The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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My Ummah will divide into 73 sects; all of them shall be in the Fire except one – Sharh as-Sunnah | Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Bismillaah

Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 52: Point 90A
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:

And know that Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “My nation will divide into 73 sects; all of them shall be in the Fire except one, and it is the Jamaa`ah; the united body upon the truth.” It was said, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said, “That which I and my companions are upon today.”[1]

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

Transcribed Audio:

His saying, “And you should know that Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “My nation will divide into 73 sects, all of them in the Fire except one and it is al-Jamaa`ah; the united body upon the truth,” Allaah, the Majestic and Most High, commanded us to unite; to become ijtimaa` upon the truth.

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا

And cling together to the rope of Allaah and do not separate. (Soorah Aali-Imraan (3), aayah 103)

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Those who split up their religion and become sects, you have nothing to do with them. Their affair is just with Allaah. Then He will inform them of what they used to do. (Sooratul An`aam (6), aayah 159)

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا وَاخْتَلَفُوا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

And do not be like those who split and differed after the clear signs have come to them. And they are the ones for whom will be a tremendous punishment. (Soorah Aali-Imraan (3), aayah 105)

So He forbade us from splitting and He commanded us with uniting and with clinging on to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. So He said:

وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ

And this is my straight way so follow it and do not follow the divergent paths for they will split you and lead you away from His path. (Sooratul An`aam (6), aayah 153)

So it is not permissible to split and differ on account of desires or on account of taqleed (blindly following) fathers and forefathers or as a result of blindly following the Jews and the Christians. Differing is not permissible in the matters of `aqeedah (creed and belief) and in the fundamentals of the religion. Rather, it is obligatory to agree and to be united with regard to it. As for differing in issues of fiqh then this occurs. However, it is obligatory to return and refer back to those sayings which the proof establishes. He, the Most High, said:

فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

So if you dispute about anything then refer it back to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger if you truly believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and finer in its outcome. (Sooratun-Nisaa· (4), aayah 59)

Therefore ikhtilaaf (differing) in `aqeedah (creed and belief) is not permissible because `aqeedah (creed and belief) is tawqeefeeyah (reliant upon text). It is not a place for ijtihaad (scholarly deduction). But as for the issues of fiqh and istinbaat (deduction of rulings) then in that case, each one of the People of Knowledge in that matter who are suitable to promote ijtihaad can strive to deduce rulings and they may differ in their outlooks. However, they should not just remain upon their differing. Rather, they should refer back to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. So, whoever has proof then they should follow him and take his saying and leave their own opinions. This is the position of the people of the Sunnah and the Jamaa`ah and this is what the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam directed us to. As for our saying, leave the people and let everyone have his own opinion and the differing of the nation is a mercy as they say then we say haathaa baatil (this is false and futile). Allaah, the Majestic and Most High, says:

وَلَا يَزَالُونَ مُخْتَلِفِينَ
إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ رَبُّكَ

And they will continue to disagree except for those who your Lord has mercy upon. (Soorah Hood (11), aayah 118-119)

So His saying, “Except for those who your Lord has mercy upon,” indicates that those whom Allaah has mercy upon do not differ and that differing is a punishment (athaab) and is not a mercy (a rahmah). Mercy is for those who do not differ and if they do differ then they refer back to the Book and the Sunnah and they take what is correct and they leave what is wrong. This is the way of Ahlus-Sunnah W`al Jamaa`ah.

But as for each one remaining upon his own opinion and what so and so said and so and so then this is not the way of the Muslims. This is the way of the Ahlul-Ahwaa (innovated sects) and the People of Shahawaat (followers of desires). They search for whatever saying will conform to their desires and whatever will conform to what they want and whatever differs with their desires, they abandon it even if the Imaam whom they say that they take his saying says it. Meaning, they do not accept from the sayings of the Imaams and the scholars except what is in accordance with their desires. As for what contradicts their desires then they reject it. So, this is a proof that they are just following their own desires, whatever conforms with their desires they accept it and whatever is contrary to their desires they abandon it. Wa laa hawla wa laa quwatta illaa billaah (and there is no movement and no ability except with the aid of Allaah).

And this is what is called to nowadays in the newspapers and magazines and meetings and conferences mostly and upon the channels. They promote disagreement and they say we are just making things open and easy for the people. With what are we making things open and easy for the people? With abandonment of the Book and the Sunnah and with going along with sayings whose people are not secure from error; those who make errors sometimes and are correct sometimes.

Whereas they; meaning the Imaams of the past, they forbade us from taking their sayings except what accords with the proof. They forbade us from taking their sayings, which are in contrary to the proof. So, this is a matter, which it is obligatory to be aware of because the people today have been put to trial on account of those people who confuse things for the people.

So his saying, “And you should know that Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, my nation will split into 73 sects, all of them will be in the Fire except one,” This hadeeth is authentic, when its chains of narration are gathered and its many narrations and the Imaams reported in their works and speak in praise of it and actual circumstances testify to its truth. So he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam informed that this nation of Muhammad will split into 73 sects and these are the major fundamental sects and there are actually more than these sects.

He said all of them will be in the Fire, meaning the 72, all of them will be in the Fire except for one and it is the 73rd one, which is that which is upon the like of what the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam and his companions were upon. So it is what will be saved from the Fire. And therefore, they are called al-Firqatun Naajiyah (the saved sect) and they are called Ahl-us-Sunnah W`al Jamaa`ah (the People of the Sunnah and the Jamaa`ah); the united body upon the truth.

And whatever is beside them then they are opposers to the truth under the threat of the Hellfire. So from them will be those who enter the Fire on account of disbelief (kufr) and from them will be those who enter the Fire on account of fisq (evil doing) and from them will be those who enter the Fire on account of ma`siyyah (sin, disobedience). They are not all the same with regard to entering the Fire. So it is not to be taken from this hadeeth that these sects, all of them are disbelievers.

His saying, “And it is the Jamaa`ah; the united body,” Al-Jamaa`ah (united body) is whoever is upon the truth even if it is a single person. This is the Jamaa`ah (the united body). As for Al-Kathrah (being numerous on its own); a group being numerous then this on its own does not indicate the truth. He, the Most High said:

وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ

And if you were to obey most of those upon the earth, they will lead you astray from the path of Allaah. (Sooratul-An`aam (6), aayah 116)

And He, the Most High, said:

وَمَا أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

And most of mankind even if you eagerly wish will not be believers. (Soorah Yoosuf (12), aayah 103)

وَمَا وَجَدْنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِم مِّنْ عَهْدٍ ۖ وَإِن وَجَدْنَا أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَفَاسِقِينَ

We have not found most of them to be true to their covenant, We have found most of them to be disobedient ones. (Sooratul-A`raaf (7), aayah 102)

So being numerous is not what is counted. What is counted is those who are upon the truth even if they are few in number, even if it is a single person then he will be the Jamaa`ah (the body upon the truth).

His saying, “It was said, “Who are they O Messenger of Allaah? He said, “That which is upon that which I and my companions are upon today.” This is the correct path, those who are upon that which the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam and his companions were upon, they are the Jamaa`ah (the united body upon the truth).

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by At-Tirmithee (2641) and by al-Haakim and by others, Al-Laalikaa’ee in As-Sunnah and by others besides from a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Amr ibn al `Aas radiyAllaahu `anhumaa. And Shaykh Al-Albaaniyy mentioned that this hadeeth is hasan; has supporting narrations for its final wording and declared it hasan.

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Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah
(A Gift To The Reader In Annotation Of Sharh As-Sunnah)
by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah

Transcribed by Saima Zaher.

Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah

Listen to the full Audio Series of Sharhus Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]

Visit : Book Study of Sharh as-Sunnah of Imaam Barbahaaree

Related Links: 

https://abdurrahman.org/ummah/
https://abdurrahman.org/salafiyyah/

al Jamaa’ah is what is true and correct, and separation is deviation and punishment – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah: Lesson 58 : Point [212]
Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

212. And we hold that the united body upon the truth (al Jamaa’ah) is what is true and correct, and that separation is deviation and punishment.

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

At-Ta`leeqaat Al-Mukhtasarah `alaa Matn Al-`Aqeedah At–Tahaawiyyah. By Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah, in 1426AH

Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah

Listen to the Full Audio Series of Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah:
Explanation of Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

Book Study Resource : Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Imam at-Tahaawi

Related Link :  Ummah & Unity – https://abdurrahman.org/ummah/

We follow the Sunnah and the Jamaa’ah & we avoid separation, disputation and splitting – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah: Lesson 41  : Point [163]
Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

163. And we follow the Sunnah and the ‘Jamaa’ah’ (the united body upon the truth), and we avoid separation, disputation and splitting.

[Souncloud Audio Link]

At-Ta`leeqaat Al-Mukhtasarah `alaa Matn Al-`Aqeedah At–Tahaawiyyah. By Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah, in 1426AH

Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah

Listen to the Full Audio Series of Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah:
Explanation of Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

Book Study Resource : Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Imam at-Tahaawi

Unity upon the Truth – Abu Muhammad al Maghribee [Audio|En]

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This khutbah was given on 2014-10-17 at Masjid Tawheed in Stone Mountain, GA.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 32:39)

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com/home/2014/11/14/khutbah

Allaah – the Most High – said:

“O you who Believe! Have taqwah (fear and obedience) of Allaah as you should do, and do not die except that you are Muslims. And hold fast all together to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allaah upon you, for you were once enemies one to another, but He joined your hearts together, so that by His Grace, you became brothers. And you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allaah make His Signs clear to you, that you may become guided. Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. They are the ones who are successful. And do not be like those who split up and differed amongst themselves, after the clear proofs had come to them. For them is a tremendous punishment. On the Day of Resurrection, some faces will be white and some faces will be black.”

[Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:102-105]

Visit : http://salaf-us-saalih.com/category/islam/unity-of-ummah/

Verily Allaah loves three things for you and he hates three things for you – Shaykh Rabee | Abu Muhammad al Maghribee [Audio|En]

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The Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) 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 Allaah hates for you hearsay (he said and she said – qeela wa qaal – spreading rumours), he hates for you excessive questioning (questioning that brings about no benefit), thirdly, he hates for you the wasting of money.”

This Khutbah is based on the explanation of Shaykh Rabee ibn Hadee (hafidhahullaah)

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 31:43)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/verily-allaah-loves-three-things-for-you-and-he-hates-three-things-for-you-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Audio Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

The Obligation of Sticking to the Jamaa’ah – Proof from the Qur’aan – Shaikh ‘Abdus-Salaam Ibn Burjiss

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There is a unanimous agreement amongst Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah that it is an obligation to stick to the Jamaa’ah [1] and that it is forbidden to break away from it, and that sticking to it is a virtue while separating oneself away from it is a vice.

Many evidences from the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, reaching the level of tawaatur, have been reported concerning this, and likewise there are many narrations from the Salaf with this regard. Allaah says:

“And hold onto the Rope of Allaah, all of you together, and be not divided…” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 103]

Ibn Abee Haatim [2] said: “My father narrated to me saying: ‘Amr Ibn ‘Alee As-Sairafee informed me, saying: ‘Abdu Rabbihi Ibn Baariq Al-Hanafee – and he praised him with good – narrated to me, saying: Simaak Ibn Al-Waleed Al-Hanafee narrated to me that he met Ibn ‘Abbaas in Madeenah and said:

‘What do you say about a ruler who governs us, yet oppresses and abuses us, shall we not prevent him?’

So Ibn ‘Abbaas said: ‘No, obey him, O Hanafee.’

And he said: ‘O Hanafee, the Jamaa’ah, the Jamaa’ah! Indeed, the nations that came before you were only destroyed because of their splitting up. Did you not hear Allaah say: ‘And hold onto the Rope of Allaah, all of you together, and be not divided…'”

Ibn ‘Atiyyah said in his Tafseer:[3]

“The expressions of the scholars of Tafseer have varied with regard to the meaning of this (part of the) ayah ‘The Rope of Allaah.’ So Ibn Mas’ood said:

‘The Rope of Allaah is the Jamaa’ah.’

Anas Ibn Maalik narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:

‘Indeed, the tribe of Israa’eel split up into seventy-one sects. And my ummah (nation) will split up into seventy-two sects – all of them will be in the Hellfire except one.’

So it was said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه و سلم), which is this (saved) one?’

So he (صلى الله عليه و سلم) clenched his fist and said: ‘The Jamaa’ah.’

Then he recited the ayah: ‘And hold onto the Rope of Allaah, all of you together.’[4]

Ibn Mas’ood said in one of his khutbahs:

‘All of you together, adhere to obedience (of Allaah) and the Jamaa’ah, for indeed it is the Rope of Allaah that He has commanded us with.’

Qataadah said:

‘The Rope of Allaah that He commanded us to hold onto is the Qur’aan.’

As-Suddee said:

‘The Rope of Allaah refers to the Book of Allaah.’

Ibn Mas’ood and Ad-Dahhaak also said this. And other things have been said, all of which are similar to what has been mentioned.

The word jamee’an (all of you together) is connected to the command ‘Itasimoo (Hold onto), so the meaning becomes: ‘Be united upon your mutual holding of it (the Rope of Allaah).’

‘And be not divided’ refers to the kind of division that leads to not uniting for Jihaad and for protecting the Religion and the Word of Allaah. This is the dividing that comes from tribulations (fitan) and dividing in matters of Creed.” [End of Ibn ‘Atiyyah’s words, rahimahullaah]

I say that their differing on the tafseer of the part of the verse: “Rope of Allaah” is a differing indicating variety in meaning, not a contradiction in meaning, as has been indicated here by Ibn ‘Atiyyah, Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr and other muhaqqiqeen. And his interpreting it to be the Book of Allaah combines all of the mentioned statements (of the Salaf). [5]

Al-Qurtubee mentioned in his Tafseer[6] the opinion of those who say that the “Rope of Allaah” means the Qur’aan and the opinion of those who say it means the Jamaa’ah. Then he said: “The intended meanings are all close and similar for indeed Allaah commands unity and forbids division. This is since division is destruction while the Jamaa’ah is salvation.”

Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah said:

“The ‘Rope of Allaah’ has been interpreted as Allaah’s Book (i.e. the Qur’aan), His Religion, Islaam, Sincerity, His Command, His covenant, Obedience to Him and as the Jamaa’ah. All of these sayings have been stated by the Companions and those who followed them in goodness until the Day of Judgement. And all of it is correct, for the Qur’aan commands towards the Religion of Islaam – and this is Allaah’s Command, His covenant and obedience to Him. And adhering to it jamee’an (in a unified group) can only be done with the Jamaa’ah. And the Religion of Islaam in reality is Sincerity to Allaah.” [7]

By this, it is understood that their sayings (i.e. of the Salaf) in their interpretation of “The Rope of Allaah” are not contradictory of one another but rather each saying compliments the other such that Allaah’s intended meaning becomes clear.

Ibn Jareer At-Tabaree reported in his Tafseer [8] that Qataadah said concerning the ayah:

“And do not be divided – and remember Allaah’s blessing on you.”

“Verily, Allaah hates that you be divided – and He forbade you from it. And He loves that you hear and obey and (stick to) the Jamaa’ah. So love for yourselves what Allaah loves for you – if you are able. And there is no might except by (the leave of) Allaah.”

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The Jamaa’ah refers to a collective body of Muslims upon the truth or upon a true state of affairs.

[2] Tafseer Ibn Abee Haatim (2/455) and in its chain of narration is ‘Abd Rabbihi Ibn Baariq Al-Hanafee. Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr said of him: “He is honest but made mistakes (in narration).”

[3] Al-Muharrar Al-Wajeez fee Tafseer Al-Kitaab-il-‘Azeez (3/182) [Printed by Al-Maghrib]

[4] Reported by Ibn Jareer in his Tafseer (4/32), Ibn Abee Haatim in his Tafseer (2/452-453) from the path of Yazeed Ar-Raqaashee on Anas and its chain is weak. This hadeeth has been reported from numerous paths on the authority of Anas and others. All of them add strength to one another, except that there is not found in any of their wordings mention of this ayah besides this present narration of Anas, according to what I am aware of.

[5] They are six statements which Ibn Al-Jawzee has mentioned in his Tafseer Zaad Al-Maseer (1/432) [Printed by Al-Maktab Al-Islaamee]

[6] Al-Jaami’ Li-Ahkaam-il-Qur’aan (4/159) [Printed by Dar Al-Kutub]

[7] Minhaaj As-Sunnah (5/134) [Printed by Jaam’iah Al-Imaam Muhammad Ibn Sa’ood Al-Islaamiyyah]

[8] Jaami’ Al-Bayaan ‘an Ta’weel Ayy-il-Qur’aan (4/32)

Source: Shayks’s book “Al-Amr Bi-Luzoom Jamaa’at-il-Muslimeen” (pg. 7-11)
Translator: isma’eel alarcon

A Principle Concerning Unity and Splitting – Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah

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Allaah (subhanaha wa ta’aala) said:

“Those who were given the Scriptures did not differ except out of mutual jealousy and hatred (bagyan) after knowledge had come to them.” 

Informing that their differing arose after the coming of knowledge that made clear to them as to what they should steer clear of – for indeed Allaah does not let a people become misguided after He guided them except after telling them what they should steer clear of. And informing that they differed only due to the reason of mutual jealousy and hatred.

Al-Bagy means to exceed the proper bounds as was indicated by Ibn Umar (in his commentary to the verse): ‘arrogance and jealousy’ – this arising due to differing ijtihaads that were not based upon knowledge. What is not meant by al-Bagy is the permissible difference that arises between the scholars for al-Bagy is either the neglect or omission of the truth, or exceeding the proper bounds. Exceeding the proper bounds either by leaving an obligatory action or by performing a forbidden action and it is known that splitting and disunity is the outcome of this.

An example of this lies in what He said about the People of the Book:

“And from those who call themselves Christians, We took their covenant but they abandoned (or forgot) a portion of the Message that was sent to them. So we planted enmity and hatred till the Day of Resurrection.” (5:14)

So He informed us that in their forgetting/abandoning a portion of the Message – meaning leaving a portion of that which they were commanded with – lay the reason for their enmity and hatred.

This is what is occurring amongst the adherents of our religion and it can be found amongst the various parties that differ with regards to their principles and many subsidiary matters – found amongst the scholars and the worshippers – to the point that one finds a resemblance to the two nations about whom one says about the other: ‘They are upon nothing.’

This is like what we find amongst the legal jurists who stick to the outward actions of the religion, and those that take to the path of tasawwuf  who stick to the inward actions of the religion for each one of these negates the path of the other and claims that they are not from the People of the Religion, or they oppose the other in a way of opposing of those who do not consider the other to be part of the religion. There occurs between them enmity and hatred.

This is because Allaah has ordered that the heart be purified just as He has ordered that the body be purified. Both these aspects of purification are from the religion that Allaah has commanded and made obligatory. Allaah said,

“Allaah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful.” (5:6 – the verse pertaining to wudu)

“In it (the mosque) are men who love to purify themselves and Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (9:108)

“Indeed Allaah Loves those who turn to Him in repentance and He loves those who purify themselves.” (2:222)

“Take charity from their wealth in order to purify and sanctify them.” (9:103)

“They are the ones whose hearts Allaah does not wish to purify.” (5:41)

“Indeed the polytheists are impure and filthy” (9:28)

So we find that the concern of many of the legal jurists and the worshipper is only the purification of the body, and he goes beyond the requirement of the sharee’ah with respect to his concern and action. And he leaves what he has been commanded and recommended with respect to the purification of the heart, and he does not understand purification except in this bodily aspect. And we find that the concern of many of the sufis is the purification of the heart only, to the extent that he will go beyond the requirement of the Sharee’ah with respect to his concern and action. And he leaves what he has been commanded and recommended with respect to the purification of the body.

So the first group go to the extreme of wasting water and considering to be impure that which is not impure, and staying away from that which has not been legislated to stay away from, this despite their hearts containing different shades of jealousy, arrogance and hatred towards their brothers. In this there is a clear resemblance to the Jews.

The other group goes to the extreme of negligence, they go to great extents to safeguard the heart to the point that they consider ignorance of that which is obligatory to know – such as the evil from which it is obligatory to steer clear of – from those things that safeguard the heart (from actually desiring that evil). In this they do not differentiate between safeguarding the heart from desiring evil, and safeguarding the heart through its knowing the evil and its knowing that with which it has been commanded. Then alongside this negligence and ignorance they do not preserve themselves from the impure things and therefore establish the obligatory purification in the way of the Christians.

So enmity has occurred between these two groups due to their leaving a portion of what they have been commanded with, and due to their bagy – which is to exceed the correct bounds, either by ignoring or omitting the truth, or by enmity and oppression. Bagy sometimes occurs amongst some people, or sometimes with regards to the rights of Allaah – both of these are implied. This is why He said: “out of mutual jealousy and hatred” for each group was displaying bagy to the other by not acknowledging the others right and not refraining from showing enmity to the other. Allaah said,

“Nor were the People of the Book divided until the clear proof came to them.” (98:4)

“Mankind was one nation and Allaah sent Messengers as bringers of glad-tidings and warners. And He revealed with them the Book in truth so that they may judge amongst mankind in that which they differed. And only those to whom it was given differed concerning it after clear proofs came to them through hatred, one to another.” (2:213)

“Indeed those who divide their religion into sects, you have no concern in them in the least.” (6:159)

“(Always) turning in repentance to Him, and be afraid an dutiful to Him: and establish the prayers and do not be of the polytheists – of those who split up their religion and became sects, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it.” (30:31-32)

This is because each party of the polytheists used to worship whatsoever god their desires dictated as Allaah said: “What you call the polytheists to is hard upon them.”

“O Messengers! Eat of the goodly things and do righteous deeds. Indeed I am Well-Acquainted with what you do. And Verily! This, your religion, is one religion and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me. But they have broken their religion into sects, each group rejoicing in what it has.” (23:51-52)

So it becomes clear the way of unity is by means of gathering all of the religion, and acting upon it in its entirety – that is worshipping Allaah Alone without any partners as He ordered, inwardly and outwardly.

The way to disunity is by leaving a portion of that which the servant has been commanded with, and by al-bagy.

The result of unity is: the Mercy and Pleasure of Allaah, His sending salaah upon the servants, and happiness in this world and in the hereafter, and white faces (on the Day of Judgement).

The result of disunity is: the Punishment of Allaah, His Curse, and black faces, and the Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) declaring himself free of them.

This is one of the proofs that consensus is a definitive proof, for when they unite then they are all obeying Allaah in this and have Mercy showered on them. And there cannot be obedience to Allaah and His Mercy by way of an action that He has not commanded, in either belief, saying or action. For if there were to be a saying or action upon which they agreed that had not been commanded by Allaah, then this would not be obedience to Allaah and neither would it be a means of His Mercy. Abu Bakr al-Azeez depended upon this proof in the beginning of his ‘at-Tanbeeh.’

Source: Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (1/14 -17)
Published by old al-manhaj dot com website ( site no more exists)

Physical Unity or Unity on the Truth – Dr. Saleh As-Saleh [Audio|En]

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Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 24:38)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/physical-unity-or-unity-on-the-truth-dr-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]

Importance of Being United – Abu Muhammad al Maghribee [Audio|En]

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01 – Khutbah – Be United
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/khutbah-be-united-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

02 – Importance of Being United Upon Tawheed part 1
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/importance-of-being-united-upon-tawheed-part-1-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

03 – Importance of Being United Upon Tawheed part 2
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/importance-of-being-united-upon-tawheed-part-2-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

05 – Importance of Being United and Legislative Means part 3
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/importance-of-being-united-and-legislative-means-part-3-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

07 – Importance of Being United and Dealing with Differences 
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/importance-of-being-united-and-dealing-with-differences-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

08 – Importance of Being United and Knowing the Ulema part 5
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/importance-of-being-united-and-knowing-the-ulema-part-5-abu-muhammad-al-maghribi.mp3]

10 – Telelink – The Means of Attaining Unity – Shaykh Musad
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/telelink-the-means-of-attaining-unity-shaykh-musad-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

11 – Closing Remarks Regarding Unity
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/closing-remarks-regarding-unity-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Agreement & Unity Of the Hearts are From The Most Distinguished Qualities Of The Saved Group – Shaykh Uthaymeen

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[You may want to read Most Distinguished Qualities of the Saved Group – Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen before reading the below]

Question 55: Is there something you want to add concerning the qualities of the saved sect?

The Answer: The truth of the matter is that there isn’t anything to add, since the four fundamental matters that we have mentioned are clear and sufficient. However, it might need some details with respect to the matter of manners. So, the most important aspect of manners is unity and agreement on the truth, the thing that Allaah (Azza wa Jal) has enjoined on us:

Your Rabb (Allaah) prescribed for Noah, and that which We revealed to you –[O Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)], and that which He prescribed for Ibraaheem, Moosaa, ‘Eesaa–that you should establish the Religion, acting upon what is prescribed, and not split into sects regarding it. [Qur’aan, soorat ash-Shooraa (42): 13].

And He (Allaah Azza wa Jal) informed us that those who split their Religion into sects, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) is clear of them:

Verily, those who divided their religion and break up into sects, you Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) have no concern of them in the least. [Qur’aan, soorat al-An’aam (6): 159].

So agreement and unity of the hearts are from the most distinguished qualities of the saved group, ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah. In case disagreement amongst them occurs due to Ijtihaad,[74] in matters where Ijtihaad is applicable, then they do not hold enmity, hatred or hostility against each other. Rather, they believe that they are brothers even if this kind of disagreement takes place amongst them. This is true to the extent that each of them would pray behind the Imaam believing that the latter is not in a state of Wudoo´ whilst the Imaam believes he does have his Wudoo’. An example for this is that each of them would pray behind someone who ate camel meat believing that it nullifies the prayer whilst this Imaam believes that it does not. Thus each of them consider that the prayer behind this Imaam is correct, even though if he would have prayed the same prayer [after eating camel meat] by himself, he would have consider it incorrect. All of this is because they consider that the difference in opinion arising from Ijtihaad, in cases where Ijtihaad is permissible, is, in reality, not a disagreement. Since each one of the disputants follows what is incumbent upon both for them to follow from the evidence that is impermissible for either one to relinquish. They see that if their brother disagrees with them regarding a certain action and does this in compliance with the evidence, then in reality he is in agreement with them. This is because they themselves call for the following of the proof wherever it may be. So if he disagrees with them based upon his conformance with what he regards as valid proof, then in reality he is in agreement with them, since he is in conformity with that which they call for and aim to, from judging by the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

And it is well known to many scholars what took place between the companions with regard to similar matters of disagreement, even during the time of their Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). He (صلى الله عليه و سلم) did not harshly denounce anyone of them. When he (صلى الله عليه و سلم) returned from the battle of al-Ahzaab, Jibreel came to him and directed him to set out for Banee Quraydhah who broke the covenant with the Muslims. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) then ordered his companions and said: “None of you should pray ‘Asr except at Banee Quraydhah.” [75] So, they left Madeenah for Banee Qurayadhah, and when the time for ‘Asr prayer arrived some of them delayed their prayer until they reached Banee Qurayadhah and therefore prayed it outside of its time. They did not pray until after sun set, since the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “None of you should pray ‘Asr except at Banee Quraydhah.” Others prayed on time and said that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) intention was for them to make haste in setting off. [76]

Those were the ones who were correct in their understanding. In spite of this, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) did not blame anyone of them, and none of them held any enmity or hatred against each other because of their disagreement in understanding this text. That is why I believe that it is a binding duty upon the Muslims who belong to the Sunnah that they should be one nation, and that factionalism should not occur amongst them–a person belongs to this group and another belongs to another group, and the third belongs to a third group and so on. In such a manner, they fight amongst each other with the spears of their tongues. They hate each other and take enemies out of each other because of a disagreement whose ruling is permissible to deduce by way of Ijtihaad. There is no need for me to specifically mention each group. But the sensible person would understand and the matter would be clear to him. So, I believe that it is incumbent upon ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah to unite even though they may dispute in that wherein they have been differing as a result of their understanding of what is necessitated by the texts. All praise is due to Allaah, for this is a matter in which there is ample scope for accommodation.

What is important is agreement and unity of the hearts. And there is no doubt that the enemies of Islaam love that the Muslims are divided, regardless whether they are enemies who openly express their hostility, or enemies who pretend to be friends of Muslims or Islaam, while in reality they are not. So, the obligatory thing is that we should be distinguished with this distinctive mark and that is we are from the saved sect that agrees to unity.

References

[74] Ijtihaad: Deduction of reasoned decisions to suit particular circumstances based upon fundamental guidelines from the Qur’aan and/or authentic Sunnah.
[75] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, vol.2, p.34, and Saheeh Muslim, vol.3, no.4376. In the report by Muslim, it is Thuhr prayer instead of ‘Asr.
[76] So that when the time for ‘Asr prayer arrived, they would already be at Banee Quraydhah.

Translated by Dr Saleh as Saleh rahimahullaah
Source : Understanding Worship – Fiqh ul-‘Ibadah – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen – Page 145

The Ways to Achieve Unity – Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan

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AUTHOR: Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan
SOURCE: Al-Ajwibat-ul-Mufeedah ‘an As’ilat-il-Manaahij-il-Jadeedah (pg. 130-131) [2nd Edition]
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

[68] Question: What are the means and ways of achieving unity?

[68] Answer: The means of achieving unity are:

First: Correcting one’s Creed, such that it becomes purified from Shirk. Allaah says:

“Verily this nation of yours is one (unified) nation, and I am your Lord, so be dutiful to Me.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon: 52]

This is since it is only the correct creed that will unite the hearts and vanquish the malice, as opposed to their being various beliefs and several deities, for each adherent of a creed will incline towards his own creed and deity, whilst holding that which others are upon to be falsehood. This is why Allaah says:

“Are many different lords (i.e. gods) better or Allaah, the One, the Irresistible.” [Surah Yoosuf: 39]

This is why in the Days of Ignorance, the Arabs were divided and suppressed in the earth. But when they entered into Islaam and their creed (beliefs) became rectified, they united their ranks and unified their rule.

Second: Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers, which is why the Prophet said: “I counsel you to have Taqwaa (fear/obedience) of Allaah, and to hear and obey (the rulers) even if an Abyssinian slave assumes leadership over you. For indeed, whoever lives (long) among you will see great differing…” The reason for this is because disobeying the Muslim ruler results in differing.

Third: Returning back to the Book and the Sunnah to quell disputes and end differing. Allaah says:

“So if you differ in some matter, then return it back to Allaah and His Messenger, if you truly believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 59]

So one should not turn back to the opinions and traditions of men.

Fourth: Rectifying and reconciling, when disputes occur, between individuals or between nations. Allaah says:

“So fear Allaah and rectify all matters of dispute amongst you.” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 1]

Fifth: Fighting the transgressors and Khawaarij who seek to split the Muslim’s unity. If they are strong and powerful, they will demolish the Muslim society and corrupt the ummah. Allaah says:

“But if one of them transgresses against the other, then fight against the one that transgresses.” [Surah Al-Hujuraat: 9]

This is why the Commander of the Believers, ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib, may Allaah be pleased with him, fought against the transgressors and the Khawaarij. And this was considered one of the greatest of his virtues.

Ummah & Unity : One Who Attempts To Bring Together Water & Fire, and A Reptile & Fish

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The Likeness Of Those Who Seek To Unite The Muslims Even Though They Are Upon Divergent Beliefs, Is The Likeness Of One Who Attempts To Bring Together Water And Fire, And A Reptile And Fish

Sheikh Saaleh al Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

As long as the Aqeedah is shaky and blemished, the Muslims cannot be united.  It is not possible to unite the one upon Bidah with the one upon the Sunnah, abadan.

It is not possible to unite the person of corrupted aqeedah with the person of sound aqeedah, even though they share the same name (i.e. they are both called Muslims).

It is inevitable to unite the word of the Muslims upon Tawheed, upon the correct aqeedah, upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (Muhammad-sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam).

The Muslims must be together.  They are to be united, and that they follow that which comes from that (bond and unity), as long as this does not depart from obedience to Allaah and His Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)

For that reason the Messenger (sallal-laahu alayhi wasallam) said:

”Allaah is pleased for you with three things:  ”that you worship Him (alone) and not to associate anything with Him; and that you (all) hold unto the Rope of Allaah and not to be divided; and that you give sincere advise to the one placed in charge over your affairs (i.e. the Muslim Ruler)” 

As for the one who calls to the unity of the Muslims, even though they differ in their aqeedah, this indeed cannot be possible.  The one who wants to unite the Muslims, even though they are upon divergent beliefs, even though they are upon shaky beliefs, this is but inconceivable like the one who attempts to bring together water and fire (This is not  possible);  Or bring together (as it is said) a reptile and a fish.   This is not possible ever, because the reptile lives on land and the fish lives in the sea…

[Source: Excerpt from a lecture delivered by sheikh Saaleh al Fawzaan at Masjid At-Tawheed in Taa-if.  Title of lecture: At Tahdeer Minal Furqati Wal Ikhtilaaf]   

Benefit shared by Abu Mu-aawiyah Abdullah bin AbuBakr

Splitting and Differing – Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdil-Lateef & Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem

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By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdil-Lateef (d.1376H) and Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem (d.1389H) [1] – Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.4 – Jumâdal-Awwal 1417H / November 1996

Allaah – the Most High – said:

“O you who Believe! Have tawraa (fear and obedience) of Allaah as you should do, and do not die except that you are Muslims. And hold fast all together to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allaah upon you, for you were once enemies one to another, but He joined your hearts together, so that by His Grace, you became brothers. And you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allaah make His Signs clear to you, that you may become guided. Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. They are the ones who are successful. And do not be like those who split up and differed amongst themselves, after the clear proofs had come to them. For them is a tremendous punishment. On the Day of Resurrection, some faces will be white and some faces will be black.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:102-105].

One of the Scholars of tafseer (Qur’aanic explanation) said: “The faces of the people of Sunnah and Unity will be white, whereas the faces of the people of Sectarianism and Differing will be black.”

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said: “So Allaah – the Most High – ordered all of the Believers to cling to the Rope of Allaah collectively, and not to split-up. And clinging to this Rope of Allaah has been explained as meaning: Clinging to the Book of Allaah, to His Religion, to Islaam, to ikhlaas (purity of beliefs and actions to Allaah), to His Commands, to His Covenant, to His obedience and also to the Jamaa’ah. All of these explanations have been related from the Sahaabah (Companions) and also From those who followed them in righteousness – and all of it is correct. For the Qur’aan commands one with the Religion of Islaam; and that is Allaah’s Covenant, and His Command, and obedience to Him. It also entails clinging together collectively as a Jamaa’ah. And the Religion of Islaam – in its reality – is ikhlaas (purity and sincerity in beliefs and action) to and for Allaah alone.

Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed Allaah is pleased with three things: That you worship Allaah alone without associating a partner along with Him; that you hold fast altogether to the Rope of Allaah and not to become divided; and that you give sincere advice to whomsoever Allaah puts in charge of your affairs.”2

And Allaah – the Most High – has made oppressing the Muslims, both their living and their dead, haraam (forbidden). And he has made sacred their blood, their wealth and their honour. And it is established from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said during the farewell Hajj (Pilgrimage): “Indeed your blood, your property and your honour is sacred to each other, just like this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours. Have I not conveyed the message. Those who are present must convey (my words) to those who are absent. Perhaps the one to whom it is conveyed understands it better than the one who directly hears it.”3

Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Those who harm Believing men and women undeservingly, carry upon themselves the crime of slander and clear sin.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:58].

Thus, whosoever harms any Believer, living or dead, not because of any sin sin which necessitates that – then he has entered into this Aayah (verse). And whosoever is a mujtahid (one who is sincerely striving to arrive at the truth), then there is no sin upon him. And if the mujtahid is harmed by someone, then he has harmed him undeservingly. And whosoever is sinful, but has repented from such sin, or he is forgiven due to some other reason; such that there is no punishment left for him – and then someone harms him, then he has harmed him undeservingly.”4

Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
“Do not envy one another. Do not inflate prices upon one another. Do not hate one another. Do not forsake one another. Do not undercut one another. But be worshippers of Allaah and be brothers. The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim he neither oppresses him, nor humiliates him, nor lies to him, nor holds him in contempt. And piety is right here – and he pointed to his chest three times. It is enough evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. The whole of a Muslim for another Muslim is sacred; his blood, his property and his honour”5

Ibn ‘Umar radiallaahu ‘anhumaa relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He neither oppresses him, nor humiliates him, nor forsakes him. Whosoever helps his brother, Allaah will help him. Whosoever removes one of the griefs of this world from a Muslim, then Allaah will remove one of his griefs on the Day of Resurrection. And whosoever hides a fault of any Muslim, then Allaah will hide one of his faults of the Day of Resurrection.”6

Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you loves for yourself.”7

The Prophet sallalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“The example of the Believers in their mutual love and mercy is like the example of a body, if one part of the body feels pain, then all the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.”8

And he sallallaahu ‘alavhi wa sallam said:
“The Believer to the Believer is like a solid structure, one part supporting the other.” And he interlaced his fingers to demonstrate this.9

This is what we have mentioned in this small treatise, and what we hold as part of our Religion and belief in front of Allaah. And in it is a sufficiency for whosoever desires right guidance and whosoever intends to seek the truth.

We ask Allaah – both for us and our Muslim brothers and sisters – safety and protection from those things that bring about His wrath and anger and painful punishment. And we seek refuge in Allaah from the passing away of His blessings, and that His grant of the state of safety and well-being is changed into something else. And we seek Allaah’s refuge from His sudden retribution and from all that which angers Him. O Allaah! We seek refuge in You from the severe trials and from the place of lowest misery and despicability, and from the evil that has been decreed, and from the abuse of the enemies. And Allaah is sufficient for us and what an excellent Guardian. And may Allaah send the praises and blessings upon Muhammad and upon his Family, Companions and followers.

1. Naseehatun Muhimmah fee Thalaathi Qadaayaa (pp.57-61).
2. Related by Muslim (3/1340) and Ahmad (2/367).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (3/573-574) and Muslim (3/1305-1307), from Abu Bakrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Minaahjus-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah (5/134-135).
5. Related by Muslim (no.2564).
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/97) and Muslim (4/1996).
7. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/57) and Muslim (1/67).
8. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6011) and Muslim (no.2586), from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu ‘anhu.
9· Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.481) and Muslim (no.2585), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu

Misplaced Loyalty – Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Baz

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Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6

THE BASIS OF RIGHT GUIDANCE

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahallaah – said:

“The Religion of the Muslims is built upon following the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and that which the Ummah has agreed upon. So these are the three infallible usool (fundamentals). So whatever the Ummah differs in, then it is referred back to Allaah and His Messenger. Thus, it is not for anyone to set-up a person for the Ummah, and to call to his way, and form walaa (love, loyalty and allegiance) and ‘adaa (enmity and hatred) based upon that, except for the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Nor is any speech set-up for them based upon which they form walaa and ‘adaa, except for the speech of Allaah, and that of His Messenger, and that which the Ummah has agreed upon. Rather, this is the practice of the people of Innovation, who set-up a person, or a saying, with which they cause splits in the Ummah; forming walaa or ‘adaa based upon that saying or ascription.”1

Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – also said:
“It is not for anyone to ascribe himself to a particular Shaykh and to have walaa with those who follow him, or to have ‘adaa based upon that. Rather, he should have walaa for everyone who is from the people of eemaan (i.e. is a Muslim) and is known to have taqwaa (piety and obedience to Allaah in that which He has ordered and prohibited), from the Shaykhs, or from others. No one should be particularised with an increase in walaa except if he sees from him greater eemaan and taqwaa. So precedence and excellence is given to whomsoever Allaah and His Messenger have given them to. Allaah – the Most High – said: “O mankind! Indeed We created you from a man and a woman, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed the most noblest of you with Allaah are those that have the most taqwaa (piety).” [Soorah al-Hujuraat 49:13].”2

SECTARIANISM AND MISPLACED LOYALTIES

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah said:
“Indeed the people of the truth and the Sunnah do not follow anyone (unconditionally) other than Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; who does not speak from his desires, rather it is nothing less than Revelation sent down to him. So it is obligatory to affirm all that he informs, and to obey all that he commands. This status is not given to anyone else from this Ummah. Rather, every person’s saying can be taken or left, except that of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. So whoever sets up an individual other than Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, such that the one who loves and agrees with him is reckoned to be from Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, and the one that differs with him is reckoned to be from the people of innovations and sectarianism – as happens with those groups who follow certain Imaams of kalaam (theology and rhetorical speech) – then the person doing so is from the people of innovation, deviation and sectarianism.”3

He – rahimahullaah – further said:
“Indeed many – from the people who say such sayings – follow their desires in this, in order to elevate their egos, or to gain leadership; or whatever is connected to it. Their intention is not to make the word of Allaah uppermost, nor is it to make the Religion purely for Allaah. Indeed, they have hatred for those who oppose them – even if it is a mujtahid (a Scholar striving his utmost to arrive at the truth) who is excused, and whom Allaah is not angry with. Likewise, they are pleased with those who agree with them – even if it is an ignorant person with evil intentions, who neither has any knowledge, nor good intent. This leads them to praise those whom Allaah and His Messenger have not praised, and to censure those whom Allaah and His Messenger have not censured. It also causes them to have walaa (love and allegiance) and ‘adaa (enmity and hatred) based upon their own self-desires, not upon the Religion of Allaah and His Messenger … So whosoever does this will only bring about fitan (trials and discord) between the people.”4

PRESERVING THE LOVE AND UNITY

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz – hafidhahullaah – said:

“The Religion of Allaah orders to judge (with justice) in all matters, and not to have walaa (love, loyalty and allegiance) with your brother merely because he agrees with you, or to have ‘adaa (enmity and being distant) from him merely because he disagrees with you on a certain opinion or issue. This is not from justice at all! The Companions – radiallaahu ‘anhum – differed in various issues, yet this did not affect the happiness and sincerity between them, nor their walaa and love for each other – may Allaah be pleased with them all. So the Believer acts upon the Sharee’ah (Prescribed and Divine Islaamic Law) of Allaah, follows the truth, gives priority to the evidences before anyone – yet in doing so, he does not oppress his brother, nor negate doing justice to him when he differs regarding any issue of ijtihaad in which the evidences are not so apparent. Likewise is the case for those issues in which differences occur due to a different interpretation of the text. So, in such instances he is excused, and it is upon you to sincerely advice him, and to love only the good for him, and not to split-up, nor to have enmity and hatred between you and your brother – and there is no might, nor any power, except with Allaah. “5

1. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (20/164) of Ibn Taymiyyah.
2. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (11/512).
3. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (3/346-347).
4. Minhaajus-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah (5/255).
5. Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Magaaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (11346).

 

Unity, Groups and Parties : Sh bin Baaz & Sh Saalih al-Fawzaan

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source: From Al-Istiqaamah

SHAYKH ‘ABDUL-‘AZEEZ BIN BAAZ

[Q]: What is the obligation upon the Muslim Scholars with regard to the large number of jam’iyyaat (societies) and jamaa’aat (groups) in many of the Islaamic lands and elsewhere, and with regard to the differences that exist between them, to the point that each group declares the others to be misguided. Do you not hold that it is fitting to enter into explaining the like of this matter, and to clarify the truth concerning their differences, for fear that these differences will increase and lead to evil consequences for the Muslims?

[A]: “Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam made clear to us a single way which it is obligatory upon the Muslims to follow and traverse, and that is Allaah’s Straight Path and the methodology of His upright religion. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. Just as the Lord of Might and Majesty warned the Ummah (nation) of Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam against splitting and disunity, since that is one of the greatest causes of failure and of the enemy taking control, as occurs in the saying of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic’s: “And fold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:101]. And His – the Most High’s – saying: “He has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Nooh, and that which We revealed to you, and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem, Moosaa and ‘Eesaa ‘alayhimus-salaam, saying: that you should establish the religion by doing that which you are ordered with, and make no divisions in it. Intolerable for the Pagans is that to which you call them.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:13]. So this is a Divine call to unity and for hearts to be harmonised. And in any Islaamic land, if there are many groups for the purpose of good, aid, co-operating in righteousness and piety between the Muslims – without their being differences between the desires of the companions and followers – then this is good, is a blessing, and produces great benefit.

However, if each of them declare the others to be misguided and attack their actions, then this harm is very great and its evil consequences very serious. Then what is obligatory upon the Muslims is to clarify the true state of affairs and to discuss with each group and to sincerely advise all of them that they should proceed upon the way laid down by Allaah for His servants, and upon that which our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called to. Then those who ignore this, or continue in their stubbornness, due to personal benefit or goal – known only to Allaah – then what is obligatory upon those who know the reality is to make this known about them and to warn against them, so that the people may avoid their path, and that those who do not know the reality of their affair may not fall into it and be led astray, and that they are not turned away from the Straight Path which Allaah ordered that we follow, as occurs in His – the Mighty and Majestic’s – saying: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. And from that which there is no doubt about is that the multitude of sects and groups in the Islaamic society is, firstly something desired by Shaytaan, and secondly something desired by the enemies of Islaam from amongst mankind. Since agreement and unification of the Muslims, and their being aware of the dangers which threaten them and their ‘aqeedah (beliefs), will make them active in refuting and rebutting it, and acting in a unified manner for the benefit of the Muslims – thus repelling the danger from their religion, their lands and their brothers. And this is something which the enemies – from amongst mankind and jinn – are not pleased with. Therefore they are very eager to split-up the Muslims, destroy their unity and to sow the seeds of enmity and discord between them. We ask Allaah that He unites the Muslims upon the truth and that He removes from their society every type of misguidance and every cause of discord. Indeed He is the One Who is able to do that, and He is the One having full power over it.” 1

[Q]: … and the students of knowledge refer back to you and to the other major Scholars and ask them. So what do you advise them? Do you advise and approve of entering (i.e. joining) the likes of these groups; such as Jamaa’atul-Ikhwaan, Jamaa’atut-Tableegh, Jamaa’atul-Jihaad, and so on, or do you advise them to remain upon seeking knowledge with the students of knowledge from those who call to the way of the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors)?

[A]: “All praise is for Allaah and may Allaah extol and send blessings of peace upon His Prophet. We advise them all to unite upon a single way and that is the way of seeking knowledge and attaining understanding of the Book and the Sunnah, and to proceed along the manhaj (methodology) of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. I advise them all that their goal should be to follow the Book and the Sunnah and to proceed upon the manhaj of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, and that they should all call themselves Ahlus-Sunnah or the followers of the Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors). But as for tahazzub (bigotted partisanship) for the Ikhwaanul-Muslimeen, or Jamaa’atut-Tableegh, or so on, then I do not advise that. That is a mistake. Rather we advise them that they should be together upon a single way, a single jamaa’ah, advising one another with the truth and having allegiance to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. This is the correct way to prevent differences. But if there are various groups upon that same way (i.e. of following the Salafus-Saalih) – a group in such and such a place, and another in such and such a place – but all of them are upon the Salafee2 way, following the Book and the Sunnah, calling to Allaah and having allegiance to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah – without tahazzub (partisanship) and without ta’assub (bigotted blind-following) – then that is not harmful – even if there are a number of groups – as long as their way and their goal is one.”3

SHAYKH SAALIH AL-FAWZAAN

[Q]: Noble Shaykh, with regards to the serious state in which the Ummah of Islaam lives – a state of confusion in peoples’ thoughts – particularly in matter relating to the Religion. For the Islamic Jamaa’ahs (groups) and sects have become many, and each of them claim that their manhaj (methodology) is the correct Islamic methodology which must be followed. So the Muslim is left in a state of confusion as to what he should follow and which one is upon the truth.

[A]: “Splitting up is not from the Religion, since the Religion commands us with unity and that we should be a single Jamaa’ah and a single Ummah upon the ‘aqeedah (belief) of Tawheed (i.e. to single out Allaah alone for worship) and upon following the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allaah – the Most High – said: “Indeed this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah and I am your Lord, so worship Me alone.” [Soorah al-Anbiyaa 21:92]. And Allaah – the Most High – said: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:103]. And Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: “Indeed those who split-up their Religion and become sects, you have no part with them in the least. Their affair is with Allaah who will tell them what they used to do.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:159]. So this contains a severe warning against splitting and differing. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And do not be like those who split-up and differed after the clear evidences came to them. For them is a tremendous punishment.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:105].

So our Religion is the Religion of al-Jamaa’ah, and the Religion of agreement and unity. Splitting is not from the Religion, since the Religion orders that we are a single Jamaa’ah and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The Believer to the Believer is like a building, one part supporting the other.”4 And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “The example of the Believers with respect to their mutual love, mercy and affection is like the example of a single body.”5 And it is known that a building and a body are a single cohesive thing, not disunited and fragmented – since if a building splits then it will collapse; and likewise a body, if it splits, then life will be lost. Thus, there must be a unity and we must be a single Jamaa’ah whose foundations is Tawheed and whose methodology is the da’wah (call) of the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; and which proceeds upon the Religion of Islaam. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. So these groups, and this splitting which is present today, is not approved of by Islaam. Rather, Islaam forbids it severely and commands uniting upon the ‘aqeedah (belief) of Tawheed and upon the methodology of Islaam, a single Jamaa’ah and a single Ummah, just as our Lord – the Most Perfect, the Most High – ordered. And splitting and their being many (differing) groups and parties is from the plots of the devils – from the jinn and mankind – against this Ummah. So the kuffaar (disbelievers) and the munaafiqs (hypocrites) have never ceased, since olden times, introducing their poison in order to split the Ummah. The jews said previously: “And a party of the People of the Book say: Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the Muslims, but reject it at the end of the day, so they may turn back.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:72]. Meaning: that the Muslims will leave their religion when they see you leaving it. And the Hypocrites said: “Do not spend on those who are with Allaah’s Messenger until they desert him.” [Soorah al-Munaafiqoon 63:7]. “And as for those who erect a mosque by way of disbelief and seeking to harm and disunite the Believers …” [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:107].” 6

[Q]: What is the ruling with regards to those who align themselves with those jamaa’ahs, particularly those that are established upon secrecy and giving bay’ah (pledge of allegiance to the party leader)?

[A]: “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam informed us that splitting would occur and he ordered us, at that particular time, to come together and to be upon that which the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his Companions were upon. So he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The jews split-up into seventy-one sects and my Ummah would split-up into seventy-three sects. All of them are in the Fire except one.” They said: Who is it O Messenger of Allaah? So he replied: “That which I and my Companions are upon this day.”7 And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, when his Companions asked him to advise him: “I advise you to have taqwaa (fear and obedience) of Allaah and to hear and to obey, even if an Abysinnian slave is a leader over you. And those of you who live long after me will see many differences of opinion. So hold fast to my Sunnah and the guidance of the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (Successors) after me; cling to it tightly …”8 So this is the manhaj (methodology) which is obligatory for all the Muslims to follow, until the Day of Resurrection. So when disagreements occur then they must return back to that which the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) of this Ummah were upon, with regards to manhaj, bay’ah (pledge of allegiance), and other matter connected to the Religion.”

1. Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (5/202-204).
2. Imaam as-Sam’aanee (d.562H) said in al-Insaab (3/273): “As-Salafee: this is an ascription to the Salaf and following their ways, in that which is related from them.” Ibn al-Atheer (d.630H) said in al-Lubaab fee Tahdheebul-Insaab (2/162), commenting upon the previous saying of as-Sam’aanee: “And a group were known by this ascription.” So the meaning is: that the term Salafee, and its ascription to them, was a matter known in the time of as-Sam’aanee – the sixth century – or before him.
3. From a series of taped questions asked by Shaykh Abul-Hasan al-Misree in the house of the noble Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz – hafidhahullaah – on the 6th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1416H (equivalent to the 24th of April 1996CE).
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.481) and Muslim (no.2585), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6011) and Muslim (no.2586), from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu ‘anhu.
6. From a series of questions put to the noble Shaykh – hafidhahullaah – between the 13th and 15th day of Dhul-Hijjah, in the year 1413H. The questions have been reproduced from the book: Maraaji’aat fi Fiqhil-Waaqi’ (pp.44-45).
7. Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no.2792) and al-Haakim (1/128-129), from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.204).
8. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/126) and Abu Daawood (no.4607), from al-‘Irbaad ibn Saariyah radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Takhreej Ahaadeeth Mukhtasar Ibnul-Haajib (1/137).
9. Maraaji’aat fi Fiqhil-Waaqi’ (pp.46-47).

A Single Ummah – Shaykh Ibn Baz, Shaykh Uthaymeen, Shaykh Fawzaan

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Source: Al-Istiqaamah – Shawwaal 1418H / February 1998 – Issue No.8

[1]:THE OBLIGATION TO UNIFY THE RANKS

Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen – hafidhahullaah – said:

“From the sincere advice which I hold to be necessary in the Religion to give to the youths, a word which I hope that Allaah – the Most Perfect, the Most High – will cause to be of benefit, and it is:That they should all be in conformity and harmony, so that they may become strong, and become an obstacle blocking the way of those who plot against Islaam and its people. This is what Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – has enjoined upon us. He – the Most High – said: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allaah upon you, in that you were once enemies to one another, but He joined your hearts together, so that by His Grace you became brothers.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:103]. And Allaah the Blessed, the Most High – said: “Let there arise from amongst you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. It is they who are the successful ones, And do not be like those who differed amongst themselves after the clear proofs had come to them; for them is a painful punishment.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:104-105]. So Allaah ordered that they should all cling together to His rope and He forbade splitting, and in other Aayahs He forbade differing, and informed us that it is the cause of failure and the cause of decline of strength, and He ordered us to persevere patiently. So Allaah – the Most High – said: “And do not differ, lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Indeed Allaah is with those who are patient.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:46]. And as is known, the people of good who help the youths of the revival in their work – with what they are able from wealth, and so on – if they see them splitting in this way, then they will not be so eager to help and assist them. So I call all of our brothers to unite together, and to fear Allaah with regards to themselves and with regards to the Ummah (nation) of Islaam, and that they should not cover up this light which has appeared on the horizon; the call to Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic …”1

Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“Holding fast to the rope of Allaah altogether and not becoming divided is one of the greatest usool (fundamentals) of Islaam.”2

[2]:THE PROHIBITION OF SPLITTING

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan – hafidhahullaah – said: “Splitting up is not from the Religion, since the Religion

commands us with unity and that we should be a single Jamaa’ah and a single Ummah upon the ‘aqeedah (belief) of Tawheed (i.e. to single out Allaah alone for worship) and upon following the Messenger sallallaahu ‘aloyhi wa sallam. Allaah – the Most High – said:“Indeed this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah and I am your Lord, so worship Me alone.” [Soorah al-Anbiyaa 21:92]. And Allaah – the Most High -said: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmaan 3:103]. And Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: “Indeed those who split-up their Religion and become sects, you have no part with them in the least. Their affair is with Allaah who will tell them what they used to do.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:159]. So this contains a severe warning against splitting and differing. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And do not be like there who split-up and differed after the clear evidences came to them. For them is a tremendous punishment.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:105].

So our Religion is the Religion of al-Jamaa’ah, and the Religion of agreement and unity. Splitting is not from the Religion, since the Religion orders that we are a single Jamaa’ah and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The Believer to the Believer is like a building, one part supporting the other.”3 And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “The example of the Believers with respect to their mutual love, mercy and affection is like the example of a single body.”4 And it is known that a building and a body are a single cohesive thing, not disunited and fragmented – since if a building splits then it will collapse; and likewise a body, if it splits, then life will be lost. Thus, there must be a unity and we must be a single Jamaa’ah whose foundation is Tawheed and whose methodology is the da’wah (call) of the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; and which proceeds upon the Religion of Islaam. Allaah – the Most High – said:“And this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. So these groups, and this splitting which is present today, is not approved of by Islaam. Rather, Islaam forbids it severely and commands uniting upon the ‘aqeedah (belief) of Tawheed and upon the methodology of Islaam, a single Jamaa’ah and a single Ummah, just as our Lord – the Most Perfect, the Most High – ordered. And splitting and their being many (differing) groups and parties is from the plots of the devils – from the jinn and mankind against this Ummah. So the kuffaar (disbelievers) and the munaafiqs (hypocrites) have never ceased, since olden times, introducing their poison in order to split the Ummah. The jews said previously: “And a party of the People of the Book say: Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the Muslims, but reject it at the end of the day, so they turn back.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:72]

Meaning: that the Muslims will leave their religion when they see you leaving it. And the Hypocrites said: “Do not spend on those who are with Allaah’s Messenger until they desert him.” [Soorah al-Munaafiqoon 63:7]. “And as for those who erect a mosque by way of disbelief and seeking to harm and disunite the Believers …” [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:107].”5

[3]: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN UNITY AND REFUTING FALSE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz – hafidhahullaah – said:

“There is no doubt that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to unify their ranks and to unite their word upon the truth and to co-operate in goodness and piety against the enemies of Islaam – as Allaah, the Most Perfect – ordered them with in His saying: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:102]. And likewise, Allaah has warned the Muslims against splitting up, as occurs in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And do not be like those who differed and split-up after the clear evidences came to them.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:105]. However, the order to unify the Muslims and unite their word upon the truth and to hold fast to the rope of Allaah, does not mean that they should not censure wrong beliefs and practices – whether from the Soofees or other than them. Rather, what the order to hold fast to the Rope of Allaah necessitates is: To order the good; forbid the evil; to clarify the truth, with the clear Sharee’ah proofs, to whomsoever is misguided or has a mistaken opinion, until they unite upon the truth and turn away from that which opposes it. All of this is included in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And help you one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:2]. And His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “Let there arise from amongst you a group of people calling to all that is good, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, they are the ones who are successful.” [Soorah Aal’Imraan 3:1 10]. And when the people of truth hold back from clarifying the mistakes of those who have erred or are mistaken, then they will not have achieved that which Allaah ordered them with, as regards calling to goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil. So the person in error will remain upon his error, and the one acting in opposition to the truth will remain upon his mistake. And this is contrary to what Allaah – the Most Perfect – prescribed, with regards to sincere advice, co-operation upon goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil – and Allaah alone is the One Who grants success.”6

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said: “Refuting ahlul-bida’ (the innovators) is a Jihaad, to the extent that Yahyaa ibn Yahyaa (d.226H) said: “Defence of the Sunnah is more excellent than Jihaad in the path of Allaah.”7″8

Imaam al-Humaydee (d.218H) – rahimahullaoh – said: “By Allaah, that I fight against those who reject the hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is more beloved to me than fighting the unbelievers.”9

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H)- rahimahullaah – said: “Jihaad with the clear proofs and the tongue; Comes before Jihaad with the sword and the spear.”10

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said: “When some people asked Ahmad bin Hanbal (d.241H) that they felt uneasy about [criticising people] by saying that such and such is this, and such and such is that, he replied: “lf I were to remain silent, how would the ignorant ones know the authentic [narrations] from the inauthentic?” Similarly, the innovators who introduce heretical writings which oppose the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and those who innovate in matters of worship, then explaining their true condition and warning the Ummah against them is an obligation by the unanimous agreement of the Muslim Scholars. In fact, when Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked whether a person who fasted, prayed and secluded himself in the mosque for worship was dearer to him than a person who spoke out against ahlul-bid’ah (the innovators), he replied: “When he fasts and prays and secludes himself, then he does so for the benefit of his own self. However, when he speaks out against the innovators, he does so for the benefit of the Muslims in general, and this is more virtuous.” So it is clear that opposing the Innovators is of general benefit to the Muslims and is considered one of the types of Jihaad in the path of Allaah. Since purifying the Religion of Allaah, and its minhaaj (methodology), its Shoree’ah, and defending it from their attacks and that of their enemies is a collective obligation – a fact which is agreed upon by the Scholars. For if Allaah did not raise up some people to repel the harms [caused by] others, then the Religion would become corrupted. Indeed, this type of corruption is even greater than the corruption resulting from the disbelievers conquering the Muslims. This is because when the disbelievers conquer the Muslims, they do not corrupt their hearts nor their Religion, except after some time. Whereas the innovators corrupt the hearts from the very outset.”11

1. From a series of questions and answers, recorded on the 16th of Dhul-Hijjah 1416H (corresponding to the 3rd of May 1996CE).
2. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (22/359).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.481) and Muslim (no.2585), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6011) and Muslim (no.2586), from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Maraaji’aat fi Fiqhil-Waaqi’ (pp.44-45).
6. Tanbeehaat fir-Radd ‘alaa man Ta’awwallis-Sifaat (pp.31-32).
7. Siyar A’laamun-Nubalaa (1015 18).
8. Naqdul-Mantaq wal-Kalaam (p.12).
9. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Siyar A’laamun-Nubalaa (10/619).
10. Qaseedah an-Nooniyyah (1112).
11. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (28/23 1-232)

 

Some Guidelines for Unifying the Ummah

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Guidelines for Unifying the Ummah
source: Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.8 – Shawwal 1418H / February 1998

THE 3 INFALLIBLES

The first and most important of these guidelines is: Clinging to the three infallibles; the Qur’aan, the Sunnah, and that which the Pious Predecessors of this Ummah had Ijmaa’ (agreement) upon.It is these infallible that determine the correct method of understanding the Religion. It it these infallibles which make up the great usool (fundamentals) that this precious Ummah should be called to gather and unite upon.Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said: “The religion of the Muslims is based upon following the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Prophet ‘alayhis-salaam, and that which the Ummah has agreed upon; these are the three infallible usool.” He also said, “The ijmaa’ which is affirmed is that which the Pious Predecessors were [agreed] upon.”

TOLERANCE

Another important guideline is to cultivate greater tolerance in the Ummah by knowing the etiquettes of differing; which type of differing is permitted and tolerated in Islaam, and which type is actually prohibited and condemned?The prohibited differing involves opposing any of the great usool. This type of differing is forbidden by the Revelation. So whoever opposes these usool, without a valid excuse, has resembled the heretics and deviants.As regards differing in other issues other than the great usool, or in issues of ijtihaad, then such differences are permitted and should be tolerated. It is forbidden to allow such differences to become a source of inciting hatred between Muslims, or a means to split the ranks of this precious Ummah.

ALLEGIANCE

Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said: “It is not for anyone to set-up a person for the Ummah; calling to his way, and having walaa (allegiance) or ‘adaa (enmity) based upon that, except for the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Nor is any speech set-up for them, upon which they form allegiance or enmity, except for the Speech of Allaah, and that of His Messenger, and that which the Ummah has agreed upon.”It is essential that walaa and ‘adaa be formed only upon the basis of Islaam and the Sunnah. As regards the disease of hizbiyyah (partisanship) – which is where allegiance or enmity is formed upon the basis of either nationalism, groups or parties, or schools of thought – then this is clearly forbidden. Indeed this disease has destroyed, and continues to destroy, the very fabric of comprehensive Muslim unity.

PURITY

Another essential guideline to purify the intentions such that actions are done only for Allaah’s sake, and not for the sake of elevating one’s ego, gaining leadership, or venting personal grudges, jealousy or enmity.Shaykh ‘Abdullaah al-Ghunaymaan said: “It is obligatory upon all those who speak about any affair of the Religion that they do so purely for Allaah’s sake and sincerely for the truth. They should overcome their souls and strive hard against following their own whims and desires. They should beware of inclining towards worldly matters; such as love of being praised, seeking fame and status, seeking to gain a following, and other such matters. So the one who seeks to gain any of this will only gain the vanities of this world.”

SCHOLARS

The Prophet ‘alayhis salaam said in an authentic narration: “Allaah does not take away knowledge by snatching it away from the people, but He takes it away by the death of the Scholars. So when no scholar remains, the people take ignorant ones as their leaders, who give rulings without knowledge; thereby misguiding themselves and misguiding others.”Thus, goodness remaining in the Ummah is dependant upon the existence of the Scholars; those who preserve the for this Ummah the correct understanding of the religion..There is no way to unify this Ummah, except by clinging to its Scholars. Indeed, without them, deviation and ignorance will continue to spread, which only further weakens the unity of this already fragile Ummah.

HOPE

Allaah said: “Allaah has promised to those amongst you who have faith and do righteous actions that He will grant you the khilaafah (succession of rule) upon the land, as He granted it to those before you…” [Soorah an-Noor 24:55].The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said in an authentic narration: “Give good-tidings to this Ummah about a high position, being established upon the earth, victory, and a lofty position in this world and the Hereafter.”So it is essential to spread hope throughout this Ummah and not to despair about Allaah’s promise of victory; which will only be realised on the condition that the Muslims return to acting in accordance with Allaah’s commands – inwardly and outwardly.

False Desires and its Evil Effects upon Unity

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Al-Istiqaamah, Issue No.7 ,July 1997

Allaah – the Most High – said:

“And those who were given the Scripture (the Jews and the Christians) did not split-up except out of baghee (hatred and envy) between each other, after the knowledge had come to them.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:19].

Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H)- rahimahullaah – said:

“This is why Allaah – the Most High – ordered the Muslims with ijtimaa’ (collectiveness) in their Religion, and prohibited them from tafarruq (splitting-up). He informed them that they must not reject what Allaah revealed to them from the Book. Indeed the People of the Book (i.e. the jews and the Christians) did not split-up until after Allaah had revealed to them the Scripture, in which He ordered them with ijtimaa’ (being unified). However, they did the opposite to what He ordered them with, due to mutual jealousy and hatred. So hatred and jealousy culminated in them having grudges and enmity between one another, they then fell into differing and splitting up. So – O Muslims – beware of doing the likes of this.”1

Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“Allaah explained that their splitting only occurred after the knowledge had come to them, and which showed them what they were commanded to do and to avoid. For Allaah does not leave people to stray, except after giving them guidance, until He explains to them what they were commanded to do. And He informed that the reason for their tafarruq (splitting) was due to baghee (mutual envy, jealousy, hatred) And baghee occurs due to either falling short of the truth, or transgressing the limits. It is due either to abandoning an obligation, or doing something prohibited. So know that this is what necessitates tafarruq (splitting).”2

THE ROOT OF CORRUPTION

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“It is upon the one who speaks in this matter, or any other matter, that he should only do so based upon knowledge and the truth; and that his objective should be sincerity to Allaah, to His Book, to His Messenger; and the giving of sincere advice to his Muslim brothers. But if he makes the truth accord with his own whims and desires, then this will corrupt and ruin the heart, the actions, and the state of affairs. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And if the truth were to be in accordance with their desires, then indeed the heavens and the earth – and all that is therein – would be corrupted and ruined.” [Soorah al-Mu’minoon 23:71]. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you truly believe until he makes his desires accord with what I have been sent with.”3 So ‘ilm (knowledge) and ‘adl (justice) are the root of every good, whereas dhulm (oppression) and jahl (ignorance) are the root of every evil. And Allaah – the Most High – sent His Messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth, and He commanded the doing of justice between people and that none of them should follow their whims and desires. Allaah the Most High – said: “So call to Islaam and stand firm, and do not follow their whims and desires, but say: I believe in whatever has been revealed by Allaah from the Book, and I have been commanded to do justice between you. Allaah is our Lord and your Lord, for us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allaah will assemble us all, and to Him is the final return.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:15].”4

A NECESSARY JIHAAD

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said:
“Jihaad against the nafs (soul) and its whims and desires is the foundation of jihaad against the unbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed a person will not have the ability to wage jihaad against them, until he wages jihaad against his own soul and its whims and desires first.”5

Shaykh al-Ghunaymaan – hafidhahullaah – said:
“It is obligatory upon all those who speak about an affair from the affairs of the Religion that they do so purely for Allaah’s sake, sincerely for the truth. And that they overcome their soul and strive hard against following their whims and desires, not inclining towards worldly matters; such as love of being praised, seeking fame and reputation, gaining a large following, and other such matters. So the one who seeks to gain any of this, will gain only the vanities of this world.”6

1. Tayseerul-Kareemur-Rahmaan (p.701).
2. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (1/14).
3. Da’eef: Related by Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no.15). It was declared weak by Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab in Jaami’ ul-‘Uloom wal-Hikam (no.41).
4. Madaarijus-Saalikeen (3/532-533).
5. Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in Dhammul-Hawaa wa Ittibaa’ihi (p.28).
6. Al-Hawaa wa Atharahu fil-Khilaaf (p.20).

Clarity – Defending the Religion & Uniting the Ranks upon the Truth

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Istiqaamah Magazine , Issue No.2 ,1996

DEFENDING THE RELIGION

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (d.241H)- rahimahullaah – said:

“All praise is for Allaah who, in every age and intervals between the Prophets, raises up a group from the People of Knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bearing ill treatment and harm. With the Book of Allaah they give life to the dead, and by Allaah’s Light they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) have they revived. How many people astray and wandering have they guided. How beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile people have been towards them. They expel from the Book of Allaah the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignorant ones – those who uphold die banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords; who differ about the Book, oppose the Book, and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allaah and His Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book, and deceive the ignorant masses with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allaah from the trials of the misguided ones.” 1

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“When some people asked Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal that they felt uneasy about criticizing people, he replied: “If I were to remain silent, how would the ignorant masses know the truth from falsehood?” Those who introduce heretical writings which oppose the Qur’aan and the Sunnah and those who innovate in matters of worship, then it is obligatory that they be exposed and that the Muslims be warned against them – by unanimous agreement of the Muslims Scholars. In fact, when Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked about a person who fasted, preyed and secluded himself in the mosque for worship; if he was dearer to him than a person who spoke out against ahlul-bid’ah (the innovators), he replied: “When he fasts and prays and secludes himself, then he does so for the benefit of his own self. However, when he speaks out against the innovators, he does so for the benefit of the Muslims in general, and this is more virtuous.”

So it is clear that openly opposing the innovators is of general benefit to the Muslims and is considered one of the types of jihaad in the path of Allaah. Since purifying the religion of Allaah and defending it from their attacks is a collective obligation – as is agreed upon by the Scholars. For Allaah did not raise up some people to oppose the innovators, then the religion would suffer harm, corruption and deviation. Indeed, this type of corruption is even greater then the corruption resulting from the disbelievers conquering the Muslims. Since when the disbelievers conquer the Muslims, they do not corrupt their hearts, nor their religion, except after some time. Whereas the innovators corrupt the hearts from the very beginning.” [2]

UNITING THE RANKS UPON THE TRUTH

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz – hafidhahullaah – said:

“There is no doubt that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to unify their ranks and to unite their word upon the truth and to co-operate in goodness and piety against the enemies of Islaam – as Allaah, the Most Perfect, ordered them with in His saying: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:102]. And likewise, Allaah has warned the Muslims against splitting up, as occurs in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And do not be like those who differed and split-up after the clear evidences came to them.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:105]. However, the order to unify the Muslims and unite their word upon the truth and to hold fast to the rope of Allaah, does not necessitate that they should not censure wrong beliefs and practices – whether from the Soofees or other than them. Rather, what the order to hold fast to the rope of Allaah necessitates is: to order the good, forbid the evil and also to clarify the truth – with the clear Sharee’ah proofs – to whomsoever is misguided or has a mistaken opinion, until they unite upon the truth and turn away from that which opposes it. All of this is included in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And help you one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Sooratul-Maa’idah 5:2]. And His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “Let there arise from amongst you a group of people calling to all that is good, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, they are the ones who shall be successful.” [Soorah Aal’-lmraan 3:110]. And when the people of truth withhold from clarifying the mistakes of those who have erred or are mistaken, then they will not have achieved that which Allaah ordered them with, as regards calling to goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil. So the person in error will remain upon his error, and the one acting in opposition to the truth will remain upon his opposition. And this is contrary to what Allaah – the Most Perfect – prescribed, with regards sincere advice, co-operation upon goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil – and Allaah alone is the One who grants success.

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz was asked about the correctness of the saying: “We should unite upon that which we agree, and excuse each other in that which we disagree.” The Shaykh commented:

“Yes! It is obligatory to co-operate in that which we agree, by aiding the truth, calling to it and warning against that which Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam have prohibited. Its for excusing each other for that in which we differ – then this is not to be taken in an absolute sense, but rather in a general one. Thus, if the difference involves a particular issue of ijtihaad wherein the proofs are deep and detailed – then it is obligatory not to reproach or censure one another. However, if it opposes a clear text of the Book and the Sunnah, then it is obligatory to correct the one who has opposed the clear texts, but with wisdom, beautiful admonition and debating in the best possible manner, acting upon Allaah -the Most High’s – saying: “And help you one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:2] And His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “The Believers – man and woman – are protectors to each other, they order the good and forbid the evil … “ [Soorah at-Towbah 9:71]. And His – the Mighty and Majestic’s – saying: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful admonition, and argue with them in ways that are better.” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:125]. And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever sees an evil, then let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do this, then with his tongue, and if he is unable to do this, then with his heart. And that is the weakest of eemaan (faith).” And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever directs a person to do good, will have a reward similar to the one who does that good.” 5 And the aayaat (verses) and ahaadeeth with this meaning are plenty.” 6

1. Ar-Radd ‘alal-Jahmiyyah waz-Zanaadiqah (p.2) of Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
2. Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (28/231-232).
3. Tanbeehaat fir-Radd ‘alaa man Ta’awwalis-Sifaat (pp.31-32).
4. Related by Muslim (2/21), from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Related by Muslim (13/38), from Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaaree radiallaahu ‘anhu.
6. Tanbeehaat fir-Radd ‘alaa man Ta’awwalis-Sifaat (pp.14-15)

How to Unite the Ummah – Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan [Video|Ar-En Subtitles]

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Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān Al-Fawzān on How to Unite the Ummah
and a Refutation of Those who Cause Doubts in Aqīdah & Tawhīd.

AbdurRahman.Org : Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah
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