Reflections from some statements of Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [28 of 80]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah protect him] was asked, “Is there a difference between Manhaj [Methodology] and Aqeedah [Creed, Belief], and if there is a difference between them, is there a path for the proponents of illegal partisanship to cause (problems) through that differentiation?”

Answer: Certainly, Manhaj has been extensively discussed, and contemporary discourse surrounding it often diverges from the views held by the righteous predecessors. They referred to the terms Manhaj [Methodology] and Minhaaj [Path], yet did not (employ the term in the manner it is used today). As its usage became widespread, Salafis felt compelled to say “The methodology, The methodology!” I heard Shaikh Ibn Baz asserting that there is no distinction between Aqeedah and Manhaj, considering them to be one and the same. Shaikh Al-Albani makes a distinction, and I make a distinction. I perceive Manhaj as being broader than Aqeedah, as it encompasses the creed, acts of worship, the approach to understanding the religion, and the manner to address proponents of innovation in religion. Manhaj is comprehensive – (for instance, it includes) the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah concerning creed, their approach to worship, their methods of acquiring knowledge, and their methodology in this or that.

Methodology is certainly more comprehensive, however, some the people of (vain) desires differentiate between creed and methodology for partisan and political purposes. Consequently, they mislead many Salafis by asserting, “You may adhere to your creed, but we must collaborate on methodology.” They suggest that it is acceptable to identify as “Salafi in creed and Ikhwaani in methodology,” despite the fact that the Ikhwaani methodology wages war against the Salafi creed. A Salafi who says, “I am Salafi in creed and Ikhwani or Tablighi in methodology,” he is has called himself fighting the Salafi methodology and creed. This is one of the (illegal) partisanship tricks spread by Al-Tabligh and Ikhwan, making a distinction between creed and methodology to manipulate the minds of Salafis, particularly.

Ajwibah Al-Allaamah Ash-Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhlai As-Salafiyyah Alaa As’ilati Abee Ruwaahah Al-Manhajiyyah. page 22