Enjoining good and forbidding evil

Imam Al-Bayhaqi

 

The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith

 

Allah the Most High said: Let there be among you a community who enjoin good and forbid evil; it is they that shall be successful, [3:104] and: You are the best community that has ever been brought forth for mankind: you enjoin good and forbid evil, and you believe in God, [3:110] and: Those who repent, those who worship, those who praise, those who persevere, those who bow down, those who prostrate, and those who enjoin good and forbid evil, [9:112] and: Those of the Israelites who were unbelievers have already been cursed on the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary, for they were disobedient, and transgressed. They did not forbid one another from committing the evil that they wrought. What they used to do was foul indeed. [5:79] The Qur’an is full of passages which treat of this subject.

 

Muslim relates on the authority of Abu Sa`id (radhiallahu `anhu) that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Whoever sees something evil should change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot do even that, then in his heart. That is the weakest degree of faith.”

 

He also relates on the authority of Ibn Mas`ud that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “There was not a single Prophet among those who were sent before me who did not have apostles and companions and followed his Sunna and obeyed his commands. But afterwards other generations came whose words belied their deeds, and whose deeds were not in accordance with what they commanded others to do. Whoever struggles against the with his hand is a believer. Whoever struggles against them with his tongue is a believer. And whoever struggles against them with his heart is a believer. But when none of these things are done, then not a single mustard’s seed weight of faith is present.”

 

Bukhari and Muslim relate that Zaynab (radhiallahu `anha), the wife of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) once awoke, and his face was dark, as he said three times, ‘There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah! Woe betide the Arabs, because of an evil which will soon come! Today, the barrier of Juj and Ma`juj has been breached by so much,’ and he made a circle with his thumb and forefinger.” And Zaynab remarked, “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Even when the righteous still dwell amongst us?’ and he said, ‘Yes, when khubth (moral degradation) becomes widespread.'”

 

Malik ibn Dinar once recited the verse, There were in the city nine men who caused corruption in the earth, and would not cause reform, [27:48] and said, “Nowadays, there are people in every clan and district who cause corruption in the earth, and do not cause reform.”

 

He also said, “We have become accustomed to loving the world, so that we do not enjoin good or forbid evil to one another. Allah the Most High will certainly not permit us to continue doing this, but would that I knew what kind of punishment shall befall us!”

 

`Umar ibn `Abdul `Aziz said, “It used to be that Allah the Most High does not punish the common people for the sins of the elite; but when the evil is done openly, and they do not repudiate it, they all become deserving of His punishment.”

To the wives of the Duaat

Oh wives of the Da’ees (those who work day and night calling to Islam) fear Allah and be firm and patient. Verily you are the cause of the success of your husband’s da’wah and the cause of its decline.

 

There is a saying that behind every great man is a great woman. Many people differ about this parable, between those in support of it and those who appose it. I believe we all must agree about the importance of the wife in the life of her husband and the fact she has a role that if fulfilled, the boat of da’wah will sail peacefully and successfully. For this reason we find the Messenger Muhammad (saw) emphasised on the importance of the woman in more than just one place. He encouraged the Muslim man about the necessity to look for a wife with good Deen (practicing woman), who fears Allah in her relationship with her husband, at his home and with his children.

 

I believe nobody will differ with me if I say that the Da’ees are so needy for a unique, sophisticated, special, and magnificent wife unlike any other, who will stand by him through hardship and ease, supporting him, staying at his home helping him to fulfil his roles and responsibilities, encouraging him to carry da’wah more and more and to fulfil his mission.

 

The wife of a Da’ee needs to have these qualities because:

 

The da’ee is different from any other man. His time schedule is not like any others, nor is his concern like the concern of others. Therefore his actions and efforts will inevitably be different from the actions of other men. An average man’s concerns are nothing but his own personal concerns such as food, clothes and shelter. Whereas the da’ees concerns do not stop to the limit of only a house, food and children but rather his concerns escalates to the level of being concerned about the recovery of the Ummah, to live her concerns and suffering and working actively to change that reality from a state of fear to a state of peace.

 

The normal man does not have any concerns but to seek his provision and to enter happiness into the hearts of his family by fulfilling their wishes. Whereas the work and concerns of the da’ee will be multiplied and increased to the limit that he will have very little time left to his wife or to his own children, not to mention to be concerned about his health and wealth to a level where his wife may believe that he is neglecting her as he is so busy with the affairs of the Muslim Ummah, more than his own family affairs. Therefore if a Muslim woman does not support her husband who is a da’ee nor does she have an extra talent that distinguishes her from any other woman, who looks to the concerns and visions of her husband and how much it is more important than any other concern, then no doubt her husband’s ship will face a huge struggle to sail in the ocean of difficulties from the enemies, opponents and disbelievers. And that will be the first nail in their relationship.

 

Excuse me if I put an example that could relate to you but I do not mean a particular person. Let us imagine a da’ee who comes back to his home after a hard days work, exhausting himself for the sake of calling people to Islam, commanding good and forbidding evil and elevating this Ummah for the sake of Allah. Suddenly he finds that when he arrives home, there is a woman who declares her rejection, moaning and complaining about the long time she spends on her own at home or repeats in his ears the same list of complaints and demands and throws them over his head without to bother about the damage that could happen to him, their relationship or the da’wah.

 

Let us imagine a woman who looks in the face of her husband for a long time and yet she is surprised about the thoughts and ideas that he carries and the amount of energy he has that makes him look after the affairs of the Ummah, which doesn’t concern her at all. I have seen these women who put obstacles in the path of her husband, discouraging him and destroying his will and determination. Moreover she will make him withdraw his concerns, zeal and energy regarding his Deen and the Muslim Ummah and will start to work actively in disperse, discouraging him by letting him down and watering down his responsibilities, which will cause him to have depression. Moreover she will request and demand her husband to do things that are not important, very difficult or nearly impossible to do.

 

The difficulties and the dangers which will occur in the way, the bloody arrows which have been shot towards his chest and all other attacks from all directions will make him seriously need to have beside him a wife that understands the needs of the level of da’wah which he is at, to be patient with him, firm and supportive in his way which is full of thorns, hardship and pain. She must be patient, firm and realise that her husband is not the first and only one who walks on this path full of mines and thorns; rather history is full of men who have paid blood as a price for the da’wah and the Deen of Islam.

 

She must also realise that not all the harm and threats surrounding her husband means he has failed the battle, rather victory could be hiding itself in the form of loss and it may surprise people by the ideas and thoughts that come out from the mouth of the da’ee and goes beyond all obstacles to spread and be implemented as-well as break all barriers. Therefore if a da’ee does not have at his home a wise and mature woman that believes in what he believes in, then no doubt his home will miss its main cause of family stability, which may affect the behaviour of every member of the household, male or female.

 

There is no doubt that a da’ee, whose concern is about the Muslim Ummah and challenges the Pharaoh in authority is going to be so busy to the level where he will rarely have time for his own children as he will be too busy teaching the children of the Ummah and therefore have no time to teach his own. Definitely he is needy for a believing mother (for his children) that is unique and carries with him all the responsibilities to reform the children and to look after them during the absence of their own father, which inevitably will happen many times.

 

We only need to look at some of the top Mujaahideen from among the Sahabah and Tabi’een who had children yet did not see them except in very rare occasions, whereas others did not see them at all as the father was too busy on the da’wah field or battle field whilst his wife was delivering a baby.

 

This will give the women extra certainty that a da’ee is needy for a woman so unique who is not like any other woman. In edition, the wife of the da’ee is needy for special nurturing that enables her to pass the obstacles, duties and responsibilities that are going to face her by standing firm. This will push the husband for the continuity of his activities in order to help him in his own struggle, especially as we are living in a time where to stand firm to what you believe in is strange or unusual, and those affected by defeatism (compromisers, hypocrites etc.) do not want to do anything. Beyond doubt, a da’ee deserves to have a special wife who gives him tranquillity, love and shelter.

 

Dear Muslim sisters, you are the hope of your da’ee husband to carry the responsibilities from his shoulders and enable him to be fit and go out to the da’wah field or jihad without to be concerned about his responsibilities towards you and his children by being firm, patient, supportive and appreciative and accepting any destiny that Allah has designated for you and for the test which Allah inflicts upon you by having a da’ee husband. Verily if you become patient on the path of Haq (truth) you will get the maximum amount of reward from almighty Allah.

 

Dear Muslim sister, I can summarise to you my advice in 4 main points:

 

Make Khadijah (ra) your example and leading role model who was a strong right hand for her husband and a firm gentle touch to our Messenger which enabled him to carry his message to mankind. Khadijah supported him, believed in him, covered him and said to him her famous statement: ‘By Allah! Allah will never let you down because you are the one who maintains the blood relationship, carry heavy responsibilities, help the needy, support the weak, command the good and forbid the evil and challenge all the corruption in society.’

 

Wake up in the night time and throw the arrows of the dark night at sehri time by supplicating to your Lord and ask him to protect your husband and all the da’ees and to make them firm, victorious, have ‘izza and support.

 

Keep yourself busy by nurturing the children of your husband, provide the best knowledge and good deeds that makes them full of taqwa and Imaan and plant in them that the conviction their father stands for is the truth, and encourage them to do the same thing as their father.

 

Dear Muslim sisters, if your husband is a da’ee be proud that your husband carries the truth and be confident that the banners of Haq he carries will never fall down even if he does.

Co operation in Islaam

The importance of cooperation has been mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah numerous times, especially on the good deeds:

 

“The believers – men and women are protectors to one another, they order the good and forbid the evil….” [EMQ 9:71]

 

There are certain issues concerning muslims that are of paramount importance. These issues are issues of life and death, issues that take priority over all other issues, issues that are so important that a muslim can be killed for and should be ready to die for. These issues were termed by the prophet (SAW) as the ‘Vital Issues’ (Al-Qadayah Al-Maseria).

 

The prophet (SAW) said; one drop of muslim blood is worth more than the Kaba’ah and its whole surroundings. This shows us the urgency of these ‘Vital Issues’, so important that muslim blood can be spilt for them. One of the vital issues is the issue of unity amongst the muslim ummah as Allah (SWT) commands the muslims to be united in the Quran:

 

“And hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not be divided amongst yourselves” [EMQ 3:103]

 

Unity is something that is so important that anyone found working against the unity of the muslims should be killed as is reported that Arafaja said he heard the prophet (SAW) say;

 

“Who so comes to you while your affair has been united under one man, intending to divide your staff or dissolve your unity, kill him”

 

What we have to remember is that unity for the muslim ummah is on the basis of Islam and nothing else. Today we see muslims united on the basis of nationalism, patriotism, tribalism, racism, the group you belong to, the imam you follow etc. But what the muslims lack is the political unity, the unity in terms of their leadership, in terms of the comprehensive implementation of their deen. Hence the vital issue for muslims in this day and age is to bring back this unity amongst the muslim ummah. To unite them once again under the banner of Islam as the prophet (SAW) and his companions (RA) did and to implement the Ahkaam (Rules) of Islam comprehensively and to allow them to become the sole reference point in all of our life’s affairs be they political, social, environmental, scientific etc.

 

Due to the obligation of this duty we find many muslim organisations, groups, movements arising working day and night to try and remedy the muslim ummah and to relieve it from this abnormal situation that it has aimlessly fallen into.

 

All of these movements are based on Islam and believe in working for the re-establishment of the Islamic political system to bring about unity amongst the muslims. They may differ in their approach and the method that they adopt but this is no reason for them to disregard one another as Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

 

“The believers – men and women are protectors to one another, they order the good and forbid the evil….” [EMQ 9:71]

 

Although these groups are sincere in their efforts we can see a major hindrance with regards to the activities of these groups. They call for the same thing, they believe in the same belief yet they seem to be more interested inbackbiting each other, slandering one another and even carrying hatred against each other.

 

Why, you ask yourselves do we see this amongst those muslims who claim to revive and to unify the ummah. Are all of their claims mere rhetoric?Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

 

“Co-operate in good and piety and do not co-operate in sin and transgression.And fear Allah for Allah is strict in punishment” [EMQ 5:2]

 

Allah (SWT) is commanding the muslims to work together and to help one another in goodness and piety and to abstain from helping each other in sin and transgression. This verse is general (A’am) and applies to all of the muslims at all levels be it individuals, groups, communities, families etc. with or without an Islamic State. This ayah was revealed in 8 Hijri (630 AD) after the conquest of Makkah under the khilafah ruling system. The classical mufassireen/scholars such as Imam Mawardi, Imam Surkusi, Ibn Al-Kathir, Ibn Il-Aqiyya, and many others agreed that ‘bir’ and ‘taqwa’ have the same meaning and refer to all of the ahkam that the shariah legislates (i.e. general) except those specific to the khaliph. In matters which the shariah legislates as being fard/wajib, a muslim individual or group has no choice but to co-operate if asked to do so (i.e. it is obligatory), for example, calling society to Islam, working to establish Allah’s Deen ( Khilafah or Nizam-e-Mustafa), performing Jihad, enjoining the marouf and forbidding the munkar, etc.However, in matters the shariah designates as mandoub it is recommended for him to co-operate but not obligatory, for example picking up litter, building more than one mosque in an 80km radius and so on.

 

This means that it is an obligation upon the muslim groups to help and co-operate with one another in good actions. It doesn’t call for the unification of all groups to become one group. Rather it commands the muslims to support one another in their activities the condition being that these activities are deemed ‘good’ (Bir) in Islam.

 

It is known from the Deen by necessity that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to unify their ranks and their word upon the truth and to co-operate in goodness and piety against the enemies of Islam. It is obligatory to co-operate in that which the shariah legislates as fard/wajib e.g. exposing and challenging man-made law (kufr) in society, calling society to Islam (in the best styles and means) and warning against that which Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) have prohibited.

 

In areas where you may differ with one another i.e. difference of opinion based on text (Quran and Sunnah) you can discuss and debate. If the difference involves a particular issue of ljtihaad wherein 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 Quran and the Sunnah, then it is obligatory to correct the one who has opposed the clear texts. The prophet (SAW) said in a Hadith related by Muslim 13138:

 

“Whosoever directs a person to do good, will have a reward similar to the one who does that good”

 

However one should realise that co-operation with a fasiq or fajir muslim (includes sitting, accompanying and dealing with him/her) is forbidden.

 

NOTE: Fasiq is one that does a haram action that contradicts that which is known in Islam by necessity (e.g. drinking alcohol, homosexuality etc.) This is different to a muslim who does a haram action that is not known in Islam by necessity (e.g. insurance, credit cards).

 

Imaam Al-Shaaf’ie in the Book Al-Iqnaa’ Fil-fiqh said: “It is Haram, to co-operate, to sit or to deal with a Fasiq except if you are calling him/her to repent and fear Allah”.

 

Imaam Ghazali, Said: “Accompanying the Fasiq is a sin because the messenger Muhammad (saw) said: Avoid the people of sins (Ahl Al-sou’)”.

 

Imaam Abu Hanifah in the book of Al-Mabsout by Imaam Surkhusi said: “The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: A man on the Deen of his friend watch out for who his friend is)” He Abu Hanifah comments: “It is Haram to socialise with Muslims dealing with Riba, Khamer, fornication and whosoever is in good terms with them he/she is sinful and not a trustworthy”.

 

Many other scholars comment on this ayah such as Imaam Nawawie, Maqdisi, Ibn Al-Munzer, Imaam Samarqandi, Imam Quraafi, Imaam Abu Yusuf…. Etc.)

 

All of these groups differ from each other in one way or another nevertheless this is no excuse to neglect this duty because Allah (SWT) knows what is best for us and he (SWT) will never burden us with more than we can bear.

 

“And do not be like those who differed and split-up after the clear evidences came to them” [EMQ 3:105]

 

All of those movements that are working for the unification of the muslims through the khilafah should be aware of this duty. We as Followers of Ahlus sunnah wal Jama’ah invite and urge all individual and groups working sincerely for the implementation of Islam to fulfil this verse and to co-operate on issues that we are agreement with and to abstain from slandering, backbiting or co-operating on any haram issues, and let Islam be the driving force and not our whims and desires.

 

The vital issues are issues that all groups agree upon and are the issues that take precedence over others. So we should aid one another in these areas for example; working together and unifying our voices and actions for Afghanistan and Iraq, coming out commanding the good as well as forbidding the evil, doing seminars and lectures highlighting the decline of the Muslims, raising awareness of the Muslim captives, engaging in debates between the kuffar etc. We urge all Islamic movements to abstain from this hindrance of partisanship, bigotry and prejudice and to co-operate on the vital issues to proliferate the return of Islam as a political force. The vital issues are the issues of priority and we need to fulfil them with full awareness and understanding and not to let torture, suffering, boycott, and abuse hinder us in any way as all these are expected due to the nature of the call.

 

“Oh you who believe, answer the call of Allah and his messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life” [EMQ 8:24]

Remaining steadfast upon the Sunnah

The messenger of Allah (saw) left us upon a clear path to be aware of the deviations that the shaytan has has created for us.

 

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) warned his followers: “I have left you upon clear proofs, its night is like its day, and no one deviates from it except one who is destroyed, and whoever lives (long) from amongst you will see great controversy. So stick to what you know from my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khaleefahs - cling to that with your molar teeth.” [Reported by Imaam Ahmed (4/126), Ibn Maajah (no.43), al-Haakim (1/96) and al-Baihaqee in al-Madkhal (51)]

 

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) warned us that we would become divided into many sects: “Indeed the people of the Book before you split into seventy-two sects. And this nation will split into seventy-three sects; seventy-two are in the Fire and one in Paradise”. And in another narration, “All are in the Fire except one.” It was asked: Who is that one? He replied, “That which I and my Companions are upon.” [Related by at-Tirmidhi (5/62) and al-Haakim (1/128)]

 

Ibn Mas’oud (ra) said: “Allaah’s Messenger drew a line for us and then said, “This is Allaah’s Path.” Then he drew lines to its right and its left, and said “These are different paths, upon each of them there is a Shaytaan (devil) calling to it”. Then he recited the verse “And Verily this is My Path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths for they will separate you away from His Path.” [Soorah al-An’aam, 6: 153]

 

Therefore we must stick to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah as was understood by the Sahaabah. The messenger of Allah (saw) also praised the first three generations of Muslims: "Verily the best among you (to follow) is my generation (the Companions [ra]), then those who follow them, and then those who follow them…" (Saheeh Muslim, Book: the Virtues of the Sahaabah, chapter 52 hadeeth #2535)

 

Here is what the Imams of the Salaf who followed the Sunnah as understood by the Sahaabah (ra) said regarding innovated creeds and the people of innovation...

 

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ie (d. 204H) (rh) said that: "A person meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk is better than meeting Him upon any one of the innovated beliefs." [Reported by al-Bayhaqee in al-I'tiqaad p.158]

 

In al-Kubraa (4/316) Ibn 'Umar (d. 84H) said: "Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as something good." (Reported by Abu Shaamah no. 39)

 

Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d. 161H) said: "Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is not repented from." (Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee no. 238)

 

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ie (d. 204H) said: "If a person meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk, it is better than meeting Him upon any one of the innovated beliefs." (Reported by al-Bayhaqee in al-I’tiqaad p.158)

 

Al-Layth bin Sa’d (d. 175H) said: "If I saw a person of desires (i.e. innovations) walking upon the water I would not accept from him." So Imaam as-Shaafi’ee then said: "He (al-Layth) has fallen short. If I saw him walking in the air I would not accept from him." (Reported by as-Suyooti in al-Amr bil ‘Ittibaa wan-Nahee anil Ibtidaa’)

 

Yunus bin Ubaid said to his son, "I forbid you from fornication (zinaa), stealing and drinking wine. However that you meet Allaah with any of these sins is better to me than that you meet him with the view of Amr bin Ubaid and the associates of Amr (i.e. the Mu’tazilah)." (Al-Ibaanah 2/466)

 

Sa’eed bin Jubair said, "That my son accompanies a sinful and cunning scoundrel who is a Sunni is more beloved to me than that he accompanies a humble and worshipful Innovator." (Al-Ibaanah no. 89)

 

Imaam Ahmad said, "The graves of Ahl us-Sunnah from those who committed the major sins are like gardens. And the graves of Ahl ul-Bid’ah from amongst their abstemious pious ones are hollow and empty. The sinners of Ahl us-Sunnah are the Awliyaa’ (Friends) of Allaah and the abstemious pious ones of Ahl ul-Bid’ah are the Enemies of Allaah." (Tabaqaat ul-Hanaabilah 1/184)

 

Imaam al-Barbahaaree (rh) said: "However, if you see a person whose manner and opinion is despicable, he is wicked, sinful and oppressive, yet he is a person of the Sunnah, accompany him and sit with him, since his sin will not harm you. If you see a man who strives hard and long in worship, is abstemious (abstains from worldly affairs), being continual in worship, except that he is a person of innovation, do not sit with him, do not listen to his words and do not walk along with him, since I do not feel safe that you will not eventually come to be pleased with his way and go to destruction along with him." [Sharh us-Sunnah no. 149]

 

A serious warning dear Muslims to have Ikhlaas and to stick to the Sunnah while fleeing from bid'ah and its people and their gatherings. It is still not too late for Ahl ul-Bid'ah to repent and give up hizbiyyah (biased partisanship) for innovated sects, their founders, and parties and come to the path of the messenger of Allah (saw) and his companions (ra), Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah.

Let the Scholars beware

Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw)said: “Whoever lives in the desert becomes rough; whoso follows the game becomes careless; and whoso comes to the doors of the rulers falls into fitnah (trouble) ; and a slave does not come nearer to the ruler, except that he becomes farther from ALLAAH” (Musnad Ahmad, Sheikh Ahmad Shakir saying that its isnad (chain of narration) is Saheeh)

 

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever lives in the desert, becomes rough; whoso follows the game, becomes careless; , and whoso comes to the door of the ruler falls into fitna” (Saheeh Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi, and Abu Dawood- see SaHeeH Al-Jami’ 6296)

 

Abi al-A’war As-Silmee reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Beware of the doors of the ruler for they have indeed become a source of trouble and humiliation” (Saheeh Dailamee, Ibn Mundah, Ibn ‘ Asaakir- see As-Saheehah 1253)

 

In explaining the saying of the Messenger Muhammad (saw) “and whoso comes to the doors of the rulers falls into fitna”, Saahib Tuhfat-ul Ahwadhee said, with reference to the Qaadi (Judge) (6/533) , ” i.e. to come to him without any necessity or need, he falls into fitna. So if he complies with what he wants, and he leaves him (i.e. the ruler leaves the judge) , then he has placed his deen in danger. And if he disagrees with him, then he has put his dunya (life of this world) in danger.

 

Al Muth-hir said: “The one who stays in the desert and does not attend the salat-ul-Jum’ uah (Friday prayer), nor the congregational prayer, nor the gatherings of the scholars, then he has indeed oppressed his soul; the one who prepares for a hunt simply for fun and entertainment will become careless because fun and amusement bring about a dead heart- as for the one who hunts for food, then it is permissible for some of the SaHaabah used to hunt; and whoso enters upon the ruler and flatters him, falls into fitna, but one who does not flatter but advises him and orders him to do good and prohibits him from doing evil, then his going to him is the best Jihad.”

 

The scholars of the salaf (past) were very cautious from going to the rulers for fear of fitna, and they have spoken much about this issue:

 

Imam Ibn Rajab (Rahimuhullaah) said: “Many of the salaf used to forbid from going to the kings even for the one who wished to order them to do good and prohibit them from doing evil. Amongst those who forbade this were ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul-Azeez, Ibn Mubarak, Ath-Thawree, and others from amongst the imams. Ibn Mubarak said ‘In our opinion, It is not enjoining good and forbidding evil for one to go to them and order and prohibit them, rather enjoining good and forbidding evil is related to avoiding them.’ The reason for this is what is feared in regards to the fitna by going to them, for when he is far from them, the soul suggests to the man that he should order and prohibit them, and be stern with him; when he is near to them, the soul inclines to them since the love of nobility is hidden in the soul , and therefore he flatters them, is friendly towards them, he may even be biased towards them and love them- especially if they act friendly towards him and are generous to him and he accepts that from them.” Jami’ Bayan Al-‘Ilm wa Fadlah (1/178-179)

 

Hudhaifah said: “Beware of the places of fitna.” It was said: ‘What are the places of fitna O Abu Abdullaah ?’ He said: “The doors of the princes- one of you enters upon the prince, and he attests to him with lies, and says about him, what is not true.” Sifat-us-Safwah (1/614)

 

Sufyan Ath-Thawree said in a letter to ‘ Ibad bin ‘Ibad, “Beware of princes that you not become close to them or mix with them in matters, and beware that you are not deceived for you may be asked to mediate, and you find that you turn away from the oppressed one, or seek injustice; that is indeed the deception of Iblees which has been taken by the reciters of evil as a means to progress” Jami’ Bayan Al-‘Ilm (1/179) and Seer A’ laam An-Nubalaa (12/586) . And he also said: “Whoever prepares an inkpot or sharpens a pen for them then he has taken part with them in every blood spilt in the east and west.”

 

Addressing ‘ Ataa Al-Khurasaanee, Wahb bin Munabbah said : “The scholars before you sufficed with their knowledge doing without the world besides them, they used not to pay attention to the people of the dunya nor with what was in their hands; the people of the dunya used to offer them their worldly possessions desiring their knowledge; today the people of knowledge have come to offer their knowledge to the people of dunya, desiring their dunya, and the people of the dunya have come to renounce their knowledge when they saw the evil sources from where it was coming. So beware O ‘Ataa of the doors of the rulers, for their within their doors is fitna like that of the camel pen; you will not affect their dunya in anything except that your deen will be affected similarly” Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (9/295)

 

Ayoob As-Sakhtiyanee said: “Abu Qulabah said to me: ‘O Abu Ayub, take three characteristics from me: Beware of the doors of the rulers, beware of the gatherings of the people of desires, and stick with the market for affluence comes from well-being.'” Jami’ Bayan Al-‘ Ilm wa FaDlah (1/164).

 

Abu Hazim, one of the foremost tabi’een (people who saw the Saaabah but not the Prophet (saw) said that the scholars used to flee from the ruler whilst he sought after them, and today they come to the doors of ruler, whilst the ruler flees from them. Ibid. (1/164)

 

May Allah have mercy upon the scholars of the salaf, what eagerness they had for the deen. By Allah, they were the moons of the skies and the stars of the earth, every oppression was effaced through them, and every confused one was guided through them, and every truthful one followed their path. Then there was the ruler who used to warn them from coming close to him, he used to hold fast to the Sharee’ah, implement it, and rule with it in the lives of the people. Then what if they were to see the rulers of our times, those who have transgressed In the lands, created much mischief therein, exchanged the deen of the Lord of the worshippers with their limited minds, dirtied their beliefs with trivialities, and have brought the laws of the Europeans and the Romans with which to govern the Muslims in this day and age ?!

 

And what if the scholars of the salaf saw our scholars – except those upon whom ALLAAH has shown Mercy- who have inclined to these tyrants, beautified their actions to them, made fair their murders of the Muslims, the muwaHHideen (Upholders of Tawheed- Oneness of ALLAAH) , weakening their honour by issuing fataawa (legal verdicts) after fataawa to make their thrones firm, and safeguard their kingdoms, by labelling everyone opposed to them as a rebel or khaarjee (one of the extreme deviant sect of the khawaarij) ?! Such that some of them have titled the NuSayree (worshippers of ‘Ali – we seek refuge in ALLAAH!!) ruler of Syria as the ‘ Chief Believer’ . They covered the deen for the people until they turned a blind eye to the tyrants; the exchangers of ALLAAH’s law, those who govern the slaves of ALLAAH with that which ALLAAH did not reveal- what if the scholars of the salaf saw this group which has sold its deen for worldly gains which will disappear, makes fair seeming for them what they do, and permits the murder of every truthful Muslim.. and the murders of Sayyid Qutb, Khalid Islambooli, and his brave associates are not far from us.

 

How beautiful are the words of Ibn Qayyim (Rahimuhullaah) when he said: “The scholars of evil sit at the doors of Al-Jannah (Paradise) calling the people to it with their speech, but calling to the fire with their actions; everytime they speak their words to the people they rush forward whilst their actions suggest not to listen to them- for if what they had been calling to was true, they would have been the first to respond. Thus they are seemingly guides, but are in fact highway robbers.” Al-Fou’ad

 

(Translated from Al-Fajr 3, RamaDaan, 1415 Hijri, 1995 CE, published by Markaz Al-I’ lam Al-Islami)

The Heads of Taghout

By Shaikh-ul-Islaam Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (Rahima-hullah)

 

Know, may Allaah have mercy on you, that the first thing Allaah obligated on the Son of Adam is to reject the Taaghoot and believe in Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying: “And We have indeed sent to every nation a messenger (saying to his people): “Worship Allaah alone and avoid the Taaghoot (false deities).” [Surah An-Nahl: 36]

 

As for the description of Rejecting the Taaghoot, then it is that you believe in the futility of worshipping other than Allaah, and that you abandon doing so and hate it, and that you reject and make enmity with does who do it. And as for the meaning of Believing in Allaah, then it is that you believe that Allaah is the only true God who deserves to be worshipped alone, apart from everything else besides Him. And it is that you make all types of worship every act – sincerely for Allaah alone, while negating and rejecting that from everything else that is worshipped besides Him.

 

It also entails that you love and show friendship to the people of Ikhlaas (i.e. Islaam), while hating and showing enmity to the people of Shirk. This is the Religion of Ibraaheem, of which those who turn away from it only fool themselves. And this is the good example that Allaah informs us of in His saying: “There has indeed been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah. We have rejected you and there has commenced between us and you, enmity and hatred forever, until you believe in Allaah alone.?” [Surah Al-Mumtahanah: 4]

 

The word Taaghoot is general. So everything that is worshipped besides Allaah, while being pleased with this worship whether it is something worshipped, someone followed, or someone obeyed in the absence of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, then that is considered Taaghoot. The Tawaagheet (pl. of Taaghoot) are many, but their heads are five:

 

The First: The Devil who calls the people to worship other than Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“Did I not command you O children of Aadam, that you should not worship the Devil. Verily, he is a plain enemy to you.” [Surah YaaSeen: 60]

 

The Second: The tyrannical and oppressive ruler who changes Allaah’s rulings. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“Have you not seen those (hypocrites) who claim to believe in that which has been revealed to you, and that which was revealed before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taaghoot, when they have been ordered to reject them? But the Devil wishes to lead them far astray.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 60]

 

The Third: The one who judges by other than what Allaah has revealed, and the proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, then they are the disbelievers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 44]

 

The Fourth: The one who claims to have knowledge of the Unseen, apart from Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“He alone is the All-Knower of the Unseen, and He does not disclose His Unseen matters to anyone.” [Surah Al-Jinn: 26-27]

 

And He says:

 

“And with Him lie the keys to the Unseen, no one knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls except that He knows about it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but that it is written in a Clear Record.” [Surah Al-Ana’aam: 59]

 

The Fifth: The one who is worshipped apart from Allaah, while being pleased with being worshipped. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“And whoever amongst them says: “Verily, I am a God besides Him (Allaah)”, then this person’s recompense will be the Hellfire. That is the way we recompense the wrongdoers.” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 29]

 

And know that man will never become a believer in Allaah unless he rejects and disbelieves in the Taaghoot. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

 

“There is no compulsion in the Religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. So whoever disbelieves in the Taaghoot and believes in Allaah, then he has taken hold of the firmest handhold, that will never break. And Allaah is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 256]

 

The “right path” here refers to the Religion of Muhammad (saws), while the “wrong path” refers to the Religion of Abu Jahl. The “firmest handhold” refers to the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah {Laa Ilaaha Illallaah). This testimony consists of a negation and an affirmation. It negates all types of worship from those worshipped besides Allaah, while affirming all types of worship done for Allaah alone, free from any partner.

Those who are tested

Address by Shaykh Omar Bakri Muhammad to the Aseer

 

Allah (SWT) said:

 

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabireen (the patient, steadfast ones, etc.).” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2:155)

 

And Allah (SWT) also says:

 

“…And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.” (EMQ al-Anbiyaa’, 21:35)

 

And in another Aayah, Allah (SWT) says:

 

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be put under trial (tested).” (EMQ al-‘Ankaboot, 29:2)

 

And the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said:

 

“The greatness of the reward matches the severity of the test (trial). Verily, when Allah loves a people He will test them (with trials and afflictions). So he who is pleased (with the decree of Allah), his reward is His (Allah’s) pleasure, and he who is displeased (with Allah), his reward is (Allah’s) anger.” (Sunan ibn Maajah, Book 36, Chapter 23, Hadeeth no. 4031)

 

No doubt, those with high Imaan will be tested more than others. It is reported that Sa’d bin Abee Waqqaas (Radiyallahu ‘Anhu) asked the Messenger Muhammad (SAW), “O Messenger of Allah, who of the people is subjected to the severest of trials?” Allah’s Messenger (SAW) replied:

 

“(The people who are tested most are) the Prophets, and then those who are righteous, and then those who are similar to them. A man will be put to trial according to his Deen. If his Deen was strong, his test will be more severe. But if his Deen was weak, then he will be tested according to it. And the calamity (tests) will continue to afflict the servant until it leaves him to walk on the earth free from sins.” (Sunan ibn Maajah, Book 36, Chapter 23, Hadeeth no. 4023)

 

Dear brothers and sisters, we know that many brothers today have been tested and afflicted with severe trials, and as a consequence they are now behind bars; we have seen them and heard about them – Abu Baraa’, Abu Wala’, Abu Maryam, Abu Yahya, brother Fahad, and not to mention our beloved brothers, Sheikh Abu Qatada, Sheikh Abu Hamza and many other brothers. We have seen how they have been tested. And it has been proven that their Deen is much better than our Deen, because the one who is tested and suffers more because of his Deen, his Imaan is greater than anyone else’s, as mentioned in the hadeeth.

Those who do not want Sharee’ah are mischief makers

Allah (SWT) condemns fasad and corruption, and this is clear in many verses in the Qur’an. One type of mischief is of those who do not want to work for the domination of Islam (Izhar Ud-Deen), whether they are called “moderates” or “secularists”. They are doing mischief in the earth.

 

Firstly, this idea of authority without Islam to be in power means the authority is for the individuals for themselves or other men, both being corrupted. There are some who want the Deen of Islam only for themselves individually without being in authority, however its own people will be humiliated and those who do not want Islam in power will be humiliated as well, because they are acknowledging man made power to be in power over the Deen of Allah (SWT). Those who do not want to engage in dawah or Jihad to establish the Deen are establishing fasad on the earth. They admire being slaves to man-made systems, they want to be slaves in this life to the people who are corrupted, the kuffar. This is exactly what destroyed Christianity before i.e. to leave unto Cesar what is Cesar’s and unto God what is God’s. And now Christianity has become a text without meaning by saying mind your business in the church and we will mind or business in the society. Verily Secularism is a form of kufr on high level within society and people who accept this therefore deserve to be humiliated.

 

This fasad and mischief has become common practise today.

 

Allah (SWT) says: “And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peacemakers.” Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.” [EMQ 2:11-12]

 

We can see from the way we are created that we are so weak our strength emanates from his (Allah) strength and when we follow his laws we will be elevated and when we leave his commands we will be humiliated. We should never accept to be slaves to any other man because we are slaves to Allah (SWT) and that is what elevates us as Muslims. This is the only way we can deserve to be called noble to follow, obey, serve and submit to Allah alone and to make his Deen superior.

 

Imam Abul Aaaliyah (ra), who was a good mufasir and who returned all he read to the companions of the Prophet, said about [EMQ 2:11-12] that it has been reported that the issue of the corruption on the Earth is when we tell them not to disobey Allah on the Earth and they do. The opposite of destruction is construction and the opposite of good deeds are bad deeds etc? so this ayah means do not disobey Allah (SWT).

 

Allah (SWT) tells us that the actions of the Jews and Christians are corruption on the Earth. We must obey and worship none but Allah. Allah tells us all power and authority belongs to none but Allah “Innil Hukmu Illa Lillah” in all of Allah (SWT)’s names, attributes and actions. He (SWT) is the one who gives life and takes life, he destined everything and we can’t associate anyone with Allah whatsoever.

 

You must establish the authority on the Earth, otherwise if we do not engage we will be with Al-Mufsidoun, and we too will have dead feelings. This is what we see today people who think they are doing good deeds but they are doing corruption rather the ones who do not want the Shari’ah do not deserve to be called the followers of the Messenger Muhammad (saw). Verily Allah (SWT) told us how to deal with this issue. We must establish his Deen and will never establish jaahiliyyah. Who is better in judgement than the ruling and judgement of Allah? Rather to say otherwise is the attribute of the Christians and Jews and Allah (SWT) has made their books vanish.

 

Remember that all glory is upon the one who dominates us through death. Death proves our weakness. Some of us may leave today, some tomorrow, indeed death could reach us in many ways but the cause is only Allah (SWT). At that time you will face your deeds and at that time you will face what you have been trying to avoid all your life.

 

Do you fear from man made law and fear from the police and government and yet do not fear from the one who created man? Do we fear from men and women who discharge and are weak and needy like us and yet we obey them and listen to them and disobey Allah (SWT)!!! Why do you not fear from the one who will put you in either hellfire or paradise? What will you do if you see a king who oppresses people so much and is always angry with people and who is always attacking people? What will you do when you see him? You will be worried about him and yet the one who knows your inner and outer and who is in control of everything i.e. Allah (SWT) does not imbibe fear from you towards him?

 

We can see two types of people today corrupted kuffar or apostates, in the East and West etc who want to have authority themselves but do not want the Deen to be in power. There are also those who destroy the Deen by their own interest and benefit, who keep the Deen in their hearts and do not want to struggle for it, so they say its not for the benefit of the dawah to call for the Shari’ah because they will call us fanatics, like the MP’s, like the MCB and MPAC and their supporters. It sounds like they use a divine condition but rather they measure by their own desires.

 

Allah tells us about these people who have short sightedness and small mindedness: “Do not obey those whose heart is dead away from our guidance and follow their own desires and whose affairs are so useless” and keep away from those who do not follow the Shari’ah.

 

Allah (SWT) also says: It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [EMQ 33:36]

 

This ayah is so general in all matters according to all the mufasireen and ulema of the past. Rather we do not even have the right to comment over the ayat of Allah. However some so-called Muslims have learnt how to be rebellious against Allah’s law because of freedom, secularism, democracy and liberalism.

 

Moreover Allah (SWT) says: “But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [EMQ 4:65]

 

And Allah (SWT) also says:

 

Make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) among you as your calling of one another. Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to leave, from the Messenger SAW). And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad SAW) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. [EMQ 24:63]

 

Imam Ibn Qayyim (ra) used to say that a Muslim has no choice but to take what Allah (SWT) sends.And Allah (SWT) says: O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (SAW), nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. [EMQ 49:2]SubhanAllah, and yet today how many voices are above Allah (SWT)’s and his Messenger Muhammad (saw)’s.

 

Ibn Qayyim said that if someone raises his voice above that of the Messenger all his deeds will vanish, let alone to put your own views above his, wanting man made laws instead of the Shari’ah!!!

 

As if its not enough that some people are so corrupted, defeated and humiliation there are those who also want to stand with the kuffar against Muslims in their war, some even want to become their own police, army and intelligence and work with them against Muslims!!!

 

O Muslims, We are supposed to play the role of Musa (AS) in the house of Pharaoh, they changed everything from within, without to become MP’s and Lords and messengers for them, but rather with the best word i.e. the word of Allah and not what they think is the best word.

 

Indeed, today many masks have been removed and the ugly faces of the sell outs and sycophants have come out, but with Muslim sounding names. Some have titles like Sir or Doctor or Lord and yet condemn those who speak the truth or those who call for the Shari’ah and yet they never condemn the Prime Minister or those at war with Islam and Muslims. The matter has become black and white nowadays, so clear. Some of these Preachers are seen today begging the kuffar for any benefit. They condemn the Muwahideen and the Mujahideen and instead praise all that the Kuffar say, let us beware and be aware and expose the hypocrites.