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The Great Danger of Social Unrest: Witnessing Is Not the Same as Being Informed

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

The one who has witnessed events is not the same as the one who has been informed. After colonialism, we lived in a nation that was peaceful with strong familial ties. The first ruler, following our so-called independence from Western colonisation, was loved by many people. He was gentle and tolerant. Like every other post-colonialism country, perfection is is found in any leadership, yet there was a priceless blessing from Allah in our country: peace and security. We had no army as a nation, only a gentle police force. Then, in 1981, a group of young men, may Allah forgive them, orchestrated a coup. I was just 11 years old at the time, and I can recall the announcement made by the coup leaders on Radio Gambia. The first statement I memorized as a 11-year-old was from the spokesperson or leader of the coup, declaring: “Long live the revolution, long live the supreme council of the revolution, hello Gambians, this is no magical question unanswerable”.

The neighboring country, if you wish to refer to it that way, is actually part of the same extended families, clans, and tribes. The only reason we became two separate nations was because of the territorial divisions imposed by the British and the French. Anyone who examines the map will notice that Gambia is in reality a province of Senegal, had it not been for that colonial demarcation. The Senegalese military intervened, leading to arm struggle against rebels and other criminals, resulting in bloodshed that was entirely a very strange thing to Gambians. A week of fighting, while everyone remained indoors, felt like months due to the loss of our freedom of movement and the great sense of safety we had never experienced losing before 1981.

Once the Senegalese army established control, they remained in the country for two years to ensure stability. However, there were ongoing curfews for a long time until life returned to normal. If you had found yourself in a small room, packed with your family, too afraid to step outside, and the best meal you could have was white rice and sardines, you would have truly valued the sense of safety that existed before the coup. You would have come to understand and appreciate the importance of safety and security, even if many lived with very little. Yet, the peace, security, love, and harmony that came with poverty were invaluable compared to the promise of justice through rebellion, chaos, hostility, and violence. After being guided to the Sunnah at the age of 23, the reality of khuruj became clearer to us, as the narrations about the prohibition against khuruj reflected the truths we had experienced in the past. Indeed, the one who witnessed is not the same as the one who is informed. In this regard, the insights provided by the Scholars and their advice against Khuruj based upon the Sunnah are even more appreciated.

Scholarly Clarifications

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّ ٱجۡعَلۡ هَـٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنً۬ا وَٱرۡزُقۡ أَهۡلَهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day]. [Al-Baqara. 126]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allaah protect him, said:

He (Ibrahim – peace be upon him) prioritized security in his supplication over the pursuit of sustenance because security is an essential requirement. Without security, individuals cannot truly enjoy sustenance, as fear undermines the ability to attain it. This is precisely what adversaries aim for—those who seek to destabilise Muslim societies. They wish to create division among Muslims and weaken their unity behind their leaders. This is what they desire – in the guise of promoting beneficial outcomes, rectification, and the alleviation of oppression. They do not desire good advice for the Muslims.

This is all false pretenses, as the absence of rulership would lead to widespread chaos, the proliferation of corruption, and the failure of the promised benefits. Corruption would become rampant, and rectification would be unattainable. Consequently, it is imperative for Muslims to unite under a leadership structure. Even if such leadership exhibits flaws and negligence, the populace should practice patience, as this patience serves to avert greater harm and adversity. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It is not known of a group that has ever risen against their Muslim ruler without their circumstances deteriorating further after his removal.” This observation is evident in contemporary times. What is the situation of the countries where the rulers and heads of state have been removed? There has not ceased to be fear, anxiety, chaos, and bloodshed etc. [1]

This underscores the significance of safety as a fundamental necessity for individuals. Otherwise, Ibrahim, peace be upon him, would not have persistently sought Allah’s assistance in establishing it in this land. Consider the regions where a system that ensures safety has deteriorated. In such places, the populace struggles to manage their daily affairs; schools and markets remain closed, and individuals are confined to their homes. Those who have the means often seek to escape to safer locations. When inquiring with one of them, it becomes evident that they feel unable to coexist with their community and family in an environment devoid of safety.

Security can only be effectively established through two key principles: the implementation of Allah’s Laws and obedience to the rulers. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, elucidated this essential matter for Muslims in their lives. Irbad Sariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, delivered an admonition after the morning prayer—an admonition that instilled fear in our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. A man then asked, ‘Is this a farewell sermon, and what counsel do you offer us?’ He replied, ‘I enjoin on you to fear Allah and to listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is appointed as your ruler. Indeed, those among you who live long enough will witness many differences. Therefore, be cautious of newly introduced matters in the religion, for they lead to misguidance. Whoever among you observes such occurrences is obliged to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs, holding firmly to it with your molar teeth.'” [Ahmad 3/126]

This hadith lays the foundations for security within Islam, which consists of two primary components. The first is fear of Allah (The Most High), understood in its fullest and most comprehensive sense. The second component is the adherence to the rulers in matters that are just and beneficial. The fear of Allah fosters a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, their neighbours, and the surrounding environment. Conversely, the absence of Allah’s Shariah leads to chaos and moral decay. Indeed, Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) has issued a warning to those who forsake His Shariah and disobey His Messenger. Allah said:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [Al-Nahl. 112]

Listening to and obeying the rulers in a (positive manner) ensures that an individual’s affairs within society remain orderly. This act of compliance is intrinsically linked to fear of Allah. Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is a manifestation of Allah’s punishment; therefore, do not attempt to counteract Allah’s punishment with your own hands. Instead, it is essential to submit and exhibit humility, as Allah, the Most High, has stated:

وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

And Indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him]. [Al-Muminun. 76]

You see a person who possesses a true understanding of security and his awareness is increased through fear of Allah, thus, he is eager to obey the rulers. However, when there is a lapse in their piety, their sense of security may diminish. Once fear of Allah is established, they they will attain the promise that Allah has mentioned (as follows):

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Al-Nur 55]

The lack of obedience to the ruler and prioritizing personal interests over that of the ruler is among the most significant factors leading to the corruption of both the land and its inhabitants, as well as a deviation from the path of righteousness and guidance. Al Hasan Al Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated, “By Allah! The establishment of religion is only possible through rulers—despite their potential for tyranny and oppression—because they rectify numerous matters through their governance that outweigh the corruption they may cause.” Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated, “The worldly life holds significant benefits when rulers are followed. Through this obedience, the essential matters concerning the sustenance of the populace are established, enabling them to utilize these means as support in demonstrating their faith and fulfilling their obligations to their Lord.” Read: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Disregarding the authority of rulers and prioritizing oneself through conflict or other means equates to defying Allah and His Messenger, as well as opposing the principles upheld by Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah, the righteous predecessors. The maintenance of security fosters unity and cooperation among Muslims. Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, stated:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So, make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy. [Al-Hujurat. 10]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf, and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar; they perform As-Salat and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [at-Tawbah 71]

Iman is neither a matter of wishful thinking or superficial assertions; it is a conviction that resides in the heart, evidenced by one’s actions. A true believer cannot be considered as such until he desires for his Muslim brother what he desires for himself and interacts with others in a manner he wishes to be treated. It is universally acknowledged that security is a fundamental aspiration for all; thus, it is incumbent upon a Muslim to actively seek the security of others in order to attain security and safety for himself. Furthermore, maintaining security within a community requires the fulfillment of trusts, while creating an atmosphere of insecurity equates to betrayal. Allah, the Most High, has stated:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you). And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward. O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty. [Al-Anfal. 27-29]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “They [i.e. Ahlus Sunnah] know that Allah sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, for the benefit of the creation in this life and the next, and Allah commands rectification and not corruption”. (2)

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Closing the Door of Rebellion Against the Ruler – Shaikh Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM1oHd77nKk


[1] Excerpt From a Juma’ah Khutbah: Khutbah Number 1: dated 1432-03-15: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/13208 paraphrased

[2]An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’. Pages 7 – 30

Some Scholarly Clarifications on Certain Rotten Apples Who Preceded the Blazing Bid’ee Daniel Haqiqatjou

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

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaaniy, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah guided mankind through Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the manifest proofs given to him – guidance that surpassed the knowledge of those with great perception and could not be described by those who were well-versed in the art of description. Allah opened the hearts of the heedless, the ears of the deaf, and the eyes of the blind through this guidance. They were in a state of disharmony, harboured animosity toward one another, and adhered to perverse creeds before Allah united them under a single religion. Allah united their hearts, and as a result of this great blessing, they became true brothers in Islam. Following that, everything worshipped besides Allah, such as graves, trees, stones, and idols, ceased to exist, and all worship was established for Allah alone. [Footnote a]

People followed the true religion of Islamic monotheism and worshiped Allah alone, except for those whom Allah decreed would remain as polytheists, hypocrites, and adherents of the altered and distorted previous scriptures. The darkness of polytheism was dispelled, and the banner of Tawhid was raised in Arab and non-Arab lands. Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] died while Islam was established and in authority, superseding all other ways of life and creeds. The Messenger’s rightly guided khulafaa [Footnote b] continued to follow the Messenger’s path until the two powerful and great nations at the time, Rome and Persia, ended up in humiliation, degradation, and fear after they had been in security, and thus Caesar was restricted and besieged, and Chosroes was subdued and destroyed.

When the enemies of Islam realised they couldn’t destroy the religion, they planted agents within it – those who pretended to be Muslims -to sow confusion, trials, and tribulations, and spread polytheism by exaggerating the status of the pious and exalting their graves. As a result, the Ummah was exposed to temptations by Abdullah Bin Saba’s plots, who claimed that Ali Ibn Abi Talib deserved to be worshipped. The Saba’iyyah were Abdullah Bin Sabah’s followers, who were later known as the Rawafid, Ismaliyyah, Nusayriyah, and others among the Batiniyyah. They worshiped the graves and their inhabitants and erected places of worship and shrines over them. As a result of these practices, they revived the (corrupt) practices of the Jews, Christians, and idol worshippers (i.e. those among them who abandoned the correct path of their Prophets). This is how grave worshippers’ practices manifested in this Ummah, through practices initiated by the Rawafid. [Footnote c]

Furthermore, Greek philosophical texts that promoted the concepts of grave worship and idolatry were translated into the Arabic language and gained significant attention among individuals identifying with Islam, such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina Al-Hanafi, and Naseer At-Toosee, who advocated disbelief and polytheism, and those who sought to manipulate the teachings of Islam, akin to Paul’s manipulation of Christianity. The Greek Philosophers influenced and led them to advocate for grave worship through Greek Philosophy. The practices of these individuals were prevalent among the followers of rhetoric among the Hanafi Maturidiyyah and the Ash’ariyyah Kullabiyyah, as they immersed themselves in the works of the Philosophers. Consequently, they became proponents of grave worship and adhering to the Jahmiyyah creed. Among these individuals were Taftaazaanee Al-Hanafi, who was renowned as a philosopher of the Maturidiyyah and a follower of grave worship, and Jurjaanee Al-Hanafi, a proponent of superstitious beliefs. [Footnote d]

Another group of people arose within the Muslim community who posed an even greater threat and were more misguided than the aforementioned groups. These individuals adopted an outward appearance of piety, donning the attire of righteousness with tearful eyes, lengthy beards, towering turbans, and clutching large prayer beads. They deceitfully claimed to advocate for the teachings of the Prophet, while clandestinely engaging in despicable practices inherited from false religions. They attempted to mix blatant lies with the Qur’an and the authentic narrations to corrupt the clear proofs found in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. These deviant heretics are known as the Hululiyyah, Ittihadiyyah Grave Worshipers, such as the likes of Al-Hallaj (309AH), Ibn Al-Farid (632AH) Ibn Arabi (638AH), Ibn Sab’in (669AH), etc [Footnote e] [1]

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

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that the ultimate outcome for those who engage in theological rhetoric is a state of uncertainty and perplexity, while the ultimate outcome for the followers of the Sufi paths is characterised by erratic and irrational behavior along with false claims. The innovators in religious matters among the proponents of theological rhetoric have something of a resemblance to the Jews and those who innovate acts of worship in religious matters have something of a resemblance to the Christians [i.e. those Jews and Christians who deviated after the departure of their Prophets]. That is because these ones [proponents of theological rhetoric] deny the truth and are led to doubt, and those ones [those who innovate acts of worship] believe in falsehood and are led to irrational behavior. These ones are like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed by a great wave topped by another great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another; and those ones are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty one thinking it’s water until he comes up to it and discovers it’s nothing. [2]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that the people in their pursuit of knowledge and religion have two innovated paths and a path legislated in the Shari’ah. The path of Islamic legislation involves examining the teachings of the Messenger, utilising them as evidence, and implementing the necessary actions. Therefore, it is imperative to possess knowledge based on the teachings of the Messenger and to act upon them, and merely possessing one of these two is insufficient. As for the two innovated paths, one of them is the path of people who engage in innovated theological discourse and this path is fraught with falsehood. Many of its adherents neglect the obligations prescribed by Allah and His Messenger, leading them to remain in a state of corruption in knowledge and action. Consequently, these individuals deviate towards false Judaism. The second path is taken by people who adopt methods to enhance their spiritual well-being, namely the followers of the Sufi paths, who introduce new forms of worship. These individuals tend to deviate towards false Christianity as they claim that by purifying one’s soul according to their prescribed methods, one will effortlessly acquire extensive knowledge of religious sciences without learning. The worship practices of many of these people are innovated, rather, they contradict the teachings of the Messenger. As a result, they continue to engage in corrupt actions and corruption due to their lack of understanding of the Messenger’s teachings because they do not know what the Messenger conveyed. Neither Allah’s Messenger nor his companions followed the path of those who introduced innovations in religion, such as the proponents of theological rhetoric, nor the path of the proponents of innovated worship and Sufiyyah. Instead, he adhered to what Allah had sent him with, which is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. [3]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, Abu Al-Wafaa Ibn Aqeel Al-Faqee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, our Shaikh Ab Al-Fadl Al-Hamdani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, ”The individuals who innovate in Islam and the fabricators of Hadeeth are worse than the heretics, as the latter seeks to corrupt Islam externally, while the former aims to corrupt it internally. They (the former) are similar to the people of a country who attempt to corrupt it from within, while the heretics are similar to those who lay siege from outside, so, the ones from within open the fortress. Thus, they are more harmful to Islam than those who do not openly associate themselves with it”. [4]

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “There is none more harmful to the people of Islam than the Jahmiyyah. They do not desire other than to nullify the Qur’an and the (authentic) narrations of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]”. [5]

Al-Hafidh Abdul Ghaniyy Al-Maqdisi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “(You) should know – may Allah have mercy upon you – that Islam and its people are undermined by three groups and the group that rejects the (authentic) narrations regarding the Attributes of Allah and belie its (reliable) narrators are more harmful to Islam and its people than the disbelievers”. [6]

Ibn Aqeel [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is none more harmful to the Shariah than the innovators among the proponents of theological rhetoric and the ignorant Sufis”. [7]

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Exhortations are mostly employed when addressing the general public, particularly the common people, thus, the ignorant storytellers managed to find a way to achieve their objectives. Their innovations in the religion continued to escalate until it resulted in significant harm and they initiated evil through their deeds, statements, and goals”. [8]

Yunus Ibn Abdil A’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I heard Ash-Shafi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying, “It would be better for a man to be tempted by everything Allah has forbidden, except for the sin of associating partners with Allah in worship, rather than involving himself in theological rhetoric. This is because I have encountered certain matters from the proponents of theological rhetoric that I never expected to encounter”. [9]

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated, “May Allah curse Amr Ibn Ubaid because indeed he initiated this innovation from theological rhetoric. If theological rhetoric was knowledge, the companions of the Messenger and the Taabi’een would have spoken about it just as they spoke about rulings and laws of the religion, however, it is falsehood and leads to falsehood”. [10.a]

An Example of a Misguided One Called Al-Jahiz Who Was Known to Read a Lot and Wrote Many Books, But Well-known For Jesting and Twiddling With The Religion

Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated about Al-Jaahiz: “You find him arguing at times for the Uthmaniyyah over the Rafidah, and sometimes for the Zaydiyyah over the Uthmaniyyah and Ahlus Sunnah, and sometimes he gave precedence to Ali,  may Allah be pleased with him, and sometimes he placed him behind others. He wrote a book in which he mentioned the arguments of the Christians against the Muslims, and when he embarked upon refuting them, he relinquished some of the proof as if he wanted to alert them to what they did not know and to cast doubt on the weak (people) among the Muslims, and you find him intending in his books to mock and twiddle. He mocked at hadith in a way that was not hidden from the scholars, while he was one of the Ummah’s greatest liars, fabricators of hadith, and the most supportive of falsehood”. [10.b]

Imam Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said about Al-Jaahiz: “He was an insolent person, one who was very negligent in his practice of the religion and held strange views”. [10.c] “It was apparent from his traits that he used to fabricate”. [10.d] “He was from the figureheads of Bidah”. [10.e] Al-Baghdaadee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Al-Jaahiz used to transmit a lot of innovated beliefs in his books”. [10.f] “Neither reliable nor trustworthy, rather, he was one of the figureheads of Bidah”. [10.g]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan,  may Allah preserve him, stated:

It is not permissible to transmit false and fabricated narrations and then attribute them to the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. That is because many amongst the people of misguidance and (vain) desires fabricate narrations, utilise them as proof, and declare them authentic when (such narrations) agree with their desires. But when the authentic narrations oppose their desires, either they belie or distort and explain them (in a manner other than what is intended by) their correct meanings. This is the state of affairs of the people of misguidance. They search for fabricated and false narrations, present them to the people, and utilise them as proof if it agrees with their desires. Also one of the characteristics of a hypocrite is that he lies when he speaks, therefore, do not speak to the people unless you are truthful (in what you say), and do not speak too much regarding the narrations in that which is no benefit out of fear of falling into lies. The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “It is enough (to be considered as) lying that a man speaks about everything that he hears”. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud. Number 4992] [11]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Ahlul Ahwaa, such as the Mutazilah, the khawarij, the Rawafid, and others, are the ones responsible for causing the wars and discord. Fitnah (turmoil) only arises from them and is a result of them. Who was responsible for the assassination of Uthman? Who was behind the murder of Ali? Who were the ones that ignited turmoil among the Muslims thereafter? It was none other than these individuals driven by their desires. Who misled Al-Mamoon and those rulers who came after him to persecute Ahlus Sunnah, and ultimately led to the beating and imprisonment of their Imam – Ahmad Bin Hanbal? It was none else other than Ahlul Ahwaa! Who initiated the imprisonment of Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah until he died in prison? It was none else other than Ahlul Ahwaa! It is our responsibility to exercise caution towards these people, as their fitnah ultimately results in the fragmentation of Muslim unity, rebellion against Muslim leaders, and splitting within the Muslim community, leading to the emergence of divergent groups and parties. This stands in stark contrast to the concept of a united Ummah. [12]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him said:

After speaking about those who make Takfeer based on falsehood [f] amongst the different factions of the Jahmiyah [g], the Khawarij [h], the Rawafid and the Qadariyyah [i], and the reason behind such Takfeer, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

“On the opposite side of these people who make Takfeer based on falsehood, there are people who do not know the creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah as it should be, or they know some and are ignorant of some. And perhaps what they know of it, they do not clarify for the people, rather they conceal it. Neither do they forbid Bidah nor censure ahlul bidah and punish them; rather, perhaps they would censure speech related to the Sunnah and the fundamental principles of the religion – completely – and would not differentiate – in that – between what Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah say [i.e. adherents to the sound Prophetic Sunnah and sound unity] and what ahlul bidah wal furqah say [i.e. the proponents of innovation in religious affairs who split (disunite due to their opposition to the correct path)], or they would affirm all their differing Madhabs [creeds, paths] in a manner similar to how the scholars would affirm the different opinions related to affairs of Ijtihaad about which difference of opinion is justified. [j] This path has overwhelmed many of the Murji’ah, some of the jurists, those pursuing the path of asceticism and the philosophers, just as it has overwhelmed – first and foremost – many amongst the people of (vain) desires and rhetoric. Both these paths are perverted, outside the Book [i.e. The Qur’an] and the Sunnah”. [End of Quote]

After quoting the above statement of Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Allamah Rabee said, “I say, may Allah have mercy on Ibn Tamiyyah. Indeed, he clarified the situation of the people of his era and those before them, then what if he saw the situation of many amongst the Al-Jamaa’aat Al-Hizbiyyah Wal-Bid’iyyah [The Groups of Illegal Partisanship and Bidah] [k] who ascribe themselves to Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa’ah and take cover behind them – in particular – to promote their falsehoods! What if he saw them whilst they have definitely gathered between the Madhabs [creeds, paths] of the two groups- the khawaarij and those who follow their way in pronouncing Takfeer in the subject matter of Al-Haakimiyyah [l] and the way of the Mur’jiah [m] in the manner they approach the affair of people who are upon the big and numerous innovations in religious affairs, and equating innovation in religion to those affairs of the religion in which Ijtihaad is justified, whose people are rewarded alongside a refutation against their mistakes! In the view of these people, the leaders of Misguidance and Bidah are like the Imams of Guidance and Sunnah. [n] [13]

Finally, Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said, “Rather what is obligatory is to clarify that which Allah sent His Messengers with and (revealed) in His Books, propagate that which the Messengers brought from Allah and fulfil the covenant which Allah took from the scholars. Therefore, it is obligatory to know that which the Messengers brought, believe in it, propagate it, call to it, striving with it, weigh up all that which the people embark upon – [statements, actions, religious fundamentals and subsidiary issues pertaining to the apparent actions of the Limbs and affairs related to actions of the heart]- under the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, neither following desires [through] customs, a school of law, a religious order, a leader or a predecessor, nor following conjecture through a weak hadeeth or corrupt analogy, regardless whether it is an analogy that offers some degree of certainty or not, or blindly following someone who it is not obligated to follow his statement and action because Allah -in His Book – has censured those who follow conjecture and that which their souls desire, whilst they abandon following that which came to them from their Lord of Guidance”. [14]

Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَتْلُونَهُۥ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ

Those to whom We have given the Book (the Torah and the Qurʾān), recite it as it truly should be recited (through sincere, honest implementation of its teachings, without distorting them). They are the ones who (truly) believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it, then they are the losers.

Imām al-Ṭabarī brings the following reports: Ibn ʿAbbās and ʿIkrimah: “They follow it as it truly should be followed.” Ibn ʿAbbās: “They accept as lawful what it makes lawful, accept as unlawful what it makes unlawful, and do not distort its words from their proper places.” Mujāhid: “They act upon it as it truly should be acted upon.” Ibn Masʿūd and Qatādah: “They treat as lawful what it makes lawful and treat as unlawful what it makes unlawful. They recite it as it was revealed by Allāh. They do not distort its words from their proper places and they do not explain anything of it with other than its (true) explanation.” Al-Ḥasan: “They act upon its decisive verses (muḥkam), believe in its ambiguous verses (mutashābih), and entrust the knowledge of what is difficult for them to its knower”. [15]

 


 

Footnote a: Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنتُمْ أَعْدَآءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم بِنِعْمَتِهِۦٓ إِخْوَٰنًا وَكُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنْهَا كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided. [Surah Al-Imran. Ayah 103]

Footnote b:

https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/kyvik-the-khilaafah-lasted-for-30-years-then-there-was-kingship.cfm#:~:text=The%20Prophetic%20khilaafah%20will%20last,Abu%20Dawud%20and%20al%2DHaakim

Footnote c:

http://www.shia.bs/index.cfm

The Devil’s Deception Of The Rafidah Shi’ah — Know Their Beliefs From Their Own Source References

Footnote d: Al-Faraabee: Al-Faraabee said that Philosophy is more perfect than Prophethood. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah 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] Ibn Sinaa: Imaam Ibnu Salaah (rahimahullaah) 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] 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 (rahimahullaah) 2/790; 3/1077-1078] 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]

Footnote e: Hulooliyyah and Ittihaadiyyah (i.e.Wahdatul Wujood); see link for further details:
http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Fo rum=8&Topic=3528
http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Fo rum=8&Topic=3528

Footnote f:What is Takfeer? Read here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah: https://abukhadeejah.com/no-muslim-leaves-islam-unless-he-does-something-that-nullifies-it/

Footnote g:Who are the Jahmiyah? https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/xiyvh-the-first-deniers-of-allaahs-speech-a-chain-of-evil-narrators.cfm

Footnote h:https://abukhadeejah.com/isis-in-iraq-syria-ibn-kathir-died-774-ah-if-the-khawaarij-ever-gained-strength-in-iraq-and-syria-there-would-be-mass-killing/

Footnote i: Who are the Rawafid and Qadariyyah? https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/ http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm

Footnote j: What is Ijtihaad: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/tolerated-differing-and-impermissible-differing-in-islaam/ ]

Amr bin Al-Aas [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] saying, ‘’If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward.’’ [Bukhari Number 7352]

Few Issues From This Hadeeth

[a] A Mujtahid (a scholar who strives to reach a judgement) is not deprived of reward. [b] The judgement of a non-Mujtahid is different from that of a Mujtahid. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that the one who speaks about the religion without knowledge and out of ignorance [is guilty of] lying and sinning. The one who intentionally speaks to oppose the truth is threatened with entry into the fire of hell, as opposed to the affair of the one who speaks based on permissible Ijtihad, for indeed he strives, fears Allah as much as he is able, desires to seek knowledge as much as he was able, speaks for the sake of Allah, knows the stronger proof and speaks based on that. This person is given two rewards if he is correct; but if he is mistaken, he receives one reward. [c] A Mujtahid can be correct or mistaken. [Arba’oona Hadeethaa Fee Usoolil Fiqh. pages 32-33]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee said, “We do not say that there are people of ijtihaad amongst ahlul bidah because they are followers of desires, and Allaah and His Messenger have testified to this. The misguided innovator stirs up discord and errs, and then says to you, ‘This is ijtihaad’. When Hikmatiyaar and the misguided parties [in Afghanistan] murdered Shaikh Jameel Ur-Rahmaan, they said: ‘This is ijtihaad.’ They do not fall into an affair of misguidance or a calamity except that they say, “This is ijtihaad.” This is [tantamount] to diluting Islaam, falsehood, misguidance, bidah and confounding truth with falsehood, when the mistakes of the [true and qualified scholars of ijtihaad]- for which they are rewarded- are placed at the same level with innovation, about which the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] declared to be a path that will lead to the hell fire”. [Ajwibatul Allaamatush Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhalee Alaa As-ilah Abee Rawaaha Al-Manhajiyyah. page 20]

Footnote k:What is Hizbiyyah – illegal partisanship:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2015/03/a-precise-definition-of-hizbiyyah-by-shaikh-rabee-may-allaah-preserve-him/ ]

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/01/what-is-the-meaning-of-hizbiyyah-and-what-is-the-ruling-upon-it-shaykh-ubaid-al-jaabiree/

Footnote l: What is Al-Haakimiyyah?
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ07&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Footnote m: Who are the Murji’ah?
http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=GSC&subsecID=GSC05&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Footnote n: Read this article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh: http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/series/the-false-comparison-between-hadith-giants-ibn-hajar-an-nawawi-and-20th-century-ignoramuses.cfm

 


[1] An Excerpt from “Juhoodu Ulamaa Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtaal Aqaa-id Al-Qubooriyyeen” 1/19-25. slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from “Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah”. Page 281. slightly paraphrased

[3] Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. 290-291. Slightly paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from “Al-Mahajjah Al-Baydaa Fee Himaayati As-Sunnati Al-Gharraa’i Min Zallaati Alhlil Akh’taa Wa Zayghi Ahlil Ahwaa”. page 47

[5] Tabaqaat Al-Hanaabilah 1/47

[6] Al-Iqtisaad Fil I’tiqaad page 223

[7] As-Sawaa-iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah 4/1346

[8]كتاب القصاص والمذكرين- page 290

[9] Aqeedah Ash-Shaafi’ee. Page 86

[10.a] Dhammul Kalaam – by Al-Harwee 5/73

[10.b] An Excerpt from “Ta’weel Mukhtalif Al-Hadeeith”. pages 71-73

[10.c] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 11/527]

[10.d] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 11/528]

[10.e] Al-Meezaan Al-I’tidaal 3/247]

[10.f] Al-Farqu Baynal Firaq page 175-178]

[10.g] Al-Meezaan al-itidaal 3/247

[11] An Excerpt from ‘It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 103

[12] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2016/02/02/reminder-ahlul-ahwaa-i-e-the-people-of-bidah-are-the-ones-who-start-the-wars/

[13] An Excerpt from “Al-Mahajjatul Baydaa Fee Himaayatis Sunnatil Gharraa Min Zallaati Ahlil Akhtaa’i Wa Zayghi Ahlil Ahwaa” 117-118]

[14] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/467-468

[15 https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/2_121 Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

Uncle, what do you say about social media influencers, including Andrew Tate?!

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

The Messenger Is The Criterion of Upright Conduct, Not Social Media Influences or Others

Allah, The Most High, said:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

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

Imam Sufyan Ath-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to say:

Indeed, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the greatest criterion (i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn) and all matters are presented to him [i.e. for judgement] based on his manners, path and guidance, thus, whatever is in agreement with this is truth and whatever is in opposition is falsehood. [1]

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

He (the Messenger) serves as the definitive and weightiest criterion (for humankind and Jinn) through whose manners, statements and actions are measured the manners, statements and actions (of others). He is the manifest criterion that when followed a distinction is made between the people of guidance and the people of misguidance”. [2]

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah, The Most High, guided mankind through Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the clear manifest evidences given to him, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – a guidance that could not be described by those who were well versed in the art of descriptions and (a guidance) that surpassed the knowledge of those with great perception. And through this guidance, Allah opened the eyes of the blind ones, the ears of the deaf ones and the hearts of the heedless ones. Allah, The Most High, united them on one religion-(the religion of pure Islamic monotheism) – and prior to that they were in complete disunity, enmity towards one another and followed corrupt creeds.

Allah united their hearts, thus they became true brothers in Islam through this great blessing. Thereafter, everything worshipped besides Allah, such as graves, trees, stones and idols ceased to exist and all worship was devoted to Allah alone. People followed the true Religion of Islamic monotheism and worshipped Allah alone, except those whom Allah willed that they were to remain as people of polytheism, hypocrisy and followers of the altered and distorted previous scriptures. The darkness of polytheism was dispelled and the banner of Tawheed was raised in the lands amongst the Arabs and non-Arabs.

Allah’s Messenger passed away, while Islam was established and in authority-superseding all other ways of life and creeds. Then the rightly guided khulafaa of the Messenger [Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali continued to adhere to the path of the Messenger 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 khosraw was subdued and destroyed. [3]

 

Two Essential Qualities of An Upright Universal Role Model – An Adherent to Pure Islamic Monotheism and Obedient To Allah  

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah (leader), Qanitan (obedient), Hanifan (one who worshipped Allah alone), and he was not one of the Mushrikeen (polytheists and those who associate partners with Allah in worship). [An-Nahl. 120]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said:

Ibrahim, peace be upon him, is the leader of the Hunafaa (the adherents to Tawhid) and this is why Allah said to him:

إِنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا

Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of humankind. [Al-Baqarah. 124]

It is a tradition among people to align themselves with prominent figures, particularly those they deeply respect. Therefore, if an individual claims that their chosen leader is leader (a virtuous guide), it is important to recognise that no leader surpasses Prophet Ibrahim (after Prophet Muhammad). Allah said about Prophet Ibrahim:

وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُۥ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself]! [Al-Baqarah. 130]

When an individual says that they follow a leader, it is essential to scrutinise the Aqeedah (Islamic Creed) of that individual whom they elevate to the status of leader. This evaluation should be conducted in accordance with the Qur’an to determine if he belongs to the adherents of Tawhid. Should someone attempt to validate the position of leader as a form of proof, it is imperative that this proof entails a thorough examination of the Aqeedah of the individual designated as leader- assessed based on the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, to ascertain whether he embodies the principles of Tawhid. Furthermore, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said regarding the Prophet:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzab. 21] (1)

 

Saul, peace be upon him

Allah, The Exalted, stated about the Children of Israel:

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا قَالُوٓا۟ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ ٱلْمَالِ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةً فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُۥ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them, “Indeed Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you.” They said, “How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth.” He said: “Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 247]

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

He [Talut] was given deep insight and physical strength through which he was qualified for his position as king because if he had deep insight and the ability to implement the right decision, he will be able to fulfil this role in the most perfect manner. But if he lacks one of the two, he would not be able to do his job properly. If physically strong but lack deep insight, a king would be unsuccessful in running the affairs of the kingdom because his strength would not be utilised wisely. If he had deep insight but did not have the strength to implement any decisions, his insight would not benefit him because he would not be able to achieve anything. [2]

Role Models Must Be Followers of The Righteous 

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for pious. [Al-Furqan 74]

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

They ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. This is because a trustworthy leader in the religion cooperates upon obedience and the call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah said:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). [As-Sajdah 24]

Thus, in their supplication to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from (merely) seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, exaltedness in the earth, enslavement and attachment of the hearts to them, and aiding them in all their goals, while they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption – (the extent) which none can encompass (in their knowledge) except Allah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [3]

Why Is Andrew Tate and Other Social Media Influencers Advised Openly When They Err?

Allah, The Most High, said:

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. [Aal Imran 110]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If a man commits evil openly, denouncing him openly is not tantamount to backbiting him. It is obligatory to chastise him openly with what would prevent him from (the evil), such as boycotting and other than that”. [4]
Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: When should advice be given in private or openly?
Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so. However, if the sin is committed secretly, the advice can only be given secretly. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly- seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”. [5]
——————————————————————-
[1] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed’. Audio Lesson 1 

[2] Tafsir As-Sadi

[3] An Excerpt from Ar-Ruh. 487-489

[4] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 28/217
[5] Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993

A Dialogue with Eric R. Mandel on Entitlement, Fair Play, and Accountability

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

Firstly, in this article, we will use the term Zionist in general when referring to both Netanyahu and Eric, as well as any behaviour or statement that is distinctly identified as a characteristic of certain Zionists in their interactions with Palestinians since 1948. This definition will also extend to anyone else who shares similar views, whether they are Netanyahu or others. However, it is important to clarify that our application of the term Zionist does not include all Jews, as there are Jews who neither subscribe to Netanyahu’s views nor endorse his actions. Furthermore, no individual should be held accountable for the actions of others, regardless of whether they are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or belong to any other group. Just as Muslims should not be blamed for the actions of ISIS, Hamas, and similar groups when they engage with non-combatants in a manner forbidden by Islam, Christians and Jews should not be held responsible for the actions of any faction or group among them unless an individual, irrespective of their affiliation, endorses the actions of oppressors, murderers, and transgressors. And even in instances where an individual attempts to rationalise an atrocity through ideology rather than actions, or through actions themselves, we do not resort to vigilantism—whether in Europe or in Muslim-majority countries. Instead, it is obligatory that one does not take the law into his own hands.

Secondly, in this article, we aim to briefly examine the views of the author as a reminder of what was intentionally overlooked to justify the excessive retaliation that ensued following Hamas’s attack on non-combatants and civilians on October 7th. It is undeniable that Hamas, or any group identifying with Islam, cannot be condoned for inflicting harm on non-combatants or unarmed individuals, just as some among the various Zionist administrations in Palestinian cannot evade accountability for their actions against the Palestinians since 1948 and particularly after October 7th. In our humble opinion, no one has yet provided a more deserving rebuke to both Hamas and Netanyahu’s administration than Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah preserve him. Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

Now, we will cite Eric’s statements and provide some commentary on them.

Eric Stated: Europe’s anti-Israel bias: The EU’s problem with Jews and the Jewish state – opinion. [end of quote]

Response: Zionist self-entitlement and anti-Muslim propaganda: The Zionist problem with Muslims and the Muslim Ummah – opinion.

Eric stated: They say: One can rationalize the cowardice of the European position, as it is dealing with its own growing Islamist population and the demographic decline of its indigenous citizens. [end of quote]

Response: One can rationalise the destructive stubbornness of Netanyahu’s Administration, as it continuously disregarded the moral outrage and fierce opposition from the masses against his brutality and the global decline of his propaganda efforts. Regarding the mention of the Muslim population in Europe, Eric should have pointed out that if Europe had not colonised numerous Muslim countries, there might have been a different kind of interaction between Europe and the peoples of those former colonies. Furthermore, even if there was a decline in Europe’s indigenous population, it seems far-fetched to believe that the author genuinely cares about the welfare of Europe. Instead, what often deeply concerns some Zionist apologists is their anxiety over a Europe composed of a population that no longer aligns with their interests, or at the very least, a Europe influenced by a segment of its citizens that might influence their governments to immediately stop the crimes of committed by Netanyahu and his predecessors. However, the author will never acknowledge this; instead, he resorts to fearmongering to incite nationalistic feelings. The right course of action for Netanyahu’s regime is to confront their issues rather than seek out supporters to aid them in perpetuating their genocide and undermining Palestinian sovereignty.

Eric stated: When have you heard a European leader demand that Hamas surrender, stop using its civilians as human shields, stop using its mosques, schools, and hospitals as staging grounds, or require the terrorist leadership to leave the Gaza Strip without creating a moral equivalence between Israeli and Hamas actions? The answer is “Rarely,” and that includes the first few weeks after the atrocities of October 7, before Israel had even begun its campaign to uproot Hamas. [end of quote]

Response: When have we ever heard a member of Netanyahu’s government call for the IDF to cease its murder of Palestinians, rather than using self-defense as a justification? It’s remarkable that a government boasting the most powerful secret service, capable of infiltrating enemy nations and executing targets from thousands of miles away, struggles to confront Hamas right at its doorstep. If Hamas employs human shields, the IDF has also resorted to similar tactics; in fact, they can still implement the Hannibal code and the Dahiyah doctrine. They have also utilised white phosphorus in the past. Read below:

White Phosphorus!

While Hamas’s actions on October 7 cannot be condoned, similarly Netanyahu genocidal actions – perpetrated in the name of self-defense- can never be forgotten. Rather than attempting to protest moral equivalence to rationalise his actions under the pretext of Hamas’s crimes against non-combatants, he should have immediately halt the killings. Furthermore, the events of October 7 are merely one in a long line of confrontations dating back to 1948, and Zionist atrocities are well-documented. Read: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/01/22/a-message-from-a-war-criminal-to-the-world-engaging-in-a-dialogue-with-jane-kiel/

Eric stated: When America’s ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, vetoed a June 2025 UNSC resolution calling for Israel to accept a ceasefire leaving Hamas in place, which every nation on the Security Council, including the French and British, voted in favor of, she told the Security Council: “We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza…We cannot allow the Security Council to reward Hamas’s intransigence. It is Hamas that continues to threaten Israelis and puts Palestinian civilians in Gaza in harm’s way, using them as human shields…It is inexplicable that many members of this council still refuse to acknowledge that Hamas could end this conflict tomorrow by surrendering and laying down its arms. It is unconscionable that the UN still has not labeled and sanctioned Hamas as a terrorist organization.” [end of quote]

Response: This statement does not require a lengthy response, as it merely reiterates the same narrative we’ve been hearing from Zionists, American demagogues, ideologues, rabble-rousers, and misguided evangelists. However, where was Hamas in 1948?! Palestinians have been suffering since 1948, while Hamas was established in the 1980s. Thus, it is the successive Zionist regimes that continue to threaten Palestinians, brutalise and evict them from their lands. As for Hamas, we have already provided a rebuke against them. Listen again here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w In addition, Hamas suits the agenda of the Far-right. Read: https://abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right

Eric stated: One can rationalize the cowardice of the European position, as it is dealing with its own growing Islamist population and the demographic decline of its indigenous citizens. The cross-section of Muslims in Europe ranges from Pakistanis and Bangladesh natives in England, to the Algerians and Tunisians in France, to the Turks and Syrian refugees in Germany. Despite their differences, the one thing the Islamic immigrants overwhelmingly agree about is a visceral hatred of Jews and the Jewish state. [end of quote]

Response: This statement is a sweeping generalisation. What exactly is an Islamist, and what threat do they represent? Wat does Eric mean by an Islamic immigrant?! Is it someone who engages in terrorist activities, an individual who stands against genocide, a person accused of anti-Semitism, or an immigrant who practices Islam without breaking the laws of their host country, or perhaps the children of immigrants like us who were born in Europe? Eric has not provided any clarification in this section as the aim of the discourse is propaganda—a blend of truth and lies, emotional manipulation, and a victim mentality designed to elicit sympathy in a way that they do not deserve. Regarding the term Islamist and other terms used by those who deceive to obscure the truth, please visit the link:

Political Islam and Islamists: Convenient and Opportunistic Conceptual Distortions

Despite the fact that Eric’s article title critiques Europe, it was their ancestors who supported Netanyahu’s predecessors. Read below:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/11/20/the-early-development-and-evolving-impact-of-christian-zionism-on-some-prominent-european-political-elites/

Eric said: The rising hatred of Jews and Israel in Europe: According to a report in the Washington-based news service Jewish Insider, “The French Interior Ministry released a report titled ‘Muslim Brothers and Political Islam in France,’ calling the Muslim Brotherhood an ‘imminent threat’ to French national security….calling on Paris to recognize a Palestinian state and recalibrate its policies towards Israel to ‘appease’ France’s growing Muslim population. [end of quote]

Response: This above statement presents a combination of three matters that ought not to be combined; nevertheless, it is anticipated that individuals like Eric and his associates will engage in such mixing due to their urgent need to conceal the truths of each issue, thus, drawing conclusions that depict all of them as detrimental. To begin with, concerning the innovated group (the Muslim Brotherhood – Ikhwanis), they pose a more significant threat to Muslim nations than to Europe and other regions. Their situation is well known, thus further discussion is unnecessary; instead, please refer to the provided links.

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/ojtehmv-the-baatinee-movements-secret-organizations-and-the-muslim-brotherhood.cfm http://www.ikhwanis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

However, it is important not to slander the Ikhwanis or to exaggerate their actions, nor should facts be hidden to promote Netanyahu’s agenda or the objectives of the Zionist lobby in the United States and certain European countries. While the Muslim Brotherhood is indeed a dangerous group, any statements made about them should be grounded in truth rather than Zionist propaganda. Likewise, although Netanyahu’s Zionist regime is a dangerous and destructive one, any claims made about it must be verified.

Secondly, regarding the term political Islam, its interpretation varies based on the individuals involved in activities associated with this phenomenon. Moreover, it is essential to clearly differentiate between the innovated political activity of deviant sects and the politics that is sanctioned by Shariah law. Read again on this link:

Political Islam and Islamists: Convenient and Opportunistic Conceptual Distortions

Thirdly, establishing a Palestinian State is merely a small part of the issue; the core problem lies in Netanyahu’s Zionist mindset of superiority, his delusional ambition for a greater Zionist state stretching from the river to the sea, along with land theft and various atrocities. For the past 70 years, Palestinians have suffered in ways no other nation has, under successive Zionist regimes in Palestine. Thus, the demand for a Palestinian state is the bare minimum among the far more important demands that have persisted for seven decades. Therefore, whether certain Muslims in France partake in activities deemed threatening by the French government, or whether they identify as ikhwanis in their approach to the Palestinian issue, does not absolve any European country from its responsibility to not provide military aid or intelligence to the Zionists, which is utilisd to oppress Palestinians. Rgardless of the threats France anticipates and the various misguided methods some Muslims employ to advocate for Palestinian rights, all these actions are separate from the obligations Netanyahu has towards the Palestinians. His responsibilities remain intact, whether he faces criticism or receives praise. Eric and his ilk should stop adopting a victim mentality and blaming those who do not support Netanyahu sufficiently, instead, they should take the appropriate action by using their writing skills to call for justice and end the occupation. If this is not accomplished, we question whether they retain even a shred of conscience.

As for Jew hatred and anti-semitism, well informed Muslims know that such a behaviour is unlawful in the sight of the Creator. Read below:

https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism
https://abuiyaad.com/w/antisemitism-ernest-renan
https://abuiyaad.com/a/muhammad-semitic-prophet

Eric said: Years before October 7, 2023, the European political Left’s hostility toward Jews and Israel was steadily growing from the fringes and now resides in the halls of power. Where once the animosity was spoken in hushed tones, today Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unapologetically refers to Israel as a “genocidal state,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian accuses Israel of a “long-lasting apartheid,” and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy accuses Israel of “ethnic cleansing.” There is almost no context given or condemnation of Hamas without, in the same breath, an expression of moral equivalence. [End of quote]

Response: Regardless of whether these politicians align with the left, right, center-right, center-left, or any other classification, and irrespective of whether they maintain these views indefinitely, temporarily, or alter their stance in an instant, none of this can obscure the undeniable truth that Netanyahu embodies a genocidal maniac. The entire world observed the unfolding events in Palestine. Furthermore, even though the actions of Hamas against non-combatants on October 7 are unequivocally condemned, however, no individual possessing even a shred of decency can deny that Netanyahu’s ideology and his actions in pursuit of such extreme retaliation represent an unprecedented occurrence in modern history. Consequently, the various terms employed to characterise his atrocious crimes against the Palestinians are entirely justifiable. He is unable to depict the situation in any manner other than what is evident to the entire world. Allah, The Exalted, stated:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind, there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Al-Baqarah. 204-206]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This Ayah serves as evidence that the statements uttered by individuals are not proof regarding their truthfulness or whether they are upon falsehood, righteous or wicked until they are ascertained by their deeds. It is obligatory to examine the condition of those who bear witness, the one who is right and the falsifier among the people based on the righteousness of their deeds – examine the clear indications and their behaviour, and do not be deceived by how they portray themselves and the praise they give themselves. [Tafsir As-Sadi]

Eric said: British political commentator Douglas Murray sees Europe’s criticism of Israel not as a principled defense of human rights but as a politically convenient, morally inconsistent, and often deeply biased perspective. He contends that much of the European hostility toward Israel masks more profound antisemitic sentiments and is partly driven by a desire to absolve historical guilt over Europe’s complicity in the Holocaust. He accuses European media of disproportionately focusing on Israeli actions and underreporting atrocities elsewhere, with European intellectual and political elites grandstanding their condemnation of Israel. European nations rarely condemn Hamas or Palestinian leadership with the same intensity as they condemn Israeli actions, even when Israel is responding to terrorist attacks. [End of quote]

Response: The statement above once again reveals, as clearly as the midday sun, the victim mentality exhibited by numerous Zionist defenders and their irrational and ludicrous sense of entitlement. No matter the intentions of European politicians or the bias Eric perceives against the Zionists, it is important to note that it was the ancestors of Europeans who supported the Zionists for an extended period, granting them land and properties that were taken unlawfully. Read below:

The Early Development and Evolving Impact of Christian Zionism on Some Prominent European Political Elites

Therefore, if Europeans start to regret this historical event, similar to how they have lamented the oppression their ancestors imposed on the Jews, they should take steps to stop Netanyahu’s actions and advocate for compensation for the Palestinians, just as they have supported reparations for Jews who suffered under the Nazis. This represents true justice and should not be one-sided. Oppression is unacceptable, regardless of who the victim or the oppressor may be. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated that Allah stated: “O My servants! I have prohibited oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden among you, so do not oppress one another.” [Sahih Muslim 2577]

However, despite the lingering guilt that Europe feels for the oppression their ancestors inflicted upon the Jews, this does not imply that they should endorse Netanyahu’s oppressive actions. No rational individual would back an oppressor simply because he seeks restitution that also turns him into an oppressor. Why must Palestinians endure Zionist brutality simply because certain Zionists claim that any criticism of Netanyahu and calls for Palestinian rights equate to a reflection of Europe’s historical anti-Semitism? The fact that Jews faced oppression at the hands of Europeans does not imply that Europeans should remain silent regarding the atrocities perpetrated by Netanyahu in the name of the Jewish people. No individual with even a shred of common sense and decency would condone this.

Moreover, describing how infrequently others criticise Hamas as “rarely” is a significant falsehood, as Hamas consistently remains a central topic in the media, and Netanyahu frequently uses them as a justification in his quest for the unrealistic Zionist dominance by all means necessary. Also successive Zionist governments have been notorious for acts of terrorism since 1948, committing heinous acts and severe violations. Nevertheless, this does not imply that we refrain from condemning Hamas or any other organisation for targeting unarmed civilians and non-combatants. Prince Turki Al-Faisal provided a strong criticism of both Hamas and Netanyahu’s regime. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

As for anti-semitism, we again direct Eric to these links:

https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism
https://abuiyaad.com/w/antisemitism-ernest-renan
https://abuiyaad.com/a/muhammad-semitic-prophet

Eric said: There is no fog of war for the Europeans. For the EU, Israel is disproportionate in its actions from October 8 on. This, despite the head of the Urban Warfare Institute in West Point, John Spencer, saying, “In my long career studying and advising on urban warfare for the US military, I’ve never known an army (IDF) to take such measures to attend to the enemy’s civilian population, especially while simultaneously combating the enemy in the very same buildings. In fact, by my analysis, Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history – above and beyond what international law requires and more than the US did in its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.” [end of quote]

Response: What a ridiculous statement! No matter what the EU or others critical of Netanyahu’s forces claim, the devastation in Gaza and the staggering loss of life clearly indicate that this John Spencer is either delusional or utterly insane. How can one witness the death and destruction in Gaza and still assert that the IDF takes the utmost precautions to prevent civilian casualties?! It is astonishing that a military, which boasts the capability to target its enemies from thousands of miles away and eliminate them, fails to prevent the deaths of countless children, unarmed men and women, and ends up bombing hospitals, ambulances, journalists, schools, universities, doctors, and academics. Furthermore, some Zionist politicians are notorious for making dangerous remarks that are evident on the battlefield. Read some of the dangerous statements uttered by some of the Zionist figureheads. Read here:

Must take a look at what is happening in their own backyard first

Secondly, how amazing it is that Eric draws a parallel between the IDF and the USA military? The American military, under the influence of their ideologues and demagogues, stands as one of the foremost aggressors of this century, serving as the primary allies of the Zionists. Neither the IDF surpasses the American military, nor does the American military surpass the IDF. This comparison is perhaps the most amazing we have ever encountered, as it merely juxtaposes two aggressors in terms of which one perpetrates a lesser crime, while both are recognised as oppressors. Any diligent researcher will uncover a wealth of information regarding the aggressions committed by the United States military; indeed, it suffices to note that they are the only military to have ever deployed an atomic bomb against others.

Thus, it falls upon Eric to maintain integrity and to abstain from any efforts to misinterpret the truth, as this would be synonymous with dishonesty. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

When a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended. [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119]

هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ

This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]

فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ

And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]

وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And those who made excuses from the Bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90] [2]

In articulating these sentiments and chastising Eric for his pronounced sense of self-entitlement and ludicrous emotional appeals, rather than confronting the truth and admonishing Netanyahu for his brutality, we wish to emphasise that no rational individual would endorse Hamas’s actions against non-combatants on October 7. In this context, Prince Turki Al-Faisal has issued a statement that serves as a stern condemnation of both Netanyahu’s administration and Hamas. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. Vol 1. Page 300-303
[2] Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 202-203

Interpreting Current Events with Respect to the Signs of the Hour is the Task of Living Salafi Scholars – Not Social Media Influencers

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

Interpreting Current Events with Respect to the Signs of the Hour is the Task of Living Salafi Scholars—Not Social Media Influencers, Figureheads of Illegal Partisanship or American Evangelists

Allah’s Messenger, peace abnd blessings of Allah be upon him, and what has been revealed to him are the authorities one must return to in order to understand the subject of trials and tribulations before the end of time. As a result, one cannot return to the following matters: the narrations of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), opinions and dreams, weak and false narrations, analogy, and political, economic, or socialist analysis. This is because the narrations about the trials and tribulations, the signs of the Hour, and the strife that will occur are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). So, whatever is reported from the Prophet with authentic chains of transmission about (upcoming events) is necessary for a Muslim to believe, whether it appeals to the intellect or not, and this is the reality of one’s testimony that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ
إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [An-Najm. Ayah 3]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)].[Al-Hashr. Ayah 7]

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: One day while we were sitting with Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly’’ And we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly.

He said: “Then tell me about Iman.” He said: “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”. He said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”.

He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.”

Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Gibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion”. [Reported by Muslim. Kitaab al-Imaan. Chapter: Imaan, Islaam and Ihsaan. Hadeeth Number: 8]

The testimony in this hadith is the statement of the Prophet: “He was Jibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion”. Therefore, the principle in the preceding hadith is that the Prophet asked a question concerning the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is part of religion. The trials and tribulations, circumstances, and strife associated with the (portents) of the Hour are from the religion, and it is not for anybody to speak about it based on their own (opinions, views, analysis, interpretations, etc.) [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In the Qur’aan and authentic Ahaadeeth there are numerous reports regarding that which will take place in the Dunyah and Aakhirah, and affairs that occurred perfectly after the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] spoke about them many years before their occurrence, such as his statement: ‘The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight with people whose shoes are made of hair. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2928]

Those amongst the Muslims – who saw and fought those Turks when their king Genghis Khan appeared, his children and grandchildren, such as Hulagu Khan and other than him amongst the disbelieving kings- could not describe them better than how the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] described them [i.e. even though he did not meet them]. He stated this 600 years before its occurrence. [2]

Must Return to The Senior Scholars In Times of Severe Fitan and The Nawaazil

Al-Allamah Ubaid Bin Abdillah Al-Jaabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

كان أهل الفضل والصلاح والتقى إذا نزلت بهم نازلة أو حلت بهم مشكلة عمدوا إلى الأكابر من أهل العلم بالسؤال وطلبوا منهم الجواب الشافي الكافي وهذه سنة متبعة بدءاً من الصحابة فأئمة التابعين فمن بعدهم من أهل العلم والفضل والدين والإيمان، وما أحسن ما قاله ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه : لا يزال الناس صالحين متماسكين ما أتاهم العلم عن أصحاب محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم وأكابرهم فإذا أتاهم العلم عن أصاغرهم هلكوا

When the people of virtue, righteousness, and piety were faced with a Nazilah or faced with difficulties, they would betake themselves to the senior people of knowledge to ask and seek from them a Jawaab Ash-Shaafee Al-Kaafee [i.e. comprehensive and satisfactory response that would bring about rectification and preservation of the well-being of the people]. This is a path that has been followed since the time of the companions, then by the Imams of the Tabi’in, and by those after them among the people of knowledge, virtue, religion and Iman. And excellent is that which Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and their elders; but if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be destroyed”. [3]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away death of the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah preserve him, stated:

This text (proves) that the disappearance of knowledge will not be through its removal from the hearts, but through the death of the scholars. (Then) the ignorant people will remain- those who will occupy the place of the scholars in giving verdicts and teaching. They will teach and give verdicts based on ignorance, thus ignorance will spread and become manifest”. Therefore, if the sound Sunni knowledge is taken away, acting upon it will be taken away- is that not the case?! When ignorance manifests, acting upon it will become manifest, thus both knowledge and acting upon (Knowledge) will disappear, and ignorance will manifest, and acting upon (ignorance) will become widespread just as Al-Hafidh Al-Qurtubi clarified in Al-Mufhim. [4]

Who Investigates The Plots?

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Quraan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of ‘Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102) [5]

He also says: “I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” [6]

Beware of The Analysts

The senior Salafi scholars of the Ummah are still with us – Mufti Al-Allanmah Salih Al-Fawzan, Al-Muhaddith Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, and the Minister of Religious Affairs Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh. When it comes to understanding the events of the end times, whether they involve wars, distressing occurrences, or political upheaval, we should not rely on social media influencers or political analysts. Instead, we should turn to the senior Salafi scholars, and not the scholars of Bidah and the proponents of illegal partisanship. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him said:

“Some people say, ‘The one who does not understand the knowledge of current affairs is not a scholar’ and they forget that indeed the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants him understanding of the religion’. Then they become heedless of an existing reality, which is that busying oneself with the knowledge of current affairs diverts a person from (seeking) understanding of the religion; rather it may preoccupy (and divert) him from correct worship, and that is to worship Allah alone, devoting one’s heart to Allah, pondering upon Allah’s universal signs [i.e. the things He has created] and Allah’s divine revelation. In reality, preoccupying the youth with the Knowledge of current affairs prevents them from (seeking) understanding of Allah’s Religion, because the heart is a vessel and it does not take another thing when it is filled with something else; therefore, it is not possible to fill it with this and that.

Busying oneself with the understanding of the Religion, fulfilling acts of worship and pure Islamic Monotheism and sincerity is better for him [i.e. a person] than looking into the knowledge of current affairs and regarding what such and such person is about. It maybe that one acquires knowledge of current affairs through weak and fabricated narrations via the media, or he bases knowledge of current affairs on the analysis and speculations of a person.

The person who is engaged in the subject matter of current affairs may seek to establish an analysis that is far from what the current affairs (shows in reality), or he looks into affairs that have been concocted for him by the enemies (regarding) a particular (expected) event; but then this event happens to be something else and does not exist at all, so all those plans come to nothing. Therefore, what is of important is that one acquires understanding of what Islam requires of a person.

The understanding related to ones self (necessitates) rectification of heart by way of sound belief and to wish good for the Muslims, and this is (also) related to understanding of halaal, haraam and other affairs of a similar nature. A person must acquaint himself with knowledge of current affairs if he is in need of it; but as for giving it complete importance in relation to affairs (or events) that have not occurred in reality, such as lies, deception, analysis and speculation, this has no (sound) basis”. [7]

Therefore, return to the Salafi scholars and the rulers, and not social media influencers, ahlul bidah or figureheads of illegal partisanship. “The scholar possesses knowledge and precise understanding to aid him derive ruling (from the texts of the Shariah). So, when a matter regarding universal public safety occurs, he is able to quickly derive a ruling, teach the people, disseminate the ruling and explain the Shariah ruling related to that (particular) matter of universal public safety. The ability (to do this) is not acquired by merely reading books when a matter of universal public safety occurs, without the skills, knowledge and prolonged experience possessed by the scholars”. [8]

Listen to a brief clarification regarding this subject matter, especially during wars etc – By Shaikh Falah Isma’il Al-Mundikar- may Allah have mercy upon him.

https://youtu.be/FBbdpAWU5CQ?si=sYtMjVQOH1n0nPSe

We ask Allah:

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

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [9]


[1] Mawqif Al-Muslim Min Al-Fitan. pages 15-18

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. 2/65-67

[3][ الطيب الجني على شرح السنة للإمام المزني – page 18-19. Paraphrased]

[4] Al-Hajr Fee Daw-il Kitaab Was-Sunnah Wa Fahm Salaf Al-Ummah pages 15-16

[5 & 6]: An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah

[7] An Excerpt from Sharh Hilyah Talib Al-Ilm. pages 194-195. slightly paraphrased

[8] Fī qalb al-ḥadath maqālāt mutanawwiʿa page 48

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

A Severe Warning From Allah and His Messenger Against All Unjust Killing

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

A Severe Warning From Allah and His Messenger Against All Unjust Killing!

None Excluded From This Warning – Muslim or non-Muslim, Whether Carried Out by Individuals, Groups, or State-Sanctioned Killing; Committed Directly or Indirectly, Openly or Discreetly, at Home or Abroad; and a Warning to All Those Who Excuse, Appease, or Downplay Such Crimes by Diverting Attention From the Intentional Murder of the Innocent In order to Shield The Rich and Influential

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [Al-Ma’idah. 32]

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

If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, this implies that he does make a distinction between the one he killed and other than him; rather he would commit this act whenever his evil calls him to that. Therefore, his bold attitude that led him to kill is as if he has killed all humankind. On the other hand, if a person saves a life and does not kill – whilst his soul calls him to do so – due to fear of Allah, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind because the fear of Allah he possesses stops him killing one who does not deserve to be killed. [1]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا * يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَانًا * إِلَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا

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 and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Furqan. 68-70]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا

And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the Wrath and the Curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him. [An-Nisaa. 93]

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

And that which is established with fact regarding this matter is that murder is attached to (violation) of three rights: the right of Allah, the right of the victim and the right of the heir. If the murderer voluntarily hands over himself to the heir, shows remorse for what he has done out of fear of Allah and repents sincerely, then Allah’s right is waivered through repentance. And the heir’s right is that he can seek retaliation (i.e. via the Islamic Shariah courts), reconciliation or can pardon. Then what remains is the victim’s right, (which) Allah will recompense on the Day of Judgement for His servant who is a repentant and a good-doer, and rectify affairs between them (i.e. the murdered and the repentant murderer), so neither the right of the victim nor the repentance of the murderer is nullified. [2]

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The first (thing) that will be decided among people on the Day of Judgment will pertain to bloodshed”. [3]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This hadith shows the severity of bloodshed and that it will be the first thing that will be judged between people on the Day of Resurrection because of its greatness and extreme danger. This hadith does not contradict the well-known hadith in the Sunan that “The first thing a person will be questioned about is the prayer”, because this hadith is about a matter between Allah and the person, whereas the first hadith (i.e. judgement in matters related to bloodshed) is a matter between the people. [4]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim (i.e. without right)”. [5]

Amr Ibn Al-Hamiq, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whenever a man promises safety for another man’s life and then kills him, I disavow myself from him even if the victim was an unbeliever”. [6]

Uqbah Ibn Aamir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever meets Allah while neither associating anything with Him nor spilling sacred blood will enter Paradise”. [7]

The people said to Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him: “Advise us”. He said: “The first thing of the human body to putrefy is the abdomen, so he who can eat nothing but good (halal) food (earned lawfully) should do so, and he who does as much as he can that nothing intervenes between him and paradise by not shedding even a handful of blood [i.e. unlawful killing], should do so”.[8]

A man wrote to Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and asked him to write down all knowledge for him; so he replied to him, saying: “Indeed, knowledge is plentiful, but if you are able to meet Allah while not shedding people’s blood, not taking their wealth (unlawfully) and violating their honour, then do so”. [9]

 

Do Not Support Oppressors

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, pease and blessings of Allah be upon him, said : “Two are the types of the inhabitants of Hell whom I did not see: people having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people, and the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked, who would be inclined (to evil) and making others inclined towards evil. Their heads would be like the humps of the bukht camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they would not smell its odour whereas its odour would be smelt from such and such distance. [10]

Imam an-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“This hadith is from the miracles of Prophethood. Certainly these two types of people have appeared and they are present”. [11]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Men having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people”, such as the police and other than police who beat people unjustly. These are from the people of Hell. This is a threat that calls for caution. A soldier and non-soldier must not hit people except based on a justified reason”. [12]

Anyone who takes on the responsibility to beat people unjustly is included in this hadith, whether it is by the order of the state or without the order of the state because the state is to be obeyed only in good. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed, obedience is only in that which is good. There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. [13]

“And the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked”.

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

It has been clarified that they will dress in short attire that does not conceal the obligatory parts of the body. It has been elucidated that they will wear clothing that exposes the woman’s skin. Furthermore, it has been expounded that they will don tight clothing that covers the body but still reveals that which leads to trial through a woman. [14] [End of quotes]

Regarding the statement: “They will not enter Paradise, nor smell its fragrance, even though it can be found from a distance of five hundred years of travel”, here is the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah as clarified by Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him:

والخلاصة أن من مات على الشرك لا يغفر له، والجنة عليه حرام، من عرب وعجم، ومن جن وإنس، ومن مات على ما دون الشرك من المعاصي، فهو تحت مشيئة الله خلافًا للمعتزلة والخوارج، ومن سار على مذهبهم من سائر المبتدعة، فإن الخوارج والمعتزلة ومن سار على مذهبهم يرون العاصي مخلد في النار، وأنه لا يغفر له إذا مات على الزنا يروه مخلدًا في النار، أو الخمر يروه مخلدًا في النار هذا باطل، بل هو تحت مشيئة الله، إن شاء الله غفر له، ومحا عنه سيئاته، وأدخله الجنة بتوحيده، وإسلامه، وأعماله الصالحة الأخرى.

وإن شاء عذبه على قدر معاصيه، يعذب في النار ما شاء الله، ثم يخرج من النار، عند أهل السنة والجماعة وهم الصحابة  وأتباعهم بإحسان، يعذب ما شاء الله قد تطول مدته، وقد تقصر على حسب أعماله السيئة، ثم يخرج من النار، لا يخلد في النار، لا يخلد في النار إلا المشركون إلا الكفرة.
أما العاصي الموحد المسلم لا يخلد في النار إذا دخلها، يعذب على قدر معاصيه التي مات عليها لم يتب، ثم يخرجه الله من النار إلى الجنة، عند أهل الحق عند أهل السنة والجماعة بإجماع أهل السنة والجماعة خلافًا للخوارج والمعتزلة ومن سار على منهجهم من الإباضية

The one who dies upon Shirk is not forgiven; Paradise is forbidden for him — among the Arabs, non-Arabs, the Jinn, and humankind.

The one who dies upon a sin that is lesser than Shirk is under the Will of Allah. This is the opposite of what the Muʿtazilah, the Khawarij, and others who follow their path believe — that the sinner will dwell in the Fire forever, and that he will not be forgiven if he dies with the sin of fornication or alcohol consumption. They hold that he will dwell in the Fire forever. This belief is false. Rather, he will be under Allah’s Will: if He wills, He will forgive him, erase his evil deeds, and enter him into Paradise due to his belief in Islamic monotheism, Islam, and other righteous deeds. And if Allah wills, He punishes him based on the level of his sin — punished in the Fire as Allah wills, then removed from the Fire.

This is the belief of Ahlus Sunnah, such as the Sahabah and those who follow them in good. He is punished as Allah wills, and the period may be long or short in accordance with his evil deeds. Then he is removed from the Fire and will not remain there forever.

None remains in the Fire forever except the polytheists and those who disbelieve (in Allah or His Messenger, or died upon a sin that is tantamount to major disbelief). [15] [Paraphrased]

 

Be Warned Against The Danger of Selective Justice

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Quraish had been anxious about the Makhzumi woman who had committed theft, and said, “Who will speak to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about her?” They said, “Who dare it, but Usamah, the loved one of Allah’s Messenger?” So Usamah spoke to him. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger said, “Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” He then stood up and addressed (people) saying, “O people! Those who have gone before you were destroyed, because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”. [16]

“Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” Meaning, it is not permissible to intercede regarding the divine prescribed punishments.

“Those who have gone before you were destroyed because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him”.

Meaning, destroyed through punishment due to their sins. They were destroyed due to this matter because they said, “This is a person of high status and it is not possible to cut his hand”. When a person of high status amongst them stole, they let him off, (but) when a person of low status stole, they established the punishment on him, thus the implementation of Allah’s prescribed punishments was carried out based on their desires. In this hadith is proof to show that the nations before us committed theft, and that there was much theft in their midst including the wealthy, the poor, the one of high status and the one of low status.

The Messenger then made an oath – even though he is the righteous and truthful one without making an oath – that “By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”.

O Allah! Send Your Salutations and blessings upon him (i.e. the prophet). This is how justice should be and the manner in which Allah’s rulings are to be applied, and not through desires. He made an oath that if Fatimah – who was of a higher status than that Makhzumi woman, both in nobility and lineage, because she is the leader of the women of paradise, the daughter of Muhammad – stole, he would cut her hand. [17]

Imaam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that Imam Muslim, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned narrations in the chapter regarding the forbiddance of interceding in the divine ordained punishments and that this was the cause of the destruction of the Children of Israel. The scholars unanimously agreed that – due to these narrations – interceding in the divine ordained punishments – after the affair has reached the leader – is prohibited. As for before it reaches the leader, most scholars have permitted intercession if the one being interceded for is not an evil person and harmful to the people. As for the sins (or acts of disobedience) for which there are no prescribed punishments, then intercession regarding them is permissible whether the affair has reached the leader or not. Intercession in these affairs is desirable if the one being interceded for is not a harmful person and so on. [18]


[1] Tafsir As-Sadi

[2] Jawab Al-Kaafee. page 102

[3] Sahih Muslim. 1678

[4] Sharh Sahih Muslim. 11/139

[5] Sahih Al-Jami 9208

[6] Sahih Al-Jami 6103]

[7] Silsilah As-Sahihah 2923

[8] Sahih Al-Bukhari 7152

[9] Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 3/222

[10] Sahih Muslim. 2128

[11] Sharh Sahih Muslim 14/92

[12]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/10311/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%B5%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

[13]https://binbaz.org.sa/index.php/fatwas/6333/%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%B5%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

[14] Fataawaa Shaikh Muhammad Bin Utrhaymeen. 2/825

[15]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/18158/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%BA%D9%81%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83-%D8%A8%D9%87

[16] Saheeh Muslim. 1688a

[17] An Excerpt from Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 6/525-530 By Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him)

[18] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’. 11/155

Salafi Ideologies – Brief Response to a Misconception of Ohad Merlin at Jerusalem Post

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire. [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” [2]

In an article published at Jerusalem Post on January 18, 2024, and updated the following day, the writer named a particular individual, and said that this person “also faces attacks from anti-Islamist actors who reject Salafi ideologies and based their disdain on his roles in several al-Qaeda offshoots”. [end of quote]

In this article, we are not going to address the conflict between that individual and his opponents, instead, our aim is to briefly clarify the term “Salafi/Salafiyyah”, and that linking either of them to the concept of ideology is a misconception. 

First, it is necessary to examine the definition of the term “ideology”. Whoever researches will find that ideology, is a form of social or political philosophy in which practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones- a system of “ideas” that aspires both to explain the world and to change it; or a set of “opinions” or “beliefs” of a group or an individual. It can also refer to a set of “political beliefs” or a set of ideas that characterise a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. Furthermore, even if social scientists define ideology in a broader sense to include religious beliefs, the Salafi says that religious beliefs are subjected to scrutiny as to to whether they were initiated by an individual without precedence or that that they were from a previous Scripture but corrupted. The basis of determining what beliefs or religious rites are correct or incorrect are the sources of the final infallible revelation – the Qur’an and Sunnah – as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.  

Second, every person with some knowledge of the infallible divine revelation- the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and implemented by the Sahabah – knows that the ideas of philosophy, theory, opinions, capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism originate from the inherently flawed nature of human thought. Thus, they are inherently debatable, with their inconsistencies and shortcomings clearly visible to everyone acquainted with them.

Third, as for “belief”, it may be either fabricated or innovated by individuals who stray from the teachings of the Prophets, or they may be rooted in the pure, infallible final revelation – the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Thus, when the word “belief” is mentioned without clarifying its foundation, it becomes ambiguous. This is why we scrutinise the language and terminology used by all intellectuals, and in particular more scrutiny is applied to the language and expressions of the well known anti-Islam ideologues, demagogues, journalists, or provocateurs when they seek to impose their flawed interpretations or judgments on the term ‘Salafi’ or ‘Salafiyyah’. 

The term ‘Salafi’ or ‘Salafiyyah’ can never be categorised as an ideology or a set of ideas, as these can be contested, debated, or labeled as right or wrong. Instead, Salafiyyah represents the path of infallible revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, those who assert that ideology encompasses belief and then assess Salafiyyah by the same criteria as other beliefs either lack understanding of Salafiyyah and the path of a true Salafi, or have utilised ambiguous language – whether intentionally or unintentionally – that leads to an absurd and dangerous confusion. As it’s the norm in some cases with regards to writers who subscribe to different ideologies, they are genuinely confused about Salafiyyah and the path of a true Salafi, and perhaps Ohad is genuinely confused and misguided in this matter. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: 

“The basis of Banee Adam’s misguidance is as a result of general terms and ambiguous meanings, especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, so how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [3]

One of the core principles in Islam is the understanding that words or terms fall into two categories: those found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, which every believer is required to affirm, and those that are negated by Allah and His Messenger. The terms affirmed by Allah represent the truth, while those He has negated are also rejected as false, since Allah speaks only the truth and guides us along the right path. The terminology of Shariah is sacred, and it is essential for one to seek the accurate meanings intended by the Messenger to affirm what he affirmed and reject what he negated. It is our duty to believe in and testify to everything he has conveyed and to follow his commands. Regarding terms that do not appear in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and where the early scholars have not reached a consensus on their affirmation or negation, individuals are not obligated to side with those who affirm or deny them until their intended meanings are clarified. If the intended meaning aligns with the revelations and commands of the Messenger, it is accepted; if it contradicts his teachings, it is dismissed. [4]

Salafi ideology, or rather the notion of multiple Salafi ideologies, does not exist. What truly exists is Salafiyyah, a path rooted in the infallible teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Any deviation from this path—whether in creed/belief, worship, or methodology—cannot be considered part of Salafiyyah, regardless of the claims made by various groups, individuals, or the author of the article in question. While innovations in religion are linked to ideologies, opinions and ideas of men, Salafiyyah is anchored in infallible divine revelation as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

Salafiyyah is to follow the path of pious predecessors – the Sahabah, the Tabiin and the virtuous generations. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhaajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. [at-Tawbah 100]

Allah, The Most High, said about the Sahabah:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَواْ وَّنَصَرُوٓاْ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another – up to His statement:

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدُ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ مَعَكُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مِنكُمۡ‌ۚ

And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allah) they are of you.

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections, said in Surah Al-Hashar:

لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخۡرِجُواْ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا وَيَنصُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ يُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ

(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allaah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say); And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrated to them, up until the statement of the Most High:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ 

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “This ummah will split into seventy three sects; all of them will enter the fire except one. They said, ‘which is that (saved sects) O Messenger of Allah? He replied: ‘those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon today’”. [Footnote a] The Prophet said: “Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa after me”.

Therefore, Salafiyyah is the methodology that has been obligated to us to follow and we are to abandon all other methodologies that are in opposition to it. The (people of Salafiyyah) are the saved sect- Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, and they are the aided group till the Day of Judgement. May Allah include us amongst them.

However, ascription to this methodology requires knowledge of its fundamentals in order that the Muslim may adhere to it. [One is] required to have knowledge of the other methodologies that are in opposition to Salafiyyah in order to avoid them. Therefore, Salafiyyah upon the path of the pious predecessors has to be upon knowledge and clear sightedness. It is not enough for a person to ascribe himself to [Salafiyyah] while ignorant of it or being in opposition to it. For this reason, Allah said:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ 

And also those who followed them exactly (in Faith)].

They follow based on knowledge- neither fall into extremism nor negligence. They neither exaggerate nor fail to give the matter its right like those who ascribe themselves to the Madhabs of the four Imams whilst being in opposition to them in creed and worship. And like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the Salaf, yet he either declares the Muslims to be disbelievers or rebels against the Muslim rulers, or he follows other orientations towards extremism. This person is not a Salafi, rather he is named a khariji or a Mutazili. Or like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the Salaf, but utters the statements of the Murji’ah in the subject of Iman and Kufr. This is not Salafiyyah. Therefore, it is obligatory to pay attention to this matter and not to mix the Salafi methodology with the other methodologies that are in opposition to it, and then says, “All these methodologies are not from Islam”. This is reckless speech, an oppressive judgement and deception against the people. [5]

Finally, there is no such thing as a quietist or Jihadist categorisation of Salafiyyah or Salafis. Read here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah- may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

It is therefore important that the author seeks knowledge before making statements. The sincere seeker of truth must refer to the following links: http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

What is Salafism? Read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-evils-of-modern-day-terrorism-and-its-roots-al-qaeda-isis-the-nusra-front-etc/

———————————————-

Footnote a:   https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/


[1]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/23

[2]https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt

[3] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ 3/927

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akh’taa Badil Kuttab. 2/173-174

Reality of the Rafidah – By Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan and Al-Allamah Rabee

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, was asked:

Is it correct that the first to innovate the path of the Raafidah was Abdullah Ibn Saba – a Yahudi?

Response:

Yes, without a doubt. The Rafidah or the Shiites in general are of two types: The Shiites from the fire worshipers and the Shiites from the Yahud. They hide behind Islam to corrupt it. The Yahud plotted through Abdullah Ibn Sabah and the first thing he began with was to ignite fitnah against Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him. Listen below:

https://safeshare.tv/x/krhxTksllR

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

Our Shaikh, may Allah preserve you. The questioner says: What is the ruling on the common people of the Rawafid and how do we deal with them?

Answer:

The questioner differentiates between the common people and other than them. This is a good approach. The common people who neither speak ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor do they declare the companions to be disbelievers, nor do they believe that the Qur’an is distorted; however, they have some Rafd [i.e. beliefs of the rafidah] and some hatred for the companions without declaring them disbelievers and what is similar to (these deeds), these ones are misguided innovators in religious matters and we do not declare them disbelievers. (But) whoever joins their heretics in declaring the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be disbelievers, speaking ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, and the filthy belief that the Qur’an has been distorted, and that there is an addition and deficiency in it, this (person) is a disbeliever similar to the disbelievers of the Yahud and Nasara. There is no distinction between their common people and their scholars (in this affair).

Question: How do we deal with them?

Answer: If dealing with them is with regards to a worldly affair—business transactions and what is similar to that— it is permissible to trade with a Yahudi, a Nasrani and a Rafidi. However, as for co-operating with them in issues of religion, no.

وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ‌ۚ

Do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2]

Rather their scholars and callers are boycotted and they are warned against.

An Excerpt from Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab Ash-Shariah 3/595

Two Inevitable Reflections in the Face of Useless Conflicts Initiated by Corrupt Creed Advocates and Wealth Worshippers

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

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

A longing for the afterlife can only be fulfilled by refraining from the superfluous pleasures of the worldly life, and this abstention from such pleasures can be realised solely through two types of contemplation.

The First Contemplation: Reflect on the worldly life its fleeting nature, disappearance, inherent inferior status, hassles, ordeals, frustrations and troubles, and finally a conclusion marked by loss and remorse. Thus, the individual pursuing such a life finds no protection from sorrow, both prior to and following its acquisition, nor after it has faded away. This constitutes the first reflection.

The Second Contemplation: Reflect on the Afterlife- its proximity, its inevitable arrival, its permanence, the dignity of the goodness and joy it encompasses, and the distinctions between it and this worldly life, as Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, said:

وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting. [Al-A’laa. 17]

It is perfect and everlasting, whereas the (worldly life) is deficient and transient.

If a person accomplishes these two reflections, they will naturally favour what sound reasoning dictates and avoid what should be reliquished. No one who is inclined to forgo an immediate gain and a readily available pleasure can do so unless their aspiration for something greater and more virtuous is more compelling, and the merits of the anticipated virtue are evident when compared to the immediate gratification. If an individual chooses what is deficient and will (ultimately) face extinction, it may be due to either the absence of awareness regarding the merits of the afterlife or a deficiency in the desire for that which is more virtuous. Both scenarios reflect a weakness in Iman, intellect, and discernment. This is because the person who desires the worldly life, prioritises it over the temporal world and is eager for it, either acknowledges the existence of something more virtuous and eternal or he does not acknowledge it. Should he choose not to acknowledge, he is entirely devoid of Iman. And if he does acknowledge but fails to prioritise it, his reasoning is flawed, and he has made a poor decision for himself. These two are inescapable, as a servant of Allah cannot evade them. Prioritising the worldly life over the hereafter stems either from a deficiency in Iman or corruption of intellect, and often, both issues coexist within (an individual). As a result, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, along with his companions, distanced themselves from the worldly things (which one can do without) and redirected their hearts away from them. The Prophet said:

“What is the world to me? What am I to the world? Verily, the example of this world and myself is that of a rider who seeks shade under a tree, then he moves on and leaves it behind”. [Ahmad 3701]

The Prophet said:

“What is the example of this worldly life in comparison to the Hereafter other than one of you dipping his finger in the sea? Let him see what he brings forth”. [Muslim 2858]

Allah, The Most High, said:

نَّمَا مَثَلُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِمَّا يَأۡكُلُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زُخۡرُفَهَا وَٱزَّيَّنَتۡ وَظَنَّ أَهۡلُهَآ أَنَّہُمۡ قَـٰدِرُونَ عَلَيۡہَآ أَتَٮٰهَآ أَمۡرُنَا لَيۡلاً أَوۡ نَہَارً۬ا فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا حَصِيدً۬ا كَأَن لَّمۡ تَغۡنَ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَڪَّرُونَ
وَٱللَّهُ يَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ دَارِ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect. Allah calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Yunus 24-25]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ مُّقۡتَدِرًا
ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. [Al-Kahf. 45-46]

Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعِبٌ۬ وَلَهۡوٌ۬ وَزِينَةٌ۬ وَتَفَاخُرُۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَتَكَاثُرٌ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَوۡلَـٰدِ‌ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيۡثٍ أَعۡجَبَ ٱلۡكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ يَہِيجُ فَتَرَٮٰهُ مُصۡفَرًّ۬ا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَـٰمً۬ا‌ۖ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬‌ۚ وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure, whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. [Al-Hadid 57]

Allah, The Most High, said:

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ ٱلشَّهَوَٲتِ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلۡبَنِينَ وَٱلۡقَنَـٰطِيرِ ٱلۡمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ ٱلذَّهَبِ وَٱلۡفِضَّةِ وَٱلۡخَيۡلِ ٱلۡمُسَوَّمَةِ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ وَٱلۡحَرۡثِ‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُ ۥ حُسۡنُ ٱلۡمَـَٔابِ
قُلۡ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيۡرٍ۬ مِّن ذَٲلِڪُمۡ‌ۚ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ جَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزۡوَٲجٌ۬ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ۬ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him. Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For the pious there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) slaves”. [Aal Imran. 14-15]

Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَفَرِحُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعٌ۬

And they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment. [Ar-Rad. 26]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرۡجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا وَرَضُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱطۡمَأَنُّواْ بِہَا وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ عَنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا غَـٰفِلُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَأۡوَٮٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ

Verily, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who are heedless of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.); Those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn. [Yunus 78]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَا لَكُمۡ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱنفِرُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱثَّاقَلۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ أَرَضِيتُم بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ فَمَا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ

O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah you cling heavily to the earth? [Footnote a] Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter. [at-Tawbah. 38]

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَفَرَءَيۡتَ إِن مَّتَّعۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِنِينَ
ثُمَّ جَآءَهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُوعَدُونَ
مَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡہُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُمَتَّعُونَ

Tell Me, if We do let them enjoy for years; And afterwards comes to them that (punishment) which they had been promised! All that with which they used to enjoy shall not avail them. [Ash-Shu’ara 205-207]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيَوۡمَ يَحۡشُرُهُمۡ كَأَن لَّمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّہَارِ يَتَعَارَفُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ

And on the Day when He shall gather (resurrect) them together, (it will be) as if they had not stayed (in the life of this world and graves, etc.) but an hour of a day. They will recognise each other. [Yunus 45]

Allah, The Most High, said:

كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّن نَّہَارِۭ‌ۚ بَلَـٰغٌ۬‌ۚ فَهَلۡ يُهۡلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Qur’an is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]. [Al-Ahqaf. 35]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَسۡـٴَـلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرۡسَٮٰهَا
فِيمَ أَنتَ مِن ذِكۡرَٮٰهَآ
إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ مُنتَہَٮٰهَآ
إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُنذِرُ مَن يَخۡشَٮٰهَا
كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَہَا لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوۡ ضُحَٮٰهَا

They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour, – when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to say anything about it; To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof? You (O Muhammad) are only a warner for those who fear it; The Day they see it, (it will be) as if they had not tarried (in this world) except an afternoon or a morning. [An-Nazi’at’. 42-46]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيَوۡمَ تَقُومُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ يُقۡسِمُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ مَا لَبِثُواْ غَيۡرَ سَاعَةٍ۬‌ۚ

And on the Day that the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun will swear that they stayed not but an hour. [Ar-Rum. 55]

Allah, The Most High, said:

قَـٰلَ كَمۡ لَبِثۡتُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ
قَالُواْ لَبِثۡنَا يَوۡمًا أَوۡ بَعۡضَ يَوۡمٍ۬ فَسۡـَٔلِ ٱلۡعَآدِّينَ
قَـٰلَ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬‌ۖ لَّوۡ أَنَّكُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

He (Allah) will say: “What number of years did you stay on earth?” They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.” He (Allah) will say: “You stayed not but a little, if you had only known! [Al-Mu’munun 112-114]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ‌ۚ وَنَحۡشُرُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ زُرۡقً۬ا
يَتَخَـٰفَتُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا عَشۡرً۬ا
نَّحۡنُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذۡ يَقُولُ أَمۡثَلُهُمۡ طَرِيقَةً إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا يَوۡمً۬ا

The Day when the Trumpet will be blown (the second blowing): that Day, We shall gather the Mujrimun, (criminals) Zurqa (blind or thirsty); In whispers will they speak to each other (saying): “You stayed not longer than ten (days).” We know very well what they will say, when the best among them in knowledge and wisdom will say: “You stayed no longer than a day!” [Taha. 102-104]

Allah’s Aid is sought and upon Him we place our reliance!

An Excerpt from Al-Fawa’id. page 148-152

Footnote a: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

One of the Many Reasons Why Tawhid Holds Paramount Importance

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said:

The first Surah of the Qur’an [i.e. Al-Fatiha] and last Surah of the Qur’an [i.e. An-Nas] gather the three categories of Tawheed; namely: Tawheed Ar-Robubiyyah [The Oneness of Allaah’s Lordship], Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah [Allah is the only deity worthy of worship] and Tawheed al-Asmaa Was-Sifaat [The Oneness of Allaah in His Names and Attributes].

Surah Fatiha

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).”

Surah An-Naas:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

مَلِكِ النَّاسِ

إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ

Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind. The King of mankind. The Ilah (God) of mankind. From the evil of the whisperer (devil who whispers evil in the hearts of men) who withdraws (from his whispering in one’s heart after one remembers Allah). Who whispers in the breasts of mankind. Of jinns and men.

Source: Mukhtasar Al-Mufeed Fee Bayaan Dalaa’il Aqsaam at-Tawheed. Audio lesson: 2.