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Kankurang Rite In Gambia and Senegal!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Kankurang Rite In Gambia and Senegal- A Call to Superstition In Some African Muslim Countries With The Approval of UNESCO Under The Guise of Promoting Cultural Heritage!

The Kankurang is an initiatory rite practised throughout the Manding provinces of Senegal and Gambia, mainly corresponding to the Casamance, and in the city of Mbour. According to tradition, the origin of the Kankurang is to be found in the Komo, a secret society of hunters whose organization and esoteric practices contributed to the emergence of the Manding.

The central character in the Kankurang, is an initiate who wears a mask made of the bark and red fibre of the faara tree and is clothed in leaves, his body painted with vegetable dyes. He is associated with circumcision ceremonies and initiatory rites. His appearance is marked by several ritual stages: the designation of the initiate who will wear the mask and his investiture by the elders, his retreat into the woods with the initiates, the vigils and processions through the hamlet of the new initiates. The whole ritual generally takes place between August and September. The Kankurang always parades surrounded by former initiates and the villagers who respectfully follow his behaviour and gestures, and perform dances and songs. His displays are punctuated with a staccato dance as he wields two machetes and utters piercing cries. His followers, armed with sticks and rhun palm leaves, beat out the rhythm with their choruses and tom-toms.

The Kankurang is the guarantor of order and justice as well as the exorcist of evil spirits. As such, he ensures transmission and teaching of a complex collection of know-how and practices underpinning Manding cultural identity. A ritual that has spread to other communities and groups of the area, it is the occasion for young circumcised boys to learn the rules of behaviour for the ordering their community, the secrets of plants and their medicinal values, and hunting techniques. Their traditional practice is in retreat because of the rapid urbanization of most regions of Senegal and Gambia and the decreasing extent of sacred forests, which are transformed into cultivated land. As a result, the ritual is trivialized and the Kankurang authority is undermined. [Source: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/kankurang-manding-initiatory-rite-00143%5D

Fearful children nearby run inside their homes as the scary figure approaches, grunting. Others, more curious, risk a closer look at the man dressed to represent the spiritual figure.

Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolises the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil.

He explained that the Kankurang is a spirit and humans don’t have his power, but during the ceremonies some men dress like the Kankurang to drive away evil from the boys.

The Kankurang rite was recognised in 2005 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which proclaimed it a cultural heritage.

“This is the culture we have. And me, I’ll always work for the culture to survive,” Mr Jallow said. “As far as I’m alive, I will never leave my culture.” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-31/kankurang-initiation-rite-teaches-boys-respect-in-gambia/100583804%5D

 

Observations and Comments

Quote: “According to tradition, the origin of the Kankurang is to be found in the Komo, a secret society of hunters whose organization and esoteric practices contributed to the emergence of the Manding”.

Comment: If what is stated above – regarding the origin of this secret society – is true and they were animists or ascribed to other non-Muslim groups, then indeed we expect this type of behaviour; but if the initiators of this rite ascribed to Islam, then indeed there is no secrecy or secret organization in Islam. Shaikh Dr Abu Iyaadh Amjad Rafiq [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “The Islām of the Prophets and Messengers is founded upon the Tawḥid (Monotheism) of Allāh which is the uniqueness of Allāh, 16 the Lord of Ādam, Noah, Abraham, Ismaʿīl, Isḥāq, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Muḥammad. This uniqueness is with respect to: a) His Lordship over creation, in that there is no creator, owner and regulator besides Him, b) the realities of His names and attributes, in that there is no likeness between His essence, names and attributes and those of His creation and c) His sole right to worship in that the worship of created things is the greatest injustice and a violation of the order, precision and justice upon which the universe was created. The world is not rectified except through this Tawḥid of Allāh, the Mighty and Majestic, and for this did Allāh send Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, ʿĪsā and Muḥammad and all other Messengers. Built upon this foundation of Tawḥīd, and branching from it, the legal rulings of Islām protect the rights of men with regards to their souls (life), minds (intellect) possessions (wealth), lineage and honour. These legal rulings are a perfection of the foundation and can never stand in isolation from it. Thereafter, Islām is marked as a whole – in its beliefs, acts of worship, dealings, morals, manners and all of its rulings – with simplicity, clarity and openness. There is no concept of hidden, mystical knowledge for the intellectual elite, because Islām is for all people, the young, the old, the intelligent, the unintelligent, the strong and the weak, the black and the white, the brown, red and yellow”. [Source: A Study of Bāṭinī Movements. pages 12-13]

Quote: “The central character in the Kankurang, is an initiate who wears a mask made of the bark and red fibre of the faara tree and is clothed in leaves, his body painted with vegetable dyes. He is associated with circumcision ceremonies and initiatory rites. His appearance is marked by several ritual stages: the designation of the initiate who will wear the mask and his investiture by the elders, his retreat into the woods with the initiates, the vigils and processions through the hamlet of the new initiates”.

Comment: If those who initiated these rituals were animists or ascribed to other non-Muslim groups, then one has no doubt that it was one of their un-Islamic cultural practices; but if those who initiated these practices ascribed to Islam, then indeed neither wearing a mask made of bark and red fibre of the faara tree and clothed in leaves nor body painted with vegetable dyes are mentioned in the Sharee’ah texts in association with circumcision in Islam. Circumcision is an act of worship in Islam, therefore nothing else is associated with it except what is legislated in the Sharee’ah. Al-Allaamah Abdul Musin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23] And the noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718] And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected]. [أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم – page 4-5]

Quote: “The Kankurang is the guarantor of order and justice as well as the exorcist of evil spirits. As such, he ensures transmission and teaching of a complex collection of know-how and practices underpinning Manding cultural identity”.

Comment: If these Kankurang proponents ascribed to Islam, then indeed those who follow their path are reminded of the fact that Allaah is the only guarantor of perfect order and justice through that which He revealed to His Messengers. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritising necessities. Therefore, due to this Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allaah [The Most High] said: [ كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ -Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213] Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ”. [Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Everyone with a bit of (sound) intellect knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs are completely corrupted”. [A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

As for exorcism or incantations, it is allowed if performed in a manner that is free from Shirk. Auf Bin Malik Al-Ashja’ee [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “We practised incantation in the pre-Islamic days and we said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! What do you hold about this affair? He said, ‘Let me know your incantation. There is no harm in the incantation which does not contain Shirk’”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 2200]

However, we do not know which words or statements these people use in their exorcisms (incantations etc) – whether they contain Shirk or not; therefore we suffice ourselves with the Sunnah. Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: Eleven Ways to Perform Ruqyah on Yourself for Sickness, Evil-Eye, Possession, Madness and Magic: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/nine-ways-to-perform-ruqyah-on-yourself-for-ailments-evil-eye-jinn-magic-etc-ruqyah-series-2/

Quote: “A ritual (i.e. Kankurang) that has spread to other communities and groups of the area, it is the occasion for young circumcised boys to learn the rules of behaviour for the ordering their community, the secrets of plants and their medicinal values, and hunting techniques”.

Comment: As mentioned earlier, if those who initiated this ritual ascribe to Islam, then there is no proof in the Sharee’ah to associate these rituals with circumcision. As for boys learning good manners and behaviour, then indeed the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger suffices the Muslim. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 21]

Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to say: Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the greatest criterion [i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn] and all affairs are presented to him [i.e. for judgement and judged] based on his manners, path and guidance; so whatever is in agreement with this is truth, and whatever is in opposition is falsehood. [Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’ page 8]

Therefore, any rules regarding behaviour and good manners must be confined within the Sunnah of the Messenger, and no cultural practice, custom or tradition should be followed if it opposes the Sunnah of the Messenger. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allaah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people”. [ Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The customs cannot make something that is not legislated (in the divine revelation) as something legislated, because of Allaah’s statement: [وَلَيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرُّ بِأَن تَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا – It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc.) that you enter the houses from the back] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 189], despite the fact that it was something they took as their custom and considered it to be an act of righteousness. Whoever takes something as a custom and believes that it is an act of righteousness, then it should be presented to Allaah’s divine legislation”. [Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 2/299]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “Extremism in related to customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. As for if the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7]
As for medicine extracted from plants and herbs, then indeed we have all benefitted from it when we were children in Gambia. Our grand mothers – in particular – were experienced in this field. Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Allaah did not send down any disease except that he also sent its cure’” In another narration, the Messenger said, “One who has knowledge of it knows it, and one ignorant of it is ignorant”. [Sunan Ibn Mājah 3438 and declared authentic by Imaam Albaanee in Sisilah As-Saheehah 4/208]

Quote: “Fearful children nearby run inside their homes as the scary figure approaches, grunting. Others, more curious, risk a closer look at the man dressed to represent the spiritual figure”.

Comment: If those who initiated this ritual ascribe to Islam, then those who follow their path are reminded of the fact that neither children nor adults are to be subjected to fear – whether out of joking or not. The Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim”. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud 5004]

Quote: “Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolises the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil”.

Comment: Indeed, none can protect from evil except Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Removal of harm is only in the hand of Allaah. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلۡمُضۡطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكۡشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجۡعَلُڪُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ۬ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any true (god) besides Allah? [Surah An-Naml. Aayah 62]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [قُلِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَلَا يَمۡلِكُونَ كَشۡفَ ٱلضُّرِّ عَنكُمۡ وَلَا تَحۡوِيلاً – Say (O Muhammad): “Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like angels, Iesa (Jesus), ‘Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person.”] [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 56]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[ قُلۡ أَفَرَءَيۡتُم مَّا تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِنۡ أَرَادَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ هَلۡ هُنَّ كَـٰشِفَـٰتُ ضُرِّهِۦۤ أَوۡ أَرَادَنِى بِرَحۡمَةٍ هَلۡ هُنَّ مُمۡسِكَـٰتُ رَحۡمَتِهِ – Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?] [Surah Az-Zumar. Aayah 38]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ۬ فَلَا ڪَاشِفَ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ – And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 17]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ – And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 107] Therefore, read here – by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah – https://www.abukhadeejah.com/to-seek-refuge-with-other-than-allaah-is-from-shirk-shaikh-ahmad-an-najmees-kitaab-at-tawheed-chapter-12/

Quote: He explained that the Kankurang is a spirit and humans don’t have his power, but during the ceremonies some men dress like the Kankurang to drive away evil from the boys.

Comment: Indeed, we are well acquainted with this claim about spirits, super natural beings and their miracles! Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The Khawaariq [Phenomena attributed to something beyond what is usual or what normally happens] by way of which the devils misguide the children of Aadam – such as when the devils take the image of a person who is absent or has passed away and what is similar to this – has misguided many of those who ascribe themselves to the Muslims or to the people of the Scripture. They base this on two affairs: “Firstly, that whoever from whom these khawaariq occurs is a Wali, and according to the term of the Christians he is a Qadees A’dheem – a great saint! Secondly, that the one from whom these khawaariq occurs is therefore infallible- everything he narrates is truth and everything he commands is justice”.

However, it can definitely be the case that neither did a phenomena outside the norm – whether unrelated or related to sound knowledge and piety – occur from such a person nor a phenomena outside the normal related to deeds of the devils; rather the person merely carried out the tricks of the liars and wicked sinners. The tricks of the liars and wicked sinners are numerous indeed, so one thinks that they are amazing affairs outside the norm, however neither is that the case nor is it something similar to the tricks of the monks. Some people have written books regarding the tricks of the monks, such as the trick reported about one of them changing water into oil- that when the oil is in the interior of the lighthouse, the water gradually reduces and thus the oil floats [or pops up] on the water, so those who are present think that the water has changed into oil. The likes of this affair are numerous from the tricks of those Christians, because all that those Christians possess – those who altered the religion of the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – of activities that are attributed to something out of the norm are either from the devils or they are tricks, and there’s nothing in them related to the miracles of the righteous people.

Likewise, the people of deviation- those who seek to alter the religion of Muhammad – adopt a religion that is not legislated by Allaah and His Messenger, then they make it a path of worship and give it precedence over the path that is legislated by Allaah and His Messenger. For example, they give precedence to listening to sounds from the tambourines and the shrill flutes over listening to the book of Allaah, so one of them goes into a state of ecstasy and a satanic trance through which he becomes muddled up with shaytaan until he speaks in a language he does not know. Then when he returns to his senses – just as when a jinn speaks through the tongue of the one who is possessed and after informing the people of that which is in his heart and soul, which is from the Shaytaan, and the shaytaan leaves him -, he cannot repeat what he said at first.

Those who deviate from the straight path alter the religion of the Messengers – either the religion of the Messiah or seek to alter the religion of Muhammad, and amongst the likes of such people are the people who deviate from the straight path, the people of misguidance, the disbelievers, the polytheists, apostates and other than them, such as the likes of Musaylimah the liar, Al-Aswad Al-Unzee, Al-Haarith Ad-Dimashqee, Baabaa Roomee and other than them amongst those who engaged in activities that are considered to be outside the norm [i.e. so called miracles] but [in reality] are related to the deeds of the devils.

As for the tricksters, they are numerous and they are not Awliyaa of Allaah, rather their so called amazing activities that are outside the norm, if not related to the satanic deeds of the soothsayers and the magicians, then they are tricks. They deliberately lie and deceive unlike those connected to the devils, because amongst them is he who deceives, so one thinks that what he does is from the miracles of the righteous people, just as amongst them is one who knows that what he does is from the devils, but he does so in order to achieve his goals.

The intent behind this discussion is that many of the activities that are considered to be outside of the norm [i.e. so called miracles] are either satanic deeds or tricks, so one thinks that they are the true miracles of the righteous people, for indeed that which whose cause is based on Shirk and wicked deeds can only be from the devils, such as when a person associates partners with Allaah by invoking the stars, or invokes a person- whether such a person is dead or absent, or he makes an oath through unknown words and statements whose meanings are not known, or he knows that they are names of devils, or seeks aid through lewd conduct and oppression, then such deeds – considered to be outside of the norm that emanates from this – are from the devils.

The righteous people have miracles such as the miracles of the pious people of this Ummah [may Allaah have mercy upon them], the miracles of the disciples of the Messiah [may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messiah, and may Allaah have mercy upon the disciples] and other than them amongst those who were upon the correct and unaltered religion of the Messiah. However, the occurrence of miracles at the hands of the righteous people does not necessitate that they are infallible like the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them]; rather it maybe that a righteous man- a Wali – has miracles, but despite this he mixes up by error and makes a mistake in that which he thinks or what he is made to hear or see, or what he sees, or what he understands from the revealed Scrippure. And because of this, the statements of those other than the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them] can either be accepted or rejected [i.e. based on evidence], but as for the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them], it is obligated on a person to affirm truthfully everything they have related regarding the affairs of the unseen and obey them in everything they command. And due to this, Allaah [The Exalted] obligated on a person to believe in everything the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them] brought and did not obligate on a person to believe in everything that comes from others. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمۡ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۡهُمۡ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 136]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
لَّيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّواْ وُجُوهَكُمۡ قِبَلَ ٱلۡمَشۡرِقِ وَٱلۡمَغۡرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلۡبِرَّ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةِ وَٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ

It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets. [Suraah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 177]

And because of this the Muslims are all in agreement that the one who disbelieved in a single Prophet whose Prophethood is well known, then he is a disbeliever- an apostate. There is no distinction between one Prophet from the other- by believing in some and disbelieving in others. Allaah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَنَڪۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٲلِكَ سَبِيلاً
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ حَقًّ۬ا‌ۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابً۬ا مُّهِينً۬ا

Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayaat 150-151] [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 284- 287. Slightly paraphrased

Quote: “The Kankurang rite was recognised in 2005 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which proclaimed it a cultural heritage”.

Comment: Obviously, one expects that UNESCO would recognise this ritual because one of its visions is to promote shirk in Muslim countries under the guise of cultural heritage. Muslims are commanded to reject all un-Islamic practices and rituals, especially when Shirk, kufr, Bidah and superstition is involved. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَآ إِكۡرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ‌ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشۡدُ مِنَ ٱلۡغَىِّ‌ۚ فَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ يُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتُ يُخۡرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ‌ۗ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut (i.e. all false dieties) and believes in Allah (i.e. worship Allaah alone based on the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet), then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false deities, idols and other things invoked besides Allaah etc), they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 256-257]

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari [may Alaah preserve him] said: And from which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two affairs: Clarification of the truth and refuting falsehood and its people. The affirmation of this (affair) becomes manifest to the one who contemplates on the statement of Tawheed [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and by way of explanation. The saying of the slave (i.e. the Muslim) لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people-those who deify others besides Allaah. And the statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. And it (means) that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner. Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messengership of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that and thus deifies him; or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messengership. [Source:المقالات الشرعيّة pages 14-15]

Quote: “This is the culture we have. And me, I’ll always work for the culture to survive,” Mr Jallow said. “As far as I’m alive, I will never leave my culture.”

Comment: We say to utterer of this statement: If you ascribe to Islaam, then indeed it is obligated on you to follow the authentic Sunnah of your Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be up[on him], abandon every bidah, un-Islamic custom and cultural practice. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Aal Imran. Verse 31]

A Muslim does not adhere to pre-Islamic or un-Islamic cultural practices. Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [sanctuaries of Makkah and Medeenah]; a person who seeks that the traditions of the pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on this hadeeth as follows: These three deeds are from the major sins. The first major sin is Al-Ilhaad Fil Haram [i.e. deviating from right conduct in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah]. Ilhaad means to deviate from the truth [and enter into] falsehood, and supporting falsehood in order to obliterate the truth. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] censured the Mulhideen Fil Haram [i.e. those who deviate from right conduction in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], saying: [وَمَن يُرِدۡ فِيهِ بِإِلۡحَادِۭ بِظُلۡمٍ۬ نُّذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ – And whoever intends evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 25]

Allaah promised them [a severe punishment] due to the mere fact they intend evil actions therein [i.e. in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], then how about perpetrating such deed! Indeed that would be a more severe sin, a more frightening state and a more severe punishment. This is a proof regarding the virtue of the sanctuaries of the Haram- that it is a sacred land chosen by Allaah and He made it a place where virtuous acts of worship are performed, [such as] the Hajj which is one of the pillars of Islaam. Allaah gave this place virtues that cannot be enumerated, such as the increased reward attached to good deeds [performed in Makkah and Madeenah] and gave this land virtue over all other lands of the earth.

The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Eemaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to Bidah over [the authentic] Sunnah that guides to the straight path.

The third major sin is to seek to shed somebody’s blood without any right – meaning: seeking to shed the blood of a Muslim without right and doing so based on oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime, just as the Prophet said, “The extinction of the whole world is less significant to Allaah than killing a Muslim [i.e. unlawfully]”. And he [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated regarding the rights of the Ka’bah, “How great you are and how great is your sanctity! But the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the sight of Allaah”. It is not permissible to transgress against the Muslims and the believers – males and females- in the sanctuaries of [Makkah and Madeenah] or in other places due to the great sin and punishment which results from that. [Source: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]

We ask Allaah to distance us and all Gambian Muslims from this kankurang ritual, protect us from Shirk, religious innovations, unlawful pre-Islamic cultural practices and customs. And may Allaah protect us and all Muslims – in different parts of the world – from deviation, and guide the non-Muslims to the path of the final Messenger and seal of the Prophets Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] Aameen.

Back to Basics Revision – [The First Condition of The Shahaadah] – 1

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The first condition of the [Shahaadah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah] is “Knowledge that necessitates a negation of Ignorance”. This means that one should know its meaning, what it negates and affirms, what it demonstrates in reality regarding the Oneness of Allaah, devotes all acts of worship to Allaah alone, sincerely devote all aspects of the religion to Allaah alone and disbelieve in everything that is worshipped besides Allaah. Therefore, “Knowledge that negates Ignorance” necessitates sound knowledge and an upright understanding of the statement [Laa Ilaaha Illal laah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah] by way of which one is removed from the path of the ignorant ones, because this statement does not benefit the one who utters it without knowledge. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ‌ۗ – So know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. (Surah Muhammad. 19)]. So in this verse, Allaah mentioned knowledge first because it is the foundation. (1)

The one who makes this testimony requires knowledge and truthfulness, and must act upon what he has testified to. The scholars say that knowledge of this testimony removes a person from the path of those Christians [who strayed after the departure of Prophet Eesaa (peace be upon him)] – those who act but have no knowledge, and from the path of those Jews [who strayed after the departure of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)] – those who have knowledge but do not act, and truthfulness removes a person from the path of the hypocrites- those who claim that they believe but they have no certainty.

A person cannot be from the adherents of Tawheed [pure Islamic Montheism] until he fulfils the two pillars of Laa Ilaaha Illal laah: [لا إلهَ – There is no deity worthy of worship (i.e. Negation)] and [إلاَّ اللَّه – Except Alaah (i.e. Affirmation)]. The negation has to be comprehensive and the affirmation has to be specific – a comprehensive negation of all worship that is devoted to others besides Allaah and specific affirmation that only Allaah has the right to be worshipped. If a person utters the negation without the affirmation, then he is not an adherent of pure Islamic monotheism, and if he affirms without uttering the negation, then he is not an adherent of pure Islamic monotheism. If a person were to negate only by saying [لا إلهَ – There is no deity worthy of worship], then he is an atheist, and if he were to affirm that Allaah has the right to be worshipped without negating by saying that others do not have a right to be worshipped, then he is a polytheist. Therefore, one cannot be an adherent of Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism] until he testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.

And due to the mighty affair of this testimony [لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah], it is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ – alone, without partner]. The affirmation is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ – alone] and the negation is emphasised through the statement [لاَ شَرِيكَ له – without partner]. (2)

Then Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لِذَنۢبِكَ – And ask forgiveness for your sin]- Meaning, seek Maghfirah from Allaah [i.e. that Allaah erases your sins, hide them for you and protect you from the evil consequences of sins (3)], employ the means of attaining Maghfirah such as repentance and supplicating for Maghfirah, perform good deeds and abandon sins etc. [وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ‌ۗ – And for believing men and believing women]- Meaning, because indeed due to their Eemaan, every Muslim [male Muslim] and Muslimah [female] owe them rights and one of those rights they are owed is that one supplicates for them and ask Allaah to forgive them (i.e. erase their sins). (4)

[Ref 1: Source: Explanation of Important Lessons For The Muslim Ummah. pages 46-47. Maktabah Malik Al-Fahad 1436AH. (2015)]

[Ref 2: Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 2]

[Ref 3 See Majmoo Al-Fataawaa Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah 14/140]

[Ref 4: Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

Exposing Sinful and Rotten Liars Who Seek to Substitute or Nullify The Sharee’ah Terminologies!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Unpraiseworthy Description Given By Allaah and His Messenger to Someone Does Not Necessitate That He’ll Be Oppressed – [Brief Rebuttal Against Fools Who Ascribe to Islam, But Seek to Substitute Sharee’ah Terms]

Indeed, Allaah created [Jinn and humankind] and gave them an innate disposition to recognise Tawheed, obey Him and worship Him alone; but they differed – some of them believed and others disbelieved. Allaah said:

[هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ فَمِنكُمۡ ڪَافِرٌ۬ وَمِنكُم مُّؤۡمِنٌ۬‌ۚ – He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers].

Allaah wishes belief and well-being for them, but shaytaan and the callers to evil wish disbelief and evil for them. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمۡ وَيَہۡدِيَڪُمۡ سُنَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬
وَٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَيُرِيدُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلشَّہَوَٲتِ أَن تَمِيلُواْ مَيۡلاً عَظِيمً۬ا

Allaah wishes to make clear (what is lawful and what is unlawful) to you, and to show you the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance, and Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise. Allaah wishes to accept your repentance, but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away from the Right Path.
And due to this, Allaah sent the Messengers, revealed the Books and established His Proofs, therefore, there are those amongst humankind who accept the truth and embrace faith by choice, and there are those who reject the truth and embrace disbelief by choice. Indeed, Allaah has laid down the differences between the believers and unbelievers in this life and the next, and He forbade that the two groups are made equal. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] has set out recompense and judgment for each of the two groups in this life and the next. He has given a distinguished name to every group, such as [Mumin – believer], [Kaafir- disbeliver], [Barrun- upright/righteous one], [Faajir – evildoer], [Mushrik- Polytheist], [Muwahhid- Monotheist], [Faasiq- sinner], [Munaafiq- hypocrite], [Mutee’un – an obedient one] and [Aasee- a disobedient one]. And He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] forbade that equality is made between these differing names and attitudes. Allaah said: [أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱجۡتَرَحُواْ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن نَّجۡعَلَهُمۡ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – Or do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islaamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds].

And Allaah said: [ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ كَٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ كَٱلۡفُجَّارِ – Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidoon (those who associate partners in worship with Allaah and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqoon (the pious ones), as the Fujjaar (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)- Meaning, we have not made them equal because that does not befit Allaah’s Justice.

Should we abandon the words (Kufr, Shirk, Kuffaar and Mushrikeen) found in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the Books of Islamic creed? This will be a violation of the Book and the Sunnah, and an opposition to Allaah and His Messenger. By changing the real meanings of the Sharee’ah terms, we will be from those who distort the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Messenger. Then what defence can be given for (such a crime)? Is it to please the unbelievers?! The unbelievers will never be pleased with us until we abandon our religion. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَن تَرۡضَىٰ عَنكَ ٱلۡيَہُودُ وَلَا ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Never will the Yahood nor the Nasaaraa be pleased with you [O Muhammad Peace be upon him] till you follow their religion].

Allaah said: [ وَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَآءً۬‌ۖ – They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another)].

And if the intention of those who call for the substitution of the sharee’ah terminologies is to show gentleness to the unbelievers and to have good dealings with them, then this cannot be (done) by changing such sharee’ah terminologies; rather it can only be (done) through what Allaah has legislated regarding their affair. This comprises of the following affairs:

1.To invite them to Islaam – the religion Allaah has ordained for all of humakind. Allaah said:

[ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِ‌ۖ وَجَـٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ – Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islaam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better]. Therefore, we invite them (to Islam) for their rectification and happiness in this life and the next.

2.To make peace with them if they seek that. Allaah said:

[وَإِن جَنَحُواْ لِلسَّلۡمِ فَٱجۡنَحۡ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ – But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allaah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower].

Likewise, to make peace with them if the Muslims are in need of making peace, and when there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in making peace, just as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] made peace with the unbelievers at Hudaibiyyah. And by virtue of peace, diplomacy is (established) between them and the Muslims.

3.Not to be hostile towards them without due right. Allaah said:

[وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّڪُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ ٱعۡدِلُواْ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ – And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allaah].

4.To behave well towards those of them who behave well towards the Muslims- those who neither kill nor drive Muslims out of their homes. Allaah said:

[لَّا يَنۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ – Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity].

5: To have permissible beneficial dealings with them; in trade, exchange of beneficial information and utilization of the worldly sciences, and things that are of benefit in our lives.

6: To fulfil contacts made with them, and to honour the blood, wealth and rights of the Mu-aahideen (i.e. those none-muslims who have a treaty with the Muslims) because it is binding upon them to (fulfil their covenants with the Muslims) and the Muslims are to (fulfil their covenants with them). Allaah said: [فَمَا ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ لَكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَقِيمُواْ لَهُمۡ‌ۚ – So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them].

And the ones forbidden to be killed are the Muslim and the Mu’aahid [i.e. the non-Muslim who has a treaty with the Muslims]. And indeed the Prophet said about the killing of a Mu’aahid, “Whoever kills a Mu’aahid will not even smell the fragrance of paradise and its fragrance can be smelled from the distance of forty years away”. [Bukhaari: No: 3166]

And whoever kills a Mu’aahid by mistake, it is as if he has killed a Muslim by mistake. He must pay blood money as expiation. Allaah said: [وَإِن ڪَانَ مِن قَوۡمِۭ بَيۡنَڪُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُم مِّيثَـٰقٌ۬ فَدِيَةٌ۬ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ۬ مُّؤۡمِنَةٍ۬‌ۖ – And if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation (blood money – Diya) must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed].

And finally, I advise these ones [those who called for a change of the sharee’ah terminologies] to repent to Allaah. They should not enter into an affair which they have neither mastered nor is it [something] they have specialized in, because that would be tantamount to speaking about Allaah without knowledge. Indeed, Allaah stated: [وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ – And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge.

Allaah said:

قُلۡ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ ٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡہَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَٱلۡإِثۡمَ وَٱلۡبَغۡىَ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَأَن تُشۡرِكُواْ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا وَأَن تَقُولُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allaahfor which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge].

Allah placed speaking about Him without knowledge at a level above shirk due to its seriousness. And if it the case that these ones are aware of the subject matter regarding specialist knowledge and that a person cannot enter into that which is not his domain, just as one does not enter into the affair of medicine because it is not his domain, then why do they enter into the affairs of the sharee’ah, rather they enter into the most serious affairs of the sharee’ah, and that is the subject matter of Aqeedah, even though it is something they are not specialised in. I do not desire anything from this [speech] except to give advice and clarification. [Source: An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Ba’dil Kuttaab. 2/177-180]

One of the general fundamental principles (in Islaam) is to know that words are two types- words that are mentioned in the Qur’aan and (authentic) Sunnah, therefore it is obligated on every believer to affirm them, affirm what Allaah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allaah and His Messenger have negated. The words affirmed by Allaah is truth and the ones Allaah negated are (negated) in truth, because indeed Allaah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words of the divine Islamic legislation are sanctified and it is part of perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the (sound meanings) which the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated, because indeed it is obligated on us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded. As for the words that are neither found in the Qur’am and (authentic) Sunnah nor did the Salaf (pious predecessors) hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the (creed, revelation, commands, prohibitions etc) conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition, it is rejected. [Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17]

 

Dealing With Unbelievers (or non-Muslims)

Living With non-Muslims in the West with fine conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Informing The Authorities of Terrorist Plots – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2014/07/03/informing-the-authorities-of-terrorist-plots-by-ustaadh-abu-khadeejah-may-allaah-preserve-him/

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

NEW VIDEO! Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Fatawa-Rulings, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Sin, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question: I am a man who is afflicted with many diseases of the heart, they include: bad thoughts of people, arrogance, and love of being heard and seen (showing off). I know that all of this is from the Shaytaan and I try to distance myself from this. However, Shaytaan lures me each time. What is your advice, O Shaykh Saalih (Al-Fawzaan) towards this?

 

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawahmanchester.com/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online

 

One of The Many Calamities of The Deceased Ikhwaani Innovator In Religious Affairs- Yusuf Al-Qaradaawee!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

https://video.link/w/7p35d

The Ikhwaani (see footnote a) Innovator in religious affairs, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi – (see footnote b) – stated, “Brothers, before I leave this place of mine, I would like to make a statement about the results of the Israeli elections. (see footnote c)

The Arabs were pinning all their hopes on Peres’s success. This is what we praise regarding Israel, we hope that our country will be like this country. Due to a group of few people one is removed (i.e. from office). It is the people who rule, there are no four nines or five nines that we know in our country- 99% out of a hundred. If Allaah had presented Himself to people, He would not have taken this percentage. What is this lying, cheating and deception, we salute Israel for what it has done”.

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on this statement of Yusuf Al-Qaradaawi as follows: I say this statement about elections in one of the countries and it was mentioned that a man got ninety-nine of the seats; then he (i.e. the utterer of this statement) said that “If Allaah had presented Himself to people, He would not have taken this percentage”. I seek refuge with Allaah. It is obligatory that he repents- repent from this, otherwise he is an apostate, because he declared the creation greater than the Creator, therefore, it is obligated on him to repent to Allaah – Allaah accepts repentance from His servants; otherwise it is obligated on the Muslim ruler to strike his neck (i.e. execute him for apostasy by the Muslim ruler). (see footnote d)

Footnote a: http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm

Footnote b: Why mention Al-Qaradaawi by name? https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/01/16/is-it-necessary-to-mention-the-names-of-the-deviants-when-refuting/

Footnote c: The Interplay Between Democracy, Tahazzub (Illegal Partisanship), Deception, Greed and Khurooj (Rebellion):https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/04/10/the-interplay-between-democracy-tahazzub-illegal-partisanship-deception-greed-and-khurooj-rebellion/

Footnote d: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan On Those Who Ought To Pronounce Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Apostasy – [Unveiling Another Path of The Criminals and Opponents of The Messengers]

Finally, read: Readings in Qaradawism

http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160001&pfriend=
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160002&articlePages=1
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160003&articlePages=1
http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV16&articleID=NDV160004&articlePages=1

The Sharee’ah Ruling On Condolences, Specified Days of Mourning etc

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّكَ لَا تَہۡدِى مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ – Indeed, (O Muhammad), you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided]. [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 56]

Narrated Al-Musaiyab: When Abu Talib was on his death bed, Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] came to him and found with him, Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya bin Al-Mughira. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, a sentence with which I will intervene on your behalf in the presence of Allaah (i.e. on yawmul qiyaamah).” So, Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya said to Abu Talib, “Will you now turn away from religion of `Abdul Muttalib?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) kept on inviting him to say that sentence while the other two kept on repeating their sentence before him till Abu Talib said – as the last thing he said to them- “I am on the religion of Abdul Muttalib,” and refused to say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah. So, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “By Allah, I will keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden (by Allah) to do so.” So Allah revealed: [مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)]. [Surah at-Tawbah. Aayaah 113]
And then Allah revealed especially about Abu Talib: [إِنَّكَ لَا تَہۡدِى مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ – Verily! You (O, Muhammad) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He will]. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 4772]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on the Aayah:

[مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)] – Meaning, it is neither befitting nor something good for the Prophet and those who believe in him “to seek forgiveness for the polytheists”, meaning, for those who disbelieve in Allah and worship others besides Him, “even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)”, because indeed seeking forgiveness for them in such a situation is an error and carries no benefit. Therefore, it is not befitting for the Prophet and the believers to do this, because they (i.e. their relatives and others) died whilst ascribing partners to Allah in worship, or if known that they died in such a state, they are deserving of punishment and it is inevitable that they are to abide in hell forever- neither the intercession of those whom (Allaah has allowed to) intercede nor those who seek forgiveness for them will benefit. Furthermore, it is obligated on the Prophet and those who believe with him to agree with their Lord in what pleases Him and what angers Him. (1)

Anas [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “A young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and he became sick; so the Prophet went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to accept Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him, “Obey Abul-Qasim” and the boy submitted to Allaah in Islam. The Prophet came out saying, “All praise is due to Allaah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire.” (2)

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is proof in this hadeeth about visiting the sick even if he is an unbeliever. And if visiting him is accompanied with inviting him to accept Islam, then this is radiance upon radiance, as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] visited the boy who used to serve him and invited him to Islam, so Allaah wanted good for him in the Afterlife and saved him from the hell fire by his submission to Allaah in Islam. In this is proof that one cannot be saved from the fire except through entry into Islam. (3)

Burying a Deceased non-Muslim

Ali [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported: I said to the Prophet (ﷺ): “Your old and astray uncle has died”. He said, “Go and bury your father”, I said, “I will not bury him, indeed he died as a polytheist”. He said, “Go and bury him and then do not do anything until you come to me”. So I went, buried him and came to him. He ordered me (to take a bath), so I took a bath, and he supplicated for me with supplications that were more pleasing to me than everything on the earth”.

Some benefits – from this hadeeth – mentioned by Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: It is legislated (in Islam) for a Muslim to undertake the burial of his polytheist relative, and that does not contradict the hatred he has for him due to his state of Shirk (i.e. because his relative ascribes partners to Allaah in worship). Do you not see that Ali [may Allaah be pleased with him] initially refrained from burying his father based on his statement, “Indeed, he died as one who ascribes partners to Allaah in worship”, whilst thinking that undertaking his burial in such a situation is included in the forbidden types of loyalty mentioned in Allaah’s statement:

[لَا تَتَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ – Take not as allies the people who incurred the Wrath of Allah].

So, when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] repeated the command to him, he hastened to comply with it, and left what he held at first. So, obedience is that a person abandons his opinion due to a command of his Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him]. It appears to me that a child burying his polytheist father or mother (after they’ve passed away) is the last thing that a child has to do in terms of good companionship with a polytheist father (or mother) in this worldly life. As for after the burial, he does not have the right to supplicate or seek forgiveness for him due to the clear statement of Allaah [The Exalted]:

[مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ – – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin…]

And when it is the case this is the affair, then what is the situation of those who invoke for mercy and forgiveness – in newspapers and magazines – for some of the unbelievers in the death announcements for a few dirhams! Therefore, let him who fears Allaah take care of his Hereafter. (4)

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] quotes Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] who also stated: “I say: from this you come to know the error of some of the Muslims today who invoke the mercy of Allah and His pleasure upon some of the non-Muslims. And this is something being done plentifully by some [Muslim] journalists. Indeed I have heard that one of the heads of the Arabs who is well known for religiosity invoked the mercy of Allah upon Stalin the communist; both himself and his ideology is the from the severest, most vehement enemies of Islam! And that was a speech delivered in a radio broadcast by this leader upon the occasion of the death of Stalin. And it is not surprising that this ruling is unknown to the likes of this person. However, what is surprising is that some of the Islamic callers have also fallen into this, wherein one of them said in a treatise, “May Allah have mercy upon the [deceased] Bernard Shaw…” And some trustworthy narrators mentioned to me that one of the sheikhs would pray the funeral prayer over those who died from the esoteric (Bātinee) sect of Isma’īlees whilst he himself believes that they are non-Muslims, due to the fact that they don’t believe in the Prayer (Salāh) or the Hajj and they worship a human being! Yet alongside all this he prays over their deceased out of hypocrisy and wishing to impress them. And to Allah is the complaint and His aid is sought”. [Ahkāmul-Janā’iz, p. 124] https://abukhadeejah.com/an-nawawi-and-al-albani-on-seeking-forgiveness-for-the-deceased-non-muslims/ ]

Condolence to a non-Muslim

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: There are three views; some scholars prohibited and some of permitted it, and some of them further explained that if the ruler sees a benefit in repelling evil and bringing about good, it is permissible for him to do that by congratulating, visiting the sick, condoling, or the like. If he considers that to be good for Muslims – to repel the evil of the enemies and the like, and they (i.e. the rulers) do not intend (or aim) to agree with their falsehood (i.e. not intentionally uttering or doing anything that opposes Islam whilst congratulating the unbelievers or sending condolences etc); but rather they intend (or aim) to benefit the Muslims, protect the Muslims from the plots of the enemies, eager to repel the harm (of the enemies) or so that the enemies accept Islam, then this is permissible. This is the statement that is based on the balanced path and the most upright (based on the Sharee’ah evidences), and that is to examine the affairs that will bring about welfare and the affairs that might cause harm. So, if affairs related to welfare necessitates that (i.e. to send condolences to the unbelievers), it is permissible to offer condolences, visit the sick and congratulate. Unless this is done to bring about welfare for the Muslims – neither out of loving falsehood nor hating truth, otherwise it is impermissible. And due to this, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] visited the Jew who used to serve him when he was sick, whilst hoping that Allaah will guide him. So, when the Prophet invited him to Islam, he looked at his father, then his father said, “Obey Abul Qaasim” and thus he testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is Allaah’s Messenger. Allaah guided the Jew and the Prophet came out, saying, “All praise is due to Allaah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire.” (5)

Al-Harb said: Ishaq narrated from Muslim Ibn Qutaybah, who narrated from Katheer Bin Abaan, who narrated from Ghaalib, who said that Al-Hasan said, “When you give condolence to a Dhimmi (i.e. a non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim State), say, ‘May nothing happen to you except good”.

Congratulations: The scholars warn against congratulations that might indicate that one is pleased with the religion of the unbelievers, such as the statement uttered by the ignorant people, “May Allaah protect or grant you wellbeing by way of your religion” and what is similar to this statement. As for the congratulation that is tantamount to uttering a specific statement of disbelief, this is unlawful based on the consensus of the scholars, such as congratulating them during their festivals, saying, “May this be a blessed holiday (or festival) for you” or “Congratulations on this holiday (i.e. related to religious practice, ritual, belief)”, because even if the one who utters this statement is safe from disbelief, it is one of the Muharramaat (unlawful deeds), and it is tantamount to congratulating him (i.e. a Christian) for prostrating to the Cross; rather this (congratulation) is a greater sin and more hateful – in the Sight of Allaah- than congratulating a person for drinking alcohol, committing murder, illegal sexual intercourse and what is similar. (6)

Specified National Days of Mourning On Behalf of Personalities

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Indeed, it has become the custom of many Islamic countries in this era to specify – by way of an order- a period of three days of mourning, or less or more, for the kings and leaders together with the cessation (of work) in government departments and flags flown at half-mast. There is no doubt that this act is contrary to Muhammad’s Sharee’ah, and it contains an imitation of the enemies of Islam. (see footnote a) It has been reported in the authentic hadiths – transmitted from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – that prohibit specifying days of mourning and cautioning against it, except in the case of a wife, because she mourns her husband for four months and ten days. As for other than this in relation to specifying days of mourning, it is not allowed by the Sharee’ah, and there is nothing in the perfected Sharee’ah that allows it to be done for a king, leader, or other than them.

Indeed, during the lifetime of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], his son Ibrahim, his three daughters and other individuals died, but he did not specify days of mourning for them. During his time, leaders were killed, but he did not specify days of mourning for them, such as Zaid Bin Haritha, Jafar Bin Abi Talib and Abdullah Bin Rawahah.

Then the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] died- and he was the most honorable of the creation, the best of the Prophets, the master of the children of Adam, and the calamity that afflicts humankind because of his death is the greatest of calamities, but the Companions did not specify days of mourning for him. (see footnote b). Then Abu Bakr As-Siddiq died – and he is the best of the Companions, and the most honorable of creation after the Prophets, but days of mourning were not specified for him. Then Umar, Uthman and Ali were killed, and they are the best of creation after the Prophets and after Abu Bakr, but days of mourning were not specified for them. And likewise, all the Prophet’s companions passed away, but days of mourning were not specified for them. The Imaams of Islaam and the leaders of guidance amongst the scholars of the Taabi’een and those after them died, such as Sa’eed Ibn al-Musayyib, Ali Ibn Al-Husayn Zain Al-Aabideen and his son Muhammad Bin Ali, Umar Bin Abdil Azeez, Az-Zuhree, Imaam Abu Haneefah and his two companions, Imaam Maalik Bin Anas, Al-Awzaa’ee, Ath-Thawree, Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee, Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ishaaq Ibn Rahaawayh and other than them amongst the Imaams of knowledge and guidance; but days of mourning were not specified for them.

If this was good, the righteous predecessors would have preceded in doing so, and all good is in following them, and all evil is in opposing them. The Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]-, which we have already mentioned- shows that what our righteous predecessors did by not specifying days of mourning for other than non-spouses is the truth and what is correct; and that what people do today by specifying days of mourning for kings and leaders is a matter that contradicts the pure Sunnah together with the many harms that it entails- the disruption of welfare and the imitation of the enemies of Islam. And due to this, one should know that what is obligated on the Muslim leaders and notables is to abandon specifying days of mourning and follow the path of our righteous predecessors – the Companions of the Prophet and those who followed their path. It is incumbent upon the people of knowledge to warn people of this, notify them and acquaint them with this, in fulfillment of the duty of advice, cooperation upon righteousness and piety. (7)

 

The Ruling On Minutes Silence – By The Scholars of Lajnah Daa’iamah

What some people do by standing for a while in silence – in order to pay homage to martyrs or dignitaries, or people of status, or to honor and show respect to their souls and specify mourning for them – is one of the evils and the initiated innovations in religious affairs, which was neither present in the Prophet’s era [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] nor during the era of the companions, nor during the era of the righteous predecessors. It is not in agreement with the etiquettes of pure Islamic Monotheism and sincerity in exalting Allaah; but rather some of the Muslims who are ignorant about their religion follow those – amongst the unbelievers – who innovated it, blindly follow them in their customs, exaggeration of the status of their leaders and notables -whether dead or alive. Indeed, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] forbade us from imitating them. (see footnote c) And what is known in Islam from the rights of its adherents is to supplicate for the dead Muslims, give alms on their behalf, mention their virtues and refrain from speaking ill of them (see footnote d), and many of the etiquettes which Islam has clarified, urge the Muslim to observe them, whilst dealing with his brothers, living and dead; but it does not include standing in mourning with silence in order to pay homage to the martyrs or dignitaries; rather this is from that which the principles of Islam reject. (8)

Finally, we ask Allaah to grant us the Tawfeeq to adhere to the pure Sunnah and distance from everything that opposes it. However, the above does not negate living with non-Muslims with fine conduct and fulfilling covenants. Must read following articles:

The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

Living With Non-Muslims In The West: With Fine Conduct
https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Alliance with the non-Muslims is of two types – misunderstanding this affair leads people astray: –
https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

Are Treaties With The Jews, the State of ‘Israel’ and other Non-Muslims Permitted? Is it Allegiance? Is it Apostasy?
https://abukhadeejah.com/treaties-with-the-non-muslims-do-they-necessitate-allegiance/

Greeting and Interacting with the Jews, Christians and Pagans ―Even if they are oppressive: https://abukhadeejah.com/how-to-conduct-oneself-with-the-jews-christians-others-even-if-they-be-tyrants/

Footnote a: Muslim Identity, the Honour that Islam Brings and the Danger of Blindly Following Non-Muslim Cultures that Clash with Islam and the Sunnah: https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-identity-honour-that-islam-brings-danger-of-following-non-muslim-culture/

Footnote b: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/03/22/hadeeth-if-one-of-you-is-afflicted-with-a-calamity-then-let-him-reflect-upon-his-calamity-through-me-i-e-my-death-for-indeed-it-is-the-greatest-of-calamities/

Footnote c: Muslim Identity, the Honour that Islam Brings and the Danger of Blindly Following Non-Muslim Cultures that Clash with Islam and the Sunnah: https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-identity-honour-that-islam-brings-danger-of-following-non-muslim-culture/

Footnote d: It Necessary to Mention The Names of The Misguided People – Whether Dead or Alife – If Required: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/01/16/is-it-necessary-to-mention-the-names-of-the-deviants-when-refuting/

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Saheeh Al-Bukhari 1356. Adabul Mufrad 524]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Vol 2. page 124. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: Silsilah As-Saheehah. Narration Number 161. Vol 1. pages 3003- 304]

[Ref 5: Paraphrased https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/1459/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%86%D9%89%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87%D9%85 ]

[Ref 6: Ahkaam Ahl Addh-Dhimmah. 1/439-441]

[Ref 7: Paraphrased: https://binbaz.org.sa/articles/211/%C2%A0%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%88%D9%83-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1 ]

[Ref 8: Fataawa Lajnah Ad-Daa’imah. (Question Number 1674). 9/77-78]

Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Apostasy – [Unveiling Another Path of The Criminals and Opponents of The Messengers]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Listen to Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s clarification here:

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[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]

The One Who Burns The Qur’aan Out of Hatred and The One Who Protests In The Streets

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Nasme of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: What is the recompense for someone who unintentionally burn the Noble Qur’an and did not know until after doing so?

Answer: There is no (blame) on him as long as it is unintentional, such as if he burns it without knowing that it is the Qur’an. Likewise, there is no harm if he deliberately burns it so that it would not be disrespected because it is torn and cannot be benefitted from. That is because when the Qur’aan is torn and cannot be benefitted from (i.e. not possible to read it), it should be burnt or buried in a clean place so that it is not humiliated. As for if one burns it out of hatred, insult and being annoyed with it, then this is a great evil and it is tantamount to apostasy. Likewise, if one sits on it, steps on it with his foot to insult it, stain it with impurity, insults it or insults the one who reads it, then this is major disbelief and apostasy. And Allaah’s refuge is sought! [Majmoo Fataawaa Wa Maqaalaat Ash-Shaikh Ibn Baaz 24/395]

Indeed, nothing praiseworthy is expected from well known spiteful Islam haters except evil and malice. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَدَّ ڪَثِيرٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لَوۡ يَرُدُّونَكُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ إِيمَـٰنِكُمۡ كُفَّارًا حَسَدً۬ا مِّنۡ عِندِ أَنفُسِهِم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ‌ۖ فَٱعۡفُواْ وَٱصۡفَحُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَأۡتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمۡرِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

Many of the people of the Scripture wish that if they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their ownselves, even, after the truth (that Muhammad Peace be upon him is Allah’s Messenger) has become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till Allah brings His Command. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things. [Surah Al-Baqarah Aayah 109]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَتُبۡلَوُنَّ فِىٓ أَمۡوَٲلِڪُمۡ وَأَنفُسِڪُمۡ وَلَتَسۡمَعُنَّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشۡرَكُوٓاْ أَذً۬ى كَثِيرً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن تَصۡبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ذَٲلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُورِ

You will most certainly be tested in your material possessions and in yourselves. And you will most certainly hear much abuse from those who were given Scripture before you and from those who associate partners with Allāh. But if you patiently persevere and remain devoutly obedient—that will be a determining factor (which you must hold on to with firm resolve). [Surah Aal Imran. Aayah 186] (1)

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [قَدۡ بَدَتِ ٱلۡبَغۡضَآءُ مِنۡ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَمَا تُخۡفِى صُدُورُهُمۡ أَكۡبَرُ‌ۚ – Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse]. [Surah Aal Imran. Aayah 118]

Therefore, this behaviour of theirs – burning the Qur’aan out of hatred – is expected from those spiteful Swedish disbelievers whose hearts are filled with envy and malice; but this does not mean that – in the name of opposing evil – we respond in a manner that is not legislated by Allaah and His Messenger. Street protests are not legislated in Islam as Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Protests are newly invented matters in the religion, every newly invented matter in the religion is a bidah (innovation in religion), every bidah is misguidance and every misguidance leads to the hell fire. Allaah’s legislation is perfect and complete- founded upon The Qur’aan and The Sunnah – and we do not know of anything by way of the evidences in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah that makes it permissible for a handful of people to gather for demonstrations, which causes disturbance for the people and time wasting. And greater than this is abandonment of the prayers (during protests) and the loss of life [i.e. murder]. If one was to kill a Muslim in a single protest, the one (or those) who called to such protests will carry his sins – be it an individual, a group or those who participate. It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth that “The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim [i.e. without right]”. [Saheeh Al-Jaami 9208]

These protests are nothing but bidah and acts of misguidance advocated by shaytaan- (enticed) by the urge of the evil soul and desires. And these enemies [i.e. shaytaan, the urge of the evil soul and desires] do not come together in any affair except that the religion and worldly affairs are destroyed, just as it is the case in these demonstrations. The end results of protests is carnage, destruction, wastage of wealth and time, and terrorising those living in peace. And how many disadvantages are there in that?! It is enough to be considered something sinister due to the fact that the Noble Messengers and the Great Prophets who were put to trial and harmed by their people did not hold protests – neither engaged in plotting to cause explosions nor committing suicide; rather Islaam has forbidden all of that. Those who call to protests and hold that there is success in it are mistaken, and they have missed the correct path. Rectification of the affairs can only be by way of the Qur’aan and The Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge. So whoever calls the people to this chaos, then indeed he has brought about a means to corrupting the land and the people, and what has occurred – in the past and at present- is a witness to that. Therefore, we warn the students of knowledge that they are not persuaded by the speech of those who allow protests]. They say that peaceful demonstrations are permissible -as they categorise it into this categorisation- without proofs and concrete evidence from the Qur’aan and the Sunnah- neither from the actions of the Messenger and the Noble Sahaabah nor from the Notable Imaams; rather the verdict on protests is only what has been stated earlier and as well as what has been written by other than myself”. [Slightly paraphrased. Source: الأفنان وتوحيد ابن خزيمة وحديث عن المظاهرات4-4-1432هـ.]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] was asked, “Going out for to demonstrations and revolutions, and nurturing the youth upon it; is this from the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah or not, whether done within or outside the Muslim countries?” Answer: “This is the methodology of Marx (i.e. Carl Marx), Lenin (i.e. Vladimir Lenin) and those similar to them. It is not from the Islamic methodology. Revolutions, bloodshed, trials and troubles are Marx’s and Lenin’s school of thought”. [Source:An excerpt from كشف الستار Page: 18]

Also read: Demonstrations in Non-Muslim Countries – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/street-demonstrations-in-non-muslim-countries-india/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/protests-demonstrations-and-civil-disobedience-in-the-light-of-islam-ethics-3-8/

Finally, regardless of the hatred and injustice of the spiteful ones, we are commanded to be well behaved at all times. Read: Living With Non-Muslims In The West: With Fine Conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

[Ref 1: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/3_186 – By Shaikh Abu Iyaadh (may Allaah preserve him)]

New World Order!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Ideas About New World Order

What is ‘New World Order’? Some say that it is a political situation in which the countries of the world are no longer divided because of their support for either the US or the Soviet Union and instead work together to solve international problems.

Firstly, Humankind Have Been Commanded By Their Lord to Return to The Revelation In All Affairs

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَا ٱخۡتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَهُمۡ‌ۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ بِإِذۡنِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ

Humankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 213]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَٱخۡتَلَفُواْ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا ڪَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ – Mankind were but one community (i.e. on one religion – Islamic Monotheism), then they differed (later), and had not it been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, it would have been settled between them regarding what they differed]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 19]

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said: “There were ten generations between Nooh and Aadam and all of them used to be upon the true path [i.e. upon Islaam – worshipping Allaah alone], then they differed and started worshipping idols, false deities and images, so Allaah sent Messengers with clear proofs and evidences. (1)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritizing necessities. Therefore, due to this Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ – Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213]

Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ”. (2)

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to singling out Allaah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and calling to other than (the way of) Allaah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allaah will take it away and those upon it- will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allaah –The Most High, The Most Great. (3)

The Imaam also stated: “Everyone with a bit of (sound) intellect knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs are completely corrupted”. (4)

Secondly, others say that the ‘New World Order’ is a political shift in geopolitical power outside of individual nation states – that a secretive totalitarian cabal of world governments are attempting to establish an international order that would see the people suppressed under a globalist regime, a secretive elite (for example, the “Illuminati”) conspiring to rule the world through an authoritarian one-world government, which would replace sovereign nation-states. Read details in this document- prepared by a senior student of knowledge from the works of the scholars – titled: The Permanent Committee, the Fiqh Council and the Major Scholars on Masonic Secretive Organizations and Their Globalist Agendas: Masonic Secretive Organizations and Their Globalist Agendas

Finally, whatever we do on earth will not harm our Lord because He is not in need of anything or anyone. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ أَنتُمُ ٱلۡفُقَرَآءُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلۡغَنِىُّ ٱلۡحَمِيدُ
إِن يَشَأۡ يُذۡهِبۡڪُمۡ وَيَأۡتِ بِخَلۡقٍ۬ جَدِيدٍ۬
وَمَا ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ بِعَزِيزٍ۬
وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ۬ وِزۡرَ أُخۡرَىٰۚ وَإِن تَدۡعُ مُثۡقَلَةٌ إِلَىٰ حِمۡلِهَا لَا يُحۡمَلۡ مِنۡهُ شَىۡءٌ۬ وَلَوۡ كَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰٓۗ إِنَّمَا تُنذِرُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخۡشَوۡنَ رَبَّہُم بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَأَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۚ وَمَن تَزَكَّىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَتَزَكَّىٰ لِنَفۡسِهِۚۦ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise. If He will, He could destroy you and bring about a new creation. And that is not hard for Allah. And no bearer of burdens shall bear another’s burden, and if one heavily laden calls another to (bear) his load, nothing of it will be lifted even though he be near of kin. You (O Muhammad) can warn only those who fear their Lord unseen, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat). And he who purifies himself (from all kinds of sins), then he purifies only for the benefit of his ownself. And to Allah is the (final) Return (of all). [Surah Al-Faatir. Aayaat 15-18]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡ‌ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah26-27]

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: The Qur’aan commentators say that this refers to Namrood who built a tall tower in order to climb – as he claimed – the heavens and fight its inhabitants.

[فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them]: The Mufassiroon say: Allaah sent a wind which flung the top of the tower to the sea and the rest was destroyed. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, from where they thought they were safe. [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace]: Meaning, disgraced with punishment. (5)

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: Meaning plotted against their Messengers, employed various types of tricks in order to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards [by way of arguments, views etc] on their plots. [فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building]– Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation [فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them] -Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, that is because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established.

This is one the best of parables regarding how Allaah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they pondered and reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, made up principles and rules for it based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, employed tricks to bring discomfort to the Messengers and inflict harm on them and those who followed them, but their plot became a source of evil against them, so their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allaah said: [ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ – But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Soorah Faatir: Ayah: 43]

This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allaah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them]. (6)

Allaah [The Most High] said: [قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ – Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Surah Aal Imran. Aayah 137]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allaah and disbelief in Allaah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. (7)

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?”

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allaah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. (8)

The Role of The Scholars and The Firm Students of Knowledge in Unveiling The Plots of The Unbelievers

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa (scholars) to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’aan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of Aqeedah (creed) to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (9)

He also says: “I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” (10)

The People Upon Truth Will Always Be Present Even When Misguidance is Widespread

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/06/01/a-brief-reminder-regarding-at-taaifah-al-mansoorah-the-victorious-group-by-shaikh-fawzaan-and-shaikh-rabee/

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
[Ref 2. Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18]
[Ref 3: Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526]
[Ref 4: A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]

[Ref 8: Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa’idil Fawaa-id 123-124]

[Ref 9: Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102. translated by Salafipublications]

[Ref 10: Trasnlated by Salafipublications]

[4] Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Destructive Consequences!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated about those Christians who deviated from the path of Messiah [peace be upon him] and fell into disbelief…..

Then when Allaah [The Exalted] sent Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], they disbelieved in him, so their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways- substitution of the religion of the first Messenger (i.e. the Messiah) and belied the second Messenger (i.e. Muhammad), just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews greater than what the Jews deserve, because the Jews claimed that the Messiah was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allaah informed us about them:

[وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 156]; but the Christians claimed that the Messiah is Allaah, therefore the trial between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, just as Allaah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad the protege of Zaid Bin Thaabit reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bin Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbaas that when the Christian delegation of Najraan came to Allaah’s Messenger, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee Bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing” and thus he disbelieved in Eesaa and all the Injeel. Then a man from the people of Najraan said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, and thus he wilfully denied Musa’s [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allaah revealed:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they reject in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Eesaa whilst they had the Torah in which Allaah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Eesaa and the Injeel, and Eesaa confirmed Musa’s Messengership and what he came with. So, each one disbelieved in what was in the possession of the other. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”. The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished from them, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Eesaa.

So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went into extremes in excommunicating the Jews and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said to the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]: [إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ – I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 55]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Eesaa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah As-Saff. Aayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership and – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership, because indeed the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allaah’s Sharee’ah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allaah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’aan was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 51]

The Qur’aan is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’aan is greater than it. And this is why the Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]- the Ethiopian king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”.

Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil [may Allaah have mercy upon him] – who was one of Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] who came to you was sent to Musa. I wish that I were young till when your people expel you”. Allaah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, because nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start calling to Islaam), then I would support you strongly”. [Bukhaari]

And this is why Allaah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’aan together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ
قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayaat 48-49]

Allaah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Tawraat and the Qur’aan. Then Allaah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. 1/26-30. Slightly paraphrased]