The likeness of those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) other than Allaah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 41]
Allaah mentioned that they are weak and that those whom they take as protectors and helpers are weaker than them. So with regards to their weakness and their goal behind taking others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they are similar to a spider that builds a house and it is the frailest and weakest of houses. Based on this parable, the Mushrikoon become much weaker when they take others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, and they do not benefit from those they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, just as Allaah stated [in another Aayah]:
And they have taken (for worship) Aaliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.). Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection). [Surah Maryam. Aayaat 81-82]
And Allaah [The Most High] said:
And they have taken besides Allaah Aaliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaa Seen. Aayaat 74-75]
And after mentioning the destruction of the nations of the Mushrikoon, Allaah said:
We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. So their Aaliha (gods), other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add aught (to their lot) but destruction. [Surah Hud. Aayah 101]
These four places in the Qur’aan show that the one who takes protectors and helpers besides Allaah- through whom he seeks to strengthen himself, behave arrogantly and prevail- will not achieve except the opposite, and there is a lot more about this affair in the Qur’aan. This is one of the finest parables and the clearest proofs regarding the falsehood of Shirk and the deprivation of the one who commits Shirk, and that he will achieve the opposite of what he seeks. (1)
Allaah gave this similitude regarding those who worship others alongside Him, seeking honour, strength and benefit by way of it; but Allaah says that the affair is the opposite of the goal they seek, because their likeness is that of a spider that builds a house to protect itself from the heat, cold and harm; but the frailest and weakest of houses is the spider’s house.
The spider is one of those weak animals and its house is one of the weakest of houses, and building its house does not increase it in anything except weakness. Likewise, this is the case regarding those who take protectors and helpers besides Allaah; they are in need and incapable in every way when they take protectors and helpers besides Allaah to seek honour and help by way of them; so they increase weakness on their weakness, and feebleness on their feebleness, because indeed they rely on them in many of their affairs related to their well-being and entrust it to them, refrain from achieving it themselves and [hoping] that these [so-called] protectors and helpers will fulfil it; but they forsake them- neither receive anything [useful, beneficial etc] nor the least [gain, benefit etc] from their help. Had they been acquainted with the reality of knowledge- their situation and that of those whom they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they would not have done so; rather they would have freed themselves from them and take Allaah as Protector and Helper- The Lord Who is able to do all things, The One Who Bestows His Special Mercy to the Believers; Who – when a servant takes Him as a Protector and an Ally, He suffices him, looks after both his religious and worldly affairs, increase him in strength upon strength in his heart [i.e. Eemaan], his body [i.e. grant him ability to seek after what is beneficial etc], in all his circumstances and deeds. (2)
Belief In Evolution
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the belief that the origin of the human is an ape: This statement is evil, falsehood, an opposition to the Book of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], an opposition to the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and an opposition to the consensus of the pious predecessors of this Ummah. This statement is well known from Darwin and he is a liar regarding that which he has stated; rather the origin of the human being is his well-known state – neither an ape nor other than it, rather he was created as a rational human being from earth and that is our father Aadam [peace and blessings be upon him], just as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِنْ سُلالَةٍ مِنْ طِينٍ – And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth)]. [Surah al-Muminoon. Aayah 12]
It is obligated on a servant to believe that Aadam was not an ape and that Aadam’s [alayhis salaam] origin is the same as what the human being is at present – neither an ape nor other than it. The statement that his original state was that of an ape is an evil statement and falsehood; rather if it is stated that the one who utters this statement has committed Kufr, then that would be considered a good reason for saying so. What is clearer – and Allaah knows best – is that the one who utters this statement [i.e. that Aadam’s origin is an ape] whilst knowing that which the Sharee’ah has brought regarding this affair, then he is a kaafir, because he has belied Allaah, belied Allaah’s Messenger and belied the Book of Allaah regarding the creation of Aadam. (3) NB: Takfeer [i.e. declaring a Muslim as an unbeliever or removing him from the fold of Islaam] has principles and passing this judgement against specific individuals is the job of the upright scholars. Read articles on this subject matter:
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that it is tantamount to disbelief in Allaah to believe that the origin of the human being is an ape because it is a denial of the noble Qur’aan and the consensus of the Muslims [i.e. the scholars]. (4)
Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him) stated about the theory of evolution: “This theory is considered Kufr (that exits a Muslim from Islam if he believes it). Read more on the link below from Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s [hafidhahullaah] website: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/theory-evolution-the-origin-of-man-is-ape-by-shaikh-muqbil-ibn-hadi/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-creation-of-adam-in-one-instant-without-evolution-and-chance-his-lifespan-his-height-and-his-intelligence/
Darwinism and Atheism – By Dr – Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [hafidhahullaah]
http://www.aqidah.com/creed/categories/xz-darwinism-and-atheism.cfm
The Myth of Darwinian Evolution – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [hafidhahullaah]
Also listen to the lecture By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]
https://www.salafisounds.com/establishing-ones-belief-through-pseudoscience-philosophy-is-a-path-of-destruction-khutbah-by-abu-khadeejah/
Also read by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [hafidhahullaah]: Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation
Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad) Al-Kauthar (a river in Paradise); therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). For he who makes you angry (O Muhammad) will be cut off (from every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter). [Surah Al-Kawthar]
[إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ ٱلۡأَبۡتَرُ – he who makes you angry (O Muhammad) will be cut off (from every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)] – Meaning, he who hates, reviles and belittles you will be cut off from every good- cut off from deeds that would have helped him in the Hereafter and cut off from being remembered [with good]. As for Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], he is the perfect human being in truth, who attained the highest level of human perfection, his name exalted and he has numerous helpers and followers. (1)
Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr [may Allaah preserve him] said: Indeed, Allaah’s way [of dealing] with those who are hostile towards the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has already taken place aforetime as well as those who showed enmity to the Messengers before him. Those who scoffed and mocked at them will be overwhelmed with Allaah’s great affliction and severe punishment in this world before the Hereafter. Allaah said:
And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieve because of their [evil] deeds or it [i.e. the disaster] settle close to their homes, until the Promise of Allaah comes to pass. Certainly, Allah does not fail in His Promise. And indeed [many] Messengers were mocked at before you [O Muhammad], but I granted respite to those who disbelieved, and finally I punished them. Then how [terrible] was My Punishment! [Soorah Ar-Radd: Aayaat 32-32]
Allaah [The Almighty] gives the wrongdoer respite and does not leave his [affair]. And when Allaah seizes him, He seizes him with the Seizure of The All-Mighty. Allaah said: [فَأَمْلَيْتُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا – But I granted respite to those who disbelieved] – Meaning: They are granted respite for a little while, then Allaah [The Almighty] seizes them with a severe seizure.
Whoever ponders upon the long periods of history will find many punishments and adversities which Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] inflicted upon those who had enmity towards the Messengers, especially the scoffers and mockers. Indeed, Allaah [The Exalted] stated as a reassurance to His Messenger [Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]: [ إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ – Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers] [Soorah Al-Hijr: Ayah: 95]
And He [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ – For he who makes you angry (O Muhammad), he will be cut off (from every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)]. And indeed Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] has sanctioned painful punishment and severe affliction for every scoffer and mocker of the Prophets and His noble Messengers, then how about the one who mocks at the Imaam of the Messengers and seal of Prophets!! And if it is the case that Allaah [The Most High] has stated in the hadeeth Qudsi: ‘’Whoever shows enmity to a friend of mine, I will wage war against him’’, then how about the one who shows enmity to a Prophet!! Then how about the one who shows enmity to the leader of the Messengers, the leader of mankind and jinn and the master of all the children of Aadam?!
Even though some of the despicable and depraved ones in our time ridicule the personality of the noble Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and mock at him through sarcastic pictures and words, or movies and pure infamy, then indeed their existence – in reality – is by the permission of Allaah [The Blessed and Most High]. Allaah’s way [of dealing] with those whose affair was the same has already gone by, and whoever desires to confirm that then let him read history in its entirety, for it is filled with a number of witnesses and plenty of proofs, which shows the perfect Power of Allaah, the greatness of His Punishment and His revenge on behalf of His Prophet and chosen one [Muhammad] and all His Prophets before him. (2)
The Noble, Revered Prophet of Islam-By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [hafidhahullaah]
Book discusses attempts of immoral cartoonists to malign the Prophet through satirical caricatures having no resemblance to reality; & discusses ideology of Khārijite terrorists …
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Kökdemir said Magnesia was a prominent city in ancient times with its religious festivals held in temples and sanctuaries. “We think that the temple we found in this area is as important in the history of architecture as the fourth largest Temple of Artemis in Anatolia. It is a temple dedicated to Zeus,” he said. He said the ancient area was previously excavated by Germans who took some pieces of the Zeus Temple to Germany, which are still on display at the Berlin Pergamon Museum. “Next year, we will reveal the origin of the structure, which is exhibited in the museum in Berlin. This is a tremendous thing. It is very important both for archaeological literature and tourism. So, we are very excited,” he said.
Who was Zeus? “Zeus, in ancient Greek religion, chief deity of the pantheon, a sky and weather god who was identical with the Roman god Jupiter. His name may be related to that of the sky god Dyaus of the ancient Hindu Rigveda. Zeus was regarded as the sender of thunder and lightning, rain, and winds, and his traditional weapon was the thunderbolt. He was called the father (i.e., the ruler and protector) of both gods and men”.
Therefore, Zeus was one of the Tawaagheet (false deities) of the Greeks! Professor Kökdemir says that finding a temple dedicated to the Zeus – a Taaghoot – “is a tremendous thing”. Indeed, no Muslim would consider this a tremedous thing because the Tawaagheet and those who worship/worshipped them are dwellers of the eternal fire. Allaah [The Exalted] said:
And the true promise (Day of Resurrection) shall draw near (of fulfillment). Then (when mankind is resurrected from their graves), you shall see the eyes of the disbelievers fixedly stare in horror. (They will say): “Woe to us! We were indeed heedless of this; nay, but we were Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).” Certainly! You (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it. Had these (idols, etc.) been aliha (gods), they would not have entered there (Hell), and all of them will abide therein. Therein breathing out with deep sighs and roaring will be their portion, and therein they will hear not. [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Verses 97-100]
This is the reality O reader! As for the belief that Zeus is one of the sky gods, Allaah [The Exalted] said:
Or have they taken (for worship) aliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead? Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned. Or have they taken for worship (other) aliha (gods) besides Him? Say: “Bring your proof:” This (the Qur’an) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse. And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and no one else).” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Verses 21-25]
Allaah [The Exalted] stated His disapproval of the polytheists [idolaters] – those who [worship things which they have taken as] gods in the earth, even though these [so called] gods are absolutely incapacitated and powerless. Neither are they are able to bring them back to life nor resurrect them, and this is further explained by the statement of Allaah:
Yet they have taken besides Him other aliha (gods) that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Verse 3]
And they have taken besides Allah aliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaaseen. Aayaat 74-75]
A polytheist [or idolater] worships a created thing that can neither benefit nor harm, and he abandons sincere worship to Allaah – The One Who is Perfect [i.e. the only possessor of Perfect Names and Attributes; free from all weaknesses, shortcomings and imperfections], and in His Hand is the absolute control over all benefit and harm. This shows that a polytheist [or idolater] is not blessed [with guidance], his ignorance is clearly established as well as the severity of his unjust behaviour towards Allaah; for indeed it is only befitting that there is only one [true] deity, just as there cannot be except one [true] Lord. And because of this, Allaah [The Exalted] said:
Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allaah, then verily both [i.e. the heavens and the earth] would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-anbiyaa. Aayah 22]- Meaning: Both the heavens and the earth would have been ruined as well the creation in them.
The heavens and the earth – as one can see – are in a perfect state, intact and in perfect order. Neither is there any defect in them and obstacles [to its perfect order] nor conflict in its organisation. Therefore, this shows that the One who controls and regulates its affairs is One- its Lord is one and the deity [under whose control they are maintained] is One. If it were the case that the heavens and the earth has two [deities] that control and regulate its affairs- two lords or more, then its perfect order would have been ruined and its foundations would have been undermined. That is because they would have been obstacles and opponents to one another; so if one of them wishes to plan and administer something and the other one wishes that it should not take place, then it would be impossible for both their wishes to be fulfilled. [On the other hand], the fulfilment of the wishes of one of them would have shown that the other one is weak and unable do whatever he wants; and it is impossible that both of them will agree on everything. Therefore, the wish of The Irresistible [i.e. Allaah- the only True Lord and besides Him every other deity is false]- is what will be fulfilled without anyone being able to prevent or repel it. And this is why Allaah [The Exalted] said:
No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-Muminoon. Verse 91] (1)
O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought. They have not estimated Allah His Rightful Estimate; Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [Surah Al-Hajj. Verses 73-74]
It is obligated on a servant [of Allaah] to pay attention-to this parable – with his heart and ponder upon it as it properly because it cuts off the desire of shirk. The gods worshipped by the idolaters cannot create even a fly, even if they all come to together to create it, then how about what is greater than it? They are neither able to create a fly which is one of the weakest animals, nor are they able to gain the upper hand against it to recover what it took away from them. There is nothing more disabled and feebler than them, so how can a sensible person deem it good to worship idols [or the things worshipped by the idolaters].
This verse nullifies shirk and shows the ignorance of its people. It is a testimony that Satan plays about with them more than kids play with a ball due to the fact that they assign Godhood to images and statues that are deprived of the ability to create the most insignificant creature of the True God, even if they [i.e. those statues and images] gathered and supported one another to do so, whereas Godhood necessitates having absolute power over all the existence, absolute knowledge of all sources of knowledge, having no need of all the creation, [whilst the creation is completely dependent] upon the Lord for their needs, for relief, [to remove their] distress and anxiety and [respond to their] invocations. (2)
The likeness of those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) other than Allaah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Verse 41]
Allaah mentioned that they are weak and that those whom they take as protectors and helpers are weaker than them. So with regards to their weakness and their goal behind taking others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they are similar to a spider that builds a house and it is the frailest and weakest of houses. Based on this parable, the Mushrikoon become much weaker when they take others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, and they do not benefit from those they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, just as Allaah stated [in another verse]:
And they have taken (for worship) Aaliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.). Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection). [Surah Maryam. Verses 82-82]
And Allaah [The Most High] said:
And they have taken besides Allaah Aaliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaa Seen. Verses 74-75]
And after mentioning the destruction of the nations of the Mushrikoon, Allaah said:
We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. So their Aaliha (gods), other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add aught (to their lot) but destruction. [Surah Hud. Verse 101]
These four places in the Qur’aan show that the one who takes protectors and helpers besides Allaah- through whom he seeks to strengthen himself, behave arrogantly and prevail- will not achieve except the opposite, and there is a lot more about this affair in the Qur’aan. This is one of the finest parables and the clearest proofs regarding the falsehood of Shirk and the deprivation of the one who commits Shirk, and that he will achieve the opposite of what he seeks. (3)
Allaah gave this similitude regarding those who worship others alongside Him, seeking honour, strength and benefit by way of it; but Allaah says that the affair is the opposite of the goal they seek, because their likeness is that of a spider that builds a house to protect itself from the heat, cold and harm; but the frailest and weakest of houses is the spider’s house.
The spider is one of those weak animals and its house is one of the weakest of houses, and building its house does not increase it in anything except weakness. Likewise, this is the case regarding those who take protectors and helpers besides Allaah; they are in need and incapable in every way when they take protectors and helpers besides Allaah to seek honour and help by way of them; so they increase weakness on their weakness, and feebleness on their feebleness, because indeed they rely on them in many of their affairs related to their well-being and entrust it to them, refrain from achieving it themselves and [hoping] that these [so-called] protectors and helpers will fulfil it; but they forsake them- neither receive anything [useful, beneficial etc] nor the least [gain, benefit etc] from their help. Had they been acquainted with the reality of knowledge- their situation and that of those whom they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they would not have done so; rather they would have freed themselves from them and take Allaah as Protector and Helper- The Lord Who is able to do all things, The One Who Bestows His Special Mercy to the Believers; Who – when a servant takes Him as a Protector and an Ally, He suffices him, looks after both his religious and worldly affairs, increase him in strength upon strength in his heart [i.e. Eemaan], his body [i.e. grant him ability to seek after what is beneficial etc], in all his circumstances and deeds. (4)
Finally: One of The Corrupt Goals Behind The Attention Given to Artefacts- By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him]: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/04/22/one-of-the-corrupt-goals-behind-the-attention-given-to-artifacts-by-al-allaamah-rabee-bin-haadee/
What is Taaghoot? By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-meaning-of-taghut-according-to-the-early-scholars/
We ask Allaah to include us amongst the people of Tawheed and Sunnah Aameen.
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa-i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 2/221-222. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 3: An Exceprt from ‘Badaa’i At-tafseer Al-Jaami Lima Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. Vol 2. Page299-300. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Jennifer Bell [may Allaah guide her] stated, “The ancient coffin of Priest Psamtik, buried thousands of years ago and unearthed by archeologists in an Egyptian necropolis, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to be displayed at the Egypt Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The coffin of priest Psamtik, “the son of Pediosir,” is one of the colored wooden coffins that were recently discovered in a well in the sacred area of Saqqara, south of the capital of Cairo, by the archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities”.
First, in the above statement is an exaltation of the people of Kufr and Shirk; rather she even referred to a so called sacred area called Saqqara! So, what is the meaning of the word sacred in the English language? Sacred means ‘considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection with a god- connected with God or a god or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration’. Holy means ‘related to a religion or god- dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose’. We can clearly see that both the words ‘Sacred’ and ‘Holy’ are connected to God or a god, and this includes beliefs, acts of worship, rites, relics, books, symbols etc . Therefore, what is the first thing Muslims should recall when these words are used by people of different creeds and beliefs? The first thing we should recall is the origin of Shirk [ascribing partners with Allaah] and Bidah [innovation in religious affairs]! Allaah [The Exalted] said:
Mankind 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. Verse 213]
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. Verse 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)
Therefore, the above clearly demonstrates the fact that whatever is innovated in religious practice, even if considered holy and sacred by its adherents, is not valid in the sight of Allaah [The Exalted]. The creeds are two types – the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people who deviate/deviated from the path of Allaah. Allaah informed us about Prophet Yusuf [peace be upon him and his father] that he said to his companions in the prison:
O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [Soorah Yoosuf: Verses 39-40]
Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. [Soorah An-Najm. Verses 19-23]
Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed]. [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Verse 21]
All these verses clearly show that the sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. (2)
Therefore, it is very clear – as stated above – that whatever is concocted as belief or religious rites is not sacred or holy in the sight of Allaah, just as Allaah [The Exalted] stated that Prophet Yusuf [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to his companions in the prison: [مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ – You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority].
Second, regarding artefacts, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: The attention given to artefacts (or relics) – in this era – in the manner pursued by the Archaeologists was not known during the era of the Prophet’s companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] and the pious predecessors [may Allaah have mercy upon them]; but rather the Muslims blindly followed the Europeans and Americans whose greatest goal in studying artefacts (or relics) in the land of the Muslims is to revive (the traits of) pre-Islamic nationalism, such as Pharaonism, (Pan) Babylonianism, Phoenicianism etc. And they succeeded to a great extent in actualizing many of these goals and thus arose – in the Muslim lands – the (traits) of pre-Islamic national pride and taking pride in these nationalisms.
Indeed, I am amazed with the example of yours [i.e. the person the Rabee was refuting] regarding the towns of (Prophet) Saaleh and Ukhdood [ie. the people who tortured the believers mentioned in Surah Al-Burooj], which are places (that earned) Allaah’s anger!! Imaam Al-Bukhaaree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Jufee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Saalim, who narrated from Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father], who said, ‘When the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and made his speed fast till he crossed the valley”. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Maalik narrated to us from Abdullaah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father], who said, “Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, ‘Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you’”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]
The two Prophetic reports show the danger of entering the places of those who incurred Allaah’s anger and He destroyed them due to their disbelief, denial of the prophets and what their message. The Prophet did not permit entry into them [i.e. those places] except for one who fears Allaah and fears His punishment, so he enters them when in need whilst he is in a weeping state.
It is feared for the one who enters the dwellings of those who were punished that he would be afflicted with the punishment that afflicted them. It is legislated for the one who approaches those dwellings to go past quickly whilst covering his face to follow the example of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. Do the Muslim possess understanding – and amongst them the Archeologists and those who encourage them – of what is in this Prophetic guidance that came from one who does not speak out of his own desires [I.e. Muhammad -peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]? Also, Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] legislated for the one who goes past the valleys of Muhassar to hurry because Allaah destroyed the people of the Elephant over there [i.e. the story of the people of the Elephant – Surah Al-Feel].
So, those who excavate the artefacts (relics) of the people of Aad, Thamood, the Ashaab Al-Ukhdood, the pharoanic and Babylonian artieacts (or relics), do they act based on the guidance of Allaah’s Messenger or do they blindly follow the enemies of Allaah who set up partnership of exploration for them from the artefacts (or relics) of the destroyed nations in order to entice (them) to the pride of pre Islamic ignorance. Indeed, I and other than myself have read the numerous boasting of Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of some of them, “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharoanic artefacts (relics) such as the pyramids and other than them. (3)
Why Ponder Upon The Story of The Nations of Old?
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: 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 Imraan. Verse 137]
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. (4)
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. (5)
Finally, we should be very careful when these terms ‘Sacred’, ‘Holy’ are used. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The basis of Banee Aadam’s misguidance is due to ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms and meanings that can either be utilized for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished], especially if they come in contact with a confused mind. Then how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that?! Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allaah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. (6)
The basis of a person’s Islaam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the Messenger of Allaah, to believe in Allaah, declare that Allaah is One without partner, obey Allaah’s commands, keep away from what Allaah has forbidden and single out Allaah in worship. And safeguarding this path (necessitates) the prohibition of every expression (word or term) that contains Shirk Billaah [i.e. ascribing partners to Allaah], Kufr [disbelief] or will lead to one of the two. (7) In the Qur’aan, there are many words that are utilised to rebut the words oppose the call of the Messengers, the revelation that was revealed to them and the truth they brought. (8)
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’an 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. (9)
[Ref 1: Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
[Ref 2: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah. lesson 2 By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
[Ref 3: Baraa’atus Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aalathaar. Pages 11-14. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: Source: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
[Ref 5: Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – Vol 3. page 927. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 7: Excerpt from ‘Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Laf’dhiyyah’ page 34. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]
[Ref 8: Excerpt from Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Lafdhiyyah’ page 10. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]
[Ref 9: Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
A Principle Regarding Worship
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Alllaah have mercy upon him] said: said:
Indeed, there has been much confusion in this subject matter, just as it is the case in the subject matter of halaal and haraam. Indeed, a group of people make permissible some of the things which Allaah has declared impermissible and others declare impermissible some of those things which Allaah has made permissible. Likewise, some people innovate acts of worship that have not been legislated by Allaah; rather Allaah [The Most High] prohibited them. The foundation of the religion of Islaam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path which Allaah sent His Messenger with. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious]. [6:153]
Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu-anhu] reported that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] drew a line for us and said: “This is Allaah’s Straight Path.’’ Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: ‘’These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it.’’ Then he recited: “وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ – Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path.” [Hadeeth reported by Imaam Ahmad in Al-Musnad 4437]
Indeed, Allaah mentioned – in Soorah Al-An’aam, Soorah Al-A’raaf and other them – those deeds the idol worshipers were rebuked for, when they declared impermissible the things which Allaah [The Most High] did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Saa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They [also] declared permissible those [deeds] which Allaah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children and they instituted a religion which Allaah did not allow. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed.” [42:21]
And there were impermissible deeds which they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaaf around the Kabah, whilst being naked.
The acts of worship through which a person seeks to get close to Allaah [The Most High] are those that are beloved and pleasing to Allaah and His Messenger- whether obligatory or recommended – as reported in Saheeh [Al-Bukhaari] that Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] said that Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] said: “And the most beloved things which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him”. (a)
And it is well known regarding the Salaah is that it can either be obligatory, such as the five daily prayers, or optional such as the Qiyaamul Layl [i.e. Tahajjud prayer]. Also regarding fasting, it can either be obligatory, such as fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, or it can be optional such as fasting three days every month. Also travelling to the Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. The kabah] is obligatory and travelling to the other two Masajid-Masjid of the Prophet and Masjid Al-Aqsaa-is recommended. Also charity can be an obligation, or recommended such as the surplus beyond [what is] needed, as Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ – And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which is beyond (what they) need].
And it has been reported in an authentic Hadeeth that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] said: “O son of Adam! It is better for you if you spend [your] surplus [wealth], but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. And there is no blame [on you] if you withhold the surplus in accordance with a need, in order to spend on yourself and poor relatives. The upper hand [i.e. the one who spends] is better than the lower hand [i.e. the one who asks without a need as opposed to the self-sufficient one]; and begin [charity] with your dependents”. [Saheeh Muslim Hadeeth No 1036] (1)
Footnote a: Regarding the statement: And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks… This statement is understood to mean that when a person becomes a Wali (close friend) of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic), then when the command of Allaah is mentioned with regards to what Allaah loves or hates, he protects his hearing from what Allaah hates and lends an ear to what Allaah loves. He also does the same with regards to what he looks at; what he grips with his hand and where he walks to. Or Allaah guides him, so that he only looks at what Allaah loves; listens to what Allaah loves and walks towards what Allaah loves. [Sharh Arba’een of Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen.. Pages 376-381 and Sharh Arba-een of Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh pages 256-258] [Also see, Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab pages 619-641 Daar Ibn Rajab 2002]
Bida’atul Mukaffirah and Bida’atul Mufassiqah
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief); but we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief; but this person -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him, “You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him”. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq [i.e. blesses him with knowledge and to act] and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah; but if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)…[ http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 .paraphrased] NB: Takfeer: [i.e.expelling a Muslim from the foldnof Islam] is the job of the upright scholars of Islaam. Read here about the Principles of Takfir: http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm
Read: Refuting the Notion of Bid’ah Hasanah (Good Innovation) in Worship: Part 8 – Imam Al-Nawawi’s Refutation of Contemporary Innovators Trying to Justify Bidah Hasanah in Matters of Worship
http://www.bidah.com/articles/chbjn-refuting-the-notion-of-bidah-hasanah-good-innovation-in-worship-part-8.cfm
[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar-iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 7-9. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Declaring Things Halaal or Halaal
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The foundation of the religion of Islaam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path which Allaah sent His Messenger with. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious].
Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] drew a line for us and said, “This is Allaah’s Straight Path”. Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said, “These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it”. Then he recited: “وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ – Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path”. [Hadeeth reported by Imaam Ahmad in Al-Musnad 4437]
Indeed, Allaah mentioned – in Surah Al-An’aam, Soorah Al-A’raaf and other them – those deeds the idol worshipers were rebuked for, when they declared impermissible the things which Allaah [The Most High] did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Saa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They [also] declared permissible those [deeds] which Allaah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children and they instituted a religion which Allaah did not allow. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed]. (1)
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah preserve him] stated about lies and liars: All these people carry mighty lies – which cannot be enumerated here – related to affairs of legislation and in declaring what is lawful and unlawful, such as what Allaah has stated regarding the pagan Arabs, who made judgements about the Bahirah [a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and that nobody was allowed to milk it] or a Sa’ibah [a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods and that nothing was allowed to be carried on it], or a Wasilah [a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery]. Allaah [تعالى ] stated in declaring this a lie:
[مَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنۢ بَحِيرَةٍ۬ وَلَا سَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ وَلَا وَصِيلَةٍ۬ وَلَا حَامٍ۬ۙ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَۖ وَأَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ – Allah has not instituted things like Bahirah (a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) or a Sa’ibah (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it), or a Wasilah (a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery) or a Ham (a stallion-camel freed from work for their idols, after it had finished a number of copulations assigned for it, all these animals were liberated in honour of idols as practised by pagan Arabs in the pre-Islamic period). But those who disbelieve invent lies against Allah, and most of them have no understanding]. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 103]
By Allaah, they are liars and they are foolish people deprived of sound intellect. Allaah said:
So eat of the lawful and good food which Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He Whom you worship. He has forbidden you only Al-Maytatah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols etc. or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper. A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment. [Surah An-Nahl. Verses 114-117]
This was an address to the Arabs who instituted things like Bahirah or a Sa’ibah, and due to this Allaah declared this affair of theirs a lie, determined the unlawful things in relation to that which they stated, made it known that what they declared unlawful or lawful is tantamount to lies invented against Allaah, that the liars will not be successful, their enjoyment through lies and slanders is a brief enjoyment and an eternal punishment awaits them – a painful punishment. (2)
Indeed, the above suffices as rebuke against the one who declares that ‘Meat is Murder’ whilst intending by way of such statement that meat should be banned or that it is inhumane to slaughter those animals – for food -which Allaah has permitted. The enemies of the Prophets are well-known for portraying evil as good and good as evil.
And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies – Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinns, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications.” [Surah Al-An’aam: Ayah 112]
Allaah [Glorified be He] stated that they aid one another in opposing the command of the Prophets with what some of them inspire others of adorned speech, so that the gullible and feeble minded people are misled by it. He [The Most High] stated the reason behind a perpetrator’s [adorned speech] and the reason why it is accepted by the people; then He [The Most High] mentioned [in ayah 113 Al-An’aam] the effects it has on those ignorant souls. When those souls incline towards such adorned speech and become pleased with it, they carry out what it calls them to do -in speech and action. Therefore, ponder upon these verses and the sublime meanings they convey, for they clarify the roots of false principles and alert a person against them. And if you ponder upon the statements of the people of falsehood, you will indeed find them clothed with expressions and presented in a good light with sophisticated terms, which are quickly accepted by those deprived of sound discernment-to the extent that the wicked sinners would give [good] names to the greatest types of wicked deeds. (3)
Benefit from this clarification by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/does-islam-permit-a-muslim-to-be-a-vegan-or-vegetarian/
Finally, instead of forbidding that which Allaah has made lawful, they should disapprove of that which Allaah has also disapprove, such as the vices mentioned in the following links:
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:
The basis of all sins – major and minor – are three: the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, going along with the intense strength of one’s anger and the intense urge of one’s desires. These three affairs constitute shirk, injustice and indecency. Shirk and invoking other than Allaah is the ultimate affair related to the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, murder is the ultimate affair related to going along with one’s intense anger and fornication is the ultimate affair related to going along with the intense urge of one’s desires. And because this Allaah mentioned the three together in the [following] Aayah:
And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Aayah 68]
These three affairs invite to one another – Shirk inevitably leads to injustice and indecency, just as Tawheed [sound Islamic Monotheism] and Ikhlaas [sincerity] turns a person away from them. Allaah [The Exalted] stated [about Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salaam)]: [ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ – Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and indecency. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Surah Yusuf. Aayah 24] – Meaning, turned him away from infatuation and illegal sexual intercourse.
Likewise, injustice inevitably leads to Shirk and indecency, because Shirk is the greatest injustice, just as Tawheed is the greatest justice. Justice is a companion of Tawheed and injustice is a companion of Shirk, and this is why Allaah mentioned both together.
As for Tawheed and justice, Allaah said: [شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ قَآٮِٕمَۢا بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ – Allah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 18]
As for injustice and Shirk, Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – Verily, Shirk is great injustice]. [Surah Luqmaan. Aayah 13]
Indecency leads to Shirk and Injustice, especially when there is a strong desire which cannot be reached except through some type of injustice, such as seeking help through magic and shaytaan. And indeed Allaah mentioned both fornication and Shirk together in the Aayah:
The adulterer marries not but an adulteress, or a female polytheist and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a male polytheist [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer, or a polytheist)]. And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a male polytheist or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a female polytheist)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers [of Islamic Monotheism]. [Surah An-Noor. Aayah 3]
These three affairs [i.e. Shirk, Indecency and Injustice] can either be the cause of one another or inevitably lead to one another. And this is why whenever Tawheed in the heart is weaker and the Shirk in it is greater, it commits more indecency, becomes stronger in its attachment to images and infatuated with them. And what is similar to this is the statement of Allaah:
So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs). And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency, and when they are angry, they forgive. [Surah Ash-Shooraa. Aayaat 36-37]
Allaah informed us that what He has with Him is better for the one who believes in Him and relies upon him, and that is Tawheed. Then Allaah said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ – And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency – Meaning, avoid the intense urge towards lowly desires]. Then Allaah said: [وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ – And when they are angry, they pardon]. This opposes the intense strength of anger; so Allaah mentioned Tawheed, pardon and justice together, and they are that which gathers every good.
An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id 131-132. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It obligatory to know that the reason behind the misguidance of the Christians and their ilk – amongst those who go beyond bounds, such as those devoted in worship, the Shiites and other than them- is due to three affairs: Firstly, utilizing ambiguous general terms and terms that are difficult to understand, and then turning away from terms that are clear and unambiguous. Whenever they hear a term that carries ambiguity, they cling to it and embrace it in their religion, even if it not a proof for it. As for the explicitly clear terms that are in opposition to their path, either they abstain from utilizing them or give them a false interpretation just as the people of falsehood do. They follow the ambiguous intellectual and divine proofs [i.e. terms and meanings which can either be used for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished] and then turn away from the unambiguous and explicitly clear proofs. Secondly, Khawaariq – [Phenomena that is attributed to something beyond what is usual or what normally happens, but not equated to the miracles of the Prophets] – which they think are divine signs (evidences, proofs etc), but they are actually affairs related to the devils. This is from that which often misguides the polytheists and other than them, such as shaytaan entering an idol and speaks to the people, the devils informing a magician about the affairs of the unseen and definitely lying as well. (1) Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessing of Allaah be upon him] saying, ‘The angels descend in the clouds and mention this or that matter decreed in the Heaven. The devils listen stealthily to such a matter, come down to inspire the soothsayers with it, and they add to it one-hundred lies of their own'”. (2) Thirdly, reports transmitted to them which they think are true, but instead they are lies. Neither the Christians [i.e. those Christians who change the religion of the Messiah] nor others amongst the people of misguidance have any sound intellectual proofs or sound reports to support their falsehood. When they speak about intellectual proofs, they speak based on ambiguous general terms, but when the meanings of those words are explained and its truth and falsehood are distinguished, then that which it contains of deception and ambiguity becomes manifest. And when they speak about reports, then either it is correct and does not support their falsehood or it is not authentic, rather it is lies.
Likewise, that which they mention regarding miracles, either it is sound and did take place from a Prophet such as the miracles of the Messiah and those before him, such as Ilyaas, Al-Yasa‘ (Elisha), Moosaa and other than them amongst the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them], then this is truth; or they are miracles that occurred from some of the righteous people, such as the disciples. However, this does not necessitate that the disciples are infallible like the Prophets, because indeed the Prophets are infallible in that which they relate from Allaah and they do not speak about Allaah except that which is true and no falsehood is found in their statements- neither deliberately nor mistakenly. As for the righteous people, they can definitely mix up affairs by mistake and err, regardless of the miracles that occur from them, so neither does this remove them from the fact that they are righteous men nor does it necessitate that they are infallible. And if one was to claim that he is infallible even though he is not a Prophet, then he is a liar and his lies will definitely manifest, the devils will accompany him, misguide him and thus the statement of Allaah applies to him:
Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. [Surah Ash-Shu’araa. Verses 221-222] [Ref 3]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said:
The Khawaariq 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.
The Mulhidoon (a) 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 of Ilhaad (b), 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:
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]
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:
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][Ref 4]
Emergence of Some Deviated Groups In The Ummah
Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:
Allaah [The Most High] guided mankind though Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and though what he brought of clear manifest evidences and guidance-a guidance that could not be described by those who were proficient in giving descriptions and surpassed the knowledge of those with great perception. So, though this guidance that was given to the Messenger, Allaah [The Most High] opened the eyes of the blind ones, the ears of the deaf ones and the hearts of the heedless ones. Allaah [The Most High] united them upon one religion-[the religion of Islamic monotheism; Ibraaheem’s [alayhis-salaam] religion of pure monotheism]-after they had been in complete disunity, enmity towards one another, upon destructive and corrupt creeds. Allaah united their hearts and they became true brothers in Islaam by way of this great blessing. And thereafter everything that was worshiped besides Allaah-such as graves, trees, stones, graven images, idols etc- ceased to exist and all worship was carried out for Allaah (alone).
The people followed the true Religion of Islamic monotheism; they worshipped Allaah alone and established worship sincerely for Allaah, except those whom Allaah willed that they were to remain as people of polytheism, hypocrisy and followers of the altered and distorted previous scriptures. The darkness of shirk was dispelled and the banner of Tawheed was raised in the lands-amongst the Arabs and non-Arabs.
Allaah [The Most High] took away the soul of His Messenger, whilst Islaam was established and in authority-superseding all other ways of life and creeds. Then the rightly guided khulafaa of the Messenger continued upon this path until the two powerful and great nations at the time-Rome and Persia-ended up in humiliation, degradation and in a state of fear after they had been in a state of security, and thus Caesar was restricted and besieged, and khosrau was subdued and destroyed.
So when the enemies of Islaam saw that they were unable to do away with this religion, they implanted their disbelieving agents within Islam, who pretended to be Muslims in order to foment confusion, trials and tribulations; and in order to spread shirk by exaggerating the status of the pious people and exalting their graves with [beliefs and practices] that were not ordained by Allaah.
So, this Ummah was put to trial through the plots of the [atheist, heretic and hypocrite] Abdullaah Bin Saba, who claimed Uloohiyyah [i.e. the right to be worship] for Ali Ibn Abee Taalib [may Allaah be pleased with him]. Abdullaah Bin As-Sabah’s followers were known as the Saaba-iyyah, and later on they were known as the rawaafid (shiites), the ismaaliyyah (shittes), the nusayriyah (shiites) and other than them amongst the Baatiniyyah. They used to worship the graves and the dead, and they used to build places of worship and domed [shaped] shrines upon these graves. So, by way of this they revived the practices of the Yahood, the Nasaaraa and the idol worshippers, and thus the practices of the worshippers of graves in this Muslim Ummah manifested itself in actions that were carried out by the rawaafid (shiites).
Secondly: The books of Greek philosophy that contained the ideas of grave and idol worship were translated into Arabic, so many of those who attributed themselves to Islam busied themselves with these books, such as the likes of Al- Faraabee (1) Ibn Sinaa Al-Hanafi (2) Naseer At- Toosee the advocator of disbelief and shirk (3) and other than them amongst those who played tricks with Islaam, just as Paul played tricks with Christianity.
They were influenced by the ideas of the Greek Philosophers, such as the creed of grave worship, so they became callers to grave worship through Greek Philosophy. The practices of these people was rife within the ranks of the people of rhetoric amongst the Hanafi Maatooreediyyah (4) and the Ash-ariyyah Kullaabiyyah due to busying themselves with the Books of the Philosophers; so they were influenced by the creed of grave worship. They became callers to grave worship and callers to the creed of the Jahmiyyah at the same time, such as the likes of Taftaazaanee Al-Hanafi [The Philosopher of the Maatooreediyyah and Grave worshipers] and Jurjaanee Al-Hanafi [a caller to superstition]
[1] Al-Faraabee: Al-Faraabee said that Philosophy is more perfect than Prophet hood. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said about him: ‘’Misguided; a disbeliever’’ Ibn Sinaa adopted his books and ideas of disbelief. [For further details concerning Al- Faraabee, See Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 2/67—86] [Dar At-Ta’aarud 1/10] [Ighaathatul Luhfaan 2/372-373].
[2] Ibn Sinaa: Imaam Ibnu Salaah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said about him: ‘’He was a devil amongst the human devils.’’ [See Fataawaa Ibn Salaah 1/209] [Also see: ‘Ar-Radd Alal Mantaqiyyeen’ of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah 278-279] [‘Ighaathatul Luhfaan’ of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/373-380] [Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah’ of Imaam Ibn Katheer 12/43]
[3] Naasir At-Toosee: He was a magician and a minister of the Tartars. He rejected the ‘resurrection’. For further details, see: As-Sawaa-iq Al-Mursalah of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. 2/790; 3/1077-1078
[4]Followers of the Jahmi Abu Mansoor Al- Maatooreedi Al-Hanafi [For further details, see the Book of Shaikh Shamsud-deen al-Afghaanee titled: ‘Al-Maatooreediyyah’ 1/205—376] [d] Juhoodu Ulamaa Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtaal Aqaa- id Al-Qubooriyyah Vol 1 pages 23-24
Thirdly: A people appeared among the Muslims manifesting asceticism. These people were more dangerous to the masses and more severe in misguidance. They were a people who appeared in the garb of the righteous, with tearful eyes smeared with kohl, long flowing beards, elevated turbans, carrying rosary beads and pretending to be calling to the sunnah of the leader of Humankind [Muhammad], whilst secretly practicing the disgraceful acts inherited from the false and vanished religions. And from their plots was that they used to mix manifest lies with the authentic explanations of the qur’aan and the authentic narrations in order to corrupt the clear proofs of the qur’aan and the sunnah. These deviant heretics were known as the holooliyyah, ittihaadiyyah Grave worshippers [ref 1], such as the likes of al-hallaaj (309ah), ibnul faarid (632ah), ibn arabi (638ah), ibn sina (669ah) etc [Excerpt from Juhoodu Ulamaa Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtaal Aqaa’id Al-Qubooriyyeen. Vol 1. Page 19-25]
Hulooliyyah and ittihaadiyyah: Hulool- Lit. “Entering” – Divine indwelling. The belief that Allaah dwells within a particular human. i.e. That Allaah dwells in a particular Soofi shaykh, a pious person, a Prophet – This belief is shared by Christians, certain Soofies, certain Shiites, Sikhs and others.
Wahdaatul Wujood – Lit – Unity of Existence. The belief that all existence is a single existence and everything we see are only aspects of the Essence of Allaah. This belief is also held by certain Soofies, Hindus and others.
Those who believe in hulool say that Allaah dwells and is incarnate in human beings, High is Allaah above and far removed from that. This was openly called to by some of the extreme Sufis, such as al-Husayn ibn Mansoor al-Hallaaj who was declared to be an unbeliever by the scholars. They ordered that he be executed and he was crucified in the year 309H. The following saying is attributed to him: “Glory to Him who manifested His human nature, Hiding the piercing brightness of His divinity: Till His creation saw Him openly, In the form of one eating and drinking” Attributed by al-Wakeel to the book at Tawaaseen of al Hallaaj (p. 130).
And his saying: “I am the one who loves and the One who is loved is me, We are two spirits who dwell in a single body. So when you see me you see Him, and when you see Him you see us both.”So al-Hallaaj was a believer in hulool and believed in the duality of the divine nature and that the Deity had both a divine and a human nature. Thus the divine becomes incarnate within the human so that the human spirit is the divine nature of the Deity and the body is its human form. Despite the fact that he was killed for his evil apostasy and although some of the Sufis declare themselves free of him, yet others count him as a Sufi, hold that his beliefs were correct, and write down his words. From them is Abdul-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Ataa al-Baghdaadee, Muhammad ibn Khaleef ash? Sheeraazee and Ibraheem an-Nasraabaadhee, as is reported by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee.
Wahdatul-Wujood, i.e. that all in existence is a single reality, and that everything we see is only aspects of the Essence of Allaah. The chief claimant of this belief was Ibn ‘Arabee al-Haatimee at-Taa’ee, who was buried in Damascus having died in the year 638H. He himself says about this belief in his book al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah: “The slave is the Lord and the Lord is a slave, I wish that I knew which was the one required to carry out the required duties. If I were to say the servant then that is true, or if I were to say the Lord, then how can that be required for Him.” Al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah as it is attributed by Dr. Taqiyyuddeen al-Hilaalee in his book al-Hadiyyatul-Haadiyah (p.43).
He also says in al-Fatoohaat: “Those who worshipped the calf worshipped nothing except Allaah.” Quoted as Ibn ‘Arabee’s saying by Ibn Tayrniyyah in al-Fataawaa (vol.11), who attributes it to the book al-Fatoohaat. Ibn ‘Arabee is called ‘al-‘Aarif billaah’ (The one having great knowledge of Allaah) by the Sufis, and also ‘al-Qutubul Akbar’ (The great pivot), ‘al-Miskul-Adhfar’ (the sweetest smelling musk), “al-Kibreetul-Ahmar’ (the reddest brimstone), despite his belief in wahdatul-wujood and other calamitous sayings. Indeed he praised Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and declared that he died upon Eemaan! Furthermore he speaks against Haroon for his criticism of his peoples worship of the calf, thus directly opposing the text of the Qur’aan. He also held that the Christians were Unbelievers only because they made divinity particular to ‘Eesaa, whereas if they had made it general to all then they would not have been unbelievers. [Despite all the gross deviation of Ibn ‘Arabee and the fact that the scholars declared him to be an Unbeliever, yet he is revered by the Sufis and others who do not distinguish between the truth and falsehood, and those who turn away from accepting the truth even when it is as clear as the sun. But his books, which are filled with clear apostasy, such as al-Fatoohaatul-Makkiyyah and Fusoosul-Hikam are still circulated. He even has a tafseer, which he called at-Tafseerul-Baatin since he holds that there is an apparent and a hidden meaning for every Aayah, so the outer meaning is for the people of Ta’weel. From this group came Ibn Basheesh who said: “O Allaah rescue me from the mire of Tawheed, and drown me in the center of the sea of unity, and mix me into the state of unity and oneness until I do not see, nor hear, nor sense except through it.” http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=3528
Hallaaj – The Heretical Soofi Fraudster
Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] reports an incident regarding a man who witnessed Al-Hallaaj’s tricks, saying: The witness stated, “I used to hear that Al-Hallaaj have miracles and I wished to experience it. So I approached and greeted him, so he said to me, ‘Do you desire something this hour?’ I said, ‘I desire fresh fish’. So, he entered his house and was absent for an hour, then he came out to me with a fish that was grasping for air and his two feet were soiled with mud. He said to me, ‘I supplicated to Allaah and He commanded me go to the river bed to bring you this fish. I went into the surrounding area and this mud is from there’. I said, ‘You can take me in your house if you wish so that I can have a look in order to strengthen my certainty. I will believe in you unless something else becomes apparent to me’. He said, ‘Enter’. I entered, then he locked the door, sat down and put on an act. I went around the house, but could not find access to anything else other than it, so I was perplexed by his affair. I looked and there was a barrier (or covering), so I shook it and it gave way, and there was a door that gave access. I entered and it led me to an enormous orchard with all types of fresh fruits and many things to eat. There was a big pond with numerous fish – large and small, so I entered into it and took one fish from it and my feet got soiled with mud just as what happened to his feet. Then I went to the door and said, ‘Open the door I believe you’, but when he saw me in the same state he was [i.e. my feet soiled with mud], he rush and ran behind me to murder me, so I hit him in the face with the fish and said to him, ‘O enemy of Allaah! You have exhausted me today’. After escaping from him, I met him some days thereafter, so he smiled at me and said, ‘Do not spread it. I have not seen anyone otherwise I would have sent someone to murder you on your bed’. So, I knew that he will murder me if I reveal what I knew about him and I did not speak about it until he was crucified’”. [Ref 5]
Al-Khateeb Al-Bagdaadee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] reported that Al-Hallaaj commanded one of his close companions to go to one of the mountainous lands and instructed him as follows: “Manifest to the people your devotion in worship, righteousness and abstinence. After they incline towards you, love you and believe in you tell them that you have been afflicted with blindness, and after some time make it known to them that you are crippled. If they hasten to give you treatment, say to them, ‘O good people! I will not be benefited by anything you do’. Then after some time, you should tell them that you have seen Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] -in a dream – saying to you, ‘Indeed, you cannot be cured except at the hands of a Qutb (1) and he will come to you on such and such day, and on such and such month, and his description is such and such’, and then I [i.e. Al-Hallaaj] will come to you at that appointed time’”.
So, the man [i.e. Al-Hallaaj’s accomplice] went to that land and resided there. He performed out acts of worship, manifested righteousness and engaged in recitation of the Qur’an. After staying there for some time, the people believed in him and loved him, so he made known to them that he is afflicted with blindness. Then after some time, he made known to them that he has been suffering from inveterate sickness, so they hastened to do whatever they could to find a cure for him, but could not find a solution. He said to them, “O good people! What you are doing has not resulted in anything and indeed I have seen Allaah’s Messenger in a dream and he said to me, ‘Indeed, your wellbeing and cure is only in the hands of a Qutb and he will be coming to you on such and such day, and in such and such month’”. So, the people began taking him to the Masjid and honouring him because of the appointed time he has spoken about regarding the arrival of the Qutb. Then after sometime, Al-Hallaaj entered the land discreetly with a white woollen garment. He went to the Masjid and stayed in a specific place, engaged in worship and did not pay attention to anyone. The people recognized him based on the description given to them by the person (who is feigning ill health – Al-Hallaaj accomplice), so they approached him, greeted him and started stroking him (i.e. gently as a sign of admiration, respect etc). Then when the appointed time arrived [i.e. the time mentioned to them about the arrival of the Qutb (Al-Hallaaj the fraudster)], the people informed the one (feigning illness) about the man in the Masjid, so he said to them, “Describe the person”, and after they described the man (i.e. Al-Hallaaj), he said to them, “That was the person about whom I was informed – in my dream – that my cure is in his hands. Take me to him”. They took him and placed him in front of the man (i.e. Al-Hallaaj), so he said, “O Abu Abdillaah (i.e. addressing Al-Hallaaj)! I saw Allaah’s Messenger [sallall laahu alayhi wasallam] in a dream…and then he narrated his dream. Al-Hallaaj raised his hands and supplicated, then he spittle on his palms and rubbed them on the man’s face and both eyes opened as if they were never blind. Then he took some of the spittle and rubbed it on the man’s legs and thus the man stood up and walked – in the presence of the people, the rulers of that land and the nobles- as if nothing happened to him. The people exclaimed “Allaah is the Greatest! Glorified be Allaah!” They exalted Al-Hallaaj with an exaltation that increased the falsehood he manifested to them.
The Plan Finalised
Al-Hallaaj stayed with them for some and they honoured and exalted him. When he wanted to depart, he wanted them to gather a lot of wealth for him, so he said, “As for me, I have no need of the worldly things, rather we have reached this level [i.e. of piety] through abandoning the worldly things, but it may be that this companion of yours [i.e. Al-Hallaaj’s accomplice] has brothers and companions amongst the Abdaal (2), who are striving in the path of Allaah at Tartus, performing pilgrimage and giving in charity, and they are in need of what aids them to traverse this path”. Then the man who was in a state of chronic illness and was now cured [i.e. Al-Hallaaj’s accomplice] said to the people, “The Shaikh has spoken the truth. Indeed, Allaah gave me back my eyesight and blessed me with wellbeing so that I can spend the rest of my life to exert myself in the path of Allaah and perform hajj together with our righteous Abdaal brothers”. So, he urged the people to give wealth. Al-Hallaaj departed and the man stayed with the people until they gathered a lot of wealth, including gold and silver. After they gathered the wealth, he gave them a farewell speech and departed, then he goes to Al-Hallaaj and they shared the wealth. [Ref 6]
Footnotes a and b: Meaning of the terms Il’haad, and Mul’hid [plural (Mul’hidoon)]: The Mul’hidoon are the people of Il-haad. Ilhaad means to turn away from that which one is obligated to believe in or to fulfil. This is a general definition of Il’haad and anyone who turns away from that which is obligated upon him to believe or fulfil, then such a person is referred to as a Mul’hid. But Il’haad is of two types: Major Il’haad and Minor Il-haad.
Complete Il’haad is to turn away from Islaam completely and that is Major Il’haad, which exits a person from the fold of Islaam, such as the Il’haad of the communists, the idol worshippers and those similar to them. Minor Il-haad does not exit a person from the Religion of Islaam, such as turning away from some deeds. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍ بِظُلْمٍ نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ -And whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong, him We shall cause to taste a painful torment.” [22:25] http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13326 http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_1802.shtml
Finally, listen here: [The Miracles of the ʾAwliyā] – By Ustaadh Taqweem Aslam [hafidhahullaah]:
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddal Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 277-278]
[Ref 2: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 3210]
[Ref 3: [Ref 1: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddal Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 277-278]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. Vol 1. Pages 284-287]
[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 11. Page 137]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 11. Pages 135-136. Slightly paraphrased]
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:
All praise and thanks belongs to Allaah, and Salaah and Salaam (a) be upon Allaah’s Messenger, his family and companions. To proceed: I have seen what was published by As-Siyaasah newspaper- issued on 7/24/1404 AH, Number 5644 – and attributed to the Dean of Sana’a University Abdul Azeez Al-Maqaaleh, in which he claimed that the demand to isolate female students from male students is in opposition to the Sharee’ah, and he utilized as proof – for the permissibility of mixing – that Muslims – from the time of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]- used to pray in the same mosque- men and women- and he said, “Therefore, education must be in one place”.
I (i.e. Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) was surprised to hear this speech from a Dean of an Islamic university in an Islamic country, and asked him to direct his people – men and women – to what will bring about happiness and salvation in this worldly life and the Hereafter. There is no doubt that there is in this speech that which is tantamount to a great crime against the Islamic Sharee’ah, because indeed the Sharee’ah did not call for free mixing, such that the demand to prevent it would be in opposition to it; rather it forbids it and did so in a very strong manner, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَى – And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 33]
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 59]
Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess…
And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [Surah An-Nur. Verse 31]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ – And when you ask (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 53]
In these noble verses, there is a clear indication that it is legislated for women to stay in their homes to guard against temptation, and that they only come out of their homes if there is a need. Then Allaah [Glory be to He and free is He from all imperfections] warned them that they should not display themselves in a manner similar to the era of pre-islamic ignorance, which is the display of their beauty and cause temptation among men. It has been authentically reported from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he said, “I have not left after me a trial more harmful to men than women”. This hadeeth is agreed upon (i.e. recorded by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim) and it was narrated by Usaamah Bin Zayd [may Allaah be pleased with him].
Imaam Muslim recorded in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Usaamah and Sa’eed Bin Zayd Bin Amr Bin Nufayl [may Allaah be pleased with them both], and also in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri [may Allaah be pleased with him] from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he said, “Verily the worldly life is sweet and green, and verily Allaah is going to place you as successors upon it in and will see how you act. So, be mindful of the worldly life and be mindful of women, because indeed the first trial for the Children of Israa’eel was due to women”. [Saheeh Muslim. 2742]
And indeed Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] spoke the truth, because indeed the temptation by way of women is great, especially in this era in which most of them do not have the Hijaab and they display themslves in a manner similar to the era of pre-Islamic ignorance. Immorality and evil has become rife due to this, and many youth (male and female)- in many countries- became reluctant to get married based on that which Allaah has legislated. Indeed, Allaah has made it clear that the Hijaab is purer for the hearts of everyone and this shows that its removal is most likely to defile the hearts (i.e. corrupt the hearts) of everyone and deviating them from the path of truth. It is known that the female student sitting with the male student is one of the greatest causes of temptation, one of the reasons for abandoning the Hijaab that is legislated by Allaah for believing women and forbade them from showing their adornment others (i.e. non-Mahrams) (b), which Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] made known in the previous verse of Surah An-Nur. Whoever claims that the command regarding Hijaab is only for the mothers of the believers is mistaken and far removed from what is correct – contradicted the many evidences pointing to a generalization and contradicted Allaah’s statement: [ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ – that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts], because indeed it is not permissible to say that the Hijaab is purer for the hearts of the mothers of the believers and the male Companions and not for those after them. There is no doubt that those who came after the mothers of the believers and the male companions [may allaah be pleased with them] are more in need of Hijaab, because of the great difference between them in the strength of faith and insight with regards to acquaintance with truth. That is because the Companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] – men and women, including the mothers of the believers- are the best of people after the Prophets [peace be upon them] and the best of generations established by the Messenger’s [peace and blessings be upon him] statement in the hadeeth recorded in the Saheehayn [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].(c) Therefore, when it is the case that Hijaab is purer for their hearts, then those who came after them have a far greater need of this purity.
It is not permissible to specify the texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah to anyone in the ummah without valid evidence that shows this specification; therefore, they are generally applied to all the Ummah during the era of the Messenger [peace be upon him] and after him until the Day of Resurrection; because, Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] sent His Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] to humankind and Jinn during his era and after him until the Day of Resurrection, as Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا ڪَآفَّةً۬ لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرً۬ا وَنَذِيرً۬ا – And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all humankind]. [Surah Saba. Verse 28]
The Noble Qur’an was not only revealed to the people of the Prophet’s era [may peace and blessings of Allaah ne upon him], rather it was also revealed to those after them, as Allaah [The Exalted] said:
[ هَذَا بَلاغٌ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنْذَرُوا بِهِ وَلِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌٌ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ [إبراهيم – This (Qur’an) is a Message for humankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed]. [Surah Ibraaheem. Verse 52]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنْذِرَكُمْ بِهِ وَمَنْ بَلَغَ – this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Verse 19]
In the era of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], women did not intermingle with men- neither in mosques nor in the markets – (in the manner people intermingle nowadays), which the callers to rectification forbid in this era- (the type intermingling which) the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the scholars of the Ummah warn against in order to caution against temptation; rather, women – in the Prophet’s mosque – prayed behind the men in the last rows- away from the men. The Prophet used yo say, “The best rows for the men are the first ones and the worst are the last ones. The best of the women’s rows are the last ones and the worst of them is the first”. During the era of the Prophet, the men were commanded to wait until the women left the mosque so that the men would not mingle with them at the doors of the mosques, despite the faith and piety they had; so how about those after them?! Women were forbidden from walking in the middle of the road in order to be careful of having contact with men and thus temptation occurs through touching each other when walking on the road. Allaah [Glorified be to He and free is He from all imperfections] commanded the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies so that they cover their adornment with it, in order to prevent temptation. Allaah forbade them from showing their adornment to other than those mentioned by Allaah in His Mighty Book (d) in order to curtail the causes of temptation, urge towards chastity and distance from the the manifestions of corruption and (the evil effects) of free mixing.
So, how can the Dean of Sana’a University – [may Allaah guide and inspire him to His guidance] – after all this call for mixing?! He claims that Islam calls to it- that the university campus is like a mosque and the hours of study are like the hours of prayer! For the one who understands Allaah’s command and prohibition, knows Allaah’s wisdom in what He has legislated for His servants and explained in His Great Book with regards to rulings for men and women, it is well-known that there is a great difference between these affairs and the difference is vast. How is it permissible for a believer to say that a female student sitting with a male student is like sitting with her sisters in their rows behind the men (in the Masjid)?! No one with the least handhold of faith and insight (in this affair) would say this. We might not even be safe together with the presence of the legislated Hijaab (except by the help of Allaah), so how about if she is sitting with the male student whilst dressed in an un-Islamic manner, displaying her beauty and attractive looks, and with speech that will lead to temptation? Allaah’s Aid is sought, and there is no power nor might except with Allaah. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
[فَإِنَّهَا لا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ – Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Verse 46]
As for his statement: “Indeed, since the time of the Messenger, Muslims have been performing prayer in the same mosque, men and women, and therefore education must be in one place)”; the answer to this is: this is true, but the women were at the back of the mosques with Hijaab – with care and being careful of what would cause temptation, and the men were at the front of the mosque. They [i.e. the women] used to listen to admonitions and sermons, participated in prayer and learned the rulings of their religion from what they heard and witnessed. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to go to them on the day of Eid – because they were at a distance and could not hear the sermon – after delivering admonition to the men and gave them an admonition and reminder. There is no problem in all of this, but the problem is in the statements of the Dean of Sana’a University [may Allaah guide him, reform his heart, and give him understanding of his religion]. How is it permissible for him to compare education in our time with women praying behind men in one mosque, although there is a vast difference between the reality of education that is known today and the reality of women praying behind men in the Prophet’s era?! And due to this reason, the callers to rectification call for the separation of women and men in the arena of education- women in a separate place and the young men in another, so that a female can acquire knowledge from female teachers with comfort without Hijaab or hardship, because the time period for education is longer than the time period of prayer. And due to the fact that learning from female teachers in a specific place (i.e. away from men) protects everyone and keeps them away from the causes of temptation, and it is the safest thing for young men not to get tempted through women. And because young men being alone and separated from girls, together with the fact that it is the safest thing for them against temptation, is most likely to make them pay attention to their lessons and occupy themselves with it- listening well to teachers and receiving knowledge from the teachers whilst distanced from paying attention to girls, being preoccupied with them, exchanging glances that will intoxicate the hearts and mind with evil desires and statements that leads to immorality.
As for his claim [may Allaah rectify him] that the call to isolate female students from male students is tantamount to rigidity and an opposition to the Sharee’ah, this is an untrue claim; rather seperating male students from female students is an act of sincere devotion to Allaah, sincere advice to Allaah’s servants, taking good care of the religion ordained by Allaah and adherence to what has already been transmitted from noble verses of the Qur’aan and the two Prophetic reports. My advice to the Dean of Sana’a University is to fear Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], repent to Allaah for what he has done, return to the truth and what is correct, because indeed returning to (truth and what is correct) is virtue itself and a proof regarding the search for truth and equity by the student of knowledge.
And Allaah is the One asked to guide all of us to the path of righteousness, protect us and other Muslims from speaking about Him without knolwdge, (protect us) from the misleading trials and satan’s enmity, just as we ask Allaah to grant success to the scholars of the Muslims and their leaders – in every place – to that which contains rectification (uprightness, wellbeing) for the country and the servants, in the life and the next; and to guide everyone to the straight path, for Allaah is Jawwaadun Kareem [Al-Jawwaad – The Munificent. The One Whose generosity covers everything in existence. The One Who gives liberally and generously to those in need – even when they reject and disbelieve in Him. The One Who – from His generosity – has prepared in Paradise for His believing servants that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and which has never been imagined by anyone]; Al-Kareem [The Bountiful, The Generous One. Abundant in good. The One Who causes and makes easy every good. And Who bestows generously. The One so generous that He even bestows favors upon those who reject His favors, and use them as a means to disobey Him]. (e) And may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of judgement. (Ref 1)
Is a Woman Allowed to Work Even When She Is Not In Need?
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked whether a woman is considered to be following her whims and desires if she works without being in need of money? So, he responded that “Such a woman is not considered to be following her whims/desires. Her engagement in work is not tantamount to following desires/whims if it is a noble and safe occupation- carried out amongst women, without free mixing with men, works amongst women without any injustice and hostility and with the permission of her husband”. The Imaam also said that “there are different kinds of work, and if the work includes disobedience to Allah, then it is obligated on her to abandon it. If it includes free mixing between men and women and showing her beauty, then this is also evil. But if it is work that is allowed or legislated by Islamic law amongst her Muslim sisters, such as teaching girls, or working as a nurse, or working as a doctor for women, then there is no harm in this and all praise is due to Allaah”. The questioner then asked the Imaam, “What if the woman is not in need of money”, so the Imaam replied saying that “Even if she is not in need of money, it is still allowed because she might want more money, or need it to give away in charity and so on”. [End of quote] (ref 2) NB: Women may face different circumstances in the West, so whoever finds herself in different circumstances (especially single parents or women without guardians) should ask the students of knowledge in the Salaficentres to present their questions to the upright scholars n the Muslim lands. May Allaah facilitate ease… Aameen
Music: Narrated Abu ‘Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari that he heard the Prophet saying, “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (i.e. for men), the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, ‘Return to us tomorrow.’ Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection”. [: Saheeh aal-Bukhaaree 5590] Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] briefly commented on this hadeeth and said, “This serves are a reminder to be cautious and indeed Allaah may send doen punishment on some people due to their sins”. (ref 3)
Footnote (a): Salaah and Salaam upon the Messenger:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/08/05/salaah-and-salaam-upon-the-prophet-and-the-duaa-after-adhaan-part-1/
Footnote(b):The Mahaarim by Shaikh Abu Khadeeja [may allaah preserve him]:
Footnote (c): Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The best people are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then, there will come people after them whose testimony precedes their oaths and their oaths precede their testimony”. [Al-Bukhaari 6065 and Muslim 2533]
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [Surah An-Nur. Verse 31]
Footnote (e): Names and Attributes of Allaah by Shaikh Abu Talhah [may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife]: https://www.salafisounds.com/the-names-attributes-of-allaah-by-abu-talhah-dawood-burbank/
Firstly, we say to Daily Sabah, “It was the Raaafidah Shiites who betrayed Al-Husayn [may Allaah be pleased with him]. Listen here: https://safeshare.tv/x/MdsrmMzdTj
Secondly, we warn daily Sabah that beautifying the affair of the proponents of religious innovations is a great crime in the sight of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Ali Bin Abee Taalib [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] told me four things: “Allaah has cursed the one who slaughters [i.e. an animal as sacrifice] for other than Allaah. Allaah has cursed the one who curses his parents. Allaah has cursed the one who shelters a Muhdith. Allaah has cursed the one who alters the landmarks”. [Reported by Imaam Muslim 1978]
“Allaah has cursed the one who shelters a Muhdith”. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “The word Muhdith pronounced with a kasrah under the Daal means a culprit, perpetrator; and pronounced with a Fat-hah on the Daal (Muhdath) means an affair innovated in the religion, sheltering and being pleased with it”. [Al-Mulakh’khas Fee Sharhi Kitaab At-tawheed. page 97]
“Allaah has cursed the one who shelters a Muhdith”. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Meaning, tThose who shelter Ahlul Bidah Wal Ma’aasee [The People of Bidah and Disobedience] and aid them; those who stop the one who establishes the legislated Islamic punishment against the innovator [i.e. such as preventing the Muslim ruler from punishing the innovator or the scholar who refutes him]; those who establish Bidah and support it. [An Excerpt from At-taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Aqadiyyah. pages 250-251]
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This innovation includes that of the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah and others. So, whoever shelters an innovator is cursed and likewise the one who aids him [is cursed]. In this is a warning against Bidah and newly invented matters in the religion. The Prophet said, “Beware of newly invented matters in the religion, for every innovation [in religious affairs] is misguidance”. The apparent meaning of this hadeeth [is that this is the case regarding bidah], even if it is a small bidah. [Al-Qawlul Mufeed Alaa Kitaab At-tawheed. 1/222]
Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “O Muslims! Fear Allaah, accept the advice of the sincere advisers and the admonition of the admonishers. know that this knowledge is religion, so beware of what you do, from whom you take your religion, the one you follow and the one with whom your religion is safe, because indeed all the proponents of religious innovation are all falsifiers, liars and sinners. They are not cautious – neither do they pay attention nor do they fear, and together with that they are not to be trusted that they would not distort what you hear.
They say what they do not know with regards to what they disapprove and when proclaiming their lies; but Allaah (knows, hears and sees) what they do. Therefore, be cautious of them, trust them not, reject them and avoid them, because indeed this is what your earlier scholars did and commanded, and likewise the righteous ones who came thereafter.
Be careful of opposing Allaah and being the means to destroying the religion He has ordained – breaking its commands and prohibitions, nullifying and weakening it by respecting the innovators in religious affairs and those who initiate that which is not from the religion, because you know what has been transmitted (i.e. the prohibitions) about respecting or exalting them. And what can be greater respect and exaltation than acquiring your religion from them- following and believing them, drawing close to them and assisting them in enticing the ones they entice and woo to their views and the religion (i.e. religious innovations) they follow. This is sufficient to be regarded as associates of theirs in what they do. [Taareekh Dimashq 6/361]
The Bidah of The Raafidah Shiites – Jafaris, Hoothies, Alawis and Others On The Day of Aashooraa
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about what some people do on the day of Aashooraa, such as applying kohl and Hena, shaking hands, taking a bath, preparing food such barley and other grains, and manifesting happiness; are there any authentic hadeeth from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] regarding this or not? If there are none, then would this be considered bidah or not? As for what is done by the other group, such as mourning, manifesting grief, deliberately making oneself thirsty and scarring oneself, wailing, reciting [poems] and fainting as a result of that and slapping the cheeks, do these actions have a basis in the religion or not?
Answer: All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Lord of the Aalameen. No authentic hadeeth from the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi sallam] has been reported in this regard nor from his companions; neither any of the Imaams of [ahlus sunnah] have declared this to be recommended nor the four Imaams [Abu Haneefah, Maalik, Ahmad and Shaafi’ee]; neither have the scholars- those who authored and compiled the books that are relied upon due to their authenticity- reported anything authentic or weak regarding this from the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], nor from the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een; neither in the authentic books of hadeeth nor in the Sunan, nor in the [compilations such as Musnad Ahmad and other compilations similar to it]. The virtuous first three generations of Islaam knew nothing about these narrations.
However, some of those who came after the first three virtuous generations of Islaam have narrated reports related to this, such as: ‘’Whoever applies kohl on the day of Aashooraa, he will not be sore-eyed in that year’’; ‘’Whoever bathes on the day of Aashooraa, he will not become sick in that year.’’ They also transmitted reports regarding the virtue of prayer on the day of Aashooraa; and that Aadam’s [alayhis salaam] repentance [i.e. after eating from the tree he was forbidden] took place on the day of Aashooraa; and that it was the day Nuh’s [alayhis salaam] ark settled on mount Judi; and that it was the day Ya’qoob [alayhis salaam] reunited with Yoosuf [alayhis salaam]; and that it was the day Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] was saved from the fire etc They also narrated fabricated reports and lies attributed to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] that he said, “Whoever gives [generously] to his family on the day of Aashooraa, Allaah will give him [generously] throughout the year.” All these reports are lies attributed to Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]. [Source: Majmoo al-Fataawaa 25/299-312. Slightly paraphrased]
Shaikhul Islaam also said: There emerged an ignorant and transgressing group [i.e. the Shia Rawaafid]-they are either disbelieving hypocrites or misguided straying ones. They manifested a (so called) allegiance to the Prophet’s household and took Ashoorah as a day of mourning, sadness and wailing (i.e. due to the murder of Husayn-radiyallaahu-anahu). They manifest the acts of the days of pre-Islamic ignorance (on this day of Ashoorah) by slapping the cheeks, tearing their clothes and calling to the slogans of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance and disbelief. However, that which Allaah and His Messenger commanded when new calamities occur is that (one) exercises patience, hoping for the reward of Allaah, recalling one’s faults and repenting, as Allaah (The Most High) said:
But give glad tidings to As-Saabireen (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salaam (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. [Soori AlBaqarah: Verses 156-157]
And it has been reported in the Saheehayn (Bukhaari and Muslim) from the Prophet (sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) that he said: ‘’He is not from us, he who slaps his cheeks, tears his cloths and calls to the slogans of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.’’ [Source: Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa page Vol:1 page: 200. Slightly paraphrased]
They also recite poems that convey sadness and narrate reports that contain a lot of lies. As for the truth in them, it only renews their [exaggerated and misguided manner of grieving], bigoted allegiance, incitement to hatred and war, initiating trials between the people of Islaam by way of that and as a means of reviling those who were foremost to enter into the fold of Islaam [i.e. the Sahaabah of Badr]. The evil of these people [i.e. the raafidah] and their harm on the people of Islaam cannot even be expressed by an eloquent man.
However, they [i.e. Raafidah] are opposed by another people – a people who are either Nawaasib [i.e. those who hate the family of the Prophet] or ignoramuses; so, they oppose the corruption of the [Shia Raafidah] with another type of corruption, lies with other lies, evil with another type of evil, and bidah with another type of bidah. They fabricate poems that convey rejoice and happiness on the day of Aashooraa, apply kohl, dye their clothes with a different colour, spend more on their families and cook food they do not normally cook. So, these people take the day of Aashooraa as an occasion similar to the occasions of celebrations and happiness [i.e. such as the two eeds]. On the other hand, the Raafidah take it as a day of mourning, grief and pain [i.e. inflicting injuries on themselves]. Both groups are mistaken and have exited the authentic sunnah in this affair.
As for all the other deeds [i.e. the deeds innovated and specified on the day of Aashoraa], such as making food that is not normally made based on the customs of the people – be it grains or other than them, renewing one’s clothing, spending more on [families etc], performing a specific act of worship, such a prayer specified on the day of [Aashooraa], making an intention to offer a sacrifice, preserving the meat of the slaughtered animals to cook it with grains, applying kohl, dying one’s clothing, taking a bath, shaking hands, visiting one another, visiting mosques, [so called] sacred places and other than that, all these deeds are evil and innovations in the religion.
Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] never legislated these deeds [on the day of Aashooraa] nor the rightly guided Khulafaa, nor did any of the Imaams of the Muslims, such as Maalik, Ath-Thawree, Al-Layth Bin Sa’d, Abu Haneefah, Al-Awzaa’ee, Ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ishaaq Bin Raahawayh. [Majmoo al-Fataawaa 25/299-312. Slightly paraphrased]
