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A Very Important Affair Related to The Affair of Making a Distinction between Truth and Falsehood’- by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam.

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) stated:

Regarding distinction between truth and falsehood; guidance and misguidance; the path leading to guidance and the path leading to misguidance; the path of happiness (in this life and the next) and the path of wretchedness and destruction; then everything that Allaah revealed to His Messengers and in His Books is obligatory to be followed -[i.e. as it is well known from the statements of the scholars that all the Prophets and Messengers have the same creed (i.e. issues of Imaan, Tawheed etc) and everyone is obligated to follow them, but after the advent of Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) all the issues related to the ahkaam (i.e. rulings on different affairs of worship, dealings etc) from the other Prophets and Messengers have been abrogated, and only Muhammad’s Sharee’ah is to be followed. Likewise, all the previous books have been abrogated after the revelation of the Qur’aan). See Tafseer Surah Al-Maa’idah regarding this affair Aayaat 48-50]- and through it one acquires distinction between right and wrong, guidance, knowledge and Eemaan.

Allaah (The Most High) testified that it (i.e. His Revelation) is the truth and a testimony to the truth, and what is in opposition to it from the statements of the people are displayed before it for inspection- if (a statement) is in agreement with it, then it is truth, and if in opposition, it is falsehood.

(But), if it is unknown whether (a statement) is in opposition or in agreement due to its general nature, or the meaning intended by the utterer is known or unknown, but it is unknown whether the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has brought something that testifies to (its correctness) or declares it to be false, then one abstains and does not speak except with knowledge, for knowledge is that which is established with evidence and what is beneficial of it is that which the Messenger came with. The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) is the most knowledgeable amongst the creation and he has the greatest desire in acquainting the creation with it.  He is the most capable in giving a clarification and definition of it.  He is above everyone in knowledge, ability and intent, and through these three affairs the goal is accomplished.  (However), those besides the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) are either deficient or corrupted in their knowledge.

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[Source: Majmoo Ar-Rasaa-il Al-Kubraa (1/102)]

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)

One of the causes of being in shaytaan’s captivity and a prisoner of lowly desires

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

Disobedience is the cause being in shaytaan’s captivity and a prisoner of lowly desires. Among its afflictions is that a disobedient person is always in the captivity of his devil, the prison of his lusts and leadership of his desires; so he is a captive and a shackled prisoner. There is neither a captive whose state of affairs is more evil than a captive whose captor is his worst enemy, nor is there a prison more restricted than the prison of desires and shackles that are more restrictive than the shackles of lust; so how can a heart that is a captive and a shackled prisoner follow the path to Allaah and the home of the afterlife? How can he proceed upon a singular track when the heart is shackled and stricken with harm from every angle as result of the (severity) of its shackles? The likeness of the heart is that of a bird; it distances from harm whenever it flies high and surrounded by harm whenever it lands. It is reported in a hadeeth: ‘’Shaytaan is a wolf to a human being.’’ And just as an unprotected sheep in the midst of wolves is quickly destroyed, likewise if there is no protection from Allaah for the slave, it is a must that his wolf will prey on him.

He (i.e. the slave) is protected by Allaah through Taqwaah (fear of Allaah). It (Taqwaah) is a shield and shelter from Allaah between the person and his wolf; just as it is shield against punishment in this life and the afterlife. Whenever the sheep is closer to its shepherd, it is safer from the wolf and whenever it is distanced from the shepherd, it comes closer to being destroyed. So the sheep is more protected when it is closer to the shepherd, for the wolf only takes away the (sheep, cattle etc.) that are distanced and far away from the shepherd.

The basis of this affair is that whenever the heart is distanced from Allaah, then harm upon it is quicker, and whenever it is comes closer to Allaah, it is distanced from harm. Being distanced from Allaah is of various levels and some are more severe than others. Being distanced from (Allaah) through disobedience is greater than being distanced from (Allaah) through thoughtlessness; being distanced from (Allaah) through bidah is greater than being distanced from (Allaah) through disobedience, and being distanced from (Allaah) through hypocrisy and shirk is greater than all of that. [Source: Ad-Daa’u Wad-Dawaa’u’ page 119-120]

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Be a Person Who Benefit Others Whenever You Sit or accompany the people- a very beneficial advice by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)

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

Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated in ‘Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65:

When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized. Fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering you in which you sit, to be of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes or warning against that which is detrimental to the wellbeing of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). The least of this (i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with) is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden.

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal with each of them in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).

The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness through the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all (beloved things). This is because he approaches the people with what they approve (i.e. good) and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs (i.e. good advice and companionship) become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke–if all of that is truth and not too much–and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel.

Allaah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections) is the one who caused the dissimilarities between His slaves with regards to their manners, their actions and in all of their affairs. Allaah (Alone) is the One Who grants success. [Abridged]

Whoever abandons what is Beneficial, He Will Be Tried with What Is Harmful- [A brief and insightful reminder by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam.

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated in Al Qawaa’idul Hisaan Li-Tafseeril Qur’aan Pages: 96-97:

[1] This is found in a number of Aayaat, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahmaan (Allaah), they were put to test with the worship of images (idols). And when they displayed haughtiness and claimed that the Messengers were (only) humans (i.e. therefore they will not follow the Messengers), they were put to test with submission to everything that made (their) intellect and Religion unstable.

[2] And when Eemaan was clearly shown to them (i.e. the disbelieving nations) at the first instance and they recognized it, but then turned away from it, Allaah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections) averted, afflicted and sealed their hearts.  So, they did not believe until they perceived the painful punishment.

[3] And after the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, they were punished- Allaah deviated their hearts and caused them to be confounded in their path (of misguidance).

[4] And when they belittled the signs of Allaah and His Messengers, Allaah belittled them with a humiliating punishment.  And when they displayed haughtiness, Allaah humiliated them in this life and the next.

[5] And when they forbade that Allaah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allaah and strive for their ruin, then it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

[6] وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ

فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

”And of them are some who made a covenant with Allaah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous.  ”Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”( 9:75-77)

The Aayaat with this meaning are numerous and in them is that the slave was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after knowing it, or he renounced it after following it, so he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allaah said about the Yahood (i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Messengership, but turned away from it willfully)]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

”And when there came to them a Messenger from Allaah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allaah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan”.  2:101-102

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

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[Source: Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’aan” by Imaam Abdur Rahmaan As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Pages: 96-97. Abridged]

Reminder: One Should Give Utmost and Foremost Importance to His Heart and Deeds!

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Imaam Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said:

When it is the case that the original (place) of Taqwah is in the heart, then none can determine its reality except Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), as he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Indeed Allaah neither looks at your images nor your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions.’’ And in another narration, [he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] said: Indeed, Allaah neither looks at your bodies nor your images’’ [1]

Indeed, there may be many a person with a good looking image, or wealth, or prestige, or leadership in the worldly life, whilst his heart is deprived of Taqwah. And it may be that there is one with nothing (of the worldly life) but his heart is filled with Taqwah, so he becomes nobler in the Sight of Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic); rather this is mostly what happens. [2]

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[1] Reported by Imam Muslim (rahimahullaah) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu. Number: 2564.

[2]Source: Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab. Hadeeth Number 35]

[4] Be Warned Against The Deviant Du’aat to Hizbiyyah, Bidah and Misguidance-Those Who Say Something About Their Repentance, But Oppose It With Their Actions

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi (hafidha-hullaah) was asked:

A lot of mistakes and differing occurs amongst the Salafi youth as a result of the return or claimed return of an opposer of the Salafi Manhaj to the domain of Salafiyyah; What is your advice to the youth, (as) some of them accept the repentance of (such a person) and others do not.

Answer:
Whatever the case may be, if a person falls into Sin, doubts and Bidah, but then he repents and turn to Allah in obedience, it is not permissible for anyone to close the door of repentance in his face. That is because the door of repentance is open up until the sun rises from the West.  If a person repents and returns (to correctness) it is obligatory to praise and encourage him.

However, some people are well known for lying and inconsistency, so he acts as if he is repentant.  So regarding this person, we say: Inshaa-Allaah your repentance is accepted, but we are cautious of him until he manifests his correct repentance.

Abul Hasan Al-Ash-ari announced his repentance on the Mimbar. He used to be an extreme Mutazili-a leader among the leaders of the Mutazilah and he persisted in defence of this evil school of thought for forty years and repented after that.  He announced his repentance and from the proofs of his repentance is that he began to author astounding refutations against the Mutizalah-refutation against their doubts.   So there are signs of the truthful acts of repentance which dispels the doubts (about his repentance); Meaning: He publicized and manifested to the people that he follows the truth.

So there are affairs that show the truthfulness of (the repentant one) and there are factual evidences that show the untruthfulness of (the one who merely claims to have repented).  He (the person) is encouraged if there are factual evidences showing his truthfulness, and (on the other hand) it is incumbent upon the Salafiyyoon to be cautious of him if there are factual evidences showing only the mere claims of his (repentance), as it can be that he is being deceitful.

The groups are widespread; It is not possible to ruin the Salafi youth and hinder the Salafi youth from the Salafi Methodology, except with either claims of (ascription) to Salafiyyah or (claims) of withdrawal from mistakes that are in opposition to the Salafi Manhaj.  So if they incline towards him (i.e. the one who claims repentance), he may be able to entice the one he can entice towards a corrupt Methodology.  This does take place.

Whatever the case may be, encouragement is given to the one from whom repentance is manifested and it is obligatory to be cautious of the one from whom playing games is manifested.  The Salafiyyoon should be alert with regards to the likes of these (people).

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[Source: Siyaanatus Salafi Min Waswasati Wa-Talbeesaat Ali Al-Halabi: page: 79-80]

[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