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Salafiyyah Is Founded On Three Fundamental Principles

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

”Salafiyyah is founded upon three fundamental principles; The First Fundamental Principle: (To carry out) acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allaah (Glorified Be He). The Second Fundamental Principle: Adhering to the Jamaa’ah; listening to the (Muslim Rulers) and obeying (them in that which is good). The Third Fundamental Principle: Caution against Bidah and the Innovators. These three fundamental principles have are established by way of evidence in narration of Irbaad Ibn Saariyah (radiyallaahu-anhu) who said:

”The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam) gave us an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, “O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us.”He said, “I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allaah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is place in charge over your affairs; for indeed he who lives long among you will see many differences. Beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for indeed it is misguidance. So whoever among you reaches that then upon him is (to follow) my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa and bite on to it with your molar teeth.” [1]

Suhail Ibn Abee Saalih narrated from his father, who narrated from Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam said: Verily Allaah loves three things for you and he hates three things for you. He loves that you worship Him alone and that you do not join anyone else in your worship of him and that you do not worship other than him; He loves that you hold tight altogether to the rope of Allaah and that you do not be divided; and that you advice the one placed in charge over your affairs. And Allaah hates for you Qeel Wa Qaal (he said and she said spreading rumours); He hates for you the wasting of wealth and He hates for you excessive questioning (i.e. questioning devoid of benefit). [2]

These three affairs (i.e. Tawheed; obedience to the rulers and caution against bidah and the innovators) combine that which establishes the religious and worldly affairs of the people. Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah said: Defects have not occurred in the religion of the people and their worldly affairs, except as result of defects in these three affairs or in some of them. [3]

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[1] [Hasan hadeeth. Reported by Imaam Ahmad 4/126, 127 and declared authentic by Imaam Albaani in Irwaa Al-Ghaleel 8/107. Number 2455]

[2] [Recorded by Imaam Maalik in Muwatta 1863. Muslim 1715]

[3] [Al-Manhajus Salafi pages 8-10…abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

Ponder upon This Overwhelming Proof Based on This Short and Clear Statement’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

مَا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ مِن وَلَدٍ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُ مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ ۚ إِذًا لَّذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَٰهٍ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

‘’No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him!’’ [Quran, 23:91]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

Ponder upon this overwhelming proof based on this short and clear statement; for indeed a true god has to be a Creator and a performer of actions-benefitting the slaves and averting evil from them. Had it been that there was another god alongside [Allaah (The One Free from All Imperfections)], then that god would have had his own creation and actions, but [Allaah (The One Free from All Imperfections)] is not pleased that another god is associated as a partner of His. That is because (if such a god was existent) and able to overcome Allaah, he would have done so. And if (such a god) was unable to overcome Allaah, he would have taken away what he created and depart, just as the kings of this world isolate themselves from one another when they are unable to overcome and gain authority over others. Therefore, there has to be one of the (following) three affairs: Either that each god departs with what he has created and with his authority; or that some of them gain authority over others, or that all of them are placed under the authority of one god, who controls the affairs and they do not control His affairs, and they are restricted by His judgements, but they cannot restrict Him. So Allaah He (alone) is the true God and they are His nurtured and subjugated slaves.

The organization of the affairs of the world- above and below- the connection between them and their establishment upon a well-planned and perfect organization neither clashes nor becomes ruin. This is the most confirmed evidence that the controller of its affairs is one (i.e. Allaah) and that there is not another god besides Him; just as evidence makes it impossible for its creator to be more than one and that there is not another creator for it. And just as it is impossible for the universe to have another Lord and creator, likewise it is not possible for it to have another god that has the right to be worshipped (except Allaah). [Source: Badaa-i’ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page: 376: Vol: 1…slightly paraphrased and abridged]

 

Some Virtues of the Sound Islamic Creed

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

”Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.”[Soorah Al-An-aam: Ayah: 122]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُم

 ”O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Muhammad) calls you to that which will give you life” [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 24]

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

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

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

And why did Allaah (The Most High) call it Rooh? It is because the real life of the hearts cannot exist, except by way of the revelation, and the sound creed is the greatest affair in the revelation.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَتَى أَمْرُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (1) يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنْذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ

”The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): “Warn mankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds).” [Soorah Nahl:Aayaat: 1-2] 

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

Some Virtues of the Sound Creed

[1] (The sound creed) is the basis upon which the Religion of Allaah is built. This is manifested in the parable in the  Ayah:

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

أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

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

”Whose (i.e. this tree) roots are firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)”

The firmness of these roots are [the (sound) Creed, (sound) Eemaan, and Sincerity in worshipping Allaah alone]. Then the branches are made strong and the fruits are produced. Its roots are firmly fixed, and what is well known is that a tree cannot be of benefit when its roots are not firmly fixed. If the roots are firm, the branches will be strong and the fruits are produced. This is a parable in explanation of the Religion of Islaam and the status of the sound creed in the Religion.

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

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

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

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

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

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[Source: Al-Madkhal Lidiraasat Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr ‘ lesson 3..Abridged and Extracted benefits]

 

Do Not Scrutinize The Beliefs and Mistakes of the People!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) said:

This statement is reiterated by some people when warning reaches them from one of the scholars or a student of knowledge against innovated statements (or views) that have occurred from some of the people, or when informed about mistakes committed in knowledge and he is warned about it; so you find that his face becomes red, his (behaviour) changes and he says, ‘’Do not scrutinize the beliefs of the people and do not search for their mistakes.’’ The reality is that this statement is truth by way of which falsehood is sought in this particular instance.

Firstly: The right place to (use this statement) is where one seeks after secrets and hidden affairs, which have neither manifested nor are there any factual evidences indicating towards that. The place (where this statement cannot be used) is  where innovation arises from one of (the people) or when one of them calls to falsehood, since there is a difference between that which is manifested and that which is either concealed, hidden and unknown, or that there is no indication towards that.

Secondly: This statement of theirs will lead to the abandonment of warning against mistakes and censure against innovation and falsehood.  And the meaning of this is that the common people will be beguiled, rather even some of the students of knowledge will become inattentive to this situation.

Thirdly: Was the speech of the Salaf with regards to warning against innovation and the people of falsehood not (carried out) from the angle of warning against false beliefs, innovations and affairs in opposition to the Sunnah?  So how can it be said, ‘do not scrutinize the beliefs and mistakes of the people’ to a person who either warns against an innovation manifested by an individual or points out a mistake committed by an individual?

Fourthly: Scrutinizing the beliefs of the people by way of interrogation and trial as the Khaleefah Mamoon did with regards to the belief that the (Qur’aan is created), then this is an innovation that is warned against.  (However) to make a clarification and (issue) warning against an innovation that some people call to, unveiling the falsehood of the callers to falsehood and warning against them, this is not from that (type of scrutiny that is warned against).

Fifthly: Those (people) who blame the one who unveils the (affairs) of the people of falsehood and issues warning against them, then it is either they disapprove innovations or do not!  If they disapprove innovation, point out mistakes and falsehood, and warn against them, then indeed they have pursued the right course by the Will of Allaah (The Most High). However, why do they disapprove of those who take their place in renouncing innovation?! If they do not warn the people against falsehood, then this (i.e. behaviour or stance of theirs) is not from the methodology of the Salaf and it suffices as a rebuke against them.

Sixthly: It has been reported in Durar As-Saniyyah (1/33) that the Imaam, the Mujaddid, Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said: I hold that the people of innovation are to be boycotted and their affair is to be made known until they repent.  I pass judgement against them based on what is apparent and I leave their secrets (or hidden) affairs to Allaah.  And I believe that every newly invented matter in the Religion is an innovation.

This [statement of Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah)] is the statement of a Salafiy Athariy [i.e. a true follower of the Salaf and the authentic narrations] that emanates from the statement of Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu) when he said:

‘People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good.’ [Saheeh Bukhaari; Vol 3; Hadith Number:2641]

So examine the statement of Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) when he said: ‘I judge (ahlul bidah) based upon what is apparent’‘ and examine the statement of Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu) when he said, ‘but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good.’  Then examine the (affair) of that person who disapproves of one who warns against ahlul bidah and exposes their falsehood- claiming that (this warning against ahlul bidah) is tantamount to scrutinizing the Aqeedah of the people.  Is this (statement of his) correct? Glorified and Exalted You are, O My Lord!  Is not judgement passed against the people except through what is apparent?! This principle affirmed by Al Faarooq, Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaah-anhu) is employed in warning against a person of innovation when he manifests his innovation. [1]

The Stance of Imaam Ahmad towards Daawood Ibn Ali Al- Asbahaanee

Daawood Ibn Ali Al-Asbahaanee came to Saaleh Ibn Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal with whom he used to have a good relationship.  So he (Daawood) spoke to Saaleh Ibn Imaam Ahmad to make it easy for him to meet his father.

So Saaleh approached Imaam Ahmad (i.e. his father) and said; A man asked me to bring him to you.

Imaam Ahmad: What is his name?

Saaleh: Daawood.

Imaam Ahmad: Where is he from?

Saaleh: He is from the people of Asbahaan.

Imaam Ahmad: Has he being (involved) in fabricating anything?

At this point: Saaleh refrained from describing Daawood to his father (Imaam Ahmad).  So he (Imaam Ahmad) did not stop enquiring about Daawood until he realized who he was.  Then he said: Muhammad Bin Yahyaa An-Naysabooree wrote to me about this (Daawood) saying that he (Daawood) claims that the Qur’aan is something that was brought into existence (i.e. created), so do not bring him near me.

Saaleh: O my father! he (Daawood) has negated and renounced this (statement).

Imaam Ahmad: Muhammad Bin Yahyaa is more trustworthy than him.  I do not give you permission to bring him to me.

O my brother! Contemplate upon the stance of Imaam Ahmad.  Is this the Imaam? He is the Imaam of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah in his adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and in following the narrations of the Sahaabah; so did he use to scrutinize the beliefs of the people and seek after their mistakes?!  Examine his statement and that of Umar Ibnul Khattaab mentioned earlier, ‘but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good.’

Therefore, the statement of Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) is certified by the statement of the Rightly Guided Khaleefah Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu) and that of Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (rahimahullaah). [2]

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[1] Source: ‘Ibaaraat Moohimah’ pages 66-68- few words slightly paraphrased]

[2] Ibaaraat Moohimah’ pages: 66-69

 

Those Who Seek Knowledge Due to Its nobility and The Perfection Reached by Way of it! – By Shaikh Siddeeq Hasan Khan (rahimahullaah)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Siddeeq Hasan Khan (rahimahullaah) stated:

The aim behind the religious sciences is not to earn (wealth); rather it is for (the purpose of) acquainting oneself with the realities of the (Islamic legislation) and to rectify one’s behaviour (towards his Lord and the people). The one who learns knowledge (of the religion) for the purpose of trade cannot be a scholar; rather he only resembles the scholars. The scholars unveiled what the drive behind this was and they spoke about it when the building of schools reached them at Baghdaad, so they held gatherings of knowledge and said: “The possessors of lofty ambitions and the pure souls used to pre-occupy themselves with it (i.e. knowledge) –those whose intention behind (seeking) knowledge was due to its nobility and the perfection (that is reached by way of it), so they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge. However, when (monetary gain) is placed on it, the vilest people and the lazy ones will approach it and thus leading to its disappearance. So at this point, the (Islamic) sciences of wisdom (found in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the understanding of the Salaf) will be abandoned even though they are self-evident in their nobility.  [أبجد العلوم pages 77-78… Vol: 1]

Reminder to some militant secularists – Nothing Can Rightfully Contradict, Falsify or Nullify The Information Given by Allaah and His Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

Indeed, man is unjust and ignorant.  The origin with regards to his (affair) is that he has no knowledge and his inclination is towards what he desires of evil. Therefore, he is in constant need of detailed knowledge in order to bring about an end to his ignorance and (in order that he is given) justice in his love, hatred, pleasure, anger, abandonment, giving and withholding.  He is in need of justice in everything he says and does in order to remove the oppression (he may commit). So, unless Allaah grants him detailed knowledge and the (detailed knowledge of the precepts) of justice, he will be in that ignorance and oppression that will take him away from the straight path. [1]

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated: Allaah (The Most High) said:

قُلۡ صَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ

Say (O Muhammad): “Allah has spoken the truth. [3: 95]

وَمَنۡ أَصۡدَقُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ قِيلاً۬

And whose words can be truer than those of Allah? (Of course, none).” [4: 122]

وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ۬

And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything).” [35: 14]

قُلۡ أَىُّ شَىۡءٍ أَكۡبَرُ شَہَـٰدَةً۬‌ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ

Say (O Muhammad): “What thing is the most great in witness?” Say: “Allah (the Most Great!) is Witness between me and you.”[6:19]

لَّـٰكِنِ ٱللَّهُ يَشۡہَدُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ أَنزَلَهُ ۥ بِعِلۡمِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ يَشۡهَدُونَ‌ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَہِيدًا

But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur’an) unto you (O Muhammad), He has sent it down with His Knowledge, and the angels bear witness. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Witness.” [4:166]

شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ قَآٮِٕمَۢا بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۚ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَڪِيمُ

”Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La ilah illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [3: 18]

The Aayaat regarding this mighty affair are many and they are indications to the clearest proofs that the most obligatory of obligations upon the slaves is that they should believe and testify to everything Allaah (The Most High) has stated about Himself–regarding His perfect Attributes and that which He negated from Himself regarding attributes of deficiency, and He is more knowledgeable about Himself than His creation. His testimony is the greatest testimony- what He has stated about Himself and everything else is of the highest degree of truthfulness. So this makes it obligatory on the slave that he does not enter the least of doubt in his heart regarding any information given by Allaah. He should make that (information) a source of firm creed, which can neither be opposed by anything in opposition nor blemished by (any) doubt.

He should know with certain knowledge that it is not possible for anything to (rightfully) oppose the information given by Allaah and His Messenger, and everything that opposes and negates it-regardless what type of knowledge that is- is self-evident falsehood. (It is) false in its judgement and there is nothing to be (considered) sound that can be in opposition to what Allaah has stated.

[Also these Aayaat (3:95; 4:122; 35:14; 6:19; 4:166; 3:18 etc)] are an indication to the greatest proof that the one who establishes his creed solely on the information given by Allaah and His Messenger, then indeed he has established it upon a strong foundation; rather he has established it on the foundation of all sound foundations even if opponents were appointed or decreed for it.

And how can this not be the case, when it is the (fact that) the sound (uncorrupted) intellectual proofs, the sound innate uncorrupted human disposition, the sound uncorrupted paths of comprehension and the sound uncorrupted human (self, frame of mind etc) are all in support of the information given by Allaah and His Messengers—testifying to the truthfulness of that which Allaah and His Messengers have stated and its benefits. And because of this Allaah has praised the people of sound understanding amongst the creation because they establish their creed based on this foundation.

رَّ‌بَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَ‌بِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا ِ‌

“Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad) calling to Faith: ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed.” [3: 193]

وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا

”And they say, “We hear, and we obey.” [2: 285)

 الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَاهُمُ اللَّـهُ ۖ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمْ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

Those who listen to the Word [good advice La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and Islamic Monotheism, etc.] and follow the best thereof (i.e. worship Allah Alone, repent to Him and avoid Taghut, etc.) those are (the ones) whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding (like Zaid bin ‘Amr bin Nufail, Salman Al-Farisi and Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari). [39:18]

And from this one knows that the innovated statements and creeds of the futile  people of philosophical rhetoric have neither been given any authority by Allaah nor are they based on the Qur’aan and the Sunnah; rather they are founded on the intellects of those whose mistakes and deviation is known. (Their views) are the most futile of all futilities and the most foolish of all foolish affairs because they turn away from the information given by Allaah and His Messengers—deceived by their souls that call to evil and abandoned to their (corrupt) intellects, which have neither been purified by the realities of Imaan nor have they been nourished with sound Imaan and certainty.

This foundation (i.e. belief and testifying to all the information given Allaah and His Messengers) is enough to refute all the statements of the people of deviation and acquaints (a person) with the falsehood (of such statements) in detail. That is because when we know that (these statements) are in opposition to the clear revealed Islamic texts and the  sound unambiguous proofs transmitted by (the scholars from the Book, the Sunnah and the Salaf), then we will know their futility. And that is because anything that opposes the truth is falsehood and that which is in opposition to truthfulness is a lie. [2]

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[1]Source: Quoted by Shaikh Abdullaah Bukhaari in At-Ta’liqaat Ar-Radiyyah Alal Mandhoomah Al-Bayqooniyyah: page: 13]

[2] Slightly Paraphrased and Abridged: Source: Fat’hur Raheem Al-Malik Al-Allaam Fee Ilm Al- Aqaa-id Wat-Tawheed Wal Akhlaaq Wal-Ahkaam Al-Mustanbatu Minal Qur’aan’ page: 9-10. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Abu Mu’aawiyah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

[2] Following the Proofs is Not Limited to Fiqh Issues, Rather One Has to Accept The Statements of Those Scholars Who Establish The Clear Proofs Against The Innovators and The Deviants!

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam.

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

They (i.e. the people of doubts) say: ”We are not obliged to take the speech of the Shaikh.”

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Shaikh Rabee (may Allaah preserve him) said:

You find a scholar quoting and refuting the affairs of misguidance found in the Book of such and such a person, in such and such page, yet you find these people saying: ‘’I am not obliged to (take/accept) the speech of such and such a Shaikh?!’’

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This statement of theirs is a principle by way of which they seek to shun and reject truth.  It is a false principle by way of which they seek to reject the sound principles of Jarh Wat-Tadeel.  Therefore, learn the sound principles of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and look to the methodology of the Salaf; and leave alone these who misguide. They bring turmoil upon the true religion of Allaah and upon the Methodology of the Salaf and its followers.

Question to Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (may Allaah preserve him)

Are the issues of Jarh Wat-Tadeel based on Ijtihaad? And how do we refute the one who says, ‘’I am not obliged to (take/accept) the speech of such and such a Shaikh?!

Answer:

A group among the schemers against the Salafi Methodology and those who wear a false garment of the Salafiyyah Methodology seek to place in the affair of Jarh Wat-Tadeel, (the false principle): ”We rectify, but we do not disparage;” (and the false principle): ”We want a broad and extensive methodology that will accommodate all the ummah”; (and the false principle): ‘’We rectify but we do not destroy;” Meaning: Neither evil nor bidah is repelled; rather all the Ummah are accommodated in a board and extensive methodology to the extent that even the Raafidah (shia) are accommodated.  So these people begin to make false accusations against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and against those (i.e. the scholars) who establish it.  Some of these false accusers have gone as far as saying that there is no proof in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah to establish the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel!

Indeed, the Qur’aan is filled with the proofs of Jarh Wat Tadeel. The people of pharaoh have been refuted and disparaged; the people of Prophet Nooh have been refuted and disparaged; the people of Prophet Hud have been refuted and disparaged; the people of Prophet Saaleh have been refuted and disparaged; the Quraish have been refuted and disparaged and Abu Lahab has been refuted and disparaged.  The Sunnah and the methodology of the Salaf are filled with Jarh Wat Tadeel and it is a weapon against the people of innovation.  These people promoting such false principles want to break this ‘Jarh Wat-Tadeel Weapon’ into pieces, and they want to deprive the Salafis of this ‘Jarh Wat-Tadeel Weapon’ which is traced back to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam).

So a person comes along and wages war against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel; then a second person comes along and wages war against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel; then a third person comes along and wages war against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel; then a fourth one comes along and wages war against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel……..then a tenth person comes along and wages war against the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and they are all followed by crowds!! Therefore be warned against these people, for they wear a false gown of Salafiyyah in order to split the Salafis through these false principles and precepts.

A person commits murder and was seen by two trustworthy witnesses; then these two witnesses are summoned in the presence of the ruler who applies the Islamic rulings; so what will he judge by?  He should judge by the law of Islam; and if not then he has opposed the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam).    Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأَشۡہِدُواْ ذَوَىۡ عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ

”And take for witness two just persons from among you (Muslims).” [65:2]

The evidence for giving witnesses and the evidences for Jarh Wat-Tadeel are one and the same thing.  As for the untrustworthy person, then his narration is not accepted. Likewise, the liar- the deceiver whose speech cannot be determined for its correctness, then his testimony is not accepted. Neither his criticism nor commendation of a person is accepted.  However, if he is a scholar who is precise and skillful, and he says about a person: ”Such and such a person is a liar”; then it is obligatory upon the people to accept his speech.  The Salaf followed this methodology, (such as their saying): ”such and such is a liar”; ”such and such has a bad memory”; ”such and such is an innovator”; ”such and such is a murji”; ”such and such is a khaariji”; ”such and such is a mutazili.” etc   These statements have been made by Imaam Ahmad, Imaam Ibn Ma’een, Imaam Ibn Al-Madeenee, Imaam Bukhaaree etc.  This the path followed by the Salaf; and why is that the case? That is because Allaah commanded us to accept the narration of the trustworthy narrators.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن جَآءَكُمۡ فَاسِقُۢ بِنَبَإٍ۬ فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْ

O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it’’ [49:6]

Clarification and verification is to be sought when a rebellious evil person narrates. The narration of a rebellious evil person is not declared a lie straight away because it may be correct; but it is not accepted until it is verified.

As for the narration of a trustworthy person–as long as he is trustworthy and precise in what he narrates from the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), then it is obligatory to accept his narration.  The Books of the Sunnah are filled with the narrations of those truthful narrators—a truthful person who reports from another truthful person with a chain of transmission going back to the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). However, these people who are seeking to attack the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel with their false principles want to abolish the sound principles upon which our Religion is established.

Many of the Ahaadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), the transmissions from the companions (radiyallaahu-anhum) and the transmissions from the Imaams of the Sunnah were transmitted from one trustworthy person to another trustworthy person… and it obligatory to accept them, due to the saying of Allaah (The Most High):

[وَأَشۡہِدُواْ ذَوَىۡ عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ ]

And take for witness two just persons from among you (Muslims).

And with regards to transmission of information, then the information transmitted by one person is sufficient because the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to send one person to Chosroes (i.e. the Emperor of Persia) to call him to Islaam and establish the proofs against him.

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam) sent one person to Caesar the King of Rome to call him to Islaam and establish the proofs against him.  The people used to enter Islaam through the message of this one trustworthy-truthful person sent by the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam).  And if they rejected Islaam and refused to follow the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) based on the information transmitted by this one trustworthy-truthful person, he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) prepared an army against them. The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) prepared an army for the battle of Tabuk against the Romans based on the fact that they rejected the call to Islaam which was communicated to them by one person.

He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) sent individuals to Bahrain, Oman and Yemen and their narrations were accepted; so how about in this present time of ours when there are ten or fifty Salafi (scholars) who are in agreement regarding a particular affair, but their narrations are rejected. And those who reject them, say: ‘’There has to be a consensus of all the scholars.’’  And from the false principles of these people is that they say: ‘’we neither accept criticism against a person nor a praise for him even if many of the contemporary scholars say that such a person is an innovator.’’

Therefore be warned against these people, because they make a claim to Salafiyyah, whilst seeking to destroy the Salafi Methodology, its principles and foundations.  How many false precepts do they have, such as their saying: ‘’I am not obliged to (take/accept) the speech of such and such a Shaikh?!’’  You find a scholar quoting and refuting the affairs of misguidance found in the Book of such and such a person, in such and such page, yet you find these people saying: ‘’I am not obliged to (take/accept) the speech of such and such a Shaikh?!’’

This statement of theirs is a principle by way of which they seek to shun and reject truth.  It is a false principle by way of which they seek to reject the sound principles of Jarh Wat-Tadeel.  Therefore, learn the sound principles of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and look to the methodology of the Salaf; and leave alone these who misguide. They bring turmoil upon the true religion of Allaah and upon the Methodology of the Salaf and its followers.

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Source: Slightly Paraphrased from a lecture of the Shaikh delivered on Yawm Al-Khaamis 28 Shawaal 1431

Quote by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Haadi from Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab regarding one of the virtues of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Hadeeth

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

Shaikh Muhammad Bin Haadi (may Allaah preserve him) said: He [i.e. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah)] also said:

When it is the case that the happiness of the first generations who embraced Islam and those of the later generations is (only achieved) through following the Messengers, surely the people most worthy of that (happiness) are the ones more knowledgeable regarding the narrations of the Messengers and act upon them (i.e. those narrations) the most. Therefore, those who are (well) acquainted with their (i.e. the Messengers’) statements and actions, those who follow them (i.e. the actions and statements of the Messengers) are the people of happiness in every era and place. They are the saved group among the people of every Milla (i.e. those who truly followed the Prophets and Messengers of old before the sending of Muhammad), and within this Ummah (of Muhammad) they are the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Hadeeth (i.e. the Imaams and scholars of Hadeeth and the authentic Sunnah in all affairs of the religion with the correct understanding- the Sahaabah and those who followed them, and those who will follow their path till the day of judgement). [End of quote]

After this above quote, Shaikh Muhammad Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (may Allaah preserve him) said:

He [i.e. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah)] spoke the truth, for indeed they [i.e. Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Hadeeth] gave their entire lives in (seeking) understanding of the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) and bore tiredness in that path, of which none knows (its extent) except Allaah. And (that effort) was not (due to anything else) except due to their love of following Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Wal-Wuqoof Alaa Aqwaalihee Wa Ahwaalihee [i.e. to study, seek knowledge or pursue the correct understanding of his (the Prophet’s) statements and the his Ahwaal (circumstances, affairs etc surrounding his life). فرضي ٱللُّه وأرضاهم

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[Source: Al-Iqnaa’u Bimaa Jaa’a An A’immatid Da’wati Minal Aqwaal Fil Ittibaa’ pages 17-18’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (may Allaah preserve him)]