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Sunni-Shia Divide – A brief rebuttal to David Ben Basat at the Jerusalem Post

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

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

As the (true) followers of the Prophets are characterised by their knowledge and commitment to justice, therefore, the discourse of the adherents of Islam and the Sunnah regarding disbelievers and those who engage in bidah must be grounded in knowledge and justice, rather than conjecture and desires. Due to this, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “There are three types of judges; one will enter Paradise, while two will enter the fire. A man who knows the truth and judges accordingly will enter Paradise; a man who knows the truth yet judges contrary to it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire”. When it is case that one who adjudicates matters of wealth, life, and honour is (threatened with) entry into the fire for failing to be a just scholar, then, what about the one who renders judgments without knowledge, particularly ahlul bidah, who address issues of faith, the core tenets of Iman, and knowledge regarding Allah, His Names, Attributes, and Actions, as well as other profound matters of knowledge. [1]

This article serves as a brief response to the assertions made by David Ben-Basat, who sought to articulate his understanding of the distinctions between Sunni and Shia, at least as reflected in this above post of his at the Jerusalem Post. However, it is imperative to emphasise that a more fitting title would be “the Distinction Between Islam and the Beliefs of the Rafidah”. This distinction arises from the fact that the tenets and practices of the Rafidah religion diverge significantly from those of Islam.

David stated: The conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims remains one of the central features shaping the political and religious dynamics of the Middle East.

Rooted in Islamic history since the 7th century, this divide has evolved into a broad political and ideological battle, exploited by regional powers such as Iran and Turkey to extend their influence, fueling clashes between the two sects. Islam is divided into two main branches: Sunni Muslims, who make up about 85% of the Islamic world, and Shia Muslims, who represent around 15%. [end of quote]

Response: The conflict between Islam and the religion of the Rafidah was first initiated by Abdullah Bin Sabah, a Jew from Yemen. Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghani, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The enemies of Islam, recognising their inability to eradicate this religion (Islam), strategically infiltrated it with disbelieving agents- individuals who masqueraded as Muslims, aiming to sow confusion, trials, and tribulations, while promoting polytheism by elevating the status of the righteous and venerating their graves (through beliefs and practices) not sanctioned by Allah. Consequently, the Ummah faced trials stemming from the schemes of Abdullah Bin Saba, who asserted that Ali Ibn Abee Talib, (the Prophet’s cousin), deserved worship alongside Allah. The followers of Abdullah Bin Saba became known as the Saba’iyyah, and later as the Rawaafid (Shiites), Ismaaliyyah (Shiites), Nusayriyah (Shiites), among others within the Baatiniyyah sect. [Footnote a] They engaged in the veneration of graves and their occupants, constructing places of worship and shrines at these sites. Through such actions, they revived the corrupt practices of those (particular) Jews, Christians, and idol worshippers who strayed from the true path of the Prophets of Allah. This illustrates how the worship of graves emerged within this Ummah through the practices introduced by the Rawaafid (Shiites). [2] Read: http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/bmfjr-a-brief-overview-of-the-doctrines-innovated-by-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi-which-became-the-foundational-beliefs-of-the-sects-of-the-shia.cfm

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Saba’iyyun are the companions of Abdullah Bin Saba, who said to Ali, “You are.. you are”- meaning, “You are the deity”. Hafidh Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Abdullah bin Saba was from the extremists amongst the heretics- misguided and misguiding others”. Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “He was originally from Yemen- a Jew who manifested Islam, travelled around the Muslim lands to turn them away from obedience to their leaders and to bring about evil between them, and he entered into Damascus for that reason”. Abu Ya’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Musnad from Al-Jalaas who said, “I heard Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, saying to Abdullah Bin Saba, “Indeed, there will be thirty liars at the approach of the hour and you are one of them”. Abdullah bin Saba had followers and they were called the Saba’iyyun. They believe that Godhead is with Ali. Indeed Ali burnt them with fire during his Khilaafah. And do not think that the followers of Abdullah Bin Saba have perished, (rather) there is that leader of misguidance -khumeini, who displays (so called) jealousy for Islam, yet he destroys its pillars. Some of the ignorant ones among the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon were deceived by Khumeini, and they used to mention him on the pulpits; but when the Book titled: Jaa’a Dawrul Majoos appeared, they were shaken. They kept quiet and did not praise Khumeini. Perhaps the Muslims will take a lesson from the story of Abdullah Bin Saba and be warned against the machinations and filth of the Rafidah because their call is based on deception.[3]

Furthermore, the assertion that Islam is bifurcated into two primary branches is fundamentally erroneous. The essence of the religion remains unified; guidance stands apart from misguidance, and truth is clearly delineated from falsehood. Therefore, any notion of division within the faith is unfounded. It is, in fact, those who have strayed from the righteous path who have caused fragmentation. Conversely, those who faithfully adhere to the authentic teachings of Islam remain united in their belief and methodology. It is imperative for those who have deviated from the true teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah to renounce their misguidance and return to the path of truth. Thus, anyone who innovates into the religion is rebutted and he is guilty of splitting. Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him) said:

The innovator in religious matters is the cause for the splitting, because splitting is connected to innovation in religion and unity is connected to the Sunnah. The obligation of refuting an opposer of the truth is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear, so (in this case) Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against an innovator in religious affairs and one who opposes the truth”. [4] For further insights on the various sects, please read below:

https://salafidawah.uk/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/ [Footnote b]

David said: Conservative Sunni rhetoric often regards Shias as heretics and even infidels, citing accusations like those against Aisha, the wife of the prophet Mohammed, of betrayal and attributing superhuman qualities to Shia imams, elevating them to a status comparable to that of the prophet himself. [end of quote]

Response: It is essential to recognise that dismissing the judgments against the Rafidah as mere rhetoric is a grave error, rooted in either misguidance or ignorance. These judgments are not mere expressions of persuasive language or the artful manipulation of words; they do not stem from the superficial techniques employed by rabble-rousers, demagogues, ideologues, or Zionists, nor do they represent eloquent discourse devoid of substance. Such a characterisation is more fitting for those who have introduced innovations into the sacred teachings of the Prophets, subsequently deriving their conclusions from these alterations. This path is reminiscent of those who strayed from the righteous ways of the noble Prophets Musa and Isa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, as well as those who have introduced erroneous beliefs and practices, including the Rafidah and the Khawarij. Rhetoric, therefore, is more aptly associated with these groups than with the judgments rendered by the upright scholars of Islam, which are firmly anchored in the infallible verses of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Furthermore, David’s stance raises questions about his honesty; he is either misrepresenting Ahlus Sunnah as those who unjustly accuse the Rafidah or he is exercising unnecessary caution due to his lack of understanding of Rafidah beliefs, leading him to label valid refutations as rhetoric and accusations. Regardless of David’s intentions, if the Rafidah come across his statements, they might either appreciate his assistance in their Taqiyyah or regard him as poorly informed. The Rafidah are well known for disparaging Aa’Isha, may Allah be pleased with her, and their contempt for most of the Prophet’s companions, all while deifying the Prophet’s family—a belief innovated for them by the Yemeni Jew Abdullah Bin Saba. [Footnote c]

David stated: Sunni conservatives base their views on classical fatwas, such as those by 13th-century theologian Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyyah, who declared Shias/Shi’ites to be more heretical than Jews, Christians, and idolaters, likening them to the Crusaders and Mongols of his era. These ideological differences have spiraled into political struggles, with each side vying to dominate the region’s key states. [end of quote]

Response: David’s statement clearly highlights his ignorance of the topic at hand. Indeed, scholars who lived centuries before Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him and all of them, denounced the Rafidah and labeled them as heretics. Some even went so far as to declare the Rafidah as disbelievers, asserting that their beliefs are deemed apostasy, polytheism, and disbelief according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Since Abdullah Ibn Saba concocted the beliefs and methodology of the Rafidah, the erudite scholars from each generation prior to Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah have confronted the Rafidah. Here are some significant examples.

Alqamah Ibn Qays An-Nakha’i [62AH], may Allah have mercy on him, a student of the Sahabi Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Indeed, this Shia sect has exaggerated in their veneration of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, just as the Christians have exaggerated in their veneration of Jesus, son of Mary, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” [5]

Talhah Ibn Musarraf [112 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“The women of the Rawaafid are not to be married, nor are their sacrifices permissible to eat, for they are people of apostasy.” [6]

Imam Malik Ibn Anas [179AH], may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“Those who insult the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, do not have a share or portion in Islam.” [7]

Imam Malik also said:

“Whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has no right to the spoils of war. Allah, the Exalted, said:

[للفقراء المهاجرين الذين أخرجوا من ديارهم وأموالهم يبتغون فضلاً من الله ورضواناً – (And there is also a share in the booty) for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking the bounty of Allah and His pleasure]. These are the companions of Allah’s Messenger who emigrated with him. Then Allah said: [والذين تبؤوا الدار والإيمان- And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the faith]. These are the Ansar. Then Allah further stated:

[والذين جاءوا من بعدهم يقولون ربنا اغفرلنا ولأخواننا الذين سبقونا بالإيمان – And those who came after them, say, “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethen who have preceded us in Faith].

The spoils of war are for these three groups. Therefore, whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not belong to any of these three groups and has no right to the spoils. [8]

Imam Abu Yusuf, may Allah have mercy upon him, the student of Imam Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I will not pray behind a Jahmi, nor a Rafidi, nor a Qadari.” [9]

Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“I have not seen anyone among the people of vain desires more deceitful in their claims or more prone to false testimony than the Rāfidah.” [10]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Al-Firyabi [212AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I see the Rāfidah and the Jahmiyyah as nothing but heretics.” [11]

Imam Al-Qasim Ibn Sallam [224AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I have interacted with people and engaged with the scholars of theological rhetoric, yet I have never encountered a group more repugnant, more despicable, weaker in argument, or more foolish than the Rawaafid. During my tenure as a judge in the border regions, I expelled three individuals from among them: two Rawaafid and one Jahmi, asserting that individuals like you should not reside among the inhabitants of the borders.” [12]

Imam Ahmad Ibn Yunus [227AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“We do not consume the sacrifice of a man who is a Rafidi, for in my view, he is an apostate.” [13]

Imam Abu Zur’ah Ar-Razi [264 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“If you see a man disparaging any of the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, know that he is a heretic. This is because for us the Messenger is truth and the Qur’an is the truth. The Qur’an and the Sunnah have been conveyed to us by the companions of Allah’s Messenger. Those who seek to undermine our witnesses aim to invalidate the Book and the Sunnah, and it is more appropriate to disparage them; they are indeed heretics.” [14]

Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Hatim, said that he inquired of his father, Abu Zur’ah, regarding the path of the Sunnah and the beliefs which the scholars have encountered in all regions. Among their remarks was: “Indeed, the Jahmiyyah are disbelievers, and the Rafidah have rejected Islam.” [15]

Imam Al-Barbahari [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Be aware that all deviant beliefs are reprehensible, leading to violence. The most despicable and heretical among them are the Rāfidah, the Mu’tazilah, and the Jahmiyyah, for they seek to lead people towards negation (of Allah’s Attributes) and heresy.” [16]

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi [597], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The excessive veneration of the Rāfidah for Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, led them to fabricate numerous hadiths extolling his virtues, many of which are detrimental and offensive to him. They have also introduced various jurisprudential opinions that are innovations in religion that contradict consensus. In numerous issues, which would require extensive elaboration, they have violated the consensus, and Satan has deceived them into fabricating these claims without relying on authentic sources or sound analogical reasoning. The repugnant (beliefs and practices) of the Rāfidah are too numerous to count.” [17]

The above are very few verdicts of the scholars, including the students of the Sahabah, throughout various generations that oppose the heretical Rafidah before the time of Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. Therefore, David ought to have conducted his research with integrity or chosen to avoid revealing his ignorance, as the adage states: “Silence beautifies the scholar and hides the ignorance of the ignoramus.”

David said: IRAN, AS the Shia stronghold, sees itself as the ideological leader of Shia Muslims worldwide. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, it has sought to expand its influence by creating a “Shia crescent” that includes Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, Iran’s heavy investment in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite regime in Syria has largely gone to waste, undermining its efforts. [end of quote]

Response: The term Shia Muslim remains a myth until the reality is established. Thus, we’ll quote a clarification by Al-Allamah Rabee in that regard. The Shaikh was asked: Our Shaikh, may Allah preserve you. The questioner says: What is the ruling on the common people of the Rawafid and how do we deal with them?

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

Then the Shaikh was asked: How do we deal with them? He replied: Answer: If dealing with them is with regards to a worldly affair—business transactions and what is similar to that— it is permissible to trade with a Jew, a Christian and a Rafidi. However, as for co-operating with them in issues of religion, no. [وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ‌ۚ – Do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2] Instead, their scholars and callers are boycotted and they are warned against. [18]

It is evident, upon careful consideration of the preceding facts, that the so-called Islamic revival in Iran under Khomeini was, in truth, a mere Rafidah revolution. This upheaval elevated the Rafidah and their beliefs, which diverge significantly from true Islam. Khomeini and his fellow Rafidah leaders can be characterized as disbelievers and heretics. Allow me to elaborate:

 

Ayat Al-Shaytan Khomeini: Seeking Aid From the Dead (And Stones and Mud) Is Not Shirk

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/jmfhm-ayat-al-shaytan-khomeini-seeking-aid-from-the-dead-is-not-shirk.cfm

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

Footnote a:
http://www.shia.bs/series/the-founder-of-the-shia-sect-is-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi.cfm

Footnote b:
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/oeotc-glimpses-into-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-1.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/vqlrf-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-2.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/flqoi-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-4.cfm

Footnote c:

http://www.shia.bs/series/doctrines-of-the-shia-from-their-own-words-and-books.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tyxepnv-a-glimpse-upon-core-rafidi-doctrines-the-devils-deception-of-the-shia.cfm

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tzwqsen-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-1.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/bjjffuj-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-2.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/hofiyav-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-3.cfm


[1] Al-Jawab As-Sahih 1/107-108]

[2] Juhud Al-Ulama Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtal Aqaa’id Al-Quburiyyeen 1/19-25

[3] An Excerpt from Ilhaadul Khumeini Fee Ardil Haramayn. Pages 125-140

[4] Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As’la Al-Ashrah. p.43-44

[5] As-Sunnah 2/548 By Abdullah Ibn Imam Ahmad

[6]Al-Ibanah As-Sughra page 161 By Ibn Battah

[7] Al-Ibanah As-Sughra 162 and As-Sunnah 1/493 by Al-Khallal

[8] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 7/1268-1269

[9] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 4/733

[10] Sharh Usul al-Ittiqad 8/1457

[11] Sharh Usul Itiqad 8/1457

[12] As-Sunnah 1/499 by Al-Khallal

[13] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 8/459

[14] Al-Kifayah 49

[15] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 1/178

[16] Sharh al-Sunnah. 54

[17] Talbis Iblis. 136-137

[18] Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab Ash-Shariah 3/595

People who fully and truly understood the great significance of time

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:
وَٱلْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ

By (the phenomenon of) time (which Allah manifests through His creation of night and day and in which the servants perform their deeds). Indeed, (all of) mankind is in loss. Except those who believe (in Allāh, His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day and the Divine Decree) and work righteous deeds (which are sincere and correct) and mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth and mutually advise each other with patience (in facing the inevitable harms brought by calling to the truth). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/103/1

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

Allah made an oath by “(the phenomenon of) time” because it is the period in which moral lessons and signs occur, and the alternation of night and day under the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing, are organised to serve the welfare of the universe based on the most perfect order and organisation – alternating with one another, sometimes not much difference between them and at other times one takes from the hours of the other, the difference between the light, the darkness, the heat, and the cold, and the different periods divided into generations, years, months, days, hours and what is lesser than that! These are all signs (creations) of the Lord [The Exalted]- a Burhaan [proof that clarifies and distinguishes between truth and falsehood in everything] and proofs regarding Allah’s All-Encompassing Perfect Ability and Wisdom [free is Allah from all imperfections, faults, deficiencies, shortcomings]. So, Allah made an oath by “(the phenomenon of) time” within which human beings perform deeds for which one either receives punishment or a good recompense. He gave a notification about (the phenomenon of) time, which is the Mab’da [i.e. the beginning] and notified the performers of deeds about the Ma’aad [the Hereafter], and that just as He was not unable to initiate the beginning, likewise He is not unable to establish the Hereafter; and that His Wisdom, which necessitated the creation of (the phenomenon of) time, the performers of deeds and their deeds, and their categorisation into good and bad deeds, (i.e. deeds chosen by the person after being given free will and shown guidance through the Messengers) establishes the fact that the people are not equal, and it cannot be that the good doer will not receive a good recompense and that the evil doer will not be recompensed for his evil, and it cannot be that there will not be two groups- the gainers and the losers; but rather the human being, in essence, is a loser, except the one whom Allah shows mercy, guides, blesses with Eemaan, the ability to perform righteous deeds and command others. Besides this person is the one who is reduced to the lowest of the low. [1]

Al-Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

Prioritise today for your own sake, recognise the importance of the hour, and value the significance of a single word, while being cautious of regret when the moment of death approaches. [2]

Aasim ibn Sulayman Al-Ahwal, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

While I was asking Fudayl Ar-Raqaashee, may Allah have mercy upon him, he said: “O you! Do not let the multitude of people distract you from your own self, for the matter will ultimately reach you without them. Do not say: ‘I will go here and there to let the day pass,’ because it is specified for you (i.e. you dont have unlimited time in this world)”. [3]

Abu Sulayman Ad-Darani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

If a sane person were to weep for the remainder of their life solely for the pleasures of obedience they have missed, then it would be appropriate for them to mourn what has passed until their death. [4]

Imam Ataa Bin Abi Rabah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, those who came before you (i.e. the pious predecessors) hated excessive speech, considering anything beyond the recitation of the Holy Quran, the promotion of good, the prohibition of wrongdoing, or speaking about one’s essential needs for livelihood as superfluous. Do you not acknowledge that “Indeed, there are guardians over you, noble recorders” [Al-Infitar: 11] and “On the right and on the left, there are watchers; not a word does he utter but there is a vigilant observer” [Q: 17]?

Would any of you not feel ashamed if the record of your day’s utterances were laid bare, revealing that much of it pertains neither to your religious nor worldly affairs? [5]

Abu Al-Walid al-Baji, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

If I possess certain knowledge that my entire life is but a fleeting moment, why should I not be prudent with it and dedicate it to righteousness and obedience? [6]

Abu Al-Abbas Ad-Daynuri, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

There is nothing in this world or the Hereafter more precious and delicate than time and the heart, yet you are squandering both time and the heart. [7]

Imam Ibn Aqeel, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is not permissible for me to waste even an hour of my life. Even when my tongue is unable to engage in revison or discussion, and my eyes are unable to read, I engage my mind during moments of rest. I do not rise until I have conceived ideas worthy of being written down. [8]

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

O you whose breaths are a specified (number until death arrives) and whose deeds are observed, how can one spend precious life in pursuit of base desires? [9]

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him:

It is befitting that a person recognises the significance of their time and the value of each moment, ensuring that no instant is wasted on anything unworthy. One should prioritise the best actions and words, maintaining a sincere intention for good without being slack in that which the body is able. It has been reported that some of the early generations were quick to seize moments. For instance, it is narrated that Amir ibn Abd Qais responded to a man who asked him to speak by saying, “Hold the sun!” [Footnote b] Additionally, Thabit al-Bunani, may Allah have mercy upon him, recounted that when he went to remind his father, his father replied, “My son! Leave me, for I am in my sixth recitation.” There was an instance when some of the early scholars visited another scholar on his deathbed, and upon being asked about his condition, he remarked, “Now my record is being closed.” If a person understands—despite their diligence—that death will interrupt their deeds, they should strive during their lifetime to establish actions that will continue to earn them rewards after their passing. This could involve leaving behind a charitable endowment, planting trees, digging a well, or ensuring that they have descendants who will remember Allah after them, thus securing ongoing rewards. Alternatively, one might author a book on knowledge, as the writings of a scholar serve as a lasting legacy. Engaging in good deeds and imparting knowledge allows others to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that their influence endures beyond their physical existence. Indeed, some have passed away while still living on in the hearts of the people. [10]

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

I have encountered many individuals who do not comprehend the essence of life. Among them are those whom Allah has blessed with abundant wealth, allowing them to avoid the need for work, while he spend most of their day in the marketplace, merely watching others, oblivious to the numerous vices and wrongdoings around him. Others occupy their time with games of chess, while some engage in endless discussions about rulers, the increase and decrease of prizes of goods, and other matters. This led me to understand that only those whom Allah has guided and inspired to seize the opportunities of well-spent time truly appreciate the value of life and the significance of their moments of well-being. [11]

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

It is befitting a vigilant servant of Allah that he does not allow a single moment to pass without engaging in good deeds, for each moment is a treasure. One must prepare a response for every action, as questioning is inevitable. It is essential to be ready for the journey that may come unexpectedly, and to be mindful of one’s actions both in private and in public. Every word spoken is heard, every glance is seen, and every thought is known. The paradise is adorned in the heavens today, while the fire is kindled beneath the earth, the grave is soon to be dug, and the two angels are positioned on either side. The records are being filled with either good or evil. Therefore, seize your health in this fleeting time before it is no longer available, and invest in the eternal abode by reducing your attachment to the transient world. Be cautious not to neglect your own soul, for a believer is a captive in this world, striving for liberation. Let not a moment pass without performing good, with even the least of actions. Safeguard your sight and silence your tongue, for if they are unbarred, desires may plunder the goodness within your heart. Compete with the virtuous in their deeds, as wise individuals agree that comfort cannot be attained through ease. Consider the fleeting pleasure of Adam’s bite and the hardship endured by Yusuf. Be wary of mingling with the people of this age, for their nature can corrupt the habits of those who associate with them. Instead, seek companionship with the righteous by learning about their circumstances. Engage with the Quran through contemplation in solitude, and prepare your provisions for the journey ahead before you are caught off guard, leaving you with nothing but regret. [12]

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“I have observed that habits have dominated people in the squandering of time. They engage in visits that lead to conversations of gossip and devoid of benefit, resulting in the least of which is the loss of time. The forefathers used to warn against this. It is essential to understand that time is too precious to waste even a moment of it; how many hours does a person squander, missing out on abundant rewards? To seize time effectively, one should seek solitude and isolation whenever possible, limit interactions to greetings or essential matters, and minimise eating, as excessive consumption leads to prolonged sleep and the loss of nights. [Footnote a] Those who reflect on the lives of the righteous predecessors and believe in the rewards will recognise the truth of what I have mentioned. [13]

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

Wasting time is more severe than death, for while wasting time distances you from Allah and the Hereafter, death separates you from this world and its inhabitants. [14]

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

Every moment of life is a precious jewel, capable of purchasing an endless treasure of eternal bliss. Squandering these moments, or using them to acquire what leads to one’s own ruin, constitutes a significant loss that only the most ignorant, foolish, and least rational individuals would permit. The true nature of this loss will only become apparent on Yawm at-Taghabun [The Day of Mutual Loss and Gain (The Day of Judegement)]. Allah said:

يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُحْضَراً وَمَا عَمِلَتْ مِن سُوءٍ تَوَدُّ لَوْ أَنّ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَهُ أَمَداً بَعِيداً

On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allah warns you against Himself (His Punishment) and Allah is full of Kindness to the (His) slaves. [Aal Imran 30] [15]

We ask Allah:

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

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [16]

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] [17]

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Footnote a: This matter has its detail elsewhere. Read

https://salafidawah.uk/2023/05/02/allah-loves-a-slave-who-is-pious-self-sufficient-and-unnoticed/
https://salafidawah.uk/2023/12/15/the-pinnacle-of-human-perfection-is-attained-through-four-qualities/

Footnote b: Stop the movement of the sun so that time does not elapse


[1] An Excerpt from “at-Tibyaan Fee Aqsaam Al-Qur’aan”. 83-88

[2] Hilyah Al-Awliya 2/139

[3] Hilyah Al-Awliyaa 3/102

[4] Hilyah Al-Awliya 9/275

[5] Hilyah Al-Awliya 3/314]

[6] Tartib al-Madarik 8/125

[7] Az-Zuhd Al-Kabir. 294

[8] Dhai Tabaqat Al-Haanabilah 1/145]

[9] Al-Mudhish 553

[10] Saydul Khatir 34

[11] Saydul Khatir 241

[12] Tanwir Al-Ghabash 251

[13] Aadab Ash-Shar’iyyah 3/474 by Ibn Muflih- may Allah have mercy upon him.

[14] Al-Fawaid. p44

[15] Ighatha Al-Lahfan 89

[16] https://salafidawah.uk/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

[17] https://salafidawah.uk/2019/03/12/shuraih-al-qaadhiys-thankfulness-when-afflicted-with-a-calamity/

Four categories of people and their knowledge of two opposite paths

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ

And thus do We explain the signs (to you O Muḥammad) in detail, and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you). [Surah Al-An’aam. Ayah 55] [1]

Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, Allah [The Exalted] stated that just as He explained what was previously explained of the arguments and evidence on the path of guidance and sound judgment, and censured argumentation and stubbornness; also, He explains the signs (proofs, evidence, lessons), which those being addressed need;

ولتستبين سبيل المجرمين

“And so that the way of the criminals may become evident”.

Meaning, so that the path of the criminals – those who oppose the Messengers – may become evident. [2]

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

Those who know Allah, His Book, and the religion He has ordained are acquainted with the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail- the two paths are visible to them, just as a path leading to its destination and the path leading to destruction is made visible. They are the most knowledgeable among the creation- the ones who benefit (the people) the most, the ones with the most useful advice and they are evidence of right guidance. This is why the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet) have excelled over all those to come after them until the Day of Judgment because they were brought up upon the path of misguidance, Shirk, and the paths leading to destruction, and they knew them in detail; then the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] came to them and took them out from darkness (and entered them) into complete light- from shirk (polytheism) into Tawheed (pure Islamic Monotheism), from ignorance into knowledge, from misguidance into guidance, from injustice into justice, from confusion and blindness into guidance and clear-sightedness. They knew the worth of that which they received and were triumphant by way of it. They knew the worth of that which was contained in what they received since what is in opposition to the (truth and right guidance) manifests the goodness of what it opposes because affairs are made clear by way of their opposites. So, they (Sahaabah) increased in desire and love of that which they embraced, disliked, and hated that which they had turned away from. And of all the people, they had the most love for Tawheed, Imaan, and Islam, and had the most hatred for that which was in opposition to it. They were the most knowledgeable of the (right) path in detail.

As for those who came after the Sahaabah, among them, is one who was brought up in Islam but knows not what is in opposition to it. Therefore, some of the details of the path of the believers and that of the criminals became confusing to him because confusion occurs due to the weakness of one’s knowledge regarding both paths or one of them, as Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] said:

“The robust signposts of Islam will be undone one after the other when a people who grew up in Islam know not what Jahiliyyah-[Pre-Islamic Ignorance] is”.

This (statement shows an aspect of) Umar’s perfect knowledge. There is that one who is neither acquainted with the path of the criminals nor has it been made clear to him, or he has doubts and thus thinks that some of their ways are from the ways of the believers. This has occurred in this Ummah in many affairs of Creed, Knowledge, and deeds regarding the path of the criminals, the disbelievers, and the enemies of the Messengers, (which) was brought into the path of the believers by the one who does not know the (detailed distinction between) the path of believers and the path of the criminals, so he called to (this path), excommunicated the one in opposition and declares lawful that which Allah and His Messenger made unlawful, just as what has occurred with many of the people of bidah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and their ilk- among those who initiated a Bidah, called to it and excommunicated those who opposed it.

The people are four categories in this subject matter (i.e. their knowledge of the path of the believers and the criminals).

The first group is those who know the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail– in both knowledge and action. They are the most knowledgeable among the creation.

The second group is those who are blind to both paths- those resembling animals. The path of the criminals is presented to them and they follow it.

The third group is those who concern themselves with (seeking) knowledge of the path of the believers and not its opposite- only acquainted with (the path of the criminals) by way of its opposition to the (path of the believers) and in a general way, and that all that is in opposition to the path of the believers is falsehood, even though that is not illustrated to him in detail; rather, turns away when he hears some of that which contradicts the path of the believers and does not preoccupy himself in understanding and knowing its falsity (i.e. by way of learning from the upright people of knowledge). This person is in a state (similar) to one who is safeguarded from following desires- whose heart is neither put at risk nor is he called to (such desires)- as opposed to those who are aware of (such desires) and their souls are inclined towards them, but they strive against it for the Sake of Allah. A letter was written to Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] and he was asked about this affair, as to which of the two men is the better- a man who is not put at risk by way of desires and does not go through its difficulties, or a man who is urged towards it but abandons it for the Sake of Allah? Umar wrote back saying, “The one who is desirous of sin but abandons it for the Sake of Allah is from ‘those whose hearts Allaah has tested for piety. For them, there is forgiveness and a great reward’”. [Al-Hujuraat.3]

The fourth group knows the path of evil, bidah, and kufr in detail and the path of the believers in general. This is the situation of many of those who concern themselves with the beliefs of the previous nations and that of the people of bidah (proponents of religious innovation). They are acquainted with (these affairs) in detail, but not with what the Messenger came with; rather they are acquainted with it in general even though they may know some of its affairs in detail. Whoever examines their books will see that. Likewise, those who know the paths of evil, oppression, and corruption in detail and are followers of it, if they repent, abandon these (affairs) and return to the path of the pious believers, then their knowledge of it will only be general. They will not be acquainted with it in that detailed manner known to those who spend their lives (studying) its regulations and ways.

The Objective: Indeed, Allah [Glorified be He] loves that one should know the path of His enemies to avoid and hate it, just as the path of His Awliyaa (close friends, allies) should be known and followed. [3]


[1]: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55%5D

[2]: Tafseer ibn Katheer

[3]: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’d pages 167-180

Salafi Ideologies – a brief reminder to Ohad Merlin

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ
They follow but presumption and what their souls desire. [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” [2]

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

It is essential to examine the definition of the term ideology. Ideology, is a form of social or political philosophy in which practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones- a system of ideas that aspires both to explain the world and to change it; or a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual. Very often ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies.

First, the ideas of philosophy, theory, opinions, capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism originate from the inherently flawed nature of human thought. Consequently, they are inherently debatable, with their inconsistencies and shortcomings clearly visible to everyone acquainted with them.

Second, as for “belief”, it may be either fabricated or innovated by individuals who stray from the teachings of the Prophets, or they may be rooted in the pure, infallible final revelation – the Qur’an and the Sunnah, as comprehended and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Thus, when the word “belief” is mentioned without clarifying its foundation, it becomes ambiguous. Therefore, it’s essential to scrutinise the language and terminology used by ideologues, demagogues, journalists, or provocateurs when they seek to impose their flawed interpretations or judgments on Salafiyyah. Salafiyyah can never be categorised as an ideology or a set of ideas, as these can be contested, debated, or labeled as right or wrong. Instead, Salafiyyah represents the path of revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Those who assert that ideology encompasses belief and then assess Salafiyyah by the same criteria as other beliefs either lack understanding of Salafiyyah or deliberately use ambiguous language to sow confusion. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

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

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

Salafi ideology, or rather the notion of multiple Salafi ideologies, does not exist. What truly exists is Salafiyyah, a path rooted in the infallible teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, as interpreted and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Any deviation from this path—whether in belief, worship, or methodology—cannot be considered part of Salafiyyah, regardless of the claims made by various groups, individuals, or the author of the article in question. While innovations in religion are linked to ideologies, opinions and ideas of men, Salafiyyah is anchored in divine revelation as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Therefore, it is essential for the author to seek knowledge before making statements.

The sincere seeker of truth must refer to the following links:
Salafis.Com | The Salafi Call and Methodology
http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

What is Salafism? Read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah
https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda & ISIS – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh by Abu Iyaad
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-evils-of-modern-day-terrorism-and-its-roots-al-qaeda-isis-the-nusra-front-etc/

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Footnote a: https://salafidawah.uk/2024/12/07/political-islam-and-islamists-the-manipulation-of-terminology-by-ideologues/


[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/23
[2] https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt
[3] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ 3/927
[4] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17

The Victorious Group

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There will not cease to be a group amongst my Ummah upon the truth; neither will they be harmed by those who betray them nor those who oppose them until the command of Allah arrives [i.e. the day of judgement]”. [Al-Bukhari]

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

This group will not cease to exist in the Ummah. The Ummah will not be deprived of this Sunni Group. This Taa’ifah (Group) can be one group. If it adheres to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is the Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah (The Victorious Group), even if it is only one. The Ummah will not lose this Sunni Group, this good group, and all praise be to Allah, until the command of Allaah comes to pass (i.e. the Day of Judgment]. “They will not be harmed by those who forsake them”. Amongst the people are those who forsake them and those who oppose them, but they will not be harmed. This is from Allah’s Grace upon His servants and that He will establish the truth for the one who aids the truth and call to it, even if evil is rife. There will be those who adhere to good, call to it and spread it amongst the people. Not all the Ummah will be misguided, rather, some will remain upon truth, but they might be strangers, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Islam began as a strange thing and it will return as a strange thing, and glad tidings to the strangers”. They asked, “Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “They are those who will be upright when the people become corrupt”.. and in another version of this hadith “Those who rectify what the people have corrupted”. These are the strangers because the majority of the people oppose them, belittle, forsake and keep away from what they are upon, but this will not harm them. “They will never be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them”. Allah will make them remain so that His Proofs remain amongst the creation until the end of time.

This group maybe in the East, the West, or the North etc…They are not in a specific place, but they are present. Whoever wants will find it. It is present and all praise is due to Allah. Alhamdulil laah, we – at present – are upon a correct methodology, upon a sound methodology; our methodology is that which the Qur’an and sunnah necessitate, our learning is based upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We study Tafsir, hadith and its explanation, the Aqeedah of the pious predecessors and that which they were upon. Alhamadulil laah at present we are upon a correct path, a sound methodology and straight path. We ask Allah to keep us firm upon it until we meet him, neither substituting nor changing it.

Paraphrased: https://youtu.be/5T4j_gPQMVc?si=3PI_CCDm7Twe_cKf

Islamic Awakening

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

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

All the praises and thanks be to Allah- the Lord of the worlds- and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions. To proceed: The Islamic Awakening did not originate in recent times; rather, it traces back to the moment Allah sent His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, with the message of Islam, and people entered it in crowds and groups. All praise be to Allah, good has persisted within the Ummah, as the Prophet stated, “There will always be a group among my Ummah that (remains) steadfast in the truth. They will not be harmed by those who abandon them or oppose them until Allah’s command uis established (i.e. the Day of Judgement). Despite the ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood, there have consistently been advocates for the truth and their supporters, adhering to the correct methodology. Throughout history, the Ummah has never been entirely dormant or misled to the extent that a faction could claim a distinct identity, such as “Islamic Awakening,” because this would imply that the entire Islamic World was misguided prior to their emergence. This contradicts the Prophet’s statement that “There will always be a group among my Ummah that remains manifest in the truth,” as well as his statement “My Ummah will never unite upon misguidance.”

Indeed, this (revival) is praiseworthy and safe from criticism when it is based on the methodology of the righteous callers and the pious predecessors, grounded in the Book of Allah, the Sunnah, and the path of the pious predecessors of this Ummah – free from associations that contradict the methodology of the pious predecessors. The primary objective should be to gain knowledge of the truth in order to act upon it and promote it, as well as to recognize falsehood to avoid it and caution others against it. This endeavor should not be motivated by a desire for leadership, dominance, insurrection against the main body of Muslims united behind a ruler, or disobedience to Muslim rulers. Such an approach does not align with the correct methodology of Dawah or that of the pious predecessors; instead, it is the methodology of the Khawaarij and the Mutazilah, groups that have strayed from the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the path of the early Muslims. These groups have been a source of shame in Islamic history and a detriment to the Ummah. We beseech Allah to guide the misguided Muslims towards the right path. [An Excerpt from “Al-Bayaan Li-akhtaa’i Badil Kuttaab pages: 29-30. Slightly paraphrased]

Visit:

https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

http://www.mutazilah.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Perfect shyness

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

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him,. said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Be shy of Allah (in a manner) that shyness should be”. They said, “We do feel of Allah, and all praise and thanks be to Allah”. The prophet said, “It is not like that; rather the one who is truly shy of Allah, let him safeguard his head and what it carries; safeguards the stomach and what it carries; remembers death and affliction. And he who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life, then indeed he is truly shy of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfooree, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented on statement of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Be shy of Allah (in a manner) that shyness should be”– Meaning, “A firm, abiding and truthful shyness”.

Regarding the statement of the companions of the Prophet, “We do feel shy of Allah”, Al-Allamah Al-  Mubaarakfooree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! We do feel shy of Allah and all praise and thanks be to Allah’, but they did not say, ‘We are truly shy of Allah’ due to their acknowledgement of the fact that they are unable to do so”. And regarding their statement, ‘And all praise and thanks be to Allah’ – Meaning, all praise and thanks be to Allah for blessing us with the guidance and ability to act.

Regarding the statement of the Messenger, “It (i.e. shyness) is not like that”, Al-Mubaarakfooree said, “Meaning, true shyness is not what you think; rather it is to safeguard all the limbs from what is not pleasing to Allah”.

And regarding the statement of the Messenger, “Rather the one who is truly shy of Allah, let him safeguard his head and what it carries, safeguards the stomach and what it carries, remembers death and affliction. And he who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life, then indeed he is truly shy of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic”. Al-Mubaarakfooree said, “Meaning, safeguard the head by refraining from utilising it in disobedience to Allah – do not prostrate to other than Allah and refrain from showoff whilst praying. Neither lower your head (in humility) for other than the sake of Allah nor raise it out of pride. Regarding what the head carries, such as the tongue, the eyes and the ears, do not utilise them for Haram. Safeguard the stomach by refraining from eating Haram as well as safeguarding what is connected to it – such as the private parts, the legs, the two hands and the heart- (from what is Haram)”.

And regarding the statement of the Prophet, “Remembers death and affliction”– Meaning, “Remember death and your abode in the grave”.

And regarding the statement, “And he who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life”– Meaning, “Because the two cannot be combined in a perfect manner, even those who are strong (in Iman) cannot do so. [Footnote a] Therefore, whoever does this, indeed he is truly shy of Allah. [1]

————————————

Footnote a: Abu Sulayman, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Abstinence from the worldly life is to abandon that which preoccupies you away from (the remembrance and obedience to) Allah.” He also said: “Everything that preoccupies you away from (remembrance and obedience to) Allah, be it family, wealth and children, it is misfortune.” [2]

Imam Ibrahim Bin Ad’ham, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Abstinence from the worldly life is of three types: obligatory abstinence, the abstinence that is of a superior virtue and the abstinence that is safety. As for obligatory abstinence, it is to abstain from the unlawful; the abstinence that is of superior virtue is to abstain from the lawful worldly things that are unnecessary, and the abstinence that is safety is to abstain from the doubtful matters. [3]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Many of the latter people associated Zuhd with poverty, but Zuhd can be present alongside wealth and poverty. Amongst the Prophets and those foremost in embracing Iman were those who were wealthy and Zahid. [4]


[1] An Excerpt from “Tuhfah Al-Ahwadhi. 7/131
[2] Jami ul Uloom Wal-Hikam. page 315-316
[3] Jami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam. page 310
[4] Majmoo 11/28

Utbah Bin Ghazwan

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

Umayr  al-Adawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported:

Utba Bin Ghazwan, may Allah be pleased with him delivered us a sermon, praised Allah and exalted Him, and then said: To proceed: Verily the world has been given the news of its end, and that too quite early. Nothing would be left out of it but only water left in the utensil which its owner leaves. You are going to shift to an abode which knows no end, and you should shift with the good before you, for we have been told that a stone would be thrown at one side of the Hell and it would go down even for seventy years but would not be able to reach its bottom. By Allah, it would be fully packed. Do you find it something strange? It has been mentioned that there yawns a distance which one would be able to cover in forty years from one end to another of Paradise, and a day would come when it would be fully packed and you must be knowing that I was the seventh amongst seven who had been with Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and we had nothing to eat but the leaves of the tree until the corners of the mouth were injured. We found a sheet which we tore in two and divided between myself and Sa’d Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him. I made the lower garment with half of it and so did Sa’d make the lower garment with half of it and today there is none amongst us who has not become the governor of a city from amongst the cities (of the Islamic State). I seek refuge with Allah that I should consider myself great whereas I am insignificant in the Sight of Allah. Prophethood does not remain for ever and its impact fades with the result that it changes eventually into kingship, and you would soon come to know and experience those rulers who would come after us and see. [Sahih Muslim 2967]

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

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

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

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

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [22 of 80]

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

All praise and thanks be to Allah, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Allah’s Messenger, his family, his companions and those who follow his guidance. To proceed:

Indeed, lying is repugnant and heinous – considered extremely repugnant and loathsome by the Islamic legislation, sound intellect and sound natural disposition; abhorred in all nations, all religions and creeds. Indeed, Allah made it forbidden in all messages of the Messengers, dispraised lying and liars in many verses and promised them the severest punishment. Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, said:

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

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

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, held that the most loathsome and greatest of these unlawful deeds is to speak about Allah without knowledge, since Shirk and Kufr did not occur except from lying. Allah said:

وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡبَصَرَ وَٱلۡفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ كَانَ عَنۡهُ مَسۡـُٔولاً۬

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

Allah 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]

Allah forbade lying and mentioned it alongside shirk. Allah said:

فَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلرِّجۡسَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَوۡثَـٰنِ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ قَوۡلَ ٱلزُّورِ
حُنَفَآءَ لِلَّهِ غَيۡرَ مُشۡرِكِينَ بِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتَخۡطَفُهُ ٱلطَّيۡرُ أَوۡ تَهۡوِى بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى مَكَانٍ۬ سَحِيقٍ۬

So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idol, and shun lying speech (false statements). Hunafa’ Lillah (i.e. to worship none but Allah), not associating partners (in worship, etc.) unto Him and whoever assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place. [Al-Hajj. 30-31]

This dangerous Shirk is established on lies and it is its greatest foundation and principle. Allah considers it as the severest type of wrongdoing. Allah said:

وَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُوَ يُدۡعَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطۡفِـُٔواْ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَٱللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِۦ وَلَوۡ ڪَرِهَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ

And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allah, while he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers) folk. They intend to extinguish the Light of Allah with their mouths. But Allah will complete His Light even though the disbelievers hate (it). [As-Saff. 7-8]

Allah clarified their filthy goals and evil intentions, and that through their lies and fabrications, they intend to extinguish Allah’s guidance, His proofs, evidences and mighty signs. This is the same regarding everyone amongst the people of desires who wages war against the truth and its adherents, for they want to extinguish Allah’s guidance, nullify His proofs and evidences in order to give the upper hand to their falsehoods and misguidance. Allah, The Exalted, stated regarding lying and the liars:

فَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّن ڪَذَبَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وَكَذَّبَ بِٱلصِّدۡقِ إِذۡ جَآءَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أَلَيۡسَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَثۡوً۬ى لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allah, and denies the truth when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers?] [Az-Zumar. 32]

This is the recompense for the liars. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Avoid the seven destructive sins: Shirk, witchcraft, killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden to be killed, except in cases dictated by Islamic law; consuming usury, consuming the orphans’ wealth, fleeing from the battlefield and slandering chaste, innocent women”.

He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, placed slander- and it is one of the most loathsome types of lies – amongst these major sins that Allah commanded us to avoid due to its danger; rather the one who commits this slander is cursed in this life and the hereafter. Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَرۡمُونَ ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَـٰتِ ٱلۡغَـٰفِلَـٰتِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ لُعِنُواْ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

Verily, those who accuse chaste women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity and are good believers, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter, and for them will be a great torment]. [Surah an-Noor. Aayah 23]

Allah, The Exalted, stated with hatred towards the one who transmits lies and neither pondered nor had sound knowledge of the affair:

إِذۡ تَلَقَّوۡنَهُ ۥ بِأَلۡسِنَتِكُمۡ وَتَقُولُونَ بِأَفۡوَاهِكُم مَّا لَيۡسَ لَكُم بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ وَتَحۡسَبُونَهُ ۥ هَيِّنً۬ا وَهُوَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ عَظِيمٌ۬
وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوهُ قُلۡتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَڪَلَّمَ بِہَـٰذَا سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ هَـٰذَا بُہۡتَـٰنٌ عَظِيمٌ۬
يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن تَعُودُواْ لِمِثۡلِهِۦۤ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ

When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allah it was very great. And why did you not, when you heard it, say? “It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allah) this is a great lie.” Allah forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers. [An-Nur . 15-17]

Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلۡفَـٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not]. [An-Nur 19]

This severe threat of punishment and dispraise is connected to slandering chaste women, and what is more dangerous than it is slandering those believers who are innocent- those who strive in the path of Allah, the callers to the path of Allah with truth and clear proofs. Indeed, the people of desires – those who wage war against the truth and its adherents – think that this is specific to the act of slandering chaste women!  Depraved is the thinking of the one who has this corrupt understanding! Indeed, this includes the one who violates the honour of the Muslims, especially the honour of the callers to the truth who are innocent, for indeed their honour has a great status that must be protected and not violated. It maybe that the one who violates this honour is more deserving of curse and punishment than the one who slanders chaste women due to a personal or worldly affair. Allaah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever argues based on falsehood knowingly will not cease to be under the wrath of Allah until he stops. And whoever says about a believer that which is not true, he will reside in Radghat Al-Khabaal [pus] until he recants”. The one who knowingly argues based on falsehood as well as the one who says about a believer that which is not true, his recompense as it is stated is that  he will be imprisoned in the pus of the people of the hell fire. This is an authentic hadith that was reported by Abu Dawud, Ahmad and Al-Haakim. Return to As-Sahihah 338 by Al-Albaani, may Allah have mercy upon him.

He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The worst form of usury is the violation of someone’s honour” – meaning the honour of those who are innocent. He said: “Verily, the worst act of usury is a man’s attack against the honour of his brother”. [As-Sahihah 1433 by Al-Albani and the other hadeeth that support this hadith] [Footnote a]

Allah, The Exalted, stated about those who lend an ear to lies and those affected by it amongst the Yahud, the Munaafiqoon and those who follow their way:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلرَّسُولُ لَا يَحۡزُنكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلۡكُفۡرِ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِأَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَلَمۡ تُؤۡمِن قُلُوبُهُمۡ‌ۛ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ‌ۛ سَمَّـٰعُونَ لِلۡڪَذِبِ سَمَّـٰعُونَ لِقَوۡمٍ ءَاخَرِينَ لَمۡ يَأۡتُوكَ‌ۖ يُحَرِّفُونَ ٱلۡكَلِمَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَوَاضِعِهِۦ‌ۖ يَقُولُونَ إِنۡ أُوتِيتُمۡ هَـٰذَا فَخُذُوهُ وَإِن لَّمۡ تُؤۡتَوۡهُ فَٱحۡذَرُواْ‌ۚ وَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ فِتۡنَتَهُ ۥ فَلَن تَمۡلِكَ لَهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُطَهِّرَ قُلُوبَهُمۡ‌ۚ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا خِزۡىٌ۬‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

O Messenger (Muhammad)! Let not those who hurry to fall into disbelief grieve you, of such who say: “We believe” with their mouths but their hearts have no faith. And of the Yahood are men who listen much and eagerly to lies – listen to others who have not come to you. They change the words from their places; they say, “If you are given this, take it, but if you are not given this, then beware!” And whomsoever Allah wants to put in Al-Fitnah [error, because of his rejecting the Faith], you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not want to purify (from disbelief and hypocrisy); for them there is a disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a great torment. [Al-Ma’idah. 41]

Look at what is these verses regarding dispraise and severe disparagement for those who lend an ear to lies, those who transmit it in the world – and Allah’s refuge is sought- whilst not pondering and ascertaining, and not looking into the reality.

Indeed, the opponents of Ahlus Sunnah – amongst ahlul ahwaa (the followers of vain desires)- receive  pleasure from a share of these characteristics. Hypocrisy is feared for some of them lest these blameworthy characteristics applies to them, as well as the dispraise and punishment as a result. One of the punishments for liars is that which he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Beware of lying, for indeed lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the fire. And a man does not cease telling lies and endeavour to tell lies until he is written [i.e. judged] by Allah as a liar”. Rather lying can lead to major hypocrisy, Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَمِنۡہُم مَّنۡ عَـٰهَدَ ٱللَّهَ لَٮِٕنۡ ءَاتَٮٰنَا مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
فَلَمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦ بَخِلُواْ بِهِۦ وَتَوَلَّواْ وَّهُم مُّعۡرِضُونَ
فَأَعۡقَبَہُمۡ نِفَاقً۬ا فِى قُلُوبِہِمۡ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يَلۡقَوۡنَهُ ۥ بِمَآ أَخۡلَفُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ

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 Allah’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 Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies. [at-Tawbah. 75-77]

Lying and breaking covenants plunged them into the sludge of hypocrisy – and Allah’s Refuge is sought, and the Messenger stated that lying is one of the signs of hypocrisy. He said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise), and when trusted, he proves to be treacherous”.

Among the punishments for lying is that which the noble Messenger- the possessor of the highest moral character – has related  in a long hadith: “I saw two men who came to me and said, ‘The one you saw his jaw being torn apart is a liar. He used to tell a lie until it reaches the furthest regions and it was transmitted from him until the Day of Resurrection’”. He saw that man in whose mouth was placed an iron hook and torn off until it reached his ear; then the angel turned to the other jaw and tore it apart until it reached the man’s other ear, and then it returns as it was. And he will carry on with that until the day of Resurrection, just as the Messenger related. This is from the recompense for the liars. Numerous are liars today against the callers and carriers of the Salafi Dawah. They are able to disseminate cruel rumours till they reach the world using various means made available to them in this era. They divert people from Allah’s path and seek to make it crooked in order to further their falsehoods, twaddle, and dangerous innovations in religion that destroy sound belief, sound Islamic approaches to various subjects, and virtuous manners.

Indeed, Iblees – the cursed one and may Allah curse him- is the leader of the liars. He is the first of the liars and their leader, the first deceiver and betrayer. Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَيَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسۡكُنۡ أَنتَ وَزَوۡجُكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنۡ حَيۡثُ شِئۡتُمَا وَلَا تَقۡرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
فَوَسۡوَسَ لَهُمَا ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ لِيُبۡدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وُ ۥرِىَ عَنۡہُمَا مِن سَوۡءَٲتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَہَٮٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنۡ هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيۡنِ أَوۡ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰلِدِينَ
وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ
فَدَلَّٮٰهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ۬‌ۚ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا ٱلشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتۡ لَهُمَا سَوۡءَٲتُہُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۖ وَنَادَٮٰهُمَا رَبُّہُمَآ أَلَمۡ أَنۡہَكُمَا عَن تِلۡكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimun (unjust and wrong-doers).” Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he [Shaitan (Satan)] swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitan (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?” [Al-A’raf. 19-22]

Look at the wicked one! He said to them, “Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree save you should become angels – out of fear that you might become angles or immortals”. He swore by Allah to them and Adam did not perceive that anyone would swear by Allah out of lying, thus he believed him and was deceived. He misled them. Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأَدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ أَبَىٰ
فَقُلۡنَا يَـٰٓـٴَـادَمُ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا عَدُوٌّ۬ لَّكَ وَلِزَوۡجِكَ فَلَا يُخۡرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ فَتَشۡقَىٰٓ
إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيہَا وَلَا تَعۡرَىٰ
وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظۡمَؤُاْ فِيہَا وَلَا تَضۡحَىٰ
فَوَسۡوَسَ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ قَالَ يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلۡ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ وَمُلۡكٍ۬ لَّا يَبۡلَىٰ
فَأَڪَلَا مِنۡہَا فَبَدَتۡ لَهُمَا سَوۡءَٲتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۚ وَعَصَىٰٓ ءَادَمُ رَبَّهُ ۥ فَغَوَىٰ
ثُمَّ ٱجۡتَبَـٰهُ رَبُّهُ ۥ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡهِ وَهَدَىٰ

And (remember) when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves to Adam.” They prostrated (all) except Iblis (Satan), who refused. Then We said: “O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. So let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you be distressed in misery. Verily, you have (a promise from Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun’s heat. Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered to him, saying : “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?” Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. [Taa Haa. 116-122]

Look at how he deceived them, fabricated and lied to them, and said to them through the path of the sincere advisers:  [هَلۡ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ وَمُلۡكٍ۬ لَّا يَبۡلَىٰ  – O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?] He deceived them with this, so they ate from the tree and the outcome was that which Allah related that their private parts became apparent to them. So, out of shyness, [وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۚ   – they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering]. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. Thus is Allah’s Mercy for His friends; but Allah’s wrath, anger and curse has been ascertained against Iblees until the Day of Judgment, and he will be in Hell as the leader of those who will dwell in there forever.

Indeed, the followers of shaytan are the enemies of the truth in every era and place, and the enemies of the Messengers. Lying and slander is one of their greatest means (utilised) in their opposition to the Messengers and the mighty truth they brought, together with mighty and amazing signs. This is the path of every innovator in religious matters and a falsifier- he opposes the truth and its adherents through lies and slander; slandering the people of truth together with beautification of falsehood and adorning it for his followers, nullify their intellects and personalities. This adorned speech is through which falsehood is adopted from their leader Iblees – the cursed one, and from the followers of Fir’awn and the senior followers of Iblees, such as Fir’awn- the cursed one and may Allah deprived him of every good. He has many peers in this affair. Allah made known the lying and wickedness of this cursed one:

هَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ
إِذۡ نَادَٮٰهُ رَبُّهُ ۥ بِٱلۡوَادِ ٱلۡمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى
ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ
فَقُلۡ هَل لَّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَن تَزَكَّىٰ
وَأَهۡدِيَكَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَتَخۡشَىٰ
فَأَرَٮٰهُ ٱلۡأَيَةَ ٱلۡكُبۡرَىٰ
فَكَذَّبَ وَعَصَىٰ
ثُمَّ أَدۡبَرَ يَسۡعَىٰ
فَحَشَرَ فَنَادَىٰ
فَقَالَ أَنَا۟ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰ
فَأَخَذَهُ ٱللَّهُ نَكَالَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَٱلۡأُولَىٰٓ
إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَعِبۡرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰٓ

Has there come to you the story of Musa? When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa; go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.). And say to him: “Would you purify yourself (from the sin of disbelief by becoming a believer)”; and that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear Him? Then [Moosaa] showed him the great sign (miracles). But [Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] belied and disobeyed. Then he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah). Then he gathered his people and cried aloud, saying: “I am your lord, most high”, So Allah, seized him with punishment for his last [i.e. his saying: “I am your lord, most high”)] and first [(i.e. his saying, “O chiefs! I know not that you have a god other than I” (see Verse 28:38)] transgression. Verily, in this is an instructive admonition for whosoever fears Allah.

The enemy of Allah lied and said, “I am your Lord, most high”. Which lied can be more ugly than this wicked lie?! So Allah seized him for his lie, denial and disbelief, and made that an instructive admonition for those who fear Allah – those who give thought.

Among his lies was his statement to the magicians – when they believed after being defeated and subjugated through Allah’s amazing signs:

قَالَ ءَامَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ قَبۡلَ أَنۡ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحۡرَ‌ۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيۡدِيَكُمۡ وَأَرۡجُلَكُم مِّنۡ خِلَـٰفٍ۬ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمۡ فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخۡلِ وَلَتَعۡلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابً۬ا وَأَبۡقَىٰ
قَالُواْ لَن نُّؤۡثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنَا‌ۖ فَٱقۡضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقۡضِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ
إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغۡفِرَ لَنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَا وَمَآ أَكۡرَهۡتَنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحۡرِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

[Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] said: “Believe you in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir’aun – Pharaoh) or the Lord of Musa (Moses) (Allah)] can give the severe and more lasting torment.” They said: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world. “Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment).” [Taa Haa. 71-73]

Look at this wicked slanderer! He said to them when they believed and submitted: [ءَامَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ قَبۡلَ أَنۡ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمۡ -Believe you in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission?]; then he invented this mighty slander:  [إِنَّهُ ۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحۡرَ‌ۖ  – Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic]- meaning, Musa, peace be upon him, when he brought those amazing signs.

The enemies of the Messengers did not confront them except with lies, falsely accused them of insanity, sorcery and what is similar to that. All this was from their lies and falsehoods, may Allah deprive them of every good. Many of Ahlul Ahwaa (the followers of vain desires) and Ahl Ad-Dalal (the people of misguidance) follow them in this manner by slandering the people of truth. Amongst the liars whom Allaah humiliated and made known their lies in the Qur’an are the Yahud, the Nasaaraa and the Mushrikoon in every religion and era, and amongst them were the pagan Arabs and their lies in matters of creed. Allah exposed them in various verses. Allah [تبارك وتعالى ] said: [وَيُنذِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَدً۬ا – And to warn those who say, “Allah has begotten a son (or offspring or children)]. [Al-Kahf. 4]

This includes the Yahud, the Nasaaraa, the Hindus, the Buddhists and the pagan Arabs. Allah said:

وَيُنذِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَدً۬ا
مَّا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ۬ وَلَا لِأَبَآٮِٕهِمۡ‌ۚ كَبُرَتۡ ڪَلِمَةً۬ تَخۡرُجُ مِنۡ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ‌ۚ إِن يَقُولُونَ إِلَّا كَذِبً۬ا

And to warn those (Jews, Christians, and pagans) who say, “Allah has begotten a son (or offspring or children).” No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. Mighty is the word that comes out of their mouths [i.e. He begot (took) sons and daughters]. They utter nothing but a lie. [Al-Kahf. 4-5] – Meaning, attributing a son to Allah, which is nothing else but a mighty lie against. Thus, Allah humiliated them and made known their lie and slander. Allah said:

وَقَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ وَلَدً۬ا
لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمۡ شَيۡـًٔا إِدًّ۬ا

[And they say: “The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son [‘Iesa (Christ)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels, etc.)].” Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing]. Meaning, a horrible thing [i.e. to attribute a son to Allah].

تَڪَادُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ يَتَفَطَّرۡنَ مِنۡهُ وَتَنشَقُّ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَتَخِرُّ ٱلۡجِبَالُ هَدًّا
أَن دَعَوۡاْ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ وَلَدً۬ا
وَمَا يَنۢبَغِى لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا
إِن ڪُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ عَبۡدً۬ا
لَّقَدۡ أَحۡصَٮٰهُمۡ وَعَدَّهُمۡ عَدًّ۬ا
وَكُلُّهُمۡ ءَاتِيهِ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فَرۡدًا

Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins; that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). here is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender). [Maryam. 90-95]

Allah made clear the danger of this lie and that the universe almost split asunder and cease to exist, and that the mountains almost fall in ruins due to this mighty slander which they fabricated about Allah. Allah freed himself from all imperfections, deficiencies, co-equals and partners with regards to this slander by way of which He was slandered by the Yahud, the Nasaaraa, the pagan Arabs and other than them amongst those who attributed a child to Him, whether Isa, peace be upon him, Uzayr, peace be upon him, the angels and others whom they attributed to Allah as His offspring based on lies and false testimony.

Allah said:
وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عُزَيۡرٌ ٱبۡنُ ٱللَّهِ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَى ٱلۡمَسِيحُ ٱبۡنُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ ذَٲلِكَ قَوۡلُهُم بِأَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ

And the Jews (a sect among them) say: “Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah”, and the Christians say: “Messiah is the son of Allah”. That is a saying from their mouths. – meaning, lies. [يُضَـٰهِـُٔونَ قَوۡلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ قَـٰتَلَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ أَنَّىٰ يُؤۡفَڪُونَ – They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth!] [at-Tawbah. 30]

They took this belief – and Allah knows best – from the Hindus who preceded them in this horrendous disbelief and lies about Allah. All these people carry mighty lies – which cannot be enumerated here – related to matters of the Shariah and in declaring what is lawful and unlawful, such as what Allah has stated regarding the pagan Arabs, who made judgements about the Bahirah [a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and that nobody was allowed to milk it] or a Sa’ibah [a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods and that nothing was allowed to be carried on it], or a Wasilah [a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery].

Allah stated when declaring this a lie:
مَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنۢ بَحِيرَةٍ۬ وَلَا سَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ وَلَا وَصِيلَةٍ۬ وَلَا حَامٍ۬‌ۙ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۖ وَأَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ

Allah has not instituted things like Bahirah (a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) or a Sa’ibah (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it), or a Wasilah (a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery) or a Ham (a stallion-camel freed from work for their idols, after it had finished a number of copulations assigned for it, all these animals were liberated in honour of idols as practised by pagan Arabs in the pre-Islamic period). But those who disbelieve invent lies against Allah, and most of them have no understanding]. [Al-Ma’idah. 103]

By Allah, they are liars and foolish people who are deprived of sound intellect. Allah said:

فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَـٰلاً۬ طَيِّبً۬ا وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلۡمَيۡتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ ٱلۡخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٍ۬ وَلَا عَادٍ۬ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬
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

So eat of the lawful and good food which Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He Whom you worship. He has forbidden you only Al-Maytatah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols etc. or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.  And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper. A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment. [An-Nahl. 114-117]

This was an address to the Arabs who instituted things like Bahirah or a Sa’ibah, and due to this Allah declared this matter of theirs a lie. Allah made it known that what they declared unlawful or lawful is tantamount to lies invented about Allah, that the liars will not be successful, their enjoyment through lies and slanders is a brief enjoyment and an eternal punishment awaits them – a painful punishment.

Allah stated about the Yahud and Nasaaraa:

فَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ يَكۡتُبُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِأَيۡدِيہِمۡ ثُمَّ يَقُولُونَ هَـٰذَا مِنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ لِيَشۡتَرُواْ بِهِۦ ثَمَنً۬ا قَلِيلاً۬‌ۖ فَوَيۡلٌ۬ لَّهُم مِّمَّا ڪَتَبَتۡ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَوَيۡلٌ۬ لَّهُم مِّمَّا يَكۡسِبُونَ

Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, “This is from Allah,” to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby]. [Al-Baqarah. 79]

Among the categories of liars are the Munaafiqoon and they are more dangerous for the society, especially the Islamic society. Due to this Allah spoke about them a lot, warned against them a lot and made known their characteristics in chapters of the Qur’an; rather there is an independent chapter of the Qur’an called Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Allah exposed them, unveil their shame, hypocrisy and lies. And from that which Allah stated about them is: [وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَبِٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ – And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day” while in fact they believe not] – Meaning, they are liars.

يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ

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. And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peacemakers.”

Look at this big claim! Rather [أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ- Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not]. Every liar and corrupt person in the earth does not tell the people that he is a corrupt person; rather he says, “I am one who rectifies the affairs” and claims that he leads the Ummah to righteousness. In summary, indeed Allaah made known their lies and deception, and that this lie increases them in sickness – and Allah’s Refuge is sought, they are from the people of hypocrisy and they are increased in hypocrisy.

Allah said: [أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوۡاْ قَوۡمًا غَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡہِم مَّا هُم مِّنكُمۡ وَلَا مِنۡہُمۡ وَيَحۡلِفُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَذِبِ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ  – Have you (O Muhammad) not seen those (hypocrites) who take for friends a people upon whom is the Wrath of Allah (i.e. Jews)? They are neither of you (Muslims) nor of them (Jews), and they swear to a lie while they know. [Al-Mujaadilah. 14]

They made an oath to the believers that they are indeed believers, whilst they are Munaafiqoon, liars and allies of the Yahud. [ أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ سَآءَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ – Allah has prepared for them a severe torment. Evil indeed is that which they used to do]. [ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَيۡمَـٰنَہُمۡ جُنَّةً۬  – They have made their oaths a screen] – Meaning, for their lies.

فَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ۬ مُّهِينٌ۬
لَّن تُغۡنِىَ عَنۡہُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُهُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
يَوۡمَ يَبۡعَثُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيَحۡلِفُونَ لَهُ ۥ كَمَا يَحۡلِفُونَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّہُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبُونَ
ٱسۡتَحۡوَذَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ ذِكۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحَآدُّونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ٱلۡأَذَلِّينَ
ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَغۡلِبَنَّ أَنَا۟ وَرُسُلِىٓ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ۬

Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, so they shall have a humiliating torment. Their children and their wealth will avail them nothing against Allah. They will be (the) dwellers of the Fire, to dwell therein forever. On the Day when Allah will resurrect them all together (for their account), then they will swear to Him as they swear to you (O Muslims). And they think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily, they are liars! Shaitan (Satan) has overtaken them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitan (Satan) that will be the losers! Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), they will be among the lowest (most humiliated). Allah has decreed: “Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious.” Verily, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty. [al-Mujaadilah. 15-21]

Allah made known the state of affairs of these people, exposed them, made it known that they are liars and described their actions to be evil. And due to their state of loss, they took these oaths and swearing by Allaah as a screen.. ..Allah said:

إذا جاءك المنافقون قالوا نشهد إنك لرسول الله والله يعلم إنك لرسوله والله يشهد إن المنافقين لكاذبون ـ اتخذوا أيمانهم جُنة فصدوا عن سبيل الله إنهم ساء ما كانوا يعملون ـ ذلك بأنهم ءامنوا ثم كفروا فطُبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يفقهون ـ وإذا رأيتهم تعجبك أجسامهم وإن يقولوا تسمع لقولهم كأنهم خشب مسنّدة يحسبون كل صيحة عليهم هم العدو فاحذرهم قاتلهم الله أنى يؤفكون ـ وإذا قيل لهم تعالوا يستغفر لكم رسول الله لووا رءوسهم ورأيتهم يصدون وهم مستكبرون ـ سواء عليهم أستغفرت لهم أم لم تستغفر لهم لن يغفر الله لهم إن الله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad), they say: “We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.” Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed. They have made their oaths a screen (for their hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. Verily, evil is what they used to do. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not. And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path. And when it is said to them: “Come, so that the Messenger of Allah may ask forgiveness from Allah for you”, they turn aside their heads, and you would see them turning away their faces in pride. It is equal to them whether you (Muhammad) ask forgiveness or ask not forgiveness for them. Verily, Allah guides not the people who are the Fasiqin (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Al-Munaafiqoon. 1-6]

Allah testified that they are liars; even if they testified to the Messengership of Muhammad and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped, they are still liars and do not believe in that. Allah exposed them, because He knows their reality- the disbelief and hypocrisy they hide in their hearts. Allah made it known that they disbelieved and believed thereafter, then they disbelieved finally; and Allah made it known that they do not understand and that even if Allah’s Messenger – the most virtuous amongst the creation – sought forgiveness for them, they will not be forgiven and Allah will not guide them to Iman and the truth due to their [willful] wickedness and evil. And there maybe hypocrites in the Ummah who have these characteristics and thus receive this recompense from Allah. Unfortunately, some people think that hypocrisy has ended, whilst in reality it is something that will continue. Hudhaifah said, “The hypocrites at present are more evil than the hypocrites during the era of Allah’s Messenger”, so he was asked about this, then he said, “Indeed, the hypocrites used to hide their hypocrisy and these people at present make it manifest”. Whenever time elapses, they become many amongst the groups of ahlul bidah, and burden Islam and the Muslims with their evil, plots and hypocrisy; and all of that is done under the guise of Islam and in the name of Islam. Many of ahlul bidah or many innovations – in the past and thereafter – related to belief and affairs of shirk are from their plots and cunning ways. So, let the Muslims be careful of these hypocrites and infiltrators within the innovated groups.

Among the liars – whose affair has been unveiled by Islam in the Qur’an and the Sunnah – are the soothsayers, fortune tellers and magicians. They are from the most evil liars. Allah said:

 هَلۡ أُنَبِّئُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ مَن تَنَزَّلُ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ
تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ۬
يُلۡقُونَ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَأَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ كَـٰذِبُونَ
وَٱلشُّعَرَآءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ ٱلۡغَاوُ ۥنَ
أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّهُمۡ فِى ڪُلِّ وَادٍ۬ يَهِيمُونَ
وَأَنَّہُمۡ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفۡعَلُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا وَٱنتَصَرُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا ظُلِمُواْ‌ۗ وَسَيَعۡلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَىَّ مُنقَلَبٍ۬ يَنقَلِبُونَ

Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars. As for the poets, the erring follow them; see you not that they speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry? And that they say what they do not do. Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, and remember Allah much, and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims). And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned. [Ash-Shu’araa. 221-227]

Allah made it known that the devils descend on these types of liars, even the poets amongst them; except those who believe, perform righteous deeds and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims).

The Messenger said, “Whoever goes to a fortune teller or soothsayer and believes in what he says has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad”. [Sahih al-Jami. Number 5015]

It has been reported in an authentic narrations that the devils eavesdrop in the [first] heavens and then inform the magician or the soothsayer, then they add a hundred lies to it; so the ignorant wrong doer believes them whilst being aware of the recompense for the one who believes them. If this is the ruling against the one who believes them, then how about the one who is immersed in the sludge of soothsaying, magic and fortune telling? Therefore, the Muslims should also be cautious of these evil category of people and from their most distinct characteristics is lying. Allah and Messenger testified that indeed they are liars and made known their attachment to the devils. [Footnote b]

Among the different types of liars are the Dajaajilah (those whose lies are accompanied with deception, beatification of the lies and tricks to convince the people), whom the Prophet spoke about, and reality testifies to the truthfulness of that which this noble Messenger stated, because he never speaks out of his own desire. He said: “The hour will not be established until two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, and until about thirty Dajjaals and liars appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger, and until sound religious knowledge is taken away [i.e. due to death of rightly guided scholars], earthquakes will increase in number and time will pass quickly”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari]  The testimony in this hadith is the statement of the Messenger, “Until about thirty Dajjaals and liars appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger”. The Messenger said, “During the close approach of the hour there will be liars, so beware of them”.

Unfortunately, many people do not take this Prophetic advice in order to be cautious of the liars. There is a long hadith narrated by Thawbaan from Allah’s Messenger, who said, “What I fear for you the most is the leaders of misguidance” until he said, “Indeed, there will be thirty liars in my Ummah and each of them will claim that he is a Prophet, but I am the seal of the Prophets and there no Prophet after me”.

The greatest trial will be that of the greatest Dajjaaj whom all the Prophets warned against, and the one who warned against him the most was our Prophet. The narrations regarding this are Mutawaatir and its affair is well-known amongst the Muslims, but despite this, Allah’s Messenger stated that there is one more dangerous for the Ummah than Dajjaaj. Sam’aan said, “Allah’s Messenger mentioned Dajjal one morning as something despised, but also alarming, until we thought that he was in the stand of date-palm trees. When we came to Allah’s Messenger in the evening, he saw that (fear) in us, and said, ‘What is the matter with you?’ We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! You mentioned Dajjaal this morning, and you spoke of him as something despised but also alarming, until we thought that he was in the stand of date-palm trees’. He said, ‘There are things that I fear more for you than the Dajjaal. If he appears while I am among you, I will contend with him on your behalf, and if he appears when I am not among you, then each man must fend for himself, and Allah will take care of every Muslim on my behalf’”. [Sahih Muslim 2933]

Among these Dajjaals – liars – whom Allah’s Messenger warned against was Musaylimah, the Liar at Yamaamah and Al-Aswad Al-Unsee who claimed prophethood, and as a result many Arabs exited Islam. Allah destroyed them and others were destroyed, and their trial was ended by way of the swords of the companions of Allah’s Messenger. Among the liars who claimed prophethood was Mukhtar Bin Abee Ubayd Ath-Thaqafee, the liar about whom the Messenger stated, “A liar will appear from Thaqeef a blood shedder”. [Sahih Muslim 2545] The liar was Al-Mukhtaar and the blood shedder was al-Hajjaaj. And from those who claimed prophethood was Al-Haarith the liar, and Ghulaam Ahmad Al-Qadiyaanee Al-Hindee who had followers dispersed in the world and they claim that Prophethood is still ongoing. Every liar has other wicked liars connected to him – those similar to their Shaikh. And from these liars in general was the Yahudi, the wicked Abdullah Ibn Saba, who falsely claimed to be Muslim and incited many of the rabble against the Rightly Guided Khaleefah Uthmaan Bin Affaan until he was martyred in that trial. He is the founder of the doctrine of the Rafida Shiites and its filthy principles, and exaggeration the status of the Prophet’s family until they deified them. Many of them declare Ali an object of worship and many of them say that Ali is the one whom the Prophet gave the authority of rulership after him, and that Ali will return to do such and such, meaning, he will kill AbuBakr, Umar and five-hundred Khulafaa of Banee Umayyyah and Banee Abbaas. This wicked one [i.e. Ibn Saba] initiated the act of revilement against the companions of the Prophet and other matters related to the trial he initiated which the heretics promote and are firmly established upon, as well as the figureheads of the Rafida- the liars. Thus, they fill the world with lies and slanders. Their religion is established on lies and misguidance.

And among those Dajjaals – liars – are the figureheads of bidah and misguidance, such as Jahm Bin Safwaan, the figureheads of the Khawaarij, the Mutazilah, the Huloolee Soofees and grave worshippers, such as Nidhaam Al-Mutazilee, Hallaaj the heretic, Ibn Arabi the heretic, Ibn Sab’een, At-Tilimsaanee and other than them amongst the heretics – liars who hid within Islam, infiltrators within the ranks of the people of Tasawwuf, because the people of Tasawwuf  were a fertile ground for these types of people amongst the heretics, just as the Raafida are a spacious room for the heretics. [Footnote c]

Among the liars in this era are the figureheads of the political groups, such as the secularists and Baathists (Arab Nationalists), and many of the people who carry alluring slogans in the name of Islam, such as Islamic socialism, Islamic democracy, the call to unity of religions and many other misguided claims made in the name of Islam. [Footnote d]

This takes place amongst groups who claim that they are seeking to raise Islam very high and that they are established to return the Islamic Ummah to its past glory; however they increase the people in misguidance and darkness, and Allah’s Refuge is sought. This poses a more severe danger to the people and the youth, therefore it is obligated on the Muslims and the students of knowledge to be extremely cautious of all these types of people, warn the Muslims against their plots and plans, and unveil their secrets. And the Muslims should adhere firmly to the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet; follow the pious predecessors in their creed, methodology, loyalty and disassociation, and to deal with this dangerous category of people about whom the Messenger feared for his Ummah – warn them against these groups and make it known that he feared for them regarding these people more than he feared for them regarding Dajjaal, so that they deal with them in the manner that the pious predecessors dealt with them-  by being cautious, warning against them, unveiling their hidden affairs (i.e. misguidance) and making known the defects within them in order to protect the religion and as a means of sincere advice to the Muslims.

With regards to the conflict between the adherents to truth and the adherents to falsehood in every era and place, the truth must reach its goal which Allah has promised -that the religion He has ordained will supersede, the adherents to truth will be given the upper hand over the adherents to falsehood and it is a must that falsehood and its adherents will be defeated and end in failure. Therefore, it is obligated to the adherents to truth – pure Ahlus Sunnah – to be upon steadfastness and resilience, embark upon hard work with everything by way of which they are able to aid the religion ordained by Allah in creed, commands, prohibitions, rulings and methodology; and that they give it the upper hand against falsehood in all its forms and images, whether it is disbelief or hypocrisy coated with Islam, a manifest bidah or a bidah coated with Islam. Allah said:

[ هو الذي أرسل رسوله بالهدى ودين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون – It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it)]. [at-Tawbah. 33]

Ahlul Ahwaa share this hatred with them, therefore, there’s nothing else except that the adherents to truth employ the legislated means to actualise this promise and matter that is incumbent upon the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah. Wherever the adherents to the Salafi methodology and its students are or wherever they go, it is obligated to them to step up and aid one another to raise the word of truth, Tawheed and Sunnah, and to subdue innovation in religious matters, misguidance and doubts; establish Allah’s proofs against all the various misguided people, make known the reality of the liars and the fakers. They have to know that the opponents against the truth have reached the highest level of plotting and planning, and from this is their preoccupation with the task of silencing many amongst Ahlus Sunnah and the adherents to truth, and restraining them from confronting the falsehood that is covered in the garb of truth. This category of people amongst the adherents to falsehood are more intense in employing lies, duplicity and pretending to possess that which they do not possess; so they are just as the Messenger stated, “The one who pretends that he has been given what he has not been given, is just like the (false) one who wears two garments of falsehood”.

We find them as ones who praise the people of falsehood the most and making their affair to appear pleasing, whilst they are the most severe in speaking ill against the adherents to the truth and its callers. Indeed, they have set up corrupt principles to aid falsehood and the adherents to misguided methodologies; waging war against the adherents to truth by devising plots and repugnant affairs, manifesting their hatred and enmity against the adherents to truth and hastening-  without boredom and tiredness – to instruct the youth to oppose the people of truth, striving hard to aid falsehood and topple the adherents to truth. We ask Allah  to raise His Word and guide these people or relieve the Ummah of their Indeed, our Lord is One who hears invocation. And may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Sayyid Muhammad, his family and companions until the day of judgement.

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
خطورة الكذب وآثاره السيئة وموقف الإسلام منه – موقع الشيخ أ.د ربيع بن هادي عمير المدخلي
https://rabee.net/audio/%D8%AE%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B0%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A2%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84/


Footnote a: “Verily, the worst act of usury is to attack the reputation of a Muslim”. Meaning, the greater in evil and the more severely prohibited is to unleash the tongue against the honour of a Muslim by belittling him, behaving arrogantly towards him and speaking ill against him by way of slander or verbal abuse. This becomes more severe in prohibition because honour is more noble than one’s self and wealth.

“Without a just cause”. Meaning, this shows that there are cases where one is allowed to speak about someone, saying, such and such is an oppressor or transgressor, or making a mention of an innovator and an open sinner with the intention to issue warning. At-Teebee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Honour enters into the types of wealth from the angle of emphasis. Usury is categorised into the two types: customary and it is what is taken as an addition from debtors, and the one that is not customary, such as a person attacking the honour of someone with his tongue. [An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Mabood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud’ 13/152]

This (i.e. violating the honour of a Muslim) has been referred to as usury because the transgressor safeguards his honour and then goes beyond it, thus it is as if he has added an increase that encroaches the boundaries in connection with the honour of a Muslim which is more valuable than his wealth. Al-Qadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Attacking a Muslim’s honour is to deal with him more than what he deserves of that which is to be said about him, or more than what is allowed to say about him. This is why it is likened to usury and considered one of its types”. [An Excerpt from ‘Mirqaatul Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh’ 8/3157]

Footnote b: https://www.dajjaal.com/liar/

Footnote c: https://salafidawah.uk/2019/04/a-brief-acquaintance-with-some-of-the-early-heretics-who-sought-to-corrupt-the-deen-and-failed-abdullah-bin-sabah-al-faraabee-ibn-sinaa-naseer-attoosee-and-others/

Footnote d: Read article on these links by Shaikh Abu Iyaad – may Allah preserve him.
https://abuiyaad.com/a/rabi-marxism-revolution-social-justice
https://www.themadkhalis.com/md/tags/communism.cfm
https://abuiyaad.com/a/muslims-democracy-socialism