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A Preposterous Assertion

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

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

Brief response to a preposterous assertion of a Journalist: “Saudi Arabia, The Birth Place of Islam and Site of Its Two Holiest Shrines!!!”

The Kabah is Not a Shrine

Why is it called Kabah? Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that it is called Kabah because of its squared shape. Every building that is squared in shape and has four pillars is called kabah. [1] It is called Baytul Ateeq because it is very ancient, the best Masjid without exception. Freed from being captured by tyrants [2], (i.e. except during the end of time when it will be demolished by Dhul Suwayqatayn). It is called Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. the sacred Masjid (3)] and a Masjid is where none is to be invoked or prayed to besides Allah. [4]

The late Mufti of Saudi Arabia Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Shrines are graves and the Prophetic tradition regarding this affair is that graves are to be raised a hand span from the ground, so that they are recognised as graves and not degraded. This is why in the hadith of Sa’d Bin Abee Waqqas, may Allah be pleased with him, it is reported that the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was raised a hand span and Sa’d also gave orders that the same should be done to his grave. As for building over them, taking them as Masaajid (mosques, places of worship) and building domes, this is not permissible. According to the people of knowledge, this is evil, innovation in religion and one of the means to Shirk. Due to this the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated in an authentic hadith: “The curse of Allah is upon the Jews and Christians [i.e. those Jews who deviated from the message of Prophet Musa and those Christians who deviated from the message of the Messiah and disbelieved in Muhammad], for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. In a hadith in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet forbade that graves should be plastered (made into permanent structures), used as sitting places and building over them. Therefore, it is not permissible to build over graves – neither mosques nor domes, nor other than them, and also they are not to be plastered because this is one of the means to Shirk – one of the means because it becomes exalted, invoked besides Allah and help sought from it, thus shirk occurs. Building over graves- placing domes, mosques and lamps over them are from the means to Shirk, and this is why the Prophet warned against it and cursed those who do so. [5]

Where Was The Grave of The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,?

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleaded with her, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians, for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. Then Aa’isha said, “Had that not been the case, his grave would be in an open place, but he feared that it would be taken as a place of worship”.[Al-Bukhari 1330]

After quoting this hadith, Imam Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in [تحذير الساجد من اتخاذ القبور مساجد – pages 14-15]: “The statement of Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, clearly shows the reason why the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was buried in his bedroom and that was to prevent the one who would build a Masjid over him. It not permissible to use this as evidence to bury others in a house and what supports this is that it is in opposition to the foundational Islamic practice because the Sunnah (legislates) that the deceased are buried in the graveyards. This is why Ibn Urwah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Al-Kawaakib Ad-Daraaree, “To be buried in the graveyards of the Muslims was more pleasing to Abu Abdillaah – meaning Al-Imam Ahmad – than being buried in the houses because it poses lesser harm to those who are alive with regards to worshiping images [i.e. keep people away from worshipping the deceased], more resemblant to a place of the afterlife, (urges) for more supplication for the person and seeking forgiveness for him. The companions, the Tabi’in and those after them did not cease burying the deceased in the desert”. If it is said, “The Prophet’s grave is in his house as well as the graves of his two companions (i.e. Abu Bakr and Umar)”, we say, “Aaisha said, ‘Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked to be buried in his house so that his grave is not taken as a place of worship because he used to bury his companions at Al-Baqee and his practice is more worthy to be followed than that of others. His companions knew that he- in particular – was to be buried in his house because he said, ‘The Prophets are to be buried where they die'”. This protects (the place they are buried from too much noise) and distinguish them from other people.

On page 78 – [تحذير الساجد من اتخاذ القبور مساجد] – Imam Al-Albani stated: As for the second doubt that the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is located within his mosque, as is seen at present, and that if this were indeed prohibited, he would not have been buried in it! The response to this is that, while this is seen at present, it was not the case during the time of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them because when he passed away, they buried him in his bedroom adjacent to his Masjid, separated by a wall that included a door leading to the Masjid. This is a well-established fact among scholars, with no disagreement on the matter. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, buried him in the house and they did so that no one after them would be able to take his grave as a masjid as previously clarified in the narration of Aisha and others (page 14-15). However, after them, something they would have never anticipated occurred! In the year 88AH, Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik ordered the demolition of the Prophet’s Masjid and the incorporation of the bedrooms of the Messenger’s wives into it, thus including the bedroom of Prophet – Aisha’s bedroom. As a result, the grave was was entered in the Masjid. At that time, there were no companions present in Madina, contrary to what some may assume. [End of quote]

Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, quoted Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, who stated: The grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was initially outside of his Mosque in Madeenah – the fact is that his house was next door to the Mosque and that is where he was buried after his death. Later, in the time of the rule of Waleed Ibn Abdul-Malik he commanded that Mosque be expanded, and thus the house of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was included into the Mosque as it was extended. This occurred at the displeasure of the Scholars – and they hated it – from them, Sa’eed Ibn Al-Musayyib (died 94H).

As for the green dome that was erected high over the grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam), then it was built at the end of the 6th century – it was built by one of the kings of Egypt. So whoever uses the grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the Mosque as a proof, or the presence of the green dome then, in reality, he has no proof at all. That is because these constructions and affairs were initiated by people ignorant and devoid of knowledge. They had authority and the people were not able to prevent them. So they did what they did due to their claim that they were expressing their love of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) and respect for him”. (6)

The Origin of Grave Worship In The Ummah

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

Allah, The Most High, guided mankind through Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and through what he brought of clear manifest evidences and guidance – a guidance that could not be described by those who were proficient in giving descriptions and surpassed the knowledge of those with great perception. So, through this guidance, Allaah [The Most High] opened the eyes of the blind ones, the ears of the deaf ones and the hearts of the heedless ones. Allaah [The Most High] united them upon one religion- the religion of pure Islamic monotheism; Prophet Ibraaheem’s [peace be upon him] religion of pure monotheism – after they had been in a state of complete disunity, enmity towards one another, destructive and corrupt creeds. Allaah united their hearts and they became true brothers in Islam by way of this great blessing. And thereafter everything that was worshiped besides Allaah- such as graves, trees, stones, graven images, idols etc- ceased to exist and all worship was carried out for Allaah (alone).

The people followed the true Religion of Islamic monotheism, worshipped Allah alone and established worship sincerely for Allaah, except those whom Allaah willed that they were to remain as people of polytheism, hypocrisy and followers of the altered and distorted previous scriptures. The darkness of shirk (polytheism) was dispelled and the banner of Tawheed (pure Islamic Monotheism) was raised in the lands amongst the Arabs and non-Arabs. The Messenger of Allah returned to his Lord, whilst Islam was established and in authority-superseding all other ways of life and creeds. Then the rightly guided khulafaa of the Messenger [AbuBakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali] continued upon this path until the two powerful and great nations at the time- Rome and Persia- ended up in humiliation, degradation and in a state of fear after they had been in a state of security, and thus Caesar was restricted and besieged, and khosrau was subdued and destroyed.

So when the enemies of Islam saw that they were unable to do away with this religion, they implanted their disbelieving agents within Islam, who pretended to be Muslims in order to foment confusion, trials and tribulations, and spread Shirk (polytheism) by exaggerating the status of the pious people – exalting their graves through (beliefs and practices) that were not ordained by Allaah. So, this Ummah was put to trial through the plots of the [atheist, heretic and hypocrite] Abdullaah Bin Saba, who claimed Uloohiyyah for Ali Ibn Abee Taalib [i.e. that Ali has the right to be worship]. Abdullaah Bin As-Sabah’s followers were known as the Saaba’iyyah, and later on they were known as the rawaafid (shiites), the ismaaliyyah (shittes), the nusayriyah (shiites) and other than them amongst the Baatiniyyah. They used to worship the graves and the dead, and built places of worship and domed (shaped) shrines upon these graves. So, by way of this they revived the practices of the Jews, the Christians and idol worshippers, and thus the practices of the worshippers of graves in this Muslim Ummah manifested itself in deeds of the rawaafid (shiites).

Secondly: The books of Greek philosophy that contained the ideas of grave and idol worship were translated into Arabic, so many of those who attributed themselves to Islam busied themselves with these books, such as the likes of Al- Faraabee, Ibn Sinaa Al-Hanafi, Naseer At- Toosee the advocator of disbelief and polytheism and other than them amongst those who played tricks with Islaam, just as Paul played tricks with Christianity. They were influenced by the ideas of the Greek Philosophers- the creed of grave worship, so they became callers to grave worship through Greek Philosophy.

Thirdly: A people appeared among the Muslims manifesting asceticism. These people were more dangerous to the masses and more severe in misguidance. They were a people who appeared in the garb of the righteous, with tearful eyes smeared with kohl, long flowing beards, elevated turbans, carrying rosary beads and pretending to be calling to the sunnah of the leader of Humankind [Muhammad], whilst secretly practicing the disgraceful acts inherited from the false and vanished religions. And from their plots was that they used to mix manifest lies with the authentic explanations of the Qur’aan and the authentic narrations in order to corrupt the clear proofs of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. These deviant heretics were known as the holooliyyah, ittihaadiyyah Grave worshippers (I), such as the likes of al-hallaaj (309ah), ibnul faarid (632ah), ibn arabi (638ah), ibn sina (669ah) etc (7)

——————————————————————

Footnote (I): Hulooliyyah and ittihaadiyyah]: Hulool- Lit. “Entering” – Divine indwelling. The belief that Allaah dwells within a particular human. i.e. That Allaah dwells in a particular Soofi shaykh, a pious person, a Prophet – This belief is shared by Christians, certain Soofies, certain Shiites, Sikhs and others. Wahdaatul Wujood – Lit – Unity of Existence. The belief that all existence is a single existence and everything we see are only aspects of the Essence of Allah. This belief is also held by certain Soofies, Hindus and others.

Those who believe in hulool say that Allaah dwells and is incarnate in human beings, High is Allaah above and far removed from that. This was openly called to by some of the extreme Sufis, such as al-Husayn ibn Mansoor al-Hallaaj who was declared to be an unbeliever by the scholars. They ordered that he be executed and he was crucified in the year 309H. The following saying is attributed to him: “Glory to Him who manifested His human nature, Hiding the piercing brightness of His divinity: Till His creation saw Him openly, In the form of one eating and drinking” Attributed by al-Wakeel to the book at Tawaaseen of al Hallaaj (p. 130).

And his saying: “I am the one who loves and the One who is loved is me, We are two spirits who dwell in a single body. So when you see me you see Him, and when you see Him you see us both.”So al-Hallaaj was a believer in hulool and believed in the duality of the divine nature and that the Deity had both a divine and a human nature. Thus the divine becomes incarnate within the human so that the human spirit is the divine nature of the Deity and the body is its human form. Despite the fact that he was killed for his evil apostasy and although some of the Sufis declare themselves free of him, yet others count him as a Sufi, hold that his beliefs were correct, and write down his words. From them is Abdul-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Ataa al-Baghdaadee, Muhammad ibn Khaleef ash? Sheeraazee and Ibraheem an-Nasraabaadhee, as is reported by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee.

Wahdatul-Wujood, i.e. that all in existence is a single reality, and that everything we see is only aspects of the Essence of Allaah. The chief claimant of this belief was Ibn ‘Arabee al-Haatimee at-Taa’ee, who was buried in Damascus having died in the year 638H. He himself says about this belief in his book al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah: “The slave is the Lord and the Lord is a slave, I wish that I knew which was the one required to carry out the required duties. If I were to say the servant then that is true, or if I were to say the Lord, then how can that be required for Him.” Al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah as it is attributed by Dr. Taqiyyuddeen al-Hilaalee in his book al-Hadiyyatul-Haadiyah (p.43).

He also says in al-Fatoohaat: “Those who worshipped the calf worshipped nothing except Allaah.” Quoted as Ibn ‘Arabee’s saying by Ibn Tayrniyyah in al-Fataawaa (vol.11), who attributes it to the book al-Fatoohaat. Ibn ‘Arabee is called ‘al-‘Aarif billaah’ (The one having great knowledge of Allaah) by the Sufis, and also ‘al-Qutubul Akbar’ (The great pivot), ‘al-Miskul-Adhfar’ (the sweetest smelling musk), “al-Kibreetul-Ahmar’ (the reddest brimstone), despite his belief in wahdatul-wujood and other calamitous sayings. Indeed he praised Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and declared that he died upon eemaan! Furthermore he speaks against Haroon for his criticism of his peoples worship of the calf, thus directly opposing the text of the Qur’aan. He also held that the Christians were Unbelievers only because they made divinity particular to ‘Eesaa, whereas if they had made it general to all then they would not have been unbelievers. [Despite all the gross deviation of Ibn ‘Arabee and the fact that the scholars declared him to be an Unbeliever, yet he is revered by the Sufis and others who do not distinguish between the truth and falsehood, and those who turn away from accepting the truth even when it is as clear as the sun. But his books, which are filled with clear apostasy, such as al-Fatoohaatul-Makkiyyah and Fusoosul-Hikam are still circulated. He even has a tafseer, which he called at-Tafseerul-Baatin since he holds that there is an apparent and a hidden meaning for every Aayah, so the outer meaning is for the people of Ta’weel. From this group came Ibn Basheesh who said: “O Allaah rescue me from the mire of Tawheed, and drown me in the centre of the sea of unity, and mix me into the state of unity and oneness until I do not see, nor hear, nor sense except through it.” [8]

May Allah bestow His blessings upon the rulers of Saudi Arabia, for they not only uphold a state of peace and security in that blessed land, by the grace of Allah, but they are also adherents of Tawhid who hold a deep respect for scholars and the followers of Tawhid. They do not tolerate the practice of grave worship. Furthermore, may Allah empower all Sunni Muslim leaders, making them pillars of stability for the Ummah, and safeguard the Muslim Ummah from the Khawaarij, Rawaafid, and all those who pursue chaos and instability. Ameen.

[1] https://binothaimeen.net/content/10706

[2] Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 29 – the meaning of Baytul Ateeq

[3] Surah Al-Baqarah Aayah 144

[4] Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Jinn. Aayah 18

[5]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/16337/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1 paraphrased

[6]https://abukhadeejah.com/decisive-proofs-against-the-sufis-who-take-graves-as-places-of-worship-the-condemnation-of-the-one-who-worships-allah-at-the-grave-of-a-righteous-man-so-how-much-worse-is-the-one-who-actually-worsh/

[7] Excerpt from Juhoodu Ulamaa Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtaal Aqaa’id Al-Qubooriyyeen. 1/19-25

[8] http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=3528

[4] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – [Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd]

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

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

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “We do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after (acquaintance with) the knowledge of Tawheed. This is what is specified as an obligation”.

The Shaikh also said, “You say, ‘Indeed, my child graduated from such and such university and he has a master’s degree or what they call a PHD, and he studied in America or in London or in such university’, and you think that with these (qualifications) he has become a mountain amongst the mountains of the earth; however, as long as he is unaware of the rights of his Lord, unaware of your rights and the affairs of his religion, then by Allaah he is a mirage and there is neither goodness in him nor in his knowledge (of the worldly sciences). To be ignorant (of these worldly science) would be better for him because they led him to reject his religion, country and society. The situation of (this person) is that of evil and his manners have been corrupted. Therefore, it is obligatory that you do not become lackadaisical concerning the affairs of your children as long as they are young. Teach them what is beneficial and nurture them upon good”.

The Shaikh also said, “It is obligated on the teachers to implant the true creed in the hearts of the young generation. They should clarify -for them- the wisdom, beauty and underlying reasons behind the rulings of the Islamic law until their hearts grow in faith and radiated with its light, so that they become upright and benefit their country, governments, Islamic Nation, its people and the Religion”.

The Shaikh also said, “Alas, how can we be pleased with sending our young children to a faculty in America or to such and such country, and he (the parent) says, “My child has gone to study”, (whilst he has gone) to study disbelief, hearsay, deviation, how to turn away from his family, his country and religion!” “How can a person excuse himself for sending his young child to Germany, France, America, Italy and London, whilst he has not yet been nurtured upon the correct creed. This is an error. (Your Muslim child) will come to you whilst turning away from his religion, turning away from his parents and looking down upon them. He will consider them to be (people) who neither possesses understanding nor do they know, whilst in reality he is the one without understanding. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to give serious concern to the children under his care because they are a trust. And when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed the trust. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – 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]. [Soorah Anfaal: Ayah: 27]

Therefore, your children are a trust and when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed them. It is obligated on every one of us to fear Allaah with regards to the (affair) of his children and those under his care. The days go past and the end of a (person’s) lifespan draws closer, and a person does not know when his life span will suddenly come to (an end). (One) must strive to teach his children beneficial knowledge, nurture them upon goodness and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and he is responsible for them. A woman is a shepherdess in her husband’s house and she is responsible for her flock'”.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’. pages 938-944. slightly paraphrased]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[3] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Imaam As-Sadi)]

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

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

Imaam Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls [i.e. upon excellent traits, manners, dealings, characteristics, sound creed etc] which are the determinants of [sound] rectification and success. What the Religion of Islaam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts [upon righteousness], urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.

The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam.

Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which [some] people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature.

The Imaam also said: Industrialization And Modern Inventions: Everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and [virtuous] manners, then indeed -in this era-, it has greatly declined. So, when this industrial advancement is devoid of sound religion and faith, it became a great harm from two angles:

Firstly: It beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided, for indeed a person might be from the most skillful in affairs related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in affairs related to the religion, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next.

Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of sound religion, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them, killing, destruction and other affairs related to it. Its regulators [or overseers] and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life, rather they have not ceased moving from one miserable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows that [to be the case]. Therefore all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying [Allaah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc.

[An Excerpt from Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. pages 45-50]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah.

Judicious Queen Exhausted all Diplomatic Avenues to Safeguard Wellbeing of Her Nation When Dealing With a Very Powerful Opponent

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

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

Judicious Queen Exhausted all Diplomatic Avenues to Safeguard Wellbeing of Her Nation When Dealing With a Very Powerful Opponent –[A far cry from the immaturity of some smaller nations that lend an ear to manipulative foreign instigators who push them into a situation to anger and provoke their much more powerful neighbours, so that they can use them for proxy wars and geopolitical agendas]

Allaah stated that when Bilqees [may Allaah have mercy upon her] received the letter sent by Prophet Sulaymaan [peace be upon him]], she said: [ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ إِنِّىٓ أُلۡقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتَـٰبٌ۬ كَرِيمٌ – O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter]- Meaning, a letter of great stature from the greatest kings of the earth. Then she made known the content of the letter and said:

إِنَّهُ ۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
أَلَّا تَعۡلُواْ عَلَىَّ وَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ

Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)- Meaning, do not attempt to make yourself superior to me; but rather bring yourself under my authority, submit to my commands and come to me as Muslims. This is very a precise statement together with a perfect clarification, because indeed it included forbidding them from being haughty towards him and persisting upon that state of theirs, commanded them to submit to his command, come under his authority, come to him and called them to Islam. This shows that it is recommended to begin with the Basmalah “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special Mercy to the believers)” in Books, and writing one’s name in the first line of the letter.

And due to her determination and sound intellect, she gathered the senior people of her nation state and the (important) men of her kingdom, and said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَفۡتُونِى فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine]- Meaning, tell me what I should respond with- should we obey him and submit or what else should we do?

[مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – I decide no case till you are present with me]- Meaning, I do not a make a final decision on an affair except after consulting you. [قَالُواْ نَحۡنُ أُوْلُواْ قُوَّةٍ۬ وَأُوْلُواْ بَأۡسٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ۬ – They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war]- Meaning, if you reject speech and refuse to obey him, then indeed we are strong enough to fight. It appeared that this view is what they were ready to act upon and it would have been the cause of their destruction if finalised; but also they did not make a final decision on that; rather they said: [وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِلَيۡكِ – but you (i.e. the Queen) are in command]- Meaning, the final decision is yours; because they knew that she possessed sound intelligence and determination, and one who was sincere to them. [فَٱنظُرِى مَاذَا تَأۡمُرِينَ – so think over what you will command]- Meaning, look into the matter, reflect and then decide. So, she said to them – whilst being satisfied with what they said and clarifying the evil outcomes of fighting -[إِنَّ ٱلۡمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرۡيَةً أَفۡسَدُوهَا – Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it]- Meaning, killing, capturing, pillaging and destroying its homes; [وَجَعَلُوٓاْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهۡلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً۬‌ۖ – and make the most honourable amongst its people low]- Meaning, they make the noble leaders among the lowest, therefore the decision to fight is not an upright one; but also I am not going to obey him before learning more about him, send someone who would unveil his affair to me and ponder upon it, so that we would be upon clear-sightedness regarding his affair. Then she said: [وَإِنِّى مُرۡسِلَةٌ إِلَيۡہِم بِهَدِيَّةٍ۬ فَنَاظِرَةُۢ بِمَ يَرۡجِعُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ – But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return]- Meaning, whether he would continue to hold onto his view or become dazzled due to the present and change his view; (find out) about his state of affairs and that of his armies.

Then she sent a gift to Sulaymaan to be delivered by the intelligent ones and those men of sound opinion among her people; but when they came to Sulyamaan with the present, he said – whilst rejecting this initiative of theirs and manifested his anger due their failure in responding to what he sought after – [أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ۬ فَمَآ ءَاتَٮٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰكُم – Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you!] – Meaning, neither is your present of significance to me nor am I happy with it, because Allah has given me what suffices and to be in need of it. [بَلۡ أَنتُم بِہَدِيَّتِكُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ – Nay, you rejoice in your gift!]- Meaning, because of your love for this worldly life and the little you have in comparison to what Allah has bestowed on me. Then Sulaymaan advised the messenger of the Queen, but did not do so in writing, because of what he noticed that the messenger was of sound intelligence and would convey his message just as he stated. He said: [ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِہَا وَلَنُخۡرِجَنَّہُم مِّنۡہَآ أَذِلَّةً۬ وَهُمۡ صَـٰغِرُونَ – Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased].

So the messenger of the Queen returned, delivered Sulaymaan’s message and that they get ready to go to Sulayman. Sulayman knew that they would come to him, so he said to the jinn and humans who were in his presence: [قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِى بِعَرۡشِہَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ – He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?]

[ قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ‌ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ۬ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work]. [قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said]. An Ifreet is an extremely strong and forceful one (amongst the Jinn). And what is apparent here is that at that Sulayman was in Sham at the time, so the distance between him and Saba was a period of four months journey- two months to go there and two months to return; however regardless of this, the Ifreet said, “I take it upon myself to bring it – regardless of its big size and heftiness, and regardless of its distance- before you can rise from your (council). Customarily, the councils take a long time and they take most of the forenoon- about one third of the day. This is the mostly the time period of councils, but it may take lesser or more than that. So, there was a subject of this great King (Sulaymaan) who was bestowed with the power and ability to do what was greater than the offer of the Ifreet. Allaah said: [قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُ ۥ عِلۡمٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!] The Qur’aan commentators stated that he was man – a scholar and righteous in the presence of Sulyamaan, and he was called Aaif Ibn Barkhiyaa. He knew Allaah’s Greatest Name through which Allaah responds and gives when invoked and asked.

Allaah said that he said: [أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!]- Meaning, by invoking Allaah with that Name. And Allaah knows best as to whether this is what is intended or that this person had knowledge of the scripture through which he was able to bring something that was far away and attain what was very difficult to attain (by the will of Allaah).

Prophet Sulyamaan’s Reaction When He Saw The Throne of Bilqees In His Presence

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

 فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ ۥ قَالَ هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬

Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful]. [فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ – Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him], he praised Allaah [The Exalted] for ability placed at his disposal, his kingdom and the affairs facilitated for him. Then he said: [هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ – This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!]- Meaning, to test me by way of of it. He was not beguiled kingdom, authority and power as is the habit of the ignorant kings; rather he knew that this was a test from his Lord, so he was scared of not being thankful for these blessings. [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased] 

[2] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

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

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

The sound Islamic Creed is based on the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah as opposed to the other creeds. The sources of the other creeds differ and you’ll find them being in opposition to each other- filled with contradictions and diverse orientations. As for the person who has been blessed with the sound Islamic creed, he is saved from all of this. The sound Islamic creed is the creed that agrees with Fitrah [natural disposition of (human beings)] and sound intellect. Allaah [The Most High] said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq-illah (i.e. the Religion of Allah Islamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. [Soorah Ar-Rum: Ayah: 30]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Every newly born child is born in a state of fitrah [i.e. upon a natural inclination to worship Allaah (alone)], and it is his parents who make him into a Jew, a Christian or fire-worshipper……”

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said that Allaah said: “Indeed, I created my servants as Hunafaa [i.e. inclined towards monotheism and distanced from polytheism], but the devils divert them from their true religion [of Islamic monotheism]”.

When a person of sound intellect is introduced to the sound Islamic creed and its evidences, he will not oppose it. He will know that it does not contradict sound intellect. It was said to one of the Arabs, “How do you know that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is truthful? He replied, ‘I have not found him command something, except that it is commanded by the sound intellect; and I have not found him prohibit something, except that it is prohibited by the sound intellect’”.

This shows that those who nurture the people upon the sound Islamic creed are the callers to that which agrees with the natural disposition and sound intellect, as opposed to the false creeds because they are in opposition to the natural disposition and sound intellect. Those who call to false creeds utilise lies, deceit, fables, dreams etc…. to spread those false and deviated creeds.

The false creeds and their adherents contradict each other, but as for the sound Islamic creed, its people do not contradict one another. Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآَنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا

Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions. [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 82]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ – Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)]. [Soorah Fussilat: Ayah: 42]

The sound Islamic creed founded upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah is free from falsehood. Falsehood cannot approach it because it is founded upon a pure source. As for the other creeds, they are based on contradictions and differences;

يُؤۡفَكُ عَنۡهُ مَنۡ أُفِكَ

إِنَّكُمۡ لَفِى قَوۡلٍ۬ مُّخۡتَلِفٍ۬ ]

And certainly, you (i.e. people of false creeds) have different ideas (about Muhammad and the Qur’an). Turned aside therefrom (i.e. from Muhammad and the Qur’an) is he who is turned aside (by the Decree and Preordainment of Allaah)]

The sound Islamic creed is clear and there are no obscurities in it, as opposed to the creed of the falsifiers. Its fundamental principles and evidences are clear, as opposed to the other creeds. For example one of the people of philosophical rhetoric wrote a very abstruse treatise on the knowledge of the existence of Allaah and then said, “None will comprehend it, except someone who is firmly grounded in knowledge”. Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi (rahimahullaah) said that one of the philosophers said, “I spent all night looking at the evidences of the philosophers till morning came, but I could not understand anything”.

The sound Islamic creed unites the hearts and prevents hatred and rancour between the people; rather it even unites creatures that are different from one another. For example, look at the bond between the angels and the pious people amongst the children of Aadam! Allaah said:

الَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ الْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ

Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord and believe in Him (i.e. believe in the oneness of Allaah) and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): “Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!’’ [Soorah Ghaafir: Ayah: 7]. So they (i.e. the angels) supplicate and ask Allaah to forgive the believers, and this bond between them and the believers is due to the sound Islamic creed they share.

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ لَوْ أَنْفَقْتَ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ – And He has united their (i.e. believers’) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise]. [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 63]

It is Allaah Who unites (the hearts of the) believers through the sound Islamic creed and this is why Allaah (The Most High) said: [إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)]. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah: 10]

As for the bond you find between the people of corrupt creeds, they are all disconnected. Allaah (The Most High) said:[إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا وَرَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الْأَسْبَابُ – When those who were followed, disown (declare themselves innocent of) those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them]. [Soorah Al-Baqarah: Ayah: 166]

Allaah (The Most High) said:[الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ – Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun ([the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].

The sound Islamic creed gives one’s heart peace and tranquillity. Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)]. [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 97]

A good life is dependent upon Eemaan and righteous actions. Allaah (The Most High) said:

طه (1) مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآَنَ لِتَشْقَى (2) إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَى

Ta-Ha. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.] We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress. [Soorah Taahaa: Ayah:1-2]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ – Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest]. [Soorah Ar-Radd: Ayah:28]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: The hearts were created to be upon Tawheed, but when they abandon what they were created for, they become confused and bewildered. The heart’s need of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah is like a fish’s need for water. A fish dies when deprived of water and likewise the heart dies when deprived of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah.

The sound Islamic creed is a creed of uprightness and justice- neither going beyond bounds nor falling short, as opposed to the other creeds. There is not an affair in the religion- be it the beliefs, acts of worship and its laws- except that the people are divided into three categories in that regard; [a]The Extremists [b]Those who fall short and [c]Those who remain upon uprightness and justice upon the sound creed-those who cling to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. (1)

The (sound) creed in the Religion is like the roots of a tree and the foundation of a building. And just as a tree cannot stand (firm) except by way of its roots and a building cannot stand (firm) except by way of its foundation, likewise the Religion cannot be established except by way of (sound) Eemaan and Sound Creed. A person without sound creed is similar to a body without a soul. Allaah (The Most High) said:

[أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do]. [Soorah Al-An-aam: Ayah: 122]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُم – O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Muhammad) calls you to that which will give you life] [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 24]

This is why Allaah called the revelation ‘Rooh’. Allaah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah: 52-53]

And why did Allaah (The Most High) call it Rooh? It is because the real life of the hearts cannot exist, except by way of the revelation, and the sound creed is the greatest affair in the revelation. Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَتَى أَمْرُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (1) يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنْذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ – The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): “Warn mankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds)]. [Soorah Nahl:Aayaat: 1-2]

This (i.e. the sound creed, Tawheed, sincerity in worship) are the greatest affair in the revelation.

Some Virtues of the Sound Creed

The sound creed is the basis upon which the Religion of Allaah is built. This is manifested in the parable in the Ayah:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ تُؤْتِي

أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.” [Soorah Ibraaheem: Aayaat: 24-25]

“Whose (i.e. this tree) roots are firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)”. The firmness of these roots are [the sound Creed, sound Eemaan and Sincerity in worshipping Allaah alone], and thereafter, the branches are made strong and the fruits are produced. “Its roots are firmly fixed”; and what is well known is that a tree cannot be of benefit when its roots are not firmly fixed; so if the roots are firm, the branches will be strong and the fruits are produced. This is a parable in explanation of the Religion of Islaam and the status of the sound creed in the Religion.

And if you wish to know the status of the sound creed in the Religion of Allaah, then look at the date palm tree because the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that the goodly tree which has been compared to the believer is the date palm tree. Ibn Umar (radiyallaahu-anhumaa) narrated: While we were with the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), he said: ‘’Inform me of a tree which resembles a Muslim man. Its leaves do not fall and it does not, and does not, and does not; and it gives its fruits every now and then.’’ It came to my mind that such a tree must be the date palm, but seeing Abu Bakr and Umar saying nothing, I disliked to speak. So when they did not say anything, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is the date-palm tree’’………[Al-Bukhaari: Vol 6: Number: 4698]

This (hadeeth) shows the nobility of this tree amongst other trees, because Allaah specified it and compared it to the believer. The date-palm tree has roots which are firmly fixed and deeply rooted, and it seeks after water by way of which it is given life. And whenever there is water, its roots seek after it; likewise the heart of the believer seeks after Allaah’s revelation by way of which it is given life. Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.” [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:16]

Allaah revives the dead earth by way of water; so just as a tree is given life by way of water and dies when deprived of water; likewise, the hearts cannot be alive, except by way of the revelation. And if (the hearts) are deprived of the revelation, they become dead. And that is why whenever a person is distanced from the revelation, he comes closer to death (i.e. his heart comes closer to corruption), and whenever he comes closer to the revelation, his heart is given life (i.e. obedience to Allaah, worshipping Allaah alone, distanced from sin etc) in accordance with his closeness to the revelation. (2)

[Ref 1: Source: Al-Madkhal Li-Diraasah Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah: Lesson 1 of Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
[Ref 2: Source: Al-Madkhal Lidiraasat Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr ‘ lesson 3]

[1] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

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

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

The creeds are two types – the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people. However, the sound and correct creed can only be from Allaah’s Wahi [the revelation sent down by Allaah in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. Allaah [The Most High] informed us about Yusuf [peace be upon him] that he said to his companions in the prison:

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ; مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [Surah Yusuf Aayaat 39-40]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى
وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى
أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى
تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى
إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى

Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. [Soorah Najm:19-23]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:21]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Aayaat 52-53]

All these verses of the Qur’aan demonstrate the fact that the sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah].

The delegation of Abdul Qais: The delegation said, “O Messenger of Allaah, we come to you from a far-off distance and there lives between you and us a tribe- the unbelievers of Mudar, and it is not possible for us to come to you except in the sacred months; so direct us to a clear command regarding which we are to inform others and by way of which we may enter paradise. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘I command you to do four things and forbid you from four things’, and he added, ‘I command you to have Eemaan in Allaah’, and then he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] asked them, ‘Do you know what Imaan in Allaah is?’ They said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best’’. He said, ‘It is the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah….’” [Saheeh Muslim]

These people were Arabs and people of eloquence in their language, however when the Messenger asked them about Eemaan they replied, “Allaah and His Messenger know best”. This shows that the affairs of the creed and Eemaan are only established by way of the revelation. As for the people of bidah and evil desires, some of them derive their creed by way of the intellect, opinions, dreams, fables and beliefs they desire.

Principles We Must Establish In This Affair

The First Principle: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the affairs of the religion. He has clarified its fundamentals, subsidiary issues, beliefs and prescribed laws. Allaah [The Most High] said:[الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion]. [Surah Al-Maa-idah: Ayah 3]

Therefore, when it is the case that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] even explained- in detail- the etiquettes of using the toilet, then it is not possible that he would not have detailed the affairs of the creed, thus giving an allowance for others to come along and make up beliefs based on their intellects, opinions etc. Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the Religion, its creed and laws.

 

The Second Principle: The Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] are the sources of the religion, and every dispute between the Muslims is to be referred back to them. Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا – But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad ) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission] [Soorah An-Nisaa: ayah:65]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُبِينًا

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [Surah Al-Ahzaab: Ayah:36]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.’’ [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 59]
And referring back to Allaah is to refer to His Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and referring to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-asallam] is to refer to his [authentic] Sunnah. The one who does not do this; then indeed he has deviated from the straight path. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] used to say often:

مَنْ فَارَقَ الدَّلِيل ضَلَّ السَّبِيل وَلَا دَلِيل إِلَّا بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

Whoever opposes the proofs will be led away from the path, and there is no proof, except that which the Messenger came with.

Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi [rahimahullaah] said:

كَيْفَ يُرَام الْوُصُول إِلَى عِلْمِ الْأُصُولِ بِغيْرِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

How can one aim at reaching knowledge of the fundamental principles of the (religion) with other than what the Messenger brought?!

 

The Third Principle: A Muslim is not to put himself forward before Allaah and His Messenger. He is not to speak about the Religion without knowledge from Allaah and His Messenger, because that is one of the greatest sins and crimes. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ – O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah:1]

This means: Neither speak [about the religion] until Allaah and His Messenger have spoken, nor act in the name of the religion until you are commanded- whether in affairs related to creed, acts of worship or affairs related to knowledge of the religion.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا

And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: “I have seen,” while in fact he has not seen, or “I have heard,” while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah). [Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah:36]

 

The Fourth Principle: Our understanding of the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has to be agree in agreement with the understanding of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors]. They possessed the most pious of hearts and purest souls; they were the ones who received the religion directly from the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], transmitted it to the Ummah as they heard it and fulfilled its requirements. Indeed, Allaah selected them to be the companions of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and carriers of His religion, Allaah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Allaah, Allaah sent down tranquility upon them and granted them piety. Therefore, it is obligated on us to understand the religion in the manner in which they understood it, and t not permissible for anyone to come along and say, “They [i.e. the companions of Muhammad] were men and we are men [i.e. intending to abandon their way]”. If someone says this, then indeed he is a person of misguidance, and because of this reason, Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا – And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination]. [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah:115]

And Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. [Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 100]

This is the aim: We follow them exactly (in faith) and we follow their path. The closer a person is in following them, then the closer is he to guidance. In an authentic hadeeth, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ”The best of people are those living in my generation, then those who come after them, and those after them….’’

 

The Fifth Principle: It is obligated on a person who has been granted this favour [i.e. adherence to the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and the path of the companions] that he remains steadfast upon it- steadfast upon it by way of knowledge, creed and action until Allaah takes his soul. Allaah said: [ فَٱسۡتَقِمۡ كَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ – So stand (ask Allah to make) you (Muhammad) firm and straight (on the religion of Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded]. [Surah Hud. Ayah 112]

Steadfastness can only fulfilled through that which Allaah has revealed. Allaah [The Most High] said:[إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allah,” and thereafter Istaqamu (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve]. [Soorah Al-ahqaah: Ayah:13]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah (Alone),” and then they Istaqamu , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!].[Soorah Fussilat: Ayah:30]

This steadfastness is sought from a slave of Allaah- steadfastness upon the [sound] creed, righteous action and deeds that draws him close to Allaah until Allaah takes away his soul. Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ – And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death)]. [Soorah al-Hijr: Ayah:99]
And Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ – O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah]. [Soorah Aala Imraan: Ayah: 102]

And one of the tremendous supplications is that which has been reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah that Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to supplicate:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ إيمَانًا دَائِمًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَهَدْيًا قَيِّمًا

O Allaah! I ask you for abiding Eemaan, beneficial knowledge and upright guidance.

Mu’aawiyyah Ibn Qurra [rahimahullaah] transmitted this narration from Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] and then said: ”Because there is Eemaan that is not abiding, knowledge that is not beneficial and guidance that is not upright.” Therefore, a Muslim must ask Allaah for these (things) and he should employ the means to attaining them, as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Be eager for what is of benefit to you and place your reliance upon Allaah”.

The Sixth Principle: And after being steadfastness upon the [sound creed, the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the way of the pious predecessors], one must call to it. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.). [Soorah al-Asr]

One has to propagate the sound path and the religion based on what Allaah makes easy for him to propagate. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said to Ali [radiyallaahu-anhu], “By Allaah, for Allah to guide one man by you is better for you than red camels.” The Messenger also said: “Whoever calls to guidance, he will be rewarded, and (also) receive reward equal to those who follow him, without their rewards being reduced in the least.” The Messenger also said: ”The one who guides to good is like the doer of that deed itself”.

To be continued….InShaaAllaah

[Source: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah. Lesson 2- By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]

Valentines Day: [Brief Rebuttal of Shameless Callers to Falsehood and Beautifiers of Haraam – (Rawan Radwan and His Ilk at Arab News)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّواْ بِٱللَّغۡوِ مَرُّواْ ڪِرَامً۬ا – And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity]. [Surah Al-Furqan. Aayah 72]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: They do not attend the gatherings of falsehood and when go past anything that is utilized in falsehood – whether in speech or actions, they behave in an honorable manner and do not stand there to witness or incline towards it. [Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/270]

The Ruling On valentines Day

Saudi Scholar Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Celebrating Valentine’s Day is impermissible due to (several) reasons: Firstly, it is an innovated celebration and it has no basis in the Islamic legislation. Secondly, it calls to infatuation and thirdly It is a means of preoccupying the heart with insignificant affairs and it is in opposition to the guidance of the Salafus Saaleh [The Pious Predecessors – The Prophet and his Companions]. Therefore, it is impermissible to initiate anything on this day related to (celebration), whether it is foodstuffs, drinks, clothing, and exchanging gifts or other than that. It is obligated on a Muslim to nobly (adhere to the) religion and should not be one who goes with the flow- following everyone who calls to something. [An excerpt from Majmoo Fataawaa 16/199]

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated: Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century. Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended. (Ref: Encyclopaedia Britannica). [https://www.abukhadeejah.com/ibn-taymiyyah-on-participating-in-the-annual-celebrations-of-the-unbelievers/ ]

Therefore, the beautifiers of falsehood at Arab News must refrain for their own good. Promoting and beautifying this misguidance is tantamount to following the misguidance of the misguided people of the Scripture. Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Indeed, you will follow the way of those before you, hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered into the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too”. [Al-Bukhaari 1397 and Muslim 4822]

Imaam Al-Aloosee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “He [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us that indeed there will be in his Ummah those who will follow the previous nations – the ignorant people amongst the people of the scriptures and other than them – hand span by hand span as has been explained in the hadeeth. There is no doubt that what he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us has occurred, because indeed he is As-Saadiq Al-Masdooq [the truthful one and the one believed in everything he says] and he does not speak out of his own desires. Certainly those who adhere to his guidance and follow that which has been established in his Sunnah are not the ones intended in this hadeeth due to that which is established in the other hadeeth regarding the sects, that these people are the Firqatun Naaji’yah [the saved sect] – those who adhere to that which the Messenger and his companions adhered to. Therefore, it has to be the case that the people who follow the footsteps of the Jews and Christians are those who substitute and change the religion, innovate in religious affairs and distort, imitate the previous nations in their actions and deeds”. [Ghaayah al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20]

As for the statement that “Valentines Day was once considered socially taboo and now it is celebrated”, this is the statement of a people submerged in evil desires because indeed whatever opposes the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and path of the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] is falsehood and a path leading to the hell fire. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعۡ غَيۡرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصۡلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا – And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 115]

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [sanctuaries of Makkah and Medeenah]; a person who seeks that the traditions of the pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Imaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to innovated religious practices over (the authentic) Sunnah that guides to the straight path. [At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’loofaat and Awaa’id [i.e. those habitual things, deeds, practices, customs etc] for other than the sake of Allaah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allaah alone- then indeed he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning, in order that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them? If he exercises a little bit of patience, its [i.e. that abandonment] will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Seereen said that he heard Shurayh swearing by Allaah that “A servant does not abandon anything for the sake of Allaah and finds a loss in that.” And their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] that ‘whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allaah, Allaah will replace it with what is better.” This is true. This compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is: the desire and yearning to get close to Allaah, seeking after Allaah’s pleasure, love of Allaah, and the heart granted-by way of it- tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord [The Most High]. [Al-Fawaa’id page 166]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allaah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people. [Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510]

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

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said: Extremism in related to customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. As for if the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7]

Finally, beware of the callers to evil! Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated about the callers to evil that they do not say to the people, “Come to the fire!!” They say, “Come to Paradise, these are the actions of the people of Paradise, this is good, this is development, this is rectification, this is and this is…” and they beautify that for the people. Therefore, the Muslims must be cautious of these people. Indeed, they have become numerous in this era, and Allaah knows best whether they will increase in the future. They may be facilitated with tools [of misguidance] which were not possessed by the previous callers to misguidance and are given firm support through such (tools), and this misguidance will rapidly reach the people. The suggestion of the seducer and the falsifier will be adorned and made to appear as something good to the people in any place, whilst it is something evil. This is the height of fitnah. “Whosoever responds to their call will be thrown into the fire”. Whoever responds to them by complying, believing and assisting them, will be thrown into the fire. As for those who does not comply with them, opposes and openly rejects what they are upon, then indeed they will not harm him. Allaah said in the Qur’aan: [وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ – And verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Muttaqoon (pious)]. [6:153]

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] whilst explaining this Ayah drew a straight line and said, “This is the path of Allaah”. Then he drew lines to the left and right (of this straight line) and said, “These are the other paths, and on every path is a devil calling the people to it” [Ahmad 1/435]

This is a description of the callers to misguidance, their methodologies and objectives. It has been thoroughly illustrated for us that indeed whatever opposes the Straight Path is a path leading to Jahannam, and whoever abandons the Straight Path is heading towards the Jahannam, even if he regards himself civilized, progressive and open minded. [https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/ ]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ وَكُلَّ شَىۡءٍ أَحۡصَيۡنَـٰهُ فِىٓ إِمَامٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ – Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces, and that which they leave behind], and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book. [Surah Yaaseen. Aayah 12]

[إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ – Verily, We give life to the dead]- Meaning, We’ll resurrect them after their death to recompense them for their deeds (1). [وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ – and We record that which they send before (them)] – Meaning, good and evil, the deeds they did during their lifetime (2).

[وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ – and their traces]. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: That which they initiated of good or evil and thus they were followed by others after their death. (3)

Imaam Al-Aloosee said: That which they left behind of good deeds, such as the knowledge they taught people, books they wrote, land they gave as endowment or a building they built in the path of Allaah and other good deeds; or sins, such as establishment of laws [legislation, rules, regulations etc] that are tantamount to oppression and transgression, or setting up principles amongst the people that are tantamount to evil and corruption, and the evil Funoon [i.e. haraam professions, crafts etc] which they initiated and were revived after them by the corrupt people. (4)

Imaam As-Sadi said: It is the good and evil outcomes about which they were the cause of its occurrence during their life time and after their death, and those deeds that emanated from their statements, deeds and circumstances. Every good performed by one of the people due to the knowledge of the servant, his teaching and advice, or through enjoying good and forbidding evil, or knowledge he transmitted to the learners, or in a book which is benefitted from during his life and after his death, or a good deed, such as Salaah, Zakaat, Sadaqah or kindness based on which he was followed, or built a masjid or a place which the people benefit from and what is similar, it will be from the good outcomes that are written for him, and likewise are the evil outcomes. The Prophet said, “Whoever starts a good thing [i.e. something other than bidah and sin] and is followed by others, he will have his own reward and a reward equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in any way. Whoever starts a bad thing [i.e. a bidah, sin or something that opposes Islaam] and is followed by others, will bear the burden of his own sin and a burden equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in any way”. [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2675]

This subject matter makes clear to you the lofty station of calling to the path of Allaah, guidance to His path through every means and path that leads to it; and the lowly status of the caller to evil and a leader in it, and that he is the most degraded human being, one who has committed the severest crime and the greatest sin. (5)

We ask Allaah for safety and wellbeing.

[Refs. 1 & 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3. An Excerpt from Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/358. Daar Ibn Al-Jawziy 1431AH. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Roohul Ma’aanee 12/325. Daar Al-Fikr. 1417AH (1997). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

Why Critically Examine Claims of Those Who Rush to Apply The Term “Conspiracy Theorist”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin.

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

An Inheritance of Those Who Set Up Modern Communication Networks to Conceal Truth and Hinder Honest Discussion 

Abu Saaleh [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated from Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] who said that the Quraish polytheists sent sixteen men to the main mountain roads during the days of hajj and dispersed four men on each road to hinder people from believing in Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], saying, “Whoever comes to you asking about Muhammad, then some of you should say, he is a poet, and some of you should say, he is a Soothsayer, and some of you should say, he is a mad man, so it is better that neither you see him nor he sees you. And when the people come to us, we will agree with what you said to them on the roads”.

So, when this reached Allaah’s Messenger, he also sent four believers on each main road – and amongst them were Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu anhu] – and commanded them to belie what the Quraish were saying, so when the people would go past the polytheists, they said what they said about the Messenger, but the Muslims would say, “You have lied, rather he calls to the truth, commands good and forbids evil”. (1)

Not Every Suspicion is Blameworthy

Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنْ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ – O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 12]

Imaam As-Sa’di [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Allaah [The Most High] forbids much evil suspicion towards the believers, because some suspicions are tantamount to sin, such as the suspicion that is devoid of reality and indications that point to the validity of something, and the suspicion that is accompanied by much forbidden speech and deeds, because indeed the settlement of evil suspicion in the heart does not usually stop at that; rather it does not cease until the person utters and does that which is not permissible”. (2)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Not every suspicion is a sin and there is no harm regarding the suspicion that is based on clear indications regarding the validity of an affair. As for mere assumption, it is not permissible. For example, if a man – who is known to be upright – is seen with a woman by another man, then it not permissible to accuse him that the woman he is seen with is a stranger [who he should not be with], because this is the type of suspicion that is tantamount to sin. But if this suspicion is based on a reason found in the Islamic legislation, then there is no harm to harbour such suspicion. (3)

Critically Examine and Beware of Scoundrels of The Highest Order In The West – Those Whose Contradictions Are Manifest, Whilst They Utilize The Media to Fearmonger and label Opponents As Conspiracists

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The fact that a statement regarding something is lies and falsehood is sometimes known based on the statement in and of itself, its contradictions, perplexity and the manifestation of those clear indications which shows that it is lies. Lies may manifest due to what it is in reality, what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known due to the situation of the utterer of the lie, for indeed the one who is known for lying, wickedness and deception, his statements do not show anything else except a state of conformity with his deeds. He does not utter a statement or perform an action similar to that of a pious and truthful person – the one innocent of every evil, deception, lie and wicked behaviour; rather the heart, intention, statements and deeds of the truthful one have the same image; and the heart, statements, deeds and intentions of the liar have the same image. (4)

Ameerul Mu’mineen Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good. (5)

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever manifests good, it will be accepted from him and a good suspicion is held about him. And if he manifests evil, it will held against him and an evil suspicion is held about him. (6)

Beware of The Destructive Good Suspicion That Has Blinded Many People

Al-Allaamah Rabee Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said, “Destructive good suspicion is to have a good suspicion of the people of falsehood whether are they disbelievers, innovators or evil (open) sinners. And that which led the disbelievers to belie the Messengers, (harbouring) a severe disbelief in them and their message was due to their evil suspicion towards the people of truth (i.e. the Prophets and their true followers), and having a good suspicion of their forefathers and their religions of falsehood and disbelief”. (7)

[Ref 1: Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ Tafseer Surah An-Nahl. Aayaat Aayaat 30-32: By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi]. Slightly paraphrased
[Ref 2: Tafseer As-Sadi]
[Ref 3: Fataawaa Islaamiyyah 4/537]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 2/469-470. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: Saheeh Bukhaari; Vol 3; Hadith Number:2641]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy page:397 Vol 2 footnote 1]
[Ref 7: Majmoo 13/363-364]

Our RE and PSHE Teacher Says That We Should Love and Not Hate!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Our Muslim RE or PSHE Teacher Says That We Should Love and Not Hate! 

Beware of Ignorant Muslim RE and PSHE Teachers, as Well as Militant Liberalists and Secularists Hiding Behind Education to Corrupt The Walaa Wal Baraa of Muslim Children

What Is Al-Walaa Wal-Baraa? Al Walaa means loyalty to everything that is beloved to Allaah and His Messenger and Al-Baraa means to shun everything that is hated by Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ
وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it [i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition). [Surah Az-Zukhruf 26-28]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قَالَ أَفَرَءَيۡتُم مَّا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡبُدُونَ
أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُڪُمُ ٱلۡأَقۡدَمُونَ
فَإِنَّہُمۡ عَدُوٌّ۬ لِّىٓ إِلَّا رَبَّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

He [Ibraaheem] said: “Do you observe that which you have been worshipping – you and your ancient fathers? Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”. [Surah Ash-Shu’araa. 75-77]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated about Prophet Hud [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]:

قَالُواْ يَـٰهُودُ مَا جِئۡتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ۬ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوۡلِكَ وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَكَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ
إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬‌ۗ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ
مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ
إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم‌ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬
فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬

They said: “O Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. “All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness).” He said: “I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship, with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). “So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” [Surah Hud. 53-57]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُلۡ أَىُّ شَىۡءٍ أَكۡبَرُ شَہَـٰدَةً۬‌ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ شَہِيدُۢ بَيۡنِى وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ‌ۚ أَٮِٕنَّكُمۡ لَتَشۡہَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخۡرَىٰ‌ۚ قُل لَّآ أَشۡہَدُ‌ۚ قُلۡ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “What thing is the most great in witness?” Say: “Allah (the Most Great!) is Witness between me and you; this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. Can you verily bear witness that besides Allah there are other aliha (gods)?” Say “I bear no (such) witness!” Say: “But in truth He (Allah) is the only one Ilah (God). And truly I am innocent of what you join in worship with Him.” [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 19]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرُونَ
لَآ أَعۡبُدُ مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ
وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ عَـٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعۡبُدُ
وَلَآ أَنَا۟ عَابِدٌ۬ مَّا عَبَدتُّمۡ
وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ عَـٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعۡبُدُ
لَكُمۡ دِينُكُمۡ وَلِىَ دِينِ

Say (O Muhammad)! “O Al-Kafirun (disbelievers in Allah, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, and in Al-Qadar, etc.)! I worship not that which you worship, Nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islamic Monotheism)”. [Surah Al-Kaafiroon]
Abu Umamah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and withholds for the sake of Allah has perfected the faith”. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawud 4681]

The People Relation to This Subject Matter Are Three Categories

The first category are those given specific love and allegiance, such as the Prophets, the righteous, the matryes etc. The second category of people are those who are not given any allegiance, such as an idolator, a hypocrite, a heretic, an apostate etc. The third category are those given allegiance in one way but not the other, such as the open sinners – those whose sins have not removed them from the fold of Islam. They are shown loyalty due to their Islam and shunned due to their sins.

Alliance With Disbelievers is Two Types:

The alliance that removes a person from the fold of islam and thus one becomes a disbeliever after being a Muslim. This is is called At-Tawallee. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡيَہُودَ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰٓ أَوۡلِيَآءَ‌ۘ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمۡ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya’ to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust). [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 51]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَّا تَجِدُ قَوۡمً۬ا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنۡ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنَهُمۡ أَوۡ عَشِيرَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ڪَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِہِمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۖ وَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

You (O Muhammad ) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the successful. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Aayah 22]

The precise principle regarding this loyalty and allegiance is when a person loves and supports the religion of the disbelievers and their creed. Whoever loves a disbeliever due to his religion or creed, or helps a disbeliever due to his religion or creed, then indeed he has fallen into this type of (forbidden) loyalty and allegiance, which would nullify his Islaam and by way of which his deeds are nullified. [Read article on this link by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah: https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/ ]

The second type of loyalty is related to dealing with them in trade, visiting them and they visit you, and exchanging gifts etc. This does not remove a person from the fold of Islam; rather sometimes it is permissible, such as being kind to a disbeliever who is not at war with the Muslim state, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَّا يَنۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ

Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. [Surah Al-Mumtahina. Aayah 8]

And at other times, this loyalty is forbidden, such as imitating their specific traits [i.e. either their un-Islamic customs or specific clothing, appearance, behaviour related to their religion]. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever imitates a people is from them”.

Sometimes this loyalty is recommended such as being kind to a disbeliever to draw his heart to Islam and calling him to Islam, and at other times this loyalty is obligatory, such as kind treatment to non-Muslim parents. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُ ۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٍ۬ وَفِصَـٰلُهُ ۥ فِى عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡڪُرۡ لِى وَلِوَٲلِدَيۡكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا‌ۖ وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفً۬ا‌ۖ وَٱتَّبِعۡ سَبِيلَ مَنۡ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ‌ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ فَأُنَبِّئُڪُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. [Surah Luqmaan. 14-15]

A Muslim Can Help a Disbeliever Without Intending to Aid The Disbeliever’s Religion or Creed

Prophet Moosaa [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] helped the disbeliever who was from his nation against a person from the people of Firawn. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَدَخَلَ ٱلۡمَدِينَةَ عَلَىٰ حِينِ غَفۡلَةٍ۬ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَا فَوَجَدَ فِيہَا رَجُلَيۡنِ يَقۡتَتِلَانِ هَـٰذَا مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ وَهَـٰذَا مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦ‌ۖ فَٱسۡتَغَـٰثَهُ ٱلَّذِى مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ عَلَى ٱلَّذِى مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦ فَوَكَزَهُ ۥ مُوسَىٰ فَقَضَىٰ عَلَيۡهِ‌ۖ قَالَ هَـٰذَا مِنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَدُوٌّ۬ مُّضِلٌّ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and he found there two men fighting, – one of his party (his religion – from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Musa (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: “This is of Shaitan‘s (Satan) doing, verily, he is a plain misleading enemy.” [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 15] [Al-Walaa Wal Baraa. pages 1-14. Publisher Daar Al-Istiqaamah. 1st Edition 1427AH (2006)]

A Rebuke Against Those Who Seek to Alter The Sharee’ah Terms

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] says, “Indeed, Allaah created [Jinn and humankind] and gave them an innate disposition to recognize Tawheed, obey Him and worship Him alone; but they differed – some of them believed and others disbelieved. Allaah said: [هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ فَمِنكُمۡ ڪَافِرٌ۬ وَمِنكُم مُّؤۡمِنٌ۬‌ۚ – He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers]. [64:2]

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

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

Allaah wishes to make clear (what is lawful and what is unlawful) to you, and to show you the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance, and Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise. Allaah wishes to accept your repentance, but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away from the Right Path.’ [4:26-27]

And due to this, Allaah sent the Messengers, revealed the Books and established His Proofs; so, there are those amongst humankind who accept the truth and embrace Eemaan by choice, and there are those who reject the truth and embrace disbelief by choice. Indeed, Allaah has laid down the differences between the Muminoon and the Kaafiroon in this life and the next, and He forbade that the two groups are made equal. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] has set out recompense and judgment for each of the two groups in this life and the next. He has given a distinguished name to every group; such as [Mumin – believer], [Kaafir- disbeliever], [Barrun- upright/righteous one], [Faajir – evildoer], [Mushrik- Polytheist], [Muwahhid- Monotheist], [Faasiq- sinner], [Munaafiq- hypocrite], [Mutee’un – an obedient one] and [Aasee- a disobedient one]. And He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] forbade that equality is made between these differing names and attitudes. Allaah said:[أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱجۡتَرَحُواْ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن نَّجۡعَلَهُمۡ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ-Or do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islaamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds]. [45:2]

And Allaah said: [ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ كَٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ كَٱلۡفُجَّارِ – Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidoon (those who associate partners in worship with Allaah and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqoon (the pious ones), as the Fujjaar (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)’ [38:28]- meaning: We have not made them equal because that does not befit Allaah’s Justice.

Should we abandon the words [Kufr, Shirk, Kuffaar and Mushrikeen] found in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the Books of Islaamic creed? This will be a violation of the Book and the Sunnah, and an opposition to Allaah and His Messenger. By changing the real meanings of the Sharee’ah terms, we will be from those who distort the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Messenger. Then what defence can be given for [such a deed]- is it to please the Kuffaar? The disbelievers will never be pleased with us until we abandon our religion. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَن تَرۡضَىٰ عَنكَ ٱلۡيَہُودُ وَلَا ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Never will the Yahood nor the Nasaaraa be pleased with you [O Muhammad Peace be upon him] till you follow their religion]. [2:120]

Allaah said: [ وَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَآءً۬‌ۖ – They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another)'[4:89] And if the intention of those who call for the substitution of the sharee’ah terminologies is to show gentleness to the kuffaar and to have good dealings with them, then this cannot be [done] by changing such sharee’ah terminologies; rather it can only be [done] through what Allaah has legislated regarding their affair. This comprises of the following affairs:

1.To invite them to Islaam, which is the religion Allaah has ordained for all of humankind. Allaah said:

[ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِ‌ۖ وَجَـٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ – Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islaam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. [16:125] Therefore, we invite them (to Islaam) for their rectification and happiness in this life and the next.

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

[وَإِن جَنَحُواْ لِلسَّلۡمِ فَٱجۡنَحۡ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ – But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allaah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [8:61]

Likewise, to make peace with them if the Muslims are in need of making peace, and when there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in making peace; just as the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) made peace with the kuffaar at Hudaibiyyah. And by virtue of peace, diplomacy is (established) between them and the Muslims.

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

[وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّڪُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ ٱعۡدِلُواْ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ – And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allaah]. [5:8]

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

لَّا يَنۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ

Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity. [60:8]

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

6: To fulfil contacts made with them, and to honour the blood, wealth and rights of the Mu’aahideen (i.e. those non-Muslims who have a treaty with the Muslims) because it is binding upon them to (fulfil their covenants with the Muslims) and the Muslims are to (fulfil their covenants with them). Allaah said:

[فَمَا ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ لَكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَقِيمُواْ لَهُمۡ‌ۚ – So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them]

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

And whoever kills a Mu’aahid by mistake, it is as if he has killed a Muslim by mistake. He must pay blood money as expiation. Allaah said: [وَإِن ڪَانَ مِن قَوۡمِۭ بَيۡنَڪُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُم مِّيثَـٰقٌ۬ فَدِيَةٌ۬ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٍ۬ مُّؤۡمِنَةٍ۬‌ۖ – And if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation (blood money – Diya) must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed]. [4:92]

And finally, I advise these ones [those who called for a change of the Sharee’ah terminologies] to repent to Allaah. They should not enter into an affair which they have neither mastered nor is it [something] they have specialized in, because that would be tantamount to speaking about Allaah without knowledge. Indeed, Allaah stated: [وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ – ‘And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge].[17:36]

Allaah said:

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

‘Say (O Muhammad): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge]. [7:33]

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

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

Indeed, this is what the ignorant and corrupt Muslim RE and PSHE teachers are not able to clarify. Therefore, neither should the ignorant take such a teaching post  nor should one put himself (or herself) in such a situation if not allowed to give the clarification obligated by Allaah and His Messenger. As for the callers to the unity of religions, their affair has been discussed on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/02/20/introduction-are-there-three-monotheistic-religions-in-the-world-at-present-and-are-all-religions-valid-in-the-sight-of-allaah-unveiling-the-deception-and-ignorance-of-the-callers-to-unit/

We ask Allaah to protect us from misguidance Aameen.

Abandon Paranoia and Do Not Be Overbearing In Gatherings and Sittings By Demanding That People Must Wear Face Masks, Even Where It is Not Mandated!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Mental Health, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Anas Ibn Malik [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Make things easy (i.e. within the boundaries of halaal and haraam) and do not make things difficult. Give glad tidings and do not frighten them (i.e. the people) away”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 69]

Firstly, everyone agrees with the fact that unless exempt, everyone must obey the law and wear a mask in places where it has been mandated, even if one disagrees with the science.

Secondly, as for demanding that people must wear masks in other than places mandated by the government, then indeed you should expect that some of us people will critically question your stance with a rebuttal.

Perhaps the following statement of Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] transmitted by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] is enough to deal with what you harbour in your heart. Al-Imām Al-Albāni (rahimahullāh) said: “I know many doctors who do not shake hands with people fearing that there might be an infectious microbe in the hand of the person. For this reason, they do not shake hands with people–and this is a waswasah, a whispering… the whisper [is normally] restricted to some of the worshippers, but it has passed on to other than the worshippers, to the doctors and their likes…

So the meaning is that this is a whispering which destroys personal ties and human relations which are established between people. The foundation is that every person’s left-overs and interaction with them is that he is upon fiṭrah (original disposition) and upon health and wellbeing.

Thus, when it is established that so-and-so, for example, Allāh forbid, has the disease of tuberculosis and drinks from a vessel, then you can keep away from this, but you should have certain knowledge [beforehand] that he is afflicted with the disease of tuberculosis.

As for a whisper, “maybe he has it, maybe he has it”, then this is not permissible, because this is having an evil opinion about your Muslim brother and secondly, it comprises cutting off ties of brotherhood between you and your Muslim brother.

But when it is verifiably established that he is afflicted [with the disease], then you can take precautions and avoid drinking [from the same vessel] and shaking his hand. This is not from the whisperings and nor is it absence of reliance upon Allāh as is claimed by some people.” [End of quote]:

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/how-to-gather-between-the-prophets-negation-of-contagious-diseases-and-mixing-with-afflicted-people/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/there-is-no-contagious-disease-and-flee-from-the-leper-as-you-would-from-the-lion-ibn-baz-albani/

Therefore, do not be overbearing in the gatherings.