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Clarification regarding Tijaniyyah – By Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Ifreeqee – Part 1

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

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

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Al-Afreeqee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijani) said in Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee: Indeed a single utterance of ‘Salatul Faatiha’ is equal to every ‘Tasbeeh’ (i.e. to say Subhaanallaah) that takes place in the ‘kawn’ (i.e. the entire existence or universe). [Source: Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee page: 96.طبع مطبعة التقدم العلمية الطبعة الأولى]

Response to the above claim of Ahmad Tijani:

Then Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahman stated:

I think the one who uttered this speech is not really aware who Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is! He is not really aware of what Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with and why Muhammad was sent.

Indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, definitely fulfilled the trust he was entrusted with; conveyed the message and strove in the path of Allah until he passed away.  He is the seal of the Prophets and the legislation (in belief and acts of worship) he conveyed abrogates every other law until the day of judgement. There is no human being who has ever brought anything similar to what the Messenger Muhammad  brought after he left this world. Whoever claims that there is a revelation or that he has received revelation after Muhammad, then indeed this is the greatest lie against Allah.  Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُڪُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ هَـٰذَا حَلَـٰلٌ۬ وَهَـٰذَا حَرَامٌ۬ لِّتَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ لَا يُفۡلِحُونَ
مَتَـٰعٌ۬ قَلِيلٌ۬ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper.  A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment.’’ [An-Nahl. 116-117]

The Prophet said:
وخير ما قلت أنا والنبيون من قبلي: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير

And the best thing said by me and the previous prophets is: ”There is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah, who is alone, having no partner. His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He is, of everything, All-Capable.”  [Silsilah As-Sahihah. Number: 1503]

Therefore, will anyone with a sound intellect affirm that a single utterance of Salatul Fatiha is better than a single Dhikr that has been transmitted from the Prophet with an authentic chain of transmission, let alone all the Adhkaar (supplications) that take place in the Kawn (i.e. the entire existence or universe)?  Do you not use your intellects?! O people! Did they [Adam, Nuh, Musaa, Eesaa and Muhammad (peace be upon them)] not used to remember Allaah? So is the innovator of this Tareeqah Tijaaniyyah better than these Prophets?

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijaani) stated in Al-Ifaadah (page: 80): ”Whoever does not believe that it (i.e. Salatul Fatihah) is from the Qur’aan will not receive a reward from it [i.e. he or she will not be rewarded for reciting Salatul Fatiha]”.

So we say: Whoever believes that (Salatul Fatiha) is from the Qur’an, then indeed he has committed clear disbelief because revelation is not sent down except to a Prophet. We do not find this (Salatul Fatiha) in the Qur’an; rather not even in a fabricated hadeeth attributed to Allah’s Messenger.  Is the one to whom ‘Salatul Fatiha’ was revealed a Prophet or a Wali?  If he is a Wali, then revelation is never sent down to a Wali.

The people in this Tijani path are two types of people: The first group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited the fold of Islam. (I) The second group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is not from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited from their Tijani path because there is no reward in it. (1)

Footnote I: Principles regarding Takfeer (i.e. the principles applied by upright scholars before removing a Muslim from the fold of Islam due to deviation.

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm ]

Knowledge of The Unseen – A Brief Rebuttal Against All The Extremist Sufis

Neither Do the Prophets, Messengers and Angels Possess Knowledge of Unseen nor Does Allah Reveal the Unseen to Anyone Else, Except What He Wishes to Inform the Prophets and Messengers

Allah (The Most High) said: [وَعِنْدَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ – And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He].

In his explanation of the above Ayah, Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, brought a number of robust proofs to demonstrate and establish that even the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- Allah’s Messengers and Angels-do not posses knowledge of the Unseen. The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Proof A: Aa’isha (may Allah be pleased with her] was falsely accused and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] did not know whether she was innocent or not until Allah informed him, saying: [ أُولَٰئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ- ‘Such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they say].

Proof B: Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him,  slaughtered a lamb for the angels, whilst not knowing that they were angels until they informed him that they were angels. Allah said that the angels said to him: [إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ    – We have been sent against the people of Lout (Lot). (11:70)]

Proof C: When the angels came to Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), he did not know that they were angels, and due to that Allah said: [عَصِيبٌ سِيءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ – He was grieved on their account and felt himself straitened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit lewdness with them). He said: This is a distressful day]. And because of this Allah said that lut said: [لَوْ أَنَّ لِي بِكُمْ قُوَّةً أَوْ آوِي إِلَىٰ رُكْنٍ شَدِيدٍ  – Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you). (11:80)]. He did not know the news the angels brought until they said to him: [إِنَّا رُسُلُ رَبِّكَ لَنْ يَصِلُوا إِلَيْكَ – Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord!]

Proof D: Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, lost his eye sight due to grieving for Yusuf (peace be upon him), whilst he was in Egypt.  He did not know anything about Yusuf until Allah reveal news about him.

Proof E: Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him), even though Allah gave him authority over the devils and subjugated the wind in his service, did not know about the people Bilqees until the Hud-hud came with news about them. Allah said that the Hud-hud said: [أَحَطْتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَجِئْتُكَ مِنْ سَبَإٍ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ  – I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news].

Proof F: Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) did not know that his son – who was drowned- was not from those members of his household who were to be saved, as Allah said that Nuh said: [رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِي وَإِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ   – O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true.(11:45)]

He did not know the reality of the affair until Allah informed him, saying:

[بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّي أَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ قَالَ يَا نُوحُ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْأَلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ  – He said: “O Nuh (Noah)! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant].

And indeed Allah (The Most High) also stated in Surah Hud about Nuh that he said to his people: [وَلَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِنْدِي خَزَائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ -And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, “Nor that I know the Ghaib (unseen)].

Proof G: And when Allah said to the Angels:  [هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ -Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful]; Allah said that the angels replied: [قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا  -They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us.

Therefore, it is very clear that the most knowledgeable amongst the creation, the Messengers and the Angels, do not know anything of the unseen except what Allah makes known to them. Allah (The Most High) informs His Messengers what He wishes from the knowledge of the Unseen, as Allah stated:

[وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْتَبِي مِنْ رُسُلِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۖ- Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases].

And Allah said: [إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ مِنْ رَسُولٍ  عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيْبِهِ أَحَد- (He Alone) the All-Knower of the Gha’ib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Gha’ib (unseen).” Except to a Messenger (from mankind)…(2)

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Anwaar Ar-Rahmaaniyyah Li-Hidaayah Al-Firqah At-Tijaaniyyah. Pages 14-16]
[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan’ pages 169-170’ Daar Hady An-Nabawiy’ 2nd ed. (1431AH -2010)]

Dialogue with myself

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Shirk, Sufis.

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَاعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Himself a great reward. [An-Nisaa 40]

Allah, The Exalted, informs us of the perfection of His justice and grace, as well as being far removed from everything that is in opposition to this, whether it is minor or major injustice. He said: [ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ – Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant)]. Meaning, He neither diminishes the good deeds of His servant nor increases their sins, as He said (in Surah Az-Zalzalah):

[فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَه – So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it].

“But if there is a good deed done, He doubles it”. Meaning, multiplied up to tenfold or even more, depending on the deed, its benefit, the situation of the doer, their level of sincerity, love for Allah, and the perfection of the deed. “And (He – Allah) gives from Himself a great reward”. Meaning, not only the reward for the deed itself but also guidance towards other good actions and the provision of abundant blessings and goodness. (1)

Anyone who gives up something for Allah’s sake will be given something better in its place

This matter is found in many places in the Qur’an. Allah mentioned it in relation to the first immigrants who left their homes, wealth, and loved ones behind for the sake of Allah, therefore Allah substituted that for them with increased provision, honour, and authority in the worldly life.

When Ibrahim, peace be upon him, disassociated himself from his people, his father, and that which they worshipped other than Allah [i.e. departed after his father threatened to stone him], Allah bestowed on him Ishaq, Yaqub, and righteous offspring. When Sulayman, peace be upon him, was diverted from remembering Allah by his horses, he got rid of them, therefore Allah substituted them.

فَسَخَّرۡنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجۡرِى بِأَمۡرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيۡثُ أَصَابَ
وَٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٍ۬ وَغَوَّاصٍ۬

So, We subjected to him the wind; it blew gently by his order whithersoever he willed. And also the Shayaateen (devils) from the jinn (including) every kind of builder and diver. [Surah Sa’d. 36-37]

When the people of the cave [i.e. the young men mentioned in Surah Al-kahf] separated themselves from their people and what they worshipped other than Allah, Allah bestowed His Mercy on them, facilitated means of success and tranquillity for them, and made them a guide for the misguided.

And (regarding) Maryam [peace be upon her] Allah said:

وَٱلَّتِىٓ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا وَٱبۡنَهَآ ءَايَةً۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

And she who guarded her chastity (virgin Maryam), We breathed into (the sleeves of) her (shirt or garment) (through our Ruh Jibraa-eel), and We made her and her son (Eesa) a sign for the Aalameen (mankind and jinn)]. [Al-Anbiya. Ayah 91]

Whoever gives up what their Nafs call them to – the vain desires, Allah will replace it for them with His love, their repentance to Him, and what is better from that which is gathered for them of the pleasures of this life. (2)

Whoever Abandons What is Beneficial Will Be Put to Trial With What Is Harmful

This is found in a number of verses, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahmaan (Allah), they were put to trial with the worship of images (idols).

When they displayed haughtiness and claimed that the Messengers were (only) humans (i.e. therefore they are not obliged to follow the Messengers), they were put trial with submission to everything that made (their) intellect and religion unstable.

When Iman was clearly shown to them (i.e. the disbelievers) at the first instance and they recognised it, but then turned away from it, Allah – Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections- turned away, afflicted and sealed their hearts.  Thus, they did not believe until they perceived the painful punishment.

After the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, they were punished- Allah allowed their hearts to stray (due to their own wrong doing) and became confounded in their path (of misguidance).

When they belittled the signs of Allah and His Messengers, Allah belittled them with a humiliating punishment. When they displayed haughtiness, Allah humiliated them in this life and the next.

When they forbade that Allah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allah and strive for their ruin, it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ
فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous”.  ‘Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”. [at-Tawbah. Aayaat 75-77]

The verses that convey this meaning are numerous and in them is that a servant (of Allah) was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after being acquainted, or he renounced it after following it, thus he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allah says about the Yahud (i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Messengership, but turned away from it wilfully)]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulayman.  [Al-Baqarah. 101-102]

They abandoned the most sublime, the most beneficial and the most truthful of the Books (i.e. the Qur’an), thus Allah put them to trial with following that which is the most debased, most untruthful, and most harmful. Those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger abandon spending their wealth in obedience to Allah, and (instead) spend it in obedience to Shaytan. (3)

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one.” The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits. If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. (4)

“Whoever Allah misguides, then none can guide him”.

This occurs based on Allah’s Perfect Wisdom and Just Decree, as recompense for one’s wickedness (a); due to a hidden plot in one’s heart (b); due one turning away from guidance and behaving as if he does not know Allah’s guidance (c); turning away from Allah’s reminder, which he revealed to his Messenger, turning away from understanding it and not pondering upon it, and that which Allah intends by way of it, thus, Allah leaves such a person with his devil as a punishment – the devil that follows him. So, this devil becomes his ally. (d) This because none submits to Allaah sincerely and truthfully, and performs the deeds of the people of Jannah, except that Allah will never abandon him. (e) Such a person (i.e. the misguided one) was not compelled to go astray, instead he made a choice, but his choice is under the Will of Allah. We do not know what was in the hearts of those who deviate, thus, Allah deviated their hearts; but we know – with absolute certainty – that Allah passes Just Judgments and He does not do injustice to anything; rather, it is the people who wrong themselves. (f)

We ask Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]

(1) An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

(2) An Excerpt from ‘Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-Tafseeril Quraan’ page 164. By Imam As-Sadi

(3) An Excerpt from ‘Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’an’ Pages 96-97 By Imam As-Sadi

(4) Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)

(a) Tafsir As-Sadi, Surah Israa. Aayah 5

(b) Sharh Arba’een page 87-88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003) by Shaikh Uthaymeen

(c) Zaad Al-Maseer. Tafsir Surah Az-Zukhruf Ayah 36

(d) Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee 136-137. By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim.

(e) Sharh Arba’een page 88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003)- By Shaikh Uthaymeen.

(f])Sharh Al-Arba’een pages 55-56- 1st edition 1428 (2007)-by Shaikh Salih Aala As-Shaikh.

Stance towards those who revile the pious predecessors

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Hadaadis, History of Islam, Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Ali Ibn Shaqeeq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I heard Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying in the midst of the people, “Abandon the narrations of Amr Bin Thabit because he used to revile the pious predecessors”. [Muslim 1/16]

Shaikh Jamal Bin Fareehaan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “How about if Ibn Al-Mubarak was to appear amongst us; what would he have said about those who speak ill of the companions of the Messenger, such as the likes of Mawdudi, Sayyid Qutb, Tariq Suwaydaan, Hasan Bin Farhaan al-Maliki, Abul Hasan al-Maribi al-Misri and those who defend these people or keep silent about them!” [  لم الدر المنثور .page 143]

Ruling on the statement of a person: “Yaa Rasulal lah”

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Featured, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: A Muslim testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,  is the Messenger of Allah, but when standing up or sitting down, he says, “Yaa Rasulal lah -O Messenger of Allah!” or “Yaa Abal Qasim – O Abu Qasim!” or “Yaa Abdal Qaadir- O Abdul Qadir!” or what similar to these statements related to Al-Isti’anah [i.e. seeking aid and assistance]. What is the ruling on this?

Answer: A person calling [i.e. invoking] the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or other than him, such as Abdul Qadir Al-Jaylaani or Ahmad at-Tijaani,  when standing up or sitting down, and seeking assistance in that [action], or what is similar to this, in order to receive a benefit or repel harm- is a type of Shirk Akbar that was widespread during the pre-Islamic era of ignorance. Allah sent His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to put an end to it, save the people from it, guide the people to single out Allah in worship and supplication. This is because Al-Isti’aanah [seeking aid and assistance] is an act of worship and whoever performs it for other than Allah is a Mushrik. [Footnote a]

Allah directed and taught His slaves to say:

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). [1:5]

Allah said:
وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا

And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah]. [72:18]

Allah clarified that He (alone) controls harm and benefit; He alone removes harm and bestows blessings; He alone is the one who bestows good upon His slaves and preserves it for them. None can withold what Allaah gives and none can bestow that which Allah withholds. None can prevent what He has decreed and He is able to do all things. Allah said:

وَلَا تَدْعُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ ۖ فَإِن فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذًا مِّنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). ” And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [10:106-107]

Allah said:

يُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لِأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِن قِطْمِيرٍ
إِن تَدْعُوهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُوا دُعَاءَكُمْ وَلَوْ سَمِعُوا مَا اسْتَجَابُوا لَكُمْ ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكْفُرُونَ بِشِرْكِكُمْ ۚ وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثْلُ خَبِيرٍ

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day are added to the hours of the night). And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them.  And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything). [35:13-14]

Allah said:
وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّن يَدْعُو مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَن لَّا يَسْتَجِيبُ لَهُ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَهُمْ عَن دُعَائِهِمْ غَافِلُونَ
وَإِذَا حُشِرَ النَّاسُ كَانُوا لَهُمْ أَعْدَاءً وَكَانُوا بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ كَافِرِينَ

And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping. [46:5-6]

Allah said:

وَمَن يَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ

And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allah, any other ilah (god), of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kafirun (the disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters, etc.) will not be successful. [23:117]

In these verses, Allah stated that it is disbelief and polytheism to invoke others besides Him. He informed (us) that there is none more astray than the one who invokes others besides Him.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father:

وإذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله

If you ask (i.e. supplicate), then ask Allah. And if you seek help, seek help from Allaah. [Sahih Al-Jami 7957]

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

الدعاء هو العبادة

Supplication is the core of worship. [Sahih Al-Jami 3407]

Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah 1/163
—————-

Footnote a:

Ibn Taymiyyah on Shirk and the Excuse of Ignorance | AbuIyaad.Com
https://abuiyaad.com/a/ibn-taymiyyah-shirk-excuse-of-ignorance

Manhaj.Com | excuse of ignorance
https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/tags/excuse-of-ignorance.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/xwouo-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-ibn-uthaymeen.cfm

http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

[3] Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid al-Jabiri

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated about Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him:

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, was very clever, strong in discernment, hardworking in knowledge and sought after it, brave in (adhering to) truth and defended it. He manifested this clearly in his Jihad against ahlul bidah, even in a western land at Basrah he announced his rejection of bidah, thus, he was harmed and removed from there. Among his praiseworthy qualities and noble traits is that he had earnest concern for Allah’s religion and ordainments, and thus he used to repel bidah. He was not able to keep quiet like others and this is from defending the statement of truth, even if it opposed the desires of the people.

He was an Imam in Tafsir and this is clearly manifested in his derivation of evidences from the verses of the Qur’an. He was a scholar of Hadith, thus, you find how he (utilised them) as evidence in their places. He was a scholar of Fiqh without blindly following and it is enough that he was an Imam in the fundamentals of the religion and knowledge of creed – Thaabit Fee Aqeedatihi As-Sunniyyah – Firm upon his Sunni creed and Shubuhat [i.e. doubts that are made to resemble the truth, but are falsehood in reality] did not shake him, rather he used to refute them.

And among the most important qualities of the Shaikh is that he gave importance to the citizens and acknowledged everyone’s status, and he did not neglect his dependents. He knew the status of the leader and the scholar. He knew the status of his students and gave them their (rightful) levels. He gave attention to his children despite being preoccupied with Dawah, writing and teaching. This concern for his children was so much that after him, his children were from the senior scholars, rather among them were some who used to teach the Ulum [i.e. the different subject areas or sciences of the religion] during his lifetime. How can this not be the case, for back in the old days it used to be said, “This cub is from that lion”.

An Excerpt from Tanbeeh Dhawil Uqool As-Saleemah Ilaa Fawaa’id Mustanbatu Minas Sittatil Usoolil Adheemah’ page 11-12

The danger of Mubtadi’ah

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Pearls of Wisdom, Shi'a, Sufis.

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

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

The Fitna (instigated) by a Mubtadi undermines the foundation of the religion, while the Fitna of a sinner pertains to forbidden desires. Unlike a sinner, the Mubtadi obstructs people’s path to the straight path, hinders them from it, invalidates the message delivered by the Messenger, and obstructs (access) to rewards in the Afterlife. Conversely, a sinner’s journey (towards attaining rewards) is delayed by his sins.

An Excerpt from Ad-Daa’u Wad- Dawaa. page 206

All in the fire except one

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Fatawa-Rulings, Hadaadis, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “What is the intent behind the statement of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, statement when he spoke about the Ummah in the hadith: “All of them (the sects) are in the fire except one” and what is that one?. Also, will all the other 72 (deviant) sects be in the fire for eternity? Benefit us”.

Response: The prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The Jews split into 71 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. The Christians split into 72 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. And this Ummah will split into 73 sects- all of them in the fire, except one. This one group is Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah [those who firmly adhere to the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and are united upon that] – the companions of the Prophet and those who follow them exactly in faith, the adherents to pure Islamic monotheism and sound faith.

As for the other 72 sects that have been threatened with the fire, among them is one who is a disbeliever (a), among them is one who is a sinner and among them is one about whom it is established with clear evidence that he is an innovator in religious affairs. So, the one – among them – that dies in a state of disbelief (b) will be in the fire for eternity, the one that dies in a state of adherence to religious innovation that is lesser than major disbelief (c) or sins is under the will of Allah, while still threatened with the fire. So, based on this it is known that not all of them are disbelievers, but rather among them is a disbeliever and other than him among the sinners and the innovators in religious affairs. [1]

May Allah bless and reward our beloved brother Zulfikaar for sharing the Arabic text Imam Ibn Baz’s clarification Aameen

——————————————–

[a and b]: NB: Takfeer – declaring that a Muslim left the fold of Islaam is a judgement that can only be given by the upright scholars and none else.  https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/obkwf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan.cfm

[c]: NB: All innovations in the religion are evil, but there are those that exit a person from the fold of Islam (Bida’atul Mukaffirah) and those that do not exit a person from the fold of Islam (Bida’atul Mufassiqah). Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief). But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)…
[A paraphrased excerpt. see www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 ]

[1]: paraphrased. see link below
https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/17308/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%EF%B7%BA-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9

 

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al Mad’khali [32 of 80]

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Sufis, Tamyee', The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Excerpt From a Lesson of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khali – may Allah preserve him:

قال السائل: هنالك من يتهم الدعوة السلفية في زماننا هذا بالشدة، وأنه ينبغي على الدعاة اللين مع أهل البدع، فهل هذا الكلام صحيح، وكيف يكون الرد عليهم؟ علماً بأن الزمان غير الزمان والرجال غير الرجال، جزاك الله خيراً.
قال الشيخ ربيع -حفظه الله تعالى-:
هذا الأسلوب -رمي السلفيين بالشدة- ما هو بالأمر الجديد، إنما هو قديم.
فمن زمان أحمد بن حنبل ومن قبله ومن بعده إلى يومنا هذا، لا يستطيع أهل الباطل أن يقاوموا أهل الحق إلا بالتشويه.
والتشويهات كثيرة، ليست الشدة فقط، التشويهات كثيرة، وما رميهم بالشدة إلا من خواطر كثيرة.
طبعاً سيرمونهم بأنهم خوارج، ويرمونهم بأنهم مجسِّمة، وأنهم مشبِّهة، وكل فريق يرميهم بما يناقض عقيدته الفاسدة.
فالجهمية: يسمونهم مشبهة ومجسمة لأنهم يثبتون صفات الله تعالى الواردة في كتابه وسنة نبيه -صلى الله عليه وسلم- يثبتونها على الوجه اللائق لله تبارك وتعالى.
والخوارج والمعتزلة: يرمونهم بأنهم مرجئة.
والروافض: يرمونهم بأنهم نواصب لأنهم ما يغلون غلوّهم في آل البيت، وهكذا.
يعني يا أخي الحبيب يرمونهم بالشدة وبالعمالة وبالجاسوسية وبأنهم علماء حيض ونفاس، إلى آخر الخبائث الخبيثة التي يوجهها دعاة الشر ودعاة الباطل والضلال.
فما على السلفيين إلا أن يمضوا في تبيين دعوتهم إلى الله على بصيرة.
وفي نفس الوقت عليهم أن يتحلوا بالأخلاق العالية من الصبر والحلم والحكمة، وسائر الصفات الطيبة النبيلة التي تتواءم مع هذه الدعوة العظيمة.
ومع ذلك فليوطنوا أنفسهم على الصبر على ما يقال فيهم وليجعلوا من الأنبياء ومن سلفهم من أئمة العلم والهدى أن يجعلوا منهم أُسوة
والقرآن ذكر لنا عن أعداء الأنبياء أنهم رموهم بالكذب، ورموهم بالسحر، ورموهم بالكهانة، ورموهم بالجنون، رموهم بأشياء كثيرة، فعلى الداعي إلى الله المخلص لله عز وجل أن يجعل لنفسه من هؤلاء الأنبياء ومن سلك نهجهم من أئمة الإسلام يجعل منهم أُسوة، إذا كان أولئك على علو منازلهم ومكانتهم العظيمة لم يسلموا من هذه الاتهامات وهذه الطعون فكيف نسلم نحن الضعفاء المساكين
والأجر على قدر النّصَب
وأشد الناس بلاءً الأنبياء ثم الأمثل فالأمثل
وإذا أحب الله قوماً ابتلاهم
وَلَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ لَانْتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُمْ بِبَعْضٍ
وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَهَدَى النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا
بدون سبب، بيده سبحانه وتعالى، ولكن أراد أن يبتلي الناس بعضهم ببعض، فمن نجح بهذا الابتلاء وهذا الامتحان رفع الله درجته وأكرمه الله في الدنيا والآخرة
وقد يفشل كثيرٌ من الناس وتخور قواهم فيستسلم، إما أن يسكن فيخلد إلى الأرض، وإما أن ينحرف كما يحصل لكثير من الناس، فهؤلاء فاشلون تجاه هذا الابتلاء
فنسأل الله تبارك وتعالى أن يجنبنا وإياكم أسباب الفشل وأسباب الهزيمة
فإنها والله معركة بين الحق والباطل أشد -واللــهِ- من المعارك العسكرية، فالحرب النفسية التي تُشَنُّ في هذا العصر على دعاة السلفية لا نظير لها
لأنه تعددت وسائل الإعلام، واتسعت دائرتها في مشارق الأرض ومغاربها، ووجد من شياطين الإنس في هذا العصر ما أظن أن يوجد نظيرهم في وضع الخطط في محاربة المنهج السلفي وأهله
ما أظن سبق مثله -يعني- إلى قرونٍ موغلة في القدم -كما يقال- لأن هناك تفنن الآن في المكايد وفي الخطط والكذب والإشاعات وفيما يقال بما يسمى الإعلام الخبيث
وقد قال أحد أساطين الإخوان
-وهو سعيد حوى –
كان من كبار الإخوان وألَّف مؤلفات كثيرة تخدم هذا المنهج الفاسد، وكانوا يعظمونه ووصل إلى درجة كبيرة عندهم، ثم حصل بينهم اختلاف
[…سقط في الشريط…]
ولا يبلغون ما يبلغ الإخوان المسلمين
وقد جاء بعدهم القطبيون ويقال لو اجتمعت هذه الجهات المذكورة الآن مع الإخوان المسلمين، ما يبلغون ما يبلغه القطبيون من النيل من أهل السنة من تشويههم
ولكن لابد من الصبر
فنسأل الله تبارك وتعالى أن يهديهم أو يكف بأسهم، وأن يعلي كلمته، وأن ينصر دينه إن ربي لسميع الدعاء

قال قارئ الأسئلة: جزاك الله خيراً، يا شيخ جاء في السؤال أيضاً بعبارةٍ أخرى: هل المبتدع في زماننا هذا يعامل معاملة المبتدع في الزمن الأول لاشك أن زمان الإمام أحمد غير زماننا في أيامنا هذه؟
أجيب بأن دين الله ما يتغير ويتلون بحسب تغير الناس وتلونهم، دين الله هو دين الله، ودعوة الله هي دعوة الله
والتعامل في عهد الرسول -صلى الله عليه وسلم- وفي عهد أحمد وفي عهد ابن تيمية وابن عبد الوهاب وفي بعد ذلك كلها تنطلق من كتاب الله وسنة رسول الله منهجهم واحد
لكن يُحتاج إلى من يطبق هذا المنهج ويعرف كيف يتعامل مع أهل البدع في ضوء الكتاب والسنة
فأهل البدع لابد من التحذير منهم وكشف عوارهم، وبيان ضلالهم من أوجب الواجبات وأفرض الفرائض، الذي يقولون اختلف الحال واختلف الوقت يريدونك أن لا تتكلم على أهل البدع
لأن الأحزاب هذه خاضعة لقيادات بدعية ضالة، فأنت حينما تتكلم في قياداتهم الضالة تطعن فيهم هم، فيريدون أن تسكت، فلا تضلك هذه الوسائل
ويقولون: كان أحمد… وكان ابن تيمية… يحرفون كلام هؤلاء، ويحرفون مقاصدهم.
كل هذا لإسكات أهل السنة وإلقامهم الحجارة -كما يقال- ليسكتوا عن قياداتهم، وقد بذلوا كل الجهود لإسكات أهل السنة

ولكن ما على أهل السنة إلا أن يشمروا عن ساعد الجِد في إعلاء كلمة الله ونشر السنة وإظهارها ودحض البدعة بكل ما يستطيعون، في كل بلد، لا بد من البيان للناس
والتفريق بين الحق والباطل، والهدى والضلال، والسنة والبدعة، هذه الأمور التي لا يريدها أهل البدع وأهل التحزب المقيت، المتسترين مكراً وكيداً باسم السلفية

فإنهم لبسوا السلفية بقوة ليتمكنوا من سحقها، لهذا ترى هؤلاء يلاحقون الدعوة السلفية وشبابها في كل مكان ليسحقوها ويقيموا على أنقاضها مناهجهم البدعية الفاسدة. وهذا شيء ملموس.
وعلى كل حال فالكلام في أهل البدع لابد منه، والتحذير منهم لابد منه، وهو جهاد
وقد قالوا في زمان أحمد
(جهاد أهل البدع) أو قالوا
(الذب عن السنة أفضل من الضرب في السيوف)، وابن تيمية في عهده شمَّر عن ساعد الجد، بذل من الجهود ما فاق به كثيراً من أئمة الإسلام قبله
فإنه واجه بدعاً كثيرة، فواجهها بكتاب الله وسنة رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- ودحضها وقمع أهلها مع حلمه وعلمه وحكمته
فمن بيان الحكمة ومن حق العلم أن تميز بين الحق والباطل والهدى والضلال والسنن والبدع
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَاقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَكْتُمُونَهُ
فالأنبياء واللهِ جاهدوا وناضلوا لإخراج الناس من الظلمات إلى النور، والعلماء ورثة
الأنبياء، فلابد من الجهاد والتشمير عن ساعد الجد لإنقاذ الناس من الظلمات إلى النور

وأقول لهؤلاء المساكين
والله لأهلُ السنة لأنصحُ الناس وأحرص الناس على ما ينفعهم في دينهم ودنياهم
وإن من يريد إسكات أهل السنة فإنه والله هو الذي يضر بالأمة، هو الذي يخونها، هو الذي يغشها
هو الذي لا يبالي، أَدَخَلوا في أعماق النار؟ سلموا أو لم يسلموا؟

أما أهل السنة والله فلا يريدون للناس إلا الخير، ولا يريدون لهذه الأمة إلا أن تسلك طريق نبيها -صلى الله عليه وسلم- وصراطه المستقيم ليدخلوا الجنة أو من شاء الله تبارك وتعالى منهم
فأهل السنة إذا جاهدوا وناضلوا، لا لشيء وإنما لهداية هؤلاء ولتقديم ما ينفعهم في دينهم ودنياهم، والذين يحامون أهل البدع والله هم أعداؤهم، هم الذين يضرونهم ويحولون بينهم وبين الحق الذي يمكن أن يأتيهم عن طريق دعاة أهل السنة
فكيف اختلف الزمان عن زمان أحمد؟
زمان أحمد كان يجوز الكلام في أهل البدع والتحذير منهم والآن لا يجوز؟
بيِّنوا ماذا تريدون؟
ما الذي تريدون من هذا القول؟
هل تريدون ألا نبين للناس الحق؟
وألا نحذرهم من الضلال وألا نحذرهم والبدع
وألا نعلمهم العقائد الصحيحة والمناهج الصحيحة؟
ماذا تريدون بيِّنوا لنا؟

الكلام فيه تلبيس وفيه إجمال، بارك الله فيكم.
ولهذا كما أُؤكد لكم أنهم لا يريدون الكلام إطلاقاً في رؤوس البدع والضلال.
ومن هنا أنشأوا منهج الموازنات بين الحسنات والسيئات بعدما يئسوا من سكوت أهل السنة، فأنشأوا منهج الموازنات حتى تمدح أئمتهم وتثني عليهم، ثم بعد ذلك تتكلم بما عندهم من الخطأ.
رغم أنوفهم، هم مرغمون لا يريدون أن تقول أخطاء سادتهم، لكن إذا كان لابد من الكلام فـ وازن
وشرعوا في دين الله ما لم يأذن به الله، وحرموا ما أوجده الله من تبليغ رسالة الله ونصح المسلمين وتحذيرهم مما يضرهم في دينهم ودنياهم، حرموا هذه الأشياء
فكانوا بذلك أشد جنايةً على الإسلام ممن يسمونهم بالطواغيت ويحاربونهم ليصلوا إلى الكراسي، نعم

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, was asked: Some accuse the Salafi Dawah in our time of being harsh, and that it is incumbent upon the callers to be gentle with the people of Bidah. Is this correct, and what should be the response to them whilst bearing in mind that the time at present is different from the previous one and men in this time are different from previous men? May Allah reward you with good.

Response: This behaviour -attacking the Salafis of harshness – is not new, but rather it is an old affair. From the time of (Imam) Ahmad ibn Hanbal, before and after him to this day, the people of falsehood cannot confront the people of truth except through misrepresentation (distortion). There are many misrepresentations (distortions), and not only (the false accusation of) harshness. The misrepresentations are many, and their accusation of harshness is nothing but one of many thoughts. Surely, they will accuse them of being Khawaarij (1), Mujassimah, and Mushabbihah. (2) Every (deviant) group accuses them (Salafis) of something by way of which the deviant group’s corrupt creed can be disapproved.

The Jahmiyyah (2.1) call them Mushabbihah and Mujassimah because they affirm Allah’s Attributes that are in His Book (i.e. The Qur’an) and the Sunnah of His Prophet [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and they affirm them in the manner that is befitting for Allah [The Blessed and Most High]. The Khawaarij and Mutazilah (3) accuse them of being Murji’ah (4), and the Rafidah (5) accuse them of being Nawasib (6) because they do not exaggerate in the manner they exaggerate the status of the Prophet’s family and so on. Meaning, my beloved brother, that they accuse them of harshness, (that they are the government) stooges, and spies, and that they are scholars whose knowledge is restricted to rulings on menstruation and postpartum, and other evil accusations that are presented by the callers to evil, falsehood and misguidance. So, there is nothing else other than that Salafis carry on explaining their call to the path of Allah with clear-sightedness. At the same time, they must have lofty manners such as patience, forbearance, wisdom, and other good and noble qualities that are compatible with this great Dawah. Alongside this, they train themselves to exercise patience while encountering what is said about them, and let them take as their role models the Prophets, those who have preceded them (in Islam), and the Imams of knowledge and guidance.

The Qur’an mentioned to us regarding the enemies of the Prophets that they accused them of lying, sorcery, soothsaying, insanity, and they accused them of many things. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the one who calls to Allah’s path- the one who is sincere to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] – that he takes as his role model these Prophets and whoever follows their path among the Imams of Islam. When it is the case that despite their lofty statuses they were not spared from these accusations and verbal abuse, then how can we, the weak and poor (in knowledge and faith), be spared?! “Reward (for a deed is given) according to the level of exertion”, “The people put to trial the most were the Prophets, then the next best, then the next best”. Allah says:

وَلَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ لَانْتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُمْ بِبَعْضٍ

And if Allāh had so willed, He could have punished (and destroyed) them (without you). But (He commanded you to fight against them) in order to test some of you with others]. [7] However, He wants some people to be a test for others (based on His Perfect Knowledge, Wisdom, and Justice), so whoever succeeds in this test and trial, Allah will raise his rank and honor him in this world and the Hereafter. [8] Indeed, many people may lose courage, lose their strength, and lose heart – either snuggle, [ فيخلد إلى الأرض – and then cling to the earth (i.e. preoccupied and diverted by the things of the worldly life)] or deviate as happens to many people. These people lose courage in the face of this affliction.

Therefore, we ask Allah [The Blessed and Most High] to keep us and you away from the causes of losing courage and the causes of defeat. By Allah, it is a battle between truth and falsehood that is more severe than military battles. The psychological war being waged in this era against Salafi callers (to Islam)is unparalleled. Because the media outlets have multiplied, and their arena has expanded in the east and west of the earth, and the presence of the devils among humankind in this era, I don’t think one can find their equal in plotting to wage war against the Salafi methodology and its adherents. I don’t think anything similar to it has preceded centuries ago – as it has been stated -because at present there is art in plotting, scheming, lies, rumours, and what is said by what is referred to as the malicious media.

Sa’eed Hawaa, one of the distinguished personalities of the “Muslim Brotherhood (Sect)” [9]- one of the senior (figureheads), who wrote many books that served this corrupt methodology, and they used to hold him in high regard until he reached a great status among them; then a disagreement arose between them… [what comes after statement is missing from the audio]

Then the Qutbists [10] came after them, and it is said that if these mentioned orientations (or groups) gathered with the Muslim Brotherhood (Sect), they would not achieve what the Qutbists have achieved in attacking Ahlus Sunnah with regards to misrepresenting (or distorting the true methodology of Ahlus Sunnah), but one must exercise patience. [Allah says]: [إِنَّما يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسابٍ – Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning]. [Surah Az-Zumar. Ayah 10]

We ask Allah [The Blessed and Most High] to guide them or stop their enmity, and that Allah Exalt His statement, and support His religion. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplications.

The reader of the questions said: May Allah reward you with good. O Shaikh! It is also stated in the question with another expression (as follows): Is the Mubtadi [Footnote a] in our era treated as the Mubtadi in the earlier era (because) there is no doubt that the era of Imam Ahmad was different from this present era of ours?

Response: The religion ordained by Allah does not change and varies based on people changing and adopting different (ways, orientations, views, etc). The religion ordained by Allah (remains as) the religion ordained by Allah, and Allah’s call (remains as) Allah’s call. The dealings during the era of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], in the era of Imaam Ahmad, Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, and Shaikhul Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab, and thereafter, all emanate from Allah’s Book (The Qur’an) and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger. Their methodology is one, but there is a need for someone to apply this methodology and know how to deal with Ahlul Bidah in the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Ahlul Bidah must be warned against, their faults (attributed to the religion) exposed, and their misguidance clarified. This is one of the most obligated obligations and prescribed duties. What they say that the situation is different and that times are different is that do not want you to speak about Ahlul Bidah because these (deviated) parties (groups) are submissive to innovated, misguided leaderships (or leaders), so when you speak about their misguided leaderships (or leaders)- criticising them, they want you to remain silent. Therefore, do not be led astray by these tactics. They say (i.e. claim) that Ahmed was (such and such), Ibn Taymiyyah was (such and such)- distort their speech and objectives. All of this is to silence Ahlus Sunnah and address them with a speech that will make them dumbfounded to make them keep quiet about their leaders, and indeed, they have made every effort to silence Ahlus Sunnah. But all that Ahlus Sunnah has to do is roll up their sleeves and strive to raise the word of Allah, spread the Sunnah and manifest it, and refute Bidah with everything they can do in every country. It is necessary to clarify these affairs for the people, such as differentiating between truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, and Sunnah and Bidah, which the people of Bidah and the proponents of abominable partisanship do not want- those who hide behind the term Salafiyyah through plotting and stratagem.

Indeed, they seek to distort Salafiyyah with great force so that they can crush it. That is why you see these people pursuing the Salafi call and its youth everywhere to crush it and establish on its ruins their innovated, corrupt methodologies. This is something tangible. In any case, it is necessary to speak about Ahlul Bidah, warning against them is necessary, and it is Jihad. They (i.e. the scholars) said in the time of Imaam Ahmed, “Jihad against Ahlul Bidah” or they said, “Defending the Sunnah is better than striking with swords (in Jihad)”. Ibn Taymiyyah – during his era – rolled up his sleeves and exerted himself in a manner that surpassed many of the Imams of Islam before him because he encountered many Bidah, so he confronted them with Allah’s Book and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], refuted them and restrained their proponents together with his forbearance, knowledge, and wisdom. From those affairs related to the clarification that is based on wisdom and the rights of knowledge is the distinction between truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, Sunnah and Bidah. Allah says: [وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَاقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَكْتُمُونَهُ – (And remember) when Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) to make it (the news of the coming of Prophet Muhammad and the religious knowledge) known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it]. [Surah Al-Imran. Ayah 187]

I swear by Allah, the Prophets strove and stood up to remove the people out of darkness (and entered them) into light, and scholars are heirs of Prophets (in knowledge, religion, guidance, etc). Therefore, it is necessary to strive and roll up the sleeves to rescue the people from the darkness (and enter them into) light (i.e. by the permission of Allah). I say to these Masaakeen [i.e. these people who are very needy in their understanding and stances] that I swear by Allah that Ahlus Sunnah are the most sincere advisers and the most eager regarding what will benefit the people in their religion and their worldly affairs. I swear by Allah that whoever wants to silence Ahlus Sunnah is one who harms, betrays, and deceives the Ummah. He is the one who does not care whether the people are entered into the depths of the fire, or whether they are saved or not. As for Ahlus Sunnah, I swear by Allah that they only want good for the people, and they only want this Ummah to follow the path of their Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his straight path to enter Paradise or whoever Allah wills to enter into Paradise. When Ahlus Sunnah strives and stands up for (the truth), it is not for anything, but to guide these people and present what will benefit them in their religion and worldly affairs, and by Allah those who defend Ahlul Bidah are enemies of the people. They are the ones who harm them and prevent them from the truth that can reach them through the callers (to Islam) among Ahlus Sunnah.

So, how does our time differ from the time of Imaam Ahmed?! In the time of Ahmed, it was permissible to speak about Ahlul Bidah and warn against them, but now it is not permissible?! Clarify what you want! What do you want from this statement? Do you want us not to clarify the truth for the people, and that we do not warn them against misguidance, and Bidah, and that we not teach them the correct beliefs and correct approaches? What do you want? Clarify for us. There is deception and generality (that needs explanation) in this speech, may Allah bless you. This is why, as I emphasised to you, they do not want – at all -speech directed at the figureheads of Bidah and misguidance. Hence, they initiated the methodology of Muwaazanaat [Footnote b] after they lost hope that Ahlus Sunnah would not remain silent. They initiated the methodology of Muwaazanaat to praise their leaders (of Bidah and misguidance), and thereafter speak about their mistakes. Despite being (rightfully) disgraced, they are unwilling and do not the mistakes of their leaders to be mentioned, but if you must speak, then speak based on counterbalancing (i.e. Muwaazanaat). They institute in the religion ordained by Allah that which Allah has not allowed, and forbid what Allah has established about propagating Allah’s Message, the advice to be given to Muslims, and to warn them against what would harm them in their religion and worldly affairs. They forbid these affairs, thus they commit a greater crime against Islam than those whom they call Tawaagheet (false gods) and fight them to gain access to the seats of (political) leadership. [Footnote c]

Paraphrased: An Excerpt from the Shaikh short commentary on (الجواب الكافي) by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. Audio number 2

———————————

Footnotes:

[1] Who are the Khawaarij? https://www.kharijites.com/kj/index.cfm

[2] Who are the Mujassimah and Mushabbihah? https://www.asharis.com/creed/articles/pvxbz-destroying-the-slander-of-tajsim-anthropomorphism-against-ahl-al-sunnah-wal-jama.cfm

[2.1] Who are the Jahmiyyah? https://abukhadeejah.com/who-are-the-jahmiyyah-by-imam-ahmad-ibn-hanbal-d-241h/

[3] Who are the Mutazilah? http://www.mutazilah.com/

[4] Who are the Mur’jiah? This innovation occurred just prior to the end of the first century hijrah, and there is some difference as to who the originator was, with the names presented such as Dharr bin Abdullaah al-Hamdaanee, Qays al-Maasir and Hammaad bin Abi Sulaymaan – they all lived in the same era and in the same locality, al-Kufah in Iraq, so it is certain that the idea origination in a certain location. This irjaa’ was that of the Jurists (Fuquhaa) and which manifested in the Hanafis. Al-Jahm bin Safwaan (see the section on the Jahmiyyah below) also propounded irjaa’ and his was an extreme form that was passed on through the factions of the Mutakallimoon. irjaa’ is to expel actions from the reality of faith (Eemaan) and to restrict faith to being only what is in the heart, or what is upon the tongue, or only in the heart and tongue. And thus, all the legislated actions, be the obligatory or recommended, are considered external to the essence and reality of Eemaan (faith).

[5] Who are the Raafidah? They are extreme Shi’ites who are commonly known as the Twelvers (Ithnaa Asharah). A Yemeni Jew, by the name of Abdullaah bin Saba’ was the founder of this group, and he appeared in the time of ‘Alee (radiallaahu anhu). He instigated a revolution against the Caliph Uthmaan (radiallaahu anhu) and mustered other Muslims together for that purpose, claiming that Alee had more right to be the Caliph. He, in common with the Khawaarij, raised the banner of “social justice” for that purpose. He eventually deified Alee, declaring him to be Allaah. Alee ordered him and followers to be burned to death, but Abdullaah bin Saba’ escaped to a place called al-Madaa’in.

The Raafidah Shi’ah proclaim love for Alee and the Ahl ul-Bayt (family of the Prophet). Their main doctrine is that the Caliphate belonged to Alee’ after the Prophet and that the Imaamate is the right of the Ahl ul-Bayt (offspring of Alee’). They declare most of the Companions to be disbeleivers except for a handful, and they have specific enmity towards Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallaahu anhumaa). They claim infallibility (al-ismah) for their Imaams, and give them divine attributes such as knowing the unseen. They make the issue of Imaamah (leadership) to be from the greatest of the pillars of the religion. They claim the Qur’an is incomplete and have their own Qur’aan, and they curse and revile the Companions and the wives of the Prophet (alayhis salaam), this being worship for them. They also make deception (taqiyah) to be a pillar of their religion. As they evolved they acquired other innovations, such as those of the Mu’tazilah and those of the Mushabbihah, Mujassimah. They also plunged in their morals and are the most lying and deceiving of people. The Rafidah Shi’ah are also very adept at spreading their poison.

https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm

[6] Who are the Nawaasib? They are those who hate the family of the Prophet, especially those who hate Ali [may Allah be pleased with him] and his family.

[7] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/47_4

[8] https://salafidawah.uk/2019/02/22/we-have-made-some-of-you-as-a-trial-for-others-will-you-have-patience-consolation-and-encouragement/

[9] Muslim Brotherhood: The so-called “Muslim Brotherhood” (al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen) is an organization that was set up in Egypt in 1928 and modeled upon a prior organization set up by the suspect figure Jamal ul-Din al-Afghani. Its founder, Hasan al-Banna was an Ash’ari and Hasawi Sufi. Its two most influential figureheads are Hasan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb and they each laid down the foundations for the two major strains of Ikhwani thought and methodology. Hasan al-Banna brought the alleged “golden principle” of accommodating all of the deviant sects in order to amass as large a number as possible (to be used to help achieve the political goals and aspirations of the leaders of this group). This included making inroads, allegiances and friendships with the Iranian Rafidah. Sayyid Qutb (website) brought the elements of Takfir (of all contemporary Muslim societies) and the necessity of revolution (against them) through which rulers are targeted and replaced. Both these methodologies work hand in hand and are two sides of the same coin. As a result, the Muslim Brotherhood has been a useful tool for creating chaos and corruption both in religious and worldly affairs and served as a useful proxy to help achieve geo-political agendas. http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm

[10] Qutubists: Readings in Intermediate Qutubism:

Click to access GRV070004.pdf

http://www.sayyidqutb.com/

Footnote a:

https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-establishment-of-proof-in-declaring-a-person-to-be-an-innovator/

Footnote b:

https://abuiyaad.com/r/muwazanah

Footnote c:

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-meaning-of-taghut-according-to-the-early-scholars/

A Straightforward Discussion With The Intellect

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Everyone Is Given Their Share of Intelligence

Imam al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Intellect is inborn”. Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, it [i.e. intellect] is brought forth together with the person, and it develops and increases as he [the person] grows. So, the intellect starts as something small, then become greater together with its possessor. There is no doubt that the intellects vary based on that which Allaah bestowed on every person. And indeed in the Qur’an Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] praised the people of (sound) intellect. [1]

Learning From Childhood Through Experience and Analogy

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him,

It is well known that an individual enters the world devoid of knowledge; however, they possess the inherent capacity to experience sensations such as pain. For instance, when subjected to a pinch, the individual perceives pain as a direct response. This sensation has been present since the moment the soul was instilled within them (refer to footnote a); nonetheless, it does not equate to knowledge. Additionally, there exists an innate disposition that enables the infant to grasp the mother’s breast and engage in suckling.

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said: [وَٱللَّهُ أَخۡرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا – And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing]. [An-Nahl. 78]

Following birth, an individual begins to percieve physical objects through sensory experiences, which progressively enhances through the process of analogy, or the comparison of one entity or circumstance to another. It becomes customary for the mother to lift her child from the cradle when she intends to breastfeed. As this action is repeated, the child comes to understand—through analogy—that being lifted from the cradle signifies the opportunity for breastfeeding. One may observe the child crying when hungry, remaining quiet when removed from the cradle, and then resuming crying if breastfeeding does not occur thereafter. This illustrates how general knowledge is cultivated through the perception of tangible items and the use of analogy, which is further reinforced by repetition. This process can be described as Istiqraa (examination, scrutiny, and extrapolation).

Through the observation of tangible objects and the use of analogy, the fundamental causes are imprinted in both the mind and the heart. This includes the understanding that existence and non-existence cannot coexist, that a whole is greater than its individual parts, and that an event requires a cause to come into being. What is meant is that he perceives either through sensory experience or through analogical reasoning based on sensory input. The intellect engages with tangible items and analogies, evaluating whether a situation is definitively correct, likely, incorrect, or possible. This understanding remains with an individual throughout their life; however, as one matures, acquires knowledge, engages in reasoning, and reflects, their understanding deepens. This growth is facilitated by the multitude of tangible experiences accessible through the senses, enhancing their capacity for analogy and strengthening their intellectual faculties.

When another individual is present in your home, you can ascertain their presence by either observing them or hearing their voice, as well as through tactile sensations or the recognition of their scent. Based on your prior experiences, you come to the conclusion that this entity is indeed a human being; the shape, voice, or the physical object you have interacted with, along with its scent, all indicate a human being. Furthermore, through additional reasoning, you identify this individual as a specific person, recognising that the shape, voice, tangible object, and scent correspond to that particular individual.

You may leave your room unoccupied and return shortly thereafter to discover that an incident has occurred within. From your prior reasoning and intellectual assessment, you deduce that an event must have caused this situation. If you seek to understand the underlying reason, you engage in an investigation based on your earlier deductions. It is possible that a piece of paper has shifted due to a gust of wind. Alternatively, a book may have been placed precariously, and upon observing its fall, you contemplate that its instability, caused by its considerable weight, led it to gradually lean until it ultimately toppled. Furthermore, if an object was suspended by a frail string that eventually broke, you reflect on the fact that due to the weight of the object, its strength weakened until it snapped (completely).

If a container holding food was positioned securely but subsequently fell, one might conclude that a mouse, a cat, or a similar creature had forcefully jumped onto it, causing the fall. In the case where a container of light food was removed from atop a table and relocated to another table at a distance, and a monkey was present in the house or nearby, it could be inferred that the monkey was the cause of the movement. Furthermore, if a heavy box was initially placed on the ground but later found in a different location, one would likely assume that a person had entered and moved it, recognising that this individual is alive and capable of such an action. Lastly, if multiple items within a room were rearranged from their original positions into a more organised and aesthetically pleasing arrangement, it would indicate that the individual responsible possesses a level of wisdom commensurate with the skills necessary to achieve such an arrangement.

If the room was secured from within, and you approached the door, fully aware that no one could have entered after your arrival, yet upon your return, you discovered that the luggage had been rearranged in a manner that was more imaginative and refined than its previous state; you would then consider one of two scenarios: either there exists an individual with capabilities that surpass the ordinary, who managed to enter the room through an unconventional means; or there is a being present, alive, knowledgeable, and possessing wisdom that exceeds that of any human or other species you have encountered. Thus, you came to recognise this being’s existence by drawing parallels with the existence of tangible entities that can be sensed, as well as by comprehending the qualities associated with it. [2]

The Intellect Is Not The Basis Through Which Right and Wrong Are Determined

Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakiy, may Allah have mercy upon him, said,

“The most beneficial intellect is the one that makes you acknowledge the blessings Allah, aids you to be grateful and oppose (evil) desires”. [3]

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

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

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

It has been asserted that the distancing of Iblees (from Allah’s Mercy) is due to a false interpretation. He made an analogy and prioritised this analogy over the divine tex. He made a false interpretation about himself and that his rational reasoning takes precedence over the command to prostrate, (claiming), “I am better than him (i.e., Adam).” He argued that a virtuous being should not submit to one who possesses greater virtue, hastily stating, “You created me from fire, while him You created from clay.” He throught that this analogy that resembled truth, even thought it is false, will benefit his false interpretation, thus he became the leader for all – until the day of Judgement- who makes a false interpretation of the texts of the revelations. How many peiople in this world are followers of tghis cursed leader!

If you contemplate the majority of those doubts that are crafted to appear as truths by the misguided interpreters of texts and seeking to invalidate them, it becomes evident that these doubts bear a resemblance to those of Iblees which he attempts to present as truth. For instance, an individual asserts, “If the intellect and divine text are in conflict, prioritise the intellect.” This assertion serves as the foundation for a principle that he employs to dismiss the revealed texts, which he alleges contradict reason, much like Iblees argued that a rational argument was at odds with the command to perform Sujud. This doubt arose from his arrogance, which obstructed his acceptance of the clear revelations. Similarly, it is observed that every erroneous challenger of the revealed texts does so out of pride. Allah [The Exalted] stated:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُجَـٰدِلُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ سُلۡطَـٰنٍ أَتَٮٰهُمۡۙ إِن فِى صُدُورِهِمۡ إِلَّا ڪِبۡرٌ۬ مَّا هُم بِبَـٰلِغِيهِۚ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡبَصِيرُ

Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad ) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Ghafir. 56] [5]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: Shaikh, are the ones who depend on their intellects to understand many of the affairs of the religion considered mistaken?

Answer: It is imperative for him not to rely solely on his intellect; instead, he should engage in the study of texts and depend on the divine revelations from Allah’s speech and those of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, as they provide guidance and direction towards good. The intellect can right or wrong. The sects that oppose Ahlus Sunnah faced destruction primarily due to their intellects. They thought that they had good intellects and that their intellects arrived at correct conclusions, which led them to oppose the established texts with stagnant intellects. What made the Jahmiyyah to deny the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah, if not their erroneous intellects? Similarly, what caused the Mutazilah to reject Allah’s attributes and assert that sinners (who are not guilty of major Shirk and Kufr) would remain in the fire eternally, if not their corrupt intellects? The same applies to their followers who utter this same speech. What led the Khawaarij to declare that those who commit sins are disbelievers – that the sinner is a disbeliever and will remain in the fire forever, except due to their corrupt intellects. Likewise, this is the case regarding other than them amongst the proponents of Bidah. The intellects which they depend upon destroyed them because they thought that their intellects are safe, sound, good and infallible, whereas that is not the case; rather it is not infallible – commits mistakes a lot. However, they hold a good suspicion of their intellects and an evil suspicion of the texts, thus they were destroyed.

It is obligatory to harbour a good suspicion of the (divine) texts and an evil suspicion of the intellect, and to submit the intellects to the (divine) texts. The (divine) texts are infallible if their chain of transmission are established to be authentic. As for the intellects, they are fallible. A person is susceptible to mistakes, shortcoming and desires. As for the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, what he conveyed from Allah is infallible. Likewise, the Qur’an is infallible- the speech of Allah. Therefore, it is obligatory that the Qur’an and Sunnah passes a judgement on your intellect and that you give precedence to the Qur’an and Sunnah over your intellect- over the intellect of the Shaikh, the Mashaayikh, your forefathers, ancestors and all the people. The (divine) texts are given precedence over all the intellects. [6]

Allah [The Most High] says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet. [Al-Hujuraat. 1-2]

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

When it is the case that Allah forbade (us) from giving precedence to (ourselves) over the Messenger, then which type of giving precedence to oneself over the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, can be more severe than giving precedence to one’s intellect over the revelation he was sent with? Many of the pious predecessors stated (that this Ayah means) “Do not say anything (about the religion) until the Messenger speaks and do not act until he commands you”. The most disobedient person amongst the people and the worst with regards to giving precedence to himself over the Messenger is that one who gives precedence to his intellect or the intellect of another person over the revelation the Messenger was sent with. When it is the case that Allah has forbidden them from raising their voices above the voice of the Messenger, how about raising their intellects above the statements of the Messenger and the revelation he came with?! [7]

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

In this great Surah, there are lofty benefits and rulings. The Muslims are greatly in need of understanding (it), being conscious of it and take benefit from it. In the first part, there is a warning against putting oneself forward before Allah and His Messenger and that which is obligated to the People of Iman is that they are to be followers and not innovators in the religion, and not to put themselves forward before Allah and His Messenger. The people of knowledge say (that this ayah means): “Do not speak until you are commanded by Allah and His Messenger, and do not act until the Messenger acts and legislates; do not put (yourselves) forward before him with either speech or action, (but) be you followers of that which has been prescribed for you and made clear in the (Islamic) legislation. This is the way the people of Iman – they do not innovate acts of worship and rulings in Allah’s Shariah.

[وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيم – And fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing]. Allah hears their statements and nothing is hidden from Him with regards to your state of affairs. He hears the statements of the slaves and He knows their state of affairs. He knows what you do, the truth you utter and other than it- in other words, be mindful of Him and be warned about (disobeying Him) because nothing is hidden from Him. He hears and He knows your state of affairs. Therefore, it is obligated to you to be followers, and not innovators in Allah’s Shariah. [8]

Listen to Lecture by Shaikh Abu Iyaad -may Allah preserve him
Atheism – Causes and Cures
https://islamtees.uk/2022/01/09/video-atheism-causes-and-cures-by-ustadh-abu-iyaad-amjad-rafiq/

[1] Irshaad As-Saaree Fee Sharh as-Sunnah Lil-Barbahaaree. 155. Daarul Minhaaj 1430AH (2009)]

[2] Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee. 5/7-11

[3] Seerah As-Salaf As-Saaliheen. 1/1073. Chapter: A mention of the At’baa at-Taabi’een

[4] I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69

[5] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 1/371-372

[6]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/28730/%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%84-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B5. Paraphrased]

[7] An Excerpt from Al-Wabil As-Sayyib’ page 21

[8] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa-id al-Ilmiyyah Min Ad-Durar Al-Baaziyyah: page: 391-392; Vol: 4. Publisher: Dar Ar-Risaalah 1st ed 1430AH (Year 2009)]

People used to ask about the good times, but I used to ask about the bad times- Commentary By Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Death, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Jannah (Paradise), Khawaarij, Marriage (Nikkah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shi'a, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Tamyee', The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

All praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.  To proceed:

Indeed, the hadith that will be addressed – in this lecture – is the hadith of Hudhaifah Bin Al-Yaman, may Allah be pleased with him. He said: People used to ask Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me.  I said, “O Messenger of Allah! We were in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance and evil, and then Allah brought us this good (time through Islam), is there any evil time after this good one?” He said, “Yes” I asked, “Will there be a good time again after that evil?” He said, “Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil”. I asked, “What will be the evil hidden therein?” He said, “People who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know (their) good points as well as (their) bad points”. I asked, “Will there be an evil time after this good one?” He said, “Yes, when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call they will throw them into the fire”. I said, “O Messenger of Allah! Describe them for us”. He said, “They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language”. I said, “O Messenger of Allah! What do you suggest if I happen to live in that time?” He said, “You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader”. I said, “If they have no main body and have no leader?” He said, “Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state”. [Bukhari and Muslim…. The wording of the above is that of Imam Muslim]

Indeed, Allah pre-decreed (1) that the creation will be visited by tribulations, trials and tests, in order that the truthful one is distinguished from the hypocrite. Allah, The Exalted, said:

الٓمٓ

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ

Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘’We believe,’’ and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood) of those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test). [Al-Ankabut. 1-3]

Fitnah is a test. The human being will not be left alone because he says, “I believe, I submit, I am a Muslim, I am a believer!” He will be put to trial. If he exercises patience and firmly adheres to his Iman during tribulations, he is the one truthful to his Iman. If he deviates during tribulations and turns away from his religion, this one is not truthful to his Iman.  He is a hypocrite (i.e. depending on the severity of the deviation), as Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَبِالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَمَا هُمْ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنْفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day” while in fact they believe not. They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. [Al-Baqarah. 8-10]

This is the way of Allah.  Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

مَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَذَرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَىٰ مَا أَنْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ حَتَّىٰ يَمِيزَ الْخَبِيثَ مِنَ الطَّيِّبِ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْتَبِي مِنْ رُسُلِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۖ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ۚ وَإِنْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَتَتَّقُوا فَلَكُمْ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases. So, believe in Allah and His Messengers. And if you believe and fear Allah, then for you there is a great reward. [Aal Imran. 79]

Allah allows trials and tests to occur in order that the truthful one is distinguished from the liar, the true believer from the hypocrite, and the good one from the wicked one. This is from Allah’s (perfect) Wisdom.  Trials will occur as a result of this (perfect) Wisdom. If trials do not occur, the truth will be confounded with falsehood-the believer will be confused for the hypocrite and there will not be a distinction between this one and that one.

In this hadith reported by the honourable companion Hudhaifah Bin Al Yaman, he said: “The people used to ask the Messenger of Allah about the good times”. They used to ask him about the good regarding righteous deeds,  the correct Islamic creed and dealings, but Hudhaifah used to ask him about the evil times fearing lest they overcome him. Therefore, in this is evidence that it is not enough to only learn about the good; rather one must know about the evil to avoid it. If you do not know about the evil, you will come close to falling into it, as the poet said: “I acquaint myself with the evil not for the sake of evil, but to be safeguarded from it. The one who does not know (the distinction between) evil and good will fall into evil”.

A person must learn about the truth-its proofs and evidences. He must learn and know what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it, in order that he can be saved from falsehood and warn people against it. How can he avoid and warn people against it if he is unaware of it? In this regard, the Qur’an has clarified truth and falsehood, Iman and Kufr, Tawhid and Shirk, and Halal and Haram. It has not only clarified Tawhid, Halal and truth; rather it clarified that which is in opposition to them, so that the Muslim can avoid them. Likewise, the Prophet – in his Sunnah- clarified good and evil, truth and falsehood in all matters of the religion. The scholars clarified – in their written works- what Tawhid, Shirk, disbelief and hypocrisy are. They have clarified the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah and the beliefs of the deviated sects, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah, the Asha’itah …..and other than that. They have clarified the correct and forbidden dealings, the correct marriage, the false and corrupt marriage and the women forbidden (for one to marry). They have clarified the (good) and the evil manners. All of this gives the Muslim an insight into his affairs, so that he knows the truth based on its evidences, knows what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it, in order that he can avoid falsehood and tell the people avoid it. This is why you find in the books of belief: clarification of the belief in Tawhid and the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, clarification of the beliefs (that are tantamount) to misguidance, the doubts associated with it and refutation against them, so that a Muslim is not misled by deviations, false beliefs and deviated schools of thought, and so that Muslims can be upon a correct understanding in their religion and that which is in opposition to it.

Some of the people at present- the majority of them ignorant ones and amongst them misguided ones- say, “Do not learn about the false beliefs; suffice yourselves with learning the correct belief only and do not involve yourself in seeking to know the beliefs of the people of misguidance and the refutations against their doubts. Leave this and teach the children of the Muslims the correct belief only. Do not inform them about the statements that are in opposition, the doubts and refutation against them”.  This one (i.e. the one who makes these statements) is either one of the ignorant people who knows nothing about knowledge or he is one of those motivated by personal desires-those who want to spread the false schools of thought and their doubts; rather it may be that they say, “It is sufficient for a person to say, I am a Muslim, I am a believer….. a general Islam suffices, do not say, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa-ah, the people of misguidance, splitting and differing; do not say this because it will cause division between the Muslims”. These (statements are tantamount to) misguidance because Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified the truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, and Tawhid and shirk. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified all the matters of the religion- a detailed clarification of the matters related to worship, mutual dealings and manners. Therefore, this must be clarified so that it is made clear to the people, (and in order) that they can be upon clarity, and the true Muslim is distinguished from the so-called Muslim and no deviation and forgery enters into Islam. We must make a distinction between this and that one, in order that truth is not confounded with falsehood, distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and wickedness. We do not suffice ourselves with a general Islam because this is misleading, and it is deception. We warn against this propaganda. The truth must be clarified and distinguished from falsehood, and guidance must be distinguished from misguidance. Hudhaifah used to ask the Prophet about the evil and did not suffice himself by only asking the Prophet about the good. The Prophet affirmed that for him and did not say to him, “Suffice yourself with knowing what good is” rather he affirmed and clarified- for him- the evil that was to occur, in order that he may beware and warn others. This is the Sunnah, this is the path of the Qur’an and that of the Messenger.

Hudhaifah said: “O Messenger of Allah! We were in state of Al-Jaahiliyyah and evil”.

Al-Jaahiliyyah: It is derived from al-Jahl (ignorance). It is the absence of knowledge, and the intent behind it is the state of affairs before Islam. The state of affairs before the advent of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is Al-Jaahiliyyah. This is because the people were in a state of ignorance and misguidance with regards to worship, mutual dealings, food consumption, marriage and other than that. They were in ignorance and misguidance due to the long period between Eesa and Muhammad (i.e. the absence of a Messenger). This was a period of over four hundred years within which the divine message ceased. The divine message was obscured, whilst ignorance and misguidance became widespread. The people worshiped idols, trees, stones, false deities, the Jinn and humans. They worshiped the angels, and the righteous, and they were upon divergent paths. With regards to the halal and haram, they did not distinguish between good and filth; rather they used to deal in usury. The usury of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance was that when they settled a debt with a debtor, they would say, “Either you settle the debt, or we increase the debt and double the time it (should be paid)”. This was the Pre-Islamic Usury and it used to be predominant in their mutual dealings. They used to gather wealth through forbidden means- through pillage, plunder, robbery and devouring people’s wealth through falsehood.

And with regards to food consumption, they made dead animals and blood lawful. They used to eat dead animals, blood and repugnant things. With regards to their relationship between one another, they used to kill and fight one another over the most trivial thing. They neither had a leader nor a state. They were either under the authority of tribal systems or under the authority of the Persians and the Romans. The powerful used to violate (the rights of the weak), and an oppressor used to transgress the limits, and no one stopped him. This was the state of affairs in Al-Jaahiliyyah (The Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance). They were upon ignorance in all aspects (of life) and the greatest of this was related to worship and creed. They believed in in Shirk, rejected the (Resurrection) and the Divine Message. [They said]: [مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِنْ شَيْءٍ – Nothing did Allah send down to any human being (by revelation)]. 6:91]

This was their state of affairs in Al-Jaahiliyyah. Then, Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, sent Muhammad with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth. Allah stated: [هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ َ – It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with Al Hudaa (the Guidance) and Deenul Haqq (the religion of truth -Islaam) 9:33]

Hudaa is beneficial knowledge and Deenul Haq is righteous action. Allah sent His Prophet with beneficial knowledge and righteous action, thus that pre-Islamic ignorance ceased to exist for ever and knowledge and guidance appeared. The Jaahiliyyah Aamma (The Pre-Islamic ignorance that was widespread in the world and touched every aspect of life) has ceased to exist; but it remains amongst some people or some of the tribes, or in some of the lands. This is Jaahiliyyah Juz’iy (partial Pre-Islamic Ignorance). As for the ‘Jahiliyyah Aamma’, this has ceased to exist after the advent of the Messenger, but some traits of Pre-Islamic ignorance remains among some of the people due to statement of the Prophet “Among my people there are four characteristics belonging to pre-Islamic period which they do not abandon: boasting of high rank, reviling other peoples’ genealogies, seeking rain by stars, and wailing (i.e. for the dead).’’ [Sahih Muslim]. This remains, but it is an aspect of Jaahiliyyah. As for the Jaahiliyyah Aamma, it has ceased to exist. Therefore, it is not permissible to say that the people are in Al-Jaahiliyyah (unrestrictedly). Some say: “(The people) are in a state of Pre-Islamic ignorance that is more severe than the one before the advent of the Prophet”. The meaning of this is a denial of what the Messenger conveyed – a denial of the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet and the abundant knowledge within our hands. Its meaning is that we are in Al-Jaahiliyyah. This (statement) is a mistake; the people are not in Al-Jaahiliyyah, but there remains some of the traits of Al-Jaahiliyyah in some individuals- in some nations and tribes; but this is a specific Jahiliyyah. Therefore, it is obligatory to be acquainted with this affair.

His [Hudhaifah’s] statement, “We were in a state of ignorance and evil”.

What is evil? Evil is that which the people were upon- Shirk, worship of images, eating haram and other evil deeds before the advent of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. These were the evil deeds, but Allah brought about good (through Islam).  Hudhaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “And then Allah brought us this good (time through Islam)”. This is an acknowledgement of Allah’s grace, for indeed good (only) comes from Allah [The Exalted] and He is The One Who guided us. We cannot recognise good (solely) through our intellects and the knowledge we possess; rather we come to know of it through the revelation given to the Messenger- the Magnificent Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah.

The truth is not known through the intellects or habits, or through blind following and opinions; rather it is known through the revelation sent down by Allah – the revelation that was communicated through the tongue of His Messenger. Therefore, this is a rebuttal against those who say that the people are free to hold onto their views and everyone can say what he wants. We say, “No, the people are the slaves of Allah and their intellects and views are deficient. They must return to the revelation in order to know the truth and reject falsehood”.

Regarding his (Hudhaifah’s) statement: “And then Allaah brought us this good (time through Islam)”. What is good? It is Islam because of the guidance it contains, knowledge and the absence of doubts that have pervaded the minds of many people. Allah brought about this immense good. This is an acknowledgement of Allah’s blessing because blessings only come to us from Him, Glorified and Exalted be He. Indeed, Allah did not leave us to our intellects and views; rather Allah is the One Who shows us good and guides us towards it. Allah said:

قُلْ  إِنْ ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَا أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي ۖ وَإِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِي إِلَيَّ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ

Say: If (even) I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I remain guided, it is because of the Revelation of my Lord to me. Truly, He is All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things) 34:50]

(Then) he (Hudhaifah) said: “Is there any evil time after this good one?”

This is proof that a Muslim is not safe from trials and tribulations even if he is has knowledge, righteous action and correct creed. Indeed, he will not be safe from the callers to misguidance and evil, and due to this reason Hudhaifah asked Allah’s Messenger, saying: “Is there any evil time after this good one?” This is proof that evil will appear after good, and these are trials and tests Allah will allow to appear amongst the people. Indeed, they will not continue to be upon one state; rather they will face changing circumstances. The human being will not be safe from trials and doubts; he will not be safe from the callers to misguidance even if he is upon good- upon a correct creed and Religion. This is why Hudhaifah asked: “Is there any evil time after this good one?” He (the Prophet) said, “Yes”.

This is Khabar [information] from the Messenger that evil will occur after good. This took place during the latter part of the era of the Sahaabah. Trials and evil emerged from the misguided sects, such as the Qadariyyah, the Shia, the Murji’ah, the Jahmiyyah and other than them. This took place during the latter part of the era of the Sahaabah, may Allah be pleased with them. However, as long as the Qur’an and the Sunnah are present, this evil will be repelled if the scholars convey the Qur’an and the Sunnah and clarify these trials and evils for the people. Therefore, the cure is present -all praise and thanks be to Allah-and evil will be repelled.

(Hudhaifah) said, “Will there be a good time again after that evil time?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. In this is proof that evil will not be continuous, and that the Muslim should wait for solace from Allah. Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs).

Solace must come. He (the Prophet) said: “Know that along with patience is assistance, along with distress is solace, and along with every hardship is relief”.[Reported by Ahmad]

(One) should not lose hope when trials and evil increases. Indeed, he should be in a state of tranquility and encourage others to be in a state of tranquility when trials occur, and he should say: “All praise and thanks be to Allah, we are upon guidance and a clear religion. Solace is close by and evil will cease to exist by the permission of Allah”. This is what is incumbent upon the good people and the scholars, that they have tranquility and (urge) the people to be in a state of tranquility because this (evil) will cease by the permission of Allah and solace will come after it.

It is not permissible for a person to say: “The people are destroyed”. This is not permissible; rather (one) should (urge) the people to be in a state of tranquility, firm upon good and expectant of assistance, for indeed the good end is for the people of piety. Therefore, regardless how great the evil and trial is, it will cease to exist. He (the Prophet) said: “A group of my followers will remain manifest upon the truth. They will neither be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them till Allah’s command comes (i.e. the day of Judgement)”.[Bukhari and Muslim]

Islam will not cease to continue and all praise and thanks be to Allah. The religion and the Qur’an will not cease to exist until that appointed time about which the Prophet has informed us that at the end of time the Qur’an will be taken away from the hearts of men and from the Masaahif (i.e. the copies of the Qur’an).  The Qur’an will not remain within the hands of the people (at that time), but this will be at the time of the destruction of the world (i.e. when the day of judgement is very close). (However), good will continue to exist while the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Qiblah are present, even though there is one who is led away from it and strays; and even though there is one who deviates from it and deviated, as the saying goes: “Fitnah has its victims”. It takes away the one who goes with it; but the people of Iman will remain even if they are small in number. Even if there is one who goes along with the Fitnah, the one who goes astray and the one who comes along, the truth and its people will remain, and all praise and thanks be to Allah. The truth is present, as Allaah said:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

A person is neither to lose hope nor despair. He should not to make the people lose hope of a return to goodness. He should not make the people lose hope that truth will prevail, and falsehood will be repelled. This is because Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, has made that promise and He does not fail to fulfil His promise. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The Religion is aided when put to the test; therefore, do not be amazed for this is the way the Most Merciful (Allah)”.

Allah said:
وَتِلْكَ الْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنْكُمْ شُهَدَاءَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ
وَلِيُمَحِّصَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَيَمْحَقَ الْكَافِرِينَ

And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allah may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allah likes not the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong doers). And that Allaah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers.

This is the wisdom behind the occurrence of trials and tribulations, so that the believers are purified, exercise patience, become firm upon the truth and are cautioned for their mistakes, and repent to Allah, and the disbelievers in Allah are destroyed. Therefore, (trials and tribulations) are a purification for the believers and destruction for the disbelievers, and all praise and thanks be to Allah. It is obligated to a Muslim that he looks at (the affairs) with optimism-neither looks at history and the state of affairs with pessimism and hopelessness nor make the people lose hope. It has been reported in a hadith: “Whoever says the people are ruined, he himself is ruined”. [Muslim] Therefore, a person should neither lose hope in Allah’s Mercy nor does he make people lose hope that Allah will bring about solace.

(Hudhaifah) said: “Will there be a good time again after that evil time?” He (the Prophet) said, “Yes, but therein will be Dakhan (a hidden evil)”. I asked, “What will be the evil hidden therein?” He said, “People who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know (their) good points as well as (their) bad points”. In this is proof that one should expect solace and not despair of Allah’s Mercy. Indeed, good will come after evil. The Muslim should neither despair nor lose hope; he has to wait for solace. However, this has to be accompanied by the deeds one is able to do, statements, spreading knowledge, calling to Allah, telling the people to have certainty and keeping them away from despair and lack of hope. He (the pessimist) says: “Islam and the Muslims have vanished, the affair has ended, and the religion has been annihilated…..and so forth…..”. These are maqaalaat sayyi’ah (evil statements).

Regarding his (the Prophet’s) statement: “But therein (during this period) will be a hidden evil”, meaning, there will be something of alteration during that good time. It is a (good time) but there would be something of alteration in it. This is information given by the truthful one, the one who is believed- (i.e. the Prophet), and indeed good has occurred along with something of alterations.

(Hudhaifah) said, “What will be the evil hidden therein?” Subhaanallaah! This man is precise (in the manner) he presents his questions, and Allah made him utter that which is beneficial and education for the ummah. He (the Prophet) said: “People who will follow ways other than mine and they will seek guidance other than mine”. Meaning, they will be matters with them that are (not agreement with the guidance of the Prophet). They are Muslims and believers who possess good, but they will (also) have something of those things that are not (in conformity with the guidance of the Messenger) that will not terminate their Iman and religion; but it will make it deficient. Likewise, there will be deficiency in the worldly affairs. It (has been reported in another) hadith: “No time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than it, till you meet your lord”. Thus, they will have some things that are in (opposition to the Sunnah and the guidance of the Messenger) and they will seek guidance other than that of Prophet. They will initiate things in opposition to the Sunnah, however it will not be a complete opposition; rather it will be a specific type of opposition. In this is a warning against opposing (the Sunnah) even if that is little.

In this is a warning against seeking guidance other than that of the Prophet, even if that is little because the Prophet referred to it as Dakhan- Meaning, deficiency and Harm. In this is proof that the judgment of disbelief is not passed on the Muslim as long as he does not commit Major shirk or apostates from Islam through one of the nullifiers of Islam. However, he may have some deviation and some things that are not in accordance with the (Sunnah). This either makes him one who is mistaken and misguided or a sinner due to committing a sin that does not expel him from Islam. In this is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Aqeedah that the judgment of disbelief is not passed on the one who commits a major sin; rather this is called Dakhan (hidden evil) and Naqsan (deficiency) in religion, or sin; but it is not called disbelief and apostasy as the Khawaarij and Mutazilah say.

He (the Prophet) said: “You will know (their) good points as well as (their) bad points”. You will know the good points of these people and this is proof that they will possess good. You will know their bad points, and this is proof that they will have something of evil that will be in opposition to the guidance of the Messenger. They will possess both good and evil. The Messenger referred to (this period) with good and attested to it, and this is proof that it is good even if there is a hidden evil in it. In this is proof of the Creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah regarding the fact that not every matter that is in opposition to the Prophet’s guidance is disbelief; rather, it may be an error, misguidance or deficiency in Iman, and it can also be called evil. There is a differentiation between evil absolute evil, partial evil and evil that is compared (with other evil things). Therefore, we must name things with their appropriate names.

[Hudhaifah] asked: ‘”Will there be a bad time after this good one?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. This is the third time that evil will occur, but it will be greater than the first time. In the first evil, the people possessed both good and evil. However, these ones will be callers to the gates of hell fire. They do not say to the people, “Come to the hell fire!!”, they say: “’Come to progress and civilization, development and conformity with the nations. Do not remain old fashioned and rigid”. The meaning of this is to abandon your religion and go along with the people. These are callers to the gates of hell fire-they call (the Muslims) to abandon their religion and affiliate themselves to the disbelievers. This is the call to the hell fire because the hell fire is a promise for the disbelievers. They call the people to that which the people of hell fire are upon – the disbelievers, the idolaters and the atheists. How numerous are these callers in the Islamic world today! Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah!

Therefore, we must issue severe warning against them. Why? Because they call us to the hell fire, and Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said about the disbelievers:

أُولَٰئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ

Those (Al-Mushrikoon) invite you to the fire, but Allah invites (you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by His Leave.

He, Glorified and Exalted be He, said about shaytaan:

إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ

He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the fire.

The believer amongst the people of fir’awn said:

وَيَا قَوْمِ مَا لِي أَدْعُوكُمْ إِلَى النَّجَاةِ وَتَدْعُونَنِي إِلَى النَّارِ

And O my people! How is it that I call you to salvation while you call me to the fire.

How did he call them to the Paradise and how did they call him to the fire?
تَدْعُونَنِي لِأَكْفُرَ بِاللَّهِ وَأُشْرِكَ بِهِ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِهِ عِلْمٌ وَأَنَا أَدْعُوكُمْ إِلَى الْعَزِيزِ الْغَفَّارِ

You invite me to disbelieve in Allaah and to join partners in worship with Him of which I have no knowledge; and I call you to the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving!

This is the difference between the callers to good and the callers to evil. Indeed, the callers to good invite to (the path of) Allah-to His Religion and Paradise; and the callers to evil invite to the hell fire. (The callers to evil) 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 should be cautious of these people. Indeed, they have become numerous in this era, and Allah knows best whether they will increase in the future. They might be facilitated with tools that were not possessed by the previous callers to misguidance, given firm support and the misguidance rapidly reaches 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 do not comply with them, oppose and openly reject what they are upon, they will not harm him. Allah said:

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 pious.

The Prophet whilst explaining this Ayah drew a straight line and said, “This is the path of Allah”. 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 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.

[Hudhaifah] said: “O Messenger of Allah! Describe them for us”.

Look at these amazing questions from this honourable companion?! The Messenger of Allah paused, but he asked him and the Messenger answered him in detail and with clarity. He said, “They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and will speak our language”. This is a Calamity!! Indeed, they are close to you, they are from our community and country. Had they been foreigners, from America or other than it, the affair would have been easy; however, the problem is that they are the son of so and so, and it may be that they say, “I am a scholar, I have certifications, I am, and I am…. “. They are from us and they speak with our language. They are Arabs like us; rather they possess eloquence. When they write, deliver a speech or a lecture, they speak with our tongue just as Allah said concerning the hypocrites: [وَإِنْ يَقُولُوا تَسْمَعْ لِقَوْلِهِمْ- And when they speak, you listen to their words. [63:4]

They possess eloquence that overwhelms the listener. The listener listens to them because of their eloquent speech. The Prophet said: “Indeed, some eloquent speech has the influence of magic”. [Al-Bukhari 5146]

They speak with our tongue (i.e. the Arabic tongue). Had they spoken with a foreign language or the language of the Persians, there would not have been inclination towards them, but the problem is that when they speak with eloquent speech, the people are lured towards them. This is the height of fitnah.

Hudhaifah said: “O Messenger of Allah! What do you suggest if I happen to live in that time?” He said: “You should adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body of the Muslims) and their leader”. In this is a clarification regarding what the Muslim must do when these trials occur and the evils through which people are called to deviation, decadence, agreement with the disbelievers and abandonment of Islam and its rulings. Indeed, the Muslim is not deceived by them, rather he stays with the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims. He adheres to the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and does not separate from them- neither by way of opinions and beliefs nor statements. He is not deceived by speech and what is falsely made to seem desirable; rather he looks at what the Muslims (who are adhering to Qur’an, the authentic sunnah and understanding of the companions). The Prophet said: “My ummah will not agree upon misguidance”. He said: “It is obligated to you to adhere to the Jamaa’ah, for indeed the Hand of Allah is over the Jamaa’ah”. [Tirmidhee] So be with the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims.

The Muslims cannot be a Jamaa’ah except if they have a ruler who is obeyed. There is no Jamaa’ah except with a leader and there is no leader except that he is to be listened to and obeyed. Due to this Allah said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority’’ [4:59]

And Allah said:
وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنْبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allâh upon you, you would have followed Shaitân (Satan), save a few of you.’’ [4:83]

In this is proof regarding the means to safety from trials, and that is to adhere to the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and their leader. This is safety by the permission of Allah. As for the one who isolates from the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and follows the callers to misguidance, he will be destroyed alongside those who will be destroyed. There is a guaranteed safety in adhering to Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and their leader. Allah said:

وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ 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 (i.e. the way of the companions). We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination.’’ [4:115]

He (the Prophet) said: “It is obligated to you to adhere to the Jamaa’ah, for indeed the Hand of Allah is over the Jamaa’ah. Whoever isolates himself from the Jamaa’ah will be isolated in the fire”. He said: “I enjoin upon you to have fear of Allah, and to listen and obey even if a slave is placed in charge over your affairs. For indeed whosoever lives long amongst you will see a lot of differences, so stick to my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa after me”. Therefore, whoever wants to save himself during these trials and evils, he should not move away from what the Muslims and their leader are holding onto; rather he must exercise patience along with them. Even if he is afflicted with difficulties, he still exercises patience until Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, brings about Solace. This is the path to safety. He (the Prophet) said: “Adhere to the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and their leader”.

[Hudhaifah] said: “What if they have no (such thing as the) main body and have no leader?”

This honourable companions does not stop asking the Messenger questions that contain great benefits for the ummah. He replied: “Separate yourself from all these factions though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state”. In this is proof (to abandon) all the groups that are in opposition to that which the Messenger conveyed, and that which the pious predecessors of this ummah and their Imams were upon, and that which the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims are upon. When the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims is no longer (present), Laa-Hawla-Walaa-Quwwata-illaa-Billaah, what should the Muslim do? He should isolate himself from all these sects because they are all deviated sects and callers to the gates of hell fire. He should adhere to the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims if he finds them, and if not, then isolate yourself even if you are alone. Be firm upon the truth even if you are alone, and that is why it is said, “The Jamaa’ah is the one upon the truth even if he is alone”. This is the Jamaa’ah, and the Jamaa’ah is not the numerous groups; rather it the one upon the truth, “though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state”.

In this is proof that what is given consideration are one’s final deeds. Indeed, the one who acvoid trials, stays firm upon the truth and exercises patience when facing trials until death comes to him in this state, he will be from the people of Paradise. The one upon whom death comes to whilst he has changed and substituted (the truth, his religion etc) and followed the callers to misguidance, he will be from the people of hell fire.

These are the few statements regarding this tremendous hadith. It clarifies the dangers that are an obstacle to the ummah in their (path, religion). In it is clarification regarding what is obligated to a Muslim during trials and that which is obligated to him in relation to adhering to the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and their leader, the pious predecessors of this ummah and their Imams.  All praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the words, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet [Muhammad], his family and all his companions. [Source: An Excerpt From Booklet published by Dar Imam Ahmad 1426/2005. Titled: شرح حديث انا كنا في جاهلية]. slightly paraphrased.

Pre-decree: See article: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/online-education-islam-1-1-introduction-to-islam-god-and-the-pre-decree-redstone-academy/

Judgement on Apostasy: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan On Those Who Ought to Pronounce Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment: [See article ID: MNJ090004 at salafipublications.com