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Taqwaa and Tawheed

Narrated Anas Bin Maalik (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) stated about this ayah: [هُوَ أَهْلُ التَّقْوَىٰ وَأَهْلُ الْمَغْفِرَةِ – He (Allah) is the One deserving that mankind should be afraid of, and He is the One Who forgives (sins) (74:56)] that Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said: ‘’I am worthy of being feared, so whoever fears me and does not associate another Ilaah (i.e. god or anything taken as an object of worship) with Me (in worship), then I am worthy of forgiving him.’’ [Reported by Imaam Tirmidhee; Number: 3328 and declared Hasan Li-Ghayrihee by Imaam Albaani in ‘Dhilaal Al-Jannah Fee Takhreej As-Sunnah (969)]

Few Excerpts From Shaikh Rabee for the Sensible Person to Contemplate Upon Regarding Celebrating Milaadun Nabiy

The Shaikh (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

*If you do (or revive) a deed (i.e. a deed that is established in the Islamic legislation by way of proof) which was forgotten (or abandoned) by the people, then indeed you have started (or restarted) a good Sunnah for them.

*As for innovating something (i.e. religious beliefs and practices) in the religion which are not to be found in it, then this is bidah about which the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Whoever innovates in this affair of ours that which is not from it will have it rejected.’’

Allaah (The Most High) said:

[أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاء شَرَعُوا لَهُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَن بِهِ اللَّهُ -Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed] [42:21]

*If this (Mawlid) was something good, the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and the Sahaabah would have preceeded us to it.

Indeed, the companions knew the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and they loved him more than us, but many of us (i.e. those who celebrate Mawlid) unfortunately do not know him (i.e. his authentic Sunnah and his ways) except by way of this (Mawlid). As for the Sahaabah, they (radiyallaahu-anhum), knew his every moment; they spent their wealth to aid Allaah’s (The Mighty and Majestic) religion and to raise Allaah’s Word (i.e. Laa ilaaha ilal-laah). They demonstrated their love for the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) through their belief in him, followed him, sacrificed their lives and their wealth to aid his religion.

*As for these ones (i.e. those heads of misguidance who call the people to celebrate the Mawlid), they say that they love the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and they initiate these Mawlids because it includes devouring the wealth of the people by way of falsehood, and they commit shirk, fictitious deeds and misguidance in these Mawlids (i.e. the practices of the extreme soofiyyah). Is this the religion of Allaah? Is the one who initiated this to be praised?

*Those who first initiated this Mawlid were the Baatiniyyoon-the enemies of Allaah and His Messenger, and enemies of the religion of Islaam. They brought this filthy innovation, which is now defended by a people who claim that they are from Ahlus Sunnah, whilst unfortunately they are from the people of misguidance.  [Abridged and slightly paraphrased…see

http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=156134]

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May Allaah guide these people Aameen

Do Not Scrutinize The Beliefs and Mistakes of the People!

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imaam Ahmad: What is his name?

Saaleh: Daawood.

Imaam Ahmad: Where is he from?

Saaleh: He is from the people of Asbahaan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[2] Ibaaraat Moohimah’ pages: 66-69

 

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

Shaikhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

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

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

قُلۡ صَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ

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

وَمَنۡ أَصۡدَقُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ قِيلاً۬

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

وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ۬

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

قُلۡ أَىُّ شَىۡءٍ أَكۡبَرُ شَہَـٰدَةً۬‌ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

رَّ‌بَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَ‌بِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا ِ‌

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

وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abu Mu’aawiyah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shaikh Rabee (may Allaah preserve him) said:

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

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

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

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

Answer:

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

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

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

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

وَأَشۡہِدُواْ ذَوَىۡ عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ

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

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

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن جَآءَكُمۡ فَاسِقُۢ بِنَبَإٍ۬ فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْ

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

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

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

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

[وَأَشۡہِدُواْ ذَوَىۡ عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ ]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] Following the Proofs and Being Care of Blameworthy Blind Following, Especially When You Know the Proofs and They Are Very Clear to You

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

Ibn Abdul-Barr (rahimahullaah) said:

According to the scholars, Taqleed (i.e. blind following) is other than Ittibaa. That is because Ittibaa is to follow a person based on what is apparent to you based on the superiority of his statement and soundness of his school of thought. And Taqleed is that you speak with his statement, whilst you neither know the angle of his speech nor its meaning and you reject speech besides it; or his mistake is made manifest to you, but you follow him and venerate his opposition (to the truth), whilst the corruptness of his speech is clear to you. This is what is forbidden to speak with in the religion of Allaah (The Most High). [End of quote] [1]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) said:

Indeed, bigoted partisanship and (blind following) of schools of thought in affairs of creed, affairs of worship, politics and other than it has appeared; so what was the stance of the Imaams of Islaam towards those bigoted partisanships and oppressive Pre-Islamic (traits), which split the Muslims and weakened Islaam at the same time?

Answer:

Indeed, the companions (may Allaah be pleased with them), such as the likes of Abdullaah Ibn Umar freed themselves from the people of bigoted partisanship and desires, as it was narrated by Imaam Muslim (regarding) the time when news reached (Ibn Umar) about those who innovated the doctrine of the negation of Allaah’s pre-decree; so he (Ibn Umar) said:”If you meet those ones inform them that I am free from them and they are free from me”, and what Ibn Umar swore by that ”if one of them were to spend in charity gold equal to mount Uhud, it will not be accepted until they believe in the pre-decree of Allaah.” [2]

A Misunderstanding Regarding The Statement, ‘Laa Inkaar Fee Masaa’il Al-Khilaaf [There Should Be No Repudiation In The affairs of Khilaaf (i.e. differing)]

Some people are under the illusion that what is intended by this statement is that it impermissible to repudiate (others) regarding any affair in which difference of opinion is held.  So based upon this (illusion of theirs), it becomes impermissible to disapprove of a Munkar (an evil) unless there is complete agreement in doing so.  This is a wrong understanding which necessitates the termination of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

The scholars (i.e. of Ahlus Sunnah) hold differences of opinion in most of the Masaa’il (i.e. the verdicts on fiqh and subsidiary issues). And what is correct regarding this statement ‘Laa Inkaar Fee Masaa’il Al-Khilaaf- There should be no repudiation in affairs of Khilaaf (differing)’ is that there should neither be harshness in (one’s) disapproval nor (in one’s) criticism regarding those issues about which there is no manifest proof to be taken as the final (verdict). And the basis upon which this is founded is that the issues of khilaaf (differing) are of two categories:

The First Category: They are those issues of khilaaf in which there is proof necessitating that it should be taken as the final (verdict).  So here, the proof must be taken and the other statement (or opinion) in opposition is discarded.  And whoever follows the statement (or opinion) that is established to be in opposition to the proofs, then he is to be repudiated.

The Second Category: It is those issues of khilaaf in which the proof has not been manifested in order to be taken as the final (verdict).  It is an affair in which the evidences contend with each other or the views are at variance.  This is an issue of Ijtihaad, and there is neither disapproval nor reprimand against the one in opposition; rather advice is given to acquaint (each other) with the statement that carries more weight.   This second category of (khilaaf) is what is intended by the statement ‘Laa Inkaar Fee Masaa-il Al-Khilaaf’ which some people have understood in an unrestricted manner. [3]

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhalee (hafidha-hullaah) said:

We do not say that there are people of ijtihaad amongst ahlul bidah because they are followers of desires, and Allaah and His Messenger have testified to this.  The misguided innovator stirs up discord (or splitting) and errs, and then says to you, ‘This is ijtihaad’.

When Hikmatiyaar and the misguided parties (in Afghanistan) murdered Shaikh Jameel Ur-Rahmaan, they said: ‘This is ijtihaad’.  Making lawful the spilling of the blood of the Salafis is Ijtihaad to them.  This is what it is! They (ahlul bidah) do not fall into an affair of misguidance or a calamity except that they say, ‘This is ijtihaad’. This is diluting Islaam.  It is falsehood, misguidance and bidah mixed with truth when the mistakes of the (true and qualified scholars of ijtihaad)- for which they are rewarded- are placed at the same level with innovation about which the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that it will be in the fire. [4]

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[1] [Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm Wa-Fadlihee: 2/787]

[2] [Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa-il Al-Ilmiyyah Li-Fadheelatis Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee….page 370]

[3] [Source: Ibaaraat Moohimah, page 25’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Umar Saalim Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[4] Ajwibatul Allaamatush Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhalee Alaa As-ilah Abee Rawaaha Al-Manhajiyyah; page: 20