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I have met the Mashayikh

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

I have met the Mashayikh; their circumstances were different and their stations of knowledge varied. The most beneficial of them for me in companionship was the scholar who acted upon his knowledge, even though there were others more knowledgeable than him.

I met Abdul Wahhab Al-Anmaatee, who adhered to the principles of the pious predecessors. Backbiting was not heard in his gatherings (a) nor did he seek any reward for sharing hadith. Whenever I read to him the hadiths related to Raqaa’iq, he would weep and his tears would flow continuously. As a young person at that time, his weeping profoundly affected my heart. He embodied the characteristics of the scholars whose descriptions we had heard in the reports.

I met Abu Mansur Al-Jawaaleeqee, who was notably quiet and very meticulous in his speech. Even when asked about a clear matter, which some of his young students would quickly answer, he paused to ensure accuracy. He fasted and kept quiet a lot. I benefited from these two men more than I benefitted from others. I understood from this situation that guidance through action is more effective than verbal instruction. The truly impoverished one is the person who spends their life acquiring knowledge without applying it, missing out on the pleasures of this world and the goodness of the hereafter, ultimately proceeding as one bankrupt in deeds with strong proofs against him. [1]

Some Other Important Matters In This Path to Salvation

Imam Ash-Shatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically- the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it.  Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13] [2]

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “O you! Eloquence in speech is not what is desired; rather, it is eloquence in actions that truly matter. If eloquence in speech were more commendable than in actions, then Harun, peace be upon him, would have been more deserving of the message than Musa, peace be upon him” [4]

Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It is befitting for a novice seeking understanding (in the religion) to ensure that he is well-grounded in what he acquires and should not take too much. He should take bit by bit, taking into account what he can memorise and understand, as indeed Allah, The Most High, said:

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ جُمۡلَةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ‌ۖ وَرَتَّلۡنَـٰهُ تَرۡتِيلاً۬

And those who disbelieve say: “Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?” Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages] [25: 32] [5]

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “And know, may Allah have mercy upon you that knowledge is not in being able to narrate much and in having many books, rather the scholar is the one who follows the knowledge and the Sunnah, even if his knowledge and his books are limited, and whoever opposes the Book and the Sunnah, he is a proponent of Bidah, even if he narrates much and has many books”.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

He [Al-Barbahaaree] sees that the abundance of books and knowledge is not a criterion for the required knowledge of Shariah. Knowledge is what benefits; even if this scholar has little knowledge and few books, he will benefit from his knowledge and it is benefited from in belief, methodology, and application. This is the knowledge that counts in the Sight of Allah- the knowledge He loves, loves, and praises its possessors. Allah said: [إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓؤُا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [35:28]

Hence they [the scholars] said, “Knowledge is to fear Allah”. If one with a lot of knowledge does not fear Allah, he is not a scholar and his knowledge has no value because it is a source of evil to him. The Qur’an is proof for or against you, so evil is the state of that scholar- I seek refuge in Allah – who is under the threat of punishment. The Quran is proof against you, the Sunnah is proof against you and knowledge is proof against you, and Allah’s refuge is sought. He may have many books, but he is misguided. He may have a lot of knowledge of the Arabic language, Tafseer, Hadith, and so on, but he is misguided. This is the knowledge that harms and does not benefit, and it is from this that we seek Allah’s protection, and Allah’s Messenger taught us to seek (Allah’s) protection against it. However, knowledge (in and of itself) is beneficial, so if there is a lot of knowledge and books, it is very good, and there are Imams who have abundant knowledge and many books. If the two are combined: a lot of knowledge and many books, it is desirable; and if devoid of benefitting from this knowledge (i.e. due to misguidance or not acting upon it), then neither an abundance of books or knowledge is beneficial, for it is a source of evil on the person. This is why (Allah stated that) some Prophets said: [وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنْهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]. [11:88]

Allah said:

أَتَأْمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason? [2:44]

Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
ڪَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ

O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do. [As-Saff. 2-3]

Some people are merely speakers and they do not act, therefore, a Muslim must combine statements and deeds so that his actions confirm his statements. He calls to belief and believes, and calls to action and acts. This is beneficial knowledge, calling to the Sunnah and adhering to it, fighting Bidah and being serious about fighting it, and being one of the people who are most distant from it. [6]

Imam Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The focus of the Muhadditheen at present is on the six (major) collections of hadith- the “Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal” and “Sunan al-Bayhaqi”, precise memorisation of its texts and chains of transmission. However, one cannot (truly) benefit from this unless he fears his Lord and adheres to (the teachings) of the hadith. So, for the knowledge of Hadith and its scholars let one weep if he is to weep because Islam has returned to being strange as it was at its inception. Therefore, every person should save himself from the fire of Hell, and there is no power or strength except through Allah. knowledge is not (merely) an abundance of narrations; rather, it is a light that Allah places in Allah upon the heart, and its prerequisite (for seeking after it) is to adhere to it, fleeing from (vain) desires and innovation in religious matters. May Allah grant us and you success in His obedience. [7]

Al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It must be recognised (based on conviction) that not everyone who is verbose in their discourse and speech regarding knowledge is (necessarily) more knowledgeable than those who are not. We have been afflicted with the ignorance of people who believe that some people who are expansive in their speech possess greater knowledge than their predecessors. [8]

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Many of those who came (after the early generation) have been captivated (or put to trial) by this, (mistakenly) believing that the one whose speech, debate, and contention is much more in the issues of religion possess greater knowledge than those who do not. This is sheer ignorance. Consider the seniors and scholars of the Sahabah, such as Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali, Muadh, Ibn Mas’ud, and Zayd Ibn Thabit; what was their affair? Their speech is lesser than that of Ibn Abbas despite being more knowledgeable than him. Similarly, the statements of the Tabi’in are more than those of the Sahabah although the Sahabah possess more knowledge. Similarly, the speech of followers of the Tabi’in are more than those of the Tabi’in, while the Tabi’in are more knowledgeable than them. Knowledge is not (measured) through the abundance of narration or speech; rather, it is a light that Allāh places in the heart through which a servant (of Allah) comprehends the truth and distinguishes it from falsehood, and expresses concise statements – through it – that leads to the intended goals. [9]

Question: Who narrated more hadith – Abu Bakr or Abu Hurairah?

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded: Indeed, Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated more Hadith than Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, but that does not mean that Abu Hurairah heard more Hadith than Abu Bakr?! Abu Bakr was a companion of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the summers, winters, nights, days, (during) journeys, and whilst at home, thus he heard (more) and had more knowledge regarding the circumstances of Allah’s Messenger. However, he did not spend a lot of time sitting and narrating to the people what was heard from the Prophet. [10]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Had it not been for two Ayaat in the Book of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, I would not have narrated anything to you. Allah said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِن بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ

Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, and the guidance, which We have sent down after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers [2:159] and the Ayah after it.  Then he said: “(However), the people say, ”Indeed Abu Hurayrah (narrates) a lot.” [11]

The questioner asked Shaikh Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, “I have been seeking knowledge for some years, but despite this, neither have I consolidated the knowledge-based information nor am I aware of the benefit (acquired from that). What do you advise me? May Allah reward you”.

Response: Do not say that you are not aware of a benefit because a student of knowledge is (considered to be engaged) in worship. The aim behind seeking knowledge is that the person receives Allah’s Pleasure. You all know about the man who went away to repent, so the angel of death came to him (i.e. took his soul); then the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment disputed his affair. The angels of mercy said, “He came along being repentant and remorseful in his heart in the presence of Allah” but the angels of punishment said, “He has done no good at all”. Then another angel came in the form of a human being to decide between them and said, “Measure between the two lands” (i.e. to find out which of them he was closer to). They measured it and found him nearer to the land where he intended to go (i.e. the land of the pious people), so the angels of mercy took him. This repentant man was forgiven because his steps (towards repentance) were recorded for him; therefore the steps of a student of knowledge towards knowledge are an act of worship similar to the steps of the repentant migrator towards the land of goodness. Seeking knowledge is better for you than supererogatory prayer or some of the supererogatory acts of worship. Therefore, there has to be a truthful intention (behind it), and then the benefit will (be acquired) bit by bit. The aim is not to become a scholar or a student of knowledge initially; rather the aim behind your seeking knowledge is to remove ignorance from yourself-worshiping Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, with correct acts of worship and that your Aqeedah is sound, become submissive to Allah, safeguarded from doubtful matters that are made to resemble the truth and from seeking fame. Allah (The Most High) said:

يَوۡمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ۬ وَلَا بَنُونَ
إِلَّا مَنۡ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلۡبٍ۬ سَلِيمٍ۬

The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail; except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)].

Allah, The Mighty and Exalted, says: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ مَنۡ أَحۡسَنَ عَمَلاً – Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner].

If you never benefited except yourself and your family, then there is great good in this. [12]

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[a] Backbiting: When is speaking about someone behind his back not considered backbiting? It is not considered backbiting when a person makes a complaint about an oppressor to a person who has the ability to stop the oppression; when seeking help to stop an evil- by making that known to the person who has the ability to stop the evil; when seeking for a fatwa; when warning the Muslims so that they are not deceived; when mentioning a person who commits his evil openly or one who calls to bidah and when identifying someone with a physical defect, whilst not intending defamation. [Subul As-Salaam- 4/553-554]

We ask Allah:

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

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [13]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] [14]

اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allah! I seek refuge in Your from knowledge that does not benefit, from the heart that is not fearful, from the soul that is not contented and the supplication that is not answered. [15

[1] Saydul Khaatir. page 138

[2] Al-I’tisam 3/434

[4] Bahr Ad-Damoo 171

[5] Al-Faqee Wal-Mutafaqqih 2/100

[6] Awnul Baaree Bi-bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharh As-Sunnah Lil-Imaam Al-Barbahaaree 2/688-689.

[7] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 13/313

[8] Bayan Fadl Ilm As-Salaf page 40

[9] Bayan Fadl Ilm As-Salah 57-58

[10] Sharh Hilyati Talib Al-Ilm. page 49. 1st Edition. Rabi’ul Awwal 1434AH

[11] Jami Bayan Al-Ilm 1/22

[12] Source: الوصايا الجليّة للاستفادة من الدروس العلميّة للشيخ العلامة صالح آل الشيخ- Question 3. Page 24.

[13] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

[14] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/12/29/o-allaah-rectify-my-religion-for-me-which-the-safeguard-of-my-affairs-a-tremendous-supplication/

[15] Sahih Abi Dawud 1548

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [51 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

When you speak about a Muslim, whether an individual who is a Mubtadi [Footnote a] or a Sunni, [Footnote b] firstly, examine yourself (reflect on your intentions). What do you want through this speech? “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak good or remain silent”. [Footnote c] If in this speech of yours there is good for the Muslims by warning them about this man, and your intention is to seek Allah’s Face, you intend to sincerely advice the ummah, then speak while being cautious of entering into personal desires and personal goals for revenge against this or that person. If the speech stem from an intention for revenge, this would be detrimental to the person (i.e the speaker) and would exceed the permissible allowance in this matter, whose initial basis is fundamentally prohibited. This is because Allah has forbidden backbiting and tale carrying, as these matters corrupt the lives of Muslims. A Muslim should resort to (such speech) only in cases of dire necessity. He does not unleash his tongue to speak freely. [Footnote d] Instead, he only speaks out of necessity and when he knows completely that this matter is incumbent upon him and the people will benefit from it. May Allah bless you, be conscious (mindful) regarding this subject matter. [1]

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Footnote a:

https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-establishment-of-proof-in-declaring-a-person-to-be-an-innovator/

Footnote b:

Imam Barbahaaree [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him said: It is not permitted for a man to say, “So and so is a person of the sunnah” until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah, so it is not said of him, “a person of the Sunnah” until he combines all the Sunnah.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented on the above statement as follows: Do not give recommended to a person and a praise of him, except based on knowledge, lest the people become deceived by your praise of him, while he is not what (you have stated about him). So, when his real affair and path is clear to you, his knowledge and steadfastness, you can give him recommendation. As for giving out praise and recommendation whilst not knowing of anything about him, this is a dangerous recommendation through which the people will be deceived by this person. Had only those who give commendations to the people stopped at that (i.e. put it in its proper place), they would not give recommendation, except for one who fulfils the conditions of (receiving) recommendation because recommendation is a witness, thus, if the recommendation is not correct it will be a false witness. And regarding the statement of Imaam Al-Barbahaaree: “until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah”. The characteristics of the Sunnah are to be in creed, knowledge and adherence to the (path) of the pious predecessors. But if there is not in him except a single characteristic of the (sunnah), he is not judged to be from Ahlus Sunnah on the basis of a single characteristic or one thing, then what about the one who does not have anything from that? [2]

Al-Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, was asked: The questioner says: We request a comment from you on this statement: “Indeed both Sunnah and Bidah may be gathered in a man, thus, if the Sunnah is predominant in him, he is a Sunni Salafi. And if bidah is predominant in him, he is an innovator, a misguided one”. Benefit us (i.e. with a comment) and may Allah reward you.

Response: This (statement) is from the [مغالطات-i.e. those misleading statements or affairs that are brought forth for the purpose of deception or sophistry]. There is no doubt that the one in whom Bidah is predominant is an innovator in religious matters, but it is not a condition, for example, that he has thirty (matters) of bidah with him and twenty (matters) of Sunnah, because he may have one bidah with him and thus declared an innovator in religioys matters. Rather the verdict of disbelief may be passed against him. [Footnote c] Because if he adheres to all the Sunnah, but then he says, “Indeed the Qur’an is created”, do we say that the Sunnah is predominant in this (person)? The Salaf (pious predecessors) declared (people) disbelievers due this because the Qur’an is the Speech of Allah and not created. The Salaf held a consensus regarding this. If he says, “I am a Sunni and the Qur’an is created”, we say: ”You are an innovator in religion, a misguided one, rather this innovation of yours is tantamount to disbelief. Either you recant or else you are a disbeliever.” We clarify the truth for him and unless he recants, otherwise he is a disbeliever. He rejects the Ruyah (i.e. he rejects the fact that the believers will see Allah on the day of judgement) and says: “I am a Sunni in everything except in this, for I do not believe that Allah will be seen in the Afterlife.” This one (i.e. the person who says this) has belied the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

This principle (i.e. that a person is a Sunni Salafi or an innovator depending whether the Sunnah or Bidah is predominant in him) is false; and how many with a single bidah – among the major bidah- were declared innovators by the Salaf?! Jad Ibn Dirham had two innovations- negation of the attributes of Allah and the statement (i.e. the belief) that the Qur’an is created, whilst he used to pray, observe fasting and worshipped Allah. And how many of Ahlul bidah and the Ubbaad (those dedicated to worship) have numerous (practices) of Sunnah, but alongside this he is an innovator!

Therefore, it is obligated to the Sunni to be solely dedicated to the truth and that his religion (Creed, Methodology and acts of worship) are pure and not stained by anything from the (matters) of bidah. However, if he falls into a Bidah khafiyyah (i.e. an innovation that is obscure or hard to detect), whilst he is desirous of the truth and seeking after it, then if the people were to inform him about it he would recant. So we do not pass the judgement of Tabdee against this person. If he had passed away we ask Allaah to forgive him and we do not pass the verdict of Tabdee against him. If he is alive, we advice him, and unless he accepts (the truth), we pass the verdict of Tabdee against him. [3]

The Shaikh also stated: All sects of Ahlul Bidah gather truth and falsehood, deny the truth that is with the other sect of Bidah and believes in that which they possess of falsehood. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Allah sad:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ ءَامِنُواْ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ قَالُواْ نُؤۡمِنُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيۡنَا وَيَكۡفُرُونَ بِمَا وَرَآءَهُ ۥ وَهُوَ ٱلۡحَقُّ مُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا مَعَهُمۡ

And when it is said to them (the Jews), “Believe in what Allah has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them]. [Al-Baqarah 91]

The Shaikh also stated: As for the one who falls into an innovation, then he is of categories. he first category: Ahlul-Bid’ah such as the Rawāfid, the Khawārij, the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Mu’tazilah, the Grave-worshipping Sūfīs, the Murji’ah, and whoever is connected to them [in our times] such as al-Ikhwān, at-Tablīgh and those similar to them. For these innovations the Salaf did not make it a condition that the proof be established due to the fact that the ruling upon them is [in accordance to] the innovation. So regarding the Rāfidī, it is said about him, “Innovator (mubtadi’)”. As for the Khārijī, it is said about him, “Innovator”, and so on, regardless of whether the proof is established upon him or not. [4]

Footnote c: Sahih Muslim Number 47

Footnote d: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/08/27/riba-usury-of-the-tongue/

[1] Fadl Al-Hajj Wat Talbiyah 43]

[2] It’haf Al-Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/275-276]

[3] Source: بهجة القاري بفوائد منهجية ودروس تربوية من كتاب الإعتصام بالكتاب والسنة من صحيح البخاريPages 92-93 Question number 13.

[4] https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-establishment-of-proof-in-declaring-a-person-to-be-an-innovator/

Reconciliation

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah said:

وَإِن طَآٮِٕفَتَانِ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٱقۡتَتَلُواْ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَہُمَا‌ۖ فَإِنۢ بَغَتۡ إِحۡدَٮٰهُمَا عَلَى ٱلۡأُخۡرَىٰ فَقَـٰتِلُواْ ٱلَّتِى تَبۡغِى حَتَّىٰ تَفِىٓءَ إِلَىٰٓ أَمۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن فَآءَتۡ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَہُمَا بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَأَقۡسِطُوٓاْ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ
إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ إِخۡوَةٌ۬ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَ أَخَوَيۡكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُرۡحَمُونَ

And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both, but if one of them transgresses against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable. The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy. [Al-Hujuraat. 9-10]

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

Allah commanded the reconciliation between the two warring factions initially. However, if one side oppresses the other, the obligation shifts to fighting against the transgressor rather than seeking peace, as they are unjust. Attempting to reconcile in the face of such injustice undermines the rights of the oppressed group. Many unjust individuals who claim to be peacemakers often mediate between the powerful oppressor and the weak victim in a way that favours the powerful, believing they have achieved harmony, while in reality, they deny the oppressed their rightful claims. This is injustice; rather, the wronged party should be allowed to reclaim their rights. They can then be asked, with their consent, to forgo a portion of their rights without favouritism towards those in power, ensuring that there is no coercion involved in favouring others.

A reconciliation that permits the forbidden and prohibits the permissible is akin to an agreement that forbids a lawful act, allows an unlawful act, enslaves a free person, alters lineage, waives an obligation, suspends a punishment, or inflicts injustice on a third party. The permissible reconciliation among Muslims is one that is based on Allāh’s Pleasure and the satisfaction of both parties involved (based on justice). This represents the most just and rightful form of settlement, grounded in knowledge and fairness. The mediator should be well-informed about the circumstances, aware of their responsibilities, and committed to justice. The merit of this role is even greater than that of the (voluntary) fasting and prayer of a person, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: ‘Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than (voluntary) fasting, prayer and almsgiving?’ The people replied: ‘Certainly O Prophet of Allah!’ He said: “It is working for reconciliation between people, and spoiling it is the shaver (destruction)”. [Abu Dawud 4919]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever has wronged his brother, should ask for his pardon (before his death), as (in the Hereafter) there will be neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. (He should secure pardon in this life) before some of his good deeds are taken and paid to his brother, or, if he has done no good deeds, some of the bad deeds of his brother are taken to be loaded on him (in the Hereafter). [Al-Bukhari 6534] [2]

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

This is a prohibition on the believers against transgressing and fighting one another; and that if two groups of believers fall to fighting, it is obligated to others amongst the believers to prevent this great evil by bringing about reconciliation between them, mediating in the best manner that will bring about reconciliation and employing the means that will lead to that. Thus, if they achieve reconciliation that is wonderful; (3) but [فَإِنۢ بَغَتۡ إِحۡدَٮٰهُمَا عَلَى ٱلۡأُخۡرَىٰ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – but if one of them transgresses against the other]- Meaning, when they seek after what they are not entitled to and refuse to return to reconciliation (4); [فَقَـٰتِلُواْ ٱلَّتِى تَبۡغِى حَتَّىٰ تَفِىٓءَ إِلَىٰٓ أَمۡرِ – then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah] – Meaning, return to that which Allah and His Messenger have decided to be acted upon- good deeds, and to abandon evil, one of severest of which is fighting. [فَإِن فَآءَتۡ فَأَصۡلِحُواْ بَيۡنَہُمَا بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ – then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable]. This is a command to bring about reconciliation and be just in bringing about reconciliation, because indeed reconciliation may exist, but not based on justice, rather it maybe based on injustice and unfair treatment towards one of the two disputing groups. This is not the type of reconciliation that is stipulated. It is incumbent that one should not show favour to one of the two groups due to close blood relations, shared homeland or other goals and aims that would necessitate refraining from justice. [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ – Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable]- Meaning, those who are just in all their rulings between people and in all those affairs entrusted to them, even including a man’s fair dealing with his wife, family and dependents by fulfilling their rights. (5)

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

A person should not leave the people in dispute; rather it is incumbent upon him to be eager to bring about conciliation between disputing parties, especially relatives. As for some people-and Allaah’s Protection is sought-they only bring into disputes that which will increase it. This type of person is a shaytaan. Also the one who seeks to bring about conciliation between the people should do that with justice; he should not oppress any of them or judge based on desires”. (6)

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said,

“There is one who comes to two disputing parties, misguides them and does not give greater weight to the truth. He has a new doctrine which he considers to be balanced, but it is falsehood and sophistry”. (7)

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

Fujur Fil Khusumah is two types: rejecting what is obligated to you and claiming what one is not entitled to. [8]

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/49/9
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/49/10

[2] Excerpts from “I’laam al-Muwaqqi’een 1/84-86

[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[4] An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer. By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi]

[5] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[6] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharh Al-Arba’een. 213-217. slightly paraphrased]

[7] دحر إفتراءات p191

[8] https://youtu.be/FGtZtOBbif4

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [50 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

It is obligated to a Muslim to uphold justice and to bear witness against himself that he has fallen into falsehood when he falls into falsehood, that he is upon error when he errs, or that he has committed injustice when he commits injustice. He bears witness against himself that he has erred, opposed the truth, and announces that without shame. Otherwise, he may be from those who betray Allah, those distanced from upholding justice for Allah, Lord of the Aalameen. Similarly, if his son, brother, or father is in the wrong, he must clarify their mistakes, for this is religion ordained by Allah, not based on personal whims.

Majmu 14/476

Some essential excellent qualities, especially during dispute

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Stand Out Firmly For Justice

Allah [The Most High] said:

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

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

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commanded His servants to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – be it an enemy or an ally, and the affair that is most worthy of being established with justice are the statements and methodology related to the commands of Allah as well as everything that Allah has (revealed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is contrary to Allah’s command and a negation (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally) of that which Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] was sent with. The establishment of justice is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task of conveying Islam after the death of the Messenger, and this task cannot become a reality unless one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allah- (sincerity) based on Allah’s Book, to Allah’s Messenger (by adhering to his guidance), and sincere dealings and advice when dealing with Allah’s servants. These people are the true inheritors (i.e. inheritors of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets), but not that one who merely makes his companions, sect, and path the determinant of truth and the distinction between (truth and falsehood) by showing enmity to the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with [i.e. without sound proofs based on the Book and the authentic Sunnah], because where is that command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone, even though standing out firmly for justice is the greatest command and obligation!

Then Allah said: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]: A witness presents information about something; so if he presents credible information, he is a just witness and his (statement) is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is a false witness. Allah [The Exalted] commands us to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allah and not for other than Allah. In [Surah Al-Maa’idah Ayah 8, Allah said]:

[كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses]. This Ayah establishes four affairs: stand out firmly for justice and do so for the sake of Allah; witness to justice and do so for the Sake of Allah.

Then Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ – Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin]. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] commands us to stand out firmly for justice and testify, even if it were someone who is the most beloved person to us. A person should stand out firmly for justice (for or against) himself, his two parents, his close relatives, and his best friend among the people. If a person’s love for himself, his parents, and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then none would stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else. Also, a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and that one who deprives him of his rights because it is not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible that love of himself, his parents and relatives makes him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood, and love (of himself, parents, and relatives) should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as one of the pious predecessors said, “The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased it does not remove him from the truth”. The two Ayaat of the Qur’an [i.e. Surah An-Nisaa 135 and Surah Al-Maa’idah 8] convey two rulings and they are: standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allah [The Exalted] said: [إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ – Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you)]- meaning, Allah is the Lord of both of them and their Protector, and they are both His servants. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your heart becomes lackadaisical about standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them, “Allah is a better Protector of both the rich and poor person. Allah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, therefore, do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony (for or against) the rich or the poor.

Then Allah said: [فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ – So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice]. Meaning, Allah forbids (His slaves) from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice.

Then Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do]- meaning, Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth then He warned against them and issued a threat: the first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended, just as the Yahood [i.e. those Yahood who disbelieved in the Prophet and hated him in Madeenah] used to distort words when giving Salaam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum)]. This is one type of distortion. The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording, giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it. Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do].

When it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the affair should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate this Ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The faith of a person cannot be complete, except through accepting the texts of the Shariah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times. [1]

Avoid False Analogy

Allah [The Most High] said that the brothers of Prophet Yusuf [peace be upon him] said about him and his brother Bin Yameen: [إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ َ – “If he steals, there was a brother of his [Yusuf (Joseph)] who did steal before (him)]. [Surah Yusuf. Ayah 77]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: Allah informs us about Yusuf’s brothers that when they found the (golden) bowl in their brother’s (Bin Yamin) bag, they said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his (Yusuf) who did steal before (him).” Therefore, they did not draw a (sound) comparison (regarding this affair) between the basis of the affair and its shared characteristics based on a (sound) reason nor its evidence; but rather they attached one to the other without comprehensive evidence other than the mere similarity between Bin Yamin and Yusuf (as blood brothers); so, they said, “This is analogy regarding the similarity between him and his brother in many ways, and that this one (Bin Yamin) has committed theft just as that one (Yusuf) committed theft (in the past). This (analogy of theirs) is a void comparison between similarities (in the reality of this specific affair) and an analogy based on a mere comparison between (two) images that is devoid of a shared cause (or reason) that would necessitate that the two are the same. It is a corrupt analogy. The similarity due to being blood brothers is not a shared cause (or reason) for being similar with regards to committing theft. There is no evidence of similarity in this, so the comparison is one devoid of a (sound or real) shared reason (or cause) and its evidence. [2] [End of quote]

Avoid Burdensome Speech

The Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round (within his teeth), as cattle do”. Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allah preserve him] said: “The person intended in this hadeeth is the one who speaks eloquently while using obscure or ambiguous language, immerses himself in speech and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and thus utters something blameworthy. However, if this [eloquence] is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one whom Allaah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allaah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous, and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round [among its teeth] when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadeeth forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allah. [3]

Do Not Be Quarrelsome

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The most hated of men in the sight of Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome”. Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “A warning against (blameworthy) argumentation, falling into wicked behaviour and its evil, especially if the argumentation is based on falsehood. As for when it is based on truth, there is nothing wrong with that for the one who has a right to do so; but he should be just in his argument so that he does not enter into oppression or error, and Allah knows best. The hadeeth is related to a warning against lying during argumentation, falsehood, and adorned speech within it until one changes falsehood into truth and truth into falsehood; not bothered about making an oath, lying, or giving false witness. All this occurs from an extremely quarrelsome person, who goes into excess in the affair and does not feel shy in the presence of Allah- neither fears punishment in this life nor the next life. When it is the case that the extremely quarrelsome person is blameworthy, then indeed the person who has good conduct – if entitled to something – during an argument and other affairs will not utter except truth, and will not seek after anything except the truth- neither lies nor deceives the Shariah judge. This is one of the characteristics of the people of Imaan – those whom Allah praised in the Qur’an and the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] praised them in the pure Sunnah. [4]

Umm Salamah [may Allah be pleased with her] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hellfire and let him not take it”.

Some Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth:

The Ummah [i.e. the scholars and judges] have been commissioned to judge based on what is apparent, but the (mere) judgement of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful [i.e. because it cannot be taken if proven erroneous].

This Hadeeth contains a refutation against those who say that the Messengers possess knowledge of the unseen. This hadeeth also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood concerning what is hidden within it.

This hadeeth shows that the one who receives a judgement in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if he is entitled to it or leaves it if he is a falsifier because, in reality, a judgement cannot change an affair from what it was in origin [i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment].

This hadeeth shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood.

In this hadeeth is proof that a scholar can make a mistake and it is a refutation against those who say that every Mujtahid is correct. This hadeeth shows us that the Mujtahid is forgiven (when he makes a mistake).[5]

The Status of a Person or His Qualifications Should Never Be Given Precedence Over Truth

Imam Ash-Shawkani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

We often see a man who holds a belief that aligns with truth and correctness. However, when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him- one who is inclined towards something of the innovated matters in the religion, and especially if that person holds a position of leadership or worldly wealth, not to mention a king, he agrees with him, strengthens, supports and aids him against others.

The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritizing worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. [6]

Beware of Lying and False Representation

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

Beware of kadhib [lying], for indeed it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people. The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood.

And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilful chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis [or foundation] of immorality, just as the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality [or wickedness] and indeed immorality [or wickedness] leads to the fire. [Bukhaari 2606/2607]

Firstly lies emerges from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allaah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots its (i.e. lying) from its original source.

This is why the basis [or foundation] of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad [with ungratefulness to Allaah’s Favours], conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice,  disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies.

Allaah punishes the liar by preventing him from those affairs that will bring him well-being and benefit, and He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial affairs related to the worldly life and afterlife. There is nothing similar to truthfulness with regards to the manner in which it bring about the affairs of wellbeing in this life and the next, and there is nothing similar to lying with regards to the manner in which it corrupts and harms one’s worldly affairs and the afterlife. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:

[ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ – O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119] [هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ- This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]

[ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ – And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]

 وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ

سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And those who made excuses from the Bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90] [7]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. [8]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. Vol 1. Page 300-303

[2] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/198. paraphrased:
قوله تعالى : إِن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ
[يوسف: ٧٧]
أخبر عن إخوة يوسف أنهم قالوا لما وجدوا الصواع في رحل أخيهم : إن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ . فلم يجمعوا بين الأصل والفرع بعلة ولا دليلها، وإنما ألحقوا أحدهما بالآخر من غير دليل جامع سوى مجرد الشبه الجامع بينه وبين يوسف، فقالوا : هذا مقيس على أخيه، بينهما شبه من وجوه عديدة، وذاك قد سرق فكذلك هذا ، وهذا هو الجمع بالشبه الفارغ، والقياس بالصورة المجردة عن العلة المقتضية للتساوي، وهو قياس فاسد والتساوي في قرابة الأخوة ليس
بعلة للتساوي في السرقة، ولو كانت حقاً، ولا دليل على التساوي فيها، فيكون الجمع لنوع شبه خال عن العلة ودليلها.
إعلام الموقعين (۱۹۸/۱)

[3] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569

[4] An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilatil Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/26

[5] Saheeh Al-Bukhaari -Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29: Hadeeth Number: 7181 with Fat’hul Baari]

[6] An Excerpt from Adabud Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Pages 93-95. Slightly paraphrased]

[7] Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 202-203

[8] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/07/31/o-allah-just-as-you-made-my-external-form-beautiful-make-my-character-beautiful-as-well/

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [49 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Hadaadis, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

It is important to note that some overexcited youth may study the books of the Predecessors, but not proficient in applying what is sound from the narrations, thus, they apply them in other than their appropriate place. Therefore, it is essential to consult scholars on how to implement them because if one embarks upon applying some things incorrectly, he may harm himself, harm Islam and the Muslims.

This issue occured in the past, as some overexcited youth among the new and old Haddadiyyah focused on narrations (of the predecessors), while not memorising (and understanding) the Quran. They focused on the narrations of the predecessors, while among the narrations of predecessors, there are those that are authentic and those that are unauthentic.

When they (predecessors) hold a consensus on a matter, it is obligatory to accept it; however, in cases of disagreement, their statements must be referred back to the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. If a particular statement is not reliably attributed to so and so, it should not be accepted, and if it is reliably attributed to him, (but) contradicts (what is sound), it should be rejected. This is how these matters should be. They require Fiqh (sound understanding). The Haddadiyyah used to memorise the narrations of the predecessors, and Ahlus Sunnah were the first people they wage a war against, attacking them through their hysterical reading (of those narrations), turned against the scholars and sought to topple them one after the other until targeting (Shaikh Al-Islam) Ibn Taymiyyah. This trend has resurfaced through attacks against scholars and attempting to topple them while clinging to various narrations, some of which are authentic and others not, without grasping their intended meanings (or goals).

Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm 459-460

Read:

http://www.alhajuri.com/articles/aklbxkm-the-hajawirah-the-haddaadiyyah-and-the-terrorist-kharijites-of-isis.cfm

Distinguished Characteristics Of The HadaadiyyahAuthor: Shaykh Rabee’ bin Haadi al-Madkhalee

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=GRV14&articleID=GRV140001&articlePages=1

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=GRV&subsecID=GRV14&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [48 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The books of the pious predecessors are present, from the early period up to this present day of yours. There exists numerous books. By Allah, your time is insufficient to thoroughly engage with all these works and these paths to the different sciences.

O my brothers! Do not squander your time on the books of misguidance, neither defend falsehood nor the proponents of Bidah.

Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm 406

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [47 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Our religion is comprehensive and complete, leaving no aspect of life without Allah’s ruling on it and a stance. Whoever abandons something from it after the truth has been made clear to him, then indeed his destination is towards destruction.

Also, if he turns away from the truth while being capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, and chooses to reject the truth or neglect the pursuit of it, then indeed, by Allah, he is on a path towards ruin. Many people pretend to be oblivious and feign ignorance, while the truth is readily accessible to him.

However, various obstacles prevents them, such as personal desires, arrogance, blind following, (Footnote a) and numerous other factors. The truth is readily accessible and in front of his eyes, yet he may choose to  prevent himself, close his eyes, and turns away from the truth. This is also one who deviates from the truth, and his destination is towards destruction; and Allah’s refuge is sought. [Al-Makh’raj Min Al-Fitan 23-24]

Footnote a:

THE PERMISSIBLE FORM OF TAQLEED

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ06&articleID=MNJ060005&articlePages=1

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [46 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Al Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, said:

Loyalty to and enmity against specific individuals, similar to the manner in which the Rawafid (Shiites) exhibit false loyalty to specific members of the Prophet’s family: Shaikh Al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, stated in “Minhaj al-Sunnah” (133/5):

“The Rāfidah have adopted a divisive approach regarding the companions of the Messenger, showing loyalty to some while excessively praising them, and harbouring animosity towards others while being extreme in their animosity”.

Many individuals adopt a similar stance towards their leaders, kings, scholars, and elders, resulting in rejecting one another for others besides the companions. You find a proponent of illegal partisanship showing loyalty to so and so, and to those who love him, while showing enmity to so and so, and to those who love him based on other than truth (or without a justified Shariah reason). This is entirely from that splitting and affiliation that Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, as He, the Exalted, stated:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْء

Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least.
(Al-An’am: 159)

Al-Majmu Al-Wadih. 488

Listen to clarification by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him.

Bid’ee Daniel Haqiqatjou – The Inevitable transition from lying to wicked behaviour!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

فَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلرِّجۡسَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَوۡثَـٰنِ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ قَوۡلَ ٱلزُّورِ

So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idols, and shun lying speech (false statements). [Al-Hajj. 30]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

“Allah forbade lying and mentioned it alongside shirk”.

The Shaikh also stated, “Numerous are liars today against the callers and carriers of the Salafi Dawah. They (i.e. the liars) are able to disseminate cruel rumours till it reaches the world using various means made available to them in this era. They divert people from Allah’s path and seek to make it crooked in order to further their falsehoods, twaddle, and dangerous innovations in religion that destroy sound belief, sound Islamic approaches to various subjects, and virtuous manners”. [1]

Bid’ee Haqiqatjou once attempted to create a division within Salafiyyah referred to as the Madkhalis. The label of Madkhalism is, in fact, a deceptive tactic employed by the adversaries of Salafiyyah. Lacking solid evidence to challenge the authentic Salafi methodology and its upright scholars, they resort to fabrications, illusions, and defamation. This term was invented by those people of bidah, such as the Qutbiyyah and Ikhwaanees, in an effort to undermine one of the great scholars in our era, Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him. He (Al-Allamah Rabee) said: “Do you take revenge against these Salafiyyoon and nickname them with these nicknames only because they hold onto the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]? What is the bidah that the Salafiyyoon have in order for them (i.e. the false accusers) to say Mad’khaliyyah, Jaamiyyah?” [2] There is no such thing as Mad’khalism nor a quietist train in Salafiyyah. For more information about this distinguished scholar, refer to the articles written by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve them.

https://abukhadeejah.com/biography-of-ash-shaykh-al-allamah-rabi-ibn-hadi-al-madkhali-and-the-praise-of-the-scholars-for-him/

https://www.themadkhalis.com/md/

https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

This was among the earliest of Mr. Haqiqatjou’s outrageous and nonsensical falsehoods. Consequently, once it became clear that no group known as the Madkhalis exists, it is evident that the misguided Daniel is merely a liar and a slanderer. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

Beware of (lying or lies) because it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people. The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood. And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every willfully chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis of immorality, just as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality [or wickedness] and indeed immorality [or wickedness] leads to the fire. [Bukhaari 2606/2607]

Firstly lies emerge from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots it (i.e. lying) from its original source. This is why the basis [or foundation] of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours), conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice, disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies. [3]

Following the conflict between the Rawafid and the Zionists, Mr. Haqiqatjou could no longer conceal his affection for the Rafidah and his disdain for the Sunnah and its followers. His repugnant behaviour first began with lies and slander against the people of Sunnah, and culminated in Fujoor (wicked behaviour) by manifesting affection for the Rawafid. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.”  [Al-Bukhari 6094]

Fitan ultimately exposed the imposter to reveal the deep affection he harbours for the Rafidah, despite all attempts to conceal it. Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “And Imaan is known about a man, just as all the states of his heart are known by way of his (outward) allegiances, enmities, his rejoicing, anger, hunger, thirst, and other such affairs. For these matters have certain outward binding necessities (lawaazim dhaahirah) and the outward matters necessitate inward matters. And this is a matter known, the people know this concerning the one that they have experienced and tested (jarraboohu wamtahinoohu)…”. (Minhaaj us-Sunnah 8/475) (translation by Salafipublications.com)

https://abuiyaad.com/a/daniel-haqiqatjou-madkhali-bootlickers
https://abuiyaad.com/s/daniel-haqiqatjou
https://abuiyaad.com/a/haqiqatjou-mental-retardation
https://abuiyaad.com/a/daniel-haqiqatjou-taqiyyah/print
https://abuiyaad.com/a/daniel-haqiqatjou-medication
https://abukhadeejah.com/concise-adequate-response-to-the-scorn-lies-deceit-of-daniel-haqiqatjou-against-ahlus-sunnah-wal-jamaah/

Also, following his inability to hide his affection and loyalty towards his cherished ones within Ahlul Bidah, he began to undermine the contributions of earlier scholars, including Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, who came before Al-Allamah Rabee. Consequently, Haqiqatjou embraced a trait reminiscent of the people of Al-Jahiliyyah and those among Ahlul Kitab who strayed from the correct path.

Bid’ee Haqiqatjou, mocking upright scholars is a trait of Jahiliyyah!

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

They insult the followers of the Messengers saying that they neither possess understanding of affairs nor are they far-sighted, in order to make people flee from their illuminated call that has a praiseworthy outcome. This is a false statement because the people of Nifaaq are the ones without understanding. Had they understood and were truthful – outwardly and inwardly, they would have followed the Prophets and Messengers and those people of sound understanding who followed their path. This [i.e. insulting the followers of the Prophets] is what the people of Prophet Nuh reiterated to him. [ وَمَا نَرَٮٰكَ ٱتَّبَعَكَ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ أَرَاذِلُنَا بَادِىَ ٱلرَّأۡىِ – Nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking].

To accuse the followers of the noble Messengers and great Prophets that they are people of weak understanding is a false accusation against the religion and belittlement of it. Whoever follows this path that was followed by the people of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance, not honouring the Messengers and what they brought, and not following their pious followers, he resembles the Yahud [i.e. those Yahud who disbelieved and rebelled against the Prophets], the disbelievers, the people of pre-Islamic era of ignorance and the wicked sinners. Therefore, the sensible Muslims should be cautious of resembling them because whoever imitates a people is from them. [4]

Indeed, this is why the senior Salafi teachers challenged this liar and imposter because they could tell from his speech that he is someone who desires trials, temptations and discord. Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Know that leaving the correct path occurs in two ways. Firstly, a man strays from the correct path intending nothing but good, so his error is not to be followed since it leads to destruction. Secondly, a man who deliberately opposes the truth and acts contrary to the Pious ones who came before him, he is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil within the Ummah. It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed”.

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] commented on the above statement of Imam Barbahaaree [may Allah have mercy upon him] saying: The first man is one who leaves the (correct path) without the intention (to do so), rather he intended good but followed other than the path of good. Striving [alone] is not sufficient, and even if the person has a righteous intention and a good aim, then that must be upon the correct path. Therefore, this (person) is considered mistaken and whoever agrees with him and follows his error will be destroyed because this is a path of destruction even though the (person) did not intend to leave (the correct path); rather his quest was (to reach something) good. This is the state of many of those who initiate newly invented matters in the knowledge of Aqeedah (Creed). This affair is not permissible, and they should not adhere to it. The person is not upon correctness. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [ وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path]. [Al-An’am. 153]

Therefore, we reject any path that exits us from the Straight Path even if the one who (calls) to it aims for good and has a good intention. We do not follow him in that while he continues upon his error, eventually leading to destruction because whoever abandons the correct path in his journey and takes a path of ruin will be destroyed.

As for the second person, it is the one who intends to leave (the correct path). He knows the truth and that what he embarks upon is falsehood, but he intends to leave the truth with the intention of misguiding the people. So, the intention of the first (person) is to bring about benefit for the people, but he did not follow the correct path. The second (person) intended to misguide the people and turn them away from the correct path. Therefore, this one is a devil because the devils take the people away from the Straight Path. (Allah informs us that) Iblees said:

[لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ -Surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path]. [7:16] So he intends to turn them away from it [i.e. the straight path] and [direct them] towards the deviated paths. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] gave us an example when he drew a straight line and drew other lines on its sides, he then said about the straight line, “This is the path of Allah” and he said about the other lines, “These are the other paths, and on each path is a devil calling to it”. This is a clear example that agrees with that which the Shaikh (i.e. Imaam Barbahaaree) has stated here. So, the one who takes the people away from the Straight Path (and directs them) to the innovated paths of the innovators (in religious matters) is not one who intends good for them; rather he intends destruction for them. He is a devil, be it that he is a devil from amongst the Jinn or the people. It is obligated to us to be more careful of this (second person) than the first one because this one (i.e. the second) intends to misguide the people.

And regarding the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: “He is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil”, Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan stated: He is misguided and misguiding others- a rebellious devil, a rebel intending to turn the people from the Straight Path.

And regarding the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree, “It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed”, Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan commented on the above statement, saying: It is not permissible to keep quiet about this one who leaves the truth intentionally; rather it is obligatory to unveil his affair and uncover his vileness until the people are warned about him. And it is not to be said that the people are free to hold views, freedom of speech and respecting the views of others, as say present with regards to [having] respect for the views of others. The affair is not about views; [rather] the affair is about Ittibaa [i.e. following the authentic proofs narrated from the Messenger accompanied with the understanding of the pious predecessors]. Allah has outlined a clear path for us, and He told us to adhere to it, when He [Glorified be He] stated: [وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ] ‘And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it’ [6:153]

If any person comes to us and wants us to leave this straight path, firstly we reject his statement. Secondly, we clarify and warn the people against him and we do not keep quiet about him; because if we keep quiet about him, the people will be deceived by him, especially if he is an eloquent person with (skillful) writing and education because the people will be deceived by him and will say, “This one is competent, this one is from the thinkers” as is taking place today. Therefore, the affair is very dangerous, and regarding this is a reason to refute the one in opposition, as opposed to what those who say, “Abandon the refutations, leave the people, everyone has his views and have respect for him”. By way of this (so-called) respect for the views and freedom of speech, the Ummah will be destroyed. The Salaf (pious predecessors) did not keep quiet about the likes of these people; rather they exposed and refuted them due to their knowledge of the danger upon Ummah. We do not keep quiet about their evil; rather that which Allah has revealed must be clarified, otherwise, we will be from those who conceal the truth-those whom Allah spoke of (saying): [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ – Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allaah and cursed by the cursers].'[2:159]

The affair is not limited to the innovator, rather it is extended to the one who keeps quiet about him (i.e. the one who deliberately keeps quiet whilst being aware about him). Rebuke and punishment (i.e. warning) are extended to him because it is obligatory to clarify. [5

Al-Allamah Ibn Aqeel, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “If the truthful ones were to keep silent and the falsifiers speak, then the creation would have relinquished what they have witnessed (of truth) and reject what they have not witnessed. So, when the devout ones desire to revive the Prophetic path, the people would reject it and think that it is Bidah”. [6]

[1] https://youtu.be/IeQQB8vX8bk?si=tut7_IyFe0gKEBR8

[2]https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2015/01/01/those-who-nickname-the-salafis-with-the-terms-madkhaliyyah-jaamiyyah-shaikh-rabee-responds-2/

[3] Fawaa’id’ pages 202-203]

[4] An Excerpt from Sharh Masa’il Al-Jaahiliyyah Page: 78-79. slightly paraphrased

[5] An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree, Vol 1, page: 110-115. slightly paraphrased

[6] Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor page: 148