In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
A Brief Reminder to Those Who Refer to Us as “Super or Extreme Salafis” When We Demand Clarity Based On The Distinct Methodology of The Pious Predecessors
You Have Grown Weary of The Detailed Discourse That Delineates The Fine Line Between Truth and Falsehood
Allah [The Exalted] said:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
And thus do We explain the signs (to you O Muḥammad) in detail, and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you). [Surah Al-An’aam. Ayah 55] [1]
Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Allah [The Exalted] stated that just as He explained what was previously explained of the arguments and evidence on the path of guidance and sound judgment, and censured argumentation and stubbornness; likewise, He explains the signs (proofs, evidence, lessons), which those being addressed need; [ولتستبين سبيل المجرمين – and so that the way of the criminals may become evident]- Meaning, so that the path of the criminals – those who oppose the Messengers – may become evident. [2]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Those who know Allah, His Book, and the religion He has ordained are acquainted with the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail- the two paths are visible to them, just as a path leading to its destination and the path leading to destruction is made visible. They are the most knowledgeable among the creation- the ones who benefit (the people) the most, the ones with the most useful advice and they are evidence of right guidance. This is why the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet) have excelled over all those to come after them until the Day of Judgment because they were brought up upon the path of misguidance, Shirk, and the paths leading to destruction, and they knew them in detail; then the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] came to them and took them out from darkness (and entered them) into complete light- from shirk (polytheism) into Tawheed (pure Islamic Monotheism), from ignorance into knowledge, from misguidance into guidance, from injustice into justice, from confusion and blindness into guidance and clear-sightedness. They knew the worth of that which they received and were triumphant by way of it. They knew the worth of that which was contained in what they received since what is in opposition to the (truth and right guidance) manifests the goodness of what it opposes because affairs are made clear by way of their opposites. So, they (Sahaabah) increased in desire and love of that which they embraced, disliked, and hated that which they had turned away from. And of all the people, they had the most love for Tawheed, Imaan, and Islam, and had the most hatred for that which was in opposition to it. They were the most knowledgeable of the (right) path in detail.
As for those who came after the Sahaabah, among them, is one who was brought up in Islam but knows not what is in opposition to it. Therefore, some of the details of the path of the believers and that of the criminals became confusing to him because confusion occurs due to the weakness of one’s knowledge regarding both paths or one of them, as Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “The robust signposts of Islam will be undone one after the other when a people who grew up in Islam know not what Jaahiliyyah [Pre-Islamic Ignorance] is”. This (statement shows an aspect of) Umar’s perfect knowledge. There is that one who is neither acquainted with the path of the criminals nor has it been made clear to him, or he has doubts and thus thinks that some of their ways are from the ways of the believers. This has occurred in this Ummah in many affairs of Creed, Knowledge, and deeds regarding the path of the criminals, the disbelievers, and the enemies of the Messengers, (which) was brought into the path of the believers by the one who does not know the (detailed distinction between) the path of believers and the path of the criminals, so he called to (this path), excommunicated the one in opposition and declares lawful that which Allah and His Messenger made unlawful, just as what has occurred with many of the people of bidah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and their ilk- among those who initiated a Bidah, called to it and excommunicated those who opposed it.
The people are four categories in this subject matter (i.e. their knowledge of the path of the believers):
The first group is those who know the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail – in both knowledge and action. They are the most knowledgeable of the creation.
The second group is those who are blind to both paths- those resembling animals. The path of the criminals is presented to them and they follow it.
The third group is those who concern themselves with (seeking) knowledge of the path of the believers and not its opposite- only knows (the path of the criminals) by way of its opposition to the (path of the believers) and in a general way, and that all that is in opposition to the path of the believers is falsehood, even though that is not illustrated to him in detail; rather, turns away when he hears some of that which contradicts the path of the believers and does not preoccupy himself in understanding and knowing its falsity (i.e. by way of learning from the upright people of knowledge). This person is in a state (similar) to one who is safeguarded from following desires- whose heart is neither put at risk nor is he called to (such desires)- as opposed to those who are aware of (such desires) and their souls are inclined towards them, but they strive against it for the Sake of Allah. A letter was written to Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] and he was asked about this affair, as to which of the two men is the better- a man who is not put at risk by way of desires and does not go through its difficulties, or a man who is urged towards it but abandons it for the Sake of Allah? Umar wrote back saying, “The one who is desirous of sin but abandons it for the Sake of Allah is from ‘those whose hearts Allaah has tested for piety. For them, there is forgiveness and a great reward’”. [Al-Hujuraat. 3]
The fourth group knows the path of evil, Bidah, and kufr in detail and the path of the believers in general. This is the situation of many of those who concern themselves with the beliefs of the previous nations and that of the people of Bidah (proponents of religious innovation). They are acquainted with (these affairs) in detail, but not with what the Messenger came with; rather they are acquainted with it in general even though they may know some of its affairs in detail. Whoever examines their books will see that. Likewise, those who know the paths of evil, oppression, and corruption in detail and are followers of it, if they repent, abandon these (affairs) and return to the path of the pious believers, then their knowledge of it will only be general. They will not be acquainted with it in that detailed manner known to those who spend their lives (studying) its regulations and ways.
The Objective: Indeed, Allah [Glorified be He] loves that one should know the path of His enemies to avoid and hate it, just as the path of His Awliyaa (close friends, allies) should be known and followed. [3]
You Lack The Fortitude and Integrity Essential to Uphold The Sound Creed and Methodology And Counter Deviation
Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allaah 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-Allamah 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]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Ayah 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. [4]
Your Love and Hate Towards Engaging With Ahlul Bidah Are Weak, Unstable, or Corrupt
Imam As-Saaboonee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
They (Ahlul Hadith) hate Ahlul Bid’ah – those who initiate into the religion what is not from it. They neither love them nor keep company with them. They neither listen to their speech nor sit with them. They neither argue with them about the religion nor debate with them”.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated:
Is this from themselves (their understanding), or is it guidance from Allah and His Messenger, as well as the practices of the righteous predecessors? Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, has cautioned us against Ahlul Bidah, making it clear that they are people driven by their desires and that they follow the Mutashaabihaat while neglecting the Muhkamaat. Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, recited this verse:
هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
It is He Who has sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [this Qur’an]. In it are Verses that are (entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkaam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraa’id (obligatory duties), and Al-Hudood (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others are Mutashaabihaat (i.e. not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are to be referred back to the Muhkamaat to be explained]. So, as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allaah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘’We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding.’’ [Aal Imraan. 7]
She said: The Messenger said, “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named [as having deviation (from the truth)] so beware of them”. [Al-Bukhaari 4547]
Allah has made it clear that they harbour (misguided, vain) desires and deviations, and that they intend to mislead both themselves and others. They seek trials and aim to misguide the people, which is why the Messenger has addressed them and elucidated their state. He stated, “Indeed, there will emerge a group from my Ummah in whom desires will flow as rabies flows in a dog.” Ahlul Sunnah undoubtedly detests Ahlul Bidah, and Imam As-Saaboonee has noted that senior scholars of Ahlul Hadith unanimously share this sentiment. However, among Ahlul Bidah, there exist Du’aat (callers to their innovations) who should neither be engaged in conversation nor debated with, except in cases of necessity and for a Maslahah (a carefully considered benefit recognized by rightly guided scholars). (In other circumstances), it is impermissible to engage in debate with them.
It is impermissible to debate with the Rawaafid if you are weak (in knowledge and character); except for a man who is firmly grounded in knowledge and religion, (well-versed) in citing proofs, smart, and possesses (force and strength to effectively engage in debate using clear proofs without being swayed by doubts). Therefore, if he perceives a benefit in debating them, he may proceed to do so. [وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ – and argue with them in a way that is better].
This is the legislated debate. Allah did not close the door of debate completely, thus if we have a way of establishing the proof and guiding the people to good, we follow it. The one who is debated with may not benefit but others may benefit. Regarding the weak individual, the answer is no. Even among scholars, there exists one who may be considered weak and another who is misled by Shub’hah (a matter that superficially resembles the truth but is, in fact, false). He may be a scholar, but weak in his character, thus rendering him vulnerable in the presence of Ahlul Bidah, even if they are younger or possess less knowledge than he does. This has occurred to many who ascribe to the Sunnah and Hadith due to their weakness and opposition to the methodology of the pious predecessors. For example is Al Bayhaqqi, who was from the seniors of Ahlul Hadith and their scholars, yet he was misled by certain Ashaa’irah, such as Ibn Fawrak and his associates, ultimately led him into Ash’ariyyah. How many young individuals in this current era have faced ruin at the hands of Ahlul Bidah!
How many youths, middle-aged men and university graduates have fallen victim to the deceptions of Ahlul Bidah, thereby becoming ensnared in their influence?! They are deceived by the groups (i.e. deviated groups), thus leading them to succumb (to these falsehoods). This is because they did not act upon the Messenger’s statement: “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named (as having deviation), so beware of them”. The resolute individual calls Ahlul Bidah, the Christians. There has to be Dawah in the path of Allah and strong scholars who can convey the religion ordained by Allah. When necessary, they debate so that the proofs are established and benefit one who is to benefit. [5]
You Lack The Sound Foundational Principles Necessary For Accurately Evaluating, Recognising, and Classifying Errors, While Also Being Perplexed About The Clear and Detailed distinction Between The Path of Ahlus Sunnah and that of Ahlul Bidah
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him] said:
After speaking about those who make Takfir based on falsehood (a) amongst the different factions of the Jahmiyah (b), the Khawaarij (c), the Rawaafid and the Qadariyyah (d), and the reason behind such Takfir, Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “On the opposite side of these people who make Takfir based on falsehood, there are people who do not know the creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa’ah as it should be, or they know some and are ignorant of some. Perhaps what they know of it, they do not clarify for the people, rather they conceal it. Neither do they forbid Bidah nor censure Ahlul Bidah and punish them; rather, they may censure speech related to the Sunnah and the fundamental principles of the religion – completely – and would not differentiate between what Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah say and what Ahlul Bidah Wal-Furqah say, or they would affirm all their differing Madhabs (creeds, paths) like how the scholars would affirm the different opinions related to affairs of Ijtihaad regarding which difference of opinion is justified. (e) This path has overwhelmed many of the Murji’ah, some of the jurists, those pursuing the path of asceticism, and the philosophers, just as it has overwhelmed – first and foremost – many of the people of desires and rhetoric. Both these paths are perverted, outside the Book [i.e. The Qur’an] and the Sunnah”.
After quoting the above statement from Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali said, “I say, may Allah have mercy on Ibn Tamiyyah. Indeed, he clarified the situation of the people of his era and those before them, then what if he saw the situation of many amongst the Al-Jamaa’aat Al-Hizbiyyah Wal-Bid’iyyah (The Groups of Illegal Partisanship and Bidah (f) who ascribe themselves to Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa’ah and take cover behind them – in particular – to promote their falsehoods?! What if he saw them whilst they have gathered between the Madhabs (creeds paths) of the two groups- the khawaarij and those who follow their way in pronouncing Takfir in the subject matter of Al-Haakimiyyah (g) and the way of the Mur’ji’ah (h) in the manner they approach the affair of people who are upon the big and numerous innovations in religious affairs, and equating innovation in religion to those affairs of the religion in which Ijtihaad is justified, whose people are rewarded alongside a refutation against their mistakes! In the view of these people, the leaders of Misguidance and Bidah are like the Imams of Guidance and Sunnah”. (i) [6]
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah continued: “Rather what is obligatory is to clarify that which Allah sent His Messengers with and (revealed) in His Books- propagate that which the Messengers brought from Allah and fulfill the covenant which Allah took from the scholars. Therefore, it is obligatory to know that which the Messengers brought, believe in it, propagate it, call to it, strive with it, weigh up all that which the people embark upon – [statements, actions, religious fundamentals and subsidiary issues pertaining to the apparent actions of the Limbs and affairs related to actions of the heart]- under the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, neither following desires [through] customs, a school of law, a religious order, a leader or a predecessor, nor following conjecture through a weak hadeeth or corrupt analogy, regardless whether it is an analogy that offers some degree of certainty or not, or blindly following someone who it is not obligated to follow his statement and action because Allah -in His Book – has censured those who follow conjecture and that which their souls desire, whilst they abandon following that which came to them from their Lord of Guidance”. [7]
You Are Filled With Fear of Returning to The Noble Path of Pious Predecessors to Adjudicate All affairs.
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee, may Allaah preserve him, stated:
All of you hold onto the Rope of Allaah [i.e. The Qur’an and authentic Sunnah]- Allaah will aid you in this and make you like the sun; return to the understanding of the righteous predecessors, and it is, as I said to you, transmitted (and established) in your presence. This is a challenge to those who oppose this. We are challenging Ahlul Bidah Wal Ahwaa (the proponents of innovation in religious matters and followers of vain desires) in their creed and politics. We say, between us and you is the (path, understanding of the) pious predecessors and books (of the pious predecessors). Ahmad [i.e. Imaam Ahmad] used to say to the proponents of innovation in religious affairs, “Between us and you are the funerals (i.e. whose funeral will be attended by Ahlus Sunnah in great numbers)”. We say (i.e. at present), “Between us and you are the books (of the pious predecessors)- the books are present! Allah said to His Messenger: [قل فَأْتُوا بِالتَّوْرَاةِ فَاتْلُوهَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ – All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Taurat (Torah) was revealed. Say (O Muhammad ): “Bring here the Taurat (Torah) and recite it, if you are truthful]. So they present the Torah and you prove them to be upon falsehood.
We bring the books of the pious predecessors – the Qur’an, the Sunnah, the books of Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasaa’ee, and what was authored by Ahmad and others; we bring them (to prove) those who are on the path of these (pious predecessors) and those who turn away and oppose them. Just as Allah challenged the Jews to bring the Torah, so the Torah was brought and they were exposed them; (likewise), we challenge these people to bring the books of the pious predecessors, so that the innovator in religious affairs is exposed, and to clarify who the deviants are- whether us or them? Are they able to challenge? Can they open their mouths like this? We fill our mouths with courage – challenge everyone who says that we are upon other than the methodology of the pious predecessors. We, by Allaah, call to the methodology of the pious predecessors- to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. We use the book of Allaah and the Sunnah as proof for our beliefs, our acts of worship, our dealings with rulers and their subjects, in dealing with the groups and sects. As for the others, they are upon tricks, deception, etc By Allah, you will not find with them anything but tricks and manipulating the emotions of youth. [8]
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 rejected what they have not witnessed. So when the devout one desires to revive the Prophetic path, the people would reject it and think that it innovation in religion. [9]
You Are Filled With Fear and Unease at The Prospect of Being Isolated and Attacked When They Hold Onto Clarity Regardless of The Large Numbers of People In Opposition
Imaam Abu Shaamah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When the command to adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jamaa’ah was upon- the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and his companions [may Allah be pleased with them]- and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood”. [10]
Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers [of people upon such and such idea, view, belief, way of life, etc], whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity, for indeed many people of the past were destroyed due to this [i.e. blindly following the majority]. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated on you to examine yourself; take account of yourself and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allaah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed, just as Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An-aam Ayah 116]
And Allah [The Most High] said: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [11]
Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Al-Munaafiqoon. 4]
Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [12]
Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated:
A large number of people around a person is not proof that such a person is virtuous because some of the Prophets were only followed by a few people. “A Prophet will come on the day of judgment with a few followers and a Prophet will come with no followers”. [Bukhaari 5705]. Therefore, does this mean that such a Prophet is not virtuous? Absolutely not! A person does not look at the large number of people who are present because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to Ali, “If Allah gives guidance to a single man through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels”. [Bukhaari 3009]
The Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, also stated, “Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah is not harmed by those who oppose them. If you are with them- all praise is due to Allah, they are pleased with this because indeed they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you cannot harm them and due to this the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be manifest upon the truth- not harmed by those who forsake them until the command of Allaah comes to pass (i.e. the day of judgment) whilst they are (still) upon that (truth)”. The one in opposition does not harm except himself. What is given consideration is not the great numbers; rather what is given consideration is to agree with the truth, even if a small number of people were upon it. And even if in some eras there is only one person (upon truth), then he is the one upon truth and he is the Jamaa’ah. The Jamaa’ah does not necessitate great numbers; rather the Jamaa’ah is what is in agreement with the truth – in agreement with the Book and the Sunnah, even if those upon it are few. However, if many come together and (upon) truth, then – all praise is due to Allah- this is strength. But if the majority oppose it (i.e. the truth), then we side with the truth even if only a few are upon it”. [13]
We ask Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الثَّبَاتَ فِي الْأَمْرِ، وَالْعَزِيمَةَ عَلَى الرُّشْدِ
O Allah! Indeed, I ask You for steadfastness in this affair (regarding sound adherence to the religion) and firm resolve to adhere to the path of guidance. [14]
اللّهُـمَّ رَبَّ جِـبْرائيل ، وَميكـائيل ، وَإِسْـرافيل، فاطِـرَ السَّمواتِ وَالأَرْض ، عالـِمَ الغَيْـبِ وَالشَّهـادَةِ أَنْـتَ تَحْـكمُ بَيْـنَ عِبـادِكَ فيـما كانوا فيهِ يَخْتَلِفـون. اهدِنـي لِمـا اخْتُـلِفَ فيـهِ مِنَ الْحَـقِّ بِإِذْنِك ، إِنَّـكَ تَهْـدي مَنْ تَشـاءُ إِلى صِراطٍ مُسْتَقـيم
O Allah! Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, The Knower of the seen and the unseen. You judge between Your slaves regarding in that which they differ. Guide me to the truth regarding that in which there is differing, by Your Will. Verily, You guide whomever you will to the straight path. [15]
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). [16]
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. [17]
———————————
Footnotes:
[a] What is Takfeer? Read here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah: https://abukhadeejah.com/no-muslim-leaves-islam-unless-he-does-something-that-nullifies-it/
[b] Who are the Jahmiyah? https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/xiyvh-the-first-deniers-of-allaahs-speech-a-chain-of-evil-narrators.cfm
[c] https://abukhadeejah.com/isis-in-iraq-syria-ibn-kathir-died-774-ah-if-the-khawaarij-ever-gained-strength-in-iraq-and-syria-there-would-be-mass-killing/
[d] Who are the Rawafid and Qadariyyah? https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/ http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm
[e] What is Ijtihaad: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/tolerated-differing-and-impermissible-differing-in-islaam/ ]
[f] What is Hizbiyyah – illegal partisanship:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2015/03/a-precise-definition-of-hizbiyyah-by-shaikh-rabee-may-allaah-preserve-him/ ]
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/01/what-is-the-meaning-of-hizbiyyah-and-what-is-the-ruling-upon-it-shaykh-ubaid-al-jaabiree/
[g] What is Al-Haakimiyyah?
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ07&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm
[h] Who are the Murji’ah?
http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=GSC&subsecID=GSC05&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm
[i] Read this article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh: http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/series/the-false-comparison-between-hadith-giants-ibn-hajar-an-nawawi-and-20th-century-ignoramuses.cfm
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabees-advice-on-interacting-with-ahlul-bidah-in-the-west/
Who Are The Salafis
http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm
What is Salafism? Download the free eBook and read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah.
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/
What is our da’wah, the call to Salafiyyah? The defining features
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/what-is-our-dawah-the-call-to-salafiyyah-the-defining-features/
A response to Western academics who categorise Salafis into Quietists, Politicos and Jihadists – and why this is a false categorisation
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/
Shaikh Rabee’s Relationship with the scholars and their praises for him–even though Abu Eesa and his affiliates amongst the slanderous devils increase in hatred
http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/articles/hyulz-the-relationship-between-shaykh-rabee-al-madkhali-and-the-major-scholars-part-1.cfm
http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/articles/bqouy-the-relationship-between-shaykh-rabee-al-madkhali-and-the-major-scholars-part-2.cfm
The Madkhali Myth
http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/categories/shaykh-rabee.cfm
Why Shaikh Rabee is Attacked?
http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/articles/epluy-shaykh-ibn-uthaymin-the-people-began-to-tarnish-shaykh-rabee-with-faults-after-he-spoke-about-some-of-their-symbolic-figureheads.cfm
Salafi Scholars Praise Shaikh Rabee
https://video.link/w/aDhc?src=syt
Is Shaikh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee A Great Scholar Of This Era?
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/is-shaikh-rabee-ibn-haadee-a-great-scholar-of-this-era/
[1]: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55%5D
[2]: Tafseer ibn Katheer
[3]: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’d pages 167-180
[4]: An Excerpt from It’haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree, Vol 1, page: 110-115
[5] An Excerpt from “Sharh Aqeedah As-Salaf Ashaab Al-Hadeeth’ pages 301 onwards
[6] An Excerpt from “Al-Mahajjatul Baydaa Fee Himaayatis Suunatil Gharraa Min Zallaati Ahlil Akhtaa’i Wa Zayghi Ahlil Ahwaa” 117-118
[7] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/467-468
[8] https://youtu.be/mxXSfKh_sjw paraphrased
[9] Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor page 148
[10] Al-Baa’ith Alaa Inkaaril Bid’ah Wal-Hawaadith’ page 22
[11] An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412
[12] قم المعاند – 2/547
[13] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14 -15
[14] Irwaa al-Ghaleel 1/115
[15] Saheeh Muslim 770
[16] As-Saheehah Number 1301
[17] Sahih Muslim. 2720]
