, forts, and defences against the evils of the foes. Allah [The Exalted] said: [يا أيها الذين آمنوا خذوا حذركم – O you who believe! Take your precautions]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 71]
See how these teachings of the Islamic Shariah represent the only (correct course of action) and the most powerful means of implementing both internal and external policy! Muslims attain perfection and righteousness when they are guided by these fundamental principles and their subsidiary matters, (whereas) the deficiency that is anticipated and arises is owing to disregarding these affairs and not paying close attention to them.
And from Siyaasah Shar’iyyah (see footnote a), (we learn that) Allah guides people to establish matters of universal welfare. It is the duty of each group in society to gain in-depth knowledge of the reality of a particular aspect of this welfare, what it depends on, the avenues through which it can be achieved and perfected, and to use all reasonable efforts to deliver it as much as possible. Allah [The Exalted] said:
ولتكن منكم أمة يدعون إلى الخير ويأمرون بالمعروف وينهون عن المنكر
Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 104]
Allah [The Exalted] said:
وما كان المؤمنون لينفروا كافة فلولا نفر من كل فرقة منهم طائفة ليتفقهوا في الدين ولينذروا قومهم إذا رجعوا إليهم لعلهم يحذرون
And it is not (proper) for the believers to go out to fight (Jihad) all together. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islamic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil). [Surah At-Tawbah. Ayah 122]
There is no question that seeking public welfare in the manner that Allah has instructed is the reason for religious and worldly perfection, as observed by everyone who is familiar with it.
Allah said:
ادع إلى سبيل ربك بالحكمة والموعظة الحسنة وجادلهم بالتي هي أحسن
Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) 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]. [Surah An-Nahl. Ayah 125]
This involves preaching to Muslims who have violated certain aspects of the religion, as well as preaching to nonbelievers. Muslims are exhorted to perfect their religion, while unbelievers are called to accept Islam as the only way to rectification for humanity. This call should be based on wisdom, which is to adopt the approach that is most effective for achieving good, perfecting it, and eliminating or reducing evil in the context of time, location, people, and circumstances.
Preaching should also be carried out with fine admonition, and this admonition consists of an explanation and a clarification of what is good and bad, as well as highlighting the advantages of the good outcomes in this life and the next. Because of its inherent goodness as well as its pathways that are marked by kindness, leniency, forbearance, patience, etc., Allah described this preaching as a good admonition. Additionally, if an argument is necessary to persuade someone, it should be presented in the best manner possible. The arguer should appeal for the truth, demonstrate its beauty and the evil that results from its opposite, and address any doubts raised by the opponent. This should be done with polite words and excellent manners, not with force, harshness, callousness, or verbal abuse because those things can cause great harm. Allah said:
فبما رحمة من الله لنت لهم ولو كنت فظا غليظ القلب لانفضوا من حولك فاعف عنهم
And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so overlook (their faults)]. [Surah Aal Imran Aayah 159] [An Excerpt from Ad-Deenus Saheeh Yahillu Jamee al-Mashaakil (The right religion is the answer to every problem)-Page 15-16]
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“From the pinnacle of humility is to be the first to greet those you meet, to be content with a lower status in gatherings, to detest praise, detest saying things only to be known and mentioned, and detest showing off through one’s apparent good deeds.” [1]
K’ab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“Whenever Aljah bestows a blessing upon a person in this world, and the person expresses gratitude to Allah and remains humble because of it, Allah will grant them the benefits of that blessing in this life”. [2]
Imam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“If a person’s sin is rooted in desire, there is hope for him, however, if his sin is rooted in pride, then fear for him. That is because Adam, peace be upon him, disobeyed (Allah) out of desire and was forgiven, while Iblis disobeyed out of pride and was cursed”. [3]
Abu Ma’mar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“The scholar is not the one who knows good and evil, rather the scholar is the one who knows good and follows it, and he knows evil and avoids it”. [4]
Imam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:
Contemplation is a light that enters your heart”. He always used to say in poetic prose: “If a person possesses insight, there is a lesson to be found in everything”. [5]
Mu’adh Ibn Sa’eed, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“We were with Ataa Bin Abee Rabah, may Allah have mercy upon him, while a man narrated a hadith, then another man contradicted his narration. Ataa said: “SubhanAllah! What type of manners are these? Verily, I hear a narration from a man while I know better than him (regarding it), yet I portray myself to him that I am not better than him in anything”. [6]
Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:
“May Allah have mercy upon a person who knows his rightful status”. Does this (statement) have a source and has it been transmitted in a hadith?
Answer: I do not know of a source for it (as a hadith); however its meaning is correct because when a person knows his rightful status, he will be humble in the presence of his Lord, worship Allah, and know that he is not free from needing Allah in the twinkling of an eye. If he knows himself, he will know his status amongst the people and this knowledge will (prevent) him from being haughty towards them because haughtiness is one of the major sins, and looking down on the people is forbidden. This is why when the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, warned against haughtiness. They (the people) said, “Every one of us loves that his clothes and shoes are nice”. So, he said, “Indeed, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Pride is to reject the truth and look down on the people”. Therefore, when a person knows his rightful status, he will know his rank amongst the people, place himself in his place, and humble himself in the presence of his lord and the presence of Allah’s creation. And whoever humbles himself to Allah, Allah will raise him. [7]
[1] Az-Zuhd 2/414. Hannad Ibn Sari
[2] Kitaab Ash-Shukr 64 Ibn Abi Dunya
[3] Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 8/462
[4] Hilya Al-Awliya 7/274
[5] Hilya Al-Awliya 7/306
[6] Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami 1/200
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
We praise and thank Allah for guiding us to this blessed Salafi Methodology and acquainting us with its scholars in the Muslim lands and their students in the East and the West. To proceed:
When our brother Amjad Khan, may Allah preserve him, visited Kuwait before, he received permission from Shaikh Khalid, may Allah preserve him, to translate this amazing biography of Al-Allamah Rabee Ibn Hadi Al-Mad’khali – may Allah preserve him. Upon receiving this news, we informed Ustadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali, may Allah preserve him, and some of our elder teachers. By the Tawfeeq of Allah, there are chapters filled with gems that have already been translated and waiting to be edited, then excerpts will be shared online while the book form is prepared. As soon as all the material is ready for formatting, it will be presented to both Shaikh Khalid and our local Mashaayikh, may Allah preserve them, to offer advice and guidance, then Salafipublications will be requested to publish it after being satisfied with it. May Allah bless all our younger teachers and Salafi brothers, especially those who have come forward to help with the editing and proofreading of the translation and preparation due to their love of cooperation upon Bir and Taqwah.
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
We praise and thank Allah for guiding us to this blessed Salafi Methodology and acquainting us with its scholars in the Muslim lands and their students in the East and the West. To proceed:
When our brother Amjad Khan, may Allah preserve him, visited Kuwait before, he received permission from Shaikh Khalid, may Allah preserve him, to translate this amazing biography of Al-Allamah Rabee Ibn Hadi Al-Mad’khali – may Allah preserve him. Upon receiving this news, we informed Ustadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali, may Allah preserve him, and some of our elder teachers. By the Tawfeeq of Allah, there are chapters filled with gems that have already been translated and waiting to be edited, then excerpts will be shared online while the book form is prepared. As soon as all the material is ready for formatting, it will be presented to both Shaikh Khalid and our local Mashaayikh, may Allah preserve them, to offer advice and guidance, then Salafipublications will be requested to publish it after being satisfied with it. May Allah bless all our younger teachers and Salafi brothers, especially those who have come forward to help with the editing and proofreading of the translation and preparation due to their love of cooperation upon Bir and Taqwah.
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an, the Sunnah and all affairs of the religion), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith). (Aal Imran 103)
Similarly I command them to give sincere advice to one another; for indeed the religion is (based) on sincere advice. It is an obligation to give sincere advice to the righteous, the wicked sinner, the young, the old, the rich and the poor; and not that it is given to a group and not another group, or a society and not another society. Indeed it is an obligation to give sincere advice to the whole world.
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama and Marwan: (whose narrations attest to each other) Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, set out at the time of Al-Hudaibiya (treaty), and when they proceeded for a distance, he said, “Khalid bin Al-Walid leading the cavalry of Quraish constituting the front of the army, is at a place called Al-Ghamim, so take the way on the right.” By Allah, Khalid did not perceive the arrival of the Muslims till the dust arising from the march of the Muslim army reached him, and then he turned back hurriedly to inform Quraish. The Prophet went on advancing till he reached the Thaniya (i.e. a mountainous way) through which one would go to them (i.e. people of Quraish). The she-camel of the Prophet sat down. The people tried their best to cause the she-camel to get up but in vain, so they said, “Al-Qaswa’ (i.e. the she-camel’s name) has become stubborn! Al-Qaswa’ has become stubborn!” The Prophet said, “Al-Qaswa’ has not become stubborn, for stubbornness is not her habit, but she was stopped by Him Who stopped the elephant.”
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:
إن البهائم تمدح على مكارم الأخلاق، فإن ناقة النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام في غزوة الحديبية لما بركت وخلأت أبت أن تستمر في السير إلى مكة صاح الناس وقالوا خلأت القصواء خلأت القصواء يعني حرنت ووقفت فقال النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام: ( والله ما خلأت وما ذاك لها بخلق دافع عنها ( وما ذاك لها بخلق ولكن حبسها حابس الفيل )
Animals are praised for their good manners because when the Prophet’s She-camel – during the Battle of Al-Hudaybiyah- refused to continue walking to Makkah, the people shouted “Al-Qaswa has become stubborn! Al-Qaswa has become stubborn!” The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “By Allah! She has not become stubborn because stubbornness is not her character”. He defended her (saying), “But she was stopped by Him (i.e. Allah) Who stopped the elephant (i.e. the elephant amongst Abraha’s army that came to destroy the Kabah).
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
When the Muslims realised that the state equated them with Christians and Jews, replacing the principles of their sacred law with Christian regulations, and discarding their traditional attire in favour of that of the Christians, they felt a profound sense of discontent. They also perceived that Rashid’s government seemed to prioritise the interests of the Christians. This led to a significant backlash among the Muslims, prompting the Sultan and his officials to recognise the necessity of the removal of Rashid in light of the public outrage and their fear of a potential uprising from the Muslim community. [Footnote a]
The dismissal of Rashid Pasha did not halt the movement towards Westernization, which continued to import more systems and laws from the West, as the groundwork had already been laid and the doors opened for such changes. Although the opposition to Rashid Pasha and his constitution succeeded in removing him from power in 1841, he returned four years later in 1845, supported by a group of Freemasons who were focused on promoting secular transformation. Subsequently, he resumed his position as Grand Vizier in 1846, only to be dismissed again in 1858.[Footnote b]
The situation deteriorated significantly, prompting state officials to seriously consider change and reform. They found themselves with no option but to adopt the European model of reform and the Western approach to change that had begun to be implemented. This was particularly evident given that many of these officials had been sent abroad for political representation or military studies, especially in the absence of an Islamic reformer capable of restoring order and countering the advocates of intellectual invasion by embracing a serious reform based on Islamic principles. As the Turkish writer Professor Naji Bafal stated, the absence of a significant intellectual leader or a genuine social reformer in the Ottoman Empire for three to four centuries allowed superficial diplomats, captivated by the West, to take the stage. This led to a loss of spirit, a decline in intellect, a weakening of will, and a prevalence of imitation, resulting in a general state of paralysis. The ideas of intellectual invasion have spread among the majority of Turkish politicians and their governors, who have embraced Westernization and a departure from religious values. Notably, when the Iraqi scholar Al-Alusi visited the governor of Kirkuk, Ali Pasha, in 1267 AH, he praised him for his affection towards scholars, his respect for them, and his virtuous character. He then said, “It appears that he is not morally corrupt nor does he adopt any of the new Western ideologies, as I have not heard him mention anything about London or Paris in conversation! It is a blessing for the people of this region that their governor is free from such a stigma, a rarity in these unfortunate times!”
The reformist movement in the Ottoman Empire continued to strive for dominance across various sectors and institutions.
In any case, the key features of the Ottoman reform and renewal efforts revolved around three significant points: adopting Western practices concerning military organization and armament, as well as governance and administration, and steering Ottoman society towards a secular framework. The trend towards centralization of power in Istanbul and the provinces. The year of the issuance of the Kalkhanah script marked a significant event in European circles, as noted by a French missionary who stated: “The year 1839 was a remarkable one for French expansion in Turkey. It marked the beginning of reforms and the onset of organizational changes. As clergy, we will begin to take advantage of this timid liberalism and initiate a missionary effort for Catholic education.” Mr. Etienne, who led this mission, remarked, “This is our first opportunity to strengthen the triumph of faith that we will impart, especially since the Quran prohibits (Christian) teachings.” The first missionary group, consisting of seven clergymen, traveled to Istanbul on November 21, 1839. By the end of 1840, the sisters had established a home for orphans and classrooms, with the number of students reaching 230. By 1842, this figure had increased to 500. [Footnote c]
An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/420-422
Footnote a: Leaders are responsible for the welfare of the subjects and must strive to understand the situations of their people, as Imam Ibn Hajr, may Allah have mercy on him, stated: “It is incumbent upon a ruler to have a person who unveils to him the circumstances of the people in private, and this person should be trustworthy, reliable, smart and sensible, because calamity befalls a reliable ruler due to accepting speech of one who is not trustworthy”. [Fat’hul Baaree 14/234-236. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st edition 1421AH (2000)] Nonetheless, if the leader fails in this regard, on does not embark upon rebellion. Read:
Footnote b: Changing officials is carried out with the intention of serving the public’s best interests. Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It maybe that a person is suitable for this specific job and not suitable for that job, therefore, it is obligatory to appoint- in every job – the one who is more suitable. Similarly, with regards to specific appointments, such as the position of headteacher and other than it, rather we can even say – if we wished – this in relation to a person’s responsibility in looking after the affairs of his family, that if he wants to give responsibility to his young children, he chooses the one who is more suitable. He does not choose – for example – the older one just because he is older; rather he chooses the one who is more suitable because it may be that the young one among his children is more suitable than those older than him”.
The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated, “It is obligated to the ruler to appoint both the young and the older – appoint for a job the one who is more suitable and the one who will fulfil the requirements of this job. This necessitates fulfillment of trusts. As for the one who appoints someone who is close to him or his relatives or a noble person due to his nobility or because he has a high qualification, such as a doctorate and what is similar to that, and he is either untrustworthy or not suitable for the job, this is not permissible”.
The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated: “If he were to say, “I am not able to know them by their characteristics. Are these certificates not the closest way to (judge) the competence of a person?” We say, “Yes, but if we find this man is untrustworthy or not suitable for job, it is obligatory to remove him and replace him with someone who is more suitable because this is necessary rulership, as Umar Ibn Al-Khattab and other than him amongst the Khulafaa, may Allah be pleased with them, removed those who were not suitable. Umar applied this principle in the khilaafah. He feared dishonour after his death, thus, he did not appoint a specific person, except that he said, ‘If Abu Ubaydah, may Allah be pleased with him, was alive, I would have given him the affair because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘The trustworthy man of this Ummah is Abu Ubaydah’”. [At-Taleeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. Page 24-26]
It’s important to note that a ruler’s failure in their duties does not justify rebellion. Instead, scholars and those in positions of influence must follow the guidance of the Shariah to offer sincere advice. Read:
Footnote c: The way in which the remnants of the empire were slowly undermined by foreign influences serves as a reminder of the risks associated with complacency, a point emphasised by the upright and insightful scholars of the Ummah. Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:
So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’an and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102)
He also says: “I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.”
An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah]
