In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Listen to Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s clarification here:
ges=1
[Ref 1: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55]
[Ref 2: Tafseer ibn Katheer]
[Ref 3: Tafseer at-Tabari]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: One of the affairs obligated on a student of knowledge to comply with is that he acquires knowledge directly from the Shaikhs, because he will reach -by way of that- several benefits as follows:
a: The path to acquiring knowledge will be shortened for him instead of moving from one book to another whilst trying to find out the view that carries more weight (in a particular subject matter) and the reason behind it, and trying to find out the weak view in (that particular subject matter) and the reason behind it. Instead of going through all this, the teacher will give him what he seeks after through an easy path, present to him – two, three or more than three – different views of the people of knowledge together with a clarification of the view that carries more weight and the proof. Indeed, there is no doubt that this is beneficial (or advantageous) for the student.
b: He will be facilitated with the ability to grasp a subject matter quickly, because when the student of knowledge reads to a scholar, he will grasp the subject matter many times quicker than when he reads books (on his own). That is because when he read books, he may come across difficult and obscure statements, so he needs contemplation and repetition, which requires time and effort, and he may understand those statements wrongly and then act upon them.
c: Close association between the students of knowledge and the erudite scholars- junior people of knowledge attached to senior people of knowledge.
These are from the benefits of acquiring knowledge directly from the Shaikhs; but as mentioned earlier, it is obligated on a person to choose a scholar who is reliable, trustworthy and strong – one who has real knowledge and understanding and not superficial knowledge- truthful and firm in fulfilling what is entrusted to him and known for fulfilling acts of worship, for indeed a student follows the footsteps of his teacher. (1)
The Imaam [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also stated that a person should learn the fundamentals and establish his knowledge on sound fundamental principles – the Qur’aan and the Sunnah etc. A person should not approach knowledge, whilst intending to acquire everything at once because that is not possible; rather one should acquire knowledge little by little. Likewise, one should not rely solely on books and his personal efforts, rather one should have a reliable Shaikh- one who is reliable in his understanding and is trustworthy- because the Shaikh who teaches you has already studied, taught, revised and understood. The Shaikh also mentioned that students have different abilities, and some might be able to study more advanced books -under a Shaikh- than others. Likewise, the path followed in the path of seeking knowledge under the scholars vary depending on where a person is residing, and the method adopted by the scholars of that country. (2)
Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him]:
Learning from books without referring to the scholars! This is a path of deviation, and many have deviated because of it. He (i.e. the person) will either misunderstand what is in the books or understands in a way other than what is intended because it has not been explained and made clear to him. The author (of the book) may be deviated in his views or knowledge and fills it (i.e. the book) with mistakes in affairs of knowledge. Then this ignorant youth reads and adopts it. Therefore, the books are not to be solely depended upon. And even if the books are sound, you will not be able to understand by merely seeking after it (i.e. reading). The khawaarij were not misguided and misguiding others with their intellects and fear of Allaah, except that they disassociated themselves from the scholars and depended on their own understanding and that of those like them. They took instructions from one another, and thus they caused harm to themselves and to the Ummah. This is the result for disassociating from the scholars. (3)
Imaam Al-Bukhaari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not become well facilitated until he takes knowledge from one above him, one similar to him and one below him.” (4)
Imaam Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he writes from someone similar to him, someone above him and someone below him.” (5)
Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he takes from someone above him, someone below him and someone similar to him.” (6)
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: Musa [peace be upon him] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat was revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he did not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Musa) said]:
[لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 60]
He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; (rather) he travelled on foot”. (7)
[Ref 1: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. pages 105-106. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. page 77 onwards. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 3: Tawjeehaat Mihimmah Li-Shaab Al-Ummah. Page 7]
[Ref 4: Quoted by Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaari in Sharh Umdatul Ahkaam. Lesson 1]
[Ref 5: Taareekh Baghdaad by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee 5/68]
[Ref 6: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawee 2/218]
[Ref 7: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248. Slightly paraphrased]
The salafi bears a responsibility; upon him is to study (beneficial) knowledge, to study the books of the salaf, the belief of the salaf, their exegesis of the Quran and their explanations of the messenger’s hadeeth (alayhis salaatu was salaam), so that he is grounded in (beneficial) knowledge, whilst he truthfully calls to Allah with knowledge and insight.
He (The Most High) said,
قُلْ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.” (12:108)
Meaning, I (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and my true followers, call to Allah with sure sighted insight; ie upon knowledge.
The caller to ignorance (misguidance, evil, innovations), such as the callers of misguidance and innovation – they are ignoramuses, ignorant of the path of truth and the (correct) call to Allah; they call to falsehood.
The people of innovation and misguidance call to falsehood, even if they are characterised as having knowledge, and even if they have certificates, then they are (still) ignoramuses, just as some of the salaf said, ‘a scholar has never brought about an innovation, rather innovations are only brought about by the ignorant ones, even if they call themselves scholars, then they are (still) ignorant.’
So learn and study the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa salam), study the Oneness of Allah (The Blessed & Most High).
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our, Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.
Nafahaat al-Huda wal-Eemaan min Majaalis al-Qur’aan of Shaykh Rabee (Hafidahullah) Pg 69
Question: Does sending religious messages on WhatsApp with the intention of teaching the people, enter into the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ 'Convey from me, even if it is a verse'? And are we rewarded for it?
Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!
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Question: What is your advice, Shaykh Salih (Al-Fawzaan), for the student of Islamic knowledge? And is it upon him to firstly begin with memorising the whole of the Noble Quran?
Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!
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In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Conversation Between father and son
Son: Dad, I want to apply for Madeenah University.
Father: Excellent, seeking knowledge is a noble affair, rather an aspect of it is Waajib in order that one worships Allaah based on clear-sightedness. However, why have you suddenly been eager to go away and seek knowledge?
Son: Many of my friends and former school mates are applying as well.
Father: Alhamdulil laah, it is good that you desire to follow the footsteps of good friends, but what do you intend after graduating from an Islamic University?
Son: Give Dawah.
Father: Excellent, Dawah is a mighty affair, but what about your livelihood – source of income? My view is that you continue attending the study circles as much as you can whilst aiming to finish your apprenticeship, so that you have a worldly qualification by way of which you can find work after graduating from an Islamic University InShaaAllaah. I also remind you not to ever think that you are going to secure employment in such and such Masjid or institution after studying, because the Masjids only need few staff to look after its affairs. Secondly, I warn you – even though I do not doubt your intention – against following the path of those who use the religion as a source of income, so they compromise the truth and plunge into hizbiyyah because of worldly gain; rather study solely to remove ignorance from yourself and to aid you worship Allaah based on clear-sightedness. I insist that you carry on attending study circles and finish your apprenticeship first. There is no rush at all.
Son: Can I submit my application?
Father: Yes, you can do so, but you cannot start if they accept you until you finish your apprenticeship next year. This is what I advise and order you to do, so that you have a worldly skill to depend on. This is the path of our Salaf. Abu-Bakr Al-Marwazee said: I heard Abu Abdillaah [Imaam Ahmad] saying, “Indeed I ordered them (i.e. my children) to go to the market and engage in trade”. (1)
Muhammad Ibn Moosaa said: I heard Ali Bin Ja-far saying: “My father took me along with him to Abu Abdillaah [Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah)] and said: “O Abu Abdillaah! This is my son.” So he supplicated for me and said to my father: “Order him to go to the market (for trade) and keep him away from his (idle or bad) companions.” (2)
Abu Bakr Al-Marroodhee narrated to us, saying: I said to Abu Abdillaah (i.e. Imaam Ahmad): ”For what (reason) did Sufyaan Ath-Thawri depart to Yemen?” He said: ”He departed for trade and to meet Ma’mar. They (i.e. the people) said: He (Sufyaan) had a hundred Deenaar, but seventy (Deenaar) is what is correct.” (3)
Abdul Malik Al-Maymoonee reported that Abu Abdillaah [Imaam Ahmad] said: A man said to Sariy Bin Yahyah (a student of the Taa’bi’een): “You travel on the sea in search of the dunyah (provision)?! He (Sari) said: “I want to be free from your (state of being) in need of the people.” (4)
Zaheer Ibn Saaleh Ibn Ahmad Bin Hanbal said: I heard my father saying: He used to even take a carpenter’s tool and depart to the houses of the people to carry out some work with his hands. (5)
Yoosuf Ibn Muslim said: I heard Ali Ibn Bakkaar saying: Ibraaheem Bin Adham used to offer himself for employment. Sulaymaan Al-Khawwaas used to glean (i.e. employed as a gatherer of the grain left over after harvest). (6.1)
Ishaq Ibn Daawud said: “I heard Al-Hasan Ibnul Waqee saying: It is more beloved to me that I (work to) earn two hundred miligrams (of something in weight) than someone giving me ten dirhams. (7)
And I also remind you of the statement of Al-Allaamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan [may Allaah have mercy upon him] when he stated: The aim behind the religious sciences is not to earn (wealth); rather it is for the purpose of acquainting oneself with the realities of the Islamic legislation and to rectify one’s behaviour. The one who learns for the purpose of trade cannot be a scholar; rather he only resembles the scholars. The scholars unveiled what the drive behind this was and they spoke about it when the building of schools reached them at Baghdaad, so they held gatherings of knowledge and stated, “The pure souls and possessors of lofty ambition used to pre-occupy themselves with knowledge and their intention behind seeking knowledge was due to its nobility and the perfection reached by way of it; therefore, they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge. However, when (monetary gain) is attached to it, the vilest people and the lazy ones will approach it and thus leading to its disappearance; so, the Islamic sciences of wisdom [found in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the understanding of the Salaf] will be abandoned even though they are self-evident in their nobility. (8)
And I also remind you that a certificate of graduation is nothing if pursued for the sake of fame and recognition and thus one becomes self-amazed. Therefore, pay attention to the words of Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] who said, “Some of the people say that sincere intention in this present era of ours is difficult (to achieve) or it may be impossible (to achieve) because those who seek knowledge do so with the aim of receiving a certificate”. The Imaam replied to this statement saying that one’s intention is regarded to be corrupt if knowledge is sought in order to receive a certificate or a desire for an elevated worldly status by way of it. But a person’s intention is regarded to be good and not in opposition to sincerity if he wants an elevated status in order to benefit the people, for he knows that at present it is impossible for a person to achieve a high and beneficial position for the Ummah unless he has a certificate. And because of this, even if you were to find a scholar who is good in various affairs of knowledge but he has no certificate, it will not be possible for him to teach even in high school and this is the reality. And you will find that the one lesser in knowledge than this scholar will be accepted (as a teacher) at a university as long as he has a certificate. So in accordance with a person’s (sincere) intention and choices the certificate is not considered harmful and its obtainment enters into the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]: [وما جاءك من هذا المال وأنت غير مشرف ولا سائل فخذه، وما لا فلا تتبعه نفسك – And what comes to you from this wealth without asking for it or having greed for it, take it; and if not given, do not run for it]. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 1473. Vol 2. Book of Zakat]. (9)
The Imaam also said: It is possible for a person to come, holding the certification of a doctorate (PhD), and take up the position of teaching in the faculties and universities, yet he is the most ignorant of people. And if a secondary grade student came, he would be better than him (in understanding and knowledge). And this is witnessed, observed (nowadays), there is to be found now one who holds the certification of a doctorate yet he knows absolutely nothing of knowledge. Knowledge, understanding (ilm, fiqh) is something granted and bestowed by Allaah as a favour and bounty and is not necessarily attained through certifications and passing through institutions. (10)
I want you to bear this in mind. If you are going to travel, then we’ll -InShaa-Allaah – visit one of the elders – the experienced, trustworthy and firm elder students- to advise you because they are more knowledgeable and experienced than me.
Son: Jazaakallaahu Khayran dad.
Father: Wa Jazaakallaahu Khayran, and I ask Allah to make you and all your brothers and sisters the coolness of our eyes Aameen.
[Ref 1: Source: Al-Hath-Thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-Sinaa’ah of Al-Khallaal (rahimahullaah) Page: 27]
[Ref 2: Al-Hath-thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-sinaa-ah. page:29]
[Ref 3: Al-Hath-thu alaa At-Tijaarah page: 35]
[Ref 4: Al-Hath-Thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-sinaa’ah. page: 30]
[Ref 5: Al-Hath-thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-Sinaa’ah. page: 39]
[Ref 6.1: Al-Hath-thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-sinaa’ah page: 54]
[Ref 7: Al-Hath-thu Alaa At-Tijaarah Was-Sinaa’ah. page 62]
[Ref 8: An Excerpt from (أبجد العلوم – Vol 1. pages 77-78. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 9: Sharh Hilya Taalib Al-Ilm. page:22]
[Ref 10: Sharh Riyadh al-Saliheen 3/436). Translated by Shaikh Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah (hafidhahullaah)]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said that from that which is obligated on a student of knowledge to comply with is that he acquires knowledge directly from the Shaikhs, for indeed he will reach -by way of that- several benefits as follows:
*The path to acquiring knowledge will be shortened for him instead of moving from one book to another whilst trying to find out the view that carries more weight (in a particular subject matter) and the reason behind it; also trying to find out the weak view in (that particular subject matter) and the reason behind it. Instead of going through all this, the teacher will give him what he seeks after through an easy path, present to him – two, three or more than three – different views of the people of knowledge together with a clarification of the view that carries more weight and the proof. Indeed, there is no doubt that this is beneficial (or advantageous) for the student.
*He will be facilitated with the ability to grasp a subject matter quickly, because when the student of knowledge reads to a scholar, he will grasp the subject matter many times quicker than when he reads books (on his own). That is because when he read books, he may come across difficult and obscure statements (or expressions), so he needs contemplation and repetition, which requires time and effort, and he may understand those statements wrongly and then act upon them.
*Close connection (or attachment) between the students of knowledge and the erudite scholars- junior people of knowledge attached to senior people of knowledge.
These are from the benefits of acquiring knowledge directly from the Shaikhs; but as mentioned earlier, it is obligated on a person to choose a scholar who is reliable, trustworthy and strong – one who has real knowledge and understanding and not superficial knowledge; truthful and firm in fulfilling what is entrusted to him and known for fulfilling acts of worship, for indeed a student follows the footsteps of his teacher. [Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. pages 105-106. slightly paraphrased].
Question to Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiti [may Allaah preserve him]: Is it permissible for the one who seeks knowledge from some Shaikh – by way of books and audios – to say to him [i.e. the Shaikh], “Our Shaikh” and thus he becomes a Shaikh of his?
Answer: There’s no harm in considering someone as one’s Shaikh, but I bring your attention to the fact that there are two ways of acquiring knowledge. The first path is seeking knowledge in person and sitting to acquire knowledge from the scholar directly- sitting in his presence, learn good manners from him and good Tarbiyah. This is the ideal way and the loftiest. This is the way of the Sahaabah in acquiring knowledge from their Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]- those who were with him in Madeenah and those who traveled to him. They acquired knowledge directly from the Prophet and taught their people. Likewise, this is how the Taabi’oon acquired knowledge from the Sahaabah- took knowledge (directly) from the Sahaabah, especially the seniors. Likewise, those who followed the Taabi’een did the same up to this era of ours. This is the correct and loftiest path of acquiring knowledge from a Shaikh.
The second path is to acquire knowledge from books and audios. There is no harm in this and it benefits, but it does not contain that which is found in the first method; rather it is for a woman and the one who is unable because of the difficulty in reaching the Shaikh due to distance, for one may not be able to sit in the presence of a scholar even in his own country. Not all women are able-some of them are sometimes able and unable at other times, and some are not able. So, these people benefit [i.e. from the books & tapes], but also they are not advised to enter into challenging (or very difficult) issues related to differences of opinion between the scholars; rather they entrust those affairs to the people of knowledge. And whoever is a teacher – one who gives instructions in knowledge (i.e. nurtures others) or an Imaam of a Masjid in his city district or town, we advise him to be at the service of the people and that he takes those questions of theirs which he is able to answer and respond to them in his city district. And those questions that carry difference of opinion and requires investigation, he offers his services to the people by sending those questions to the people of knowledge and take answers from them. This is a good service with regards to the Muslim helping another Muslim. [paraphrased] Listen to audio here:
https://safeshare.tv/x/aIVf6vxUqh8#
All praise is due to Allaah, many Salafi Masaajid and Centres either have a resident student or a student who travels to them. Do not cling to books and abandon the study circles. Do not be like those youth who frown and are filled with a sense of false independence when told to take knowledge directly from those who are known to the scholars. May Allaah protect us from self-amazement Aameen.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Question: Which books do you advise the student of knowledge to read-those that give special attention in making clear the Salafi Methodology for him?
Response: Firstly, I advise myself and my brothers [to concentrate on memorising and studying] the Book of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], for in it is guidance and light. It is the main foundation of Islaam and the Sunnah is its explanation and clarification. Thereafter, study the guidance of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] from the Saheehayn [i.e. Bukhaari and Muslim], the four Sunan [i.e. Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan Daraqutni, Sunan Ibn Maajah, Sunan Nasaa-I, Sunan Al-Kubraa of Bayhaqi], the Masaaneed [i.e. Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abu Dawood At-Tayalisi, Musnad Ad-Daarimi, Musnad Abu Ya’laa etc], the Jawaami (1) and other than them.
I advise the students of knowledge to study these three Books of the Sunan which have been (transmitted) with authenticity from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], and that they study some sections in these Ummahaat [i.e. in Bukhaari, Muslim, Nasaa’ee, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] and firmly concentrate on them in particular. That is because they are connected to the fundamental principles of the religion, such as kitaabul Ilm [the Book of Knowledge] in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari and kitaabul Imaan, because indeed Imaam Al-Bukhaari narrated – in this kitaabul Imaan- ahaadeeth in order clarify the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah in the subject matter of Imaan, and in their chapter headings he rebutted the Murji’a- those who are in opposition to this fundamental. And he firmly placed in this great book [i.e. Saheeh Al-Bukhaari] the Book of Itisaam [.e. the book of holding onto the way of the Prophet], the Akhbaarul Aahaad and kitaab At-Tawheed. That is because these [affairs] are connected to the fundamentals of the religion and they are very important.
It is obligatory to have an understanding of them after acquiring understanding of the Book of Allaah [The Most High]. Likewise, concentrate on kitaab As-Sunnah in Sunan Abee Dawood because it is a very important fundamental and it agrees with Saheeh Al-Bukhari in these affairs that we have mentioned. And in it is a notification about bidah-the bidah of the Jahmiyyah, the khawaarij and other than them. It distinguished the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah and its Madhab from the deviated Madhabs. So the fundamentals in this subject matter are to be studied.
Likewise, (study) kitaab Al-Ittibaa of Ibn Maajah [i.e. adherence to the Messenger’s path] and khalq Af’aal Al-Ibaad of Bukhaari, because by way of it a person becomes acquainted with great fundamentals from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah regarding affairs related to the Qur’aan, (sound) creed, the Jahmiyyah and other than them amongst the people of bidah and misguidance. Likewise, [study] the first section of Sharhus Sunnah of Al-Baghawi because it concentrates on this subject matter. And ‘As-Sunnah’ of Al-khallaal, Sharh Usool Al-ittiqaad Ahlis Sunnah of Laalikaa’ee, Al-Hujja of Asfahaanee, Al-Ibaanah of Ibn Battah and what is similar to that.
Then the books of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy on both of them], because in them there is an unequivocal and sufficient clarification of the fundamental principles of the religion and its subsidiary affairs, and all praise is due to Allaah. In these affairs of knowledge there is life [for the hearts]. Learn the Qur’aan, the (sound) creed, the (sound) methodology, the (sound) fundamentals and the (sound) subsidiary affairs (of the religion) in a manner as if you were acquiring them from the mouth of Allaah’s Messenger, and likewise all the books we have mentioned in a manner as if you were acquiring them (directly) from the mouth of the Messenger, the Sahaabah and those who followed their path. Ibn Taymiyyah did not become outstanding, vast in knowledge and well established in clarifying the truth except after learning these books. So we should study these books and these chapters from them, and may Allaah bless you.
Then we study all the Sunan. We look into the books of Fiqh, the books of Tafseer, the books of Hadeeth-all of them are beneficial; but (one gives) specific concentration to these affairs [i.e. the creed and methodology], especially in these times because many deviations are [seen from] the people of innovated thought and politics- the Soofiyyah, the Rawaafid and other than them. These innovations, deviations and trials cannot be confronted except by way of knowledge that is acquired properly from the book of Allaah, the Sunnah of Messenger of Allaah and the understanding of the Salaf. And I ask Allaah to grant us and you understanding of His Religion and “Whoever Allaah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.’ [end of quote] [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Fataawaa Al-Mar’atil Muslimah Page: 71-72. slightly paraphrased]
[1] The Jawaami [i.e. First category: Those books that gather different types of narrations on the subject matter of creed, rulings, affairs of the heart, manners of eating and drinking, travel, residence, subject matter of tafseer, history, affairs of trials and tribulations, signs of the hour, virtues of the companions etc]. Some Imaams who compiled these works and their titles include: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari; Saheeh Muslim; Al-Muwatta; Musnad Ahmad; Sunan An-Nasaa’ee; Sunan Abu Daawud; Sunan At-tirmidhee; Sunan Ibn Maajah; Sunan Ad-Daarimi; Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah; Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan]; [Second category: Those are books whose authors intended to gather a large number of Prophetic Ahaadeeth, or gather Ahaadeeth of specific books, or gather different Ahaadeeth in a specific subject matter, such as ‘Jaami-ul Ahaadeeth of As-Suyooti; Jaami-ul usool Fee Ahaadeeth Ar-Rasool of Ibnul Atheer; Silsilah As-Saheehah of Albaanee; Sharh Mushkilah Al-Aathaar of Tahaawi; Al-Musnad Al-Jaami of Nawawi; Nailul Awtaar of Shawkaanee etc
NB: All these books mentioned by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] are to be studied under the scholars and not merely reading them and deriving one’s own understanding from them.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “O Muslims! Fear Allaah, accept the advice of the sincere advisers and the admonition of the admonishers. know that this knowledge is religion, so beware of what you do, from whom you take your religion, the one you follow and the one with whom your religion is safe, because indeed all the proponents of religious innovation are all falsifiers, liars and sinners. They are not cautious – neither do they pay attention nor do they fear, and together with that they are not to be trusted that they would not distort what you hear.
They say what they do not know with regards to what they disapprove and when proclaiming their lies; but Allaah (knows, hears and sees) what they do. Therefore, be cautious of them, trust them not, reject them and avoid them, because indeed this is what your earlier scholars did and commanded, and likewise the righteous ones who came thereafter.
Be careful of opposing Allaah and being the means to destroying the religion He has ordained – breaking its commands and prohibitions, nullifying and weaking it by respecting the innovators in religious affairs and those who initiate that which is not from the religion, because you know what has been transmitted (i.e. the prohibitions) about respecting or exalting them. And what can be greater respect and exaltation than acquiring your religion from them- following and believing them, drawing close to them and assisting them in enticing the ones they entice and woo to their views and the religion (i.e. religious innovations) they follow. This is sufficient to be regarded as associates of theirs in what they do. (1)
Mubtadi and His Followers
Question to Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Is there a difference between the verdict against a person that he is from the people of religious innovation and the verdict that he is a Mubtadi [innovator]? And does the verdict against a person that he is not a Salafi or that he is a Hizbi necessitate that he is a Mubtadi [innovator]? Can you please shed light on this affair?
Answer: Firstly, you should know that indeed Ahlus Sunnah are people who fear of Allaah. They neither make Takfeer [i.e. declare a person a disbeliever], Tafseeq [i.e. declare a person a sinner] and Tabdee [declare a person an innovator] except against the one who deserves it based on the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah, and the understanding of the pious predecessors of this Ummah.
Secondly, you should know that the people of desires and misguidance are [categorized into] those who are followed and those who follow. Indeed, those who are followed are the ones who set up the various principles of Bidah and call to their innovation and misguidance, and they will carry their burden of sins and the burden of the sins of those whom they misguided without knowledge, as it is clearly stated in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah.
As for the followers of a leader from amongst the people of desires, then in most cases they are of two categories:
The First Category: Those who possess knowledge, but they harbour evil intentions, so they yield to Satan, desires and the urge of the evil soul. They follow the people of misguidance and oppose the callers to guidance [in that which] Allaah sent His Messenger Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] with.
The Second Category: Their share of knowledge is little, so the people of desires take advantage of them and they become [part] of their group. They convince them that what they call them to is the manifest truth and that what their opponents are upon is falsehood. And they convey to them a huge [number] of affairs that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality, in order to deceive them and submerge them into misguidance.
As for those who are followed-those who set up principles of bidah and call the people to their bidah and misguidance-then indeed they are marked with the bidah they innovated and call the people to, and for them there is no honour.
As for the followers of the people of desires, it is as I have stated that they are of two categories in most cases. They are to be called to the Sunnah and to cling to it, and that they reject the bidah they have been deceived by and have yielded to. And if they respond to the call of truth through knowledge and action, and reject that which the people of desires and innovation call them to, then this is what is desired and it is a praiseworthy aim. If they reject the advice of the advisers and bargain with falsehood at the expense of truth, and give preference to innovation over the Sunnah, then they deserve to be assigned the term Mubtadi [innovator]. There is no honour for them after the truth has been established with its evidences and the falsity of that which is in opposition to it of newly invented affairs in the Religion has been clarified, which the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] referred to as misguidance. (2)
Question to Al-Allaamah Ubayd Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiree [may Allaah preserve him]: The questioner says: Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuhu. We hear a statement from some of the Mashaayihk of Ahlus Sunnah: ‘’This man is from the people of Bidah’’; is it understood that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator] or not?
Answer: What I have knowledge of is that this statement has two applications according to Ahlus Sunnah. The first of them and it is what is meant in most cases is that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator]. He knows the truth but he is an obstinate person. He refuses [truth], but not deviation; he knows the Sunnah, but refuses to follow it and [follows] Bidah. He commits Bidah whilst knowing that it is bidah.
The other meaning is that this man is a person upon innovation-meaning: He commits bidah even though he is not an innovator, because what we know regarding the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaaa’ah is that they do not declare any specific person an innovator until the proofs are established against him. (3)
Whoever Does Not Make Tabdee of a Mubtadi Is Also A Mubtadi – [Clarification of This Statement By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi]
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] stated: It is not correct to apply this principle unrestrictedly because it maybe that he is unaware of the Bidah committed by that person, therefore he refrains from declaring him a Mubtadi [an innovator] due to [ورع – i.e. fear of falling into a doubtful matter that might lead him to something forbidden and affect him in the afterlife]. Why should you declare him an innovator? [i.e. why should you declare him an innovator when it is the case that he is unaware of the bidah of that Mubtadi or refrains from making Tabdee out of ورع ]. However, if he knows the innovator [i.e. knows that such a person is upon bidah due to which the evidence was established against him], loves him and allies with him, then he is a Mubtadi. This is the distinction in this affair. He knows that that person is a Mubtadi but he aids him and wages war against Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah, then he is a Mubtadi without a doubt. As for a person who does not know that such and such person is a Mubtadi, he is not to be declared an innovator.
You [i.e. the scholar, or student of knowledge who is qualified to make Tabdee] – the one who studied the affair of [that person] and you know that he allies with a Mubtadi, places him in a favourable position, wages war against Ahlus Sunnah for the sake of that Mubtadi and for the sake of this falsehood, then this person is a Mubtadi, misguided. As for the person who does not know that indeed such and such person is a Mubtadi, then advise him and clarify for him [i.e. with clear unambiguous proofs until he understands] that such person is a Mubtadi. So, unless he ceases [i.e. refrains from defending this Mubtadi after understanding the evidences], then put him [in the same place] with his companion – the Mubtadi. (4)
Listen here By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [may Allaah preserve him]:
Rebuttal of The Claim “You Salafis Are Too Harsh”
The False Claim ‘’You Salafis Are Too Harsh’’ – By Ustaadh Abu Hakeem
[Ref1: Taareekh Dimashq 6/361]
[Ref2: An Excerpt from Al-Ajwibah Al-Athariyyah Anil Masaa-il Al-Manhajiyyah, Khamsoona Su’aalan Wa-Jawaaban: page: 18-19]
[Ref3: Al-Haddul Faasil Bayna Mu-aamalah Ahl As-Sunnah Wa Ahl Al-Baatil 60. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4:An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Baari 2/891’. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Aqeedah, Knowledge, Manners, Mutual Dealings – [Forty Quotes From Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee][ Part 2]
Aqeedah, Knowledge, Manners, Mutual Dealings_Forty Quotes From Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee_Part 2