To The Most Beautiful

Bismillaah

All praise is to Allaah who has blessed us over the Creation. Who makes the day and night in shifts and adorned the sky with the stars. Who created us to test us to see who is best in deed. He is not in need of our humiliation, We hope He removes our difficulties and restores our children. The most beloved took my children. In Allah I trust, turn to and repent. There is no might nor power except by the will of Allaah. I described my husband as being the anti-christ and I hope and pray to be forgiven. May Allaah forgive me for allowing my fear to hinder me. I was severely misguided and in the dark as to the truth, and now it seems all hope is lost. I don’t think there is any way out of this humiliation and I apologize to everyone I have offended knowingly and unknowingly. The decree of Allaah has overtaken me and I am dumbfounded.

How to Obtain Eman

Bismillaah. Assalaamu Alaikum! All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Increasing Eman

The greatest blessing Allaah, the Most High, can bestow upon a person in this world is the blessing of eemaan. It is as the author points out in his introduction the source to all the good in this world and Hereafter However; as the texts unequivocal show and as a simple glance at the various types of people will show, eemaan is of levels. It is of degrees and forever fluctuating. This is a matter that a person can witness in himself: when he is active and obedient, he senses a strength of eemaan and when he is falling short of the mark and disobeying Allaah he feels that his eemaan is weak.

Anyhow, this discussion before you is not to establish the fact that eemaan is of parts and that it increases and decreases – the evidences that point to this fact in the Quraan and Sunnah are numerous – even though this matter is extremely important as there does exist amongst Muslims the belief that eemaan is something whole and solid, which is not made up of parts and that everyone holds the same eemaan. The severity of this corrupt belief can be comprehended when one realizes that the holder of this belief will not therefore seek to find out the ways that will increase his eemaan in order to implement them and nor will he averse himself with the matters that can weaken his eemaan so that he can avoid them because of his lack of belief in the increase and decrease of eemaan! This person has therefore sealed this tremendous door and bars himself from entering to succeed in obedience and shun disobedience. This is exactly what happened to the groups who held such a belief. One group held that since eemaan does not increase and decrease, actions do not affect it and hence, they concluded that sins have no bearing upon ones Eemaan whatsoever. Another group did hold that eemaan is affected by action but as they again did not recognize that it was of levels and parts, they held that a person who commits a major sin is no longer a Muslim and he will reside in the Fire forever since his eemaan completely vanishes on account of the sin as it cannot decrease! Look at how Shaytaan deceives and plots against humankind to drive them towards disobedience in belief and action; we seek Allaah’s protection from the constant bombardment of his whispers.

The discussion before you is directly connected to practical issues that relate to this subject: How does one actually increase in his eemaan? How can one safeguard himself from those matters that would otherwise weaken his eemaan? It is indeed a lofty discussion, which calls out to its reader to comprehend and implement it

1. Lexically, let alone from the Shareeah viewpoint, eemaan is not synonymous with tasdeeq (belief or faith).

2. It is much closer in meaning to the word iqraar, which embodies the belief of the heart, which is tasdeeq as well as the action of the heart, which is inqiyaad (compliance and submissiveness).

3. One can understand this even more so if he were to examine the contents of the Shareeah. The scrutinizer will find that it consists of two categories: (khabr) information and (amr) command. When Allaah tells us in the Quraan that we will be raised up after we die and that we will face him, this is information and one responds to it with belief in the heart (tasdeeq). However when Allaah orders us to fast the month of Ramadaan, we do not respond by saying: Yes we believe. Rather, what is required is compliance, since this is a com-mand. The compliance intended here is the willingness in the heart to accept the command and enact it. It is inconceivable for someone to actually remain holding Eemaan if his heart is void of any willingness to obey the commands of Allaah. Whether the actual obedience takes place or not is not the issue here*, what is intended here, is the minimal level of compliance for eemaan to exist which is the general willingness of the heart to enact the commands; to want to obey Allaah.

4. Eemaan has a core or basic level, which if it is not in the heart, then eemaan cannot exist in such a heart. The last point is exactly this basic level: the belief of the heart and the basic levels of certain actions of the heart, such as the minimal level of compliance, love of Allaah, fear of Allaah, hope in Allaah and so on. Added to this, is the articulation by the tongue of the Shahaadah for the one who wishes to embrace lslaam and has the ability to speak. The reasons and wisdom behind this ruling are beyond the scope of this brief discussion. This type of Eemaan is what is termed as being a condition for the correctness and validity of eemaan.

5. Eemaan has higher parts and levels, above the core level. This is where those who possess Eemaan become of different ranks and this is where the increase and decrease occurs. Hence, with regard to the actions of the heart, some have a greater love of Allaah than others, while others fear him more and rely on him more. Others are superior in their sincerity and glorification of Allaah in their hearts and so on. Again, concerning the actions of the tongue, some recite Qur’aan more than others, some engage in much remembrance, speak only good etc. Likewise, people differ in the actions of the limbs: some pray tahajjud, perform jihaad etc in contrast to others. This type of eemaan is what is termed as being a condition for the perfection of one’s eemaan.

6. Eemaan in the Sharee’ah is defined how the Prophet – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam – defined it when questioned by jibraa’eel: Eemaan in Allaah, the Angels, the Books, the Messengers, the Last Day and al-Qadar. As for the nature of eemaan and where it manifests itself this is where the scholars have defined it with five important matters: it manifests itself in the heart the tongue and upon the limbs and it increases and decreases.

7. Lastly, know that a misconception or error concerning the term eemaan is not like any other error concerning most other terms, because the rulings of this world and the Hereafter are connected to the terms of eemaan, lslaam, kufr, nifaaq etc. This important field of study, which embodies all of this, is referred to by some of the scholars as Baab al-Asmaa wa al-Ahkaam (the field of names and rulings) and Allaah knows best.

* The issue of not praying is seen to be an exception here to those of the noble scholars who hold that it is a requirement for the establishment of the basis of eemaan. Indeed, it is a serious issue where a difference of opinion is present and Allaah knows best, therefore pray my brother and sister so that you come away from the point of contention.

The lofty rank and high station eemaan possesses is not something obscure, as it is unquestionably the most important duty as well as being the most imperative of all obligations. It is also the greatest and most glorious of them. All the good in the world and the Hereafter is dependent upon the presence of eemaan and on its soundness and integrity.

Eemaan holds such a multitude of benefits, ripe fruits, delicious produce, constant food and continual goodness.

It is within this context, that those certain folk embarked upon and competed with each other in directing their attention to trying to actualize and fulfill eemaan. For the Muslim who is granted the tawfeeq, his concern for his eemaan is greater than any other concern he may have – and this must be so. When this became evident to the Salaf of this Ummah, the first and best of this ummah, their concern for their eemaan was very eminent and the attention they gave to it was enormous.

They may Allaah be pleased and have mercy upon them, used to tend to their eemaan, inspect their actions, and give each other advice. Reports of this nature from the Salaf are numerous:

1. ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattaab may Allaah be pleased with him, used to say to his companions: ‘Come on, so that we may increase our eemaan’.

2. ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to say: ‘Sit with us, so that we may increase in eemaan.’ He used to say in his supplications: ‘O Allaah increase me in Eemaan, certainty and understanding.’

3. Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to say: ‘Sit with us, so that we may have eemaan for an hour.’

4. ‘Abdullaah ibn Rawaahah, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to take some of his companions by the hand and say: ‘Come on, so that we may have eemaan for an hour. Come on, let us remember Allaah so that we increase in eemaan by obeying him; He may remember us by forgiving us:

5. Aboo Dardaa’, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to say: ‘It is from the intelligence of the servant to know whether he is increasing or decreasing, and indeed, it is from the intelligence of the servant to know how, where and when the whispers of Shaytaan appear to him.’

6. Umayr ibn Habeeb al-Khatmee, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to say: ‘Eemaan increases and decreases.’ Someone asked: ‘What increases it and what decreases it?’ He replied: ‘lf we remember Allaah, praise Him, and declare His perfection; that is what increases it. If we are heedless, squander and forget; that is what decreases it.’

7. Alqamah ibn Qays an-Nakba’ee, may Allaah have mercy upon him, who is one of the senior and revered of the taabi’een, used to say to his companions: ‘Come with us, so that we may increase in eemaan.’

8. ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Amr al-Awzaa’ee, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was asked about eemaan: ‘Does it increase?’ He replied, ‘Yes, until it becomes like mountains. He was then asked, ‘Does it decrease?’ He answered, ‘Yes, up until there is nothing left of it.’

9. The lmaam of the Ahl as-Sunnah Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was asked as to whether eemaan increases and decreases. He replied: ‘It increases until it reaches the highest part of the seventh heaven, and it decreases until it reaches the lowest part of the seventh plane.’ He also used to say: ‘Eemaan is speech and action. It increases and decreases. If you perform good deeds, it increases, and if you do wrong, it decreases.’

Narratives of this sort from them are numerous.

If one also reflects on their biographies and reads their tales, one will notice the intense concern they attached to the issue of eemaan and the great attention they gave to it.

These virtuous people knew that eemaan has many causes, which increase it, strengthen it, and make it grow, and likewise, that it has several other causes, which decrease it weaken it and undermine it.

Accordingly they strove to comply with that which strengthens and completes the eemaan and they warned, very strongly against everything that weakened and decreased the Eemaan. Thus, they became as a result, a righteous and virtuous people. The knowledge therefore, of these causes, i.e., causes for the increase and decrease of eemaan, entails great and abundant benefits.

In fact, the knowledge and personification of these causes and focusing on them is of dire necessity. This is because eemaan signifies perfection for the servant, and it is the way towards his success and happiness. By eemaan, the servants rank rises in this world and the Hereafter. It is the reason and route to all worldly and heavenly good, and it does not come about, obtain strength, or become complete, without knowledge of it’s ways and causes.

Hence, it is very appropriate for the Muslim servant, the adviser to his own self and the one eager over his own happiness, to.14 strive to acquaint himself with these causes. He should ponder over them and then apply them in his life, so that his eemaan increases and his certainty strengthens. He must also distance himself from the causes that decrease eemaan, and safeguard his self from committing them, so that he delivers himself from their ill end and painful consequences. The one who is granted the tawfeeq to this has indeed been given the tawfeeq to all good.

The great scholar ibn Sadee, may Allaah have mercy upon him, says, ‘The servant, Muslim, who has been granted the tawfeeq, does not cease from working towards two things:

The first, fulfilling Eemaan and its subsidiaries, and establishing it in speech, action and state.

The second, striving to repel the apparent and hidden forms of fitan, which negate, invalidate or decrease eemaan.

The Muslim employs sincere repentance as a remedy for the short comings he has in the first mailer as well as for that (i.e., the fitan) which he boldly embarked upon in the second matter in addition to taking steps to make amends before it is too late. [At-Tawdeeh wa al-Bayaan li Shajarah al-Eemaan, page 38]

Hence, the discussion before you contains an explanation and clarification of the most important causes for the increase and decrease of eemaan.

Causes for the Increase of Eemaan

Allaah has set a cause and a way with which, one arrives at anything desired and anything sought after. For a surety, the greatest of all pursuits and the one that holds the most extensive of benefits, is none other than eemaan. Allaah has devised many constituents for it that bring it about and strengthen it, and many causes that increase and develop it. If the servants act on them, their certainty strengthens and their eemaan increases. Allaah has elaborated on these in His Book, as has His Messenger – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam – in his Sunnah. Possibly the more important of these causes are the following:

1. Learning the Beneficial Knowledge Derived From the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam -.

Ibn Rajab defines this knowledge, saying: “Beneficial knowledge is to define, accurately and meticulously, the texts of the Book and Sunnah and to understand them. It is to confine oneself in regard to this, to the reports transmitted from the Companions, their successors and their successors in turn which pertain to the explanation and understanding of the Quraan and Hadeeths, as well as the discourse related from them on issues of the lawful, unlawful, zuhd (i.e., asceticism), raqaa’iq (i.e., matters that soften the heart), the (various) branches of knowledge and so on.

It is also, to firstly exert efforts towards distinguishing the authentic reports from the unauthentic, then secondly to exert efforts towards seeking out their meanings and gaining an understanding of them. This is sufficient for the intelligent and (enough) labor for the one who is concerned and preoccupies himself with the beneficial knowledge…” [Fadl Ilm as-Salaf alaa Ilm al-Khalaf, page 45]

Whoever has been granted the tawfeeq to this knowledge has been granted the tawfeeq to the greatest cause for the increase of eemaan. Anyone who contemplates on the texts of the Book and Sunnah will realize this: Allaah says:

“Allaah bears witness that none deserves the right to be worshipped but He, and the Angels and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation with justice…”[Qur'an Soorah Aal-Imraan (3): 18]

Allaah says:

“But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge and the believers, believe in what has been sent down to you and in what was sent down before you, and those who establish prayer and give zakaah and believe in Allaah and the Last day, it is they to whom we shall give a great reward.” [Qur'an Soorah an-Nisaa (4): 162]

Allaah says:

“Verily, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration. And they say, ‘How perfect is our Lord! Truly, the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled: And they fall down on their faces weeping and it adds to their humility.’” [Qur'an Soorah al-Israa (17):107-109]

Allaah says:

‘And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (i.e., the Quraan) is the truth from your Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may submit to it with humility. And verily, Allaah is the Guide of those who believe, to the straight path:’ [Qur'an Soorah al-Hajj (22):54]

Allaah says:

‘And those who have been given knowledge see that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Exalted in might, Owner of all praise.’ [Qur'an Soorah Saba (34):6]

Allaah says:

‘It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves who fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is All-Mighty, Oft-Forgiving.’ [Qur'an Soorah Faatir (35):28]

Allaah says:

“Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allaah is well acquainted with what you do.” [Qur'an Soorah al-Mujaadilah (58):11]

Recorded in the Saheehayn, is the hadeeth of Mu’aawiyah, may Allaah be pleased with him, in which he says. “The Messenger of Allaah – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam – said: “Whomever Allaah desires good for, He imparts upon him understanding of the religion.” [Related by al-Bukhaaree, (1/164, 6/217, 12,294 Fath) and Muslim, 4/1524]

Related in al-Musnad and other sources, is the hadeeth of Aboo ad Dardaa’, may Allaah be pleased with him, in which he says, The Messenger of Allaah – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam – said: “He who treads a path in search of knowledge Allaah will direct him to tread a path from the paths of Paradise. The Angels lower their wings for the student of knowledge in approval of what he does. All in the heavens and earth and the fish in the depth of the water seek forgiveness for the scholar, and the superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon at night over the rest of the stars. Verily the scholars are the heirs to the Prophets. Verily, the Prophets did not bequeath deenars or dirhams. All they left behind was knowledge, so whoever takes it, has indeed acquired a huge fortune.” [Al-Musnad, 5/196. Also related by Aboo Daawood, 3/317; at-Tirmidhee 5/49; Ibn Maajah 1/81, ad-Daarimee, 1/98 and ibn Hibbaan, 1/152 (al-Ihsaan). It was declared saheeh by al-Albaanee; see Saheeh al-Jaami 5/302. Ibn Rajab has provided a commentary to this Hadeeth in a small work of his, so one should refer to it.]

In at-Tirmidhee and other sources, is the hadeeth of Aboo Umaamah, may Allah be pleased with him, in which he says, ‘The Messenger of Allaah – sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam – said: ‘The excellence of the scholar over the worshipper is like my excellence over the lowermost of you. Indeed, Allaah, His Angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish, supplicate for one who teaches good to the people” [Related by at-Tirmidhee, 5/50. AI-Mundharee mentioned it in at-Targheeb wa at-Tarheeb 1/10 and he related from at-Tirmidhee that he said: "The hadeeth is hasan Saheeh". It has been declared saheeh by al-Albaanee, see Saheeh at-Tirmidhee, 2/343]

The aforementioned texts manifest the rank and status of Knowledge, and its great standing and importance. They also show the commendable effects and noble qualities in this world and the Hereafter, which are a consequence of knowledge, as well as the results they bear, such as humility and submission to the Laws of Allaah and compliance and adherence to His commands.

Thus, the scholar knows his Lord, his Prophet and the commands and boundaries set by Allaah. He distinguishes between that which Allaah loves and is pleased with, and that which He hates and rejects. Thus, he acts in accordance to the commands of Allaah with respect to that which he approaches and refrains from. This is true for the one who s given the tawfeeq towards acting upon that which He knows, if however the case is the opposite, his knowledge will be a curse for him.

Al-Aajurree states in the introduction to his book Akhlaaq al-Ulamaa, “Allaah, sanctified are His names, singled out those of His creation whom He loved and then guided them to eemaan. He further singed out from amongst the believers those whom He loved and favored them by teaching them the Book and Hikmah. He granted them the tawfeeq in the religion, taught them the explanation and favored them over the rest of the believers. This is the case in every age and place. Allaah elevated them with knowledge and adorned them with forbearance. Through them, the lawful is known from the unlawful, the truth from falsehood, the harmful from the beneficial, and the good from the bad.

Their virtue is enormous and their standing is great. They are the heirs to the Prophets and a pleasure to the eyes of the righteous. The fish in the sea seek forgiveness for them, the Angels lower their wings for them and they are second after the Prophets who will intercede on the (Day of) Resurrection. Their gatherings impart wisdom. Through their actions, the heedless are restrained and scolded.

They are the best of the slaves and are higher in rank than the zuhaad (i.e., ascetics). Their life is a treasure and their death is a calamity. They remind the negligent and enlighten the ignorant. Trouble and ill treatment is not expected or feared from them. By their fine instruction, the obedient ones dispute and by their eloquent sermon, the slack ones return. Everyone is in need of their knowledge… so they are the lamps for the servants, the landmarks of communities, the backbone of the ummah, and the sources of wisdom. They are the subject of Shaytaan’s rage. Because of them, the hearts of the people of truth come to life and the hearts of the people of deviation die.

Their similitude upon this earth is that of the stars; they guide one in the darkness of the land and sea. If the stars blacken out, people become confused and when the darkness unveils the stars, they see.” [Ahklaaq al-Ulamaa, page 13 &14]

Al-Aajurree then related texts from the Book and Sunnah, as well as statements of the people of knowledge, which support what he mentioned.

Thus, knowledge possesses a lofty rank and a very high status. Knowledge has only been granted this great status, as it is a means to the greatest of all aims: that is the worship of Allaah alone, without any partner, and the establishment of Tawheed of Him in the required way.

Knowledge is therefore, not sought after in itself but for something else, [Publisher's Note: From a more detailed discussion of this issue refer to Adorning Knowledge with Actions by Shaykh Husayn al-'Awaayishah. (Al-Hidaayah Publishing and Distribution, UK, 1999)] and that is action. Consequently, every type of knowledge within the Sharee’ah that the law of Islam calls for is demanded because it is a means to the worship of Allaah and for no other reason. This is proven by the following facts:

The first: The sharee’ah has not brought anything but worship, this is the reason behind the dispatching of the Prophets (‘alayhim as-salaam). Allaah says: – “O Mankind! Worship your Lord…” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2):21]

Allaah says:

“Alif Laam Raa. (This is) a Book, the aayaat whereof are perfected, and then explained in detail from One who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted, that you worship none but Allaah…” [Qur'an Soorah Hood (11):1-2]

Allaah says:

“And We did not send any messenger before you but We inspired him (saying),’None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me (alone)” [Qur'an Soorah al-Anbiyaa (21):25]

Allaah says:

“Verily We have sent down the Book to you in truth. So, worship Allaah by making your religion sincerely for Him alone. Surely, to Allaah alone belongs the sincere religion.” [Qur'an Soorah az-Zumar (39):2-3]

Likewise, there are so many other aayaat that cannot easily be enumerated without some effort. They all point towards the fact that the intention behind knowledge is worship of Allaah and to direct all acts of worship and obedience to Him.

The second: The evidences that indicate the spirit of knowledge to be action and that without action, knowledge is bare and of no benefit. Allaah has said:

“…It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves who fear Allaah…” [Qur'an Soorah al-Faatir- (35):28]

Allaah says:

“Is one who is obedient to Allaah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say,’ Are those who know equal to those who know not?’ It is only people of understanding who will remember.” [Qur'an Soorah az-Zumar (39):9]

These and other evidences show that knowledge is a particular type of means and is not in the view of the Sharee’ah, sought after in itself. It is none other than the way to action, Furthermore, all the reports related on the excellence of knowledge are only established from the perspective that the person is obliged to act upon this knowledge.

It is of common fact that the best branch of knowledge is knowledge of Allah. Nevertheless, this knowledge is not regarded a virtue for it’s holder unless he remains true to its dictates and that is (to actually possess) eemaan in Allaah.

The third: The severe warnings, threats and harsh reprimands mentioned in the texts of the Sharee’ah for the one who does not act in accordance to hits knowledge. The fact that the scholar will be questioned on what he did with his knowledge, and that it will be a source of grievance, regret and (the) curse (of Allaah) for the one who does not act upon it.

Allaah says: -

“Do you enjoin righteousness upon the people and forget yourselves (to practice it) whilst you recite the scripture? Have you then no sense?” [Qur'an Soorah al-Baqarah (2):44]

Allaah says:

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allaah that you say that which you do not do.” [Qur'an Soorah as-Saff (61):2-3]

Allaah says relating what Shu’ayb declared to his community:

“…I wish not to contradict you and do that which I forbid you. I only desire reform as far as I am able to do so, and my tawfeeq cannot come about except by Allaah. In Him I trust and Unto Him I repent.” [Qur'an Soorah Hood (11):88]

There are many other texts of this nature. In addition, there exists numerous reports from the Salaf on this issue; they are of great benefit and sublime value, scholars have related and passed on these reports in their works. [Refer to some of these statements in al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee's work, Iqtidaa' al'llm al-'Amal and the treatise by al-Haafidh Bin 'Assayer, Dhamm man laa ya'mol bi 'Ilmih. Both works are published.]

Shaykh al-Islaam lbn Taymiyyah states: “…this is why it is said, ‘Knowledge is of two types: knowledge in the heart and knowledge upon the tongue. The knowledge in the heart is the beneficial knowledge and the knowledge upon the tongue is the proof of Allaah upon His slaves’ [This is a statement of al-Hasan al-Basree, may Allaah have mercy upon him, and it is recorded by ad-Daarimee (1/102). Shaykh al-Islaam mentioned this in al-Fataawa and attributed it to al-Hasan, see: 7/23] ‘ so the faqeeh whose heart has acquired understanding and enlightenment is not like the khateeb who addresses with his tongue. The heart may attain great matters of knowledge and understanding and its occupier may not speak of it to anyone. Similarly, one may speak about many issues concerning the heart and its states and the person may be at the same time void and bare of such matters.” [Dar' at-Ta'aarud 7/453-454]

By what has preceded, one can now comprehend the rank and status knowledge possesses as well as its immense benefits and returns. One can apprehend the powerful effect it has on the strength and steadfastness of eemaan, and the fact that it is the greatest cause for the increase, growth and strength of eemaan. This holds true for the one who acts in accordance with this knowledge.

In fact, actions themselves differ, with respect to their increase, decrease, acceptance and rejection, in proportion to their agreement and conformity to knowledge. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, mentioned this: “Actions differ with respect to acceptance and rejection in proportion to their agreement or opposition to knowledge. Thus, the action that conforms to knowledge is the acceptable type, whereas, the action that opposes knowledge is the rejected type. Knowledge is the scale and it is the criterion.” [Miftaah Daar as-Sa'aadah, page 89]

He also said: “Any knowledge or action that does not increase eemaan in strength is diseased…” [Al-Fawaa'id, page 162]

The increase of eemaan brought about by knowledge is achieved in many ways: to travel in search of knowledge; to sit with people of knowledge in their gatherings; to study issues of knowledge in company; to increase in knowledge of Allaah and His Sharee’ah; to practice what one learns and as for those who acquire knowledge, there is a reward. These are some of the ways in which eemaan increases as a result of knowledge and its attainment
As for the branches of sharee’ah knowledge that can cause an increase of eemaan, they are abundant. The following is a summarized selection of them:

Knowledge of Allaah’s Most Beautiful Names and Most Exalted Attributes

The knowledge of the names of Allaah and His attributes that are mentioned in the Book and Sunnah, which signify Allaah’s absolute perfection from all angles, is one of the greatest branches of knowledge that causes the increase of eemaan.

To occupy oneself with learning them, understanding them, and fully investigating them embodies many great benefits, such as:

1. The knowledge of Tawheed al-Asmaa wa as-Sifaat is without exception the most noble and glorious of all types of knowledge. Therefore, to engage oneself with understanding it and investigating into it is an engagement of the highest of pursuits and the attainment of such knowledge is of the most noble of gifts (from Allaah).

2. Knowledge of Allaah leads to love of Him, fear and reverence of Him, hope in Him and sincerity of action for Him alone. This is the cornerstone of the servant’s happiness. There is no way towards knowing Allaah except by way of knowledge of His names and attributes and to acquire the understanding of their meanings.

3. Allaah created creation so that they may know and worship Him. This is the purpose that is demanded of them. Thus, to occupy oneself with this is in effect to occupy oneself with that which one was created for. To leave and make waste of this, is none other than a disregard for that which one was created for. It is indeed distasteful of the servant, who never ceases to reap the many bounties of Allaah upon him and whom the favor of Allaah upon him is enormous from every aspect, that he remains ignorant of his Lord and averse to wanting to know Him.

4. One of the articles of eemaan, or rather, the most excellent and origin of them all is eemaan in Allaah. Eemaan is not merely the proclamation of the servant, ‘I have eemaan in Allaah’ without him possessing any knowledge of his Lord. In fact, the reality of eemaan is for him to know the One that he has eemaan in and to exert ones efforts to knowing His names and attributes until he reaches the level of certainty. The level of the slave’s eemaan lies in proportion to the knowledge he has of his Lord. The more he knows of his Lord, the more his eemaan will increase. Likewise, the less he knows of his Lord, the less his eemaan will be. The closest way that will lead him to this is by contemplating over His attributes and names.

5. Knowledge of Allaah is the origin of everything, to the extent that even the one who truly knows Allaah concludes from his knowledge of Allaah’s attributes and actions with regard to that which Allaah does and the rulings that He legislates. This is because Allaah only does that which is conformant to the dictates of His names and attributes. His actions center on justice, favor and wisdom, so the laws that Allaah legislates are only done so in accordance to the dictates of His praise, wisdom, favor and justice. Thus, the information Allaah relates is all true and truthful and His commands and prohibitions are all just and wise.

Amongst these benefits is also the fact that the knowledge of the most beautiful names of Allaah and of His most exalted attributes brings about their effects of servitude and humility. Every attribute has a specific form of servitude connected to it, these are the requisites of this attribute and the requisites of possessing knowledge and correctly understanding the attribute. This covers all forms of worship that are manifested upon the heart and limbs.

To elaborate, the knowledge of the servant that Allaah alone is able to harm and benefit, give and withhold, to create, sustain, to give life and cause death, will produce the worship of tawakkul it its inner form (i.e., in the heart) and the requisites and fruits of tawakkul in its apparent form (i.e., upon the limbs).

If the servant realizes that Allaah hears, sees and knows, and the fact that not a single atom in the heavens and earth escape Him, and that He knows the secret and hidden, and what the treacherous eyes behold and what the breasts conceal, this will make him preserve his tongue, limbs, and the notions of his heart from anything which displeases Allaah. He will make these limbs devoted to what Allaah loves and is pleased with.”

Khawaarij: Fitnah Mongers Inciting Riots And Revolutions

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu ‘ala rasulullaah
Amma ba’d

Recognize the Khawaarij and their characteristics when you see them, so that you are not deceived by them

A Concise Introduction to the Khawaarij, by Shaikh Ibrahim al-Ruhayli

Excerpts:
quote:
Many authentic hadeeth from the prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) condemning them have come in ten different forms of narration like what al-Khalal narrated from Imam Ahmad that he said: “The Khawaarij are wicked people, and I don’t know of any people on earth more evil than they.”

quote:
- The Khawaarij collectively [declared] that both ‘Uthman and later ‘Alee (the 3rd and 4th caliphs of Islam) were disbelievers as [they declared] other companions. [Aoodhoobillaah!]
- And they think revolting against the leaders and governments is permissible. [Aoodhoobillaah!]
- They also believe that any major sin is an act of disbelief… [Aoodhoobillaah!]

The Khawaarij Ideology, by Shaikh Fawzaan

Excerpt:
quote:
This is the exact methodology of the Khawaarij. It includes three things:

1. Making Takfir of other Muslims.
2. Renouncing obedience to the leader or government.

3. Declaring the blood of other Muslims lawful to spill.

This is precisely the methodology of the Khawaarij. Even if a person were only to believe any of these things with his heart, yet he may not actually speak or do anything of them, he is still one of the Khawaarij in his baseless belief and opinions.

Descriptions of the Khawaarij, by Shaikh al-Albani

Excerpts:

quote:
It was asked, “What is their distinguishing sign?” He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) answered: “Their sign is shaven heads.”

quote:
Yet, they used to twist and misinterpret the Qur`an from its intended meanings. They used to persist on their own personal opinions, and they used to appear very strict and devout in their humility, their renouncement of worldly things, and other things.

From the Attributes of the Khawaarij

Excerpts:
quote:
From their attributes is their outward portrayal of righteousness and piety while concealing corruptive beliefs inside. [The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:] One of you would belittle his own prayer when compared to their prayer and his fasting compared to their fasting. They will recite the Qur`an, but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through the religion as an arrow passes through a target.

quote:
From the attributes of the Khawaarij are their ignorance of the Book and the Sunnah and their wicked interpretations of their meanings just as the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: They read the Qur`an, thinking it is in support of them while it is actually against them.

The reason for this ignorance of theirs is that they abandon and avoid the genuine scholars. They conceitedly consider themselves higher than the scholars, and discourage others from attending their lectures. All this because they think they are the ones responsible for scrutinizing and monitoring the scholars. This is what ignorance does to a person.

quote:
Another attribute of the Khawaarij is that they are as the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) described them: Young in age, having reckless and deficient intellects.

And from the virtues bestowed by Allah is that there is never anyone with them from the people of knowledge, dignity, or the Sunnah.

The Fitnah of the Khawaarij, by Shaikh Salih Ali-Shaykh

Excerpt:
quote:
The second point I want to clarify about the verse [ayah 7 of Soorat al-'Imran] is regarding the statement, As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they follow what is unspecific, unclear to them. Allah affirms here that it is possible for people to have deviation in their hearts. He first mentions, As for those in whose hearts is deviation, (before mentioning that they follow the unclear verses) meaning that the presence of these unspecific, unclear verses is not the cause of their deviation. Rather, they already had a form of deviation within themselves, so they chose to follow only these unspecific verses. This happens often; someone with personal desires and misguidance searches for anything to use as proof to support his preconceived notions and what he’s already decided on.

Ibn Ḥazm mentioned at the beginning of his book, “al-Iḥkaam fee Uṣool al-aḥkaam” that one of the reasons people deviate from the truth is that they often have preconceived ideas they have already decided to follow, so they look for evidence to support the direction they have chosen to take. This is one of the main reasons that leads to tribulations occurring, divisions among people, and misguidance.

So, beware of having preconceived personal preferences in something and then afterwards you look to the evidences. Then you look in the Book for something to support and back what you have already decided on, what you already began to do, or perhaps to support the direction your group is taking, or for similar reasons. We warn against this.

Warning against the Fitnah of Takfir, by Shaikh al-Albani
Excerpt:

quote:
Then, if we look to the people who are ruled – and from amongst them there are the scholars, the righteous, etc. – how can you then pass judgment upon them with disbelief just because you see them living under these laws, the same laws that encompass you too just as they do them? But you declare only them to be disbelievers and apostates, insisting that ruling by what Allah has revealed is obligatory! Yet you make an excuse for yourselves and contradict yourselves by stating that differing with the judgments of the Shari’a by mere actions does not necessarily hold the ruling that the one who does it is an apostate from his religion.

This is exactly what people other than you are saying, those you accuse wrongly with the ruling of Takfir and apostasy!

Are the Khawaarij Those Who Only Revolt against a Just Ruler? by Shaikh Rabee’ bin Hadee al-Madkhalee

Excerpt:

quote:
He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said (about the rulers): Obey them as long as they establish the prayer among you. And he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: (You will see things from them) that you know (to be right) and things you dislike. And when asked, “Should we oppose them with our swords?,” he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: No, not as long as they pray.

These texts were regarding unjust rulers and still the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) instructed (the people) to have patience with them. He did not allow rebelling and opposing them. The one who revolts and renounces allegiance to them (the leaders), then he does so against all the Muslims. In this case, such a person should be killed (legitimately by capital punishment), even if the ruler he opposed was indeed oppressive.

quote:
So, the solution is that as long as the ruler is within the circle of Islam – and the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) clearly defined it – then even if such a ruler were wicked and oppressive; as long as he is within Islam, as long as he establishes prayer, then it is impermissible to oppose and revolt against him. Have you all understood this? This is the ruling of Allaah and the ruling of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), not the ruling of the ignorant people.

Source: Answering-Extremism.com

Istighfar Seeking The Forgiveness of Allaah

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Al-Istighfaar (Seeking Forgiveness)

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

by al-Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah

Source: Majmoo` al-Fataawaa 10/88-90

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said: “The master of invocation for forgiveness is that the servant says:

‘Allãhumma ‘anta rabbee, lã ‘ilãha ‘illã ‘anta, khalaqtanee, wa ‘anã `abduka, wa ‘anã `alã `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, ‘a`outhu bika min sharri ma sana`tu, ‘aboo’u laka bini`matika ‘alayya, wa ‘aboo’u bithambee, faghfirlee fa’innahu lã yaghfiru ‘aththunooba ‘illã ‘anta.

O’ my ‘ilãh You are my Lord, there is no ‘ilãh but You. You created me, and I am your bondservant, and I will stick to my covenant and promise [of faith and sincere obedience] to You, as to my ability. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, I acknowledge, to You, your bounties upon me, and I acknowledge, to You, my sin. Thus forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.

Whoever says this as he enters upon evening, then, dies that night, he would enter Paradise; and if one says this as he enters upon morning, then, dies that day, he would enter Paradise”. [Al-Bukhari]

The servant is always in the blessings of Allah which necessitate thankfulness, and in sinfulness which requires seeking forgiveness. Both of these matters are required and essential for the servant at all times, as the servant does not cease to alternate between Allaah’s (various) favors and blessings, and does not cease to be in need of repentance and seeking forgiveness.

This is why the Master of the Children of Adam, and the Leader of the Pious, Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam sought forgiveness in all circumstances. He said in an authentic hadeeth reported by al-Bukhari: “O people, repent to your Lord, for verily I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to him more than seventy times in a day.”

It is reported in Saheeh Muslim that he said: “I seek forgiveness one hundred times in a day.” [Muslim]

`Abdullah ibn `Umar said: We counted in a single sitting the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, saying one hundred times: “Rabbi-ghfir-lee wa tub `alayya innaka anta-t-tawwabu-l-ghafoor.” [My Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, verily you are Acceptor of Repentance, Oft-Forgiving.] [Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah]

This is why seeking forgiveness was legislated at the end of actions. Allah the Exalted said: “Those who seek forgiveness before dawn (at late night).” [Aal `Imraan (3):17] Some of them said: “Give life to your nights by performing Prayer, and when the time of late night comes, concern yourself with seeking forgiveness.”

It is related in the Saheeh that the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, when he finished his Prayer, he would seek forgiveness three times and say: “Allãhumma ‘antas-salamu, wa minkas-salãmu, tabãrakta yã thaljalãli wal ‘ikrãmi.” [O' my 'ilãh You are 'As-Salãm [One free from flaws], and from You comes Salãm [peace, or safety], blessed are Thee O’ haver of glory and kindness.] [Muslim]

Allah says: “And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [al-Muzammil (73):20] (Even) After the Prophet conveyed the Message, fought in the path of Allah with true jihad, and performed what Allah ordered more than anyone else, Allah commanded his Prophet (to perform istighfar), as He the Exalted said:

“When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.” [An-Nasr (110):1-3]

This is why the Deen is established with Tawheed and Istighfaar, as Allah the Exalted said: “Alif Lam Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected an then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Acquainted. [Through a messenger, saying], “Do not worship except Allah. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings,” and [saying], “Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision.” [Hood (11):1-3]

And Allah says: “So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat (41):6]. And He says: “So know [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women.” [Muhammad (47):19]

This is why it was it came in a narration: “The Shaytan said: People are destroyed with sins, and they destroy me with ‘Laa ilaha ill Allah’ and seeking forgiveness.” [Reported by Ibn Abi Asim and Abu Ya`la, but its chain is a fabrication] . Yoonus, `alayhis salam, said: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” [al-Anbiyaa' (21):87]

The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, when he would ride his mount, he would praise Allah, then say Allahu Akbar three times, then say: “Lã ‘ilãha ‘illa ‘anta subhãnaka, thalamtu nafsee, faghfirlee.” [I testify that there is no 'ilah except You, Glorified are You, I have transgressed upon myself, so forgive me] [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhi, who said it is hasan saheeh]

Expiation of a gathering with which the gathering is completed is (the supplication):”Subhãnaka ‘allãhumma wa bihamdika, ‘ash-hadu ‘an lã ‘ilãha ‘illa ‘anta, ‘astaghfiruka wa ‘atoobu ‘ilayka.” [Glorified are You O' my 'ilãh and I am in Your praise, I testify that there is no 'ilah except You, I ask Your forgiveness and repent unto You.] [Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhee, who said it is hasan saheeh]

Allah knows best, and may His blessings and peace be upon [the Prophet] Muhammad.

Courtesy Of: Islaam.com

Following A Madhab or Quan and Sunnah?

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Following Madhabs

Taken From FatwaIslam

If a person is learning fiqh from one of the four madhhabs, then he sees a hadeeth that opposes his madhhab; and so he follows it and leaves his madhhab – then this is recommended, rather it is obligatory upon him when the proof has been made clear to him. This would not be considered as opposing his Imaam that he follows, since they – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, ash-Shaafiee and Ahmad, radiallaahu anhum ajmaeen – were all agreed upon this fundamental principle.

… As for the case whereby a person does not have any evidence which opposes the view of the scholars of the madhhab, then we hope that it is permissible to act upon it (the madhhab), since their opinions are better than our own opinions; they took their proofs from the sayings of the Companions and those who came after them. However, it is not essential to declare with certainty (al-jazm) that this is the Shareeah of Allaah and His Messenger, until the proof that is not contradicted in this issue is made clear. This is the action of the Salaf of this Ummah and its scholars – both previous and recent – as well as that which they criticized: namely having bigoted partisanship for particular madhhabs and leaving off following the proof… However, if there becomes clear to him something which necessitates preferring one saying over another; either due to detailed proofs if he knows and understands them, or because he holds one of the two people to be more knowledgeable about this matter and having more piety about what he says, and so he leaves the saying of that one for the saying of the other one – then this is permissible, rather it is obligatory. And there is a text from Imaam Ahmad concerning this.

Shaykh ul-Islaam Muhammad bin `Abdul-Wahh

Ad-Durur-Saniyyah (4/7).

Slandering Callers To Islam

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Slandering Callers To Islam

Question:
In recent days there has been a lot of slander against those who call people to Islam (daa’iyahs) and dividing them into groups and categories. What is your opinion daa’iyahs on that?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Allaah has enjoined justice and good treatment of others, and He has forbidden wrongdoing, hatred and enmity. Allaah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the same message as He sent all the Messengers, namely the call to Tawheed and to worship of Allaah alone. He commanded him to establish justice and forbade him to do the opposite, i.e. to worship anything other than Allaah, to cause division and to transgress against the rights of others.

In these days it has become very common that people who claim to have knowledge and to be calling people to good, slander many of their brothers among the well-known daa’iyahs and they talk about the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and lecturers. They do that in secret in their own gatherings, but it may be recorded on tapes that are distributed among the people; and they may do it openly in public lectures in the mosques. This behaviour goes against the commands of Allaah and His Messenger in several ways.

Good Treatment

1 – It is a transgression against the rights of the Muslims, and against the elite of the people, namely the seekers of knowledge and daa’iyahs who are striving to make the people aware and to teach them and correct their beliefs and practices, and to organize lessons and lectures, and to write beneficial books.

2 – It splits the Muslims and causes division in their ranks. They are the most in need of unity and they need to keep away from division, discord and too much gossip amongst themselves, especially when the daa’iyahs who are being slandered are from among the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah who are well known for their opposition to bid’ah (innovation) and myth, and for standing up against those who promote such things, and for exposing their plots and tricks. We see no benefit to be gained by such actions, except for the enemies who lie in wait for opportunities to harm the Muslims, such as the Kuffar, Hypocrites and followers of bid’ah and misguidance.

3 – This action offers support and help for the self-serving among the secularists, westernizers and other heretics who are well known for stirring up trouble among the daa’iyahs and telling lies against them, and inciting people against them in their writings and recordings. It is contrary to Islamic brotherhood for those who are too hasty to help their enemies against their brothers among the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and others.

4 – This spreads corrupts ideas in the hearts and minds of the common folk and elite; it spreads and propagates lies and false rumours, and causes a great deal of backbiting and slander. It leaves the door wide open to evil people who persist in spreading doubts and stirring up fitnah, and who are keen to cause harm to the believers by accusing them of things that they did not do.

5 – Much of what is being said has no basis in reality; rather these are illusions which the Shaytaan has made attractive to them, through which he has tempted them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another…”[Qur'an al-Hujuraat 49:12]

The believer should interpret what his Muslim brother says in the best possible way. One of the salaf said: Never think of something that is said by your brother as being bad when you still find room for a good interpretation.

6 – Whatever ijtihaad is produced by some scholars or seekers of knowledge, in areas where ijtihaad is permitted, the author of said ijtihaad cannot be blamed or rebuked for it, so long as he is qualified to engage in ijtihaad. If someone else has a different opinion, it is better for him to debate with him in a proper manner, striving to reach the truth via the shortest route and leaving no room for the insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan or for him to cause trouble among the believers. If that is not possible, and someone thinks that he has no choice but to explain what is wrong with his ijtihaad, then he should choose the best wording and the most subtle way of explaining, and not resort to attacking, slandering or going to extremes in criticizing him, which may cause others to reject the truth or to turn away from it. He should also avoid criticizing specific people, casting aspersions upon their intentions or saying unnecessary or irrelevant things about them. In such cases the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say, “What is the matter with some people who say such and such…?”

The advice I offer to these brothers who have fallen into the sin of slandering the daa’iyahs is to repent to Allaah for the things that they have written or said that may have corrupted the hearts of some youth and filled them with hatred and grudges, and kept them from seeking beneficial knowledge or from calling people to Allaah by making them preoccupied with gossip and talking about this one and that one, and seeking out faults for which they could criticize people, and going to extremes in doing that.

I also advise them to offer expiation for the things that they have done by writing and other means that they think they should not have done, and to remove from people’s minds the wrong ideas they may have given them. They should focus on fruitful actions which will bring them closer to Allaah and will be beneficial to people, and they should beware of being too hasty to accuse people of kufr, fisq and bid’ah without any clear evidence or proof. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says to his brother ‘O kaafir!’ one of them will be deserving of that description.” (Saheeh, agreed upon).

It is prescribed for those who call others to the truth and for seekers of knowledge, if they are uncertain about something said by a scholar or anyone else, to refer to the prominent scholars and to ask them, so that they can explain the facts of the matter to them and remove the confusion and doubt from their minds, in accordance with the words of Allaah in Soorat al-Nisaa’ (interpretatiuon of the meaning):

“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 Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaytaan (Satan), save a few of you” [Qur'an Surah al-Nisaa’ 4:83]

And Allaah is the One Whom we ask to reform all the Muslims and to unite their hearts in taqwa and to bring the scholars of the Muslims and those who call to the truth together in doing that which pleases Him and will benefit His slaves. May He unite them in following guidance and protect them against all the causes of division and dissent; may He support the truth through them and humiliate falsehood through them, for He is the One Who is able to do that. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection.

Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh ‘Abd al- ‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 7, p. 311.

Showing Pictures of Wounded Muslims is Forbidden

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Showing Pictures of The Wounded
FatwaIslam.Net

Question:
Some presentations are established to show the wounds of the Muslims in Palestine and other places, and they contain pictures of the wounded and those killed, and sometimes they are presented by means of video, and the reason for that is to encourage the Muslims to give charitable donations to their brothers. So is this act permissible?

Answer:

This act is not appropriate. It is not permissible to establish pictures for the injured. However, the Muslims should be called to give charity to their brothers, and they should be informed that their brothers are in bad circumstances, and that bad things are happening to them from the doings of the Jews, without them being shown pictures and pictures of the wounded people. This is because this contains the matter of utilizing picture making, and it also contains undertaking a burden that Allaah, the Most High, did not command. It also contains weakening the strength of the Muslims, because when you present before the people pictures of Muslims that have been mutilated, or with their body parts cut off, then this is what frightens the Muslims and makes the Muslims afraid of the deeds of the enemies. And what is obligatory is that the Muslims do not show weakness, and that they do not show the calamities, and they do not show these matters. Rather, they should conceal those matters so that they do not weaken the strength of the Muslims. From the lecture: “At-Tawheed, the Key to Happiness in This Life and the Hereafter”, by Ash-Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan, as conveyed in the book “Al-Ijaabaaat ul-Muhimmah feel-Mashaakil il-Mulimmah”

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
Translated by Aqeel Walker (Posted on Salafitalk.net)

Sh. Hudaifi Historic Khutbah And Rebuttle to Slanders About KSA

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

The historic Khutbah of Sheikh Ali Abd-ur-Rahman al-Hudhaifi, Imaam of Masjid-e-Nabavi 15th Dhu-l-Qadah, 1418 Hijri / 13th March 1998 (In Masjid Nabawi)

All praise is for Allah, the Sustainer of the entire universe, Lord of all worlds. He enlightened the hearts of His Aulia with divine guidance and strength of belief, and provided strength to their perception with the luminance of Wahi. Whomever He desired He guided to the right path, whoever He wanted, in His wisdom, He led astray. Thus did the hearts of the Kuffar and Munafiqeen become blind to accepting the light of Truth, and Allah Ta’ala’s entire argument was established over all His creatures.

I offer praise to my Rabb, and such gratitude which is worthy of His Being and magnificent sovereignty. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, He is One and Only and has no partner; that He is Master of the Day of Qiyamah.

And I bear witness that our Prophet and leader Muhammad SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam is His bondsman and Messenger, leader of all the ancients and the moderns. He was sent forth with the Holy Qur’an as a blessing for the Muslim, a bearer of glad tidings to them.

O Allah! Send Durood and Salaam, shower blessings upon your Bondsman and Messenger, Muhammad SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam, upon his descendants, Ashaab and Tabi`een.

Amma-Ba`ad. O Muslims, fear Allah. Fear Allah as is His due. Hold fast to the strong bond of Islam.

O people of Allah! Without doubt Allah Ta`ala’s greatest blessing upon man is his true faith. Through it Allah Ta`ala brings to life the dead hearts of the Kuffar, bestows the light of Imaan to the blind led astray. Allah Ta`ala says: “Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a Light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out?” (6:122).

And He further says: “Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.” (13:19)

Allah Ta`ala’s Deen in the Heavens and the Earth, for the ancients and the moderns is only the Deen-e-Islam. The orders of Sharee`ah were different for every prophet. Every prophet was given those orders which were appropriate for their particular Ummah. In His divine knowledge and wisdom, whichever order He thought proper, He cancelled, which ever one He wanted He retained. But when He sent down the Prince among men, SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam He made null and void all previous Sharee`ahs, and bound all men and Jinn (spirits) to render obedience to him. Allah Ta`ala says: Say: “O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He that giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that so ye may be guided.” (Qur’an 7:158)

And it is a saying of the Holy Prophet SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam: “By Him in whose hands is the soul of Muhammad, every Jew or Christian of this age who hears my call and yet dies without believing me, shall be one of the people of Jahannam.”

Thus anyone who does not believe in RasoolulLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam, will burn in Jahannam forever. Allah Ta`ala does not accept any other Deen than Islam. In the Holy desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost all spiritual good (3:85). As Allah Ta`ala sent His Prophet SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam with such a Sharee`at which is the choicest, the most excellent, with a Deen which is complete in every respect, He has included in it all the basic principles which had been sent down upon all the earlier prophets. Thus He says: “The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah-that which We have sent by inspiration to thee-and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus; namely that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: To those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the way to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who return to Him.” (Qur’an 42:13)

The followers of the Jews and the Christians know for sure that the Deen of Muhammad SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam is the true Deen, but jealousy with the Muslims, arrogance, lone of wealth, selfish desires are a barrier between them and Islam. Moreover even before the descent of Muhammad SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam, the Christians and Jews had altered their heavenly books, and completely changed their religion. Thus they remain, firm upon their Kufr, led astray from the right path.

After a brief introduction of Haq and Batil, for us Muslims, this movement which has been started to bring closer together different religious, is a very painful thing. It is not to our liking too the invitation being extended by those ‘intellectuals’ who are not even acquainted with the basic and essential doctrines of Islam.

Especially now when wars are being fought on the basis of religion and all advantages are connected with it, such movements and invitations are even more dangerous for Islam and the Muslims.

Without doubt Islam invites the Jews and Christians to save themselves from Jahannam (Hell) and enter Jannah (Paradise); renounce Batil and accept Islam.

Allah Ta`ala says: ‘Say : O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah.” If then they turn back, say ye: “Bear witness that we at least are Muslims, bowing to Allah’s Will”. (Qur’an 3:64).

Islam gives permission to the Christians and Jews to continue upon their religion but only if they remain subordinated to Islam; pay Jizyah to the Muslims and keep the peace. Islam does not force the Christians and Jews to become Muslims, as in the Holy Qur’an it is said: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error.” (Qur’an 2:256).

Islam is pure toleration and a well-wisher of all humanity. It does state that the Deen of the Jews and Christians is Batil so that whoever wishes to embrace Islam can do so, and whoever so desires can remain a Kafir. If the Jews, Christians and Mushrikeen are willing to accept Islam, then it will embrace them.

They will as brothers to the Muslims, for Islam does not admit of any prejudice on the basis of race or colour. History itself is a witness to this fact and furthermore Allah Ta`ala announces: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.”

As to the question of a joining between Islam, Christianity and Judaism that is simply impossible.

Allah Ta`ala Himself says: “The blind and the seeing are not like; nor are the depths of Darkness and the Light; nor are the chilly shade and the genial heat of the Sun: nor are alike those that are living and those that are dead. Allah can make any that He wills to hear; but thou canst not make those to hear who are buried in the graves.” (Qur’an 35:19-22).

In the same way is this notion wrong that the Muslims should relinquish some of the Islamic tenets, ignore or show apathy towards them, in order to incline the Jews and Christians towards them; or that the Muslims should befriend them in order to bring them closer to Islam. A true Muslim can never do so.

Allah Ta`ala says: Thou will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Day of Qiyamah, loving those who resist Allah and His Apostle, even though they were their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. (Qur’an 58:22)

In short, there is no connection, no relationship between the Muslims and the Kuffar. In spite of this, Islam does not allow any Muslim to be cruel to the Kuffar. Islam has bound the Muslims to be just and fair to them too. On the other hand a Muslim has been ordered to defend his faith, to hear enmity towards Batil, and not only that, but make efforts the break its strength. This distinction between Islam and Kufr can only be achieved by holding fast to the fundamentals and beliefs of Islam. By persevering upon faith and strictly adhering to the orders of Islam, can the Muslims prosper in the world and thereby by protect, safeguard their honour and their rights. Right or Haq can be established, Batil can be identified as Batil only through perseverance upon Deen. The campaign which has been started to unite different religious, is not only against the spirit of Islam but will land the Muslims into terrible trouble and misfortune. The disastrous results of such a movement will be disastrous weakening of Imaan, interpolation of beliefs, friendship with the enemies of Allah Ta`ala. Allah Ta`ala has ordered those of the Islamic faith to be friends of one another only. He says: “The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another (Qur’an 9:71).

While, the Kuffar, they may belong to any group have been designated as friends of each other by Him: “The unbelievers are protectors, one of another: unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.” The famous Mufassir Imaam Ibne-Kathir RahimahulLahu Ta`ala has interpreted it in this way: If you do not adopt separation from the Kuffar, and befriend the Muslims a great mischief will be caused among the people. ‘Mischief’, here means the intermingling of the Muslims with the Kuffar, and of the truth becoming doubtful. Thus a mixing of the Muslims and Kuffar will lead to a mischief of great magnitude.

Allah Ta`ala says: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors; they are but friends and protectors to each other. (Qur’an 6:54)

How can there be any similarity, any bond between Islam and Yahudiyyat, (the Jewish faith) when Islam is exceptional, with its purity, light, brilliance, nobility, justice, toleration, magnanimity, high morality, equally for man or Jinn, and Yahudiyyat is, a collection of materialism and narrow-mindedness, bears malice towards humanity, is steeped in moral degradation, greed and covetousness.

So how can there be any link between Islam and Yahudiyyat?

Can any Muslim tolerate the aspersion cast upon the pious, pure character of Hadhrat Maryam `Alayhissalam by the Jews?

Can the Muslims bear the presence of the Jews who call `Esa `Alayhissalam (Christ) the son of a whore?

Na`oozubilLah. Allah forbid! And on this account how can there be any link between the Holy Qur’an and Talmud, the holy book of the Satanish Jews?

Similarly there is no similarity between Christianity and Islam. Islam is a pure and clean religion believing in the oneness of Allah, in Tawheed. It is pure justice and a blessing. It is complete Sharee`ah, the revealed law. Whereas Christianity is a deviation from the right path. The misled Christians hold the belief of Trinity Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Christianity claims that Christ is God and the son of God.

And how can there be reconciliation between the Ahlus Sunnah and Shia. The Ahlus Sunnah are those who learnt and protected the Quran al Kareem, who preserved and protected the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallem), those whom Allah Taala has used to protect His deen, and they made jihad in the way of Islam, And history bears ample testimony to this.

The Raafidhah (shiahs) are those that curse the Sahaabah and attempt to destroy Islam. The Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum are those that transmitted the Deen to us. If we had to cast aspirations at the integrity of the Sahaabah, it will imply the destruction of the Deen.

How can there be a reconciliation between the Ahlus Sunnah and the Raafidhah (shiahs) while they swear and abuse the three Khulafaa ur Raashidah. If they had any intelligence then they would realise that their abuse is in fact an abuse of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Abu Bakr and Umar Radhiyallahu anhuma are the father-in-laws of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa sallam. They were his close confidants during his lifetime, and are his close neighbours after his demise. Who can achieve this honour? Who can achieve this honour? They took part in Jihaad with Rasulullah alayhi wa sallam in all the Jihaad campaigns. These facts should be sufficient to dispel the false accusations of the shiahs.

Uthmaan Radhiyallahu anhu was husband to two of the daughters of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Allah Ta’ ala will not choose for his beloved Rasool except the best of men, and the best of companions. This was the relationship between Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and the three Khulafaa ur Raahideen. He never said that these three are the enemies of Islam, and never warned against these three, as the shiahs claim.

If fact swearing at these three is an attack against Ali Radhiyallahuanhu. Ali Radhiyallahuanhu gave Abu Bakr Radhiyallahuanhu the Bait (oath of allegiance) in the Masjid (openly), and he (Ali Radhiyallahu anhu) got his daughter Ummu Kulthoom married to Umar Radhiyallahuanhu, he took the bait at the hands of Uthmaan Radhiyallahuanhu, was his minister, close friend and beloved one.

Would Ali Radhiyallahuanhu give his daughter to a kaafir, or would he give the ba’it to a kaafir. Subhaanallah, this is indeed a great slander.

Their curse of Mu’aawiyah Radhiyallahuanhu is in fact an attack against Hassan Radhiyallahuanhu, who accepted the khalifate of Mu’aawiyah Radhiyallahuanhu, and whom many prominent Sahaabah accepted. Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam praised him on many occasions. Would the grandson of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam accept the khalifate of a kaafir? Subhaanallah, this is indeed a great slander.

When they say that Ali and Hassan Radhiyallahuanhuma were forced to do so, it displays their (shiahs’) lack of intelligence. This is an insult to the two of them, a most vile insult.

And how is it that they curse Ummul Mu’mineen ‘ A’ishah Radhiyallahuanha, whereas Allah Ta’ala declares in the Qur’aan that she is Ummul Mu’mineen (Mother of the Believers).

Allah Ta’ala says: The Prophet has a greater right over the Mu’mineen than they have over themselves, and his Wives are their (the Mu’muneen’s) Mothers.

Therefore there is no doubt that those who curse her, she is not a mother unto them (they are not Mu’mineen). Would any person curse his own mother? Rather he would love her dearly.

How can there ever be a reconciliation between the Ahlus Sunnah and the Raafidhah (shiahs), when they believe Khomeini, the imaam of deviation, to be sinless. They assert that he is the deputy of their concocted Mahdi. Since they regard their imaams to be sinless, and in the absence of the principle, the deputy has the same status, they assert Khomeini to be sinless…

And one form of Baatil only assists another. And one form of Baatil only assists another.

And the Ahle Bait are free and absolved from their (shiah’s) beliefs. The proofs substantiating the falsehood of the beliefs of the shiahs are innumerable.

As for as we, the Ahlus Sunnah, are concerned, we will not draw closer to them a hairs breath, or even less. They are a greater harm to Islam then even the Yahood and Nasaarah. It is incumbent on all Muslims to be wary of and on guard against them.

Allah Ta’ ala says: They are your enemies, so beware of them. Allah Ta’ala declares war against them. Where are they deviating.

The shiahs are the followers of Ibn Saba, the yahoodi, and of Abu Lu’lu-ah, the majoosi (fire-worshiper). Thus, O Muslims, it is necessary for us to distinguish our Aqeedah, and to love those whom Allah Ta’ala loves, and hate that which Allah Ta’ala hates, to bring about unity amongst the Muslims, to be one strong united hand. The enemies of Islam have united in their false beliefs to fight against Islam. This applies whether the enemies are of old or new.

Allah Ta`ala says: “Never will the Jews and Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion.”

And He says: “And they will go on fighting you until they turn you away from your faith if they could.”

Thus the only reason for the creation of a Jewish, Zionist state in Palestine was to start an armed conflict with the Muslims and thus create tension and terror in the region. After they had succeeded in creating Israel, the Jewish colonial powers then set in motion such basic and collective plans which are a cause of deep pain for the Muslims even till to-day. Among these the major plan was to bring about a dissolution of all Shara`ee courts from the Islamic countries and establish non-Islamic, man-made laws in their place. To a large extent the Kuffar succeed in their aim. But praise be to Allah Ta`ala, that the Saudi government did not fall a prey to this conspiracy and there still exist many Sharee`ah courts in the country. Today, amongst all the Muslim governments of the world, the government of Saudi Arabia is the only representative, model Islamic government.

After succeeding in bringing about an end to all Islamic, Shara`ee courts in most of the Muslim countries, the Jews and Christians launched a new plan in order to find an excuse for military intervention in the area.

An insidious movements was started and such anti-Islamic, atheistic ideas and beliefs as those of insurrection, Communism, nationalism were instilled in the minds of the people. These consequently gave birth to such military tyrants as Saddam Husayn.

An open armed conflict with holy Sharee`ah thus began. All the means at their disposal were brought upon to bear and the voices of Haq crushed mercilessly. The conspiracies of the Kuffar bore fruit and thousands of families migrated to the western countries.

The countries which had become victims of military rule, became weaker and weaker in faith, in Deen, due to Western influences. In these countries, every succeeding government blamed the previous government for the havoc and destruction in the country. (May Allah Ta`ala protect us). And today conditions in some countries have declined to such an extent that offering Salat Ba-Jama`at is now considered to be a crime there. Lahaula Wala Quwwata.

When such are the conditions how can one even think of Allah Ta`ala divine assistance of religious honour and dignity?

With the establishment of a Jewish state, destruction of all Shara`ee courts in the Islamic countries and their replacement by non-Islamic, man-made system of law, circulation and formulation of groups and beliefs inimical and contrary to Islam, and as a result the emergence of such people as Saddam, the stage was no set for the super powers to act upon their basic conspiracies. To pave the way for a military intervention they purposely created a fake crisis. They were already in control of the economies of the region.

It is now no longer a secret that the great powers are planning upon dividing the land of Arabia into smaller states constantly at war with each other. For this will consolidate the forces of Kufr, provide protection for their anti-Islamic beliefs and deeds.

Remember, that the world powers are the sworn enemies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is the greatest centre of Islam, a fort of the Muslims. All the governments of the Kuffar are bent upon destroying it. In fact the forces of Kufr have now all united against Islam and the Muslims. None of these countries can any longer be trusted. Specially so, as American and Britain are now openly threatening the kingdom’s survival and safety. Thus their blatant enmity, evil intentions, destructive aims for Saudi Arabia have now become clear, are now common knowledge.

America! it would do well for you to remember that Saudi Arabia is not alone. All the Muslims of the world, from east to west, are united in the Defence of the holy land, the last centre of the Muslims.

The evil intentions & aims of the world powers are:
1.To strengthen and fortify the Zionist, Jewish state of Israel.

2.To tear down Al-Aqsa Mosque and build a synagogue in its place, thus satisfying the ancient desire of the Jews.

3.To maintain the military supremacy of the Jews over the Muslim Arab countries.

4.To appropriate a major part of the oil-wealth of the Gulf States for themselves, leaving the Saudis with the residue only.

5.To deal a death-blow to Islam at the slightest provocation.

6.To promote everything which is against Islam, which destroys the least morals and virtues bestowed by Islam, and which would cause the Islamic states to be constantly at war with each other.

O Muslim! you should learn a lesson from Turkey where the accursed Kamal Ataturk established a secular form of government and forcefully subjected the Turks to an irreligious, heathenish system. Not only was the Islamic system discarded but the Islamic principles were fiercely opposed on every front. So much so that even today the government there is inimical to the Muslims. It has made military pacts with the Jews. In spite of all efforts by the Turkish government to carry their favour, the Kuffar are willing to tolerate the Turkish government only as long as it remains subservient and in service of the Jews. Turkey sacrificed everything, its religion, its principles for the Christian and Jews but none of the European countries are even now willing to let it join the European Union.

Why? What is Turkey’s crime? Only that it once was an Islamic centre.

O Muslims! Let Turkey be a moral to you. Be sure that you may renounce as many Islamic principles as you like but the Kuffar will never be pleased with you. So instead of trying to gain their favour you should adhere to your own religion. Remember, that this enmity of the Kuffar is based upon nothing else but Islam. If this was not so, tell me why are the people of Iraq suffering under sanctions for the last six years?

What is the crime of the poor Iraqi people except that they are Muslims? As far as Saddam and the ruling party are concerned, the sanctions have not effected them the least bit. The world powers justify these cruel sanctions against Iraq by saying that it violated a UN resolution. Iraq violated only one, but the Jewish enemies have violated sixty UN resolutions. It has not even signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, although this area is a veritable volcano and cannot bear the accumulation of weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Husayn cannot be absolved of all responsibility too. He is equally to blame for the atrocities committed against the people of Iraq, for he only complies with the wishes of the enemies of Islam. He does whatever they wish him to.

I am warning America to stop interfering in the affairs of our region. As far as the security of the region is concerned it is the responsibility of the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, itself and not of America. America, be not proud of your power. It is a Sunnah of Allah Ta`ala that whenever the weak were oppressed, the powerful oppressors were destroyed. Allah Ta`ala Himself causes their destruction. America must not therefore be deceived by the apparent helplessness of the Muslims.

The Americans should learn a lesson from the Muslims of Afghanistan who had started Jihaad against Russia armed with sticks only. They had thus brought about the total destruction of the super power of the day. Remember that technological superiority is not everything. The real power is that of faith, of Imaan.

The maintenance of peace and security in the Arabian peninsula lies with the governments of Arabia themselves. In fact it is a Fardh upon them to guard their borders. There is no need of foreign intervention.

In fact these foreign powers which stepped in to save Gulf States are themselves the cause of the dangerous problems, terrible anxieties afflicting the people there. The modus operandi of these powers of Kufr is that wherever there is a crisis, even if it has been created by themselves, they jump in on the pretext of solving it. They propose to be helping the country out of its difficulties but in reality they become a grave danger to it. For, can a wolf ever guard a flock of sheep?

O people! there is religious enmity between the Muslims and the Kuffar. So how can they be the well-wishes of the Muslims?

Although America is Christian country yet its reins are in the hands of the Jews. America is powerless. The Jews manipulate it, exploit it for their own purposes. Still, the Muslims cannot tolerate the presence of the American military force in the holy land. They cannot, will not suffer the presence of any power of Kufr in the Arabian peninsula-RasoolulLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam has said, No two religions can remain in Arabia

The Holy Prophet’s last advice was: Expel the Jews and Christians from the Arab lands.

Thus now when the Jews and Christians have set up military bases in and all around Arabia, it has become a Fardh upon the Muslims to act upon the last order of RasoolulLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam and expel them from the Arab lands.

O Muslims! Impending doom is threatening you. Offer sincere repentance for your salvation. To save yourself from destruction and ruin repent, offer Taubah, to Allah Ta`ala for all your sins. Because of the sins committed by the people, does ruin and destruction attend upon them. And in repentance lies their deliverance

O ye, who drank wine and thus disobeyed Allah Ta`ala, repent for your sin, for thus you will, through this Taubah, assist in the reformation of the society.

O ye, who committed adultery or sodomy, turn to Allah Ta`ala, offer sincere repentance for your disobedience.

O ye, who disobeyed Allah Ta`ala by using drugs, offer Taubah before Allah, for verily to Him will you return shortly.

O ye, who committed the disobedience of giving up offering Salaat, repent before the Mighty Allah.

O ye, who caused a loss to someone’s honour or property, offer Taubah for having been cruel to a Muslim. Seek refuge with Allah Ta`ala.

Purify your wealth from interest, for because of this evil destruction and wars descend upon a people. In matters of business, sale and purchase keep away from that which is contrary to the orders of the Holy Qur’an, to Sharee`ah. For in this way will all the transactions of a bank correspond to the orders of Islam.

Call the people towards Allah. Establish firmly D`awah-IlalLah, D`awah-Ilal Islam. Teach Islam to the people. Pay special attention to the Madaris-e-Islamiyyah established in the Muslim countries to provide religious knowledge to the people.

It is a Fardh upon every Muslim to call others towards Allah, specially so upon the Ulama whose beliefs, knowledge and perseverance can be relied upon; the Ulama who are well-versed in Islamic jurisprudence, to whom people turn for solution of their religious problem.

O Muslim! avoid those groups which cause division and dissension; avoid the desires and temptations which lead you astray and cause disunity among you. O Muslim! save yourself from the wrath and punishment of Allah Ta`ala. Allah Ta`ala says: “O ye who believe! take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin; rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is for worse. We have made plain to you the signs, if ye have wisdom. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not, though ye believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, “We believe,” but when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: “Perish in your rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart.” If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you: for Allah compasseth round about all that they do. (Quran 3 : 188-120)

May Allah Ta`ala grant abundance in the Holy Qur’an for you and for me. May He make recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Zikr beneficial for you and for me. May He make following the instructions, copying the characteristics of Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam profitable for us. I invoke Allah Ta`ala’s forgiveness for myself, for you, for all the Muslims, for all the sins committed by us. All praise is for Allah who is friend to the virtuous. I hear witness that thee is none other than Allah worthy of being worshipped; that He is one and has no partner. It is He who gave honour to the Muslims and dishonoured the Kuffar. And I bear witness that our Prophet and leader Hazrat Muhammad SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam is His bondsman and Messenger; a keeper of promises and trusts. O Allah; bestow upon your Prophet and bondsman, Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam upon his descendants, upon the Sahabah-e-Kiram, your choicest blessings and favours.

Amma B‘ad! O Muslims! fear Allah Ta`ala. For, He says:

“O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Apostle, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to whom ye shall all be gathered.And fear tumult or oppression, which affecteth not in particular only those of you who do wrong: and know that Allah is strict in punishment. “(Qur’an 8 : 24-25)

O Muslims! assemble together on the Book of Allah and Sunnah of Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam. Act upon the orders of the Book of Allah, upon the Sunnah of Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam. Every Muslim must turn to Allah, the Most Glorious.

All Islamic countries must have love for each other, must be each others helpers and supporters. Especially so in the face of the terrible danger which now confronts the Muslim countries. It is the Kuffar’s plan to interfere in the affairs of the Muslims in such a way so as to divide them, alienate them from each other and thus destroy them completely. It is therefore imperative for all the Islamic countries, especially the Gulf States to adopt a policy of mutual support and co-operation. It is essential for the Gulf States not to accept any individual opinion or controversial decision in matters of collective interest. None of the Gulf States should pass any resolution without consulting the Saudi government first; because upon this kingdom depends the existence and continuation of these states. These Gulf countries, after deriving strength from Allah Ta`ala, depend upon Saudi Arabia for their solidarity too.

The kingdom is a pillar of strength for these states. It is also incumbent upon all these countries not to provide any military bases to the enemies of Allah for strikes upon Iraq. For Allah Ta`ala has created all the Muslims as one single body, and providing bases to the anti-Islamic forces will only cause sufferings to the Muslims of Iraq. Although a solution to the Iraqi problem seems to be imminent, yet the world powers cannot be depended upon not to create a new crisis for the achievement of their own selfish ends. So they must not be allowed to find an ally in the Arabian countries.

Furthermore the Arabian countries must not allow aircraft carriers of America or any other Kufriah country to use their harbours for launching attacks upon any Muslim country. Nor should they allow the establishment of military bases on their land.

O Muslim! fear Allah only. It is necessary upon all Islamic and Arab countries to fully co-operate with and assist Saudia Arabia in expelling the anchored war ships and the stationed Christian and Jewish troops from the Arab lands. For, Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam has said:

Two religions cannot co-exist in Arabia The governments of this region are fully aware of their responsibility and of the necessity to maintain peace. If only it is rendered safe and secure from the interference of the big powers there would remain no danger to its existence.

O Muslim! Become each other’s helpers and supporters. Be well aware of the fact that these Kuffar are jealous of you. They envy yours your pleasant atmosphere even, for the skies of their cities are polluted with smoke from the factories etc., their places of worship redolent with the evil of their sins, with the depravity of the deeds disliked by Allah. They this grudge you, your every possession. And the greatest thing they are jealous of is your faith, your morals. O people of Allah, fear Him as is His due, and listen to the saying of Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam:

Very soon, other nations will invite others and fall upon you to attack and destroy you just like people while inviting others, fall upon a disk of food

The Sahaba-e-Kiraam asked Rasool-ulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam Ya RasoolulLah! will this happen because we will be lesser in number at that time? No RasoolulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam answered.

You will be great in number, but you will be like froth upon the main, and weak as sticks and straws. Allah Ta`ala will remove, from the hearts of your enemies, your awe and terror, and He shall fill your hearts with cowardice

Sahaba-e-Kiraam RadhialLahu Ta`ala `Anhum asked What is cowardice?

Love of the world, hatred for death

RasoolulLah SallalLahu Alayhi Wasallam answered.

O people of Allah! Verily Allah Ta`ala and His angels send down blessings upon Prophet Rasool-UlLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam. O people of Faith, you too send Durood and Salaam upon the Holy Prophet. Rasool-UlLah SallalLahu has said, The person who sends Durood upon me once is blessed by Allah Ta`ala ten times. So send Durood upon the first and last Prophet SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam. Allahumma-Sallay `ala Muhammad.

Ya Allah, bestow your choicest blessings (Rahmah) upon RasoolulLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam as you bestowed blessings (Rahmah) upon Hadhrat Ibraheem `Alayhissalam Verily, you are worthy of all praise, most eminent and exalted. And bestow Barakah upon Rasool-UlLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam as you did upon Rasool-UlLah SallalLahu `Alayhi Wasallam as you did upon Hadhrat Ibraheem `Alayhissalam.

Verily are ye worthy of all praise, most glorious and eminent.

Ya Allah bestow your approval upon the Khulafa-e-Rashideen-Abu Bakar, `Umar, `Usman and Ali and all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam RadhialLahu `Anhum.

O Lord of the universe, be pleased with those who follow all of them in the best possible way. Ya Allah! O Most Merciful of the merciful, grant us you divine approval too.

Ya Allah! confer upon the Muslims and Islam, honour and victory, upon Kufr and the Kuffar dishonour and defeat.

Ya Allah! consign the leaders of the Kuffar to the most grievous penalty. Impress upon their faces, in their conversation conflict and dissension. Ya Allah! whoever bears enemity towards Islam and the Muslims, destroy him completely.

Ya Allah! Lord of the universe, cause the powers of Kufr to go war with each other. Turn them away form the Muslims, and engage them in fighting each other.

Ya Allah! Make the conspiracies and stratagems of the enemies of Islam, ineffectual and useless.

Ya Allah! whoever bears malice and ill-will towards us and our cities, make their maliciousness rebound upon themselves. Intervene between us and the evil he intends.

Ya Allah, Lord of the universe verily you have power over everything. We present you before every Kafir and his opposition. We seek your help against them. We defend ourselves against the Mushrikeen through you.

Ya Allah! seize the Jews and Christians in the grip of your punishment. Seize the Hindus and the Mushrikeen too.

Ya Allah! send down upon them a torment most grievous which is not turned away from a guilty nation. Ya Allah! they have filled the entire world with tyranny, oppression and sins. Ya Allah, we seek thy help against them. We seek thy protection against their evil.

Ya Allah, we seek only they shelter against the mischief of the Rawafiz, the heretics. You are omnipotent indeed.

Ya Allah! Create affection in the hearts of the Muslims for each other. Reform them, guide them to the paths of safety and peace. Draw them out from the Darkness into the Light, Assist them against your own and their enemies.

Our Lord, grant us beneficence in this world and in the Aakhirah too. Save us from the torment of Jahannam.

Ya Allah! Provide safety to our Imaam and grant him the opportunity to perform those deeds which are to your linking, which are acceptable to you. Ya Allah! include him among those who guide others to the right path, who are the guided ones themselves. Ya Allah, assist him in religious and worldly matters. Ya Allah, when matters are of a delicious nature, when it is difficult to recognize Haq (Right), to act upon it, guide them towards what is Haq. Ya Allah, set straight their Batin.

Ya Allah! Lord of the universe, grant the Muslims the ability to perform deeds which are worthy of your approval, which can gain your divine favour.

O people of Allah! Allah commands you to do justice. He commands you the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.

Fulfil the Covenant of Allah when you have entered into it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made Allah you surety; for Allah knows all that you do. (Qur’an 16:91-9).

Remember Allah, who is Great and Glorious one He will remember you. And give thanks unto Him for the many favours He has bestowed upon you, Allah will grant you more. Remembrance (zikr) of Allah is a great thing indeed. And Allah knows well whatever it is that you do.”

Shaykh Hudaifi was put in house arrest after delivering this passioned and very informative khutbah. The enemies of Islam who hide within Islam outwardly appearing to be Muslims while inside they are really kufr, took the opportunty to insult the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It went so far that KSA was accused of being kuffar. There are a few things I humbly endeavor to point out:

1. That khutbah was delivered while Khomini was present. This khutbah was while being truthful, not a sermon that would bring any of the kufar close to repenting, accepting and correctly following Islam. And would indeed cause them feelings of discontment and hatred for KSA and for the Sunnah of the Rasool (peace be upon him). It is Sunnah and an order to invite others into Islam with kindness and with wisdom (hikmah).

Allaah said about Firaun that he was, “…weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them: killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants”[Qur'an al-Qasas 28:4]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“ ‘Go, both of you, to Fir‘awn (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).

And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allaah).’

They said: ‘Our Lord! Verily, we fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress (all bounds against us).’

He (Allaah) said: ‘Fear not, verily, I am with you both, hearing and seeing.

So go you both to him, and say: “Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance!”’”[Qur'an Ta-Ha 20:43-47]

2. KSA had to do something to reprimand Shaykh Hudaifi he was offering Islam in a very unsavory manner to any guest and casual observers perception. Rulership entails the extreme need for diplomacy.

3. If this was his idea of how to advise his ruler it may have been found to be done in a manner they found unacceptable. And we all know how difficult it is to hear an advise let alone a criticism.

4. None deserves to be criticized, neither Hudaifi nor KSA rulers. I have no criticism for him myself, I just endeavor to point out my observations.

5. It is a serious and blameworthy dhulm to call KSA rulership kafirs. In fact it makes those who slandered, kufar themself as it returns back onto themselves.

Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Abusing a Muslim is evil and fighting him is disbelief” (Sahih al-Jami # 3598)

Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah said, “Whoever shows enmity to a slave of Mine (Allah’s) I shall be at war with him” (Sahih al-Jami # 1778)

The reality of kufr and its various kinds is a lengthy topic, but we may sum it up in the following points:

1 – The importance of knowing what kufr is and the forms it may take:

The texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicate that faith is not valid and is not accepted unless two conditions are met – which are what are implied by the testimony that there is no god except Allaah. These two conditions are submission to Allaah alone (Tawheed), and denouncing and shunning all kinds of kufr and shirk.

A person cannot denounce or shun anything unless he knows what it is. From this we understand the importance of knowing what Tawheed is, so that we may act accordingly and attain Tawheed, and knowing what kufr and shirk is so that we may avoid them and steer clear of them.

2 – Definition of kufr:

Kufr in Arabic means covering and concealing something.

In shar’i terminology it means “not believing in Allaah and His Messenger, whether that is accompanied by denial or it is not accompanied by denial but rather doubt, or turning away from faith out of jealousy or arrogance, or because one is following whims and desires that prevent one from following the message. So kufr is the attribute of everyone who rejects something that Allaah has commanded us to believe in, after news of that has reached him, whether he rejects it in his heart without uttering it, or he speaks those words of rejection without believing it in his heart, or he does both; or he does an action which is described in the texts as putting one beyond the pale of faith.” See Majmoo’ al-Fataawa by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 12/335; al-Ihkaam fi Usool al-Ahkaam by Ibn Hazam, 1/45.

Ibn Hazam said in his book al-Fasl: “Rejecting something for which there is sound proof that there can be no faith without believing in it is kufr, and uttering words for which there is proof that uttering them is kufr is kufr. Doing any action for which there is proof that it is kufr is also kufr.”

3 – Kinds of major kufr which put one beyond the pale of Islam

The scholars divided kufr into a number of categories, under which they listed many forms and kinds of shirk. These are as follows:

-1- The kufr of denial and rejection. This kufr may sometimes take the form of disbelief in the heart – which occurs rarely among the kuffaar, as Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said – and sometimes it takes the form of outward or apparent rejection, which means concealing the truth and not submitting to it outwardly, whilst recognizing it and knowing it inwardly, such as the Jews’ rejection of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Allaah says of them (interpretation of the meaning):

“then when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it”[al-Baqarah 2:89]

He also said (interpretation of the meaning]:

“then when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it”
[al-Baqarah 2:146]

That is because rejection only happens which a person knows the truth and refuses it. Hence Allaah stated that the kuffaar’s disbelief in the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was not disbelief in the true sense of the word, because their disbelief was only outward and verbal, and inwardly they recognized the truth.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“it is not you that they deny, but it is the Verses (the Qur’aan) of Allaah that the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) deny”

[al-An’aam 6:33]

“And they belied them (those Ayaat) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof”

[al-Naml 27:14]

Similar to this is the kufr of permitting that which is forbidden. Whoever regards as permissible something which he knows that Islam has forbidden has disbelieved in the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and in that which he brought. The same applies to one who forbids something which he knows that Islam has permitted.

-2- The kufr of turning away in arrogance, such as the kufr of Iblees of whom Allaah said:

“… except Iblees (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allaah)”

[al-Baqarah 2:34 – interpretation of the meaning]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They (hypocrites) say: ‘We have believed in Allaah and in the Messenger (Muhammad), and we obey,’ then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers”

[al-Noor 24:47]

So Allaah has stated that those who do not act in accordance with faith are not believers, even if they utter the words of faith. The kufr of turning away means that one ignores the truth and does not learn it or act in accordance with it, whether it is the matter of words, actions or beliefs. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But those who disbelieve, turn away from that whereof they are warned”[al-Ahqaaf 46:3]

Whoever turns away verbally from that which the Messenger has brought is like one who says “I will not follow him.” The one who turns away by his actions is like one who runs away from hearing the truth which he brought, or puts his fingers in his ears so as not to hear, or who hears it but turns away in his heart and refuses to believe, and who refuses to act upon it. He has disbelieved in the sense of the kufr of turning away.

-3- The kufr of hypocrisy. This takes the form of not believing in the heart and not acting, whilst submitting outwardly in order to show off to people. This is like the kufr of Ibn Salool and the other munaafiqeen (hypocrites) of whom Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: ‘We believe in Allaah and the Last Day,’ while in fact they believe not.

They (think to) deceive Allaah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allaah 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.’

Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.

And when it is said to them (hypocrites): ‘Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad, Al-Ansaar and Al-Muhajiroon) have believed,’ they say: ‘Shall we believe as the fools have believed?’ Verily, they are the fools, but they know not.

And when they meet those who believe, they say: ‘We believe,’ but when they are alone with their Shayaateen (devils — polytheists, hypocrites), they say: ‘Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.’

Allaah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doing to wander blindly.

These are they who have purchased error for guidance, so their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided.

Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allaah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.

They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path).

Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allaah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allaah will gather them all together).

The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for them, they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allaah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allaah has power over all things”
[al-Baqarah 2:8-20]

-4- The kufr of doubt, which means hesitating with regard to following the truth and being uncertain as to whether it is true, because what is required is certainty of faith (yaqeen) that what the Messenger brought is truth with no hint of doubt in it. Whoever thinks that what he brought may not be true has disbelieved, in the sense of kufr of doubt, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief), unjust to himself. He said: ‘I think not that this will ever perish.

And I think not the Hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my Lord, (on the Day of Resurrection), I surely, shall find better than this when I return to Him.’

His companion said to him during the talk with him: ‘Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you out of dust (i.e. your father Adam), then out of Nutfah (mixed semen drops of male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man?

But as for my part, (I believe) that He is Allaah, my Lord, and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord.’”
[al-Kahf 18:35-38]

From this we may conclude that kufr – which is the opposite of eemaan or faith – may take the form of feelings in the heart, such as hating Allaah or His signs, or His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him); this contradicts love and faith which support the actions of the heart. Kufr may also take the form of spoken words, such as insulting Allaah, or it may be an outward action, such as prostrating to idols, or offering sacrifices to someone other than Allaah. Just as faith takes the form of actions of the heart, words on the tongue and outward physical actions, so too kufr may take the form of actions of the heart, words on the tongue and outward physical actions. We ask Allaah to keep us safe from kufr and its branches, and to increase us in faith and make us guided and cause us to guide others… Ameen. And Allaah knows best.

See A’laam al-Sunnah al-Manshoorah, 177; Nawaaqid al-Eemaan al-Qawliyyah wa’l-‘Amaliyyah by Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez Aal ‘Abd al-Lateef, 36-46; Dawaabit al-Takfeer by Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah al-Qarani, 183, 196.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

6.KSA Is ‘Daar ul Tawhid’ do not insult it’s Rulers

The Beliefs of The Islamic Countries Today; And The Best of Them In That

Indeed Ash Shaam has in it many of the innovated sects just like Egypt does. I searched for the Mu’tazilah in Egypt but I did not find anyone from amongst them. Indeed before its heresy ‘Iraaq had in it the Ash’ariyyah and Maatureediyyah. Yemen has in it the Ash’ariyyah and the Mu’tazilah, and the Zaidiyyah of Yemen are all Mu’tazilah and the Shaafi’iyyah of Yemen are Ash’aree.

Indeed I made a geography (map) of beliefs in the Islamic world; and I placed Saudi Arabia in the middle. For indeed the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a Salafi State.

Shaykh Hammaad al-Ansaaree
Majmoo’ fee tarjumah Hammaad Al-Ansaaree volume 2 page 530
Translated by Aboo Haatim Muhammad Farooq

And Allaah Knows Best!

The Pledge To Unite On Falsehood of The West

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Pledge of Mutual Respect and Cooperation Between Sunni Muslim Scholars, Organizations, and Students of Sacred Knowledge
SalafiTalk.Net

Allaah (swt) says,

Hold fast to the Rope of Allah, all together, and be not divided. (Qur’an, 3:103)

Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with Allah; then He will inform them of what they used to do. (Qur’an, 6:159)

In light of the Divine Word, we recognize that the historical nature of Sunni Islam is a broad one that proceeds from a shared respect for the Qur’an and Sunnah, a shared dependence on the interpretations and derivations of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and a shared respect for the writings of a vast array of scholars who have been identified by their support for and affiliation with the Sunni Muslims and have been accepted as the luminaries of Sunni Islam – as broadly defined.

Likewise, detailed discussions in matters of theology are the specific domain of trained specialists, and proceed on the basis of well-defined principles and methodologies, which are beyond the knowledge of the generality of Muslims.

Our forebears in faith, with all the dedication, brilliance and sincerity clearly manifested in their works, have debated and discussed abstruse and complex issues of creed and practice, and have failed in most instances to convince their opponents of the veracity and accuracy of their positions.

The average Muslim is only responsible for knowing the basics of creed as they relate to a simple belief in Allah, His Angels, Scriptures, the Prophets and Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree.

Recognizing that the specter of sectarianism threatens to further weaken and debilitate our struggling Muslim community at this critical time in human affairs, and recognizing that Allah, Exalted is He, has given the Muslim community in the West a unique historical opportunity to advance the cause of peace, cooperation, and goodwill amongst the people of the world, we the undersigned respectfully:

- Urge Muslims to categorically cease all attacks on individual Muslims and organizations whose varying positions can be substantiated based on the broad scholarly tradition of the Sunni Muslims. We especially urge the immediate cessation of all implicit or explicit charges of disbelief;

- Urge Muslim scholars and students of sacred knowledge to take the lead in working to end ad hominem attacks on other scholars and students; to cease unproductive, overly polemical writings and oral discourse; and to work to stimulate greater understanding and cooperation between Muslims, at both the level of the leadership and the general community;

-Urge Muslims in the West, especially our youth, to leave off unproductive and divisive discussions of involved theological issues that are the proper domain of trained specialists, and we especially discourage participation in those internet chat rooms, campus discussion groups, and other forums that only serve to create ill-will among many Muslims, while fostering a divisive, sectarian spirit;

-Urge all teachers to instruct their students, especially those attending intensive programs, to respect the diverse nature of our communities and to refrain from aggressive challenges to local scholars, especially those known for their learning and piety;

- Urge our brothers and sisters in faith to concentrate on enriching their lives by deepening their practice of Islam through properly learning the basics of the faith, adopting a consistent regimen of Qur’anic recitation, endeavoring to remember and invoke Allah in the morning and evening, learning the basics of jurisprudence, attempting to engage in voluntary fasting as much as possible, studying the Prophetic biography on a consistent basis, studying the etiquettes that guide our interactions with our fellow Muslims, and the performance of other beneficial religious acts, to the extent practical for their circumstances;

- Finally, we urge the Believers to attempt to undertake individual and collective actions that will help to counter the growing campaign of anti-Islamic misinformation and propaganda that attempts to portray our religion as a violence-prone relic of the past unsuitable for modern society, and by so doing justify indiscriminate wars against Muslim peoples, occupation of Muslim lands, and usurpation of their resources.

Saying this, we do not deny the reality of legitimate differences and approaches, nor the passionate advocacy of specific positions based on those differences. Such issues should be rightfully discussed observing established rules of debate. However, we urge the above measures to help prevent those differences from destroying the historical unity and integrity of the Muslim community, and creating irreparable divisions between our hearts. Further, we do not deny the urgency, especially in light of the situation in Iraq, of efforts to foster greater cooperation between diverse Muslim communities. Hence, this document should not be seen as negating any statements, or declarations designed to foster greater peace and harmony between diverse Muslim communities. However, we feel, as Sunni Muslims, a pressing need to first set our own affairs in order.

In conclusion, having called our brothers and sisters to act on these points, we, the undersigned, pledge to be the first to actively implement them in response to the Divine Word:

Do you enjoin righteousness on the people and refuse to follow it yourselves and all along you are reciting the scripture!? Will you not reflect? (Qur’an (2:44)

We ask Allah for the ability to do that which He loves. And Allah alone is the Grantor of Success.

Signed,

Abdelrahman Helbawi

Abdul Karim Khalil

Abdullah Adhami

Abdurraheem Green

Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera

Abu Aaliyah Surkheel Sharif

Abu Eesa Niamatullah

Aisha Faleh AlThani

Asma Mirza

Cheikhna B. Bayyah

Dawood Yasin

Ebadur Rahman

Faraz Rabbani

Fuad Nahdi

Gul Mohammad

Haitham al-Haddad

Hamza Yusuf

Hasan al-Banna

Ibrahim Osi-Efa

Jihad Hashim Brown

M. Abdul Latif Finch

M. Afifi al-Akiti

Mehdi Kader

Mokhtar Maghroui

Muhammad Alshareef

Muhammad Ash-Shaybani

Muhammad ibn Adam

Omar Qureshi

S. Abdal-Hakim Jackson

Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Siddique Abdullah

Suhaib Webb

Tahir Anwar

Talal Al-Azem

Tanveer Hussain

Tawfique Chowdhury

Usama Canon

Usama Hasan

Walead Mosaad

Yahya Rhodus

Yasir Qadhi

Zaid Shakir

UPDATE to SIGNATORIES: The following names were missed from the original list of signatories and will be likely added in the next update: Yaser Birjas, Mohammed Faqih, Waleed Basyouni

YASIR QADHI’S VISIONS OF UNITING THE SECTS:

quote:

Yasir Qadhi states:

“It is important to stress, however, that the purpose of this pledge is not to vindicate or justify one ideology over another. These differences have existed within Sunni Islam (in the broad sense of the term) for the last twelve centuries, and the fact of the matter is that, barring some sort of Divine Intervention, it does not appear that these difference will leave us any time soon.

Therefore there needs to be a more pragmatic and realistic attempt at cooperation, one that retains our traditionalisms and respects our historical traditions, yet at the same time takes into account the context of our current political and social situation.”

This call of Yasir Qadhi is to the destruction of the principle of “enjoining the good and forbidding the evil” in the name of unity with the sects of misguidance. May Allaah protect us.

The author of this pledge quoted the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

quote:

Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with Allah; then He will inform them of what they used to do. (Qur’an, 6:159)

This verse and all of the verses prohibiting splitting are in relation to the innovators and the people of desires when one looks into the books of Tafseer and the sayings of the Companions and Taabi`een. Thus, to oppose the Book and the Sunnah and to depart from the `aqeedah and way of the Salaf is unlawful and is the subject of the threat contained in this and other like verses in the Qur’an.

Thus, what each signatory is signing to is a pledge to wilfully oppose the very verses quoted at the beginning of the pledge. Namely: to have everything to do with those who made divisions in the religion and turned into factions, to accommodate them, welcome them, love them, endorse them and present them to the people. To treacherously hide their opposition, their splitting away from the Book and the Sunnah, and to include them all under the deceptive banner of “vast array of Scholars”, and “luminaries of Sunni Islam – as broadly defined”.

This statement of Allaah the Most High quoted at the beginning of this pledge of soofee fabrication falsifies everything that comes after it. This pledge is nothing short of a farce.

WHO ARE THE AHLUS-SUNNAH IN THE VIEW OF YASIR QADHI & HIS COMPANIONS?

Yasir Qadhi states in his support of the pledge to co-operate with Ahlul-Bid’ah:

quote:

“All of the parties that have signed on to this document identify themselves as being from the tradition of Sunni Islam. And it is an undeniable historical reality that this label has been used by a number of diverse, and at times contradictory, theological groups, for the last thousand years of Islam. I personally have no qualms considering these groups within the broad fold of Sunni Islam.”

These claimants to the Sunnah (and Salafiyyah) should not surprise us in the least. After all, Yasir Qadhi, Abdur-Rahmeen Green, Usamah Hasan (son of Suhaib Hasan) are all key speakers for the ‘Jamiat Ahle-Hadith UK’ and who have for years been diluting and polluting the pure Salafi manhaj. So this document signed by this group of speakers along with a group of extreme Soofee, Jahmee, Ash’aree, Dervish, Muqallid callers to innovation, should not shock us.

Indeed what they have signed to now, is something that Suhaib Hasan and Abdul-Haadi Omari and the Jamiat Ahlel-Hadith have been upon for years!

Hafeez Ullah Khan, one of the heads of the ‘Jamiat Ahle-Hadith UK’:

quote:

“The whole purpose of this discussion is that the Ummah is a victim of splitting and splintering – it is in dire need of unity and strength and brotherhood. My friends, me stating this does NOT mean that the Religious and Islamic organizations that exist have to lose their specific identities and titles and become one entity – No, but rather every organization and every jamaa’ah should remain established upon their own individual identities and come together making their unity apparent and it is in this unity that the blessing lies…”

(‘Itihad – Unity Muslim’ Channel, 7th September 2006)

So Yasir Qadhi states in his justification of the pact:

quote:

“It is important to stress, however, that the purpose of this pledge is not to vindicate or justify one ideology over another… Therefore there needs to be a more pragmatic and realistic attempt at cooperation, one that retains our traditionalisms and respects our historical traditions, yet at the same time takes into account the context of our current political and social situation.”

Abdul-Hadi Omari stated several years ago:

quote:

“..In every school of thought for their great Scholars, such as Shabir Ahmad Uthmaanee, who was a GREAT SCHOLAR of the religion from the Deobandee school of thought. He has written some small commentaries of the Qur’aan and other good works.

Also, AHMAD REZA KHAN from the BRELAWEE school of thought, who was a GREAT SCHOLAR of the religion who has written many books.

Likewise, we have Sayyid Abu A’laa Mawdudi, who was a very great scholar of the religion, rather he was the founder of JAMAT-E-ISLAMI, and has written a VERY GOOD and detailed explanation of the Qur’aan known as ‘Tahfeemul-Qur’aan’ and he has written many other books which have reached an international level, and of them are those which are FINAL REFERENCE POINTS for their particular topics…

…So all of these VERY, VERY GREAT SCHOLARS, then may Allaah be pleased with them all and may Allaah fill their graves with noor (light)..”

(Recorded from a live broadcast across Birmingham on ‘Radio Ramadan’)

And Yasir Qadhi also states in his flattery of them:
quote:

“I am eager to further my relationship with them; I sense a genuine spirit of Islamic brotherhood whilst amongst them; I wish the best for them and their da`wah; I am desirous to benefit from their wisdom and knowledge.”

What is disturbing, however, is the re-packaging of this evil, corrupt manhaj and it’s re-sale to the unaware Muslim youth in the West.
quote:

“All of the parties that have signed on to this document identify themselves as being from the tradition of Sunni Islam. And it is an undeniable historical reality that this label has been used by a number of diverse, and at times contradictory, theological groups, for the last thousand years of Islam. I personally have no qualms considering these groups within the broad fold of Sunni Islam.”

They claim this is a “Pledge of Mutual Respect and Cooperation Between Sunni Muslim Scholars, Organizations, and Students”. So what is their definition of Sunni? Looking at the list of signatories, a Sunni, according to them, can be: Ash’aree, Soofee, Deobandee, Tableeghee, Qaadiree, Qutubee, Ikhwaanee, Jahmee, Ittihaadee etc. How can anyone who claims to be upon the Sunnah count these sects as being Sunni? They even justify their evil by stating: “We recognize that the historical nature of Sunni Islam is a broad one”. Broad enough to include the Soofiyyah and Jahmiyyah and Ash’ariyyah and Maatureediyyah?! This a truly a shameful pact. A pact that gives honour and credence to the innovations and those who carry them. A unity for the sake of political expediency.

It is clear that these people have not understood the da’wah of the early Salaf, the likes of Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Imaam Maalik bin Anas, Imaam Al-Barbahaaree, Sufyaan ath-Thawree and Ibnul-Mubaarak. Nor have they comprehended the books of Shaikhul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah and his students, nor do they any perception of the works of Shaikhul-Islaam Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhaab and those who followed him till this day. It is the very twelve centuries (or fourteen centuries) of the Imaams of Sunnah that Yasir Qadhi and his co-signatories wish to push to the side and ignore in the name of unity, that we must adhere to.

Shaikhul-Islaam Muhammad Ibn Aslam at-Toosee (died 242), rahimahullaah, spoke the truth when he said:

quote:

“Whosoever honours, gives respect to, or venerates a person of bid’ah, then indeed he has aided in the destruction of the Religion”

(Ibn Waddaah, no. 120, Aboo Shaamah, no. 36.)

WHO’S FOOTSTEPS IS YASIR QADHI FOLLOWING?

As for Syed Qutb, the innovator and guide of Al-Ikhwaanul-Muslimoon, then he said:

quote:

“And Islaam does not feel uneasy about about the differences of mankind in ‘aqeedah and manhaj, rather it considers this as something necessitated by natural disposition and a goal from a Higher Will…”

(‘Nahwa Mujtami’ Islaami’ p. 103)

Hasan al-Banna, the deviated founder of Al-Ikhwaanul-Muslimoon, said:

quote:

“Let us work together in that which we agree and excuse each other in that which we disagree.”

And:

“You know, O brothers, that there is no Imaam in the present day and it is necessary for us to forget everything and abandon everything (in disputes) for freeing the Islamic lands..”

(From the words of Hasan al-Banna also from the book ‘Fee Qaafilatil-Ikhwaan al-Muslimeen’)

“Al-Hayât Kalimah” is Salman Al-Awdah’s (the Qutubee) weekly television program. During one these program’s, Salmaan al-Awdah makes clear his Ikhwaanee/Bannaawee methodology that he is still upon:

quote:

“We need to use this crisis [of the strife in Lebanon] a means to achieve unity. We need to put our differences aside for the time being. We need to assume responsibility for these crises, knowing with full faith that Allah is just in His decisions.”

(Taken from the website of Salman Al-Oadah)

THE POSITION OF THE SALAFI IMAAMS IN OPPOSITION TO YASIR QADHI

Question to Ash-Shaikhul-Imaam Ibn Baaz, rahimahullaah:

quote:

Question:”Based upon the Saying of Allaah, the Most High:

Help you one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwaa, but do not help one another in sin and transgression. Soorah al-Maaidah (5):2

It is said that it is obligatory to co-operate with all of the Islamic Jamaa’ahs, even though they differ with us with regard to methodologies and their way in giving dawah. So Jamaaatut-Tableegh has a way of giving dawah different to the way of the Ikhwaanul-Muslimeen and Hizbut-Tahreer and Jamaaatul-Jihaad and the Salafees. So how is this co-operation to be? And is it restricted for example to joint participation in conferences and gatherings? And what is to be the case when dawah is being given to non-Muslims, since confusion may be caused in the minds of new Muslims by the fact that each Jamaaah from these Jamaaahs will direct them to their own centres and their own scholars, which will confuse them. So how will it be possible to avert this matter?”

Answer:”What is obligatory is to co-operate with the Jamaa’ah that proceeds upon the manhaj (methodology) of the Book and the Sunnah and that which the Salaf of the Ummah were upon in calling to the Tawheed of Allaah, the One free of all imperfections, and making worship purely and sincerely for Him, and warning against shirk and innovations and sins, and to advise the Jamaaahs that are contrary to that.

So if they return to what is correct, then they are to be co-operated with. But if they persist upon being contrary then it is obligatory to keep away from them and to adhere to the Book and the Sunnah..”

(Fatwaa no. 18870 dated 11/6/1417H)

SCHOLARLY RESPONSE

Ash-Shaikhul-Allaamah Saaleh al-Fawzaan, hafidhahullaah:
quote:

QUESTION: Is there harm in warning against these Sects that are in opposition to the Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah?

ANSWER: “We warn against all those who oppose [the Salaf] generally and we say: ‘We adhere to the path of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah and we we abandon those who oppose Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah regardless of whether their opposition is MAJOR or MINOR. This is because if we are lenient with the opposition, then perhaps it may grow and increase. So opposition is not allowed AT ALL.

Furthermore, it is obligatory to adhere to the path of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah in both major and minor issues.”

QUESTION: Are we require to mention the good qualities of those we warn against?

ANSWER: “If you mention their good qualities, then this means that you have called (the people) to follow them. Know, DO NOT MENTION THEIR GOOD QUALITIES. Mention the error they are upon only. You are not entrusted to praise and approve of their actions – you are ONLY entrusted with exposing the error they are upon so that they may repent from it, and so others can beware of it.

It may even be that the error that they are upon wipes away their good deeds if it is kufr or shirk. It could also be that this error outweighs their good deeds. And perhaps it may seem like they are good deeds in your eyes, yet they ARE NOT SO IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAAH.”

(“Al-Ajwibatul-Mufeedah ‘an As’ilatil-Manaahijil-Jadeedah”, Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan)

What is amazing is that Yasir Qadhi states that those who oppose him in his decision are:

quote:

“Having said that, there will always be extremisms on all sides, especially amongst over-zealous, under-experienced youth. What is desired, though, is that such extremism not find a voice amongst authentic and respected scholarship.”

So does he regard Ibn Baaz and Shaikh al-Fawzaan to be, “over-zealous, under-experienced youth” who are extremists!!

THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SALAF

Versus

THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNATORIES

Yasir Qadhi, Abdur-Raheem Green, Usamah Hasan, and their fellow signatories began their ‘Pledge’ with a verse from the book of Allaah to justify their unity with the people of deviation. You will see below that the understanding of the Salaf was contrary to what they wish to establish.

Allaah states in the Qur’aan:
quote:

“Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them.”(Al-An’aam:159)

So the signatories of the pledge use this aayah to justify their unity whereby they are bringing the various ‘doctrines’ together. Yet, in truth, these verses contain great threats to those who oppose the Qur’aan and Sunnah and the true Islamic ‘aqeedah, thus causing them to fall into division, separation and disunity. That is why Allaah informed His Prophet, “you have nothing to do with them”.

These signatories have turned the meanings around to justify uniting upon deviation from the Islamic ‘Aqeedah or Creed. Indeed Allaah, the Most High, stated: “Hold fast to the Rope of Allah, all together, and be not divided.” So Allaah commands firstly to hold on to Book and Sunnah, and then not to fall into division.

So how has the Ash’aree, Soofee or Maatureedee fulfilled holding on to the Rope of Allaah in his understanding of the aqeedah?! Or is it the case that the likes of Yaasir Qaadhi and Usaamah Hasan are establishing the principle of Hasan al-Bannah:

quote:

“Let us work together in that which we agree and excuse each other in that which we disagree.”

Indeed, this is the principle they have established in this ‘pledge’.

Regarding the statement of Allaah, “Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them..” Imaam al-Baghawee stated:

quote:

“They are the people of bid’ah and desires.” Sharhus-Sunnah (1/210)

And Imaam Ibnul-Mubaarak (died 181H) said:

quote:

“The people of truth – they do not have division amongst them.” Related by At-Tabaree in Jaami’ al-Bayaan (12/85)
Imaam ash-Shaatibee stated:

quote:

“Splitting is from the particular characteristics of the Ahlul-Bid’ah.” Al-I’tisaam (1/113)

And Shaikhul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah (728H) said:
quote:

“And bid’ah is associated with splitting, just as Sunnah is associated with the Jamaa’ah. So it is said: Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, just as it is said: Ahlul-Bid’ah wal-Furqah (the People of innovation and division).” (Al-Istiqaamah 1/42)

So this is the understanding of some of the Imaams of the Salaf, i.e. those who cause division and separate are the people of bid’ah. These aayaat and verses are in NO way a justification to unite with those who have diverse and deviated ‘doctrines’ that oppose Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.

As for the other verse that is utilised by the signatories of this ‘Pledge’ is statement of Allaah:

quote:

“Hold fast to the Rope of Allah, all together, and be not divided.”(Aali Imraan 103)

Imaam as-Sam’aanee stated:

quote:

“And Allaah, the Most High, said: ‘Hold fast to the Rope of Allah, all together, and be not divided.’ And if you were to look towards the people of desires and innovation, you will find them divided and upon differing, or spearated into factions and parties. You will not find two of them upon a singular path or a sigular doctrine (‘aqeedah). They declare each other to be innovators. Indeed a son will declare his father to be an unbeliever and a man will declare that upon his brother and a neighbour upon his neighbour. You will see them constantly differing and having hatred for each other. Their lives pass and their word is never united [but]: ‘You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who understand not.’ (Al-Hashr: 14). Al-Hujjah fee Bayaanil-Muhajjah 2/224-225

The doctrines of the signatories are incompatible and at variance with each other – so this pledge may give an impression of unity, but in reality their hearts are divided because their ‘aqeedah is divided…

quote:

‘You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who understand not.’ (Al-Hashr: 14).

All praise is due to Allaah, and prayers and peace upon His Messenger.

Yasir al-Qadhi stated in a follow up justification of his participation with factions of Ahl ul-Bid’ah, amongst them Soofees, Ahl ul-Kalaam, Ash’arees and others:
quote:

And it is well known that mu`amalah with other groups is a context-based matter, and not one that has specific rulings in the Sharee’ah.

As he is participating in this pledge with Ash’arees, Soofees and Ahl ul-Kalaam then it is clear that by “other groups” he means deviated groups from amongst the sects. Those whom the Salaf declared as astray innovators and deviants. The other signatories on that pledge are callers to innovation. They call to the Milaad, they call to their Ash’ariyyah, Ilm ul-Kalaam, and their negation of Allah’s attributes and innovated practices. Indeed, some of the other signatories teach from the books of Innovation such as Jawharat ut-Tawheed, and as such they are callers to innovation, callers to divestment of Allaah’s names, negators of His Uluww, and promoters of Jahmee beliefs.

Thus, there are a number of observations to be made on the statement of al-Qadhi quoted above:

Allaah the Most High said:

Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) you nothing to do with them. Their affair is only with Allâh, Who then will tell them what they used to do. (Al-An’am 6:159)

One can easily refer to the books of tafseer and the statements of the Sahaabah and Taabi’een to learn the meaning of this and other like verses in the Qur’an.

Al-Baghawee said in Sharh us-Sunnah, “They are the people of innovations and desires”.

The Ashaa’irah, Ahl ul-Kalaam, the Soofees are people of innovations and desires in the view of Ahl us-Sunnah, and the refutations against the Ashaa’irah and their being declared astray is to be found in the sayings of the scholars from the various madhaahib.

Contemporary Ash’arees are not the same as the earlier Ash’arees. Today’s Ash’arees are further astray and the earlier Asharees affirmed the sifaat and Allaah’s Uluww. Refer to the recently published Bayaan Talbees ul-Jahmiyyah of Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah.

Al-Qurtubee (d. 671H) said: “And when avoiding the people of sin has been established, as we have just explained, then avoiding the People of Innovations and Desires is foremost [i.e. more befitting].” Tafseer al-Qurtubee (5/418

How can he say that issue is one that does not have a specific ruling in the Sharee’ah?

The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, “My Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects, seventy-two in the Fire and one in Paradise” (al-Laalikaa’ee in his Usool il-I’tiqaad.

The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Indeed this ummah will split into seventy three sects, all of them in the Fire except for one and that is the Jamaa’ah” Ibn Abee Aasim in Kitaab us-Sunnah

The Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, “My Ummah will split into seventy three sects, all of them in the Fire except for one”. It was said “What is the one group?” He said, “That which I and my companions are upon today”. at-Tirmidhi

And he (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) used to say at the beginning of his lectures, “and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallallaahu `alaihi wasallam) , and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion)” (Muslim)

Qaadee Abu Ya’laa (d. 333H) said: “There is concensus (Ijmaa’) among the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een as regards dissociating and cutting-off from the Innovators.” Hajar ul-Mubtadi’ (p.32)

Al-Baghawee (d. 535H) said: “And the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een, their successors and the Scholars of the Sunnah passed away while they were upon this, united and unanimously agreed upon having enmity towards the Ahl ul-Bid’ah (the People of Innovation) and fleeing from them.” Sharh us-Sunnah (1/227)

Ath-Thaabit bin al-Ajlaan said: “I met Anas bin Maalik, Ibn al-Musayyab, al-Hasan al-Basree, Sa’eed bin Jubair, ash-Sha’bee, Ibraaheem an-Nakha’ee, Ataa’ bin Abee Riyaah, Taawoos, Mujaahid, Abdullaah bin Abee Mulaikah, az-Zuhree, Makhool, al-Qaasim Abu Abdur-Rahmaan, Ataa’ al-Khurasaanee, Thaabit al-Bunaanee, al-Hakam bin Utbah, Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee, Hammaad bin Muhammad bin Seereen, Abu Aamir- and he had actually met Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq -, Yazeed ar-Riqaashee, and Sulaimaan bin Moosaa, all of them were ordering me [to hold on to] the Jamaa’ah and forbidding me from the People of Desires (i.e Innovators) Sharh Usool ul-I’tiqaad of al-Laalikaa’ee (no.239)

Al-Fudayl bin ‘Iyaad (d. 187H) said: ”I met the best of people, all of them people of the Sunnah and they used to forbid from accompanying the people of innovation.” Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee (no.267)

Al-Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) said: “Do not sit with the people of innovation and desires, nor argue with them, nor listen to them.” Reported by ad-Daarimee in his Sunan (1/121)

Ibraaheem bin Maysarah (d.132H) said: “Whoever honours an innovator has aided in the destruction of Islam.” Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee (1/139).

Imaam Maalik (d. 179H) said: “How evil are the people of innovation, we do no give them salaam.” Reported by al-Baghawee in Sharh us-Sunnah (1/234).

Al-Fudayl bin ‘Iyaad (d. 187H) said: “Whoever sits with a person of innovation, then beware of him and whoever sits with a person of innovation has not been given wisdom. I love that there was fort of iron between me and a person of innovation. That I eat with a Jew and a Christian is more beloved to me than that I eat with a person of innovation.” Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee (no.1149)

From Aboo Qulaabah who said: “Do not sit with them and do not mix with them for I do not feel safe that they will not drown you in their misguidance and confuse you about much that you used to know.” Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee (no.244)

Imaam al-Laalikaa’ee (d. 418H) said in Sharh Usool il-Itiqaad (1/114): “What is related from the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) with regards to the prohibition of debating with the Innovators.”

Abu Daawood (d. 275H) has a chapter in his Sunan (4/197): “Chapter: Turning away from the Innovators and having hatred for them.”

Al-Bayhaqee (d. 458H) said: in al-I’tiqaad (p.236): “Chapter: Prohibition of sitting with the Innovators.”

Imaam an-Nawawee (d. 676H) mentions in al-Adhkaar (p.323): “Chapter: Disassociating from the People of Innovation and the People of Sin.”

This is only a fraction of the thousands of statements that are available from true and authentic Sunni scholarship (as specifically defined) on this issue.

Thus it is established that there are very clear and explicit guidelines in the Sharee’ah, in the Qur’aan, in the Sunnah and from the Salaf in general regarding the astray groups and sects, those who oppose what the Salaf were upon. This includes the Ash’arees, the Soofees, Ahl ul-Kalaam and other than them, those whom al-Qadhi has united with on this pledge. And as such this enormous and utter lie of al-Qadhi is exposed for what it is.

The position of Ahl us-Sunnah is that

* The groups and sects are to be shunned. Their callers refuted and boycotted and warned against. Their books refuted (by those capable, the scholars) and the general folk warned against their evil and their opposition to the Sunnah. This is the clear ruling in the Book and the Sunnah.

* There is no co-operation in affairs of da’wah whatsover with Ahl ul-Bid’ah, not until they abandon what they are upon.

* The scholars are to refute/advise the groups and sects.

* Ahl ul-Bid’ah, the callers, are refuted against and warned against: by name, by book, by belief, by ideology, by manhaj – this is the way of orthodox Sunni Scholarship (as specifically defined)

* The general folk amongst the innovators who are not callers and who don’t really know what they are upon are to be given da’wah but by qualified people and only with the intention of correcting them and inviting them to the truth. This is a restricted affair, with conditions and guidelines and not an absolute one.

It must be clarified here that Ahl us-Sunnah do not prohibit from mixing with the common Muslims who may be upon something of innovation due to certain factors, with the aim of giving them da’wah. This has conditions and has certain guidelines and is not to be confused with what Yasir al-Qadhi has signified with his writings on the pledge. Rather what al-Qadhi is advocating is something much more and extensive. Indeed he is promoting a new manhaj of disassociation in part from the true Scholars, thereby allowing the raising of da’ees in the West to the level of viable alternatives to those true Scholars in the discussion and treatment of issues relating to da’wah and opposing groups.

Insulting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Bismillaah. All praise is to Allaah Lord and Cherisher of the worlds. I testify that none and nothing has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone and Muhammad is His Final Messenger.

Insulting The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him)

Statement by the Grand Mufty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta’ on insulting the Prophet

All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Truly, the happy end is for the pious, while punishment only befalls the aggressors. Peace be upon the best of all creations, our Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, his family, Companions and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.

To proceed:

Allah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), after a period of suspension of messengers, as a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, a caller to Allah by His Permission, and as a lamp spreading light. Allah sent him to all people, Arabs and non-Arabs, white and black. He (Glorified be He) says: O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with the truth from your Lord. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allâh.” Allah also says: And We have not sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind.

Allah sent down to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the best of His Books, i.e., the Glorious Qur’an, which is His Eternal Miracle. Allah (Glorified be He) says: Say: “If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur’ân, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.”

Allah has promised to safeguard this Book against change and distortion. He (Glorified be He) says: Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). Allah has done this so that it remains an illuminating lamp that guides humankind in their continuing march until He inherits the earth and all that is upon it. He (Exalted be He) says: And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) Ruh (a Revelation, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’ân) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allâh’s Religion of Islâmic Monotheism).

Allah commanded that we follow His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and abide by his Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) in order to earn His Love. He (Glorified be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): “If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins.”

Allah also linked Obedience to Him with obedience to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses). For example, Allah (Exalted be He) says: He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), has indeed obeyed Allâh And: And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) Allah also says: And whosoever obeys Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), then they will be in the company of those on whom Allâh has bestowed His Grace There are other Ayahs to the same effect.

Allah also made it obligatory for the believers to love Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He (Glorified be He) says: Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). It is also reported in the Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith) that `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, you are dearer to me than everything except myself.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) replied saying, ‘No, `Umar [Your faith will not be complete] until I become dearer to you than yourself. `Umar then said, ‘You, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah, are dearer to me than myself.’ Thereupon, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Now, `Umar; (meaning `Umar’s faith has become perfect).’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said: No one of you will (truly) believe until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all people. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

I will address the news that has been circulated recently by much of the media regarding the audacious act of some haters of Islam and its Prophet (peace be upon him) who published offensive cartoons with rude captions about the Prophet (peace be upon him) in one of the newspapers in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The publishers of such cartoons claimed that they represent the noble Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), while, in fact, these cartoons only exist in the sick imagination of those who circulate them whose hearts are full of hatred and malice against Islam and its Prophet.

It is known that Allah’s Prophets and Messengers are the best of humankind; it was they whom Allah chose to receive and convey His Messages to the creation in general. Therefore, the duty of the creation towards them is to believe in, support, and revere them, and accept what they brought from Allah. Allah (Glorified be He) says: The Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers.”

Allah informed us that His Messengers are, and will remain, the victorious by His Support. He (Glorified be He) says: Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection).

We condemn such abhorrent falsehood about the Prophet of Islam and the Last of all the Prophets (peace be upon them all), but we are fully confident that Allah (Glorified be He) will support His Prophet and humiliate His enemies, as He (Exalted be He) says: If you help him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of the two; when they (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه) were in the cave, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to his companion (Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us.” And: But those who annoy Allâh’s Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will have a painful torment. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers. And: Verily, those who annoy Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Allâh has cursed them in this world, and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating torment. Allah (Glorified be He) says: Allâh will protect you from mankind. And: For he who hates you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter). True is the Promise of Allah and truthful are His Sayings.

It is also known that insulting the Prophet (peace be upon him) or mocking him is tantamount to sacrilege and belittlement of his honorable status, and harm caused to Allah, His Messenger, and His believing servants. It also encourages the disbelieving and hypocritical souls to seek the destruction of Islam, the humiliation of the believers, the removal of the glory of religion, and lowering down Allah’s Word. This is one of the most abhorrent types of corruption. Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) informed us that His enemies will continue in their evil and vicious ways and commanded us to show patience and perseverance. He (Glorified be He) says: You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allâh; but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious) then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs (and that is one of the great matters which you must hold on to with all your efforts).

It is obligatory for every Muslim to support, assist, and revere the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), as Allah (Glorified be He) says: In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and that you assist and honour him (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Assisting the Prophet entails supporting and defending him against whatever may harm him; and revering him denotes solemnity, awe and honoring of him; to hold him in such high esteem and veneration that it raises his character above whatever may affect his reverence.

Such insolent attacks on the Prophet of Islam (best peace and blessings be upon him) have caused pain, harm, and resentment to all Muslims around the world. I call on the officials in the government of Denmark to bring the newspaper that published such cartoons to account and oblige it to apologize for its abhorrent crime; and also to punish those who took part in provoking this issue. This is the least that Muslims demand in this respect.

We ask Allah, Exalted is His Might, to safeguard His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the plots and aggression of these perpetrators and aggressors. We also beseech Him (Glorified be He) to make His Religion victorious and to elevate His Word. Indeed, He has power over all things. Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs. There is neither might nor power except with Allah, the Exalted and Ever Great.

The Grand Mufty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta’

`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al Al-Shaykh